cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
bcl-2 expression in Spodoptera Frugiperda Sf-9 and Trichoplusia Ni BTI-Tn-5B1-4 insect cells: effect on recombinant protein expression and cell viability.

The effect of bcl-2 expression on cell viability and recombinant protein synthesis was investigated in the Spodoptera frugiperda Sf-9 and Trichoplusia ni BTI-Tn-5B1-4 (High Fivetrade mark) insect cell lines. It was found that coinfection with a baculovirus expressing bcl-2 [Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV)-bcl2] extended the life span of High Fivetrade mark cells but not Sf-9 cells when compared to infection with recombinant baculoviruses expressing either human tissue plasminogen activator (AcNPV-tPA) or Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase (AcNPV-betagal). Similar results were obtained in coinfection experiments; i.e., AcNPV-bcl2 coinfection increased the life span of High Fivetrade mark cells over that of cells infected with either AcNPV-tPA or AcNPV-betagal alone, but they did not affect the life span of coinfected Sf-9 cells. Coinfection of Sf-9 cells with AcNPV-bcl2 and AcNPV-betagal resulted in a decrease in the maximum beta-gal expression levels of over 90% when compared to infection with AcNPV-betagal alone. A similar trend was found in the beta-gal mRNA levels. Coinfection also resulted in a reduced beta-gal expression level in High Fivetrade mark cells, but the reduction was consistent with what would be expected when two recombinant viruses compete for use of the cellular machinery. In contrast to the inhibitory effect of AcNPV-bcl2 coinfection on betagal expression, t-PA expression levels were either not affected (Sf-9 cells) or were increased 50% (High Fivetrade mark cells) over those obtained by infection with AcNPV-tPA alone. These results support the hypotheses that bcl-2 can inhibit transcription of genes under polyhedrin promoter control and that beta-gal expression levels, but not t-PA expression levels, are controlled at the transcriptional level. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 56: 380-390, 1997.
Shallow ground water and tile drainage in the Oxnard Plain

A study of the hydrology of the shallow ground waters of the Oxnard Plain, Ventura County, California, was made using a network of piezometers at 10 and 20 ft below the surface. Mean depth to water is 6.8 ft and shows little difference between January and June readings during the years 1953–1956. The perched water table slopes to the south and southwest. It is only slightly above sea level near the coast. Piezometric head differences established the presence of a downward gradient over most of the area. The shape and rate of recession of the water table in tile-drained land and tile effluent rate were measured at various sites. Twenty-two per cent of water applied is discharged from tile lines as waste. Equipment and technique for hydraulic conductivity measurement in unstable soils is described.
Changes in spectral reflectance of wheat leaves in response to specific macronutrient deficiency

In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants, deficiency of an essential element may drastically affect growth, appearance, and most importantly yield. Wheat, the focus of this study, is one of the crops studied in the CELSS program. Information about nutrient deficiencies in crops grown in controlled environment is essential to optimize food productivity. The main objective of this study was to determine whether deficiency of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (M) alters spectral reflectance properties of wheat leaves. Plants were grown in the greenhouse and growth chamber, in a modified Hoagland's nutrient solution. Spectral reflectance of fully expanded wheat leaves from 280 to 1100 nm, nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, and Ca) and chlorophyll (Chl) were determined when deficiency symptoms were first evident (approximately 6-7 weeks). Chlorophyll content and fresh and dry weight, were used to assess the severity of the nutrient stress. All nutrient deficiencies affected chlorophyll content and generally increased reflectance in the visible (VIS) 400-700 nm and infrared (IR) 700-1100 nm ranges. Magnesium and nitrogen deficiencies had the most pronounced effect on chlorophyll concentration height, and reflectance. All macronutrient deficiencies tested reduced chlorophyll concentration, increase reflectance in the visible range and caused a shift in the position of the red edge (the point of maximum slope on the reflectance spectrum of vegetation between red and near-infrared wavelengths) toward shorter or longer wavelengths; depending upon the element. In the greenhouse, N and Mg induced the greatest increase in reflectance of 33% and 25% in the VI range and 86% and 53% in the IR range, respectively. However, in the growth chamber, an increase of 97% and 25% occurred in the VI range, and 20% and 33% in the IR range, respectively. In the IR range in the growth chamber, P, K, and Ca deficiency caused a reduction in reflectance (412-770 nm). This research indicates that mineral deficiencies and reflectance are not specific to one environment and could have important implications for the design of CELSS in space, and perhaps the future of terrestrial agriculture.
Effects of Lattice Compressibility on Critical Behavior

The effects predicted by Baker and Essam are estimated to be very small for real crystals. On the other hand, the theory clarifies some long-standing conceptual difficulties.
Syntheses and X-ray structures of the bridging and chelating isomers of Os3(CO)10(dmpe)

