cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Transcriptional Response of Cardiac Endothelium to Lipopolysaccharide

Objective— Vascular endothelial cells must integrate stimuli from multiple sources, including plasma, leukocytes, and neighboring components of the vessel. These stimuli are difficult to recapitulate in vitro. We have developed a method to examine the in vivo regulation of gene expression in endothelial cells and have applied it to a model of sepsis. Methods and Results— We used fluorescent-activated cell sorting to isolate highly purified endothelial cells from the hearts of transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein driven by the endothelial-specific promoter Tie2. We treated these mice with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide and identified those genes within cardiac endothelium that were >3-fold dysregulated 4 and 24 hours later by microarray analysis. These findings were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared with in vitro regulation in a murine endothelial cell line. Conclusions— The in vivo regulation was distinct and, in general, more robust than that seen in vitro. We identified endothelial-expressed genes not previously recognized to be regulated in response to lipopolysaccharide. This approach provides insight into the cardiac-specific responses of the endothelium that contribute to the specific responses of the heart to sepsis, and can be generalized to the exploration of endothelial responses in any organ.
Silencing of ribosomal protein L3 genes in N. tabacum reveals coordinate expression and significant alterations in plant growth, development and ribosome biogenesis

The expression of ribosomal protein genes is coordinately regulated in bacteria, yeast, and vertebrates, so that equimolar amounts of ribosomal proteins accumulate for assembly into ribosomes. To understand how expression of ribosomal protein genes is regulated in plants, we altered expression of the large subunit ribosomal protein L3 (RPL3) genes in Nicotiana tabacum using post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). L3 is encoded by two genes, RPL3A and RPL3B, with 80.2% amino acid sequence identity in tobacco. Two types of 'hairpin' RNA (hpRNA) vectors carrying the RPL3A or RPL3B sequences in both sense and antisense orientation were generated in order to alter the expression level of both RPL3 genes. Tobacco plants transformed with a vector containing a 5'-terminal fragment of RPL3A gene displayed decreased RPL3A mRNA levels and a marked increase in the abundance of RPL3B mRNA. These results indicated that expression of the RPL3 genes is coordinately regulated in tobacco. The transgenic plants that contained higher levels of RPL3B mRNA exhibited leaf overgrowth and mottling. Epidermal cells of these plants were increased in number and decreased in size. The precursor rRNA (pre-rRNA) and the mature rRNAs accumulated in these plants, suggesting that ribosome biogenesis is upregulated. Tobacco plants transformed with an hpRNA vector harboring the full-length RPL3B cDNA exhibited efficient silencing of both RPL3A and RPL3B genes, reduced L3 levels, and an abnormal phenotype characterized by a delay in development, stunting, and inhibition of lateral root growth. L3 deficiency led to a reduction in cell number and an increase in cell size, suggesting that L3 positively regulates cell division. Decreasing RPL3 gene expression resulted in a decrease in accumulation of the pre-rRNA, establishing a prominent role for L3 in ribosome biogenesis in plants.
An electromyographic analysis of hip abductor muscle activity when subjects are carrying loads in one or both hands.

Forces produced at the hip joint as a result of hip abductor muscle contractions while canying loads reach several times body weight (BW). Physical therapists of- ten advise patients with hip osteoarthftis in ways to minimize these forces as a means of reducing the pain associated with canying loads. The purpose of this stwly was to use suface electromyography (Eh4G) to quantzb the relative de- mands placed on the hip abductors while canying loads in one hand or in both had. Thirty asymptomatic college-aged subjects walked while canying loads of 10% and 20% of BW unilaterally and loads of 1077, 20%, and 40% of BW bilat- erally. Signals from footswitches allowed a computer to average the EMG data over the phase of gait when the foot was in complete contact with the ground. All EMG data were nonnulized to a percentage of the EMG voltage produced during no-load walking (%EMG)). Our prime dependent variable was the %EMG aver- aged over both hip sides of all subjects' multiple walking trials. Our major anufy- sis involved a multifactorial analysis of variance for repeated measures with method of cany (unilateral or bilateral) and load as the two min independent variables. Results demonstrated that both the amount of the load and the method of load cany made a signijicant dtfference in regard to the amount of hip abduc- tor EWG produced. Of particular note was the fact that the bilateral 20% of BW condition produced statisrically less %EMG (when averaged over both sides) than did the unilateral 20% of BW condition. Persons with hip disease should be aware that hip joint forces may be reduced by the bilateral method of canying loads. (Neumnn Diq Cook TM, Sholty RL, Sobush DC An electromyographic analysis of hip abductor muscle activity when subjects are carrying loads in one or both hands. Phys Ther. 1992;72:207-217.1
Preconception planning to reduce the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety disorders

