cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video microscopy of organelle inheritance and motility in budding yeast

By adapting the time-lapse video microscopy techniques that were developed for larger, more complex cells, to living Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, intracellular organelle movements were observed. Differential interference contrast optics revealed an organelle transport process in cells treated with mating pheromone. Small particles were observed to travel distances of up to 6 μm at rates of 0.11–0.17 (and in one case 0.80) μm/sec. Overall, the frequency of these motile events was quite low compared to what is observed in cell types traditionally studied by video microscopy. The ability to discern clearly the vacuole and nucleus in budding yeast revealed the dynamics of these organelles and the fact that their movements are carefully orchestrated during the cell cycle. Two types of vacuolar dynamics were observed: (1) interconversion between one large organelle and numerous smaller organelles and (2) the formation of projections that extend from the mother cell's vacuole into the bub. When applied to the study of the many available cytoskeletal and cell cycle mutants, the application of video microscopy to the study of organelle movements in living yeast cells will provide a unique opportunity to determine the molecular mechanisms of intracellular motility and to elucidate the temporal controls over these processes. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cotranslational disassembly of tobacco mosaic virus in vitro.

Abstract Heterogeneous nucleoprotein preparations of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), stored at pH 7.0, were treated briefly at pH 8 and then incubated in mRNA-dependent rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The treatment at pH 8.0, under conditions which did not cause detectable polar disassembly as judged by exposure to micrococcal nuclease, caused TMV to stimulate in vitro translation up to 100-fold over background. High-molecular-weight products, characteristic of TMV, appeared, albeit at a significantly slower rate than when naked TMV RNA was used as template. Ribonucleoprotein material from cycloheximide-treated incubations was examined in the electron microscope to reveal a subpopulation of rodlets (approx 5%) with clusters of ribosomes at their concave 5′ ends. It is proposed that pH 8 treatment removes the last turn of protective coat protein subunits from the rods and “exposes” at least a 49-nucleotide segment of the efficient 5′-leader sequence of TMV RNA for interaction with 40 S ribosomal subunits. Ribosome translocation during protein synthesis presumably dislodges further coat protein subunits progressively while continuing protection of the incoming TMV RNA.
NON-IDENTICAL MECHANISMS OF MITOTIC ARREST BY RESPIRATORY INHIBITORS IN PEA ROOT TIPS AND SEA URCHIN EGGS

The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of pea root tips is about 0.40 mmole/kg fresh weight. The effects of partial and complete anaerobiosis, and of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, on the ATP level are described. The ATP content was shown to correspond closely to the oxygen uptake under these conditions. However, there was no relation between the ATP level and the rate of mitosis, a situation which is in contrast with that in sea urchin eggs. In anaerobic conditions, mitoses in pea root tips could continue at a reduced rate, even though the ATP content had fallen to 1.5 per cent of the normal value in air The ATP level in anaerobic conditions corresponded closely to the expected rate of ATP regeneration from known anaerobic sources of energy. Calculations show that even this severely restricted supply of energy would be more than adequate to drive the anaphase chromosome movements, so it is suggested that the concept of a mitotic energy reservoir is superfluous in root tips. No evidence could be found for the involvement during mitosis in sea urchin eggs of a non-respiratory ferrous complex such as occurs in pea root tips. Hence the dilemma remains, that whereas mitoses in both sea urchin eggs and pea root tips are arrested by respiratory inhibitors, yet the biochemical mechanisms of the arrest in the two types of cell are totally distinct.
ahead of his time? production and reception in the work of Alexander Lesser

History, Evolution and the Concept of Culture: Selected Papers by Alexander Lesser. SIDNEY W. MINTZ, ed.
Anterograde and transcellular transport of a fluorescent dye, bisbenzimide, in the rat visual system

Abstract Fluorescent labeling was seen in rat brain after injections of 10 μ1 of 10% bisbenzimide into the posterior chamber of the eye. Small and spindle shaped fluorescent nuclei were seen in the ipsilateral optic nerve, chiasm and contralateral optic tract, while larger apparently neuronal nuclei were seen in regions such as the lateral geniculate and superior colliculus where the retinal projection terminates. These experiments suggest that, like radioactive compounds, fluorescent dyes undergo anterograde and transcellular transport following large injections. Although limited by sensitivity and the large injection volumes required, this anterograde transport and transcellular transfer of bisbenzimide may be useful in identifying cell populations near the terminal projections of specific neuronal pathways.
ALTERATIONS IN THE MOUSE CECUM AND ITS FLORA PRODUCED BY ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS

Addition of penicillin, Terramycin, or kanamycin to the drinking water of adult mice rapidly induced in them an enlargement of the cecum. In all animals, this occurred within 12 hr after the beginning of drug administration-the effect being most pronounced with penicillin. The cecums remained enlarged and generally continued to increase in size as long as the antibacterial drugs were administered. The increase in wet weight of the cecums was due primarily to an accumulation of water in the lumens during the first 24-48 hr of drug administration. At that time, there were no detectable histological changes in any case, but the bacteriological picture differed from drug to drug. The cecums were free of bacteria in animals receiving penicillin, fusiform-shaped bacteria and bacteroides were present in those receiving Terramycin, and lactobacilli and bacteroides in those receiving kanamycin. After the initial 48 hr, an abundant and complex secondary microflora developed in all treated animals, its composition being characteristic for each type of antibacterial drug. When penicillin was administered for 2 wk, the cecal weights and microbial populations did not return to normal levels for over 14 days after discontinuance of the drug. This recovery period could be shortened to 10 days by giving the mice food contaminated with cecal homogenates prepared from normal animals. A period of 7 or 8 days was required for the cecal weights and microflora to reach normal levels when the administration of penicillin lasted only 24 hr; this period could not be shortened by giving the animals contaminated food. The effects of drugs on the size and bacterial contents of the cecum have been discussed in the light of earlier findings concerning the characteristics of the huge cecums uniformly found in germfree mice. Taken together, these observations support the hypothesis that certain elements of the intestinal microflora-not yet completely identified-play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the water-transport mechanism in the intestinal epithelium.
Worsnop receives 2010 Yoram J. Kaufman Award for Unselfish Cooperation in Research: Citation

[1] Douglas R. Worsnop received the 2010 Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award at the 2010 AGU Fall Meeting, held 13–17 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “broad influence in atmospheric science through exceptional creativity, inspiration of younger scientists, mentoring, international collaborations, and unselfish cooperation in research.”
Depression of phagocytosis by ultrasound.

Abstract Swiss mice insonated with a 2 megaHertz (MHz) wave at an energy level of 8.9-milliwatts/square centimeter (mW/cm2) applied over the liver had an impaired ability to clear injected colloidal carbon from their blood compared to untreated mice. Mice evaluated immediately after treatment had a depressed phagocytic index (K) and clearance half-time ( T 1 2 ) but their phagocytic index corrected for liver and spleen weight (α) was normal. All three parameters deviated from normal if the clearance assay was conducted 48 or 72 hr after insonation, indicating a latency of the effect of ultrasound on the phagocytic system. The demonstration that peritoneal macrophages exposed in vivo to ultrasound also had depressed phagocytic abilities indicated that the reduced clearance of carbon from the blood of mice was not entirely due to damage to the liver.
Optimizing Service Attributes: The Seller's Utility Problem

Service designers predict market share and sales for their new designs by estimating consumer utilities. The service's technical features (for example, overnight parcel delivery), its price, and the nature of consumer interactions with the service delivery system influence those utilities. Price and the service's technical features are usually quite objective and readily ascertained by the consumer. However, consumer perceptions about their interactions with the service delivery system are usually far more subjective. Furthermore, service designers can only hope to influence those perceptions indirectly through their decisions about nonlinear processes such as employee recruiting, training, and scheduling policies. Like the service's technical features, these process choices affect quality perceptions, market share, revenues, costs, and profits. We propose a heuristic for the NP-hard service design problem that integrates realistic service delivery cost models with conjoint analysis. The resulting seller's utility function links expected profits to the intensity of a service's influential attributes and also reveals an ideal setting or level for each service attribute. In tests with simulated service design problems, our proposed configurations compare quite favorably with the designs suggested by other normative service design heuristics.
Quantization noise analysis of a general digital filter

A new, precise modeling technique is presented for the exact representation of digital filters, discrete systems, or computational algorithms. It leads to a method for the determination of the noise variance of the filter output due to quantization errors occurring at multipliers, summers, and the A/D converter. The noise formulae are in either infinite series or closed form and through their use a precise evaluation of an arbitrary filter structure may be obtained. The formulas can be easily computer implemented and require no filter analysis by the designer. The special case of state-space filters is examined in detail. Appropriate numerical examples are included.
Integrated Fluidic Photonics for Multi-Parameter In-Plane Detection in Microfluidic Flow Cytometry

Cylindrical fluid-filled lenses microfabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer are incorporated into a microfluidic flow cytometer to localize excitation in the channel and enable multi-parameter in-plane scatter detection.
FMECA control for software development

This paper presents a brief overview of current work at the University of Louisville toward the use of systems engineering methodologies for control of the software engineering process. While this work is still in its initial stages, the methodologies for failure modes, effects and criticality analysis seem to be particularly appropriate. Two medium size software applications of these methodologies are currently under investigation in our laboratory.
Protein chaperones: a composition of matter review (2008 - 2013).

