cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The evolution of hybrid fitness during speciation.

The evolution of postzygotic reproductive isolation is an important component of speciation. But before isolation is complete there is sometimes a phase of heterosis in which hybrid fitness exceeds that of the two parental species. The genetics and evolution of heterosis and postzygotic isolation have typically been studied in isolation, precluding the development of a unified theory of speciation. Here, we develop a model that incorporates both positive and negative gene interactions, and accounts for the evolution of both heterosis and postzygotic isolation. We parameterize the model with recent data on the fitness effects of 10,000 mutations in yeast, singly and in pairwise epistatic combinations. The model makes novel predictions about the types of interactions that contribute to declining hybrid fitness. We reproduce patterns familiar from earlier models of speciation (e.g. Haldane’s Rule and Darwin’s Corollary) and identify new mechanisms that may underlie these patterns. Our approach provides a general framework for integrating experimental data from gene interaction networks into speciation theory and makes new predictions about the genetic mechanisms of speciation.
Selective and Sensocompatible Electrochemical Nitric Oxide Sensor with a Bilaminar Design

Macrophages mediate mammalian inflammation in part by the release of the gasotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO). Electrochemical methods represent the best means of direct, continuous measurement of NO, but monitoring continuous release from immunostimulated macrophages remains analytically challenging. Long release durations necessitate consistent sensor performance (i.e., sensitivity and selectivity for NO) in proteinaceous media. Herein, we describe the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor modified by an electropolymerized 5-amino-1-naphthol (poly(5A1N)) film in conjunction with a fluorinated xerogel topcoat. The unique combination of these membranes ensures selective detection of NO that is maintained over extended periods of use (>24 h) in biological media without performance deterioration. The hydrophobic xerogel topcoat protects the underlying NO-selective poly(5A1N) film from hydration-induced desorption. The bilaminar sensor is then readily adapted for measurement of the temporal NO-release profiles from immunostimulated macrophages.
Enhanced host–guest complexation of short chain perfluoroalkyl substances with positively charged β-cyclodextrin derivatives

Short chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), replacements for long chain legacy PFAS such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have similar toxicity, negative health effects, and exceptional persistence as long chain PFAS. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) is a powerful host–guest complexing agent for a number of legacy PFAS, suggesting potential β-CD-based remediation processes. We report herein that the addition of charged functional groups at the perimeter of β-CD has a pronounced influence on the strength of the β-CD:PFAS complex. The presence of a positively charged amine functionality on the perimeter of β-CD significantly increases the complexation of legacy and short chain PFAS. We assigned the enhanced complexation to electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged PFAS head group and the positively charged β-CD derivative. In comparison to neutral β-CD, addition of a negative charge to β-CD decreases complexation to PFAS due to electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged polar head group of PFAS and the negatively charged β-CD. 19F NMR titration experiments illustrate the complexation of short chain PFAS by positive charged β-CDs over neutral β-CD, with increases up to 20 times depending on the PFAS guest. The results give further understanding to the nature of the β-CD:PFAS host–guest complex and the various intermolecular forces that drive complexation. Positively charged β-CDs appear to be potential complexing agents for remediation of short chain PFAS.
An Alternative and Facile Synthetic Approach for the Precursors of 3- and 6-Aminosugar Donors and Study of One-pot Glycosyltrasferation

3- and 6-aminosugars are common motifs in bioactive compounds playing pivotal roles in the bioactivity of the core molecules to which they are attached. However, de novo synthesis of 3- and 6-amino...
Speaking of character: Character strength references in movies and presidential nomination speeches

One way in which language can be used for persuasive purposes is through references to personal character, or the lack thereof. A series of lexica reflecting 24 character strengths were developed a...
Low Frequency Non-Separable Transform (LFNST)

Transform is an essential part to remove spatial redundancy in prediction residual blocks for all modern block- based hybrid video coding. In addition, the existing directional intra prediction causes directional pattern in prediction residual and it leads to predictable pattern for transform coefficients. The predictable patterns in transform coefficients are mostly observed in low frequency components. Therefore, in this paper, a non-separable transform, which is called low- frequency non-separable transform (LFNST), is introduced to further compress the redundancy between low-frequency primary transform coefficients, which are transform coefficients from the conventional directional intra prediction. The proposed LFNST is a direct matrix multiplication so that it doesn’t require multiple iterations which causes undesirable delay in transform processing. The proposed LFNST is included in next generation video coding standard called versatile video coding (VVC).
Remotely Sensed Big Data and Iterative Approaches to Cultural Feature Detection and Past Landscape Process Analysis

The concept of “big” data is nothing new to archaeologists; we have long made a profession of collecting, organizing, and analyzing a surfeit of data describing everything from minute artifact attr...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening upon inpatient hospital admission: Is there concordance between nasal swab results and samples taken from skin and soft tissue?

