cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MATING BEHAVIOR IN RHAGOLETIS POMONELLA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE): II. TEMPORAL ORGANIZATION

Comparatively few laboratory-caged apple maggot flies, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), of either sex arrived at the site of assembly for mating (ceresin wax oviposition domes) and no mating pair or ovipositing females were observed until the flies were 7–8 days old. From then on, the level of all three of these activities progressively increased.With respect to the time of day of activity, in the field, assembly of both sexes of flies on the fruit, mating, and oviposition all occurred predominantly during the afternoon on a day when the sun shone brightly throughout the 15-hr daylight period and the ambient temperature was 16 °C at dawn, 24.8° in mid-afternoon, and 17.5° at dusk. Little or no activities of these sorts occurred before mid-morning and toward dusk. In the laboratory, where light intensity was constant at 1000 lux during the 15-hr photophase, the temporal pattern of these activities was the same as in the field when laboratory temperature was programmed to be the same as in the field for the corresponding hour of daylight. However, when laboratory temperature was programmed to be constant at 24.8°, these activities occurred at a high rate throughout the photophase. None of these activities was observed to have been initiated in darkness. It is concluded that sexually mature apple maggot flies may assemble on the fruit, mate, and oviposit whenever temperature is favorable and light intensity is sufficient to permit adequate vision.
Aminopyrine disposition: A sensitive index of acetaminophen-induced hepatocellular damage☆

Abstract Rates of 14CO2 excretion in breath and of plasma decay of [14C]aminopyrine were measured after intraperitoneal administration of trace doses of [14C]aminopyrine in adult male Wistar rats: Both measurements were shown to be sensitive indices of hepatic aminopyrine N-demethylation. Thus, changes in the disposition of aminopyrine administered ip could be used to investigate effects of different doses of acetaminophen on hepatic drug-metabolizing capacity. After the administration of different doses of acetaminophen, liver damage was assessed by measurement of glutathione content, cytochrome P-450 content, and microsomal demethylation capacity as well as by liver histology. Decreased 14CO2 excretion, suggesting decreased hepatic aminopyrine N-demethylase activity, occurred even in animals with minimal acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury. Further reduction of 14CO2 excretion occurred with increasing doses of acetaminophen, which caused more extensive liver damage. These results suggest that measurement of 14CO2 accumulation in breath can serve as a convenient, sensitive, and noninvasive laboratory test to assess in vivo hepatic drug-metabolizing capacity under a variety of conditions, including liver damage secondary to exposure to toxic compounds.
Mechanism for Fiord Formation Indicated by Studies of an Ice-Covered Inlet

Skelton Inlet, Antarctica, a deep-water arm of the Ross Sea, is about 60 km long and ranges in width from 16 km at the mouth where it meets the Ross Ice Shelf, to about 5 km near the junction with the grounded ice. The cover of floating ice increases in thickness from about 500 m at the Ross Ice Shelf to more than 1500 m at the head of the inlet. For the last 12 km near the head of the inlet, the bottom of the ice cover appears to be in contact with the bottom sediments, but available evidence indicates that it is floating. The maximum observed water depth, 1933 m below sea level, is well inside the inlet; this is nearly 500 m deeper than the water near the mouth. These abnormal depths are partly attributed to depression by the Antarctic ice sheet. The floor of the inlet, where sounded by seismic reflections, is quite rough, possibly owing to high moraines. The decrease in ice thickness down the inlet results from the drop in horizontal pressure owing to the shear stresses on the side walls and the consequent creep of the floating ice. This decrease is inversely proportional to the width of the valley, with the ice thickness and volume of outflow having only secondary effects. An approximate formula for determining the change in ice thickness, Z , per unit length, x , is 11.17 dZ/dx = σxY/ Y where σxY is the shear stress in bars on the side walls, probably in the range −0.5 to −1.5, and Y is the half-width of the inlet in km. Since the morphology of the sediments on the floor must, to a large extent, be determined by the configuration of the lower boundary of the ice, this provides a mechanism for the formation of fiords. A common characteristic of all fiords is the increased water depth inland, as compared with the thresholds near the mouths. Multiple basins such as the Skelton Inlet, could result from multiple glaciation under different boundary conditions. The gravity survey shows large decreases in Bouguer anomalies, more than 1 mgal per km, extending from the Ross Ice Shelf to the Victoria Land Plateau by way of the Skelton Inlet, evidence of a considerable change in crustal thickness. Thus tectonics may have been a factor in the original formation of the valley.
Choice behavior in a Markovian decision task

