cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Life Cycle of an Endoparasite in Some Tylenchid Nematodes

The development of a nematode endoparasite, previously erroneously described as a microsporidian, Duboscqia penetrans Thorne, was studied in populations of Meloidogyne javanica, M. incognita, and also in Helicotylenchus dihystera, Merlinius macrurus and Tylenchorhynchus sp. Protoplasts from spores penetrate through the cuticle of larvae. The parasite develops in the pseudocoelomic fluid into irregular vegetative thalli or filaments, which break up or appararently reproduce asexually into numerous units. At maturity spores develop at the distal ends of dichotomous branches of the thallus, eventually filling the body of the host and causing its death. Spores are disseminiated when the host disintegrates. The life cycle is unlike known protozoons but resembles a bacterium.
Determination of Resting Membrane Potential of Individual Neuroblastoma Cells (IMR-32) Using a Potentiometric Dye (TMRM) and Confocal Microscopy

The potentiometric dye, Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) has been extensively used with fluorometry or optical microscopy to evaluate the electric potential across plasma or mitochondrial membranes. We present here a TMRM confocal microscopy-based potential measurement technique. Corrections are introduced to minimize nonspecific dye binding and insensitivity to low background levels. We have used this technique to compare the resting membrane potential of proliferating and differentiated human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32).
An analogue for Szego polynomials of the Clenshaw algorithm

Abstract Linear combinations of polynomials that are orthogonal with respect to an inner product defined on (part of) the real axis are commonly evaluated by the Clenshaw algorithm. We present an analogous algorithm for the evaluation of a linear combination Σ n j =0 α j φ j of polynomials φ j that are orthogonal with respect to an inner product defined on (part of) the unit circle. The φ j are known as Szegő polynomials, and find applications, e.g., in signal processing. We also discuss how to express Σ n j =0 α j φ j as a linear combination of monomials.
Hydrothermal synthesis of amino acids

Abstract This study presents further evidence that amino acids can be synthesized rapidly in hydrothermal solutions from reactants that may have been present in primitive environments. Aqueous NH4HCO3 solutions were reacted with C2H2, H2, and O2 (formed in situ from CaC2, Ca, and H2O2) at 200–275°C over 0.2–2 h periods to synthesize several amino acids and abundant amines. These amino acid and amine producing reactions were not observed to occur below 150°C. Amino acids and amines also were synthesized at 210°C from solutions of NH4OH, HCHO, NaCN, and H2. When NH4OH was replaced by NH4HCO3, the syntheses predominantly confirmed the recent results of Rennet et al. (1992). Additionally, amino acids and amines were observed to form by reactions among NH4OH, HCHO, and H2 at hydrothermal conditions, essentially confirming the results of Fox and Windsor (1970). Inclusion of both carbonate and O2 in these latter solutions greatly enhanced the production rate of amino acids. The amines synthesized hydrothermally could be significant if they are precursors in the amino acid syntheses either at hydrothermal or later at lower temperatures. These observations provide additional input to the current questions of synthesis, stability, and decomposition of amino acids at hydrothermal conditions, and their possible relevance to the origin of life.
A PSTTLRE-form of cdc2-like gene in the marine microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta

Abstract To understand the genetic control of algal cell division cycle that pertains to phytoplankton bloom dynamics in the sea, we cloned and analyzed a gene coding for a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) for the chlorophyte Dunaliella tertiolecta. The cDNA cloned, 1061 bp long, contained an open reading frame of 314 amino acids. FASTA and GAP analyses showed that this sequence was most homologous to cdc2 out of all known cdks, with an identity of 54–68% and a similarity of 65–76% to cdc2 in higher plants, animals, and yeast. Several signature domains of cdc2 were identified from this sequence, although the PSTAIRE and GDSEID motifs were replaced with PSTTLRE and GDCELQ, respectively. Southern blot hybridization demonstrated that this gene occurred as a single copy in this species, and quantitative RT–-PCR showed that the transcription of this gene was constitutive. The present results suggest that the universal cdc2 is conserved in the lower eukaryote with unique structural characteristics.
A replication origin is turned off by an origin-“silencer” sequence

