cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A (NR3A) in the olfactory system and its regulatory role on olfaction in the adult mouse

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the olfactory system and its N-methyl-D-aspartate-(NMDA) receptor subunits [GluN1 (NR1), GluN2A (NR2A), and GluN2B (NR2B)] are expressed at synapses in the olfactory bulb and olfactory epithelium. Thus, glutamatergic neurons and NMDA receptors play key roles in olfaction. GluN3A (NR3A) is a unique inhibitory subunit in the NMDA receptor complex; however, the expression and functional role of GluN3A in the olfactory bulb and epithelium remain unclear. The present study examined the expression patterns of GluN3A in the olfactory bulb and epithelium and explored its functional role in the olfactory system. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that GluN3A is abundantly expressed in different cellular layers of the olfactory bulb and epithelium of the adult wild type (WT) mice. In littermate GluN3A knockout (GluN3A(-/-); KO) mice, the expression of olfactory marker protein normally found in mature olfactory sensory neurons was significantly reduced in the olfactory bulb and epithelium. A butyl alcohol stimulus increased immediate-early gene c-Fos expression in the olfactory system of WT mice, while this response was absent in GluN3A KO mice. The level of phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II was significantly lower in GluN3A KO mice compared to WT mice. In buried food finding test, GluN3A mice took significantly longer time to find food compared to WT mice. Consistently, impaired odor distinguishing ability was seen in GluN3A KO mice. These findings suggest that GluN3A, expressed in the adult olfactory system, plays a significant regulatory role in olfactory development and functional activity.
Oxygen-dependent regulation of mitochondrial respiration by hypoxia-inducible factor 1

The survival of metazoan organisms is dependent upon the utilization of O2 as a substrate for COX (cytochrome c oxidase), which constitutes Complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Premature transfer of electrons, either at Complex I or at Complex III, results in the increased generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species). Recent studies have identified two critical adaptations that may function to prevent excessive ROS production in hypoxic cells. First, expression of PDK1 [PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) kinase 1] is induced. PDK1 phosphorylates and inactivates PDH, the mitochondrial enzyme that converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA. In combination with the hypoxia-induced expression of LDHA (lactate dehydrogenase A), which converts pyruvate into lactate, PDK1 reduces the delivery of acetyl-CoA to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, thus reducing the levels of NADH and FADH2 delivered to the electron-transport chain. Secondly, the subunit composition of COX is altered in hypoxic cells by increased expression of the COX4-2 subunit, which optimizes COX activity under hypoxic conditions, and increased degradation of the COX4-1 subunit, which optimizes COX activity under aerobic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 controls the metabolic adaptation of mammalian cells to hypoxia by activating transcription of the genes encoding PDK1, LDHA, COX4-2 and LON, a mitochondrial protease that is required for the degradation of COX4-1. COX subunit switching occurs in yeast, but by a completely different regulatory mechanism, suggesting that selection for O2-dependent homoeostatic regulation of mitochondrial respiration is ancient and likely to be shared by all eukaryotic organisms.
The reverse displacement analysis of a tensegrity based parallel mechanism

A new type of parallel mechanism is introduced that is based on the principle of tensegrity. In tensegrity structures, ties are used for elements that are in tension and struts for elements that are in compression. In this paper, three of the ties of a tensegrity structure are comprised of a compliant and a non-compliant segment that are in series. The length of the three non-compliant segments can be varied in order to control the shape and desired compliant characteristics of the tensegrity mechanism. This paper will describe the new mechanism in detail and present a reverse displacement and compliance analysis of the device.
Effect of exercise on patient specific abdominal aortic aneurysm flow topology and mixing

Computational fluid dynamics modeling was used to investigate changes in blood transport topology between rest and exercise conditions in five patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm models. MRI was used to provide the vascular anatomy and necessary boundary conditions for simulating blood velocity and pressure fields inside each model. Finite-time Lyapunov exponent fields and associated Lagrangian coherent structures were computed from blood velocity data and were used to compare features of the transport topology between rest and exercise both mechanistically and qualitatively. A mix-norm and mix-variance measure based on fresh blood distribution throughout the aneurysm over time were implemented to quantitatively compare mixing between rest and exercise. Exercise conditions resulted in higher and more uniform mixing and reduced the overall residence time in all aneurysms. Separated regions of recirculating flow were commonly observed in rest, and these regions were either reduced or removed by attached and unidirectional flow during exercise, or replaced with regional chaotic and transiently turbulent mixing, or persisted and even extended during exercise. The main factor that dictated the change in flow topology from rest to exercise was the behavior of the jet of blood penetrating into the aneurysm during systole.
A spatial approach in locating and explaining conflict hot spots in Nepal

This paper uses a spatial analytical approach in locating and explaining conflict in Nepal. Human casualties that occurred during the 10 years of conflict in the districts is the dependent variable to be explained. Moran’s I is used to test the spatial dependence of conflict in the districts. A highly significant lambda confirms spatial dependence, forming geographic clusters of high- and low-casualty districts. Further, local Moran’s I results show that high-conflict districts have higher socioeconomic problems. The results show that lower life expectancy, lower per capita income, low literacy, low employment, low scores on gender equality, and a weak infrastructure base in the districts are associated with higher conflict, possibly reflecting greater level of grievances against the government and intensification of conflict. A spatial lag model shows that illiteracy, landholding size, poor infrastructure base, and unequal share of women’s income are factors associated with conflict. The presence of spat...
XBRL filings: What have we learned?

