cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of calbindin-D9k expression by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone in mouse primary renal tubular cells

Abstract Calbindin (CaBP)-D9k is a major vitamin D target gene involved in calcium homeostasis. However, studies on the molecular mechanisms of CaBP-D9k gene regulation have been hampered by the lack of an appropriate cell culture system. In the present study, we used mouse primary renal tubular cell (PRTC) cultures to investigate the regulation of CaBP-D9k expression by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Both CaBP-D9k mRNA and protein were highly induced by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in PRTCs, and new RNA and protein synthesis was required for the induction. Transfection of VDR(−/−) cells derived from VDR null mice with human VDR restored the induction of CaBP-D9k expression by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , confirming the requirement of VDR for CaBP-D9k expression. Treatment of the PRTCs with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 also increased VDR protein abundance, suggesting that enhanced VDR transactivation is involved in the CaBP-D9k up-regulation. Moreover, PTH had a synergistic effect on the 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 induction of CaBP-D9k. These data demonstrate that CaBP-D9k is highly regulated by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and PTH in mouse PRTCs, which provides a suitable in vitro system for further investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in CaBP-D9k gene regulation.
Ellipsometric measurements of poling birefringence, the Pockels effect, and the Kerr effect in high-performance photorefractive polymer composites

Using a simple ellipsometric technique, we measure the total refractive-index modulation as a function of the frequency of the applied electric field in low glass-transition-temperature photorefractive polymer composites. From these measurements we deduce the relative contributions of the poling birefringence and the Pockels and Kerr effects. By applying the oriented gas model we determine the microscopic properties of the nonlinear optical chromophore, including the anisotropic polarizability, and the first and the second hyperpolarizabilities. In the search for new high-performance materials, the technique provides a measure of the linear and the second- and third-order nonlinear optical properties simultaneously.
Optical turbulence effects on focused laser beams: new results

We describe recent results explaining the behavior of optical turbulence effects on the propagation of initially convergent (focused) laser beams. First we discuss the diffractive characteristics of an initially convergent Gaussian beam based on the geometric properties of the diffractive beam parameters. Some behaviors previously attributed to optical turbulence effects can instead be explained by the diffractive nature of the beam itself. We give expressions for the location and size of the beam waist, maximum possible distance from the transmitter to the beam waist, and the optical radius of curvature for focusing in turbulence. Laser, we present turbulent beam parameters consistent with our previously defined diffractive beam parameters.
Now It's Necessary: Virtual Reference Services at Washington State University, Pullman.

Abstract While virtual reference services (VRS) are becoming more and more common in academic libraries, implementing and maintaining well-used and effective VRS can be a challenge in the face of competing demands on time, staffing, and funding. Between 2011 and 2012, librarians at Washington State University, Pullman (WSU) have overhauled and reorganized VRS, committing more time, money, and energy to VRS than ever before. While past experiences with VRS at WSU Pullman have been mixed, data collected from recent years shows that the decision to prioritize VRS was worth it, leading to a vital and rapidly growing service. VRS at WSU shows sizable increases in usage between 2010 and 2012, indicating that VRS is now a necessary part of the WSU Libraries' mission to best serve their community of users.
Distinct repressible mRNAs for cytoplasmic and secreted yeast invertase are encoded by a single gene

We have studied regulation of invertase putative structural genes (SUC) in S. cerevisiae and the synthetic relationship between secreted, glycosylated invertase (E.C.3.2.1.26) and the cytoplasmic, nonglycosylated form of the enzyme. Using immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis, we have analyzed invertase polypeptides and glycopeptides synthesized in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of size-fractionated mRNA from a SUC2 strain has shown that three mature, catabolite-repressible mRNA species direct the in vitro synthesis of three invertase polypeptides that have differing molecular weights. Two of these polypeptides, P63 and P62 (63 and 62 kd), are larger than the polypeptides of the secreted enzyme and are cotranslationally processed by microsomal membranes in vitro to yield secreted invertase glycopeptides (GP90 and GP87). The smallest polypeptide, P60 (60 kd), which comigrates electrophoretically with cytoplasmic invertase, is not processed. Posttranslationally, a microsomal-membrane detergent extract removes approximately 20 aminoacids from P62 but not from P60. In vitro translations of mRNAs from a genetically confirmed suc3 mutant strain, from the parental SUC3 strain and from derivative meiotic segregants have shown that the three polypeptides (and therefore three mRNA species) are encoded by one gene. Analysis of in vivo radiolabeled invertase from the same SUC3 and suc3 strains has verified that the SUC3 locus contains the structural gene for secreted and cytoplasmic invertase. Through the derepressed synthesis of multiple primary or processed transcripts, the SUC2 and SUC3 genes are regulated to produce multiple invertase polypeptides. The larger two polypeptides appear to be processed and secreted to yield glycosylated invertase, while the smallest remains in the cytoplasm.
Effects of a menthol-based analgesic balm on pressor responses evoked from muscle afferents in cats.