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs. In 2007, a Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hospital implemented a MRSA nasal screening program, following a nationwide VA mandate, in an effort to reduce healthcare-associated MRSA infections. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the nasal screening results for MRSA and culture results of wound and tissue sites. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on inpatients at our VA hospital. Patients were included if they had undergone nasal screening for MRSA plus culture of a wound or tissue site within 30 days of hospital admission. Results: In total, 337 patients underwent nasal screening and wound culture and 211 underwent nasal screening and wound and tissue cultures. The prevalence of MRSA nasal colonization was 14.2% for wound samples and 15.2% for tissue samples. The sensitivities of MRSA nasal screening for detecting MRSA were 64.6% for wound cultures and 65.5% for tissue cultures. Specificities were 86.2% and 88.8% for wound and tissue cultures, respectively. The positive predictive values (PPVs) were 43.7% and 51.2% for wound and tissue cultures, respectively, and the negative predictive values (NPVs) were high at 93.6% and 93.5%, respectively. Conclusions: In cases of wound or tissue samples for which culture results are pending, a negative MRSA nasal swab may be a component of the decision to withhold or discontinue MRSA-active agents.
Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality of Those Raised in Kincare: A Peer Comparison Study

The rate at which children are raised in kincare has steadily been on the rise. Prior research indicates that this group of individuals are at an increased risk of mental health problems. The current study examined the suicidality and depressive symptoms of adults who were raised in kincare compared to those raised by their parents. There were a total of 1,486 participants, 171 of whom were adults raised in kincare, and 1,315 who were raised by one or both of their parents. Participants completed a measure of suicide risk and reported symptoms of depression and anhedonia.Those raised in kincare scored significantly higher on the measures of anhedonia and suicide risk. However, there were no differences in general depressive symptoms. Further analyses found that more frequent attendance of religious activities and higher levels of household income acted as protective factors. These findings suggest kincare is associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
Implementing clinical debriefing programmes.

Critical event debriefing (CED) or ‘hot debriefings’ (HoDs) can be described as a trigger-based, immediate postevent, interprofessional, expertly facilitated conversation where clinicians recount, reflect on, and improve personally and as a team.1 The process and experience of clinicians who cared for the patient is more complex and involves thoughts and emotions that go beyond the ‘case’ or ‘resuscitation’ and the debriefing itself.2 The American Heart Association guidelines for neonatal resuscitation highlight ‘team debriefing’ as a key step in their cognitive aid.3 There is evidence that implementing a ‘Cold Debrief’ programme for teams that care for patients in cardiac arrest improves outcomes4 yet in practice 33% of events are routinely debriefed.5 Critical events in anaesthesia are debriefed infrequently and those associated with communication breakdowns were even less likely to be debriefed6. How do we fuel …
Digital Twin with a Perspective from Manufacturing Industry

In the era of intelligent manufacturing, Digital Twin is an emerging technology that has attracted a huge attention in industry. Digital Twin has been discussed extensively, but they are separated in different research areas. This paper reviews the existing literature and classifies them in the context of evolution, application, definition, framework, and design process of DT. We also discuss some security issues in DT. A specific view from semiconductor manufacturing is provided to see why DT is necessary, and several research opportunities are presented as inspirations for future work.
Optimization of Carbon-Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Gridlines Towards Commercialization

Solar cells in PV modules crack during field operation from environmental stressors, including extreme weather events, such as hailstorms and hurricanes. These cracks can lead to gradual or immediate acute power degradation. To directly address cell-crack-induced degradation, we have formulated a carbon nanotube additive for commercial screen printed silver pastes. We have shown in previous work that these metal matrix composites have little to no effect on the cell’s efficiency while enhancing the metallization’s fracture toughness and electrical gap-bridging capability. In this work, we focus on optimizing the composite metallization to achieve the best possible performance. We discover that reducing carbon nanotube agglomerations in the paste not only improves the printability for narrow gridlines, but also increases the modulus of toughness of the metallization by over 500%.
Activation cross section for 27Al(π+,π0)27Si at 100 MeV☆

Abstract The activation cross section for 27 Al (π + ,π 0 ) 27 Si at E π = 99 ± 9 MeV was determined to be 5.1 ± 2.2 mb by counting the residual β+ activity of 27Si. This result is compared with other pion-nucleus cross sections. A value for the elementary pion-nucleon cross section inside the nucleus is derived from this result and compared with an estimate from a phenomenological expression.
MapStats for Kids: developing and assessing web-based tools to foster geographic and statistical literacy in children