In January 2009, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandated the use of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) financial statement reports. The current filing process with the SEC will undergo a major change under XBRL, but the new rules are taking effect over a three-year phase-in period. What lessons have we learned from the first wave of XBRL filers with the SEC? And what future planning should Phase 2 and Phase 3 companies undertake? © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symbolic Math Approach To Solve Particle-in-the-Box and H-Atom Problems

The Schrodinger equation can be solved exactly for the hydrogen atom. In this assignment, students will solve the equation symbolically using Mathcad's derivatives feature. The result is an expression for the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. Students will also prove that the radial part of the wave function is normalized and explore the concept of an orbital. This exercise is intended for junior-level students who have been introduced to quantum mechanics. Students should be able to solve the particle-in-the-box problem and plot the wave functions for the first several energy levels and have some experience with derivatives and integrals in Mathcad.
Mathematics Curriculum Systems: Models for Analysis of Curricular Innovation and Development

Defining challenging curriculum first requires an examination of what is meant by curriculum. This discussion of challenging curriculum is motivated by the evaluation of the National Science Foundation's Math and Science Partnership Program. Standards frameworks, textbooks, software, and pedagogy are some aspects of curricula. The level of challenge of a curriculum is a locally defined, qualitative characteristic that depends on the curriculum system. The structure of a curriculum system is proposed to investigate the purposes, representations, and conceptual systems inherent in models of curriculum that are part of mathematics teaching and learning initiatives. Three types of models are proposed: content focused, pedagogically focused, and learner centered. The models draw on examples from the Math and Science Partnership portfolio and from other areas of the literature on mathematics curriculum.
A study of the structural effects on the liquid-crystalline properties of ionic perylenebis(dicarboximide)s using UV-Vis spectroscopy, polarized light microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy.

Ionic perylenebis(dicarboximide)s 1−5 were synthesized. The aggregation and liquid-crystalline properties of these compounds in aqueous solutions were investigated. In the concentration range of ∼5 × 10-7−5 × 10-4 M, the structures of the ammonium side chains and counterions did not have a significant effect on the electronic transition properties and H-aggregate formation of these compounds. However, the liquid-crystalline phase properties varied with the structure of the side chains and the counterions. Ionic perylenebis(dicarboximide)s 1, 3, and 5 with chloride ions formed nematic (N) phases from the isotropic (I) phase, while 2 and 4 with p-methylbenzenesulfonate ions formed chromonic ribbons from the I phase. Studies by polarized light microscopy and 2H NMR spectroscopy indicated that the N phase of 5 (with gem dimethyl groups) formed at higher concentrations than those observed for 1 and 3 at the same temperature. Furthermore, the N phase of 5 was less ordered compared to those of 1 and 3 at a simil...
A novel zirconium-catalyzed hydroalumination of olefins

Abstract Sterically hindered trialkylalanes, such as triisobutylalane, react with olefins at or below room temperature under the influence of a catalytic amount of Cl 2 ZrCp 2 to effect hydroalumination of the olefins. The reaction can tolerate certain hetero-functional groups, such as OH, SPh, and Br, which tend to interfere with previously reported hydroalumination procedures.
Managing energy emergencies

Abstract In the past few years the United States has experienced several emergencies due to energy shortages, and more loom in the future. This paper presents a model for studying energy emergencies and applies the model in a framework to analyze a natural gas shortage in New England. The framework assesses events initiating emergencies, supply/demand disruptions, social and economic impacts, characteristics of emergencies, and societal responses. In concluding, the paper suggests how we can become better managers of potential energy emergency situations.
Inhibition of Translation by a Short Element in the 5′ Leader of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA Polymerase Transcript