Objective—To evaluate changes in heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) as indicators of changes in pressor response for muscle afferents after topical application of menthol (MEN)-based analgesic balm. Animals—11 decerebrate cats. Procedure—Pressor responses were reflexively evoked by static contraction of hind limb muscles, which are caused by group III and IV afferents. Responses were monitored without interference from anesthesia or effects of higher brain function by the use of decerebrate cats. After obtaining baseline data, MEN analgesic balm (1.9%) was applied to the skin over contracting muscles of 1 hind limb in 6 cats; petrolatum was applied to 5 control cats. Muscle contractions were evoked every 10 minutes, alternating between hind limbs, for 120 minutes. Peak MAP and HR were analyzed. Results—Peak MAP responses evoked by static muscle contraction for the ipsilateral hind limb were significantly attenuated 20 minutes after application, but approached baseline values 40 minutes after...
Uptake of estrone from the water column by a coral community

Estrogens and other steroids are present in coral tissues and are hypothesized to regulate reproductive processes. It is not known whether corals synthesize estrogens, accumulate them from dietary sources, or concentrate them from overlying seawater. To determine whether corals can remove estrogens from the water column, we conducted a series of experiments in a 24-m flume filled with 2 m2 of scleractinian corals. In each experiment, the flume was spiked with estrone (initial concentrations 1,000–2,500 pg l–1), water was recirculated, and water samples were collected intermittently for 1–7 days. Corals removed estrone from the water column at a rate proportional to concentration [rate=S(estrone)]; the estimated first-order rate constant (S) was 85×10–6 m s–1 (95% confidence limit ±24×10–6 m s–1). The reported rate constants are close to maximal uptake rates, based on mass transfer theory of nutrient uptake by corals. Incubations of coral tissue with tritiated estrone corroborated flume experiments and demonstrated that estrone was removed from the water column by live corals about twice as fast as estrone was adsorbed to the surface of dead coral. Given that concentrations of dissolved estrone are 50–1,000 pg l–1 over coral reefs, uptake rates of estrogen into coral communities from the water column are in the range of 0.37–7.3×106 pg estrone m–2 day–1 with estimated turnover times of 6–115 days. We conclude that estrogens can be removed from the water column by corals and can accumulate in coral tissue.
Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Radiation therapy is an integral component of the multimodal treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Even after mastectomy and systemic therapy, occult residual disease in the chest wall and/or regional lymph nodes may serve as the source of morbid locoregional recurrence as well as the source of distant seeding or reseeding of metastases. Thus, postmastectomy radiation therapy offers substantial benefits in appropriately selected patients. This review article summarizes the data from randomized trials revealing a significant benefit from postmastectomy radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced disease as well as results from other relevant studies. It concludes with a summary of consensus guideline recommendations in this important area.
Photophysical properties of MM quadruply bonded complexes supported by carboxylate ligands, MM = Mo2, MoW, or W2.

While chemists have extensively studied the photophysical properties of d6, d8, and d10 transition metal complexes, their early transition metal counterparts have received less attention. Quadruply...
Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanism of Action of DNA Hypomethylating Agents Role of Protein Kinase C δ in Decitabine-Induced Degradation of DNA Methyltransferase 1

We have previously demonstrated proteasomal degradation of DNMT1 in mammalian cells following treatment with several DNA hypomethylating agents. Here, we demonstrate dose-dependent degradation of Dnmt1 in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells expressing catalytic site mutant (cys-ser), confirming that the covalent bond formation between Dnmt1 and decitabine-incorporated DNA is not essential for this process. DNMT1o, the oocyte-specific isoform that lacks the N-terminal 118–amino acid domain, did not undergo decitabine-mediated degradation, which further proves the requirement of multiple domains including nuclear localization signal, KEN box, and BAH domains for this process. Analysis of glycerol density gradient fractions of micrococcal nuclease–digested nuclei showed that both nucleosomal and nucleoplasmic DNMT1 are degraded upon decitabine treatment. Among different inhibitors tested, the inhibitors of the proteasomal pathway and several protein kinases impeded decitabine-induced DNMT1 degradation. The maximal effect caused by inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) persuaded us to investigate further its role in decitabine-mediated DNMT1 degradation. Blockage of the degradation process after treatment with rottlerin, an inhibitor of PKCδ, or after siRNA-mediated depletion of PKCδ, indicated that this protein kinase is involved in decitabine-mediated depletion of DNMT1. PKCδ interacted with and phosphorylated DNMT1 in vitro. Moreover, rottlerin inhibited both basal and decitabine-induced phosphorylation of DNMT1. These studies provide substantial evidence that decitabine-induced degradation of the maintenance methyltransferase DNMT1 does not require covalent bond formation with the substrate and also elucidate its underlying molecular mechanism.
Preferential induction of cytochrome P450 1A1 over cytochrome P450 1B1 in human breast epithelial cells following exposure to quercetin