Abstract Decision policies are suggested for a special class of multistage decision problems: Markovian decision processes with reward. The policies include a dynamic programming policy maximizing average expected reward, an expected value policy maximizing expected immediate reward, a minimax policy, and a minimax regret policy. The decision policies were tested in a computer-controlled Markovian decision task. The dynamic programming policy accounted for the final decisions of many subjects relative to their estimates of the transition probabilities among the states of the Markovian decision process. A simpler model based on the estimates of the transition probabilities only did almost as well.
The Impact of Adenosine and an A2a Adenosine Receptor Agonist on the Ach-Induced Increase in Intracellular Calcium of the Glomus Cells of the Cat Carotid Body

The carotid body (CB) is a polymodal chemosensor of arterial blood located next to the internal carotid artery. The basic chemosensing unit is composed of the neurotransmitter (NT)-containing glomus cells (GCs) and the sensory afferent fibers synapsing onto the GCs. Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors have been found on both the sensory afferent fibers and on the GCs. Neural output from the CB (CBNO) increases when arterial blood perfusing it is hypoxic, hypoglycemic, hypercapnic, or acidic. The increased CBNO due to GC release of excitatory NTs must be preceded by an entrance of calcium into the GCs. With repeated release of ACh from the GCs, cholinergic receptors could become desensitized, particularly nicotinic receptors which function as calcium channels. The purpose of the present study was to see if adenosine (ADO), known to alter receptor sensitivities, could attenuate or eliminate any desensitization of the nicotinic receptors occurring during the repeated application of ACh. Cat CBs were harvested with techniques approved by the University's Animal Care/Use Committee. The GCs were cultured and prepared for detecting [Ca(++)](i) with standard techniques. Repeated application of ACh produced a progressively decreasing increase in [Ca(++)](i). With the use of ADO or an A2(A) ADO receptor agonist the decrease was avoided. Though ADO also increased GC [Ca(++)](i), the sum of ADO increase and ACh increase, when superfused separately, was less than the increase when they were both included in the same superfusion. This suggested the possible involvement of a new path in the action. Potential mechanisms to explain the phenomena are discussed.
Asynchronous Onset of Odorant Receptor Expression in the Developing Zebrafish Olfactory System

The functional identity of an olfactory neuron is determined in large part by the odorant receptors it expresses. As an approach toward understanding the events that underlie the specification of olfactory neurons, we have examined the patterns of odorant receptor gene expression in the developing zebrafish. Surprisingly, we find that the onset of specific odorant receptor expression occurs asynchronously in the developing olfactory placode. Our results suggest that odorant receptor expression is not strictly stochastic, but rather is governed by temporally regulated cues during development. Moreover, by restricting the number of receptor genes competent for transcription at different times of development, temporal waves of expression may provide a mechanism for simplifying the regulation of the large odorant receptor gene family.
The reverse lateral arm flap, based on the interosseous recurrent artery, for cubital fossa burns

Summary The reverse lateral arm flap based on the interosseous recurrent artery was used successfully to reconstruct cubital fossa defects caused by high voltage electric burn in two cases. The flap is nourished by the septocutaneous perforators of the posterior radial collateral artery which anastomoses around the lateral epicondyle with the interosseous recurrent artery. The primary benefits of this flap are that it is an easy and rapid one-stage procedure, with no necessity of sacrificing a main artery or local muscle, and it requires no immobilisation of the involved joint.
Protein domain mimetics as in vivo modulators of hypoxia-inducible factor signaling

Selective blockade of gene expression by designed small molecules is a fundamental challenge at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Transcription factors have been among the most elusive targets in genetics and drug discovery, but the fields of chemical biology and genetics have evolved to a point where this task can be addressed. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and in vivo efficacy evaluation of a protein domain mimetic targeting the interaction of the p300/CBP coactivator with the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Our results indicate that disrupting this interaction results in a rapid down-regulation of hypoxia-inducible genes critical for cancer progression. The observed effects were compound-specific and dose-dependent. Gene expression profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays revealed effective inhibition of hypoxia-inducible genes with relatively minimal perturbation of nontargeted signaling pathways. We observed remarkable efficacy of the compound HBS 1 in suppressing tumor growth in the fully established murine xenograft models of renal cell carcinoma of the clear cell type. Our results suggest that rationally designed synthetic mimics of protein subdomains that target the transcription factor–coactivator interfaces represent a unique approach for in vivo modulation of oncogenic signaling and arresting tumor growth.
Computer aiding and motion trajectory control in remote manipulators

This paper presents an advanced version of a learning system for operator aiding in artificial limbs and remote manipulator control. The detailed mathematical developments of the technique and results of preliminary work are contained in previous publications.
Argon excimer emission from high-pressure microdischarges in metal capillaries

We report on argon excimer emission from high-pressure microdischarges formed inside metal capillaries with or without gas flow. Excimer emission intensity from a single tube increases linearly with gas pressure between 400 and 1000 Torr. Higher discharge current also results in initial intensity gains until gas heating causes saturation or intensity drop. Argon flow through the discharge intensifies emission perhaps by gas cooling. Emission intensity was found to be additive in prealigned dual microdischarges, suggesting that an array of microdischarges could produce a high-intensity excimer source.
Note: On distinct distances and λ-free point sets