Many viruses regulate gene expression, both globally and specifically, to achieve maximal rates of replication. During herpes simplex virus 1 infection, translation of the DNA polymerase (Pol) catalytic subunit is inefficient relative to other proteins of the same temporal class (D. R. Yager, A. I. Marcy, and D. M. Coen., J. Virol. 64:2217-2225, 1990). To investigate the mechanisms involved in the inefficient translation of Pol and to determine whether this inefficient translation could affect viral replication, we performed a mutagenic analysis of the 5' end of the pol transcript. We found that a short sequence ( approximately 55 bases) in the 5' leader of the transcript is both necessary and sufficient to inhibit translation in rabbit reticulocyte lysates and sufficient to inhibit reporter gene translation in transfected cells. RNase structure mapping experiments indicated that the inhibitory element adopts a structure that contains regions of a double-stranded nature, which may interfere with ribosomal loading and/or scanning. Pol accumulated to approximately 2- to 3-fold-higher levels per mRNA in cells infected with a mutant virus containing a deletion of the approximately 55-base inhibitory element than in cells infected with a control virus containing this element. Additionally, the mutant virus replicated less efficiently than the control virus. These results suggest that the inhibitory element regulates Pol translation during infection and that its inhibition of Pol translation is beneficial for viral replication.
Recirculating bioreactor–separator system for simultaneous biotransformation and recovery of product: Immobilized L-aspartate β-decarboxylase reactor system

A new combined bioreactor-separator system was designed and its operational feasibility demonstrated in order to develop a bioprocess that enables us to handle simultaneous biotransformation and recovery of product by crystallization. Enzymatic conversion of L-aspartate to L-alanine by L-aspartate β-decarboxylase from Pseudomonas dacunhae (ATCC 21192) was used as a model system for this study to demonstrate the principles involved in the bioprocess design. Immobilized cells of P. dacunhae containing the enzyme were fluidized in a tapered column type of bioreactor and a filter-crystallizer combination was used as a separator unit in our experimental system. It was found that almost a theoretical yield was achieved, and the process control for both the bioreactor operation and separation was relatively easy. The Production systems, namely, the recirculating bioreactor separator combination system and the conventional batch reactor system, were analyzed and compared based on the results obtained form this study, and it was found that a significant cost reduction, by about 20%, can be achieved when the recirculating bioreactor–separator combination system was employed. Based on these findings, it is anticipated that the conceptual design of the bioreactor–separator combination system evaluated in this study has some potential for industrial application.
Cloning, structural characterization, and chromosomal localization of the human orthologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH5 gene.

Abstract We have cloned and characterized the human orthologue of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeMutS homologue 5 (MSH5) cDNA, as well as the human gene that encodes the MSH5 cDNA, as a step toward understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the biological function of this novel human protein. The identified cDNA contains a 2505-bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes an 834-amino-acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 92.9 kDa. The amino acid sequence encoded by this cDNA includes sequence motifs that are conserved in all known MutS homologues existing in bacteria to humans. The cDNA appears, on the basis of amino acid sequence analysis, to be a member of the MutS family and shares 30% sequence identity with that ofS. cerevisiae MSH5,a yeast gene that plays a critical role in facilitating crossover during meiosis. Northern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of a 2.9-kb human MSH5 mRNA species in all human tissues tested, but the highest expression was in human testis, an organ containing cells that undergo constant DNA synthesis and meiosis. The expression pattern of humanMSH5resembled that of the previously identified human MutS homologuesMSH2, MSH3,andMSH6—genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). In an effort to expedite the search for potential disease association with this new human MutS homologue, we have also determined the chromosomal location and structure of the humanMSH5locus. Sequence and structural characterization demonstrated thatMSH5spans approximately 25 kb and contains 26 exons that range in length from 36 bp for exon 8 to 254 bp for exon 25.MSH5has been mapped to human chromosome band 6p21.3 by fluorescencein situhybridization. Knowledge of the sequence and gene structure ofMSH5will now enable studies of the possible rolesMSH5may play in meiosis and/or DNA replicative mismatch repair.
Online heavy hitter detector on FPGA

Detecting heavy hitters is essential for many network management and security applications in the Internet and in data centers. Heavy hitter is the entity in a data stream whose amount of activity, such as bandwidth consumption or number of connections is higher than a given threshold. In this work, we propose a pipelined architecture for an online heavy hitter detector on FPGA. It also reports the top K heavy hitters. We design an application specific data forwarding mechanism to handle data hazards without stalling the pipeline. The stream size and the threshold for heavy hitter detection can be configured through run-time parameters. The post place-and-route results on a state-of-the-art FPGA shows that the architecture can achieve a throughput of 84 Gbps supporting 128 K concurrent flows. The proposed architecture can support large number of concurrent flows using external memory while sustaining the same throughput as the on-chip BRAM based implementation.
Automating short-term insertion of parts for heterogeneous robots using a control basis approach

Robotics technology is quickly evolving and demanding robots to perform more actions and with greater complexity. Modular construction tasks are well suited for heterogenous robots. In this paper we studied if modularizing a distributed multi-agent architecture with a control modular framework was a viable approach to generate complex robotic behavior with short term autonomy. To this end we tasked a heterogeneous robot team to perform an assembly task using force sensing. We also studied which robots would be better suited for a given task. Our experimental results concluded that the modular control approach was viable to generate short-term autonomous complex robotic behavior and our analysis characterized the advantages of each robot for the assembly task.
All-optical programmable photonic integrated circuit: An optical analogy to electronic FPGA