Estrogen metabolism is suggested to play an important role in estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis. Epidemiologic studies suggest that diets rich in phytoestrogens are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Phytoestrogens are biologically active plant compounds that structurally mimic 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). We hypothesize that phytoestrogens, may provide protection against breast carcinogenesis by altering the expression of estrogen-metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1A1) and 1B1 (Cyp1B1). Cyp1A1 and Cyp1B1 are responsible for the metabolism of E(2) to generate 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE(2)) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE(2)), respectively. Studies suggest that 2-OHE(2) and 2-methoxyestradiol may protect against breast carcinogenesis, while 4-OHE(2) is carcinogenic in rodent models. Thus, agents that increase the metabolism of E(2) by Cyp1A1 to produce 2-OHE(2) may have chemoprotective properties. The human immortalized non-neoplastic breast cell line MCF10F was treated with quercetin at 10 and 50muM concentrations for time points ranging from 3 to 48h. Total RNA and protein were isolated. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of Cyp1A1 and Cyp1B1 mRNA. Quercetin treatment produced differential regulation of Cyp1A1 and Cyp1B1 mRNA expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 10 and 50 microM doses of quercetin produced 6- and 11-times greater inductions of Cyp1A1 mRNA over Cyp1B1 mRNA, respectively. Furthermore, quercetin dramatically increased Cyp1A1 protein levels and only slightly increased Cyp1B1 protein levels in MCF10F cells. Thus, our data suggest that phytoestrogens may provide protection against breast cancer by modulating expression of estrogen-metabolizing genes such that production of the highly carcinogenic estrogen metabolite 4-OHE(2) by Cyp1B1 is reduced and the production of the less genotoxic 2-OHE(2) by Cyp1A1 is increased.
Comprehensive analysis of diverse ribonucleoprotein complexes

The study of the dynamic interactome of cellular ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles has been hampered by severe methodological limitations. In particular, the affinity purification of intact RNP complexes from cell lysates suffers from RNA degradation, loss of interacting macromolecules and poor overall yields. Here we describe a rapid affinity-purification method for efficient isolation of the subcomplexes that dynamically organize different RNP biogenesis pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our method overcomes many of the previous limitations to produce large RNP interactomes with almost no contamination.
Personal Information Ecosystems: Design Concerns for Net-Enabled Devices

Today, with the proliferation of affordable computing, people use multiple devices to fulfill their information needs. Designers approach each device platform individually, without accounting for the other devices that users may also use. In many cases, the software applications on all the user's devices are designed to be functional replicates of each other, often with an emphasis on keeping their form and function consistent with the same application on other device platforms. In this paper, we present the idea of a personal information ecosystem, an analogy to biological ecosystems, which allows us to discuss the inter-relationships among users' devices. Using the examples of now-ubiquitous web-enabled devices, we discuss how considering the user's ecosystem of devices as a holistic design target gives designers and researchers a language to describe and discuss the design of applications that span multiple devices.
Poly-L-proline type II peptide mimics as probes of the active site occupancy requirements of cGMP-dependent protein kinase

Based on the X-ray crystal structure of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) with the endogenous inhibitor PKI and the X-ray crystal structure of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) with a substrate peptide, a proposal is put forth that some protein kinases bind peptide substrates in their active sites in the poly-L-proline type II (PPII) conformation. In this work, PPII peptide mimics are evaluated as pseudosubstrate inhibitors of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) to explore if PKG also binds peptide substrates in the PPII conformation. Inhibition data of our PPII mimetics provide evidence that the P-1, P-2, and P-3 residues of substrate peptides bind in the PPII conformation (phi approximately -75 degrees, psi approximately 145 degrees). In addition, the inhibition data also suggest that the P-1, P-2, and P-3 residues in substrate peptides bind with a gauche(-) chi1 angle.
Protective strategies of lesbian clients in health care environments

In this triangulated, feminist narrative study, a multiethnic, socioeconomically diverse sample of 45 lesbians recounted their actions in health care in a total of 332 health care stories. Findings of a multistaged narrative analysis suggest that lesbians experience compounded vulnerability in health care environments. A repertoire of protective strategies intended to meet needs for safety characterized their actions in health care, including: rallying support, screening providers, seeking mirrors of one's experience, maintaining vigilance, controlling information, bringing a witness, challenging mistreatment, and escaping danger. Implications for theory and practice are drawn from these results.
Fair Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation over Fading TDMA Channels

In this paper, we consider the energy-efficient resource allocation that minimizes a general cost function of average user powers in wireless networks. A class of so-called β-fair cost functions is derived to balance the tradeoff between efficiency and fairness in energy-efficient designs. With these novel cost functions, optimal resource allocation schemes are developed for fading time-division multiple-access (TDMA) channels. Relying on stochastic approximation tools, we further develop the corresponding stochastic schemes which are capable of dynamically learning the intended wireless channels and converging to the optimal benchmark without a priori knowledge of fading distribution function.
Antarctic environmental variability since the late Miocene: ODP Site 745, the East Kerguelen sediment drift