Abstract The chromosome of R6K contains multiple origins of replication. The origin γ is infrequently used in the original plasmid and remains "silent" in certain miniplasmid derivatives. The inactivation of the origin is caused by a natural origin silencer located adjacent to the minimal ori γ sequence. The silencer functions in cis and has no trans activity. It has functional polarity and works only in one orientation when present immediately downstream from ori γ. The silencer apparently initiates an RNA that invades ori γ and turns it off either by competing with a primer RNA or by disrupting ori γ structure. As predicted, removal of the silencer blocks the synthesis of silencer RNA and derepresses the origin.
Nitridation of epitaxially grown 6.1 Å semiconductors studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract We present a detailed analysis of the state of surfaces of the 6.1 A family of semiconductors (InAs, GaSb and AlSb) under exposure to a nitrogen plasma. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to determine the species created at the surface and their relative abundance. We find evidence that clean epitaxial surfaces exposed to the plasma form both VN (SbN and AsN) and IIIN (AlN, GaN and InN) compounds, but in different amounts and different proportions for each of the materials.
Variation in the fractional conversion of plasma estrone to estriol among women and men.

In the present investigation, we determined the transfer constant of conversion of plasma estrone to estriol (E3) ( [rho] E1- E3BU ) in men, postmenopausal women, and premenopausal parous and premenopausal nulliparous women. We found no significant difference in [rho] E1- E3BU among men, postmenopausal women, premenopausal parous or nulliparous women (whether the latter were studied during the midfollicular or midluteal phase of the ovarian cycle), or in women who were ingesting oral contraceptives. On the other hand, there was a striking variation in the [rho]E1- E3BU among individuals, viz. 0.02-0.27, whereas in a given individual, the variation in [rho] E1- E3BU , evaluated on separate occasions, was small. In addition, we found a negative correlation between age at first fullterm pregnancy and [rho] E1- E3BU .
The immunological synapse: a dynamic platform for local signaling.

The immunological synapse (IS) as a concept has evolved from a static view of the junction between T cells and their antigen-presenting cell partners. The entire process of IS formation and extinction is now known to entail a dynamic reorganization of membrane domains and proteins within and adjacent to those domains. The entire process is also intricately tied to the motility machinery—both as that machinery directs “scanning” prior to T-cell receptor engagement and as it is appropriated during the ongoing developments at the IS. While the synapse often remains dynamic in order to encourage surveillance of new antigen-presenting surfaces, cytoskeletal forces also regulate the development of signals, likely including the assembly of ion channels. In both neuronal and immunological synapses, localized Ca2+ signals and accumulation or depletion of ions in microdomains accompany the concentration of signaling molecules in the synapse. Such spatiotemporal signaling in the synapse greatly accelerates kinetics and provides essential checkpoints to validate effective cell–cell communication.
Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study of PEO−PPO−PEO Micelle Structure in the Unimer-to-Micelle Transition Region

The structure of (ethylene oxide)26(propylene oxide)40(ethylene oxide)26 Pluronic P85 block copolymer micelles in the unimer-to-micelle transition region was studied using small-angle neutron scattering. At low concentration (1%), where no intermicellar interactions were evident, aggregation numbers were obtained using the contrast variation method. At higher concentrations a three parameter model accounting for the presence of water in the core and corona of the micelle, and for micelle−micelle interactions, was fitted. The micelle core water content decreases (from 60 to 10%) with increasing temperature in the transition region, with a corresponding increase in the micelle aggregation number (35−62). The micelle core radius remains constant (40 A). Thus, the broad nature of the unimer-to-micelle transition region may be ascribed to the structural changes which accompany the replacement of micellar core water by polymer.
Toxicity of a polymer–graphene oxide composite against bacterial planktonic cells, biofilms, and mammalian cells