An all-optical, programmable photonic integrated circuit platform is developed by leveraging the advantages of three techniques: two-dimensional silicon photonic crystals, digital micromirror devices, and photo-responsive liquid crystals. The employment of a light spatial modulator enables us to address any air holes of a photonic crystal slab infiltrated with liquid crystals, modulating flexibly the effective refractive index of each photonic cell. By optically introducing multiple point defects to different regions of the photonic crystal slab through digital programming, it is possible to reconfigure and tune various photonic building blocks, interconnects, and even complex photonic circuits on a single chip. Using this device, we have demonstrated to realize three basic photonic components, including a straight waveguide, a waveguide bend, and a cavity filter.
Biaxial Mechanical Testing of Porcine Sclera Using Ultrasound Speckle Tracking for Strain Measurement

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and is associated with characteristic optic nerve damage (Clark 2012). Intraocular pressure (IOP) induced deformation of the optic nerve head (ONH) and posterior sclera may be involved in the etiology of glaucomatous damage.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Molecular Actuators Designed with S∴N(sp2) Hemibonds Attached to a Conformationally Flexible Pivot

We propose an electromechanical actuator based on the electroactive hinge, 2-(2-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl)pyridine (MSPPy, 3), in which the formation of 2c/3e S∴N(sp2) hemibonds generate the driving forces for the molecular motion of the biphenyl-like pivot. The expansion and contraction of the molecular configuration are controlled by the formation and dissociation of the hemibonds at the neutral and +1 oxidized state of the molecule, respectively. The structural and electronic properties of the proposed actuators are characterized through density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio calculations. Several analogous molecules are carefully analyzed in order to validate the presented theoretical approach. The formation of an intramolecular S∴N(sp2) hemibond in the radical cation of MSPPy (3•+) is supported by the short S···N distance, significant Mayer’s bond order indices, and the characteristic stretching frequencies. The S∴N(sp2) bonding strength is estimated using the conformational method. A further imp...
Dermal Wound Healing Is Subject to Redox Control

Previously we have reported in vitro evidence suggesting that that H2O2 may support wound healing by inducing VEGF expression in human keratinocytes (C. K. Sen et al., 2002, J. Biol. Chem. 277, 33284–33290). Here, we test the significance of H2O2 in regulating wound healing in vivo. Using the Hunt–Schilling cylinder approach we present the first evidence that the wound site contains micromolar concentrations of H2O2. At the wound site, low concentrations of H2O2 supported the healing process, especially in p47phox- and MCP-1-deficient mice in which endogenous H2O2 generation is impaired. Higher doses of H2O2 adversely influenced healing. At low concentrations, H2O2 facilitated wound angiogenesis in vivo. H2O2 induced FAK phosphorylation both in wound-edge tissue in vivo and in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. H2O2 induced site-specific (Tyr-925 and Tyr-861) phosphorylation of FAK. Other sites, including the Tyr-397 autophosphorylation site, were insensitive to H2O2. Adenoviral gene delivery of catalase impaired wound angiogenesis and closure. Catalase overexpression slowed tissue remodeling as evidenced by a more incomplete narrowing of the hyperproliferative epithelium region and incomplete eschar formation. Taken together, this work presents the first in vivo evidence indicating that strategies to influence the redox environment of the wound site may have a bearing on healing outcomes.
Pressure measurements in laser-supported plasmas with piezoresistance gages

Vapor-deposited ytterbium gages are used to measure the surface pressures produced by a laser-supported plasma. Past experiments of this type have had some success in measuring peak pressures, but have had difficulty in following late-time pressure decay. The gage design used here is improved over previous designs through analysis of the wave propagation in the gate package. Gage-package characteristics are selected to give rapid and accurate response to changes in surface pressure. The analyses show the importance of material selection and two-dimensional effects in gage-package design. Experimental results are used to illustrate the use of the gate to measure pressures of about 10 MPa with rise times of 100 ns and total duration of several microseconds.
Mexican American Mothers' Perceptions of Childhood Obesity: A Theory-Guided Systematic Literature Review

Childhood obesity continues to increase, disproportionately affecting Mexican American children. The aims of this review are to (a) assess the literature regarding Mexican American mothers’ knowledge and perceptions of childhood obesity, prevention, and their role in prevention; (b) critically evaluate the methodological quality of the research conducted on mothers’ perceptions of childhood obesity; and (c) make recommendations for future research on parental perceptions of childhood obesity. Four databases were searched for relevant articles and 22 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Social cognitive theory was used to sort findings across studies. Major findings included the following: (a) barriers to childhood obesity prevention included lack of education regarding prevention and role modeling, (b) only 23% of studies explicitly used a theoretical framework to guide their study, and (c) most studies used heterogeneous groups to examine perceptions. Implications for future re...
Contrasting trends of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in New Mexico's hispanics, non-hispanic whites, American Indians, and blacks

