cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The oxidative stress-induced niacin sink (OSINS) model for HIV pathogenesis

Although several specific micronutrient deficiencies are associated with disease progression and increased mortality risk in HIV/AIDS, and even a simple multivitamin/mineral supplement can prolong survival, this is typically viewed merely as nutritional support of the immune system, and only necessary if there are deficiencies to be rectified. However, the reality is more complex. Several striking nutrient-related metabolic abnormalities have been consistently documented in HIV infection. One is chronic oxidative stress, including a drastic depletion of cysteine from the glutathione pool, and a progressive decline of serum selenium that is correlated with disease progression and mortality. Another is decreased blood levels of tryptophan, with an associated intracellular niacin deficiency. Tryptophan depletion or "deletion" by induction of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the first step in oxidative tryptophan metabolism, is a known mechanism for immune suppression that is of critical importance in cancer and pregnancy, and, potentially, in HIV/AIDS. Existing evidence supports the hypothesis that these nutrient-related metabolic abnormalities in HIV infection regarding antioxidants, selenium, sulfur, tryptophan and niacin are interrelated, because HIV-associated oxidative stress can induce niacin/NAD+ depletion via activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which could lead to tryptophan oxidation for compensatory de novo niacin synthesis, thereby contributing to immune tolerance and T-cell loss via tryptophan deletion and PARP-induced cell death. This "oxidative stress-induced niacin sink" (OSINS) model provides a mechanism whereby the oxidative stress associated with HIV infection can contribute to immunosuppression via tryptophan deletion. This model is directly supported by evidence that antioxidants can counteract indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), providing the critical link between oxidative stress and tryptophan metabolism proposed here. The OSINS model can be used to guide the design of nutraceutical regimens that can effectively complement antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS.
Targeting JAK3 in kidney transplantation: current status and future options.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will discuss the mechanism of action and important clinical trial data in renal transplantation for the small molecule Janus kinase (JAK) 3 inhibitor tofacitinib, formerly known as CP-690,550 and tasocitinib. RECENT FINDINGS JAKs are cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases that participate in the signaling of a broad range of cell surface receptors, particularly members of the cytokine receptor common gamma (cγ) chain family. JAK3 inhibition has immunosuppressive effects and treatment with tofacitinib in clinical trials has demonstrated efficacy in autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Nonhuman primate models of renal transplantation demonstrated prolonged graft survival with tofacitinib compared with vehicle control. Renal transplant clinical trials in humans have demonstrated tofacitinib to be noninferior to cyclosporine in terms of rejection rates and graft survival. There was also a lower rate of new-onset diabetes after transplant. However, there was a trend toward more infections, including cytomegalovirus and BK virus nephritis. SUMMARY Tofacitinib may be a promising alternative to calcineurin inhibitors. The optimal therapeutic window is still being determined.
Techniques for studying strain rate effects in brittle materials

Techniques for studying brittle fracture over a strain rate range of 10−7–101 in./in./sec. and at temperatures from 75 to 1800°F are discussed. Techniques for achieving a uniaxial tensile stress in prismatic bars via a reflected stress wave method at strain rates up to 103 in./in./sec. at room and elevated temperatures are presented. Results of the aforementioned effects in flexure, and experimental verification of the stress-time-position history for the stress wave loading technique are presented along with applicable theoretical explanations. Applications of the above techniques to a broader spectrum of brittle and semi-brittle materials are described.
Holographic fabrication of 3D photonic crystals through interference of multi-beams with 4 + 1, 5 + 1 and 6 + 1 configurations

In this paper, we are able to fabricate 3D photonic crystals or quasi-crystals through single beam and single optical element based holographic lithography. The reflective optical elements are used to generate multiple side beams with s-polarization and one central beam with circular polarization which in turn are used for interference based holographic lithography without the need of any other bulk optics. These optical elements have been used to fabricate 3D photonic crystals with 4, 5 or 6-fold symmetry. A good agreement has been observed between fabricated holographic structures and simulated interference patterns.
The Boyd amputation in children: indications and outcomes

Background:The level of amputation in the pediatric population requires appropriate planning to provide an optimal residual limb for prosthetic fitting and must include long-term strategies to accommodate future growth of the extremity.Methods:A retrospective review over a 15-year period was perform
On uniform approximation with interpolatory constraints

In this work we extend and continue the study of S. Paszkowski ([I], [Z]) who considered the relation between polynomials of best approximation and interpolating polynomials. More precisely, he studied the problem of approximating a given continuous function on an interval [a, b] by elements of an n-dimensional Haar subspace, which were also required to interpolate to the function at certain prescribed points or nodes in [a, b]. He considered questions relating to the existence, uniqueness, and characterization of such best approximations. We shall show that there is a
Extracellular and cell‐associated forms of beta‐glucosidase in Thermomonospora curvata