Introduction: Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are proteins with important functions in regulating disease phenotypes. Historically, Hsp90 has first received recognition as a target in cancer, with consequent efforts extending its potential role to other diseases. Hsp70 has also attracted interest as a therapeutic target for its role as a co-chaperone to Hsp90 as well as its own anti-apoptotic roles. Areas covered: Herein, patents from 2008 to 2013 are reviewed to identify those that disclose composition of matter claimed to inhibit Hsp90 or Hsp70. Expert opinion: For Hsp90, there has been considerable creativity in the discovery of novel pharmacophores that fall outside the three initially discovered scaffolds (i.e., ansamycins, resorcinols and purines). Nonetheless, much of the patent literature appears to build on previously reported structure activity relationship through slight modifications of Hsp90 inhibitor space by finding weaknesses in existing patents. The major goal of future development of Hsp90 in...
Current Practice and Utility of Chromosome Microarray Analysis in Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Objective Traditionally, karyotype and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used for cytogenetic testing of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution. Recently, chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) has been performed in lieu of the traditional tests. A standardized approach to cytogenetic testing does not exist in this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of CMA based on our current ordering practice. Design We reviewed the records of all infants (<1 year old) who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution from January 2010 to June 2013. Data included results of all cytogenetic testing performed. Diagnostic yield was calculated as the percentage of significant abnormal results obtained by each test modality. Patients were grouped by classification of CHD. Results Two hundred seventy-five (51%) of 535 infants who underwent cardiac surgery had cytogenetic testing. Of those tested, 154 (56%) had multiple tests performed and at least 18% were redundant or overlapping. The utilization of CMA has increased each year since its implementation. The diagnostic yield for karyotype, FISH and CMA was 10%, 12%, and 14%, respectively. CMA yield was significantly higher in patients with septal defects (33%, P = .01) compared with all other CHD classes. CMA detected abnormalities of unknown clinical significance in 13% of infants tested. Conclusions In our center, redundant cytogenetic testing is frequently performed in infants undergoing cardiac surgery. The utilization of CMA has increased over time and abnormalities of unknown clinical significance are detected in an important subset of patients. A screening algorithm that risk-stratifies based on classification of CHD and clinical suspicion may provide a practical, data-driven approach to genetic testing in this population and limit unnecessary resource utilization.
Grating-induced surface plasmon-polaritons for enhancing photon absorption in organic photovoltaic devices

We present a grating electrode that launches laterally propagating surface plasmon-polaritons along the active layers of organic photovoltaic devices. The resulting standing wave effectively increases the device thickness and enhances the photon absorption by 19.8%.
The virtual windtunnel: A high-performance virtual reality application

Work in progress on a virtual environment designed for the visualization of pre-computed fluid flows is described. The overall problems involved in the visualization of fluid flow are summarized, including computational, data management, and interface issues. Requirements for a flow visualization are summarized. Many aspects of the implementation of the virtual windtunnel have been uniquely determined by these requirements. The user interface is described in detail. >
Deferred vs. immediate modification of simulation state in a parallel discrete event simulator using threaded worker pools

The joint integrated mission model (JIMM) is a real-time legacy battlefield simulator employed in detailed analyses and virtual exercises. To leverage more processors to improve real-time execution, a worker pool of threads optimistically executes events in parallel but avoids cascading rollback by executing only one future event per simulated object. Safeguards for maintenance of simulation state are programmed explicitly and either deferred or immediate modification of state variables could be employed in case of event rollback. In the beginning of the main parallelization effort, deferred modification was used where simulation state is updated only when the event can be completed safely. However, after successful implementation, it was determined to be impractical. Later, all safeguard programming employed immediate modification where original state is restored in case of rollback. This paper discusses these techniques for parallel execution of events in JIMM from initial efforts through later code maintenance.
Structural basis of PP2A activation by PTPA, an ATP-dependent activation chaperone

Proper activation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit is central for the complex PP2A regulation and is crucial for broad aspects of cellular function. The crystal structure of PP2A bound to PP2A phosphatase activator (PTPA) and ATPγS reveals that PTPA makes broad contacts with the structural elements surrounding the PP2A active site and the adenine moiety of ATP. PTPA-binding stabilizes the protein fold of apo-PP2A required for activation, and orients ATP phosphoryl groups to bind directly to the PP2A active site. This allows ATP to modulate the metal-binding preferences of the PP2A active site and utilize the PP2A active site for ATP hydrolysis. In vitro, ATP selectively and drastically enhances binding of endogenous catalytic metal ions, which requires ATP hydrolysis and is crucial for acquisition of pSer/Thr-specific phosphatase activity. Furthermore, both PP2A- and ATP-binding are required for PTPA function in cell proliferation and survival. Our results suggest novel mechanisms of PTPA in PP2A activation with structural economy and a unique ATP-binding pocket that could potentially serve as a specific therapeutic target.
An Exceptionally Simple Theory of Everything

All elds of the standard model and gravity are unied as an E8 principal bundle connection. A non-compact real form of the E8 Lie algebra has G2 and F4 subalgebras which break down to strong su(3), electroweak su(2) x u(1), gravitational so(3,1), the frame-Higgs, and three generations of fermions related by triality. The interactions and dynamics of these 1-form and Grassmann valued parts of an E8 superconnection are described by the curvature and action over a four dimensional base manifold.
Origin of the unit membrane concept