It is critical to develop highly effective antimicrobial agents that are not harmful to humans and do not present adverse effects on the environment. Although antimicrobial studies of graphene-based nanomaterials are still quite limited, some researchers have paid particular attention to such nanocomposites as promising candidates for the next generation of antimicrobial agents. The polyvinyl-N-carbazole (PVK)–graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite (PVK–GO), which contains only 3 wt% of GO well-dispersed in a 97 wt% PVK matrix, presents excellent antibacterial properties without significant cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. The high polymer content in this nanocomposite makes future large-scale material manufacturing possible in a high-yield process of adiabatic bulk polymerization. In this study, the toxicity of PVK–GO was assessed with planktonic microbial cells, biofilms, and NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. The antibacterial effects were evaluated against two Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli and Cupriavidus metallidurans; and two Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus subtilis and Rhodococcus opacus. The results show that the PVK–GO nanocomposite presents higher antimicrobial effects than the pristine GO. The effectiveness of the PVK–GO in solution was demonstrated as the nanocomposite “encapsulated” the bacterial cells, which led to reduced microbial metabolic activity and cell death. The fact that the PVK–GO did not present significant cytotoxicity to fibroblast cells offers a great opportunity for potential applications in important biomedical and industrial fields.
Charge transfer in helium-rich supernova plasma

Charge transfer rate coefficients are estimated using Landau-Zener and modified Demkov approximations. The coefficients, augmented by those available from the literature, are used in statistical equilibrium equations describing the state of helium-rich supernova plasma. Such a plasma may describe both Type Ib and Type Ic supernova ejecta. The hypothesis that extensive mixing of metals with helium in Type Ic supernovae may provide a catalyst for rapid charge transfer that weakens the helium line emission by altering the excitation balance is tested. It is shown that charge transfer as a mechanism for suppressing helium line emission is ineffective unless the metal abundance is comparable to or larger than the helium abundance. This result supports an earlier conclusion that Type Ic supernovae must be helium poor relative to Type Ib events.
Quantifying CO emissions from the 2004 Alaskan wildfires using MOPITT CO data

[1] We present an inverse model analysis to quantify the emissions of wildfires in Alaska and Canada in the summer of 2004 using carbon monoxide (CO) data from the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) remote sensing instrument together with the chemistry transport model MOZART (Model for Ozone and Related Chemical Tracers). We use data assimilation outside the region of the fires to optimally constrain the CO background level and the transport into that region. Inverse modeling is applied locally to quantify the fire emissions. Our a posteriori estimate of the wildfire emissions gives a total of 30 ± 5 Tg CO emitted during June–August 2004 which is of comparable order to the anthropogenic emissions for the continental US. The simulated CO fields have been evaluated by comparison with MOPITT and independent aircraft data.
The American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus: Strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement

The American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were developed to operationalize the definition of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to allow comparison of clinical research from different centers, but also serve to facilitate education and to guide clinical practice. The classification criteria have been critical to research, but should be viewed as a temporary step until improved understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE emerges. Criteria have inherent limitations, including bias towards more severe and longer duration disease, equal weighting of features that vary in clinical significance, and exclusion of patients with SLE from research because they do not meet criteria. For some SLE research questions, it may be appropriate to include patients diagnosed with SLE who do not meet criteria, if these patients' manifestations and criteria are documented explicitly. SLE disease activity, cumulative organ damage, disease duration, criteria ever met, and criteria met at time of enrollment are important data that should be presented in clinical studies of SLE regardless of the number of criteria met. The criteria should be reevaluated periodically, utilizing patients and controls with a range of diseases and disease severity. A simplified weighting system may more accurately reflect clinical practice.
Interface behavior and void formation during infiltration of liquids into porous structures

Abstract A numerical approach was proposed to simulate time-dependent evolution of the liquid front during the pore-level infiltration of liquids into porous structures. It considers the multiphase problem of liquid penetration into the pore(s) initially occupied with air and the simultaneous escaping of air. The Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) method was employed using a two-dimensional model of the graphite pore structure. The proposed method is capable of tracking the evolution of liquid front and yields the infiltration criteria for wetting and non-wetting liquids. Contribution of various driving forces (resulting from pressure gradient, gravity and interfacial effects) to infiltration and interface behavior including the liquid front shape, position and velocity was investigated. Interface pinning (temporary and permanent) and wicking flow through the pore(s) were investigated during infiltration of wetting liquids, whereas pore-level fingering and void formation (entrapment of air within the pore) were observed for non-wetting liquids. The results were verified against the results of coupled VOF level-set method, known to be more accurate for interface tracking. Moreover, the results of liquid penetration length during the wicking flow through a network of pores in series were validated with good agreement against the experimental results of unidirectional horizontal infiltration of graphite foam, and a modified Washburn equation.
Superior spatial memory of women: Stronger evidence for the gathering hypothesis