Abstract Characterization of sediment from Ocean Drilling Program Site 745, representing the East Kerguelen Ridge sediment drift, addresses important issues surrounding the timing of Miocene to present East Antarctic ice sheet stability and oceanic environmental change. Our results show three periods of greatly enhanced accumulation of Antarctic-derived sediment, at 6.4–5.9 Ma, 4.9–4.4 Ma and 1.1–0.8 Ma, potentially indicative of warmer, less stable ice sheets at these times. Conversely, the accumulation of Antarctic-derived material is comparatively less during the middle of the Pliocene warm epoch (4.8–3.2 Ma). The deep flow forming the Kerguelen drift was stronger during the latest Miocene and earliest Pliocene and has decreased in intensity continuously since then.
The effect of pixel geometry on spatial and spectral resolution in a CdZnTe imaging array

We analyze the various factors contributing to the spatial and spectral resolution of a focal plane imager made from a 25 mm square slab of CdZnTe patterned into an array of pixels. Each pixel is connected to a charge-sensitive preamplifier that integrates the current flowing through the pixel electrode for a frame time of one millisecond. The fraction of charge collected by the integrating circuit is influenced by two trends. Some signal is lost to neighboring pixels due to nonlocalized generation and subsequent diffusion of charge carriers. An opposing phenomenon we term the "near-field effect" has a greater influence on charge collection as well as spatial resolution. We show using electrostatic theory that the smaller the pixel dimension, the more electron transport contributes to the induced signal, and the less hole transport matters. The result is an improved pulse-height spectrum with less tailing due to trapped charges. Monte Carlo simulations and measurements on test pixels confirm the improvement in pulse height spectrum with smaller pixel dimension. Numerical calculation of the potential distribution within the detector volume allows us to include the effect of inter-pixel spaces in the simulations.
Field pea (Pisum sativum) inclusion in corn-based lamb finishing diets

Two hundred crossbred lambs were used to determine energy value and optimum inclusion level of field pea ( Pisum sativum) in corn-based diets. In experiment one (Exp. 1), 100 crossbred lambs (33.9 ± 1.3 kg initial BW) were blocked by weight and sex (two blocks of ewe lambs per treatment; three blocks of ram lambs per treatment) and fed for 89 days. In experiment two (Exp. 2), 100 crossbred ram lambs (39.1 ± 0.2 kg initial BW) were blocked by weight (five pens per treatment) and fed for 63 days. Treatments for each experiment were similar; field pea replaced corn at 0, 150, 300, or 450 g/kg of the diet (DM basis). Diets contained 750 g/kg corn and/or field pea, 100 g/kg alfalfa hay, 50 g/kg concentrated separator byproduct (CSB), 60 g/kg soybean meal (SBM), and 40 g/kg supplement. In Exp. 2, a fifth treatment was added to evaluate if field pea can replace corn and SBM in high-grain diets (450 − SBM); this diet consisted of 450 g/kg field pea, 350 g/kg corn, 100 g/kg alfalfa, 50 g/kg CSB, and 50 g/kg supplement. Diets contained 28 mg/kg lasalocid and a minimum 149.6 g/kg CP, 7.6 g/kg Ca, 4.4 g/kg P, and 12.2 g/kg K. Only carcass data from ram lambs were recorded. Data for each experiment were analyzed separately with GLM procedure of SAS and linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of field pea were determined. In Exp. 1, a cubic ( P = 0.02) response for DMI occurred, greater intake of 150 g/kg than 300 g/kg diet. No other performance measurements were affected by treatment. In Exp. 2, lambs fed 450 − SBM tended to be more efficient ( P = 0.10) than lambs fed 450 + SBM. Carcass characteristics were not affected by treatment ( P> 0.10). Based on lamb performance (Exp. 1) there was a tendency for a linear (P = 0.10) increase in dietary net energy. In Exp. 2, no difference in dietary net energy occurred with increasing level of field pea. Dietary net energy was greater for 450 − SBM compared with 450 + SBM. Average calculated NEm and NEg for field pea were 2.75 and 2.02 Mcal/kg, which was 14% greater than corn. Field pea is a suitable replacement for corn in lamb finishing diets and is at least equal in energy density to corn. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Hip spine syndrome: management of coexisting radiculopathy and arthritis of the lower extremity.