The papers included in this volume are of itwo kinds. First, there are short ones presenting the results of recent research as presented at the Frascati Conference. Since, however, it was planned that the Frascati Conference would foe the first of a series, it was felt that the collection of papers ought to include a few invited longer ones of a more general survey nature to bring the shorter papers into better perspective. I was tasked to write such a paper dealing with the unit membrane. I accepted with (some reluctance because I have reviewed this subject several times already in (recent years. However, I consented to do this in the interest of making the whole volume more useful as a (general reference to students. To those who have read other reviews by me in recent years, there is little new in the present article. It is addressed only to those who are unfamiliar with the evolution of the unit membrane concept.
Continuous-Infusion Adriamycin

The use of adriamycin is frequently limited by the development of a cumulative-dose-dependent cardiomyopathy, which increases substantially in incidence at doses ≥550 mg/m2. To avoid the potential development of fatal refractory congestive heart failure (CHF), dose limitation to 450–550 mg/m2has been recommended by a variety of authors.1–3Since an oncologist may not wish to stop treatment of an individual patient at an arbitrary level, a considerable investment of time and resources has been made in an effort to extend the use of adriamycin or develop analogs with diminished cardiotoxicity to accomplish the same aim.
Evidence for decreased calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors and compromised responsiveness to CGRP of fetoplacental vessels in preeclamptic pregnancies

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilatory peptide, and its concentration is increased in both maternal and fetal circulation during late pregnancy. The present study was designed to investigate the expression of CGRP receptor components, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), and the relaxation response to CGRP in fetoplacental vessels from normotensive pregnant women and women with preeclampsia. Results showed that: 1) mRNA for both CRLR and RAMP1 was expressed in fetoplacental vessels from normal pregnancies; however, these mRNA expressions were substantially reduced in the vessels from preeclamptic women; 2) CRLR and RAMP1 proteins were abundantly expressed in the endothelium and smooth muscle layer of the fetoplacental vessels, as well as the trophoblast cells in normal placentas. In contrast, both vascular tissues and trophoblasts showed decreased expressions for CRLR and RAMP1 proteins and declined CGRP binding sites in pree...
A review of 60 operations in the emergency department operating room: A three year study

Since March, 1972, the Emergency Department of Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York Medical College, has had a fully equipped operating room for the management of patients in critical condition and shock. Sixty patients over a three year period have undergone emergency surgery there with a survival rate of 46.8%. Five surgeons cover the emergency department 24 hours per day and four backup surgeons are available during peak periods. The type of injuries and corresponding survival rate, plus lapsed time between injury and treatment along with other data, are given for the 60 cases.
MH2: FUTURE EMPLOYABILITY: A NEW APPROACH TO COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC THERAPY

OBJECTIVE: Antipsychotic therapies are often evaluated on the basis of clinical endpoints (BPRS, PANSS) and measures of direct cost. However, schizophrenia patients pose a substantial burden in terms of indirect costs, much of which is attributable to loss of employment. We present a new approach to assess the cost-effectiveness of Risperidone Vs Haloperidol, using employability as an outcome measure. METHODS: A decision analytic cost-effectiveness model was developed to compare the two treatments over a one-year period including all direct medical costs and the number of employable persons as a measure of effectiveness. A measure of executive functioning, the Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST), was used as an intermediate endpoint from which employability was modeled. A Monte-Carlo procedure, using WCST sampling distributions from clinical trials, simulated the WCST score distribution for a cohort of 10,000 patients. A clinically stable patient, with a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score increase of at least 20% and a WCST-Category score of 3.5 was assumed to be employable. Sensitivity analysis was performed for key values. RESULTS: The base case per-patient cost of Risperidone and Haloperidol was $5,967 and $4,622 respectively and the number of employable persons was 3,258 (32.58%) and 2,517 (25.17%) respectively. Risperidone remained cost increasing and had higher number of employable persons over all the ranges used in the sensitivity analysis. The base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for Risperidone was $14,507 for each additional employable person. The incremental CE ratio ranged from a high of $100,000 to a low of $3,000 per employable persons when the rates of clinical stability for Risperidone and Haloperidol therapy were varied. CONCLUSION: Gains from earning rates for employed schizophrenics, savings in informal caregiver costs and other intangible positive effects could justify an incremental cost of $14,507 for each additional employable person prescribed Risperidone.
MicroRNA-30 and SOX9 participate in a negative feedback loop to regulate intestinal proliferation (LB744)