The main goal of the MapStats for Kids Project, a subproject within the Quality Graphics for Federal Statistical Summaries Project, is to design and provide online learning tools for students (grades 4-8) that support statistical, geographic, cartographic, and domain literacy. In designing these tools another key goal is to create web applications that match (or can be customized to match) school curricula, allowing educators to incorporate these tools into their lesson plans. The online learning activities are designed to address national education standards such as the National Geography Standards, the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, and the National Standards for Civics and Government.During the course of the project we have developed three online learning activities--The Election Map Game, The Linked Representation Tool, and The Network Challenge--and we have begun work on our latest application, The Region Selection Tool. All of these web applications have been developed with Flash, a software package for designing dynamic, interactive graphics for the web. While Flash is not a Geographic Information System (GIS), we have been working on extending Flash to include some "GIS-like" functionality. We have also designed the tools to be extensible, making use of XML to transfer data in and out of the applications. The extensible nature of these applications is an important feature, allowing the applications to be tailored to complement a variety of curricula.The Election Map Game allows children to explore the results of the 2000 Presidential Election. The goal is to "paint" each state depending on which party won that state in last presidential election. This game teaches kids how to transfer information from one representational form (i.e., bar chart and numbers) to another form (i.e., choropleth map). The Linked Representation Tool concentrates on a skill that is at the core of understanding the mapping of statistics: the ability to move between graphical and tabular representations of information. This tool demonstrates and explores the connections between three alternative ways to visualize information: the map, the table (spreadsheet), and the graph. The Network Challenge uses a network travel map to address a range of learning objectives, with a focus on understanding topological relationships and developing problem solving strategies to support spatial decision-making. The Region Selection Tool operates on three spatial scales: national, state, and greater metro area. At each scale, the goal is to classify the units (states, counties, or ZIP-codes) into four regions (groups of contiguous units) that are of equal value for a selected attribute.The MapStats for Kids project includes work toward assessing the usability of the applications being developed and toward matching the applications with specific learning objectives. During the spring of 2003 two major use and usability assessments will be conducted through the GeoVISTA Center and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Excitation of the 2pu state of H2+ as a function of energy loss

The relative cross section for the excitation of the 2pu state of H2+ by 400 eV electrons as a function of energy loss has been measured and calculated. Electrons scattered at 18° with energy losses ranging from 30 to 72 eV were detected in coincidence with H+ ions of 7.7 eV. The H+ ions were detected at 72° relative to the beam direction. Because of the rapid dissociation of the excited state, it follows that the detected ions were produced by target H2 molecules with internuclear axes oriented at 72°. The relative cross sections were calculated using prolate spheroidal coordinates and fitted to the data with one parameter. The general shape of the energy-loss curve is in agreement with the measurements.
SONG LYRICS IN CONTEMPORARY METAL MUSIC AS COUNTER-HEGEMONIC DISCOURSE: AN EXPLORATION OF THREE THEMES

This paper discusses modern forms of metal music as extensions of the politics of youth culture, Based upon the premise thai texts form an 'ideological contract' with their audiences, an extensive examination of the aesthetic and lyrical content of metal music is provided. The authors conclude thai the conlenl of metal music exists in a reciprocal relation with its listening base, and provides a lens through which their modern-day subjective experiences lllay be understood. In illustrating this reciprocity the authors explore the vasl literature which casts a condcnlnalory gaze upon metal music and then demonstrates how a discourse analysis of this musical genre may avoid such condemnation. and posit a political discussion of it. Three of metal music's most predominant themes are discussed at length: I) psychological chaos: 2) nihilism/violence: and 3) alternative religiosity. Such themes arc placed against a cultural backdrop depicting the dominant modes of 'appropriate conduct: and arc articulated as a political reaction against such modes in Western societies.
Local Specification of Relative Strengths of Synapses between Different Abdominal Stretch-Receptor Axons and their Common Target Neurons

Stretch-receptor (SR) axons form a parallel array of 20 excitatory synapses with target neurons in the crayfish CNS. In each postsynaptic neuron, EPSPs from different SR axons differ significantly in size. These amplitudes are correlated with the segment in which each axon originates and form a segmental gradient of synaptic excitation in individual postsynaptic neurons. These differences might arise postsynaptically because of differential postsynaptic attenuation or presynaptically because of local regulation of the strength of each synapse. To examine these possibilities, we stimulated each SR axon separately and studied integration of its EPSPs in an identified neuron, Flexor Inhibitor 6 (FI6). Transmission from SR axons to FI6 was chemical and direct: EPSPs were accompanied by an increased postsynaptic conductance, were affected by extracellular Ca(2+), and showed frequency-dependent depression. EPSPs from different SR axons summed linearly. The rise times of EPSPs from different SR axons were not significantly different. We also filled individual SR axons and FI6 neurons and mapped and counted their points of contact. Each SR axon contacted each FI6 bilaterally, and contacts of SR axons from different segments were intermingled on FI6. SR axons that made the strongest synapses made more points-of-contact with FI6. These results imply that differences in strength do not arise because of differential postsynaptic attenuation of EPSPs, but rather because certain SR axons predictably make more points of contact with FI6 than do others. Thus, this gradient in excitation requires that each synapse be regulated by an exchange between the SR axon and its target neuron.
Eculizumab therapy for gemcitabine induced hemolytic uremic syndrome: case series and concise review