Abstract Background context: Significant lumbar spinal stenosis and lower extremity arthritis may coexist in the elderly. This combination of lumbar stenosis with radiculopathy and lower extremity arthritis may lead to diagnostic uncertainty. Purpose: To describe the findings of hip spine syndrome, a constellation of symptoms with extensive overlap of radiculopathy and lower extremity arthritis. Conclusions: Evaluation of the patient with lower extremity pain in consideration for total joint arthroplasty should include functional inquiry of the spinal nerves. Diagnostic tests and injections may allow an informative weighting of the patient's symptoms, leading to a better understanding of the patient's pain syndrome. There is a group of patients who have a total hip arthroplasty and then develop or may continue to have pain of groin and buttock, secondary to sciatica of lumbar spinal stenosis. For the patient undergoing total hip arthroplasty with asymptomatic spinal stenosis, there may be increased neurological risk at surgery, related to the stenosis. The patient with both conditions may require surgical decompression of the lumbar stenosis as well as joint arthroplasty of the arthritic joint.
Extending the four-category model of adult attachment: An interpersonal model of friendship attachment:

Relationships among adult friendship attachment styles and levels of hope, self-disclosure, relationship satisfaction, and trust were studied to assess their validity as explanatory factors in friendship attachments in a cross-section of 268 undergraduate students at a small, private university. Significant relationships were found between attachment styles and hope, self-disclosure, and relationship satisfaction. Specifically, securely attached individuals showed significantly more hope, self-disclosure, and relationship satisfaction than individuals with fearful attachment styles. In addition, individuals with fearful attachment styles showed significantly less hope, self-disclosure, and relationship satisfaction than individuals with secure, dismissing, or preoccupied attachment styles.
Ultrasound-guided transrectal drainage of deep pelvic abscesses in children: a modified and simplified technique

Appendicitis is a common cause of acute surgical abdomen in children and often presents after perforation. Intra-abdominal abscesses can be drained percutaneously via transabdominal, transgluteal or, in the case of deep pelvis abscess, via transrectal approach. To describe a modification of previously described techniques for transrectal drainage procedures, which involves the use of a transvaginal probe and a modified enema tip as a guide for the one-step trocar technique. We also aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this modified technique for drainage of deep pelvic abscesses in children. A retrospective review of medical records was performed to identify all patients who underwent transrectal abscess drainage at our pediatric institution during a 5-year period. Surgical and radiologic procedure notes and imaging studies were evaluated. The data were analyzed to determine technical and clinical success rates, and to evaluate for any procedure-related complication. The study population consisted of 46 patients with a mean age of 10.9 years. Of the 46 children, 20 underwent transrectal abscess drainage solely using transrectal US for guidance; 2 also underwent minimal fluoroscopy at the time of transrectal drainage. Fifteen children required placement of one or more percutaneous transabdominal drains at the same time as transrectal catheter placement, and nine required addition percutaneous drainage catheters placed at another time. All transrectal drainage procedures were technically and clinically successful. There were no procedure-related complications. The described modified technique for US-guided transrectal drainage of deep pelvic abscesses resulting from perforated appendicitis in children is safe, effective and relatively easy to perform, with the added benefit of omitting radiation exposure in children.
The Development of Investment and Commitment Scales for Predicting Continuity of Personal Relationships

A longitudinal study of 129 graduating university students tested whether relationship continuity could best be predicted by a positive pull model, consisting of love and rewards, or a newly proposed barrier model, consisting of investments and commitment. The barrier model proved to be the best discriminator of whether relationships continued past graduation. Validity of the barrier model was further supported by conceptual distinctions found between Love and Commitment scales and by evidence for the importance of investments to the development of commitment. The combination strategy of scale development and examination of relationships over time produced new scales of Investments and Commitment.
Assessing selfcare status in quadriplegia: comparison of the quadriplegia index of function (QIF) and the functional independence measure (FIM)

The purpose of this study was to compare the quadriplegia index of function (QIF) to the functional independence measure (FIM) in assessing the daily performance of selfcare activities by individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. This study evaluated feeding, grooming and bathing activities in 22 C4-C7, Frankel A-D spinal cord injury patients between 3 and 12 months postinjury. The manual muscle test (MMT) was performed on 17 of these subjects during the same window of time as the QIF and the FIM. An upper extremity motor score (UEMS) was derived from the MMT. In order to relate motor power to functional ability, the UEMS was used as a measure of neurological function to test the hypothesis that the QIF scores are more highly correlated to motor power than are the FIM scores for this population. Spearman coefficients were calculated to correlate the QIF, the FIM and the UEMS. For the bathing and grooming categories, both the QIF and the FIM showed significant and similar correlations to the UEMS. For the feeding category, however, the QIF had a significantly better correlation to the UEMS than did the FIM (Rho = 0.90 vs 0.53, p < 0.01). Use of the QIF feeding scale may allow the detection of changes in function as individuals recover that the FIM scale would miss. Further evaluation of the remaining selfcare and mobility scales is needed. Modification of the FIM with more sensitive portions of the QIF would improve the discriminative ability of outcome studies and program evaluations.
Don't Forget Solidarity