The substitution chemistry of the activated clusters Os3(CO)10(MeCN)2 (1) and Os3(CO)10(1,5-cod) (2) has been investigated with the bidentate ligand 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe). Both starting clusters react rapidly with dmpe at room temperature to give the corresponding substitution product Os3(CO)10(dmpe) (3), whose isomeric composition is shown to depend on the nature of the starting cluster. Whereas the bridged cluster 1,2-Os3(CO)10(dmpe) (3b) was formed almost exclusively upon reaction with Os3(CO)10(MeCN)2, a near statistical mixture of bridging (3b) and chelating (3c) isomers of Os3(CO)10(dmpe) was found in the reaction employing Os3(CO)10(1,5-cod). Both dmpe isomers have been characterized in solution by 3iP NMR spectroscopy and their solid-state structures established by X-ray crystallography. The bridged cluster 1,2-Os3(CO)10(dmpe) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 9.867(2) A, b = 17.081(3) A, c = 14.198(2) A, β = 95.902(3)°, V = 2380.4(6) A3, Z = 4, and d calc = 2.793 Mg/m3; R = 0.0435, R w = 0.0466 for 3519 reflections with I > 2σ(I). The chelated cluster 1,1-Os3(CO)10(dmpe) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group C222(1), a = 8.329(3) A, b = 19.028(6) A, c = 15.008(5) A, V = 2379(1) A3, Z = 4, and d calc = 2.795 Mg/m3; R = 0.0390, R w = 0.0718 for 2360 reflections with I > 2σ(I).
Prostatic Neoplasms of the Wistar Rat Induced with 20 - Methylcholanthrene:

Summary(1) Intraprostatic deposits of 20-methylcholanthrene crystals induced three types of prostatic neoplasms in the ventral lobes of the Wistar rat's prostate gland: adenocarcinoma (2%), leiomyosarcomas (3%) and squamous cell carcinomas (30.3%). The squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas metastasized. (2) A detailed account of the distribution of invasion and/or metastases of these prostatic tumors to various organs are presented as well as an account on the growth characteristics of transplantable squamous cell carcinomas.
New bioactive triterpenoids from Melia volkensii

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the root bark of Melia volkensii resulted in the isolation of two new natural products, meliavolkinin (1) and melianin C (3), together with two known compounds, 1,3-diacetylvilasinin (2) and melianin B (4). Jones oxidation of 4 gave compounds 3, 23,24-diketomelianin B (5), and 16,23,24-triketomelianin B (6). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectral and chemical data. Compounds 1-6 all showed marginal cytotoxicities against certain human tumor cell lines, while 5 showed selective cytotoxicities for the human prostate (PC-3) and pancreatic (PACA-2) cell lines with potencies comparable to those of adriamycin.
Explicit eye movements failed to facilitate the precision of subsequent attentional localization

This study investigated the usefulness of explicit spatial coordinates from eye movements for the precision of covert shifts of attention within dense arrays of items. Observers shifted their attention covertly from one item to the next in response to a series of beeps and reported the color of the disc on which the series ended, providing an estimate of the accuracy of the “attentional walk”. We compared performance in this task when only covert shifts of attention were done to performance when observers first executed an explicit eye movement to the starting point of the attentional walk before beginning the covert attentional walk. The hypothesis was that the eye movement would activate explicit coordinates of the starting point of the attentional walk within brain systems that are involved in controlling both shifts of attention and eye movements. This in turn would provide an anchor for the attentional walk, thereby improving performance. The evidence did not support this hypothesis. Performance was no better with an explicit eye movement prior to the attentional walk than without one. This suggests that covert orienting—shifting attention—and overt orienting—shifting the eyes—access the same coordinate system and therefore activating new coordinates interferes with the old ones, no matter what the system of orienting is.
Silver nanoparticle doped TiO2 nanofiber dye sensitized solar cells

Silver nanoparticle doped TiO2 nanofibers, prepared by the electrospinning process were used as the photoanode to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells. It was found that the nanoparticle doped solar cells have a significantly increased photocurrent density resulting in a 25% improved conversion efficiency compared to undoped solar cells. The improved performance is attributed to two factors: (1) the increased light harvesting efficiency due to the plasmon enhanced optical absorption induced by Ag nanoparticles, and (2) the improved electron collection efficiency as a result of faster electron transport in the Ag doped TiO2 nanofiber photoanode.
Firefly luciferase and RLuc8 exhibit differential sensitivity to oxidative stress in apoptotic cells.