Precise regulation of SOX9 expression is critical for normal proliferation and differentiation in the intestinal epithelium. microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as prominent fine-tuners of gene expression. In silico sequence analyses revealed a putative binding site for SOX9 in the promoter of miR-30, as well as a conserved target site for miR-30 in the SOX9 3’ UTR. Therefore, we sought to test the hypothesis that miR-30 mediates feedback control of SOX9 in intestinal epithelial cells. We first sorted functionally distinct cell populations from the jejunum of Sox9-EGFP reporter mice based on different levels of Sox9-EGFP. Real-time PCR analysis on RNA from these sorted cells demonstrated that miR-30 and Sox9 expression are positively correlated in the mouse intestine. Knockdown of SOX9 in a human intestinal epithelial cell line (HIECs) significantly decreased miR-30 expression, suggesting that SOX9 positively regulates miR-30 in the intestine. Antisense inhibition of miR-30 in HIECs led to significantly eleva...
Synthesis and Evaluation of Osteogenic Oxysterols as Hedgehog Pathway Activators.

Oxysterols (OHCs) are metabolic byproducts of cholesterol that are known to function as agonists of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Previously, we reported 23(S)-hydroxycholesterol [23(S)-OHC, 4] as a potent activator of Hh signaling with the ability to functionally differentiate mouse embryonic fibroblasts to an osteogenic fate. To obtain 23(S)-OHC in quantities suitable for in vivo evaluation, we developed a revised synthetic route that decreases the number of steps and chromatographic purifications, and which also enhances the stereoselective nature of the synthesis. This new route also allows access to the C21 methyl group of the OHC scaffold, and several new analogues with varying stereochemistry at this location were evaluated for their ability to up-regulate the Hh pathway.
Odorants Suppress a Voltage-Activated K+ Conductance in Rat Olfactory Neurons

Stimulation of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) with odors elicits an increase in the concentration of cAMP leading to opening of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and subsequent depolarization. Although opening of CNG channels is thought to be the main mechanism mediating signal transduction, modulation of other ion conductances by odorants has been postulated. To determine whether K+ conductances are modulated by odorants in mammalian ORNs, we examined the response of rat ORNs to odors by recording membrane current under perforated-patch conditions. We find that rat ORNs display two predominant types of responses. Thirty percent of the cells responded to odorants with activation of a CNG conductance. In contrast, in 55% of the ORNs, stimulation with odorants inhibited a voltage-activated K+ conductance ( I Ko). In terms of pharmacology, ion permeation, outward rectification, and time course for inactivation, I Ko resembled a delayed rectifier K+ conductance. The effect of odorants on I Ko was specific (only certain odorants inhibited I Ko in each ORN) and concentration dependent, and there was a significant latency between arrival of odorants to the cell and the onset of suppression. These results indicate that indirect suppression of a K+ conductance ( I Ko) by odorants plays a role in signal transduction in mammalian ORNs.
Latent learning in rats with hippocampal lesions

Six of 12 hippocampally lesioned and5 of 11 cortically lesioned rats were given 16 nondeprived exposure trials in a T-maze prior to acquisition of a spatial discrimination. The remaining Ss in each lesion group were given no preacquisition maze exposure. Ss in both lesion groups who were given preacquisition maze exposure required fewer trials to acquire the discrimination.
Functional Grammar Instruction Impact on Writing Quality

Traditional grammar instruction at the elementary level tends to focus on isolated linguistic features such as the eight parts of speech and sentence types. This type of instruction omits an important part of writing which is the interrelatedness between grammatical structures and meaning. Using a Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework, this mixed methods study examined the use of SFLinspired writing instruction in fourth grade classrooms over the course of the fall semester to develop students’ descriptive writing. A sample of 24 students representing three ability levels was randomly selected for detailed text analysis. Writing samples from each student at three separate time intervals were collected and evaluated. Both quantitative and qualitative examination of students’ essays revealed a significant improvement in students’ descriptive writing over time. These improvements were linked to greater command of the linguistic elements that were the targets of instruction. Stabilization in writing progress was observed when instruction focused on test preparation. Implications are discussed.
Market Share Determination: A Low Cost Approach:

Determining market share for a branded food item sold or dispensed in a variety of retail and institutional outlets can be an expensive and time consuming task. The author shows that a relatively l...
Fate and Efficacy of O-[4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)thio]phenyl]O-Ethyl S-Propyl Phosphorothioate (RH-0994) after Application to the Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Studies with the 14C-labeled experimental insecticide RH-0994 ( O -[-[(4-chlorophenyl)thio]phenyl] O -ethyl S -propyl phosphorothioate) demonstrated that adult boll weevils (BWv). Amthonomus grandis Boheman, absorbed topical doses of the compound at a significantly slower rate than 3rd-instar, insecticide-susceptible (S-TBW) or field-collected (F-TBW) tobacco budworms, Heliothis virescens (F.), and that absorption by F-TBW was significantly slower than for S-TBW. In tests of the topical toxicity of RH-0994 against third-stage TBW and adult BWv, the order of susceptibility was S-TBW > F-TBW > BWv. Comparative studies of the metabolism of [14C]RH-0994 by fifth stage S- and F-TBW larvae indicated the insects metabolized oral doses of the compound rapidly at about equivalent rates and produced the same array of metabolites. Field tests of RH-0994 (0.84 and 1.12 kg/ha) against natural populations of Heliothis spp. in cotton indicated that control was comparable to that afforded by sulprofos (1.12 kg/hal and flucythrinate (28.0 and 44.8 g/ha).
Preliminary Report on Silvicultural Experiment of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis Provenance Family