Background. Prostate cancer has increased in epidemic proportions during the 1980s. Although marked differences in ethnic and racial temporal trends for prostate cancer have been observed both in the United States and internationally, the trends in Hispanics and American Indians have not been described extensively. Methods. To characterize the occurrence of prostate cancer among non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, American Indians, and blacks in New Mexico, the authors examined cancer incidence data collected by the New Mexico Tumor Registry for the period 1969–1991 and mortality data collected by the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Statistics for the period 1958–1991. Results. From 1969 to 1991, age-adjusted incidence rates increased from 74.4 to 139.1 per 100,000 (87%) among non-Hispanic whites and from 54.0 to 94.7 (75%) among Hispanics. American Indians had the lowest incidence rates of all groups. Over the same period, incidence rates for local-stage cancers increased by 93% and 81% among non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, respectively, but were stable for American Indians and blacks, whereas rates for regional-stage cancers increased sharply. Incidence rates of distant-stage disease decreased among non-Hispanic whites from 1969 through 1991. In contrast, incidence rates of distant-stage disease among Hispanics increased through 1982. From 1983 to date, age-adjusted mortality rates of prostate cancer decreased among all groups except Hispanics. Conclusion. The patterns of incidence and mortality are consistent with a stage migration. The recent decrease in age-adjusted prostate cancer mortality rates for non-Hispanic whites is consistent with that expected following the decrease in distant-stage disease incidence. Differential access to medical care and prostate cancer screening may account for these trends.
Irreducible decomposition of monomial ideals

In this paper we present two algorithms for irreducible decomposition of monomial ideals. We first use staircase structures to study the monomial ideals. We generalize the shifting degrees rule from two variables to three variables and then arbitrary case. With the aid of monomial tree representation, a new algorithm for irreducible decomposition of monomial ideals is provided. For the second method, we associate a monomial ideal with a Scarf complex, which is introduced by Herbert Scarf. Every facet of the Scarf complex corresponds to an irreducible component, and vice versa. Milowski(2004) developed a method to enumerate all the facets based on reverse search by exchanging one monomial at a time. We define a facet graph where nodes are facets and there is an edge from a facet FA to another facet FB if FB can be obtained from FA by exchanging one vertex. We give a new generic deformation called ordinal deformation and prove that the facet graph of an ordinally generic monomial ideal is strongly connected. This yields a simpler and more efficient enumeration algorithm.
General and Specific Cognitive and Psychomotor Abilities in Personnel Selection: The Prediction of Training and Job Performance

Use of ability tests in personnel selection is addressed beginning with methodological issues. Studies are reviewed that show that almost all the validity of cognitive tests comes from general cognitive ability, g. Psychomotor ability is reviewed and found to have both higher- and lower-order factors, contrary to long-held beliefs. It was found that the higher-order general psychomotor factor was one source of validity of psychomotor tests. Additionally, psychomotor tests were shown to contain measures of g and to increment the validity of g-based measures very little.
Pattern recognition of human brain electrical potentials

Since brain electrical potentials (BEPs) are correlated with a variety of behavioral and clinical variables, especially tight experimental designs are necessary. Primary analysis, which usually consists of spectral analysis, linear prediction, or zero-cross detection, should match the time scale and dynamics of the states or processes being investigated. Nonneural contaminants must be removed from BEPs prior to computation of summary features. Principal components analysis, ad hoc methods, and stepwise discriminant analysis have been used to extract independent, intuitively appealing, and good-classifying features, respectively. Most pattern classification algorithms have been applied to BEPs including decision functions, trainable classification networks, distance functions, syntactic methods, and hybrids of the preceding. Because of its wide availability, most studies have used stepwise linear discriminant analysis.
Atmospheric Loading of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Lake Michigan as Recorded in the Sediments

Five sediment cores from a north−south transect of Lake Michigan were collected using box cores deployed from the RV Lake Guardian and from a submersible (Johnson Sea Link II, RV Seward Johnson). The sediments, analyzed for PAHs (n = 28) and 210Pb to obtain accumulation rates and inventories of PAHs, were used to determine the role of the atmosphere in contaminant loading to Lake Michigan. The accumulation of PAHs in the sediments increased dramatically around 1900, reached a plateau around 1930−1975, and decreased slightly in recent time. Surface sediment accumulation rates and inventories for ∑PAHs (n = 17 parent), corrected for sediment focusing with 210Pb, equaled 50−70 ng cm-2 yr-1 and 5000−7000 ng cm-2, respectively. The relative abundances of individual PAH compounds from Lake Michigan sediments, PM-10 aerosol of Chicago, and a coke oven signature are statistically similar establishing a linkage between combustion sources in the south, atmospheric deposition, and sediment accumulation. Further supp...
Social Work in the New Russia at the Start of the Millennium