The incidence of gemcitabine-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome (GiHUS) has been reported to be between 0.02% and 2.2% (1,2). A variety of therapies have been employed in the treatment of GiHUS with varying success. In some cases the discontinuation of drug will result in remission of HUS (3). The benefit of plasmapheresis in the treatment of atypical forms of HUS (aHUS) such as GiHUS has been questioned (4). Other treatment modalities have been used with varying rates of success including high dose corticosteroids, vincristine, and rituximab (3,5). Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the complement protein C5 that has been recently approved for treatment of atypical HUS (3). We report four cases of GiHUS seen over 2-month period and successfully treated with eculizumab.
Can – Should – Must We Negotiate with Evil?*

How should the USA and its allies deal with regimes that abuse their own people and threaten world order? Are some regimes so evil that it is wrong and unwise to engage with them – even on matters of shared concern? The answer depends not only on the “facts of the case” but also on priorities and frames of reference. Thus, two Soviet citizens, each a Nobel Prize winner, disagreed on whether Western governments should treat the Kremlin as a viable partner in negotiations to control the arms race. Alexander I. Solzhenitsyn said “no,” because a regime that oppressed its own people could not be trusted. But Andrei D. Sakharov answered “yes,” because the stakes for humanity were so high. Solzhenitsyn put human rights first; Sakharov, the survival of humanity. Today a similar choice confronts Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo as they face leaders in Pyongyang moving to expand their nuclear and missile capabilities. President George W. Bush placed North Korea on an “axis of evil.” He loathed a leader who permitted more than a million of his subjects to starve. But even if this repugnance was justified, did it serve US and allied interests to end the dialogues that, in the Clinton years, offered hope of limiting and perhaps terminating the North's nuclear weapons and missile programs? “We are good and they are bad” is dangerous as an approach to foreign affairs. But it is also wrong and reckless to assume that all actors are equally flawed. Still, if a cruel dictatorship is willing to negotiate security arrangements likely to limit arms competition and make war less likely, democratic governments should engage and seek verifiable arrangements.
Heterochromatin as an incubator for pathology and treatment non-response: Implication for neuropsychiatric illness

Heterochromatin is a higher order assembly that is characterized by a genome-wide distribution, gene-repression, durability and potential to spread. In this light, it is an appealing mechanism to interpret the neurobiology of complex brain disorders such as schizophrenia where downregulation of expression appears to be the norm. H3K9 methylation (H3K9me) can initiate the seeding of a heterochromatin assembly on an inactive or poorly coordinated promoter as a consequence of a decline in transactivators either from disuse or from misuse. H3K9me can extend its influence by spatial spreading through the mechanism of recursively recruiting adapters, such as heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) homodimers. HP1 itself serves as a platform for other repressive proteins such as DNA methyltransferases. In full color, heterochromatin can occupy genome-wide gene networks, tissue specific ontologies and even rearrange the nuclear architecture. Heterochromatin in the brain is modified by small molecule pharmacology and serves a physiological role in the functioning of dopamine neurons and the construction of memory. From a therapeutic perspective, the durable nature of heterochromatin implies that it may require disassembly before the full genomic-potential of standard pharmacotherapies is achieved, especially in treatment resistant patients.
Effect of 2, Methyl Amino Heptane Upon Cardiac Automaticity During Cyclopropane Anesthesia in Dogs

SummaryIn 5 dogs premedicated with morphine and scopolamine and anesthetized with cyclopropane, 2-methyl amino heptane (EA-1) caused sinus and auricular paroxysmal tachycardia, and ventricular premature beats. Ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia and auricular and ventricular fibrillations were not observed.
Antiradical effects in L-propionyl carnitine protection of the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury: the possible role of iron chelation.

Abstract l -Propionyl carnitine has been shown to improve the heart's mechanical recovery and other metabolic parameters after ischemia-reperfusion. However, the mechanism of protection is unknown. The two dominating hypotheses are: (i) l -propionyl carnitine can serve as an energy source for heart muscle cells by being enzymatically converted to propionyl-CoA and subsequently utilized in the Krebs cycle (a metabolic hypothesis), and (ii) it can act as an antiradical agent, protecting myocardial cells from oxidative damage (a free radical hypothesis). To test the two possible pathways, we compared the protection afforded to the ischemia-reperfused hearts by l -propionyl carnitine and its optical isomer, d -propionyl carnitine. The latter cannot be enzymatically utilized as an energy source. The Langendorff perfusion technique was used and the hearts were subjected to 40 min of ischemia and 20 min of reperfusion. In analysis of ischemiareperfused hearts, a strong correlation was found between the recovery of mechanical function and the presence of protein oxidation products (protein carbonyls). Both propionyl carnitines efficiently prevented protein oxidation but l -propionyl carnitine-perfused hearts had two times greater left ventricular developed pressure. The results indicate that both metabolic and antiradical pathway are involved in the protective mechanism of l -propionyl carnitine. To obtain a better insight of the antiradical mechanism of l -propionyl carnitine, we compared the ability of l - and d -propionyl carnitines, l -carnitine, and deferoxamine to interact with: (i) peroxyl radicals, (ii) oxygen radicals, and (iii) iron. We found that none of the carnitine derivatives were able to scavenge peroxyl radicals or superoxide radicals. l - and d -propionyl carnitine and deferoxamine (not l -carnitine) suppressed hydroxyl radical production in the Fenton system, probably by chelating the iron required for the generation of hydroxyl radicals. We suggest that l -propionyl carnitine protects the heart by a dual mechanism: it is an efficient fuel source and an antiradical agent.
GLC Determination of Atenolol and β-Blocking Agents in Biological Fluids