It is generally believed that the minimum number of distinct distances determined by a set of n points in the Euclidean space is attained by sets having a very regular grid-like structure: for instance n equidistant points on the line, or a nxn section of the integer grid in the plane. What happens if we perturb the regularity of the grid, say by not allowing two points together with their midpoint to be in the set? Do we get more distances in a set of n points? In particular, is this number linear for such a set of n points in the plane? We call a set of points midpoint-free if no point is the midpoint of two others. More generally, let @l@?(0,1) be a fixed rational number. We say that a set of points P is @l-free if for any triple of distinct points a,b,c@?P, we have @la+(1-@l)b c. We first make a investigation of midpoint-free (more generally @l-free) sets on the line with respect to the number of distinct distances determined by a set of n points and provide such estimates. Other related distance problems are also discussed, including possible implications of obtaining good estimates on the minimum number of distinct distances in a @l-free point set in the plane for the general problem of distinct distances in the plane.
Ex Vivo Rapamycin Generates Th1/Tc1 or Th2/Tc2 Effector T Cells With Enhanced In Vivo Function and Differential Sensitivity to Post-transplant Rapamycin Therapy

Abstract Rapamycin prevention of murine graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is associated with a shift toward Th2- and Tc2-type cytokines. Recently, we found that use of rapamycin during ex vivo donor Th2 cell generation enhances the ability of adoptively transferred Th2 cells to prevent murine GVHD. In this study, using a method, without antigen-presenting cells, of T-cell expansion based on CD3,CD28 costimulation, we evaluated whether (1) rapamycin preferentially promotes the generation of Th2/Tc2 cells relative to Th1/Tc1 cells, (2) rapamycin-generated T-cell subsets induce cytokine skewing after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and (3) such in vivo cytokine skewing is sensitive to post-BMT rapamycin therapy. Contrary to our hypothesis, rapamycin did not preferentially promote Th2/Tc2 cell polarity, because rapamycin-generated Th1/Tc1 cells secreted type I cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2 and interferon-γ) did not secrete type II cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, or IL-13) and mediated fasL-based cytolysis. Rapamycin influenced T-cell differentiation, because each of the Th1, Th2, Tc1, and Tc2 subsets generated in rapamycin had increased expression of the central-memory T-cell marker, L-selectin (CD62L). Rapamycin-generated Th1/Tc1 and Th2/Tc2 cells were not anergic but instead had increased expansion after costimulation in vitro, increased expansion in vivo after BMT, and maintained full capacity to skew toward type I or II cytokines after BMT, respectively; further, rapamycin-generated Th1/Tc1 cells mediated increased lethal GVHD relative to control Th1/Tc1 cells. Rapamycin therapy after BMT in recipients of rapamycin-generated Th1/Tc1 cells greatly reduced Th1/Tc1 cell number, greatly reduced type I cytokines, and reduced lethal GVHD; in marked contrast, rapamycin therapy in recipients of rapamycin-generated Th2/Tc2 cells nominally influenced the number of Th2/Tc2 cells in vivo and did not abrogate post-BMT type II cytokine skewing. In conclusion, ex vivo and in vivo usage of rapamycin may be used to modulate the post-BMT balance of Th1/Tc1 and Th2/Tc2 cell subsets.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Properties of Unsymmetrical (m-Oxo)diiron(III) Complexes Containing Polyimidazole Ligands.

An efficient two-step procedure has been developed for preparing unsymmetric (μ-oxo)diiron(III) complexes containing two different polyimidazole ligands. The first step of the reaction sequence inv...
Correlation of serum magnesium levels and cardiac digitalis intoxication

Abstract A prospective study was undertaken to compare the prevalence of hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia in patients with cardiac digitalis toxicity and in digitalized patients without toxicity. During an 8 month period on a general medical service, there were 38 patients with “definite” or “possible” digitalis toxicity, by serial electrocardiographic studies, among 120 digitalized patients whose serum magnesium levels were obtained. Serum magnesium concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Hypomagnesemia was present in 21 percent of patients with and 10 percent of those without digitalis toxicity. Hypomagnesemia was not more prevalent in patients with toxicity but relatively lower serum levels of digoxin or digitoxin. The presence of hypermagnesemia was significantly greater in patients with toxicity (18 percent) than in those without toxicity (5 percent), and appeared to be related to a significantly greater prevalence of abnormal renal function in the former group. The potential value of magnesium administration in hypomagnesemic patients with cardiac digitalis toxicity warrants investigation. Caution should be exercised in the administration of magnesium sulfate to digitalis-toxic, azotemic patients who may already be hypermagnesemic.
Murine physiology: measuring the phenotype