The thermophilic actinomycete, Thermomonospora curvata, released 16-times the beta-glucosidase when grown on protein-extracted lucerne fibre compared with growth on cellobiose or purified cellulose. The intracellular and extracellular betaglucosidases had the same mol. wts (66 kD), but the extracellular enzyme had higher affinities for both p-nitrophenyl glucoside and cellobiose and was more resistant to thermal inactivation.
Engineering inclusion: Assessing the effects of pro-minority representation policies☆

In democracies, a constant tension exists between the stability and integrity of the community as a whole, and the desire to ensure minorities a voice in politics. Reserved seats and reduced thresholds are two common means by which ethnic minorities gain legislative seats, though little or no empirical work exists testing their efficacy in this regard. Combining multivariate analysis with in-depth case studies, this article shows that both reserved seats and lower thresholds increase minority representation, though reserved seats accomplish that goal more consistently. Reduced thresholds tend to increase the share of votes and seats won by ethnoregional parties but reserved seats do not. Additionally, Mauritius' unusual best-loser system aids both minorities and ethnoregional parties.
PENETRATING SHOWERS IN CARBON

The penetrating showers generated in carbon by the cosmic radiation have been investigated by means of a cloud chamber containing both carbon and lead plates which was operated at an elevation of 12,000 ft. It is shown that the penetrating showers generated in carbon are closely the same in angular distribution and in average multiplicity of penetrating particles as the penetrating showers produced in lead, comparison values in lead being obtained from previous work with the same cloud chamber containing only lead plates. Penetrating showers produced in the carbon plates were followed not infrequently by production of secondary penetrating showers farther down in the carbon; the initiating particles of the subsequent showers are very closely aligned with the direction of the primary particles of the parent penetrating shower. The mean free path of the lightly ionizing secondary particles of the penetrating showers for subsequent production of nuclear events was found to be 237\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}29 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ carbon. The mean free path of the penetrating particles for large-angle scattering in the carbon is about four times this value. The electronic cascades produced at the same time as the penetrating component are satisfactorily explained in order of magnitude by assuming that they are produced by high energy gamma-rays which originate at the event or which may be derived from the fast decay of neutral mesons very near the original event.
IDIODYNAMICS IN PERSONALITY THEORY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PROJECTIVE METHODS1

IV. Summary In the history of Psychology the theoretical fate of the individual and the attendant norms for interpreting his behavior have evolved in an idiodynamic direction. The essential postulates of the idiodynamic approach are response dominance, configuration dominance, and idioverse dominance. Personality theory of this type is fundamental to any compelling conceptualization of the projective techniques but can not be used in isolation from the relevant aspects of the general-experimental and psychometric points of view. In thus integrating personality theory with the newer methods of psychodiagnosis, the traditional concepts and methods of test construction and standardization, notably reliability and validity, must be recast. Resume Ľetude de M. Rosenzweig est nee ?une reflexion sur les fondements theoriques des techniques projectives, qui jouent actuellement un si grand role dans le diagnostic de la personnalite. On ne peut comprendre ces techniques sans reflechir aux trois stades traverses par la Psychologie scientiflque depuis ses origines: 1. Stade de la Psychologie generale, centree sur ľetude de Ľesprit humain en general, et usant, pour apprecier ľindividu, de normes universelles. 2. Stade de la Psychologie differentielle ou psychometric, qui etudie les groupes ?un point de vue statistique et fait usage de normes correspondantes pour assigner aľindividu sa place dans le groupe. 3. Stade de la Psychologie idiodynamique, qui met ľindividu comme tel au centre de ses preoccupations et tente de deflnir pour lui des normes individuelles et intrapsychiques. Quoique les methodes projectives ne laissent pas de degager des conclusions theoriques de portee universelle, non plus que de recourir utilement a la comparaison statistique, elles constituent essentiellement des procedes ?exploration idiodľnamique. a la base de ce point de vue nouveau, veritable revolution en Psychologie, ľauteur discerne trois postulats theoriques, inspirees respectivement de la psychanalyse, de la Gestalttheorie, et de la phenomenologie: 1. Le stimulus perd de son importance au profit de la reponse, et les relations stimulus-reponse au profit des relations reponse-reponse, ou besoin-reponses (response dominance). 2. Les reponses, de meme ?ailleurs que les stimuli choisis electivement par ľindividu, doivent etre consideres, non point isolement, mais dans la structure ?ensemble qui les englobe, compte tenu du niveau psychique ou se situe cette structure (configuration dominance). 3. Le milieu exterieur, objectivement analysable, s'efface devant ľunivers ?evenements et ?experiences subjectivement vecus par ľindividu (idioverse dominance). De ces premisses theoriques, il requite que les conditions de construction et de standardisation des techniques projectives different completement de celles qui s'imposent aux tests utilises en psychometric En particulier, les concepts traditionnels de Constance et de validite prennent ici un sens nouveau, que ľauteur s'emploie a definir.
Crystal structures of AKR1C3 containing an N-(aryl)amino-benzoate inhibitor and a bifunctional AKR1C3 inhibitor and androgen receptor antagonist. Therapeutic leads for castrate resistant prostate cancer

Castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is associated with increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling often brought about by elevated intratumoral androgen biosynthesis and AR amplification. Inhibition of androgen biosynthesis and/or AR antagonism should be efficacious in the treatment of CRPC. AKR1C3 catalyzes the formation of potent AR ligands from inactive precursors and is one of the most upregulated genes in CRPC. AKR1C3 inhibitors should not inhibit the related isoforms, AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 that are involved in 5α-dihydrotestosterone inactivation in the prostate. We have previously developed a series of flufenamic acid analogs as potent and selective AKR1C3 inhibitors [Adeniji, A. O. et al., J. Med. Chem.2012, 55, 2311]. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of one lead compound 3-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) amino)benzoic acid (1) in complex with AKR1C3. Compound 1 adopts a similar binding orientation as flufenamic acid, however, its phenylamino ring projects deeper into a subpocket and confers selectivity over the other AKR1C isoforms. We exploited the observation that some flufenamic acid analogs also act as AR antagonists and synthesized a second generation inhibitor, 3-((4-nitronaphthalen-1-yl)amino)benzoic acid (2). Compound 2 retained nanomolar potency and selective inhibition of AKR1C3 but also acted as an AR antagonist. It inhibited 5α-dihydrotestosterone stimulated AR reporter gene activity with an IC(50)=4.7 μM and produced a concentration dependent reduction in androgen receptor levels in prostate cancer cells. The in vitro and cell-based effects of compound 2 make it a promising lead for development of dual acting agent for CRPC. To illuminate the structural basis of AKR1C3 inhibition, we also report the crystal structure of the AKR1C3·NADP(+)·2 complex, which shows that compound 2 forms a unique double-decker structure with AKR1C3.
Treatment options for the patient with colorectal cancer.

Treatment decisions for patients with colorectal cancer depend on the site and extent of the cancer. Medical factors rarely preclude appropriate treatment. For colonic and upper rectal cancer, curative treatment is almost entirely operative. Even patients with disseminated colon cancer merit a limited palliative resection to abort bleeding and prevent obstruction. When surgery is elective, colostomy is rarely necessary, although it may be required in patients who have obstructed or perforated colon cancer. For distal rectal cancer, various treatment options, including radiation therapy, have reduced the need for a colostomy, although maintaining comparable cure rates
Conservative Interaction of N Internal Waves in Three Dimensions

The Navier-Stokes system of equations is reduced to a system of the vorticity, continuity, Helmholtz, and Lamb-Helmholtz equations. The periodic Dirichlet problems are formulated for internal waves vanishing at infinity in the upper and lower domains. Stationary kinematic Fourier (SKF) structures, stationary exponential kinematic Fourier (SKEF) structures, stationary dynamic exponential (SDEF) Fourier structures, and SKEF-SDEF structures of three spatial variables and time are constructed in the current paper to treat kinematic and dynamic problems of the three-dimensional theory of the Newtonian flows with harmonic velocity. Two exact solutions for conservative interaction of N internal waves in three dimensions are developed by the method of decomposition in invariant structures and implemented through experimental and theoretical programming in Maple?. Main results are summarized in a global existence theorem for the strong solutions. The SKEF, SDEF, and SKEF-SDEF structures of the cumulative flows are visualized by two-parametric surface plots for six fluid-dynamic variables.
Perception of Voiceless Fricatives by Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Children and Adults

This study examined the perceptual-weighting strategies and performance-audibility functions of 11 moderately hearing-impaired (HI) children, 11 age-matched normal-hearing (NH) children, 11 moderately HI adults, and 11 NH adults. The purpose was to (a) determine the perceptual-weighting strategies of HI children relative to the other groups and (b) determine the audibility required by each group to achieve a criterion level of performance. Stimuli were 4 nonsense syllables (see text). The vowel, transition, and fricative segments of each nonsense syllable were identified along the temporal domain, and each segment was amplified randomly within each syllable during presentation. Point-biserial correlation coefficients were calculated using the amplitude variation of each segment and the correct and incorrect responses for the corresponding syllable. Results showed that for /see text/ and /see text/, all four groups heavily weighted the fricative segments during perception, whereas the vowel and transition segments received little or no weight. For /see text/, relatively low weights were given to each segment by all four groups. For /see text/, the NH children and adults weighted the transition segment more so than the vowel and fricative segments, whereas the HI children and adults weighted all three segments equally low. Performance-audibility functions of the fricative segments of /see text/ and /see text/ were constructed for each group. In general, maximum performance for each group was reached at lower audibility levels for /see text/ than for /see text/ and steeper functions were observed for the HI groups relative to the NH groups. A decision theory approach was used to confirm the audibility required by each group to achieve a > or =90% level of performance. Results showed both hearing sensitivity and age effects. The HI listeners required lower levels of audibility than the NH listeners to achieve similar levels of performance. Likewise, the adult listeners required lower levels of audibility than the children, although this difference was more substantial for the NH listeners than for the HI listeners.
Two cytogenetic syndromes: Psychologic comparisons 1. Intelligence and specific-factor quotients