Women who have depressive and anxiety disorders are at a high risk for recurrence or exacerbation of their psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy and/or postpartum. This risk can be reduced by implementing preventive measures prior to conception. A systematic preconception clinical assessment can identify factors that may contribute to a woman’s risk for developing perinatal depression and/or anxiety. Each of these factors is amenable to interventions that could strengthen a woman’s resilience and reduce her likelihood of developing perinatal psychiatric complications. This article reviews the evidence base for specific risk factors that can be influenced by preventive interventions, and describes the components of effective preconception planning for women with depressive and anxiety disorders.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CORRELATES OF CEREBRAL MICROSOMES: I. Isolation and Chemical Characterization

Microsomal fractions, both homogeneous in appearance and functionally operative, were isolated from a homogenate of rat cerebral cortex by fractionation in water. The preparations thus obtained contain the membranous elements of the endoplasmic reticulum, synaptic vesicles, and ribosomes. Esterase, ATPase, and glutamine synthetase were found to be present and fully functional in the microsomal fractions isolated in water. The contamination of the water-isolated microsomal fractions by mitochondria and lysosomes was found to be considerably lower than in microsomal pellets isolated in sucrose. The contamination by nerve ending particles, as judged by electron microscopy and by the levels of soluble lactic dehydrogenase entrapped in the cytoplasm of the particles, was also low. Most of the contamination by mitochondria and nerve ending particles could be removed by treatment of the microsomal pellet with 150 mM NaCl. Resistant to elution by this treatment is the lysosomal contamination as well as microsomal esterase and ATPase. Glutamine synthetase, on the other hand, was almost totally solubilized. Microsomal preparations isolated in water are also shown to contain amounts of protein, RNA, phospholipid, and ganglioside comparable to those found in microsomal preparations isolated in sucrose.
Optimized DFT-FB transceivers over LTV channels

In this work, we consider the optimization of DFT modulated filterbank transceiver (DFT-FBT) over linear time varying (LTV) channels. The DFT-FBT is a generalization of the Affine Fourier transform based OFDM (Affine OFDM) and the chirped OFDM, which are suggested in recent literature for the transmission over LTV channels. For both known LTV channels and unknown wide sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS) statistical channels, we show how to optimize the transmitting and receiving prototypes of DFT-FBT such that the signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) at the receiver is maximized. After the optimization, the channel dependent part, like OFDM, is a set of scalar multipliers at the receiver end that adapts to the equivalent memoryless channel on a block basis. Simulation results show that the bit error rate (BER) performance of the optimized DFT-FBT over LTV channels is superior to the Affine OFDM. 1
Generating Internally Four-Connected Graphs

A graph is a minor of another if the first can be obtained from a subgraph of the second by contracting edges. A graph G is internally 4-connected if it is simple, 3-connected, has at least five vertices, and if for every partition (A, B) of the edge-set of G, either |A|?3 or |B|?3 or at least four vertices of G are incident with an edge in A and an edge in B. We prove that if H and G are internally 4-connected graphs such that they are not isomorphic, H is a minor of G, and they do not belong to a family of exceptional graphs, then there exists a graph H? such that H? is isomorphic to a minor of G and either H? is obtained from H by splitting a vertex or H? is an internally 4-connected graph obtained from H by means of one of four possible constructions. This is a first step toward a more comprehensive theorem along the same lines.
Optimizing Glyphosate Timing in a Mixed Stand of Glyphosate-Resistant/Conventional, Drill-Seeded Soybean1

Glyphosate-resistant soybean at 494,000 seeds/ha was drill seeded with conventional soybean at 0 to 1,976,000 seeds/ha, and conventional soybean controlled at 2, 4, or 6 wk after soybean emergence with glyphosate at 0.84 kg ae/ha. Weed control increased exponentially with soybean groundcover prior to treatment with glyphosate and was maximized at 69 and 84% for Palmer amaranth and Florida pusley, respectively. When glyphosate was applied 2 wk after soybean emergence, yields were improved 390 kg/ha at 494,000 glyphosate-resistant soybean plus 247,000 conventional soybean seeds/ha compared with glyphosate-resistant soybean alone. Further increases in seeding rate of the conventional soybean often had a negative effect on soybean yields due to interference between glyphosate-resistant and conventional soybean prior to applying glyphosate. Glyphosate applied 6 wk after soybean emergence was generally less effective in controlling Palmer amaranth and Florida pusley than at earlier timings because of weed size ...
The advantages of a rolling foot in human walking

The plantigrade human foot rolls over the ground during each walking step, roughly analogous to a wheel. The center of pressure progresses on the ground like a wheel of radius 0.3 L (leg length). We examined the effect of varying foot curvature on the mechanics and energetics of walking. We controlled curvature by attaching rigid arc shapes of various radii to the bottoms of rigid boots restricting ankle motion. We measured mechanical work performed on the center of mass (COM), and net metabolic rate, in human subjects (N=10) walking with seven arc radii from 0.02-0.40 m. Simple models of dynamic walking predict that redirection of COM velocity requires step-to-step transition work, decreasing quadratically with arc radius. Metabolic cost would be expected to change in proportion to mechanical work. We measured the average rate of negative work performed on the COM, and found that it followed the trend well (r2=0.95), with 2.37 times as much work for small radii as for large. Net metabolic rate (subtracting quiet standing) also decreased with increasing arc radius to a minimum at 0.3 L, with a slight increase thereafter. Maximum net metabolic rate was 6.25 W kg(-1) (for small-radius arc feet), about 59% greater than the minimum rate of 3.93 W kg(-1), which in turn was about 45% greater than the rate in normal walking. Metabolic rate was fit reasonably well (r2=0.86) by a quadratic curve, but exceeded that expected from COM work for extreme arc sizes. Other factors appear to increase metabolic cost for walking on very small and very large arc feet. These factors may include effort expended to stabilize the joints (especially the knee) or to maintain balance. Rolling feet with curvature 0.3 L appear energetically advantageous for plantigrade walking, partially due to decreased work for step-to-step transitions.
Adaptive critic neural network-based controller for nonlinear systems