Abstract Male and female college students played the commercial game Memory TM , which required them to recall the location of previously viewed items, and also completed a 20-item mental rotation task. As is typical, males performed better than females ( d = .67) on the mental rotation task. In contrast, females outperformed males by a large margin ( d = −.89) on the memory task. Performance on the two tasks was correlated for females, but not for males. The reversal of sex differences between tasks suggests that spatial ability is not a unitary trait and that different kinds of spatial processing may have been important for males and females in the EEA (environment of evolutionary adoptedness). The Memory TM game appears to mimic the cognitive demands of foraging better than previous spatial memory tasks.
Affective and object stimuli and children's food-related stories.

This study was stimulated by previous efforts to understand the effects of hunger on projective test responses (e.g., Atkinson & McClelland, 1958) and attempts to analyze the impact of stimulus variables on thematic apperception (e.g., Atkinson, 1958). The purpose of the present study was to assess the influence of various combinations of affective (facial) and food-object stimuli on the content of fifth- and sixth-grade children's stories. Food-object stimuli were preselected by having adults make paired-comparison ratings among graphically reproduced objects. The three food-object stimuli used were an apple (high), an orange (medium), and a tree (low). The affective stimuli came from Schlosberg's (1954) investigations; the most pleasant, the most neutral, and the most unpleasant faces were selected. Ss were presented with the various stimulus complexes (object and face) by means of a simple apparatus consisting of a piece of white cardboard with two (2-in. X 3-in., 1 in. apart) apertures (object in one aperture, face in the other). Ss were tested in groups of five in an unoccupied room at their school (after lunch, to ensure relative satiation). Ss were told to write imaginative stories and char there were no right or wrong stories. Following Atkinson and McClelland (1958), E gave Ss a piece of paper wich four questions concerning story plot. Atkinson and McClelland's criteria for foodrelated imagery (reference to anything having to do with food) and food central thema (central plot of the story concerns food-getting or food-enjoying activity) were used in content analysis. Inter-scorer agreement was 1.00 for the presence of food imagery and .91 for food central thema. Age, IQ sex, and grade were not associated with food-related content. More Ss (10 of 10 vs 4 of 10) expressed food imagery (xa = 5.4, df = 1, p < .025), and more Ss (8 of 10 vs 2 of 10) food central thema (x'= 4.8, df = 1, p < .05) when the stimulus complex included the high food-related stimulus thanwhen the stimulus complex included the low food-related stimulus. More Ss (15 of 20 vs 7 of 20) wrote food central stories (x3 = 9.1, df = 1, fi < ,005) when the pleasant face was part of the srimulus complex than when the unpleasant face was part of the stimulus complex. Eating and positive affect seem associated in our society, and negative affect in conjunction with food stimuli may inhibit eating-related responses.
Thickness and Temperature Dependent Thermal Conductivity of Nanoscale Tin Films