Abstract Thirty-eight patients with Turner's syndrome and 23 with Klinefelter's syndrome have been studied. In each syndrome, IQs ranged from the grossest mental defect to very superior. Wechsler Intelligence Test results, from the majority of cases were complete enough to permit a comparison between the three specific cognitional factors of Cohen : Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization and Freedom from Distractibility. Specific-factor scores in Klinefelter's syndrome were not noteworthy in their difference from one another. By contrast, in Turner's syndrome, there was a markeddiscrepancy between Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Organization (M. Diff. = 3·71, t = 6·7) significant at the
Hypogammaglobulinemia and exacerbated CD8 T-cell–mediated immunopathology in SAP-deficient mice with chronic LCMV infection mimics human XLP disease

The human genetic disease X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), which is caused by mutations in SH2D1A/SAP that encode SLAM-associated protein (SAP), is characterized by an inability to control Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hypogammaglobulinemia. It is unclear which aspects of XLP disease are specific to herpesvirus infection and which reflect general immunologic functions performed by SAP. We examined SAP – mice during a chronic LCMV infection, specifically to address the following question: Which SAP deficiency immunologic problems are general, and which are EBV specific? Illness, weight loss, and prolonged viral replication were much more severe in SAP – mice. Aggressive immunopathology was observed. This inability to control chronic LCMV was associated with both CD8 T-cell and B-cell response defects. Importantly, we demonstrate that SAP – CD8 T cells are the primary cause of the immunopathology and clinical illness, because depletion of CD8 T cells blocked disease. This is the first direct demonstration of SAP – CD8 T-cell–mediated immunopathology, confirming 30 years of XLP clinical observations and indirect experimentation. In addition, germinal center formation was extremely defective in chronically infected SAP – animals, and hypogammaglobulinemia was observed. These findings in a chronic viral infection mouse model recapitulate key features of human XLP and clarify SAP's critical role regulating both cellular and humoral immunity.
Administrative data sets are inaccurate for assessing functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: A recent report examined rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy by evaluating administrative claims data. However, the validity of this approach for reporting functional outcomes has not been established. Therefore, we determined the prognostic value of administrative claims data for reporting urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We identified 562 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2004 to 2007 and were followed at our institution with self-reported standardized survey data available at least 1 year after surgery. Urinary incontinence was assessed by self-reported pad use and the urinary function domain of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index. Erectile dysfunction was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function. These results were then compared with administrative claims data using ICD-9 and Hospital International Classification of Diseases Adapted codes for urin...
Motor output to lateral rectus in cats during the vestibulo-ocular reflex in three-dimensional space.

Abstract The motor output to the lateral rectus eye muscle was studied in decerebrate cats with electromyographic recordings and in alert cats with multi-unit and single neuron recordings from abducens nucleus. The axis of rotation that produced maximal excitation of the lateral rectus was calculated from responses to rotations in many different stimulus orientations, and was found to lie near the axis of the horizontal semicircular canals, but pitched slightly nose down from the canal axis (4.6 ). The results from decerebrate and alert cats were in agreement. The dynamics of lateral rectus activation were quite similar in all planes. Responses at high frequencies were in phase with rotation velocity and responses lagged toward position phase as frequency and velocity were decreased. Differences in decerebrate cat low frequency responses to rotations with and without a sinusoidal gravitational stimulus implicated an otolith input to lateral rectus.
Internal EcoRI-generated deletion in prophage Mu DNA.

Abstract The hybrid plasmid consisting of the plasmid pRP1.2 (derivative of RP4) genome and deleted prophage Mucts 62 genome which lost the central EcoRI fragment of DNA was constructed. The ability of deleted Mu phage to carry out E. coli chromosomal genes transposition was still retained.
Can we develop ethically universal embryonic stem-cell lines?

New approaches to the derivation of human embryonic stem cells are being developed, with the aim of getting around the ethical questions that surround standard techniques. But are any of these new methods really free from ethical objections?
The Effect of Diet and Cecectomy on the Intestinal Synthesis of Biotin in Mature Fowl

Abstract THE need for biotin in reproduction of the domestic fowl was established by Cravens, Sebesta, Halpin and Hart (1942). The abnormalities of biotin deficient embryos have been described by Cravens, McGibbon and Sebesta (1944) and Couch, Cravens, Elvehjem and Halpin (1948a). Couch, et al. (1948b) reported that dextrin favored the intestinal synthesis of biotin while sucrose did not favor such synthesis. Johansson, Sarles and Shapiro (1948) reported that the cecum was found to be the site of the greatest concentration of intestinal microorganisms in mature chickens. Preliminary investigations made in an attempt to establish the site of synthesis revealed that the ceca contained about ten times as much biotin and two times as much riboflavin and niacin as the duodenum loop, the small intestine, or the feces excreted. Couch, et al. (1949) reported that folic acid was found to be about six to eight times as high in the ceca . . .
Why Is Sideband Mass Spectrometry Possible with Ions in a Penning Trap