A novel multilayer neural network (NN) controller in discrete-time is designed to deliver a desired tracking performance for a class of nonlinear systems. A reinforcement learning scheme in discrete-time is proposed for the NN controller, where the learning is performed based on a certain performance measure, which is supplied from a critic. In other words, the critic conveys much less information than the desired output required in supervisory learning. Nevertheless, their ability to generate correct control actions makes adaptive critics prime candidates. The adaptive generating NN in the adaptive critic NN controller approximates the dynamics of the nonlinear system whereas a second NN based critic generates a signal, which is used to tune the weights of the action generating NN. Using the Lyapunov approach, the uniform ultimate boundedness. (UUB) of the closed-loop tracking error and weight estimates are shown by using novel weight updates. The adaptive critic NN does not require an offline learning phase and the weights can be initialized at zero or randomly. Simulation results verify the theoretical conclusions.
A top-down look at bottom-up electronics

Examines CMOS technology at the scaling limit and the role that new, molecular devices may play in future electronics systems. Advanced simulation techniques that capture quantum effects and atomistic structure allow realistic projections of ultimate CMOS. The same techniques allow us to explore unconventional devices such as carbon nanotube FETs, two-terminal molecular devices, and spintronic devices. The role of such devices in future heterogeneous systems will be considered. The talk will conclude with some general thoughts on the important role of the VLSI design community for electronics beyond the gigascale.
Development and validation of an ovine progressive pneumonia virus quantitative PCR.

ABSTRACT Ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV) infects at least one sheep in 81% of U.S. sheep flocks, as determined by serology, and can cause viral mastitis, arthritis, dyspnea, and cachexia. Diagnostic tests that quantify OPPV proviral load in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) provide an additional method for identification of infected sheep and may help to further understanding of the pathogenesis of OPPV-induced disease. In this study, we compared a new OPPV real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay specific for the transmembrane region of the envelope gene (tm) with a competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) using 396 PBL samples and sera from Idaho sheep. The OPPV qPCR had a positive concordance of 96.2% ± 2.3% and a negative concordance of 97.7% ± 2.5% compared to the cELISA, with a kappa value of 0.93, indicating excellent agreement between the two tests. In addition, the presence of tm in the three OPPV qPCR-positive and cELISA-negative sheep and in 15 sheep with different OPPV proviral loads was confirmed by cloning and sequencing. These data indicate that the OPPV qPCR may be used as a supplemental diagnostic tool for OPPV infection and for measurement of viral load in PBLs of infected sheep.
The response regulator SypE controls biofilm formation and colonization through phosphorylation of the syp-encoded regulator SypA in Vibrio fischeri.

Bacteria utilize multiple regulatory systems to modulate gene expression in response to environmental changes, including two-component signalling systems and partner-switching networks. We recently identified a novel regulatory protein, SypE, that combines features of both signalling systems. SypE contains a central response regulator receiver domain flanked by putative kinase and phosphatase effector domains with similarity to partner-switching proteins. SypE was previously shown to exert dual control over biofilm formation through the opposing activities of its terminal effector domains. Here, we demonstrate that SypE controls biofilms in Vibrio fischeri by regulating the activity of SypA, a STAS (sulphate transporter and anti-sigma antagonist) domain protein. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, we determined that SypE both phosphorylates and dephosphorylates SypA, and that phosphorylation inhibits SypA's activity. Furthermore, we found that biofilm formation and symbiotic colonization required active, unphosphorylated SypA, and thus SypA phosphorylation corresponded with a loss of biofilms and impaired host colonization. Finally, expression of a non-phosphorylatable mutant of SypA suppressed both the biofilm and symbiosis defects of a constitutively inhibitory SypE mutant strain. This study demonstrates that regulation of SypA activity by SypE is a critical mechanism by which V. fischeri controls biofilm development and symbiotic colonization.
Simulating the effects of the southern pine beetle on regional dynamics 60 years into the future