Silvicultural experiment of Pinus kesiya var.langbianensis was conducted on 12 provenances and 27 families.The results indicate that there are significant difference on the growth of different provenances and families.As far as the 6 superior families are concerned,compared with the worst families,the average growth of height,DBH and volume of 3.5 years old stand increased by 11.7 % ~ 23.3 %,19.9 % ~ 32.6 % and 50 % ~ 101.6 % respectively.
Differential Effects of Carbachol and Oxotremorine on Muscarinic Receptors, Cyclic Amp Formation, and Phosphoinositide Turnover in Chick Heart Cells

A central theme in current studies of muscarinic receptors is the definition of muscarinic receptor subtypes. Early evidence for the existence of such receptor subtypes came from studies of physiological responses mediated through muscarinic receptors in various tissues (1, 7). More recently, investigators have used radioligand binding studies to look for muscarinic receptor subtypes. Attempts to distinguish subtypes with classical antagonists have not been fruitful since these agents generally recognize a uniform population of binding sites (9). Several non-classical antagonists such as gallamine (8) and pirenzepine (10) do appear to show selectivety in radioligand binding assays, but gallamine probably acts at a site that is different from the primary antagonist binding site (8) and the selectivity of pirenzepine has been disputed (11).
The Effect of Fasting Duration on Baseline Blood Glucose Concentration, Blood Insulin Concentration, Glucose/Insulin Ratio, Oral Sugar Test, and Insulin Response Test Results in Horses

Objectives Published descriptions of the oral sugar test (OST) and insulin response test (IRT) have been inconsistent when specifying the protocol for fasting horses before testing. The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of fasting duration on blood glucose concentration, blood insulin concentration, glucose/insulin ratio, OST, and IRT results in horses. Animals Ten healthy adult horses. Procedures Both OST and IRT were performed on horses without fasting and after fasting for 3, 6, and 12 hours. Thus, 8 tests were performed per horse in a randomized order. Blood collected at the initial time point of the OST was analysed for both blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations so that baseline concentrations and the glucose/insulin ratio could be determined. Unless fasted, horses had free-choice access to grass hay. Results There was no effect of fasting and fasting duration on blood glucose concentration, serum insulin concentration, glucose/insulin ratio, or the OST. Response to insulin in the IRT was decreased in fasted horses. The effect increased with fasting duration, with the least response to insulin administration after a 12-hour fast. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance These data indicate that insulin sensitivity is not a fixed trait in horses. Fasting a horse is not recommended for a glucose/insulin ratio or IRT, and fasting a horse for 3 hours is recommended for the OST.
Global Health, Human Rights, and the Challenge of Neoliberal Policies

Written by a respected authority on human rights and public health, this book delivers an in-depth review of the challenges of neoliberal models and policies for realizing the right to health. The author expertly explores the integration of social determinants into the right to health along with the methodologies and findings of social medicine and epidemiology. The author goes on to challenge the way that health care is currently provided and makes the case that achieving universal health coverage will require fundamental health systems reforms.
On the Illusions of City Planners

Urban specialists, asked to explain the need for intervention in the growth and management of cities, would doubtless point an accusing finger at the market mechanism and the need to correct its inadequacies or to substitute new mechanisms which would function more adequately. So familiar and plausible are the critiques of the market that many planners find it hard to grasp any grounds for opposition save those understandably held by interests which would be hurt in the process. What is often ig­nored, however, are the limited capabilities of urban planners. In the past, it has been all too easy for them to assume that they could correct the inadequacies of the market or that they could create new mechanisms that would function more adequately. It is this assumption that makes the period when urban planners get significant status and power such a risky one for the profession. For then city planners must show that they can make matters better, or at least not worse; which is precisely what they all too often may not be able to ensure, and for all sorts of reasons, some good, some bad. The situation today is critical because the failings are becoming embarrassingly obvious. A few familiar examples are subsidy programs serving the wrong firms or failing to produce the intended effects; land-use regulations inhibiting development or increasing its cost; public housing serving the wrong families or demeaning the groups served; and inflexible or poorly designed rent controls accelerating the deterioration of the existing stock of housing. There are, on occasion, special or extenuating circumstances—pressures from certain special interests, limited resources, the novelty of some of the efforts and the need for patience and a reasonable period for learning how to carry out some of the tasks. Nonetheless, one has only to study the backgrounds of the staffs of most planning programs, or to compare the number of specialists needed and now being trained in most Third World countries (TWCs),1 or to examine what is taught in most schools of planning to realize how few well-trained planners there are and how limited the intellectual capital of planning is. The situation is all the worse where the pay is low and the general quality of the Civil Service is poor—and that is the case for most TWCs.
Dental vs. Medical Students' Comfort with Smoking Cessation Counseling: Implications for Dental Education.