A rapid, sensitive, and specific method of analysis for atenolol is described. Metoprolol is used as the internal standard. Atenolol and metoprolol are extracted into 1-butanol-benzene. Interfering components present in plasma and urine, but not discolored saliva, are removed during an acid wash and reextraction into ether. Drug and internal standard are converted to the pentafluoropropionate derivatives, which are quantitated by GLC with electron-capture detection and characterized by chemical-ionization mass spectrometry. The method should be applicable to measurement of other β-adrenergic blocking agents with similar structures.
Pidgin english and linguistic change

Abstract A brief discussion of the relationship between pidginized or creolized languages (especially Pidgin English) and the languages from which they have developed, and their implications for such aspects of linguistic history as substratum influence, abrupt structural change, and comparative method.
9‐Bromoanthracene photodimers as initiators in controlled radical polymerization: Silane radical atom abstraction coupled with nitroxide mediated polymerization

Slow initiation relative to propagation has previously prevented photo-dimers of 9-bromoanthracene or 9-chloroanthracene, formed by [4 + 4] photocyclization reactions of the analogous 9-haloanthracene, from being viable initiators in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reactions. The resulting polymers were found to possess high polydispersity index (PDI) values, much higher than expected number average molecular weight (M n ) values, with the reaction displaying a nonlinear relationship between monomer conversion and M n . We report here the use of silane radical atom abstraction (SRAA) to create initiating bridgehead radicals in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) to mediate the polymerization. When using SRAA coupled with nitroxide mediated polymerization, a dramatic decrease in PDI values was observed compared with analogous ATRP reactions, with M n values much closer to those anticipated based on monomer-to-initiator ratios. Analysis using UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated only partial anthracene labeling (∼ 25%) on the polymers, consistent with thermolysis of the anthracene photodimer coupled with competition between initiation from the bridgehead photodimer radical and silane-based radical.
A Trojan horse with a sweet tooth.

The structure determination of an anti-tumour antibody in complex with its Lewis Y carbohydrate antigen is a timely reminder of the historical and immunological importance of antibodies against polysaccharides, as well as their potential medical uses as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.
Effect of shear stress on cytosolic Ca2+ of calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine if hemodynamic shear stress increases free cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) of cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to steady laminar fluid flow in a parallel plate chamber. Average [Ca 2+ ] i was estimated by measuring cell-associated fura-2 fluorescence using microfluorimetric analysis. To determine [Ca 2+ ] i close to the membrane surface, 86 Rb + efflux via Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels was measured. Upon initiation of flow or upon step increases in flow, no change in [Ca 2+ ] i was observed using fura-2. However, increases in shear stress produced a large, transient increase in 86 Rb + efflux. The shear stress-dependent increase in 86 Rb + efflux was not blocked by either tetrabutylammonium ions (20 m M ) or by charybdotoxin (10 n M ), two specific inhibitors of the Ca 2+ -dependent K + channel of vascular endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that shear stress per se has little effect on either the average cytosolic [Ca 2+ ] i as measured by fura-2 or on [Ca2+] i close to the cytoplasmic surface of the plasmalemma as measured by the activity of Ca 2+ -dependent K + channels.
Toward equity and excellence in math and science education

Two studies examined the effectiveness of an innovative program, Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (MESA), designed to prepare high school minority students for math-based fields. The program is noteworthy because it incorporates recommendations of educators and policymakers for improving the quality of math/science education and decreasing the underrepresentation of minorities in these fields. Study 1 showed that MESA seniors completed more math/science courses and showed higher academic performance than similar minority students. However, their verbal and mathematics performance was below seniors nationwide planning math-based college majors. Study 2 revealed that the majority of former MESA students were pursuing a math-based major at the university level and showed satisfactory postsecondary progress. Features contributing to program effectiveness and areas requiring additional action are explored.
Bermudagrass Cultivar Responses to Sting Nematodes