The phenotype is the observable and measurable characteristic (or biochemical trait) of an organism that results from the interaction of the environment with the expression of gene alleles (i.e. the genotype). Accurate phenotyping demands that findings are not missed, anticipated, or biased; a mixture of assays that characterize distinct, but interrelated aspects of the cardiovascular phenotype are often necessary to meet these requirements. Such stringent conditions are crucial because it is phenotypic analysis that ultimately determines the utility of genetically altered and spontaneous mutant mice for biomedical research.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of chemical vapor synthesis of WC nanopowder from tungsten hexachloride

The chemical vapor synthesis (CVS) reactor for the preparation of WC nanopowder from tungsten hexachloride was simulated by a two-dimensional multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The model solves the gas-phase governing equations of overall continuity, momentum, energy, and species mass transport inside a tubular reactor system. The population balance model is coupled with the gas-phase equations to describe the formation and growth of WC nanoparticles. The model has been validated with experimental data in terms of average particle size and concentration of unreacted precursor at the outlet. The contours of temperature, velocity, species concentration and particle size distribution (PSD) inside the tubular reactor were computed.
In Silico analysis of perturbed steroidogenesis and gonad growth in fathead minnows (P. promelas) exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol

AbstractThe multi-factorial nature of adverse reproductive effects mediated by endocrine disrupting compounds (or EDCs) makes understanding the mechanistic basis of reproductive dysfunction a highly pertinent area of research. As a consequence, a main motivator for continued research is to integrate ‘multi-leveled’ complexity (i.e., from genes to phenotype) using mathematical methods capable of encapsulating properties of physiological relevance. In this study, an in silico stoichiometric model of piscine steroidogenesis was augmented with a ‘biomass’ reaction associating the underlying stoichiometry of steroidogenesis with a reaction representative of gonad growth. The ability of the in silico model to predict perturbed steroidogenesis and subsequent effects on gonad growth was tested by exposing reproductively active male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to 88 ng/L of the synthetic estrogen, 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2). The in silico model was parameterized (or constrained) with experimen...
Finite Element Analysis of the Influence of Kinematic Hardening in Two-Dimensional, Repeated, Rolling-Sliding Contact

A study was performed wing a finite element model to compare the stresses, strains and deformations of repeated, two-dimensional, rolling-sliding contact for an elastic-kinematic-hardening-plastic (ELKP) representation of rail steel with those produced by elastic-perfectly plastic (EPP) material behavior. Kinematic-hardening produces fully reversed stress-strain hysteresis loops, and thus, no forward flow. Stresses, strain increments, and displacements are drastically reduced by the kinematic-hardening plasticity. Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio May 9–12, 1988
Venom immunotherapy: 10 years of experience with administration of single venoms and 50 μg maintenance doses

Abstract For the past 10 years, we have administered venom immunotherapy with single venoms, whenever it is possible, and maintenance doses of 50 μg. The choice of venoms was based on clinical history, skin test reactions, and a knowledge of venom cross-reactivity. There have been. 258 re-stings in 108 patients with only three systemic reactions (2.7% per patient; 1.2% per sting). Two of these re-stings reactions were very mild, hives and facial edema, in patients who had had initial severe anaphylaxis. Five other patients had transient ill-defined symptoms, not considered allergic after re-stings. The patients covered a wide age range. Twenty-seven patients, nine under age 16 years, had initial dermal reactions only, and 44 patients had severe anaphylaxis. Most patients had multiple positive skin tests. Seventy-five patients received single venoms (yellow.jacket, 58; honeybee, 15; hornet, 2), and 30 patients received two venoms. Re-stings occurred from 1 month to 8 years, (mean, 2 years) after starting treatment. Results indicate that this approach with 50 μg top doses and single venom immunotherapy may be sufficient in most patients with an associated decrease in the cost as well as possible increased morbidity associated with the use of multiple venom antigens.
Knowledge-based Dialog State Tracking

This paper presents two discriminative knowledgebased dialog state trackers and their results on the Dialog State Tracking Challenge (DSTC) 2 and 3 datasets. The first tracker was submitted to the DSTC3 competition and scored second in the joint accuracy. The second tracker developed after the DSTC3 submission deadline gives even better results on the DSTC2 and DSTC3 datasets. It performs on par with the state of the art machine learning-based trackers while offering better interpretability. We summarize recent directions in the dialog state tracking (DST) and also discuss possible decomposition of the DST problem. Based on the results of DSTC2 and DSTC3 we analyze suitability of different techniques for each of the DST subproblems. Results of the trackers highlight the importance of Spoken Language Understanding (SLU) for the last two DSTCs.
Stereoselective synthesis of (-)-acanthoic acid.