Thin films in general exhibit different thermal properties compared to bulk due to size effect [1–3]. In this study, the thermal conductivity of sputtered Sn films of thickness 500 nm ± 50 nm and 100 nm ± 20 nm are obtained from 55K to 300K and from 40K to 310K, respectively, using the three omega method. The thermal conductivity of 500 nm thin film at room temperature is 46.2 ±4.2 W/m-K, which is lower when compared to its bulk value of 63 W/m-K, and increases gradually as the temperature is lowered to 55K. In contrast, the thermal conductivity of the 100 nm thin film exhibits even reduced thermal conductivity, 36 ± 2.88 W/m-K at 300K, when compared to the 500 nm film, and decreases as the temperature is lowered. The reduction in thermal conductivity of Sn thin film may be due to the pronounced effects of electron scattering at the grain boundaries as well as the twin boundaries in addition to the scattering from the boundary surface at lower temperatures. These experimentally determined thermal conductivities are compared to models that take into account size effects on thermal conductivity of metallic films based on electronic scattering as proposed by Fuchs-Sondheimer (FS), Mayadas-Shatzkes (MS) and Qiu and Tien (QT). The experimentally measured thermal conductivity of Sn films is in good agreement with the MS model indicating the importance of the grain boundary scattering. Thickness measurements are obtained by ellipsometry and profilometer. The estimation of the mean grain size in both films and the evidence of twin boundaries are obtained by Atomic Force Microscopy.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The hepatitis B pX protein promotes dimerization and DNA binding of cellular basic region/leucine zipper proteins by targeting the conserved basic region.

Abstract The hepatitis B virus pX protein is a potent transcriptional activator of viral and cellular genes whose mechanism of action is poorly understood. Here we show that pX dramatically stimulates in vitro DNA binding of a variety of cellular proteins that contain basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) DNA binding domains. The basis for increased DNA binding is a direct interaction between pX and the conserved bZIP basic region, which promotes bZIP dimerization and the increased concentration of the bZIP homodimer then drives the DNA binding reaction. Unexpectedly, we found that the DNA binding specificity of various pX-bZIP complexes differs from one another and from that of the bZIP itself. Thus, through recognition of the conserved basic region, pX promotes dimerization, increases DNA binding, and alters DNA recognition. These properties of pX are remarkably similar to those of the human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I Tax protein. Although Tax and pX are not homologous, we show that the regions of the two proteins that stimulate bZIP binding contain apparent metal binding sites. Finally, consistent with thisin vitro activity, we provide evidence that both Tax and pX activate transcription in vivo, at least in part, by facilitating occupancy of bZIPs on target promoters.
The contribution of small life events to the psychological distress of married and widowed older women.

The contribution of small life events to the prediction of general psychological distress was examined for 50 married and 21 recently widowed older women. These two groups were contrasted as having or not having experienced an uncontrollable major life stressor (i.e., the recent death of a spouse). Negative small life events (i.e., daily hassles) contributed above and beyond general demographic factors; conjugal bereavement status; social support; other, non-conjugal bereavement, major life events; and the interaction of these life events and social support in the prediction of general psychological distress. Results support assessing negative small life events as well as major life events for both married and recently widowed older women.
Incidence and characteristics of time-loss injuries in competitive fencing: a prospective, 5-year study of national competitions.

Objective:To estimate the incidence of time-loss injuries in competitive fencing and to characterize these injuries regarding type and location.Design:A 5-year prospective study.Setting:Data were collected at all national events organized by the U.S. Fencing Association (USFA) during the 2001-2006 s
Dopachrome oxidoreductase: a new enzyme in the pigment pathway

We report our preliminary characterization of a new enzyme in the pigment pathway which we propose to call dopachrome oxidoreductase (DCOR). This enzyme, prepared from mouse melanoma, catalyzed the conversion of dopachrome to 5,6-dihydroxyindole and also appeared to block the pigment pathway at this latter compound in the absence of tyrosinase. DCOR was protease-sensitive, heat-labile, and showed maximum stability in the range of pH 6–8. The molecular weight of DCOR was estimated to be 34,000 by gel filtration. DCOR had a subcellular distribution within the melanocyte which was similar to that of tyrosinase, but DCOR activity was found in melanocytes devoid of tyrosinase activity and was not inhibited by tyrosinase inhibitors. DCOR may prove to be an active regulatory enzyme in melanogenesis.
Determination of the H2ONO+2 and CH3O(H)NO+2 bond strenghts and the proton affinities of nitric acid and methyl nitrate