The aim of this study was to determine if dental and medical students have similar feelings of professional responsibility, comfort, and confidence with counseling patients about smoking cessation during their clinical years. All third- and fourth-year osteopathic medical (N=580) and dental students (N=144) at Western University of Health Sciences were invited to participate in a survey in April–July 2014, either electronically or in person, regarding their perceived professional responsibility, comfort, and confidence in counseling smokers about quitting and major constraints against counseling smokers about quitting. Respondents’ demographic characteristics, smoking history, and history of living with a smoker were also assessed. Response rates were 21% (124/580) for medical and 82% (118/144) for dental students. Most of the responding medical (99.2%) and dental (94.9%) students reported feeling it was their professional responsibility to counsel patients about smoking cessation. Medical student respondents were significantly more comfortable and confident counseling patients about smoking cessation than dental student respondents (p 0.10). There were no differences by age, but students who were former smokers were significantly more comfortable and confident counseling about smoking cessation than were nonsmokers (p=0.001). While almost all of the responding students reported feeling responsible for counseling patients about smoking cessation, the medical students and former smokers were more comfortable and confident performing this counseling. These results suggest the need for additional training in counseling techniques for dental students and nonsmokers. Future studies should assess the impact of medical and dental students’ smoking cessation counseling.
Pulmonary contusions in the elderly after blunt trauma: incidence and outcomes.

Abstract Background In the general population with blunt chest trauma, pulmonary contusions (PCs) are commonly identified. However, there is limited research in the elderly. We sought to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of PCs in elderly blunt trauma admissions. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the trauma registry at a level I trauma center for all blunt thoracic trauma patients aged ≥65 y, who were admitted between 2007 and 2015. The medical records of PC patients were reviewed. Results There were 956 admissions with blunt thoracic trauma; of which 778 had no pulmonary contusion (NO) and 178 had PC. The major mechanisms of injury were falls (58.7% NO, 39.3% PC, P Conclusions Over 18.6% of elderly blunt thoracic trauma patients sustained PC, despite an often low energy mechanism of injury. The presence of a PC should prompt investigation for other serious intrathoracic and extrathoracic injuries. PC presence is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.
Yersinia enterocolitica in Drinking Water

Beginning in the 1930s, the New York State Health Department reported sporadic isolations over nearly twenty years of unusual bacteria associated most often with enteritis in children (Schleifstein and Coleman, 1939). The organisms were gram-negative fermentive bacilli that had several identical biochemical characteristics (sucrose and indole positive, rhamnose negative, motile at 20°C but not at 37°C), demonstrated common antigens, and were highly virulent for mice. They were tentatively named Bacterium enterocoliticum (Schleifstein and Coleman, 1943).
The utility of PET/CT imaging of head and neck cancer performed early after surgical resection and prior to adjuvant radiation therapy

1730 Objectives: With the advent of PET/CT imaging in the care of head and neck cancer patients, the proper timing of PET/CT in the care of these patients is of concern. Post operative and inflammatory uptake can hinder interpretations when performed too early and be a limiting factor on PET/CT’s utility. We evaluated the utility of PET/CT at a relatively early time point after curative-intent surgical resection and prior to planned post-operative radiation therapy. Methods: 91 consecutive patients (67 with new disease, 24 with recurrent disease) who were referred for post-operative radiation therapy after complete surgical resection were evaluated. Tumor histologies included 62 squamous cell cancers and 29 other patients with 12 different histologies. Median time between surgery and PET/CT was 4 weeks (range 1.9-10.7). Findings suspicious for new or recurrent/ persistent disease on PET/CT were referred for biopsy to confirm the findings. Correlation was made to changes in patient care using these data. Endpoints were the number of positive PET scans, number of positive biopsies and number of treatment changes. Treatment changes considered significant were changing from adjuvant therapy to curative salvage or palliative treatment. Results: Based on suspicious PET/CT findings, 24 patients (26.4%) underwent biopsies of suspicious sites. Three other patients with suspicious findings did not undergo biopsy as the abnormalities were not easily accessible (frontal lobe brain, paranasal sinus, skull base). 11/24 (45.8%) biopsies were positive for cancer. Treatment was changed for 14 (15.4%) patients (11 positive biopsy patients and 3 non-biopsied patients) as a result. Treatment changes included abandonment of radiation therapy and switching to palliative chemotherapy (4), changing of radiation therapy plans (7), additional surgery (2) and adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy (1). Multiple surgeries/treatment for recurrent cancer or primary skin lesions were the best predictors of having biopsy-proven, therapy-changing PET/CT findings (p Conclusions: Even with an expectedly high rate of false positive PET/CT scans in this early postoperative period, PET/CT changed patient management in a relatively large number of these patients. PET/CT can be recommended in the post-operative, pre-radiation therapy setting with the understanding that therapy-altering PET/CT findings should be confirmed by biopsy.
Pathogenesis of herpes simplex keratitis: The host cell response and ocular surface sequelae to infection and inflammation