A decade before Abram Hewitt defeated Henry George's bid for mayor of New York in 1886, he delivered a more lasting blow to the American Left. A prominent northern congressman and chair of the Democratic National Committee, Hewitt played a central role in negotiating the notorious Compromise of 1877, which conceded victory in a contested presidential election to the Republican Party in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops that had occupied the former Confederacy since the Civil War. That arrangement freed Southern Democrats to use fraud, intimidation, and outright terrorism to deprive most African Americans and many poor whites of the right to vote; it also gave wealthy landowners and industrialists unchallenged hegemony in the South and tremendous influence in the nation as a whole. When leftists won elections in New York and other northern states, whether as Republicans, Democrats, Socialists, or Progressives, their influence was constrained severely by the disenfranchisement of working-class voters and the weakness of organized labor in the "Solid South." Not until a coalition of civil rights organizations, interracial unions, women's clubs, and left-wing groups set out to "re-align" the Democratic Party during the Second World War did the Left begin to transcend the legacy of 1877.
Recurrent Nursemaid’s Elbow (Annular Ligament Displacement) Treatment Via Telephone

Annular ligament displacement (ALD)--also termed radial head subluxation, nursemaid's elbow, or pulled elbow--can be successfully diagnosed and treated over the telephone by properly trained medical professionals instructing nonmedical caretakers. Two case reports of successful ALD reduction via telephone are described. The pathology of ALD and techniques for its treatment are reviewed, and guidelines are given. The rationale for the introduction of the new term annular ligament displacement as well as areas for additional investigation are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first published account of ALD reduction via telephone.
Serrated polyps: critical precursors to colorectal cancer

Colorectal polyps have been traditionally classified as either hyperplastic or adenomatous, with only the latter progressing to carcinoma. However, it is now recognized that certain subtypes of serrated polyps have a risk of malignant transformation via a serrated neoplasia pathway. Serrated polyps are a heterogeneous group of lesions with distinct morphologic, histologic and molecular genetics profiles. Based on available evidence, there are reasons to suspect that this pathway may contribute to interval or missed cancers because serrated lesions are more likely than conventional adenomas to be missed on colonoscopy, and the progression of serrated polyps to cancer may be more rapid. Therefore, it is paramount that physicians recognize the importance of serrated polyps and are aware of the latest surveillance guidelines.
Chelonian Species in the Diet of Reintroduced Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) in Louisiana

Abstract Migratory and non-migratory Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) historically inhabited southwestern Louisiana until they were extirpated in 1950. Little is known about the feeding habits or dietary items of these cranes except for anecdotal evidence from local residents provided to R. P. Allen for his influential 1952 work on Whooping Cranes. Other populations of Whooping Cranes have been characterized as opportunistic omnivores, consuming small vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant material. In 2009, southwestern Louisiana was selected as a reintroduction site for Whooping Cranes. We report on four observations of reintroduced Whooping Cranes depredating at least two different species of turtles (common snapping turtle and mud turtle), which have not been previously reported as a dietary item for this species.
Preferential HIV Infection of CCR6+ Th17 Cells Is Associated with Higher Levels of Virus Receptor Expression and Lack of CCR5 Ligands

ABSTRACT Th17 cells are enriched in the gut mucosa and play a critical role in maintenance of the mucosal barrier and host defense against extracellular bacteria and fungal infections. During chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, Th17 cells were more depleted compared to Th1 cells, even when the patients had low or undetectable viremia. To investigate the differential effects of HIV infection on Th17 and Th1 cells, a culture system was used in which CCR6 + CD4 + T cells were sorted from healthy human peripheral blood and activated in the presence of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-23 to drive expansion of Th17 cells while maintaining Th1 cells. HIV infection of these cultures had minimal effects on Th1 cells but caused depletion of Th17 cells. Th17 loss correlated with greater levels of virus-infected cells and cell death. In identifying cellular factors contributing to higher susceptibility of Th17 cells to HIV, we compared Th17-enriched CCR6 + and Th17-depleted CCR6 − CD4 T cell cultures and noted that Th17-enriched CCR6 + cells expressed higher levels of α4β7 and bound HIV envelope in an α4β7-dependent manner. The cells also had greater expression of CD4 and CXCR4, but not CCR5, than CCR6 − cells. Moreover, unlike Th1 cells, Th17 cells produced little CCR5 ligand, and transfection with one of the CCR5 ligands, MIP-1β (CCL4), increased their resistance against HIV. These results indicate that features unique to Th17 cells, including higher expression of HIV receptors and lack of autocrine CCR5 ligands, are associated with enhanced permissiveness of these cells to HIV.
Development of Alignment-Based Parametric Data Exchange Schema for Bridge Geometry

The benefits of using building information modeling to integrate the project delivery process by exchange of project data between industry stakeholders stimulate the bridge industry to develop bridge information modeling. However, the existing data exchange methods, formats, and standards that are used by the building industry cannot be directly borrowed and used "as is" for bridge projects. Bridge projects involve specific definitions of structural geometry (e.g., roadway alignment-driven bridge layout) or definitions of bridge member geometry that are not usually used in building projects (e.g., camber data for steel plate girders). These bridge-oriented geometries cannot be described by using current building-oriented data exchange formats. Because bridge geometry depends on the geometry of the roadway carried by the bridge, it is beneficial to define a bridge as a parametric model that can be manipulated by modifying a manageably small number of independent parameters (e.g., station and skew). However...
Physiological concentrations of nitric oxide do not elicit an acute negative inotropic effect in unstimulated cardiac muscle.