Sting nematodes (Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau) are the most damaging nematode species on bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) in Florida. The recent cancellation of the nematicide fenamiphos has resulted in the need for alternative nematode management tactics. Utilization of resistant or tolerant cultivars could be one of the most environmentally friendly and least costly practices for nematode management on turf. However, information about the responses of newer bermudagrass cultivars to sting nematodes is not available. Eight dwarf and nine non-dwarf bermudagrass cultivars were tested in two sequential experimental trials under greenhouse conditions for their responses to sting nematodes. Tifdwarf' and 'Emerald Dwarf' were damaged the least among dwarf cultivars, as were 'TifSport' and 'Riviera' among the non-dwarf cultivars. 'Princess 77' and 'Celebration' produced greater amounts of roots than 'Tifway' under the stress of sting nematode root defoliation despite being good hosts for this nematode.
Biaxial Orientation of Polypropylene Under Solid State Compression

On etudie la mise en œuvre du polypropylene sous compression pour des temperatures comprises entre la cristallisation et l'etat fondu
Rho GTPases: signaling, migration, and invasion.

The acquisition of a motile and invasive phenotype is an important step in the development of tumors and ultimately metastasis. This step requires the abrogation of cell-cell contacts, the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and of cell-matrix interactions, and finally the movement of the cell mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. Evidence for participation of Rho GTPases in migration and invasion is addressed in this review with emphasis on epithelial cells and the contribution of Rho GTPases toward tumor invasion. The Rho GTPases, including Rac, Cdc42, and Rho, have been implicated in the establishment of cell-cell contacts and of cell-matrix interactions crucial to attaining a fully polarized epithelial state, and they are known for their regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and transcriptional activation. Under aberrant conditions, however, they have been implicated in motility, invasion, and some aspects of metastasis. It is well known that Rho GTPases are activated by different classes of transmembrane receptors and that they transmit these signals to their effector proteins. These downstream targets include not only adaptor proteins and kinases which affect the actin cytoskeleton, but also transcription factors leading to expression of genes necessary for the drastic morphological changes which accompany these processes.
Protein conformational transitions coupled to binding in molecular recognition of unstructured proteins: deciphering the effect of intermolecular interactions on computational structure prediction of the p27Kip1 protein bound to the cyclin A-cyclin-dependent kinase 2 complex.

The relationship between folding mechanism coupled to binding and structure prediction of the tertiary complexes is studied for the p27Kip1 protein which has an intrinsically disordered unbound form and undergoes a functional folding transition during complex formation with the phosphorylated cyclin A–cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) binary complex. Hierarchy of p27Kip1 structural loss determined in our earlier studies from temperature–induced Monte Carlo simulations and subsequent characterization of the transition state ensemble (TSE) for the folding reaction have shown that simultaneous ordering of the p27Kip1 native intermolecular interface for the β-hairpin and β-strand secondary structure elements is critical for nucleating a rapid kinetic transition to the native tertiary complex. In the present study, we investigate the effect of forming specific intermolecular interactions on structure prediction of the p27Kip1 tertiary complex. By constraining different secondary structure elements of p27Kip1 in their native bound conformations and conducting multiple simulated annealing simulations, we analyze differences in the success rate of predicting the native structure of p27Kip1 in the tertiary complex. In accordance with the nucleation–condensation mechanism, we have found that further stabilization of the native intermolecular interface for the β-hairpin and β-strand elements of p27Kip1, that become ordered in the TSE, but are hardly populated in the unbound state, results in a consistent acquisition of the native bound structure. Conversely, the excessive stablization of the local secondary structure elements, which are rarely detected in the TSE, has a detrimental effect on convergence to the native bound structure. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Home care revisited: 1993

Teacher, clinician, caregiver, risk-taker ... these four words describe the complex yet gratifying role of the home health care nurse. Efforts to perform this role are fraught with obstacles and chal lenges and often done in a hostile environment. The author shares her perspectives as a long-term provider and professional in this thought-provoking article.
Melatonin Sensitizes Human Myometrial Cells to Oxytocin in a Protein Kinase Cα/Extracellular-Signal Regulated Kinase-Dependent Manner

Context: Studies have shown that labor occurs primarily in the night/morning hours. Recently, we identified the human myometrium as a target for melatonin (MEL), the neuroendocrine output signal coding for circadian night. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the signaling pathway underlying the effects of MEL on contractility and the contractile machinery in immortalized human myometrial cells. Design: To ascertain the signaling pathway of MEL leading to its effects on myometrial contractility in vitro, we performed gel retraction assays with cells exposed to iodo-MEL (I-MEL) with or without oxytocin and the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632. I-MEL effects on inositol trisphosphate (IP3)/diacylglycerol (DAG)/protein kinase C (PKC) signaling were also investigated. Additionally, we assayed for caldesmon phosphorylation and ERK1/2 activation. Results: I-MEL was found to activate PKCα via the phospholipase C/IP3/DAG signaling pathway, which was confirmed by PKC enzyme assay. I-MEL did not affect myosin light chain phosphatase activity, and its effects on contractility were insensitive to Rho kinase inhibition. I-MEL did increase phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and caldesmon, which was inhibited by the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059 or the PKC inhibitor C1. Conclusions: MEL sensitizes myometrial cells to subsequent procontractile signals in vitro through activation of the phospholipase C/IP3/DAG signaling pathway, resulting in specific activation of PKCα and ERK1/2, thereby phosphorylating caldesmon, which increases actin availability for myosin binding and cross-bridging. In vivo, this sensitization would provide a mechanism for the increased nocturnal uterine contractility and labor that has been observed in late-term human pregnancy.
Gas-phase reactivity of selected transition metal cations with CO and CO2 and the formation of metal dications using a sputter ion source.