The first stereoselective synthesis of (−)-acanthoic acid (1) has been designed and accomplished. Our synthetic plan departs from (−) Wieland−Miesher ketone (7) and calls upon a Diels−Alder cycloaddition reaction for the construction of the C ring of 1. The described synthesis confirms the proposed stereochemistry of 1 and represents an efficient entry into an unexplored class of biologically active diterpenes.
Macroscopic theory of self-induced transparency

Abstract Since an SIT pulse produces a polarization linear in the electric field (and conversely), the propagation characteristics of the pulse are described by a macroscopic dielectric constant. For absorbers dilutely distributed this yields the expected phase shift and time-delay. Our discussion of time-delay holds for arbitrary, shape-maintaining, pulses, SIT or not.
Identification of co-regulated genes through Bayesian clustering of predicted regulatory binding sites.

The identification of co-regulated genes and their transcription-factor binding sites (TFBS) are key steps toward understanding transcription regulation. In addition to effective laboratory assays, various computational approaches for the detection of TFBS in promoter regions of coexpressed genes have been developed. The availability of complete genome sequences combined with the likelihood that transcription factors and their cognate sites are often conserved during evolution has led to the development of phylogenetic footprinting1,2. The modus operandi of this technique is to search for conserved motifs upstream of orthologous genes from closely related species1,2. The method can identify hundreds of TFBS without prior knowledge of co-regulation or coexpression. Because many of these predicted sites are likely to be bound by the same transcription factor, motifs with similar patterns can be put into clusters so as to infer the sets of co-regulated genes, that is, the regulons. This strategy utilizes only genome sequence information and is complementary to and confirmative of gene expression data generated by microarray experiments. However, the limited data available to characterize individual binding patterns, the variation in motif alignment, motif width, and base conservation, and the lack of knowledge of the number and sizes of regulons make this inference problem difficult. We have developed a Gibbs sampling-based3 Bayesian motif clustering (BMC) algorithm to address these challenges. Tests on simulated data sets show that BMC produces many fewer errors than hierarchical and K-means clustering methods4. The application of BMC to hundreds of predicted γ-proteobacterial motifs2 correctly identified many experimentally reported regulons, inferred the existence of previously unreported members of these regulons, and suggested novel regulons.
Tight Approximation Algorithms for Maximum Separable Assignment Problems

A separable assignment problem ( SAP ) is defined by a set of bins and a set of items to pack in each bin; a value, fij, for assigning item j to bin i; and a separate packing constraint for each bin---i.e., for each bin, a family of subsets of items that fit in to that bin. The goal is to pack items into bins to maximize the aggregate value. This class of problems includes the maximum generalized assignment problem ( GAP )1 and a distributed caching problem (DCP) described in this paper. Given a β-approximation algorithm for finding the highest value packing of a single bin, we give A polynomial-time LP-rounding based ((1-1/e)β)-approximation algorithm. A simple polynomial-time local search (β/(β + 1)-e)-approximation algorithm, for any e > 0. Therefore, for all examples of SAP that admit an approximation scheme for the single-bin problem, we obtain an LP-based algorithm with (1-1/e-e)-approximation and a local search algorithm with (½-e)-approximation guarantee. Furthermore, for cases in which the subproblem admits a fully polynomial approximation scheme (such as for GAP ), the LP-based algorithm analysis can be strengthened to give a guarantee of 1-1/e. The best previously known approximation algorithm for GAP is a ½-approximation by Shmoys and Tardos and Chekuri and Khanna. Our LP algorithm is based on rounding a new linear programming relaxation, with a provably better integrality gap. To complement these results, we show that SAP and DCP cannot be approximated within a factor better than 1-1/e unless NP ⊆ DTIME(nO(log log n)), even if there exists a polynomial-time exact algorithm for the single-bin problem. We extend the (1-1/e)-approximation algorithm to a constant-factor approximation algorithms for a nonseparable assignment problem with applications in maximizing revenue for budget-constrained combinatorial auctions and the AdWords assignment problem. We generalize the local search algorithm to yield a ½-e approximation algorithm for the maximum k-median problem with hard capacities.
Pre- and post-treatment evaluation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Once the diagnosis of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has been established three critical steps in patient management must follow. The first is the pre-treatment evaluation and staging to identify prognostic factors (the subject of another chapter in this volume), impending problems, such as ureteral obstruction, spinal cord compression, biliary or vena caval obstruction. This assessment directs the best therapeutic approach, and also provides a baseline against which to assess response. The second step is the treatment itself. Third, conscientious follow-up after completion of therapy to monitor for disease recurrence as well as for long-term sequelae of therapy. A careful history and physical examination are the most important components of patient evaluation. Whereas some evaluation procedures have become standard practice (e.g. chest radiographs, CT scans, gallium scan, blood chemistry and assessment of hepatic and renal function), the role of other studies is still being defined (e.g. PET scan). The increased use of systemic therapies has somewhat reduced the requirement for precise staging to determine treatment strategies, but will become more critical to identify early patients with resistant disease and those with minimal residual disease following treatment so that novel therapies can be introduced at that point.
Comparison of the acute response to meals enriched with cis- or trans-fatty acids on glucose and lipids in overweight individuals with differing FABP2 genotypes.