Since the fall of communism social work has become the fastest-growing profession in Russia. Shortages of resources, capabilities and technology have moved social work rapidly towards professionalization. This microethnographic study examines the status of social work in Russia today.
Acquired myasthenia gravis: what we have learned from experimental and spontaneous animal models

Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission in which muscle weakness results from an autoantibody mediated depletion of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis, described in rodents and rabbits, has provided a good model of the effects of the autoimmune response against AChR and has shown that the specificities of the immune response in MG are those that would be obtained by immunization with native AChR. It has provided little information, however, about what initiates and sustains the immune response in MG. Acquired MG occurs spontaneously in dogs and may be the most common neuromuscular disorder that can be diagnosed in this species. As in human MG, an autoimmune response against AChR has been demonstrated and AChR autoantibodies have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The variability in clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, and occurrence with other autoimmune diseases and neoplasia are identical to that of humans. Future studies of spontaneous canine autoimmune MG may provide clues to the determination of what factors initiate and sustain the autoimmune response to AChR, and in the study of specific suppression of the autoimmune response against AChR.
Eicosanoids mediate control of thermoregulatory sweating in the cicada, Tibicen dealbatus (Insecta: Homoptera)

Cicadas prevent body temperature from exceeding tolerable levels by a combination of behavioral responses and sweating. Sweating is activated when body temperature reaches a critical set-point temperature. We investigated control of sweating in the cicada, Tibicen dealbatus, by chemically manipulating biosynthesis of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids. Injecting prostaglandins in amounts equal to those that induce behavioral fever in scorpions and crustaceans resulted in only a small increase in set-point temperature. Blocking prostaglandin biosynthesis with cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors such as aspirin produced significant changes in set-point temperature, confirming that prostaglandins are involved in control of sweating. However, the effect of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors was not the opposite of the effect of prostaglandins. Instead, the effect of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors depended strongly on the value of setpoint temperature prior to treatment. Results of biochemical manipulations of other steps in eicosanoid biosynthetic pathways corroborated the results of cyclo-oxygenase inhibition and indicated that eicosanoids other than prostaglandins may be involved in control of body temperature in normothermic T. dealbatus. The effect of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on a given set-point temperature depended on the ambient temperature experienced by cicadas during the experiment. Surprisingly, cicadas exposed to ambient temperatures ≥40°C delayed activation of sweating until body temperature exceeded values normally recorded from T. dealbatus in the field. Control of body temperature in normothermic cicadas is thus complex, involving inputs from body temperature sensors, ambient temperature sensors, and at least two cyclo-oxygenase-dependent regulatory pathways.
Evidence for a link between gut microbiota and hypertension in the Dahl rat

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. This study was designed to evaluate whether gut microbial composition affects hypertension. 16S rRNA genes obtained from cecal samples of Dahl salt-sensitive (S) and Dahl salt-resistant (R) rats were sequenced. Bacteria of the phylum Bacteroidetes were higher in the S rats compared with the R rats. Furthermore, the family S24-7 of the phylum Bacteroidetes and the family Veillonellaceae of the phylum Firmicutes were higher in the S rats compared with the R rats. Analyses of the various phylogenetic groups of cecal microbiota revealed significant differences between S and R rats. Both strains were maintained on a high-salt diet, administered antibiotics for ablation of microbiota, transplanted with S or R rat cecal contents, and monitored for blood pressure (BP). Systolic BP of the R rats remained unaltered irrespective of S or R rat cecal transplantation. Surprisingly, compared with the S rats given S rat cecal content, systolic BP of the S rats given a single bolus of cecal content from R rats was consistently and significantly elevated during the rest of their life, and they had a shorter lifespan. A lower level of fecal bacteria of the family Veillonellaceae and increased plasma acetate and heptanoate were features associated with the increased BP observed in the S rats given R rat microbiota compared with the S rats given S rat microbiota. These data demonstrate a link between microbial content and BP regulation and, because the S and R rats differ in their genomic composition, provide the necessary basis to further examine the relationship between the host genome and microbiome in the context of BP regulation in the Dahl rats.
Alternative Penalty Functions for Penalized Likelihood Principal Components

ABSTRACT The penalized likelihood principal component method of Park (2005) offers flexibility in the choice of the penalty function. This flexibility allows the method to be tailored to enhance interpretation in special cases. Of particular interest is a penalty function in the style of the Lasso that can be used to produce exactly zero loadings. Also of interest is a penalty function for cases in which interpretability is best represented by alignment with orthogonal subspaces, rather than with axis directions. In each case, a data example is presented.
Use of "submarine" gel electrophoresis for running multiple two-dimensional protein gels