a b s t r a c t We developed a spatially explicit model that simulated future southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis, SPB) dynamics and pine forest management for a real landscape over 60 years to inform regional forest management. The SPB has a considerable effect on forest dynamics in the Southeastern United States, especially in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands that are managed for timber production. Regional outbreaks of SPB occur in bursts resulting in elimination of entire stands and major economic loss. These outbreaks are often interspersed with decades of inactivity, making long-term modeling of SPB dynam- ics challenging. Forest management techniques, including thinning, have proven effective and are often recommended as a way to prevent SPB attack, yet the robustness of current management practices to long-term SPB dynamics has not been examined. We used data from previously documented SPB infesta- tions and forest inventory data to model four scenarios of SPB dynamics and pine forest management. We incorporated two levels of beetle pressure: a background low level, and a higher level in which SPB had the potential to spread among pine stands. For each level of beetle pressure, we modeled two scenarios of forest management: one assuming forests would be managed continuously via thinning, and one with a reduction in thinning. For our study area in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, we found that beetle pressure and forest management both influenced the landscape effects of SPB. Under increased SPB pressure, even with continuous management, the area of pine forests affected across the region was six times greater than under baseline SPB levels. However, under high SPB pressure, continuous management decreased the area affected by nearly half compared with reduced management. By incorporating a range of forest and SPB dynamics over long time scales, our results extend previous modeling studies, and inform for- est managers and policy-makers about the potential future effects of SPB. Our model can also be used to investigate the effects of additional scenarios on SPB dynamics, such as alternative management or climate change.
Acclimation of the temperature set-points of the heat-shock response

We surveyed studies that examined the heat-shock response (HSR) temperature set-points in response to changes in growth temperature to ask whether plasticity of the HSR set-points is common to all organisms, and whether it varies with thermal niche. Unexpectedly, sessile organisms exhibited lower acclimation in the HSR set-points compared to mobile organisms, and there was no difference in acclimation between eurytherms and stenotherms. The extent of acclimation differed among different heat-shock proteins, and the HSR temperature set-points (induction, maximal response, and shut-off). We show that HSR induction temperatures change in a step-wise fashion in response to growth temperature.
Features, Applications, and Limitations of the Hybrid-Maize Simulation Model

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the Hybrid-Maize software (www.hybridmaize.unl.edu, verified 28 Feb. 2006), with emphasis on its practical applications based on our own experience and feedback from users. The Hybrid-Maize model is a computer program that simulates the growth and yield of a corn crop (Zea mays L.) under nonlimiting or water-limited (rainfed or irrigated) conditions. The scientific formulations of the model and its test and validation was published elsewhere. The model can be used to (i) assess the overall site yield potential and its variability based on historical weather data, (ii) evaluate changes in attainable yield using different combinations of planting date, hybrid maturity, and plant density, (iii) analyze yield in relation to silking and maturity in a specific year, (iv) assess soil moisture status and explore options for irrigation management, and (v) conduct in-season simulations to evaluate current crop status and predict final yield at maturity as a range of yield outcome probabilities based on historical climate data for the remainder of the growing season. Three examples are provided to demonstrate practical uses of the model. The software has a user-friendly graphic interface, and includes complete documentation of model formulations, validation, user manual, and context-sensitive help system. Settings of all internal parameters are transparent and modifiable by the user. Limitations of the software for practical uses, especially with regard to water stress and plant population, are also discussed.
Prophase I Mouse Oocytes Are Deficient in the Ability to Respond to Fertilization by Decreasing Membrane Receptivity to Sperm and Establishing a Membrane Block to Polyspermy

Changes occurring as the prophase I oocyte matures to metaphase II are critical for the acquisition of competence for normal egg activation and early embryogenesis. A prophase I oocyte cannot respond to a fertilizing sperm as a metaphase II egg does, including the ability to prevent polyspermic fertilization. Studies here demonstrate that the competence for the membrane block to polyspermy is deficient in prophase I mouse oocytes. In vitro fertilization experiments using identical insemination conditions result in monospermy in 87% of zona pellucida (ZP)-free metaphase II eggs, while 92% of ZP-free prophase I oocytes have four or more fused sperm. The membrane block is associated with a postfertilization reduction in the capacity to support sperm binding, but this reduction in sperm-binding capacity is both less robust and slower to develop in fertilized prophase I oocytes. Fertilization of oocytes is dependent on the tetraspanin CD9, but little to no release of CD9 from the oocyte membrane is detected, suggesting that release of CD9-containing vesicles is not essential for fertilization. The deficiency in membrane block establishment in prophase I oocytes correlates with abnormalities in two postfertilization cytoskeletal changes: sperm-induced cortical remodeling that results in fertilization cone formation and a postfertilization increase in effective cortical tension. These data indicate that cortical maturation is a component of cytoplasmic maturation during the oocyte-to-egg transition and that the egg cortex has to be appropriately primed and tuned to be responsive to a fertilizing sperm.
So I Went Out There": A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Rural School Counselor Social Justice Advocates.