Over the past decade, firefly Luciferase (fLuc) has been used in a wide range of biological assays, providing insight into gene regulation, protein-protein interactions, cell proliferation, and cell migration. However, it has also been well established that fLuc activity can be highly sensitive to its surrounding environment. In this study, we found that when various cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, and 293T) stably expressing fLuc were treated with staurosporine (STS), there was a rapid loss in bioluminescence. In contrast, a stable variant of Renilla luciferase (RLuc), RLuc8, exhibited significantly prolonged functionality under the same conditions. To identify the specific underlying mechanism(s) responsible for the disparate sensitivity of RLuc8 and fLuc to cellular stress, we conducted a series of inhibition studies that targeted known intracellular protein degradation/modification pathways associated with cell death. Interestingly, these studies suggested that reactive oxygen species, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), was responsible for the diminution of fLuc activity. Consistent with these findings, the direct application of H2O2 to HeLa cells also led to a reduction in fLuc bioluminescence, while H2O2 scavengers stabilized fLuc activity. Comparatively, RLuc8 was far less sensitive to ROS. These observations suggest that fLuc activity can be substantially altered in studies where ROS levels become elevated and can potentially lead to ambiguous or misleading findings.
Inequality in the Toy Store

This article explores race, gender, and class inequalities in the social organization of retail work. I report on a participant-observation study of two toy stores. One store was located in a low-income redevelopment zone, the other, a unionized store, in an upscale downtown shopping district. I describe working conditions at the two stores, including the segregation of jobs, scheduling practices, pay and benefits provisions, and promotion policies. I also explore some of the reasons people stay at these jobs, despite oppressive working conditions. I conclude with a discussion of the importance of collective action in transforming the social conditions of retail work.
SH2 domain structure and function

An emerging theme in both the biology of signal transduction and the biochemistry of proteins has been the modular function of small protein domains. In some cases these can directly regulate catalytic activity. In others, they serve to interconnect important regulatory proteins. SH2 (src homology 2) domains represent some of the best studied models. Originally identified on the basis of homology in src and fps [1], SH2s are elements that ordinarily respond to tyrosine phosphorylation by binding the phosphorylated sequence. As such, they are key elements in tyrosine kinase regulation of cellular processes. Because SH2 interactions result from phosphorylation, such elements provide a regulatable circuitry along which signals can be transmitted in a timely manner. Because the regulation is based on a common mechanism, signal generators can target several different proteins coordinately. The PDGF receptor (PDGFr), for example, may interact with as many as ten different elements [2,3]. There are a number of excellent reviews on SH2 domains available [4-11]. This discussion will try to show how genetic, biochemical and biophysical results can be integrated in a satisfying way.
Codecast: a network-coding-based ad hoc multicast protocol

In this article we present CodeCast, a network-coding-based ad hoc multicast protocol. CodeCast is especially well-suited for multimedia applications with low-loss, low-latency constraints such as audio/video streaming. The key ingredient of CodeCast is random network coding, which transparently implements both localized loss recovery and path diversity with very low overhead. Simulation results show that in a typical setting, CodeCast yields a nearly 100 percent delivery ratio, as compared to a 94 percent delivery ratio by traditional multicast. More importantly, the overhead is reduced by as much as 50 percent
Escalating antihypertensive medications in end-stage renal disease patients does not improve blood pressure control.

The authors examined the efficacy of antihypertensive medication use in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). They compared achieved blood pressures (BPs) in a cross-sectional study of 106 ESRD patients whose medications had not been changed for at least 2 months. Group 1 (n=36) included patients who took 0 or 1 medication; group 2 (n=56), 2 or 3 medications; and group 3 (n=14), ≥4 medications. The population's mean age was 55.1 years, 87% were African American, and 57% were men weighing 76.9 kg who were on 229 minutes of hemodialysis with an edKt/V of 1.35; there was no difference between the 3 groups. The authors found a difference in the mean BPs: 139/72 mm Hg in group 1, 154/82 mm Hg in group 2, and 165/91 mm Hg in group 3 (P=.01 for systolic, P=.002 for diastolic), with a mean arterial pressure difference of 94.4, 106.4, and 115.4 mm Hg (P=.002). The authors conclude that in this group of primarily African American patients, the control of hypertension in ESRD is not achieved by escalating the number of antihypertensive medications. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2008;10:215–218.
Triple Wollaston-prism complete-Stokes imaging polarimeter

Imaging polarimetry is emerging as a powerful tool for remote sensing in space science, Earth science, biology, defense, national security, and industry. Polarimetry provides complementary information about a scene in the visible and infrared wavelengths. For example, surface texture, material composition, and molecular structure will affect the polarization state of reflected, scattered, or emitted light. We demonstrate an imaging polarimeter design that uses three Wollaston prisms, addressing several technical challenges associated with moving remote-sensing platforms. This compact design has no moving polarization elements and separates the polarization components in the pupil (or Fourier) plane, analogous to the way a grating spectrometer works. In addition, this concept enables simultaneous characterization of unpolarized, linear, and circular components of optical polarization. The results from a visible-wavelength prototype of this imaging polarimeter are presented, demonstrating remote sensitivity to material properties. This work enables new remote sensing capabilities and provides a viable design concept for extensions into infrared wavelengths.
Clinical pharmacokinetics during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has gained recognition worldwide as an alternative to haemodialysis in the management of patients with end-stage renal disease. Because the peritoneal catheter provides direct access to the peritoneum, intra-peritoneal drug administration has become widely used for the administration of certain drugs. The instillation and drainage of PD fluids contribute to the total body clearance of drugs given by other routes. For most drugs, peritoneal clearance is low. This paper provides an updated review of recently published pharmacokinetic studies involving the administration of selected drugs to patients receiving PD. Antibiotics continue to be extensively studied and administered in PD patients because of the frequent occurrence of infections. Epoetin (recombinant human erythropoietin) has become widely used and is the subject of ongoing pharmacokinetic investigation. Intraperitoneal insulin has become accepted for the treatment of patients with diabetes receiving PD; the pharmacokinetics of vitamin D analogues in PD patients continue to be explored.
Point-contact spectroscopy of CeCoIn5: Andreev reflection studies of the normal-metal–heavy-fermion superconductor interface