Reaction products and rates were measured for the gas-phase reactions of selected first row transition metal ions (Ti+, V+, Fe+, Co+, Ni+, Cu+, Zn+) and both CO and CO2 using a flowing afterglow instrument. The formation and description of products formed and reaction mechanisms are presented and discussed as well. Ab initio calculations were used to produce potential-energy surface diagrams for selected reactions as a tool to further understand the reaction mechanisms, thermochemistry, and reaction kinetics. Reactions with CO are slow and typically yield complexes of the form M(CO)n+ (n = 1−2), with the second CO molecule appearing to be added faster than the first one. Reactions with CO2 also yield the formation of clusters; however, in the case of Ti+, the reaction produces the oxide TiO+ ion efficiently. An interesting observation was also the formation of metal doubly charged ions. Some dications were easily obtained as the major ion by changing the ionization conditions in the sputter ion source. We...
External fixation techniques for foot and ankle fusions.

The use of external fixators for fusions of the foot and ankle has centered mainly on the tibiotalar joint, and to a lesser extent, on the subtalar joint. Little has been written regarding their use in other joints of the foot. The use of an external fixator for a tibiotalar fusion was first described by Charnley [1]. His fixator was a unilateral frame that was able to produce compressive forces along its axis, but was unable to produce rigid fixation in all planes. In his series there was a 26% nonunion rate. Other fixators, such as the Hoffman external fixator, Calandruccio clamp, thin wire ring fixators, and hybrid fixators, have been used for ankle and subtalar fusions with mixed results. Modern methods of ankle fusions that use internal fixation (considered the gold standard) have reproducible union rates of 95%, with few complications. Usually, exposure of the tibiotalar joint is necessary for fusion, regardless of the fixator that is being used. Various incisions may be used to gain access to the ankle joint. Charnley’s incision was a transverse incision anteriorly across the ankle joint which severed the extensors and neurovascular structures. To our knowledge, this incision is used no longer. A single, longitudinal anterior skin incision may be used with entrance to the joint, either through the tibialis anterior tendon sheath or between the tibialis anterior tendon and the extensor hallucis longus tendon. Alternatively, dual incision approaches also have been used widely. The anterior medial approach (just medial to the tibialis anterior tendon) is combined with an anterior lateral (just lateral to the peroneus tertius tendons) or direct lateral approach (onto fibula), with or without a fibular osteotomy. Singular
Immunotherapy for Glioma: From Illusion to Realistic Prospects?

There is now evidence that the rules established for tumor immunology and immunotherapy in general are relevant for brain tumors. Treatment strategies explored have mainly involved vaccines using either tumor cells or components, and vaccines with defined synthetic peptides. This latter approach offers the advantage to select well-characterized antigens with selective or preferential expression on glioma. This is a prerequisite because collateral damage to the brain is not allowed. A second strategy which is reaching clinical trials is T cell therapy using the patients' own lymphocytes engineered to become tumor reactive. Tumor specificity can be conferred by forced expression of either a high-avidity T cell receptor or an antitumor antibody (the latter cells are called chimeric antigen receptors). An advantage of T cell engineering is the possibility to modify the cells to augment cellular activation, in vivo persistence and resistance to the tumor immunosuppressive milieu. A direct targeting of the hostile glioma microenvironment will additionally be required for achieving potent immunotherapy and various trials are assessing this issue. Finally, combining immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy must be explored within rigorous clinical trials that favor constant interactions between the bench and bedside. Regarding immunotherapy for glioma patients, what was an unrealistic dream a decade ago is today a credible prospect.
Schistosoma mansoni: Excretory-Secretory Polypeptides Exhibit Selective Binding to Plasma Components of the Snail Biomphalaria glabrata