An apparatus commonly used for the electrophoresis of submerged agarose gels was used to separate proteins in the second dimension, after isoelectric focusing in the first dimension. Multiple second-dimension gels were stacked one above the other and run horizontally, submerged in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing Laemmli buffer system. The reproducibility of the gels run under these conditions is remarkable and eliminates the need for individual vertical electrophoresis units for routine analysis. The units for submerged horizontal gel electrophoresis are easily made or are inexpensively available commercially.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Single Strand DNA Binding Protein and Helicase/Primase Complex Disable Cellular ATR Signaling

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) has evolved to disable the cellular DNA damage response kinase, ATR. We have previously shown that HSV-1-infected cells are unable to phosphorylate the ATR substrate Chk1, even under conditions in which replication forks are stalled. Here we report that the HSV-1 single stranded DNA binding protein (ICP8), and the helicase/primase complex (UL8/UL5/UL52) form a nuclear complex in transfected cells that is necessary and sufficient to disable ATR signaling. This complex localizes to sites of DNA damage and colocalizes with ATR/ATRIP and RPA, but under these conditions, the Rad9-Rad1-Hus1 checkpoint clamp (9-1-1) do not. ATR is generally activated by substrates that contain ssDNA adjacent to dsDNA, and previous work from our laboratory has shown that ICP8 and helicase/primase also recognize this substrate. We suggest that these four viral proteins prevent ATR activation by binding to the DNA substrate and obstructing loading of the 9-1-1 checkpoint clamp. Exclusion of 9-1-1 prevents recruitment of TopBP1, the ATR kinase activator, and thus effectively disables ATR signaling. These data provide the first example of viral DNA replication proteins obscuring access to a DNA substrate that would normally trigger a DNA damage response and checkpoint signaling. This unusual mechanism used by HSV suggests that it may be possible to inhibit ATR signaling by preventing recruitment of the 9-1-1 clamp and TopBP1.
Emergency pediatric imaging: changes over the years. Part II.

We have lived through an enormous era of technical advance and data acquisition and transfer. Radiology (imaging), has come out of this very strong and has spread to new endeavors and other disciplines. One of the major changes has been the enormous expansion of digital, cross-sectional, imaging. Just how this has affected pediatric radiology in terms of the skull and spine is the subject of this communication. The overall message is that we must keep a blend of plain films and digital cross-section studies and know what to keep and what to let go.
Induction of smectic behaviour in a carborane‐containing mesogen. Tail fluorination of a three‐ring nematogen and its miscibility with benzene analogues

Partial tail fluorination of a nematic three‐ring carborane mesogen, 1H, induced smectic A (SmA) and smectic C (SmC) phases, leaving a narrow range nematic phase in 1F. In contrast, fluorination of the benzene and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane analogues, 2H and 3H, eliminated their nematic behaviour, enhanced their respective SmC and SmA phases and induced SmA, smectic I (SmI) and smectic F (SmF) phases in 2F. A binary phase diagram of 1F with its non‐fluorinated analogue 1H shows nearly ideal miscibility. In the approximately equimolar mixture of 1F and 2H the SmC phase is expanded by 36 K, and in a mixture of 1F and 2F the SmA phase is stabilised by additional 37 K.
Cocaine use during pregnancy and health outcome after 10 years.

Background Women who used cocaine during pregnancy may become at risk for increased physical and mental health problems.
Display of courtship and incubation behavior during the reproductive cycle of the male ring dove (Streptopelia risoria).

Abstract It is generally held that the decline in courtship which is seen at the beginning of incubation during the reproductive cycle of the male ring dove ( Streptopelia risoria ) is the result of changes in endocrine secretion rather than changes in response to the external situation. To test this hypothesis, male ring doves proceeding through a cycle with their mates were tested at selected intervals to determine whether there was a decline in courtship behavior in the course of a reproductive cycle. Four conditions were examined. Inexperienced and experienced males were tested with a stimulus female in two situations; once after the mate and nest were removed from the home cage, and once after the mate only was removed. In the former situation the male courted a stimulus female irrespective of the stage of the cycle he had reached with his mate. In the latter situation, as incubation with the mate progressed, males continued to incubate when the stimulus female was introduced. Thus, the male's display of courtship during the reproductive cycle is influenced by the external stimulus situation presented by the female and the nest.
Action of Ultrasonicated Epinephrine: Potentiation of Isometric Contraction in Isolated Papillary Muscle from Dog Quiescent Heart