We examined the effect of several nitric oxide (NO) donors, authentic NO gas, and L-arginine in isolated cat and rat papillary muscles. We did not observe significant inotropic effects in response to any NO donor (ie, SPM-5185, C87-3754, and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine [SNAP]) from 1 nmol/L to 100 mumol/L. Similarly, authentic NO, at concentrations far in excess of those that maximally dilate the coronary vasculature (ie, 500 nmol/L), also failed to exert a detectable inotropic effect in these preparations. However, in the presence of 5 mumol/L norepinephrine, 500 nmol/L NO exerted a 12 +/- 3% decrease in isolated rat papillary muscle contractility (P < .05). Addition of L-arginine up to 25 mmol/L exerted no inotropic effects in isolated rat papillary muscles. However, at 50 mmol/L, L-arginine decreased contractile force by 21 +/- 4% (P < .01). On further examination, the negative inotropic effect of 50 mmol/L L-arginine appeared to be nonspecific, since the inactive stereoisomer, D-arginine, at 50 mmol/L exerted the same effect. Further studies in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes elicited similar results, in that 50 mmol/L of L- and D-arginine equally decreased contraction amplitude and the underlying cytosolic calcium transient. Moreover, 500 nmol/L of the NO donor SPM-5185 only modestly decreased contraction amplitude or intracellular calcium in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. These results indicate that administration of physiological concentrations of exogenous NO does not acutely depress the inotropic state of the rat or cat heart to a physiologically significant extent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Learning about the Means to the End: What US Introductory Psychology Students Report about Experimental Participation:

Previous research has shown that when asked to rate their agreement with statements regarding their attitudes towards participation in psychological experiments, students reported that their participation was of educational value (e.g., Bowman and Waite, 2003; Landrum and Chastain, 1995). We investigated what kinds of learning experiences students would report when prompted with open ended questions regarding their participation. Four open ended questions asked how seriously participants took the research experience, what participants gained from studies, what were commonalties among the studies and how their classroom experience helped with understanding the experiments. In addition to reporting that they took their participation seriously, students reported that they learned not only about psychological content but also about the process of conducting psychological research.
Endovascular management of extracranial carotid artery dissection achieved using stent angioplasty.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dissection of the carotid artery can, in certain cases, lead to significant stenosis, occlusion, or pseudoaneurysm formation, with subsequent hemodynamic and embolic infarcts, despite anticoagulant therapy. We sought to determine the therapeutic value of stent-supported angioplasty retrospectively in this subset of patients who are poor candidates for medical therapy. METHODS: Five men and five women (age range, 37–83 years; mean age, 51.2 years) with dissection of the internal (n=9) and common (n=1) carotid artery were successfully treated with percutaneous endovascular balloon angioplasty and stent placement. The etiology was spontaneous in five, iatrogenic in three, and traumatic in two. Seven of the treated lesions were left-sided and three were right-sided. RESULTS: The treatment significantly improved dissection-related stenosis from 74±5.5% to 5.5±2.8%. Two occlusive dissections were successfully recanalized using microcatheter techniques during the acute phase. Multiple overlapping stents were needed in four patients to eliminate the inflow zone and false lumen and establish an angiographically smooth outline within the true lumen. There was one case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage, but there were no procedural transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), minor or major strokes, or deaths (0%). Clinical outcome at latest follow-up (16.5±1.9 months) showed significant improvements compared with pretreatment modified Rankin score (0.7±0.3 vs 1.8±0.44) and Barthel index (99.5±0.5 vs 80.5±8.9). One delayed stroke occurred in a treated patient with contralateral carotid occlusion following a hypotensive uterine hemorrhage at 8 months; the remaining nine patients have remained free of TIA or stroke. CONCLUSION: In select cases of carotid dissection associated with critical hemodynamic insufficiency or thromboembolic events that occur despite medical therapy, endovascular stent placement appears to be a safe and effective method of restoring vessel lumen integrity, with good clinical outcome.
Quantum Resistant Cryptosystems

In this last chapter of the book, we shall introduce some cryptographic systems that resist all known quantum-computing attacks.
Post-Kyoto International Climate Policy: The case for charges on greenhouse gas emissions