Many masses, particularly the masses of unstable nuclei, are measured with ions in Penning traps by determining the frequency of a driving force that most efficiently couples two of the three motions of trapped ions. A missing explanation of why such sideband mass spectroscopy works, contrary to simple estimates, begins with the established Brown-Gabrielse invariance theorem.
Study of MnAs as a Spin Injector for GaAs-Based Semiconductor Heterostructures

We report studies of two key factors involved in the use of MnAs as a spin injector, namely, Mn diffusion and spin injection properties when it is grown on GaAs-based semiconductor heterostructures. Depth profile of Mn concentration in a sample consisting of a MnAs film grown on GaAs is investigated with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The result shows that Mn diffusion into GaAs is negligible, unlike the case of Ga1−x Mn x As/GaAs, in which Mn diffusion is significant. Meanwhile, robust spin injection is observed with MnAs as a spin injector for a GaAs-based light emitting diode, persisting up to room temperature.
Correlates of real world executive dysfunction in bipolar I disorder

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder is characterized by impairments in cognitive functioning, both during acute mood episodes and periods of euthymia, which interfere with functioning. Cognitive functioning is typically assessed using laboratory-based tests, which may not capture how cognitive dysfunction is experienced in real-life settings. Little is known about the specific illness characteristics of bipolar disorder that contribute to cognitive dysfunction in everyday life. Methods Participants met DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder ( n = 68) in a depressed or euthymic state. Everyday executive functioning was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) and the Frontal Systems Behavior Rating Scale (FrSBe). Participants completed clinician rated measures of mood state (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale), prior illness course and co-morbidities (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), as well as self-report measures of psychotropic medication use and medical co-morbidity. Results Individuals in this study reported significant impairment in every domain of executive functioning. These deficits were associated with a multitude of illness factors, some directly impacted by mood symptoms and others shaped by illness chronicity, psychiatric comorbidity, medical co-morbidity, and medication use. Discussion Executive functioning problems observed in everyday functioning in bipolar disorder are not entirely mood-state dependent. Cognitive rehabilitation for executive dysfunction should be considered an important adjunctive treatment for many individuals with bipolar disorder.
Performance and optimization of a 50 kV silicon carbide photoconductive semiconductor switch for pulsed power applications

A 50 kV silicon carbide photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) is presented. The SiC PCSS device is fabricated from semi-insulating 4H-SiC in a newly-proposed rear-illuminated, radial switch structure. The improved structure reduces the peak electric field within the switch, extending the blocking voltage to over 50 kVdc. Electrostatic field simulations of the PCSS are presented along with experimental blocking curves. The PCSS demonstrated low on-state resistance, delivering over 27 MW of peak power into a 31 Ω load. Device modeling was performed to further optimize the switch for peak efficiency when illuminated with 355 nm light, a common laser wavelength. The switch structure was modified for peak operation at 355 nm and the experimental and theoretical results are compared.
The Power of Economics Versus the Economics of Power

Aside from discussion in microeconomics of monopolies, economics textbook rarely mention power. Does it simply not exist? If it is discussed at all, it is always said to be a function of asymmetric information. This economist argues that economists have to explore power much more profoundly and free of ill-founded free-market assumptions.
Metal-Centered 17-Electron Radicals CpM(CO)3• (M = Cr, Mo, W): A Combined Negative Ion Photoelectron Spectroscopic and Theoretical Study

Despite the importance of group 6 metal-centered 17-electron radicals CpM(CO)3• (M = Cr, Mo, W) in establishing many of the fundamental reactions now known for metal-centered radicals, spectroscopi...
Oxygen flux as an indicator of physiological stress in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos: a real-time biomonitoring system of water quality.

The detection of harmful chemicals and biological agents in real time is a critical need for protecting freshwater ecosystems. We studied the real-time effects of five environmental contaminants with differing modes of action (atrazine, cadmium chloride, pentachlorophenol, malathion, and potassium cyanide) on respiratory oxygen consumption in 2-day postfertilization fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) eggs. Our objective was to assess the sensitivity of fathead minnow eggs using the self-referencing micro-optrode technique to detect instantaneous changes in oxygen consumption after brief exposures to low concentrations of contaminants. Oxygen consumption data indicated that the technique is indeed sensitive enough to reliably detect physiological alterations induced by four of the five contaminants. After 2 h of exposure, we identified significant increases in oxygen consumption upon exposure to pentachlorophenol (100 and 1000 μg/L), cadmium chloride (0.0002 and 0.002 μg/L), and atrazine (150 μg/L). In c...
31P-NMR study of turnip seed germination and sprout growth inhibition by peroxydisulfate ion