Epinephrine solutions were exposed to ultrasonic frequencies or to oxidation by passing oxygen through the solution until a pink color was formed. The effects of these epinephrine solutions were investigated on the physiological functions of heart papillary muscles and their contractile element, i.e., actomyosin. When added to the bathing medium containing papillary muscle from beating rat hearts, the modified epinephrine produced a gradual increase in the maximum response of the muscle to electrical stimulation. If the incubating medium contained papillary muscle from quiescent dog heart, the muscle did not respond to electrical stimulation alone or in the presence of epinephrine. However, when added to the bathing medium, the sonified or the oxidized epinephrine caused initiation and potentiation of isometric contractions in response to electrical stimulation. The effects of the altered epinephrines on papillary muscles from both types of hearts were concentration and time dependent. When added with either the sonified or the oxidized epinephrine, a “serum protein” isolated from human serum intensified and stabilized the effects of both forms of epinephrine on the papillary muscle from rat or dog quiescent heart. When added to a standard actomyosin solution in imidazole–potassium chloride–ethyleneglycol tetraacetate salt buffer at pH 7.0, adenosine triphosphate caused precipitation of the contractile protein, which was assessed by the increase in absorbance and was measured spectrophotometrically at 660 nm. When the incubation mixture contained increments of the sonified or the oxidized epinephrine, the precipitating effect of adenosine triphosphate was not changed. But, if added with either modified epinephrine, the serum protein caused two- or fivefold increases in the precipitation of the contractile elements from solutions incubated in the presence of the oxidized or sonified epinephrine, respectively.
Fiber-linked interferometric displacement sensor: analysis of residual sensitivity to fiber stress

In this paper an accurate analysis of the sensitivity to fiber-stress of a fiber-linked interferometric displacement sensor is presented. A numerical evaluation has been performed, aimed at evidencing the influence of (i) the nonideal behavior of the fiber, (ii) the nonideal polarization of the laser source, and (iii) the fiber-ends misalignment. An experimental verification of the model, based on measurements carried out on interferometric signals from a prototype of the system, is also presented. Both the incremental operating mode and the subfringe measurement mode of the interferometer have been considered. In the incremental mode, based on the interferometric fringe transition counting, the implemented system is insensitive to fiber stress for a few degrees of fiber-ends misalignment. However, for high-accuracy measurements based on subfringe measurements, in order to reduce the sensitivity to fiber stresses, the input fiber end has to be precisely aligned to the head containing the laser source and detectors. It is also shown that, due to the uncertain behavior of the real fiber and to the nonperfect polarization of the laser, also in the case of ideal fiber-end alignment, a residual sensitivity of the system to fiber stress is still present. This sensitivity is significant only for subfringe measurements.
Critical Making as Materializing the Politics of Design

The notion of “critical making” suggests a new form of design, through which the political qualities of an issue are materialized by participatory means. In this essay I trace and describe this process through the Growbot Garden project—a design project directed at reimagining agricultural technologies to support small-scale agriculture. Through a discussion of this project I draw out the ways that politics were actively projected onto and through artifacts by the participants. In effect, these artifacts were a material expression of their desires and commitments. By creating these artifacts, the participants enacted a novel mode of “doing” political design as a collaborative and public endeavor of articulation.
Thermoresponsive dual emission nanosensor based on quantum dots and dye labeled poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Dual end-functionalized telechelic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was synthesized using reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. One end was coupled to a fluorescent dye and the other end was covalently coupled to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) through carbodiimide chemistry. The hybrid nanoparticle shows ratiometric changes in fluorescence emission upon temperature cycling between 25 °C and 45 °C.
Sequential confidence intervals with fixed-proportional accuracy for the mean of NEF-PVF distributions

For the class F0 = {Fθ : θ ϵ Θ} of natural exponential family of distributions having power variance function, an appropriate sequential procedure for constructing confidence intervals of fixed-proportional accuracy for the mean is proposed. The performance of the procedure is measured using the average coverage probability, for which asymptotic expansion is obtained. The usual estimator barxt, where t is an appropriate stopping time, is known to be biased. A class of bias-corrected interval estimates is proposed and in some cases their performance is shown to be better than that of an interval estimate with no bias correction.
The Influence of Respiratory Acid-base Status on Adult Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Before and After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Respiratory acid-base status has recently been shown to affect pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in adults following cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine what influence cardiopulmonary bypass has on the pulmonary vascular response to changes in respiratory acid-base status. Fifteen consecutive patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass were studied under general anesthesia both before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Arterial Pco 2 was manipulated by the addition of 5 percent carbon dioxide to the breathing circuit. Both before and after bypass, PVR increased significantly as Pco 2 rose from 30 mm Hg to 50 mm Hg (p 2 was returned to 30 mm Hg. These data suggest that increased PVR induced by hypercarbic acidemia is not simply a result of the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the pulmonary circulation. Instead, we conclude that respiratory acid-base status is an important determinant of adult PVR. We believe these data may be helpful in the treatment of mechanically ventilated patients, since patients are at particular risk of having abnormalities develop in respiratory acid-base status.