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of rural school counselors as social justice advocates. The first author interviewed seven participants in their respective communities and identified five themes, including both positive and negative elements: the stability of place, community promise, mutual reliance, professional and personal integration, and a focus on individuals. The authors include implications for practice and future research on the ways that rural school counselors can use community resources to advocate for marginalized groups of students.
Identification of SNAPc Subunit Domains That Interact with Specific Nucleotide Positions in the U1 and U6 Gene Promoters

The small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-activating protein complex (SNAPc) is essential for transcription of genes coding for the snRNAs (U1, U2, etc.). In Drosophila melanogaster, the heterotrimeric DmSNAPc recognizes a 21-bp DNA sequence, the proximal sequence element A (PSEA), located approximately 40 to 60 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Upon binding the PSEA, DmSNAPc establishes RNA polymerase II preinitiation complexes on U1 to U5 promoters but RNA polymerase III preinitiation complexes on U6 promoters. Minor differences in nucleotide sequence of the U1 and U6 PSEAs determine RNA polymerase specificity; moreover, DmSNAPc adopts different conformations on these different PSEAs. We have proposed that such conformational differences in DmSNAPc play a key role in determining the different polymerase specificities of the U1 and U6 promoters. To better understand the structure of DmSNAPc-PSEA complexes, we have developed a novel protocol that combines site-specific protein-DNA photo-cross-linking with site-specific chemical cleavage of the protein. This protocol has allowed us to map regions within each of the three DmSNAPc subunits that contact specific nucleotide positions within the U1 and U6 PSEAs. These data help to establish the orientation of each DmSNAPc subunit on the DNA and have revealed cases in which different domains of the subunits differentially contact the U1 versus U6 PSEAs.
Regulation of mouse preimplantation development: inhibitory effect of genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine protein phosphorylation, on cleavage of one-cell embryos

We investigated the effects of genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine protein phosphorylation, on mouse 1-cell embryos, since in response to mitogenic stimuli tyrosine protein phosphorylation in somatic cells is implicated in initiation of DNA synthesis. Genistein inhibits cleavage of 1-cell embryos in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner; biochanin A, which is a less potent inhibitor of tyrosine protein phosphorylation, is a less potent inhibitor of cell cleavage. Genistein does not inhibit [35S]methionine incorporation, but does inhibit [3H]thymidine incorporation. Consistent with genistein's ability to inhibit cleavage by inhibiting DNA synthesis is that the loss of genistein's ability to inhibit cleavage corresponds with exit of the 1-cell embryos from S phase. Genistein is likely to inhibit tyrosine protein phosphorylation in situ, since it reduces by 80% the relative amount of [32P]phosphotyrosine present in 1-cell embryos; genistein does not inhibit either [32P]orthophosphate uptake or incorporation. As anticipated, genistein has little effect on inhibiting changes in the pattern of phosphoprotein synthesis during the first cell cycle, since tyrosine protein phosphorylation constitutes a small percentage of total protein phosphorylation. Alkalai treatment of [32P]radiolabeled phosphoproteins transferred to Immobilon reveals a base-resistant set of phosphoproteins of Mr = 32,000 that displays cell-cycle changes in phosphorylation. Although these properties suggest that these phosphoproteins may be related to the p34cdc2 protein kinase, phosphoamino acid analysis of [32P]radiolabeled phosphoproteins reveals that they are not enriched for phosphotyrosine; the inactive for p34cdc2 protein kinase contains a high level of phosphotyrosine. Results of these experiments suggest that tyrosine protein phosphorylation in response to the fertilizing sperm may be involved in initiating DNA synthesis in the 1-cell embryo, as well as converting a meiotic cell cycle to a mitotic one.
A new mouse model of prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) induced neuroinflammation and parkinsonism: Validation using μPET and C-11 labeled radiotracers

1810 Objectives Neuroinflammation (NI) has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Drug therapies through NI modulation hold a great promise. PGJ2, an endogenous neurotoxic metabolite of arachidonic acid (AA), up-regulates cyclooxygenase-2 potentially causing a positive feedback loop that could lead to chronic NI. This study was designed to validate this new mouse model using inflammation and dopaminergic specific radiotracers. [11C](R)PK11195 (PK) binds specifically to translocator protein (TSPO) in activated microglia, [11C]AA metabolism is increased in NI. [11C]PE2i (PE2i) binds to presynaptic dopamine transporters (DAT) and [11C]Raclopride (RAC) binds to postsynaptic DA D2 receptors. Methods Adult male FVB mice underwent 4 unilateral microinjections of PGJ2 (16.7µg) or vehicle (DMSO) into the right (R) substantia nigra (SN) at 1-wk intervals. The intact left (L) contralateral side served as control. µPET studies were performed between 1-14 wks after last PGJ2 treatment. The ratio of activity in the PGJ2 or DMSO treated side to control side (R/L) was estimated. Results Over a period of 1-9 wks, PK scans showed microglia activation linked to PGJ2 treatment compared to DMSO (1.90±0.26 vs 1.09±0.37 at 9 wks). Upregulation of AA metabolism was also evident in PGJ2-treated mice (1.31±0.25 vs 0.84±0.10 at 9 wks). Over a period of 7-14 wks, the uptake of PE2i in PGJ2-treated mice decreased significantly in a pattern consistent with loss of presynaptic DAT on axons originating in the SN (0.16±0.05 vs 0.53±0.09 at 14 wks). In contrast, Rac-PET showed that PGJ2 did not trigger any changes in DA D2 receptors (1.04±0.28 vs 0.93±0.04 at 8 wks). Conclusions The μPET imaging studies clearly validate the new mouse model of PGJ2 induced NI and PD. These results clearly demonstrate the potential significance of the PGJ2 induced NI mouse model in PD research and the evaluation of anti-inflammation therapies.
Maternal Warmth: A Re-Examination of the Role Race and Socioeconomic Status Play