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) keratitis is a leading cause of infectious blindness. Clinical disease occurs variably throughout the cornea from epithelium to endothelium and recurrent HSV stromal keratitis is associated with corneal scarring and neovascularization. HSV keratitis can be associated with ocular pain and subsequent neutrophic keratopathy. Host cell interactions with HSV trigger an inflammatory cascade responsible not only for clearance of virus but also for progressive corneal opacification due to inflammatory cell infiltrate, angiogenesis, and corneal nerve loss. Current antiviral therapies target viral replication to decrease disease duration, severity and recurrence, but there are limitations to these agents. Therapies directed towards viral entry into cells, protein synthesis, inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways in animal models represent promising new approaches to the treatment of recurrent HSV keratitis.
Left-Sided Intracardiac Tumors in a Case of Widespread Vulvar Cancer.

Metastatic cardiac tumors associated with gynecological malignancies are rare. This report describe the case of stage-4 vulvar carcinoma…
Immunological Basis of Inflammatory Arthritides

In this chapter, we present the immunological basis of inflammatory arthritides, with a focus on the etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritides (SpA). In genetically predisposed individuals, the initial immunologic events in the pathogenesis of seropositive RA occur in the lungs, where smoking (“first hit”) triggers citrullination of lung proteins and asymptomatic production of ACPA (preclinical RA). Not well-characterized “second hits” trigger a series of immunological events (e.g., changes in the effector functions and antigen specificities of ACPA, cytokine/chemokine production, and activation of resident synovial and endothelial cells) resulting in the onset of early RA. Then, synovial cytokine networks and immune complexes induce perpetuation of synovial inflammation (established RA) with pannus formation, bone and cartilage destruction, systemic osteoporosis, and extra-articular comorbidities (premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events). All SpA endotypes display strong polygenic heritability, with HLA-B27 conferring the highest risk. Type 3 inflammation (IL-23/IL-17 pathway) is central in SpA pathogenesis, with IL-17 and IL-23 playing tissue/organ-specific roles. In SpA pathogenesis, there is a mechanistic link between repeated mechano-inflammation in the entheses and events occurring in the gut (gut-joint axis), such as epithelial barrier disruption, dysbiosis, intestinal inflammation, and arthritogenic priming of the immune system.
A Commentary on Construct Validity When Using Operational Virtual Learning Environment Data in Effectiveness Studies

AbstractVirtual learning environments (VLEs) are increasingly used at-scale in educational contexts to facilitate teaching and promote learning, and the data they produce can be used for educationa...
Explainable DRC hotspot prediction with random forest and SHAP tree explainer

With advanced technology nodes, resolving design rule check (DRC) violations has become a cumbersome task, which makes it desirable to make predictions at earlier stages of the design flow. In this paper, we show that the Random Forest (RF) model is quite effective for the DRC hotspot prediction at the global routing stage, and in fact significantly outperforms recent prior works, with only a fraction of the runtime to develop the model. We also propose, for the first time, to adopt a recent explanatory metric---the SHAP value---to make accurate and consistent explanations for individual DRC hotspot predictions from RF. Experiments show that RF is 21%--60% better in predictive performance on average, compared with promising machine learning models used in similar works (e.g. SVM and neural networks) while exhibiting good explainability, which makes it ideal for DRC hotspot prediction.
Gold Nanorods as Photoacoustic Nanoprobes to Detect Proinflammatory Macrophages and Inflammation

Key hallmarks of inflammation include proinflammatory (M1) macrophages and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, we developed a ROS-sensitive, photoacoustic (PA) nanoprobe capable of identifying M1 macrophages in vitro. The nanoprobe is a silica-coated gold nanorod (AuNR), which provides a stable PA signal, combined with an adsorbed polyelectrolyte-dye (poly-d-lysine (PDL)-IR775c) coating that exhibits ROS sensitivity. By monitoring the ratio between these two PA intensities, we can determine if ROS is present. Upon loading, then stimulating, macrophages toward an M1 phenotype, we observe a significant decrease in the ratio of dye/AuNR intensities relative to a nonstimulated control. Our nanoprobe is also applied to a mouse model of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where we demonstrate an ability to identify early signs of muscle inflammation before symptoms or histologic evidence. Taken together, our nanoprobe can be a powerful tool for monitoring macrophage phenotype and inflammation in vivo.