Abstract Trans -fatty acids have been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition, a polymorphism at codon 54 (Ala54Thr) in the fatty acid–binding protein 2 ( FABP2 ) gene has been suggested to modify an interaction between dietary fat and insulin sensitivity. We examined the postprandial metabolic profiles after meals enriched with C18:1 trans - relative to a similar meal with C18:1 cis -fatty acid in individuals who were either FABP2 Ala54 homozygotes or Thr54 carriers. Moderately overweight men and women ate 2 breakfast test meals, separated by 1 week, each providing 40% of their daily energy requirement and containing 50% of energy as fat. In one meal, 10% of energy was from C18:1 trans , and in the other meal, the C18:1 trans was replaced with C18:1 cis . Metabolic parameters were assessed during an 8-hour period. Insulin and C-peptide levels increased more after the C18:1 trans meal, and this was associated with a greater fall in free fatty acids. Postprandial glucose levels and oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrate were not different between the 2 test meals. The Thr54 allele for FABP2 increased the rise in postprandial glucose but not triacylglycerols. Fractional triacylglycerol synthetic rates were higher after consumption of the C18:1 trans meal relative to the C18:1 cis meal only in Thr54 carriers. These data show that a single meal enriched with C18:1 trans -fatty acids can significantly increase insulin resistance, and that in the presence of the FABP2 Thr54 allele, may contribute to increased partitioning of glucose to triacylglycerols and insulin resistance.
Issues involved in using MCSCF to investigate catalytic sites involving transition metals

Abstract Computational quantum chemistry is used in catalysis research in ways that are very different from those in theoretical chemistry research, and as a consequence, standard theoretical chemistry approaches are sometimes not applicable. This paper considers issues associated with the study of heterogeneous catalytic sites and intermediates where single reference theories are not sufficiently accurate, and therefore a technique like multi-configurational self-consistent field (MCSCF) theory must be utilized. The geometric and electronic structure of heterogeneous catalyst sites and intermediates are often not known or are ambiguous, and in such situations, standard theoretical chemistry approaches may be unsuitable. In this paper, the issues involved in using MCSCF for molecular catalysis work are examined. Iron pentacarbonyl and ferric chloride dimer are used as test molecules to illustrate cases where Hartree–Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) both show deficiencies. These test molecules are then used to illustrate how MCSCF can be applied without prior knowledge of geometric or electronic structure and without the benefit of supporting experimental information, to obtain more accurate results than those from the single reference methods.
Full length article: Orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle with Fibonacci Verblunsky coefficients, I. The essential support of the measure

We study probability measures on the unit circle corresponding to orthogonal polynomials whose sequence of Verblunsky coefficients is invariant under the Fibonacci substitution. We focus in particular on the fractal properties of the essential support of these measures.
Impact compaction on a subgrade layer overlying deep deposit

Recent expansions of urban communities around the world have forced geotechnical engineers to deal with weak deep deposit for the construction of highways and roads. The current practice in estimating the level of field compaction is based on the results of a laboratory test, known as ‘Proctor’, where wide discrepancies are found between the laboratory-predicted and the field measurements. Impact compaction is a widespread soil-improvement technique that has been used with proven effectiveness. The technique is environmentally friendly, simple to apply and relatively inexpensive. This study presents a numerical model, which was developed to simulate the case of a dry thin subgrade layer overlying a deep deposit and subjected to impact compaction. The model is capable of measuring the total energy applied to the surface of the subgrade layer and its two components; namely the portion dissipated into the lower deposit and the portion remaining in the subgrade layer causing its compaction. A design guideline...
Phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylates eIF-4E and does not alter binding to the mRNA cap.

The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the 25 kDa mRNA cap binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor-4E (eIF-4E) is regulated during different physiologic and pathophysiologic states that include cell growth and the late phase of adenovirus infection. We have found that okadaic acid is much more effective in increasing the phosphorylated fraction of eIF-4E than phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in Hep G2 cells. Phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylated eIF-4E isolated from both phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- or okadaic acid-treated cells, whereas alkaline and acid phosphatase were relatively ineffective. The ability of purified [35S]eIF-4E isolated from okadaic acid-treated cells to bind mRNA caps was compared to phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A-treated [35S]eIF-4E and found to be no different. This suggests that alternative explanations for the previously observed effects of eIF-4E phosphorylation on protein synthesis must be considered. In addition, our results indicate that the in vivo phosphorylation eIF-4E is not catalyzed solely by protein kinase C.
IRF4 and IRF8: governing the virtues of B lymphocytes