ABSTRACTOf particular importance to the development of young children is the extent to which parents provide a warm, responsive, and helpful environment. Child well-being is generally maximized when parents support their children and avoid harsh punishments. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role ethnicity plays in the warmth of the relationship between mothers and their children independent of socioeconomic status (SES), social emotional risk of the child, and child-reported relationship with the mother. Using data collected as part of the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSRE), 647 caregiver/child dyads were studied. Mother’s education, child’s report of mother’s warmth, and child risk of social emotional issues were entered into the regression model as predictors of mother’s reported warmth. Except for mother’s education, all the variables were significantly related to parental warmth at p < 0.5. However, in this sample parents who identified their child as White were...
Gonadoblastoma with tubal pregnancy.

A case of unilateral gonadoblastoma in association with a ruptured ectopic tubal pregnancy is presented. The patient had a normal menstrual history prior to a missed period followed by abdominal pain and the passage of clots. The surgical specimen, in addition to the ruptured tubal pregnancy, showed nodular foci of typical gonadoblastoma in the right ovary, the remainder of the ovarian tissue being normal. The left ovary was subsequently removed and examination revealed normal constituents without evidence of tumor. Cytogenetic evaluation of peripheral leukocytes showed cells with a normal female sex chromatin complement, 46-XX, as well as cells with 45 chromosomes in which one of the X chromosomes was missing.
Target Detection Via Adaptive Tomography

We describe an adaptive computed tomography imaging system based on sequential hypotheses testing and apply it to a detection problem. It outperforms non-adaptive computed tomography imaging in terms of decision error rate with same SNR.
Conceptual, pedagogical, cultural, and political dilemmas of implementing a constructivist workshop approach to teaching literacy

AbstractApproached as an epistemology, implementing a constructivist workshop approach to literacy can challenge the traditional paradigm of teacher-focused instruction and transform to one where students construct knowledge together and learn through active engagement in authentic reading and writing. This study illustrated how two third-grade teachers managed the conceptual, pedagogical, cultural and political dilemmas they encountered when they began implementing a constructivist workshop approach to literacy. This study validates the disquiet and discomfort teachers may feel as they utilize new curriculum, illustrates that a workshop approach requires an understanding/articulation of personal and curricular pedagogical and epistemological foundations, and encourages administrators to recognize that teachers need time and space to take risks and reflect on their work.
Brachial plexus block. A comparison of the supraclavicular lateral paravascular and axillary approaches.

Background and Objectives. Anesthesia of the brachial plexus has been associated with injuries to adjacent structures (e.g., pneumothorax, vascular penetration). It is not uncommon to have only partial block of the upper extremity, hindering completion of the surgical procedure. The supraclavicular lateral paravascular approach to brachial plexus anesthesia has been proposed as an effective, safe alternative to the traditional approaches to brachial plexus anesthesia. Methods. This prospective, randomized study sought to determine if the supraclavicular lateral paravascular (SCLP) approach is as effective as the transarterial axillary approach, the most common brachial plexus block used at our institution. Results. 16/20 (80%) of SCLP blocks were good. 13/20 axillary blocks were good. The success rate with the SCLP approach was 95%. The success rate with the axillary approach was 90%. Conclusions. The supraclavicular lateral paravascular approach is as effective as the axillary approach.
Disorders of the Adrenal Cortex I

A discussion of several adrenal disorders is offered, including Cushing’s syndrome, Addison's disease, primary aldosteronism, and virilizing tumors of the adrenal gland, and the various laboratory tests of adrenocortical function used in their identification are detailed.
Heine, Arnold, Flaubert and the Cross-Channel Link: Implicit Connections Textual and Technological

Heinrich Heine, the German-Jewish poet and author of such works as the »Buch der Lieder«, his witty travel accounts »Reisebilder« (»Tableaux de voyage«), and much eise of renown, has been received at times as the icon of German romanticism, of popular fame for his »Loreley« song, ousted in the years of German fascism, and re-instated thereafter for his powerful literary and critical voice amongst contemporaries and posterity alike. He was born in 1797 in Dusseldorf, Duchy Berg, grew up during Napoleonic rule and the introduction of civic equality (1811) and Jewish emancipation (1812), and by governmental decree of 1814 aquired the right to live in France. He gained a PhD in jurisprudence, whilst publishing a great deal of poetry and prose, attempted unsuccessfully to set up a solicitor’s practice in Hamburg, then to acquire a chair at the universities of Munich and Berlin. He moved to Paris in 1831 and in 1835 his name was added to a list of forbidden German authors »Junges Deutschland«1 by Prussia and subsequently by the German confederation of states, Deutscher Bund. The wish to improve conditions in feudal German states remained his critical concern whilst living and writing in exile for the next 25 years, publishing his work in both German and French. During the last eight years of his life he was almost completely paralysed, carrying on writing and proof-reading from his »mattress grave«.2
Applications of Group Theory in the Interpretation of Polarized Absorption and E.S.R. Studies of Transition Metal Systems