Abstract The binding energies of water and methanol to NO + 2 have been measured to be 14.8 ± 2.3 and 19.2 ± 2.3 kcal/mol, respectively, using energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation of H 2 ONO + 2 and CH 3 O(H)NO + 2 in a flowing afterglow triple quadrupole apparatus. These values are used with literature thermochemistry to derive proton affinities for nitric acid and methyl nitrate; PA(HONO 2 ) = 177.7 ± 2.3 kcal/mol and PA(CH 3 ONO 2 ) = 175.0 ± 2.5 kcal/mol. These results are in good agreement with recent calculations by Lee and Rice, but only the methyl nitrate result is in agreement with experimental results of Cacace and co-workers.
Fast and efficient lossless image compression based on CUDA parallel wavelet tree encoding

Lossless image compression is in high demand in medical image applications. With the development of General Purpose Graphic Processing Unit (GPGPU) computing techniques, sequential lossless image compression algorithms can be modified to achieve more efficiency and speed. In this paper, a novel adaptation of Computation Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) to a wavelet tree based image compression algorithm is presented. Both transform phase and encoding phase of the compression algorithm have been redesigned for parallelization and efficiency. Our algorithm performs faster than the lossless JPEG-XR algorithm, with comparable compression ratios. Further improvements in speed and flexibility are also under current investigation.
Hydrolyzed whey as a medium for propionic acid fermentation

Whey, hydrolyzed by using pure enzymes and enzymatic preparations, was fermented by propionic acid bacteria in batch cultures. The course of propionic acid fermentation was examined by the determination of cell dry weight, lactose utilization, production of volatile free acids and biosynthesis of vitamin B 12 . The production of propionic acid by Propionibacteria increased when hydrolyzed whey was used as a medium. It rose from 6.3 to 6.7 g/l in the control compared to 8.0-8.8 g/l when pepsin, papain, alcalase, or pescalase were applied as hydrolyzing agents. A significant decrease in the biosynthesis of vitamin B 12 (more than 50%) was observed in all cases compared to the control (cultivation on medium without hydrolysis).
CD4+ T cell priming accelerates the clearance of Sendai virus in mice, but has a negative effect on CD8+ T cell memory.

Current vaccines designed to promote humoral immunity to respiratory virus infections also induce potent CD4 + T cell memory. However, little is known about the impact of primed CD4 + T cells on the immune response to heterologous viruses that are serologically distinct, but that share CD4 + T cell epitopes. In addition, the protective capacity of primed CD4 + T cells has not been fully evaluated. In the present study, we addressed these two issues using a murine Sendai virus model. Mice were primed with an HN 421–436 peptide that represents the dominant CD4 + T cell epitope on the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) of Sendai virus. This vaccination strategy induced strong CD4 + T cell memory to the peptide, but did not induce Abs specific for the Sendai virus virion. Subsequent Sendai virus infection of primed mice resulted in 1) a substantially accelerated virus-specific CD4 + T cell response in the pneumonic lung; 2) enhanced primary antiviral Ab-forming cell response in the mediastinal lymph nodes; and 3) accelerated viral clearance. Interestingly, the virus-specific CD8 + T cell response in the lung and the development of long-term memory CD8 + T cells in the spleen were significantly reduced. Taken together, our data demonstrate that primed CD4 + T cells, in the absence of pre-existing Ab, can have a significant effect on the subsequent immune responses to a respiratory virus infection.
Envenomation by a spider, Agelenopsis aperta (Family: Agelenidae) Previously Considered Harmless☆☆☆★

This is the first report of clinically significant bites by the grass spider (Agelenopsis aperta). Two cases of envenomation in southern California are presented. In the more serious case, a child exhibited several envenomation symptoms. Although this spider may be generally innocuous, it should be considered as a creature of occasional medical importance. Many skin lesions are attributed to spider bites despite insufficient incriminating evidence, and bites that are clinically significant may often erroneously be attributed to the brown recluse spider. Misidentification can lead to undue anxiety in a patient's family.
The effect of methotrexate on in vitro immunoglobulin production.