Abstract Previous studies have shown that Schistosoma mansoni excretory-secretory polypeptides (ESP) inhibit various internal defense functions of hemocytes from Biomphalaria glabrata and that plasma also may exert a modulatory effect on hemocyte activity, To better understand how plasma may influence hemocyte-schistosome interactions in inbred strains of snails, biotinylated ESP (b-ESP) were used as probes to identify ESP-reactive plasma components and partially characterize the nature of their binding interactions. In a plasma binding assay, b-ESP bound in a dose-dependent fashion to immobilized snail plasma, although no quantitative differences in ESP reactivity to plasma of schistosome-susceptible (M-line) and resistant (13-16-R1) snail strains were detected. Moreover, co-incubation of b-ESP with homologous plasma or pretreatment of plasma with nonbiotinylated ESP in the plate assay significantly reduced b-ESP binding to immobilized plasma, indicating a specific interaction between ESP and plasma. Pretreatment of b-ESP with mannose, porcine stomach mucin, fetuin, and asialofetuin resulted in a significant inhibition of b-ESP binding to plasma, whereas pretreatment of immobilized plasma with a cocktail of monosaccharides (including mannose), porcine stomach mucin, and fetuin had no inhibitory effect. These data suggest the presence of a carbohydrate-binding protein(s) in sporocyst ESP that is targeted to plasma glycoconjugates. Based on the carbohydrate content of the major inhibitory glycoproteins, galactosyl and n -acetyl-galactosaminyl sugars may represent putative determinants for the lectin-like ESP molecule(s). However, ESP binding to plasma from M-line and 13-16-R1 B. glabrata strains exhibited similar sugar and glycoprotein inhibition patterns. SDS-PAGE and electroblot analyses further demonstrated that ESP bound to a subset of separated plasma polypeptides, most prominently to a doublet of 52 and 54 kDa, and a complex of proteins with molecular masses greater than 150 kDa. Other polypeptides exhibiting weaker binding interactions included components of 34, 60, 64, 86, and 125 kDa. Although both M line and 13-16-R1 snail strains contained a similar complement of ESP-binding plasma proteins, ESP binding to the 34- and 86-kDa proteins occurred at higher frequencies in susceptible M-line plasma. It is concluded that ESP, released during in vitro transformation of S. mansoni miracidia, contain carbohydrate-reactive proteins capable of selectively binding to components of snail plasma. Quantitative differences between snail strains in the occurrence of ESP-binding plasma molecules was documented.
Why is photoemission better than inverse photoemission for studying high-Tc oxides ?

Abstract Within the model of hole superconductivity a fundamental asymmetry between electrons and holes exists. Mathematically this translates into a dependence of the superconducting energy gap function Δ k on the band energy e k . We discuss herethe consequences of this dependence for high resolution photoemission and inverse photoemission experiments. In particular we find: (1) the angle-integrated spectrum in the superconducting state should be sharper in photoemission than in inverse photoemission, and there should be a net gain (loss) in spectral weight in going from the normal to the superconducting state in the former (latter) technique. (2) High resolution angle-resolved spectra should exhibit small qualitative differences with usual BCS behavior. In particular, in a range of k values the peak in the photoemission spectrum in the superconducting state should move closer to the Fermi energy with k while the corresponding peak in the normal state is moving away from it. In the photoemission spectrum the peaks should stay close to the Fermi energy for a larger range of k values than in the inverse photoemission case.
Kinetic models for insulin disappearance from plasma in type I diabetic patients.

We have tested whether our previous finding in normal subjects that the disappearance of insulin from plasma obeys saturation kinetics alone also applies to type I diabetic patients. In six long-term diabetic patients steady state plasma insulin concentrations resulting from constant insulin infusion at different rates were compared with the predictions of three models for the kinetics of insulin in plasma. The models allowed the existence of non-saturable (first order equation) or saturable (Michaelis-Menten equation) mechanisms, or both. The minimal acceptable model included saturation kinetics alone in four subjects and first order kinetics alone in two subjects. The clearance of insulin in diabetic patients, calculated from the best fitting model, was 18.0 (median, range 10.0-23.7) ml X kg-1 X min.-1 versus 25.0 (18.6-47.1) ml X kg-1 X min.-1 in six normal subjects (2p = 0.008). Insulin thus disappears from plasma at a lower rate in diabetic patients than in normal subjects at physiological plasma concentrations.
Liver damage from narcotics in mice

Abstract Single or multiple intraperitoneal injections of morphine, dihydromorphinone or methadone into mice produced fatty infiltration of the liver and increases of up to 10-fold in the level of serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT). Changes in SGOT were proportional to the dose of morphine, and reached a peak at 12–16 hr after injection. Hepatotoxicity was blocked by naloxone and was not seen after dextrorphan, or in animals that had previously been made tolerant to narcotics. Liver damage was more severe in mice kept on pine shavings than in animals kept on corncob bedding. Liver damage was partially blocked by chloramphenicol, but not by SKF-525A. Liver damage was also partially blocked by reserpine and propranolol. Sex and strain differences in susceptibility were observed. The injection of 50–100 μg of morphine sulfate or [ d -Ala2]-Met-enkephalinamide into the cerebral ventricles produced liver damage comparable to that produced by 50 mg/kg morphine sulfate ip. Both central and peripheral actions of narcotics may be involved in hepatotoxicity.