One major new emphasis in single crystal absorption spectroscopy of transition metal systems is the study of low symmetry systems which do not closely approximate octahedral or tetrahedral geometries. Such systems may be characterized by severe distortions of a six coordinate or four coordinate limiting geometry or may be characterized by less common coordination numbers. There are several excellent reviews1 of experimental linear dichroism absorption studies which give a broad view of the current literature and it appears that consideration of low symmetry systems was deferred for many years not only due to the large number of interesting systems of reasonably high symmetry and to the experimental difficulties inherent in the study of low symmetry systems, but also because theories for the interpretation of the experimental studies can become quite complicated.
Informed Source Separation of Atmospheric and Surface Contributions in Hyperspectral Imagery using Non-Negative Matrix Factorization

Informed Non-negative Matrix Factorization is a numerical tool that can be tailored to separate atmospheric and surface contributions to hyperspectral imagery by using prior knowledge of signal spectral shape, magnitude and spatial abundance.
Integrating engineering outputs from natural disaster models into a dynamic spatial computable general equilibrium model of Centerville

AbstractA dynamic spatial computable general equilibrium (DSCGE) model is constructed that describes how engineering and economic models can be integrated to assess the economic, demographic, and fiscal impacts of disasters. This paper has two objectives. First, we introduce the DSCGE model and describe how it is calibrated specifically for Centerville. Second, to demonstrate the analytic flexibility of the DSCGE platform, we present economy-wide prompt effects from simulations involving spatially circumscribed shocks to Centerville’s building portfolio and transportation infrastructure, and then detail dynamic economy-wide effects from simulations involving combinations of infrastructure damage and adjustments to the economic behavior of agents. We conclude with a discussion of the technical challenges ahead.
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm and Allergy

Sport is an essential part of childhood, with precious and acknowledged positive health effects but the impact of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) significantly reduces participation in physical activity. It is important to recognize EIB, differentiating EIB with or without asthma if the transient narrowing of the airways after exercise is associated with asthmatic sympotms or not, in the way to select the most appropriate treatment among the many treatment options available today. Therapy is prescribed based on symptoms severity but diagnosis of EIB is established by changes in lung function provoked by exercise evaluating by direct and indirect tests. Sometimes, in younger children is difficult to obtain the registration of difference between the pre-exercise FEV1 value and the lowest FEV1 value recorded within 30 minutes after exercise, defined as the gold standard, but interrupter resistance, in association with spirometry, has been showed to be a valid alternative in preschool age. Atopy is the main risk factor, as demonstrated by epidemiologic data showing that among the estimated pediatric population with exercise induced bronchoconstriction up to 40 % of them have allergic rhinitis and 30% of these patients may develop adult asthma, according with atopic march. Adopting the right treatment and prevention, selecting sports with no marked hyperventilation and excessive cooling of the airways, children with EIB can be able to take part in physical activity like all others.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Analog Decreases Renal Fibrosis by Reducing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Renal fibrosis, which is a critical pathophysiological event in chronic kidney diseases, is associated with renal epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are Cyp epoxygenase arachidonic acid metabolites that demonstrate biological actions that result in kidney protection. Herein, we investigated the ability of 14,15-EET and its synthetic analog, EET-A, to reduce kidney fibrosis induced by unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO). C57/BL6 male mice underwent sham or UUO surgical procedures and were treated with 14,15-EET or EET-A in osmotic pump (i.p.) for 10 days following UUO surgery. UUO mice demonstrated renal fibrosis with an 80% higher kidney-collagen positive area and 70% higher α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive renal areas compared to the sham group. As a measure of collagen content, kidney hydroxyproline content was also higher in UUO (6.4±0.5µg/10mg) compared to sham group (2.5±0.1µg/10mg). Along with marked renal fibrosis, UUO mice had reduced renal expression of EET producing Cyp epoxygenase enzymes. Endogenous 14,15-EET or EET-A demonstrated anti-fibrotic action in UUO by reducing kidney-collagen positive area (50-60%), hydroxyproline content (50%), and renal α-SMA positive area (85%). In UUO mice, renal expression of EMT inducers, Snail1 and ZEB1 were higher compared to sham group. Accordingly, renal epithelial marker E-cadherin expression was reduced and mesenchymal marker expression was elevated in the UUO compared to sham mice. Interestingly, EET-A reduced EMT in UUO mice by deceasing renal Snail1 and ZEB1 expression. EET-A treatment also opposed the decrease in renal E-cadherin expression and markedly reduced several prominent renal mesenchymal/myofibroblast markers in UUO mice. Overall, our results demonstrate that EET-A is a novel anti-fibrotic agent that reduces renal fibrosis by decreasing renal EMT.
Syngas production over La0.9NiyAl11.95-yO19-δ catalysts during C14-alkane partial oxidation: Effects of sulfur and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract Partial oxidation studies were conducted over a series of Ni-substituted lanthanum hexaaluminate catalysts, La0.9NiyAl11.95-yO19-δ (y = 1.0, 0.8, 0.4 and 0.2) to evaluate the effect of higher alkane, sulfur and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using tetradecane (n-C14), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 1-methylnapthalene (1-MN) as model reaction compounds. XRD showed the Ni-substituted lanthanum hexaaluminate catalysts to have magnetoplumbite structure. Lattice parameters along the a,b-axis are shown to increase systematically with increasing Ni substitution. The unit cell is also shown to increase systematically with Ni substitution providing clear evidence of Ni2+ substitution for Al3+ in the lanthanum hexaaluminate lattice. Catalytic activity and product yields were evaluated by temperature programmed surface reaction (TPSR) using n-C14 partial oxidation as a probe reaction. Between 750 and 900 °C, H2 and CO yields are shown to increase with increasing Ni surface sites while aromatic and olefin yields are shown to decrease. Step response experiments were performed to show the effect of 0.1 wt% 1-MN addition on catalytic activity and performance. As expected, at lower Ni substitution, thermal chemistry predominates suggesting fewer available active Ni sites. At the conditions tested, the site blocking effect is shown to be reversible at all levels of Ni substitution. Similar catalytic behaviors are observed with step response experiments to 50 ppm w/w dibenzothiophene (DBT) where site blocking is shown to produce a concomitantly greater effect on catalytic performance and active site occlusion with catalysts that have less active sites. The step response to DBT is also observed to be reversible. Post analysis of the used catalysts shows that coke deposition is greater on the catalysts with lower Ni substitution.
Chapter 14 – Applications of Thermodynamics to Phase Equilibria Studies of Mixtures