Abstract Point-contact spectroscopy (PCS) results are obtained with normal-metal (N) Au tips on single crystals of the heavy-fermion superconductor (HFS) CeCoIn5. Our exceptionally clean, reproducible data are taken over a temperature range of 60 K to 400 mK. Contacts are shown to be in the Sharvin limit. Asymmetry observed in the background conductance starting at T* (∼45 K), increasing with decreasing temperature to Tc (2.3 K), signifies the emerging heavy-fermion liquid. Below Tc, the enhancement of the subgap conductance (∼13.3% at 400 mK) arises from Andreev reflection (AR). According to standard Blonder–Tinkham–Klapwijk (BTK) theory, the Fermi velocity mismatch between an N and a HFS should yield no AR. The AR we do observe is several times lower than that observed in N/conventional superconductor PCS, but consistent with other N–HFS data reported. Our zero-bias conductance data are best fit with an extended d-wave BTK model. A fit to the full conductance curve at 400 mK indicates strong coupling (2Δ/kBTc=4.6), but the suppression of both the AR signal and the energy gap cannot be accounted for with existing models.
Where Similarity Beats Redundancy: The Importance of Context, Higher Order Similarity, and Response Assignment

People are especially efficient in processing certain visual stimuli such as human faces or good configurations. It has been suggested that topology and geometry play important roles in configural perception. Visual search is one area in which configurality seems to matter. When either of 2 target features leads to a correct response and the sequence includes trials in which either or both targets are present, the result is a redundant-target paradigm. It is common for such experiments to find faster performance with the double target than with either alone, something that is difficult to explain with ordinary serial models. This redundant-targets study uses figures that can be dissimilar in their topology and geometry and manipulates the stimulus set and the stimulus–response assignments. The authors found that the combination of higher order similarity (e.g., topological) among the features in the stimulus set and response assignment can effectively overpower or facilitate the redundant-target effect, depending on the exact nature of the former characteristics. Several reasonable models of redundant-targets performance are falsified. Parallel models with the potential for channel interactions are supported by the data.
Comparison of rebiopsy rates after stereotactic core needle biopsy of the breast with 11-gauge vacuum suction probe versus 14-gauge needle and automatic gun.

The 11-gauge vacuum suction probe is an alternative to the 14-gauge needle and automatic gun for performing stereotactic core needle biopsies. This study compares rebiopsy rates after stereotactic core needle biopsies that were performed with the two methods. The study also assesses the outcomes of those repeat biopsies.Five hundred ninety-two stereotactic core needle biopsies using a 14-gauge needle and automatic gun and 354 using an 11-gauge vacuum suction probe were performed consecutively. Excluding malignancies, the number of cases requiring rebiopsy and the reasons for rebiopsy were determined for each group. The histologic diagnoses of the repeat biopsies were assessed.The rebiopsy rate was significantly lower with the 11-gauge vacuum suction probe (9.0%) than with the 14-gauge needle and automatic gun (14.9%) (p = .013). Significant reductions were found in cases of insufficient sampling (probe, 1.7%; needle, 4.4%; p = .042) and mammographic-pathologic discrepancy (probe, 0.8%; needle, 3.4%; p = ....
Can a positive approach to performance evaluation help accomplish your goals

Abstract Organizations typically depend upon performance evaluation measures to provide feedback to managers regarding the achievement of strategic objectives. However, performance evaluation is often focused on negative aspects of performance, suggesting that managers may not be receiving enough reinforcement of the positive elements of their decisions. When applied effectively, performance measures not only create desirable motivation, but also encourage communication and the exchange of information among managers. Under this scenario, individual managers achieve their personal goals, while the organization satisfies its strategic objectives. The application of positive organizational scholarship principles to performance evaluation metrics can help make the evaluation process more effective. Using performance measures framed in a positive manner can help generate more creativity, more problem-solving ability, and greater communication among managers, leading to progress toward organizational objectives. We illustrate this approach with the application of positive metrics to the balanced scorecard for mid-level managers in implementing business strategy.
Alkanes in fish from the Buccaneer oilfield.

There was good evidence for petroleum alkanes in A.probatocephalus, C.spilopterus, C.arenarius, M.undulatus,P. saltatrix,P. porosissimus,P. rubio,S. brasiliensis,S. caprinus,S. papillosum,S. plagiusa,S. foetens, andU. floridanus. It was also possible thatA. felis,C. faber, andO. pardus were contaminated, but there were no petroleum alkanes in the other nine species examined. Levels of petroleum alkanes were usually higher in livers than in muscle tissue.
An evaluation of the cost effectiveness of drotrecogin alfa (activated) relative to the number of organ system failures.