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and IRF8 are critical regulators of immune system development and function. In B lymphocytes, IRF4 and IRF8 have been shown to control important events during their development and maturation including pre-B cell differentiation, induction of B cell tolerance pathways, marginal zone B cell development, germinal center reaction and plasma cell differentiation. Mechanistically, IRF4 and IRF8 are found to function redundantly to control certain stages of B cell development, but in other stages, they function nonredundantly to play distinct roles in B cell biology. In line with their essential roles in B cell development, deregulated expressions of IRF4 and IRF8 have been associated to the pathogenesis of several B cell malignancies and diseases. Recent studies have elucidated diverse transcriptional networks regulated by IRF4 and IRF8 at distinct B cell developmental stages and related malignancies. In this review we will discuss the recent advances for the roles of IRF4 and IRF8 during B cell development and associated diseases.
Computer-controlled dynamic phantom for ultrasound hyperthermia studies

A dynamic phantom system for use in evaluating hyperthermia heating equipment has been designed, constructed, and tested. It consists of four in vitro preserved canine kidneys perfused with an 80% ethanol preparation by a single pump, plus four computer-controlled valves and four flow meters. The flow rate to each kidney is computer-controlled, giving flexibility in the types of spatial and temporal flow patterns possible. Examples are given for both step and ramp changes in flow, and for a temperature-dependent flow which has been used to simulate physiological responses to elevated temperatures. >
The interaction of formic acid with transition metal surfaces, studied in ultrahigh vacuum

Abstract In this report, we review the interaction of formic acid (HCOOH) with transition metal surfaces, as studied with the tools of modern surface science in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. Our goal is to provide a broad overview of the fundamental adsorption and decomposition processes which HCOOH undergoes at the surfaces of these metals. The metal substrates include Cu, Fe, W, Ni, Ru, Ag, Pt, Au, Rh and Pd.
Nonlocality and Gleason's lemma. Part 2. Stochastic theories

I derive a Gleason-type contradiction from assumptions weaker than those needed to reach a Bell inequality. By establishing the inconsistency between local realism and QM's perfect EPR-type anticorrelations, the proof fills in a gap left open by Bell arguments.
ERIC: Mission, structure, and resources

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the mission, structure, and resource base of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC). An extensive review of literature coupled with the conduct of a key informants survey is used to produce an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of these aspects of ERIC. It is followed by recommendations for possible avenues for change and approaches to further investigation.
Formation Of Peptide Nanospheres And Nanofibrils By Metal Coordination

Two amphipathic polypeptides were coordinated to the cis positions of a square planar Pt(II) complex in order to provide the metal center with two noncovalent oligomerization domains. This resulted in the formation of new metal-peptide nanoassemblies which are shown to exist as nanometer-sized spheres and fibrils. Construction of these assemblies was based on the 30-residue polypeptide AQ-Pal14 which was designed for its ability to self-assemble into the common protein oligomerization motif of a noncovalent coiled-coil, and modified to contain a metal-binding 4-pyridylalanine residue at its surface. When AQ-Pal14 was reacted with Pt(en)(NO 3) 2, a new metal-peptide complex was formed in which two AQ-Pal14 peptides were coordinated to a single metal center as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). When the reaction mixture was analyzed under nondenaturing conditions by high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), it was found that all species present eluted at the column void volume, indicating the formation of very large metal-peptide assemblies. This was verified by multiangle light scattering (MALS) which showed that the metal-peptide assemblies have a weight-averaged molecular mass and z-average root-mean-square radius of Mw = (7 +/- 4) x 10 (6) g/mol and Rz = 18 +/- 4 nm, respectively. The presence of such nanometer scale assemblies was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy which showed the existence of both spherical and fibrillar nanostructures.
The efficacy of laparoscopic examination of the internal inguinal ring in children

Abstract The ability of physicians to identify a patent processus vaginalis by laparoscopic examination of the internal ring is now well established, but the efficacy on patient outcome is not. The authors reviewed their experience to determine the effect of diagnostic laparoscopy of the internal ring on the management of children with inguinal hernias. The records of 150 children who underwent inguinal surgery were reviewed—75 before (group 1) and 75 after (group 2) pediatric laparoscopy was introduced into the authors' practice. The children in group 1 were selected for unilateral or bilateral surgery based on history, age, sex, side of presentation, and parental preference. For group 2, laparoscopy was an additional option offered to appropriate patients. Laparoscopy was performed in 43 group 2 patients, using an infraumbilical site. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years for group 1 and 1 year for group 2. The mean ages for groups 1 and 2 were 41.2 and 39.7 months, respectively. There were 61 boys and 14 girls in each group. The percentages of right (R), left (L), and bilateral (B) findings, based on clinical observation, were 56.0 (R), 29.3 (L), and 14.7 (B) for group 1, and 58.7 (R), 26.6 (L), and 14.7 (B) for group 2. The incidence of bilateral surgical exploration was similar for the two groups (group 1, 58.6%; group 2, 61.3%). The addition of laparoscopy significantly lowered the incidence of negative explorations (group 1, 16.0%; group 2, 2.6%; P
Amino Acid Substitutions in a Long Flexible Sequence Influence Thermodynamics and Internal Dynamic Properties of Winged Helix Protein Genesis and Its DNA Complex

The hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3 homologous DNA binding domain is a highly conserved motif that contains a well-folded helix-turn-helix motif and two highly dynamic wings. Although the function and the properties of this motif have been intensively studied, the role of the internal wing (wing 1) is not well understood. In this study, amino acid substitutions were introduced into wing 1 of a conserved HNF-3 homologous protein, Genesis, and heteronuclear NMR, circular dichroism, DNA gel-shift assay, and fluorescent methods were employed to study and compare the properties of both wild-type and variant Genesis proteins. The data indicate that even though the substitutions are located on a dynamic wing outside the hydrophobic core sequences, they still globally influence biophysical properties of DNA-free Genesis and its DNA complex.
Larval food quality affects adult (but not larval) immune gene expression independent of effects on general condition

The potential effect of larval condition on adult immunity in holometabolous insects is rarely considered. We show here that larval food composition can impact adult immunity independent from effects on general condition of the animal. Rather, our data indicate a plastic allocation of resources to immunity in high-protein environments. Specifically, we found that increasing the nutritional yeast (protein) available to larval Drosophila melanogaster increased the adult’s constitutive transcription of two genes encoding defensive antimicrobial peptides. Adult dry weight was not significantly affected by larval food composition, while adult fat content decreased when larval yeast increased. Larval immune activity was unaffected by alterations of larval diet, indicating a lack of covariation in this trait across life-stages. We conclude that the nutritional environment of insect larvae can affect adult immunity by influencing plastic allocation of resources. These influences are less predictable than constraints linked to general condition would be.
Aesthetic Composition and the Language of Light, a Subject of Academic Inquiry

This study explores light as a design element in the composition of interior spaces. An analysis of two graduate-student projects demonstrates the potential in considering light from an aesthetic perspective. Further, the projects demonstrate the gap between the language used in the composition of interior space and the language of light.
High-dose ursodeoxycholic acid as a therapy for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

High-dose ursodeoxycholic acid as a therapy for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Current and past cigarette smoking significantly increase risk for microscopic colitis.

Background: Cigarette smoking is an important environmental factor affecting inflammatory bowel disease. The role of smoking has not been rigorously studied in microscopic colitis (MC). The aim of this study was to compare the association of cigarette smoking in individuals with MC compared to a control population without MC. Methods: We reviewed the records of patients with a clinical and histologic diagnosis of collagenous colitis (CC) or lymphocytic colitis (LC). Clinical history, including alcohol and smoking status at the time of diagnosis of MC, were reviewed. In this case–control study, age- and gender-matched patients without diarrhea presenting for outpatient colonoscopy served as the control population. Results: We analyzed a total of 340 patients with MC: 124 with CC and 216 with LC. Overall, any smoking status (former or current) was associated with MC (odds ratio [OR] 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56–2.88). This risk was more prominent in current smokers (adjusted OR 5.36, 3.81, and 4.37 for CC, LC, and all MC, respectively, 95% CI all greater than 1). The association of smoking was not significantly affected by gender or average alcohol consumption. Conclusions: In our study population, cigarette smoking is a risk factor for the development of both forms of microscopic colitis. There were no significant differences between LC and CC, and current smoking and the development of microscopic colitis affected men and women similarly. We feel that these data are sufficient to discuss the potential risks of tobacco use in patients with microscopic colitis. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012)
Gene Activation Using FLP Recombinase in C. elegans

The FLP enzyme catalyzes recombination between specific target sequences in DNA. Here we use FLP to temporally and spatially control gene expression in the nematode C. elegans. Transcription is blocked by the presence of an "off cassette" between the promoter and the coding region of the desired product. The "off cassette" is composed of a transcriptional terminator flanked by FLP recognition targets (FRT). This sequence can be excised by FLP recombinase to bring together the promoter and the coding region. We have introduced two fluorescent reporters into the system: a red reporter for promoter activity prior to FLP expression and a green reporter for expression of the gene of interest after FLP expression. The constructs are designed using the multisite Gateway system, so that promoters and coding regions can be quickly mixed and matched. We demonstrate that heat-shock-driven FLP recombinase adds temporal control on top of tissue specific expression provided by the transgene promoter. In addition, the temporal switch is permanent, rather than acute, as is usually the case for heat-shock driven transgenes. Finally, FLP expression can be driven by a tissue specific promoter to provide expression in a subset of cells that can only be addressed as the intersection of two available promoters. As a test of the system, we have driven the light chain of tetanus toxin, a protease that cleaves the synaptic vesicle protein synaptobrevin. We show that we can use this to inactivate synaptic transmission in all neurons or a subset of neurons in a FLP-dependent manner.