The proposal discussed in this paper is to levy a common charge on all emissions of greenhouse gases, worldwide. All countries would be covered in principle, but the proposal could be implemented with a much smaller number of countries, provided they covered most of the emissions. While all greenhouse gases should in principle be covered, this paper will address mainly carbon dioxide, quantitatively the most important greenhouse gas; extensions to other greenhouse gases could be made with little or (in the case of methane) much difficulty. The charge would be internationally adjusted from time to time, and each country would collect and keep the revenue it generated. This paper will discuss in turn the motivation for such a proposal, how it would be implemented, its likely economic effects, the relationship to energy security, the possibility of mixing an emission charge with other schemes to limit emissions, especially “cap-and-trade” schemes, and the negotiability of such an agreement. The Case for Charges on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Richard N. Cooper Harvard University
Auger-decay engineering in quantum dots in relation to applications in LEDs and lasers (Presentation Recording)

Multicarrier dynamics in colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are normally controlled by nonradiative Auger recombination wherein the energy of an electron-hole pair is converted not into a photon but instead transferred to a third carrier (an electron or a hole). Auger decay is extremely fast in QDs (time scales of tens-to-hundreds of picoseconds) due to both close proximity between interacting charges and elimination of restrictions imposed by translational momentum conservation. Photoluminescence (PL) quenching by nonradiative Auger processes complicates realization of applications that require high emissivity of multicarrier states such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers. Therefore, the development of “Auger-recombination-free” QDs is an important current challenge in the field of colloidal nanostructures. Previous single-dot spectroscopic studies have indicated a significant spread in Auger lifetimes across an ensemble of nominally identical QDs. It has been speculated that in addition to dot-to-dot variation in physical dimensions, this spread is contributed to by variations in the structure of the QD interface, which controls the shape of the confinement potential. Here we directly evaluate the effect of the composition of the core-shell interface on single- and multi-exciton dynamics via side-by-side measurements of individual core-shell CdSe/CdS nanocrystals with a sharp vs. smooth (graded) interface. We observe that while having essentially no effect on single-exciton decay, the interfacial alloy layer leads to a systematic increase in the biexciton lifetime indicating suppression of Auger recombination. We demonstrate that using QDs with “engineered interfaces” we can considerably improve the performance of QD LEDs and lasers.
Life Histories of two Leaf-Inhabiting Fungi on Sycamore

Leaf and twig blight of sycamore, Platanus occidentalis L., caused by Gnomonia veneta (Sacc. & Speg.) Kleb. is a widely prevalent disease. For a number of years it was assumed that this disease was the most common malady involving sycamore within the Duke Forest. During the past three years, however, my observations have indicated that this disease has been confused with another leaf blight disease, mainly caused by Stigmina Platani (Fuckel) Sacc., that is locally of considerably more consequence. Whilst studying this Stigmina disease it became apparent furthermore that the Stigmina leaf blight fungus is commonly associated with another pathogen, Cercospora platanifolia Ellis & Ev. Both StigmlinaF Platani and Cercospora platanifolia have long been known to mycologists, but as a result of the present study each has been found to possess a perithecial stage that matures in spring on decaying infected leaves. The life histories of these associated leaf-inhabiting fungi are therefore recorded at this time as a contribution to our knowledge of the diseases of sycamore. Appearance of the Disease Complex.--Lesions induced by Cerospora platanifolia are first noted about mid-June, those by Stigmina Platani toward the close of July. In the case of the former very irregular, minute, brown, necrotic spots develop (FIG. 14). They are sparse at first and about 1 mrm. in diameter, but eventually several hundred lesions may appear on a single leaf. At this stage many of the spots will have fused. Infection by Stigmina is first apparent by the presence of scattered, pale-green areas, if affected leaves are viewed from the upper leaf surface, the lower leaf surface of the corresponding areas being covered with a thin, weft-like, black coating (FIG. 14).
Slowly miscible cholesterol pools in progressing and regressing atherosclerotic aortas.

SummaryCholesterol pools were characterized metabolically in normal aorta and aortic plaques in White Carneau pigeons with naturally occurring, cholesterol-aggravated, and regressed atherosclerosis. Ultracentrifligation methods were used to separate in vivo [3H] cholesterol labeled aortic homogenates into top (nonbound), middle, and pellet (bound) fractions.Naturally occurring and cholesterol-aggravated plaques had 40–50% of the total arterial cholesterol in the unbound pool whereas regressed lesions had only 8%. The unbound pool was described as the cholesterol capable of leaving a lesion after regression.The bound fraction of all plaques was the site of a slowly miscible cholesterol pool, and an increased amount of elastin-bound cholesterol.The relative miscibility of plaque cholesterol pools with plasma was the greatest in cholesterol-aggravated lesions, less in naturally occurring lesions and dramatically reduced in regressed lesions.The authors acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of Mr. Ja...