Abstract 31 P-NMR was used to study turnip seeds ( Brassica rapa L.) incubated in 0.05 M K 2 SO 4 solution, where they germinate and grow normally, and in 0.05 M K 2 S 2 O 8 (potassium peroxydisulfate), where they germinate but do not grow. With 31 P-NMR it is possible to measure cytoplasmic and vacuolar pH, to identify phosphorus metabolites and to measure their relative concentrations in vivo. Results show a nearly constant vacuolar pH during germination and growth in K 2 SO 4 contrasted with a steady decrease in vacuolar pH for seeds exposed to K 2 S 2 O 8 . Cytoplasmic pH decreases during germination and then stabilizes during growth in K 2 SO 4 ; it follows the same course during germination but then drops precipitously in K 2 S 2 O 8 . The quantity of dissolved phosphates increases very rapidly during the first few hours after moistening, then more slowly until germination occurs. Following germination, the amount of vacuolar phosphate continues to increase, while the cytoplasmic phosphate does not. These results are consistent with a mechanism in which K 2 S 2 O 8 inhibits growth by intercepting indoleacetic acid.
Intraoperative Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Imaging for Objective Measurement of the Vascular Delay Technique in Locoregional Head and Neck Flaps

ImportanceReconstruction of oncologic or traumatic head and neck defects often requires complex planning of locoregional, pedicled, or interpolated flaps. In cases with a higher risk of flap failur...
Constructing target product profiles (TPPs) to help vaccines overcome post-approval obstacles

As history has demonstrated, post-approval obstacles can impede a vaccine's use and potentially lead to its withdrawal. Addressing these potential obstacles when changes in a vaccine's technology can still be easily made may improve a vaccine's chances of success. Augmented vaccine target product profiles (TPPs) can help vaccine scientists better understand and anticipate these obstacles and galvanize conversations among various vaccine stakeholders (e.g., scientists, marketers, business development managers, policy makers, public health officials, health care workers, third party payors, etc.) earlier in a vaccine's development.
Soil macroinvertebrates, aldehyde oxidase, catalase, cellulase and peroxidase.

Abstract Catalase and cellulase activities were found in each of 13 macroin vertebrates (soil isopods, diplopods, molluscs and oligochaetes) studied, peroxidase in all but one, aldehyde oxidase only in isopods and molluscs, and polyphenoloxidase in none. Optimum pH was obtained for each enzyme present in each species; specific activity at optimum pH was determined monthly from June 1976 to October 1977 except during cold months when the invertebrates had moved into subterranean sites. Specific activity of cellulase was significantly highest in molluscs, followed by oligochaetes, isopods and diplopods, the latter two having equal levels. This reflects a corresponding hierarchy in cellulose degradation per unit weight of invertebrate, and suggests that, within a given period, the taxon with the highest product of biomass per unit soil area or volume times specific activity may play a dominant role, amongst the four invertebrate taxa, in cellulolysis. Specific activity of peroxidase was significantly greater in earthworms than in any of the other three groups, which exhibited similar levels. This suggests a dominant role for earthworms in the condensation stage of the humification process. Specific activity of catalase was also highest in the oligochaetes.
Three‐dimensional tropospheric water vapor in coupled climate models compared with observations from the AIRS satellite system

[1] Changes in the distribution of water vapor in response to anthropogenic forcing will be a major factor determining the warming the Earth experiences over the next century, so it is important to validate climate models' distribution of water vapor. In this work the three-dimensional distribution of specific humidity in state-of-the-art climate models is compared to measurements from the AIRS satellite system. We find the majority of models have a pattern of drier than observed conditions (by 10–25%) in the tropics below 800 hPa, but 25–100% too moist conditions between 300 and 600 hPa, especially in the extra-tropics. Analysis of the accuracy and sampling biases of the AIRS measurements suggests that these differences are due to systematic model errors, which might affect the model-estimated range of climate warming anticipated over the next century.
ADVENTITIOUS SHOOT REGENERATION FROM IN VITRO-CULTURED LEAVES OF RUBUS GENOTYPES

Regeneration of adventitious shoots from leaves of several in vitro-cultured Rubus genotypes was affected by media components and incubation conditions. Leaves cultured at 20°C with a photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 40 μmol m-2 s-1 had a higher regeneration frequency and more shoots per regenerating leaf than ones cultured at 25°C with a PPF of either 40 or 80 μmol m-2 s-1. Thidiazuron (TDZ) was significantly more effective than benzyladenine. Medium containing 1 μM TDZ had the highest percentage regeneration for leaves of ‘Autumn Bliss’, ‘Canby’, ‘Summit’ and ‘Sentry’ red raspberries, whereas leaves of MD-ETCE-1 blackberry hybrid responded more to 10 μM TDZ. Higher regeneration frequencies were obtained with 0.5 μM indolebutyric acid (IBA) than with 1 μM, but no significant difference was observed between 0.5 μM and no IBA in other experiments. More shoots per regenerating leaf formed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) and N6 media, than on half-strength MS, Anderson, or Woody Plant media for all genotypes tested. The youngest two expanding leaves near the shoot apex were the most regenerative and yielded the highest number of shoots per regenerating leaf.
Effect of α-adrenergic blockade on insulin secretion in man