This chapter discusses the concept of phase equilibria using composition as a variable. In doing so, temperature is kept constant and the effect of composition (usually mole fraction) is seen on the equilibrium pressure (or pressure on the equilibrium mole fraction); or the pressure constant is held and the relationship between temperature and mole fraction is described. The key to the study of phase equilibria is the phase diagram, interpreted by the phase rule and the Clapeyron equation. The chapter, first, describes the (vapor + liquid) equilibria and (liquid + liquid) equilibria, with the extension to the critical region designated as (fluid + fluid) equilibria. It also discusses (solid + liquid) equilibria, along with systems in which several kinds of equilibria occur at the same time
P300: The Similarities and Differences in the Scalp Distribution of Visual and Auditory Modality

To examine the topographic relationship of P3(00) between the visual and auditory modalities, especially to examine whether there are any modality-specific hemispheric differences of P3 in normal adults. Methods: The P3s were recorded from the same 41 normal right-handed males between the ages of 20 and 33 in both a typical auditory oddball task and a visual oddball paradigm with novel stimuli, with an extensive set of 61 scalp electrodes. In addition to the visual comparison and quantitative assessment of current source density (CSD) maps between the two modalities, canonical correlation analyses on the P3 raw amplitudes and examination of interaction effects of modality × location on both raw and normalized P3 data were performed. Results: The canonical correlation between modalities was generally high, especially at the left parietal brain region. There were no significant hemispheric effects in anterior brain but significant left-greater- than-right hemispheric effects in posterior brain regions in both modalities; modality-specific hemispheric effect was observed only at the parietal region. Strong surface current density activities were observed in the midline parietal-occipital area, and left and right boundary areas of temporal and inferior frontal region. Conclusions: The topographic similarities between P3s recorded in the visual and auditory modality outnumber the differences. Combining data from CSD assessments and profile analysis of P3 topography support the hypothesis of multiple generators of P3 that are differentially active in processing stimuli from different sensory modalities and are not symmetrically distributed between the two hemispheres.
THE INVOLVEMENT OF DNA POLYMERASE α IN ADENOVIRUS DNA REPLICATION

Publisher Summary Adenovirus DNA replication is sensitive to the DNA polymerase α specific inhibitor aphidicolin only at levels much higher than that required for the inhibition of host cell DNA replication. It is argued that this is due to a limited number of nucleotide linkages requiring the α enzyme. This argument is supported by observations on KB cells infected with H5tsl25 temperature sensitive mutant virus in which all rounds of virus replication are completed after a temperature up-shift. Subsequent viral DNA synthesis after a down-shift to the permissive temperature is initiated at the ends of the DNA molecules where the origins of adenoviral DNA replication are located. This reinitiation of adenoviral DNA replication is sensitive to much lower levels of aphidicolin. The high sensitivity of initiation of replication suggests that DNA polymerase α is required for this process. Adenovirus DNA replication in the presence of high levels of aphidicolin leads to the appearance of discrete intermediates of replicating virus, suggesting a further requirement for the α enzyme at other, but as yet undetermined, sites on the genome.