Background: While drotrecogin alfa (activated) was shown to decrease absolute 28-day mortality by 6.1% in patients with severe sepsis in the Recombinant Human Protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis (PROWESS) study, no mortality benefit was observed in the subset of patients with only one organ system failure. Consequently, some institutions restrict drotrecogin alfa (activated) use to patients with severe sepsis with ≥ organ system failures. Objective: To measure the cost effectiveness of drotrecogin alfa (activated) for treatment of severe sepsis in relation to the number of organ system failures and determine the economic impact of restricting drotrecogin alfa (activated) use based on the number of organ system failures. Perspective: Policy perspective specific to our 340-bed, level I trauma centre. Methods: A Monte Carlo simulation analysis was conducted to evaluate a hypothetical cohort of 10 000 patients with severe sepsis in four scenarios restricting treatment with drotrecogin alfa (activated) to patients with ≥1, ≥2, ≥3 or ≥4 organ system failures. The primary outcomes of 28-day all-cause mortality and serious bleeding were obtained from the PROWESS study. Costs (year 2002 values) were obtained from institutional financial records and literature estimates. The incremental cost per life saved at 28 days with drotrecogin alfa (activated) plus best standard care versus best standard care alone (placebo) was calculated. The incidence of severe sepsis and number of drotrecogin alfa (activated) candidates were estimated through chart review, and projected annual institutional expenditures were derived according to these data. Results: With increasing number of organ system failures, the proportion of lives saved with drotrecogin alfa (activated) increased, and consequently the ICER decreased. Restriction of drotrecogin alfa (activated) to patients with ≥4 organ system failures was the most cost-effective scenario (0.11 lives saved; $US56 727 per life saved). For the nine patients that would be treated annually by our institution under this policy, one life would be saved at a total additional cost of $US56 160 per year. Use of the drug in patients with ≥1 or ≥2 organ system failures would save the greatest number of lives per year (4–5); however, restricting drotrecogin alfa (activated) to patients with ≥ organ system failures would be the cheaper alternative (total additional cost $US356 022 vs $US462 204). Conclusion: While restriction of drotrecogin alfa (activated) use to patients with sepsis with ≥4 organ system failures is the most cost-effective alternative, restriction to those with ≥2 organ system failures is the preferred alternative for our institution according to the number of lives saved and available financial resources.
Protein kinase C inhibition and activation phase advances the hamster circadian clock

The mammalian circadian clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Clock function can be detected by the measurement of the circadian change in cellular firing rate of SCN cells in vitro. We investigated the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition and activation on this rhythm of firing rate in hamster SCN neurons. PKC inhibition by chelerythrine chloride application phase advances the in vitro circadian rhythm during the late subjective night and early subjective morning, Zeitgeber time (ZT) 20-24 and ZT 0-4. No effect of PKC inhibition on clock phase was seen during ZT 6-18. Activation of PKC via phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) phase advanced the clock at all phases tested. Thus, at some circadian phases both inhibition and activation of PKC can advance circadian rhythms.
Free-free radiation in electron-neutral atom collisions

Abstract Free-free absorption coefficients are calculated for the electron-neutral atom systems involving He, C, N, O, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe. The calculations are based upon model atomic potentials which have been adjusted to fit experimental scattering cross sections or electron affinities. Some angular distributions are presented and thermal averages are evaluated in the ranges λ = 0.5–20 μm and T = 500–20,000°K.
Análisis de situación de población en Honduras

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/pdac.v6i0.465 Revista Poblacion y Desarrollo: Argonautas y Caminantes , Vol. 6, No. 6, 2010 36-39
Impact of pre-procedural serum albumin levels on outcome of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Risk assessment for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients is challenging, and surgical scores do not optimally correlate with outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between serum albumin and survival of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. Patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR were categorized into 2 groups according to low and normal preprocedural serum albumin ( 2 (hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 3.33 to 1.75, p = 0.03). In conclusion, preprocedural serum albumin level and low body mass index are independently associated with mortality in patients who undergo TAVR. Patients with severe aortic stenosis and low albumin levels should undergo careful evaluation before and after TAVR.
Selective Inhibition of Adaptor Complex‐Mediated Vesiculation

A short while ago, we could only inhibit post-Golgi membrane traffic with crude, unselective tools, such as low temperature or high extracellular sucrose. Molecular dissection of vesiculation steps has revealed unexpected complexity in the coating machinery that has initiated a search for more specific inhibitors. We have learned that membrane vesiculation is driven by a tightly regulated multicomponent, membrane-associated protein machine held together by carefully specified interaction domains. An experimental advantage of such complex interacting machinery is that it is very susceptible to disruption by dominant negative inhibitors or by overexpression. As a result, we now have much more specific inhibitors of post-Golgi membrane traffic. Some, such as dynamin K44A, may be general inhibitors, whereas others can distinguish classes of endocytotic events (10), binding events that require clathrin from those that do not (42), or specific steps of endocytosis (62). Ligand-mediated uptake of EGF and numerous, but not all, GPCRs can be inhibited by overexpression of an ARF GTPase-activating protein that has no effect on transferrin uptake (67). We can look forward to increasingly powerful and selective inhibitors that should help us to navigate successfully the complex routes of post-Golgi membrane traffic.
Surgical care of submental gunshot wounds.