Abstract Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed in seven male volunteers under basal conditions and following α-adrenergic blockade with IV phentolamine. Phentolamine did not affect the fasting levels of glucose or immunoreactive insulin in plasma. The insulin secretory response to the glucose load was increased by α-blockade. Five minutes after the injection of glucose, mean plasma insulin levels were 38 per cent higher when the subjects received phentolamine than during the control tests ( p
Synthesis for high performance random logic layout

Techniques are described which are used by Intel's standard cell place and route system to achieve dense, high-performance results. The system uses a two-step approach to achieve high performance: first reduce the average path length by producing a dense result, and then adjust the result to reduce delay on the slowest paths. The performance improvement process involves interaction between the layout tool and some of Intel's performance verification tools. >
Forgiving Wordsworth: Revision, Religion, and Cockney Reconciliation in Leigh Hunt's The Feast of the Poets

This paper investigates the role of Romantic forgiveness in the poetics of Leigh Hunt amid the often turbulent interaction between the first and second generations of British Romantics over politics, culture, and religion. While recent studies of the “Hunt Circle” or “Cockney Circle” by Jeffrey Cox, Charles Mahoney, and others have recovered the combative edge of Hunt's literary and political relationship with “apostate” poets such as William Wordsworth, this essay examines how the multifaceted poet and journalist sought to reintegrate Wordsworth into a broader reformed community in his revisions of The Feast of the Poets. Contrary to the exclusion of Romantic forgiveness in the secular critical models of Rene Wellek, M.H. Abrams, and Harold Bloom, the essay turns to Hunt's Autobiography to uncover, in an otherwise secular narrative, a model of Romantic forgiveness and reconciliation that derives from Hunt's religious thought. The reconciliatory revisions of Hunt's treatment of Wordsworth in the poetical-critical piece The Feast of the Poets exemplify this model of Romantic forgiveness. In moving from vitriolic attack in 1811 to redemptive praise in 1815, Hunt crafts a poetic space that retrieves the literary contributions of his political rival and grafts them into a re-envisioned British culture focused on Cockney conviviality and cultural reconciliation.
An assessment of the video analytics technology gap for transportation facilities

We conduct an assessment of existing video analytic technology as applied to critical infrastructure protection, particularly in the transportation sector. Based on discussions with security personnel at multiple facilities, we assemble a list of desired video analytics functionality, which we group into five categories: low-level activity detection, high-level behavior detection, discrimination, tracking, and content retrieval. We then evaluate the capabilities and deficiencies of current technology to meet these needs, in part by applying representative video analytic tools to a testbed of video data from multiple sources. As part of the evaluation, we examine performance across pixel resolution of degrees of scene clutter. Finally, we identify directions for promising technology development in order to address critical gaps.
Dynamic mechanical (brush) allodynia in cluster headache: a prevalence study in a tertiary headache clinic

Cutaneous allodynia (CA) has been described in migraine and has been related to treatment failure. There are little data about the incidence of CA in other primary headache syndromes such as cluster headache (CH). The objectives of this study are to evaluate the prevalence of dynamic mechanical (brush) allodynia (BA) in CH patients attending a tertiary headache clinic, and to assess its relation to disease characteristics. Adult patients with episodic or chronic CH were recruited. We obtained demographic data and data on disease characteristics through a structured questionnaire, and tested the patients for brush allodynia BA by applying a 4 × 4 gauze pad over the V1, C2/C3 and C8 skin areas bilaterally. The prevalence of allodynia in the entire study population and in the different sub-groups was calculated. We also examined the association between CA and demographic parameters, and its association with disease characteristics. Forty-one patients were recruited (22 men, 19 women; mean age 44.9 years). Twenty-two had chronic CH (CCH) and 19 had episodic CH (ECH). Mean disease duration was 14.1 years (12.3 the CCH group and 15.7 in the ECH group). Overall, 20 (49%) patients were allodynic. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of allodynia and age, gender, diagnosis (episodic vs. chronic CH), disease duration or disease severity. In conclusion, BA was common in this CH patient sample. The therapeutic implications of the presence of BA in CH need to be further studied.
Two-handed marking menus for multitouch devices