• The care of patients with self-inflicted facial gunshot wounds is complex and challenging. The magnitude and self-inflicted nature of the injuries naturally give rise to questions about potential for successful rehabilitation. The surgical care and rehabilitation of ten such patients are described. The initial grotesque disfiguration belies the reasonable chances for functional restoration. Patients in this series who completed reconstruction swallow well enough to maintain body weight, speak understandably, breathe without tracheostomy, and have an appearance sufficiently normal that they can interact socially without embarrassment. Guidelines are proposed for multidisciplinary medical care leading to satisfactory functional, aesthetic, social, and psychiatric rehabilitation. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:513-519)
Comparison of glycemic and surgical outcomes after change in glycemic targets in cardiac surgery patients.

OBJECTIVE To compare perioperative glycemic and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery before and after the recommended 2009 changes in inpatient glycemic targets. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 4 September 2007 and 30 April 2011. Comparison was made of blood glucose (BG) outcomes 3 days after surgery, and 30-day cardiac outcomes before and after a change in insulin protocol that took place on 1 September 2009, which consisted of raising the glycemic targets during intravenous insulin infusions from 80–110 mg/dL (80–110 group) to 110–140 mg/dL (110–140 group). RESULTS When compared with the 80–110 group ( n = 667), the 110–140 group ( n = 658) had higher mean postoperative BG levels during the intravenous insulin infusion (141 ± 15 vs. 121 ± 15 mg/dL, P P P P = 0.04). Severe hypoglycemia (BG CONCLUSIONS The higher glycemic target of 110–140 mg/dL resulted in similar mean glucose values, with significantly less hypoglycemia and no significant differences in mortality/morbidity compared with the more strict target of 80–110 mg/dL.
Baroreflex device therapy in the treatment of hypertension

Despite therapy with multiple optimally dosed medications, hypertension remains poorly controlled in a sizeable number of people worldwide. This has spurred interest in exploring other pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for treatment. The carotid baroreceptors are important in regulating blood pressure in chronic hypertension by centrally mediated sympathoinhibitory effects and other effects. This has led to renewed interest in treating hypertension by electrically stimulating the carotid baroreceptors. Although this concept was first studied several decades ago, modern technology and better understanding of physiology have finally allowed the development of a feasible treatment option. Ongoing trials are finding significant and sustained reductions in blood pressure, a good safety profile, and tolerable side-effects. These promising results indicate that this modality has the potential to become a useful tool in future treatment of hypertension.
Statistical evaluation of experimental determinations of neutrino mass hierarchy

Statistical methods of presenting experimental results in constraining the neutrino mass hierarchy (MH) are discussed. Two problems are considered and are related to each other: how to report the findings for observed experimental data, and how to evaluate the ability of a future experiment to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy, namely, sensitivity of the experiment. For the first problem where experimental data have already been observed, the classical statistical analysis involves constructing confidence intervals for the parameter Δm^2_(32). These intervals are deduced from the parent distribution of the estimation of Δm^2_(32) based on experimental data. Due to existing experimental constraints on |Δm^2_(32)|, the estimation of Δm^2_(32) is better approximated by a Bernoulli distribution (a Binomial distribution with 1 trial) rather than a Gaussian distribution. Therefore, the Feldman- Cousins approach needs to be used instead of the Gaussian approximation in constructing confidence intervals. Furthermore, as a result of the definition of confidence intervals, even if it is correctly constructed, its confidence level does not directly reflect how much one hypothesis of the MH is supported by the data rather than the other hypothesis. We thus describe a Bayesian approach that quantifies the evidence provided by the observed experimental data through the (posterior) probability that either one hypothesis of MH is true. This Bayesian presentation of observed experimental results is then used to develop several metrics to assess the sensitivity of future experiments. Illustrations are made using a simple example with a confined parameter space, which approximates the MH determination problem with experimental constraints on the |Δm^2_(32)|.
Teaching Assistant Professional Development in Biology: Designed for and Driven by Multidimensional Data

Graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are increasingly responsible for instruction in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. Various professional development (PD) programs have been developed and implemented to prepare TAs for this role, but data about effectiveness are lacking and are derived almost exclusively from self-reported surveys. In this study, we describe the design of a reformed PD (RPD) model and apply Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Framework to evaluate multiple outcomes of TA PD before, during, and after implementing RPD. This framework allows evaluation that includes both direct measures and self-reported data. In RPD, TAs created and aligned learning objectives and assessments and incorporated more learner-centered instructional practices in their teaching. However, these data are inconsistent with TAs' self-reported perceptions about RPD and suggest that single measures are insufficient to evaluate TA PD programs.
DNA Mismatch Repair: Eukaryotic

In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, highly-conserved mismatch-repair systems both correct DNA replication errors, by coupling recognition of DNA mismatches to identification and excision of the mutated nascent DNA, and interact with recombination mismatches and a variety of DNA lesions. Evolution of single prokaryotic recognition (MutS) and coupling (MutL) proteins into multiple specialized eukaryotic proteins has accompanied expansion of their genomic-stability functions. Keywords: genomic stability; error correction; DNA replication; mutagenesis; meiosis
Structural Validity of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Among College Students With a Trauma History

The authors conducted confirmatory factor analyses to test three-factor and four-factor models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist with college students reporting a traumatic event history. The authors found support for the three-factor DSM-IV-based PTSD diagnostic model including reexperiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal symptom factors, with slightly better support for a four-factor model separating the avoidance and numbing factors. Results further attest to the PTSD Checklist's construct validity, and to research finding that PTSD avoidance and numbing constructs are distinct.
Beyond high tech: early adopters of open innovation in other industries

Companies have historically invested in large research and development departments to drive innovation and provide sustainable growth. This model, however, is eroding due to a number of factors. What is emerging is a more open model, where companies recognize that not all good ideas will come from inside the organization and not all good ideas created within the organization can be successfully marketed internally. To date, Open Innovation concepts have been regarded as relevant primarily to ‘high-technology’ industries, with examples that include Lucent, 3Com, IBM, Intel and Millenium Pharmaceuticals. In this article, we identify organizations in industries outside ‘high technology’ that are early adopters of the concept. Our findings demonstrate that many Open Innovation concepts are already in use in a wide range of industries. We document practices that appear to assist organizations adopting these concepts, and discover that Open Innovation is not ipso facto a recipe for outsourcing R&D. We conclude that Open Innovation has utility as a paradigm for industrial innovation beyond high tech to more traditional and mature industries.
Mechanical falls: are patients willing to discuss their risk with a health care provider?

Abstract Background Falls in the elderly cause serious injury. Objective We aimed to determine subjects' comfort in discussing fall risk and home safety evaluations. Methods This prospective study surveyed a convenience sample of subjects (≥50 years old) in an emergency department (ED), health fair (HF), and family practice (FP). The survey included the Falls Efficacy Scale and Vulnerable Elders Survey—validated surveys measuring fall concern and functional decline. Other data—environmental living conditions, participant behaviors, fall frequency—were collected. The associations between perceived fall risk and participant characteristics were assessed using descriptive statistics and random-effects logistic regression. Results Participants (n = 416, 38% males, 62% females) had a mean age of 67.6 years; 35% were high fall risk. Previous year falls ( p = 0.002), use of assistive device ( p p = 0.043), and poor or fair perceived health status ( p p = 0.025). The difference was not significant between the HF and ED respondents (84.9% vs. 76.9, p = 0.11). HF subjects were more willing than FP to have a home safety inspection (68.9% vs. 45.9%, p p = 0.09). Conclusions Perceived and actual fall risks are highly associated. Most participants are willing to discuss their fall risk and a home safety evaluation. HF subjects were most willing to have these discussions; ED subjects were less willing than HF, but not significantly different from health fair participants. FP participants were significantly less willing to have these discussions than HF participants. This may suggest a meaningful opportunity for fall risk prevention in outpatient settings such as health fairs and the ED.
New Jersey Corporate Chartermongering, 1875–1929

New Jersey played a dominant role in the merger wave at the turn of the century. The state facilitated the rise of large firms by liberalizing its corporation law in exchange for incorporation fees and franchise taxes. This article suggests that chartermongering emerged from the U.S. federal political system and the economic structure of the state. Delaware became the preferred state of incorporation as New Jersey's economic structure changed.
Mitigating SSR Using DFIG-Based Wind Generation

Subsynchronous resonance (SSR) phenomenon in wind farms connected with series compensated transmission network has been researched in recent literature. Mitigating SSR using FACTS devices such as TCSC, SVC, and STATCOM has also been explored in the literature. The ability of the power converters in doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind farms in mitigating SSR has rarely been investigated. In this paper, the DFIG converters will be explored for SSR mitigation. The investigation in this paper includes the design of auxiliary SSR damping controller and selection of control signals. Residue-based analysis, root locus diagrams, and time-domain simulation in Matlab/Simulink will be carried out. The major contributions of the paper are 1) investigation of the potential of wind farm converters for SSR mitigation and 2) identification of an effective control signal for SSR damping controller to simultaneously enhance both subsynchronous and supersynchronous resonance modes.
Foraging Ecology of Fall-Migrating Shorebirds in the Illinois River Valley