We investigate multistroke marking menus for multitouch devices and we show that using two hands can improve performance. We present two new two-handed multistroke marking menu variants in which users either draw strokes with both hands simultaneously or alternate strokes between hands. In a pair of studies we find that using two hands simultaneously is faster than using a single, dominant-handed marking menu by 10--15p. Alternating strokes between hands doubles the number of accessible menu items for the same number of strokes, and is similar in performance to using a one-handed marking menu. We also examine how stroke direction affects performance. When using thumbs on an iPod Touch, drawing strokes upwards and inwards is faster than other directions. For two-handed simultaneous menus, stroke pairs that are bilaterally symmetric or share the same direction are fastest. We conclude with design guidelines and sample applications to aid multitouch application developers interested in using one- and two-handed marking menus.
Progesterone Inhibits Estrogen-Induced Cyclin D1 and cdk4 Nuclear Translocation, Cyclin E- and Cyclin A-cdk2 Kinase Activation, and Cell Proliferation in Uterine Epithelial Cells in Mice

The response of the uterine epithelium to female sex steroid hormones provides an excellent model to study cell proliferation in vivo since both stimulation and inhibition of cell proliferation can be studied. Thus, when administered to ovariectomized adult mice 17beta-estradiol (E2) stimulates a synchronized wave of DNA synthesis and cell division in the epithelial cells, while pretreatment with progesterone (P4) completely inhibits this E2-induced cell proliferation. Using a simple method to isolate the uterine epithelium with high purity, we have shown that E2 treatment induces a relocalization of cyclin D1 and, to a lesser extent, cdk4 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and results in the orderly activation of cyclin E- and cyclin A-cdk2 kinases and hyperphosphorylation of pRb and p107. P4 pretreatment did not alter overall levels of cyclin D1, cdk4, or cdk6 nor their associated kinase activities but instead inhibited the E2-induced nuclear localization of cyclin D1 to below the control level and, to a lesser extent, nuclear cdk4 levels, with a consequent inhibition of pRb and p107 phosphorylation. In addition, it abrogated E2-induced cyclin E-cdk2 activation by dephosphorylation of cdk2, followed by inhibition of cyclin A expression and consequently of cyclin A-cdk2 kinase activity and further inhibition of phosphorylation of pRb and p107. P4 is used therapeutically to oppose the effect of E2 during hormone replacement therapy and in the treatment of uterine adenocarcinoma. This study showing a novel mechanism of cell cycle inhibition by P4 may provide the basis for the development of new antiestrogens.
Improving IQ measurement in intellectual disabilities using true deviation from population norms

Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by global cognitive deficits, yet the very IQ tests used to assess ID have limited range and precision in this population, especially for more impaired individuals. We describe the development and validation of a method of raw z-score transformation (based on general population norms) that ameliorates floor effects and improves the precision of IQ measurement in ID using the Stanford Binet 5 (SB5) in fragile X syndrome (FXS; n = 106), the leading inherited cause of ID, and in individuals with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 205). We compared the distributional characteristics and Q-Q plots from the standardized scores with the deviation z-scores. Additionally, we examined the relationship between both scoring methods and multiple criterion measures. We found evidence that substantial and meaningful variation in cognitive ability on standardized IQ tests among individuals with ID is lost when converting raw scores to standardized scaled, index and IQ scores. Use of the deviation z- score method rectifies this problem, and accounts for significant additional variance in criterion validation measures, above and beyond the usual IQ scores. Additionally, individual and group-level cognitive strengths and weaknesses are recovered using deviation scores. Traditional methods for generating IQ scores in lower functioning individuals with ID are inaccurate and inadequate, leading to erroneously flat profiles. However assessment of cognitive abilities is substantially improved by measuring true deviation in performance from standardization sample norms. This work has important implications for standardized test development, clinical assessment, and research for which IQ is an important measure of interest in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and other forms of cognitive impairment.
Estimated Impacts of Climate Warming on California Water Availability Under Twelve Future Climate Scenarios

: Spatially disaggregated estimates of over 131 stream-flow, ground water, and reservoir evaporation monthly time series in California have been created for 12 different climate warming scenarios for a 72-year period. Such disaggregated hydrologic estimates of multiple hydrologic cycle components are important for impact and adaptation studies of California's water system. A statewide trend of increased winter and spring runoff and decreased summer runoff is identified. Without operations modeling, approximate changes in water availability are estimated for each scenario. Even most scenarios with increased precipitation result in less available water because of the current storage systems' inability to catch increased winter streamflow in compensation for reduced summer runoff. The water availability changes are then compared with estimated changes in urban and agricultural water uses in California between now and 2100. The methods used in this study are relatively simple, but the results are qualitatively consistent with other studies focusing on the hydrologies of single basins or surface water alone.
Quick Constructions of Non-Trivial Real Symmetric Idempotent Matrices

In the theory and applications of linear models, idempotent matrices appear frequently. It remains important to construct non-trivial quadratic forms distributed as chi-squares. However, quick and easy methods to explicitly construct such matrices with all non-zero entries are hard to come by. We include two direct methods to explicitly exhibit nxn real symmetric idempotent matrices of rank r with all non-zero entries. Then, we exhibit explicit non-trivial real symmetric idempotent matrices A; B such that AB = O: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljastats.v15i1.6794