Populations of many shorebird species appear to be declining in North America, and food resources at stopover habitats may limit migratory bird populations. We investigated body condition of, and foraging habitat and diet selection by 4 species of shorebirds in the central Illinois River valley during fall migrations 2007 and 2008 (Killdeer [Charadrius vociferus], Least Sandpiper [Calidris minutilla], Pectoral Sandpiper [Calidris melanotos], and Lesser Yellowlegs [Tringa flavipes]). All species except Killdeer were in good to excellent condition, based on size-corrected body mass and fat scores. Shorebird diets were dominated by invertebrate taxa from Orders Diptera and Coleoptera. Additionally, Isopoda, Hemiptera, Hirudinea, Nematoda, and Cyprinodontiformes contribution to diets varied by shorebird species and year. We evaluated diet and foraging habitat selection by comparing aggregate percent dry mass of food items in shorebird diets and core samples from foraging substrates. Invertebrate abundances at shorebird collection sites and random sites were generally similar, indicating that birds did not select foraging patches within wetlands based on invertebrate abundance. Conversely, we found considerable evidence for selection of some diet items within particular foraging sites, and consistent avoidance of Oligochaeta. We suspect the diet selectivity we observed was a function of overall invertebrate biomass (51.264.4 [SE] kg/ha; dry mass) at our study sites, which was greater than estimates reported in most other food selection studies. Diet selectivity in shorebirds may follow tenants of optimal foraging theory; that is, at low food abundances shorebirds forage opportunistically, with the likelihood of selectivity increasing as food availability increases. Nonetheless, relationships between the abundance, availability, and consumption of Oligochaetes for and by waterbirds should be the focus of future research, because estimates of foraging carrying capacity would need to be revised downward if Oligochaetes are truly avoided or unavailable for consumption.
Kinetics of the uracil-DNA glycosylase/inhibitor protein association. Ung interaction with Ugi, nucleic acids, and uracil compounds.

The bacteriophage PBS2 uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor (Ugi) inactivates Escherichia coli uracil-DNA glycosylase (Ung) by forming an Ung.Ugi protein complex with 1:1 stoichiometry. Stability of the Ung.Ugi complex was demonstrated by the inability of free Ugi to exchange with Ugi bound in preformed complex. Ung was reacted with fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate to produce fluorescent-Ung (F-Ung), which retained full uracil-DNA glycosylase activity and susceptibility to Ugi inactivation. Addition of Ugi to F-Ung under steady-state conditions resulted in saturable (15%) fluorescence quenching at a F-Ung.Ugi ratio of 1:1.4. Dissociation constants determined for the F-Ung interaction with M13 DNA, uracil-containing DNA, and poly(U) equaled 600, 220, and 190 microM, respectively. While F-Ung associated with nucleic acid polymers was able to bind Ugi efficiently, F-Ung bound in the F-Ung.Ugi complex could no longer effectively bind nucleic acid. Stopped-flow kinetic analysis suggested the F-Ung/Ugi association was described by a two-step mechanism. The first step entailed a rapid pre-equilibrium distinguished by the dissociation constant Kd = 1.3 microM. The second step led irreversibly to the formation of the final complex and was characterized by the rate constant k = 195 s-1. We infer Ugi inactivates Ung through the formation of an exceptionally stable protein-protein complex.
"The strongest women": exploration of the inner resources of abused women.

Domestic violence is reaching epidemic proportions and is designated a national health crisis in the United States. Yet, the stories of abused women and their experiences are only just recently appearing in the literature. The use of coping strategies in dealing with abusive intimate partners is one such area that invites further research. Using the phenomenological method, 17 volunteers discuss their inner resources for surviving abusive experiences and developing ways to protect themselves in future relationships. Women’s accounts of abuse experiences add depth to what is known about their strength and portray them as survivors rather than as victims. Future research is called for that adds to the understanding of the inner resources attributed to the women in the study findings.
Cell cycle‐dependent, intercellular transmission of Toxoplasma gondii is accompanied by marked changes in parasite gene expression

Intracellular microbes have evolved efficient strategies for transitioning from one cell to another in a process termed intercellular transmission. Here we show that host cell transmission of the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is closely tied to specific cell cycle distributions, with egress and reinvasion occurring most proficiently by parasites in the G1 phase. We also reveal that Toxoplasma undergoes marked changes in mRNA expression when transitioning from the extracellular environment to its intracellular niche. These mRNA level changes reflect a modal switch from expression of proteins involved in invasion, motility and signal transduction in extracellular parasites to expression of metabolic and DNA replication proteins in intracellular parasites. Host cell binding and signalling associated with the discharge of parasite secretory proteins was not sufficient to induce this switch in gene expression, suggesting that the regulatory mechanisms responsible are tied to the establishment of the intracellular environment. The genes whose expression increased after parasite invasion belong to a progressive cascade known to underlie the parasite division cycle indicating that the unique relationship between the G1 phase and invasion effectively synchronizes short-term population growth. This work provides new insight into how this highly successful parasite competently transits from cell to cell.