AbstractThe effect of Methotrexate (MTX) on pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced immunoglobulin (Ig) production in vitro was studied over a reinge of 10-4 - 1012M MTX, using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MTX, at a concentration of 5 × 10-9 profoundly decreased all classes of Ig production, IgM > IgG > IgA. Plasma cell numbers, identified using polyclonal antihuman immunoglobulin, demonstrated a similar sensitivity to MTX. There was a paradoxical increase in IgM and IgG production at 5 × 1011M MTX. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Simultaneous cardiac mechanics and phosphorus-31 NMR spectroscopy during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in the intact dog

To investigate the high-energy phosphate metabolic correlates of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction during the onset and recovery from severe, global myocardial ischemia in vivo, seven preinstrumented closed-chest dogs had ECG-gated phosphorus-31 (31P) NMR-spectroscopy (NMR-S) studies performed and LV micromanometer and sonomicrometer data measured before, during, and every 5 min following severe occlusive global myocardial ischemia. Ischemic LV + dP/dtmax fell from 2396 +/- 576 mm Hg/s at baseline to 2185 +/- 478 mm Hg/s (p less than 0.05) and did not normalize until after 30 min of reperfusion. LV ejection fraction (EF) decreased significantly (0.32 +/- 0.07 EF units to 0.12 +/- 0.13 EF units; p less than 0.05) and did not recover by 30 min of reperfusion (0.27 +/- 0.09 units; P less than 0.05 vs baseline). Simultaneous 31P NMR-S studies demonstrated excellent beta-ATP signal-to-noise (10 +/- 4:1). Myocardial acidosis occurred during global ischemia (delta pH = -0.22 +/- 0.23 units; p less than 0.05), with recovery at 30 min of reperfusion. Inorganic phosphate/phosphocreatine ratio (Pi/PCr) increased significantly during ischemia (0.46 +/- 0.07 to 0.61 +/- 0.07; P less than 0.05), with delayed normalization of this ratio at 30 min of reperfusion. beta-ATP peak area did not change during ischemia. Pi/PCr and LV contractility (+dP/dtmax) were significantly correlated at baseline (r = -0.70) and during global ischemia (r = -0.78; p less than 0.01), but not during recovery (r = 0.006; p = NS). Therefore, the simultaneous evaluation of high-fidelity hemodynamic data and topical 31P NMR-S can be performed in the intact state.
Castelnuovo-Mumford Regularity and Arithmetic Cohen-Macaulayness of Complete Bipartite Subspace Arrangements

We give the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity of arrangements of (n−2)-planes in Pn whose incidence graph is a sufficiently large complete bipartite graph, and determine when such arrangements are arithmetically Cohen–Macaulay.
Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme in human hand veins.

Conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II likely occurs in human veins, supporting the existence of endothelial angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in these vessels. Using the dorsal hand vein technique, we investigated the effects of 2 ACE inhibitors, captopril (single oral dose of 6.25 mg) and enalaprilat (local infusion of 1 μg/min), on venous responsiveness in healthy subjects. Orally administered captopril induced a marked decrease in angiotensin I– but not angiotensin II–induced venoconstriction. This blunted response persisted for at least 4 hours. Enalaprilat and captopril increased the sensitivity to bradykinin, decreasing the dose producing half-maximal response (ED50) of bradykinin 18-fold and 5-fold, respectively, without changing the maximal venodilatory response. These results confirm that there is substantial rapid metabolism of angiotensin I in human veins and suggest that a single dose of locally infused angiotensin I can be used with the dorsal hand vein technique to assess the time-course effect of vascular ACE inhibition after oral administration. Our findings also extend previous in vitro observations in human veins by showing that these agents potentiate the venodilatory effects of bradykinin in vivo. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1999) 65, 58–65; doi:
Evidence for an Activation Domain at the Amino Terminus of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Vpx

Vpx and Vpr are related lentiviral accessory proteins that enhance virus replication in macrophages and dendritic cells. Both proteins are packaged into virions and mediate their effects in the target cell through an interaction with an E3 ubiquitin ligase that contains DCAF1 and DDB1. When introduced into primary macrophages and dendritic cells in viruslike particles, Vpx can enhance the efficiency of a subsequent infection. Here, we confirm the ability of Vpx to enhance simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of macrophages up to 100-fold by using single-cycle reporter viruses and by pretreatment of the cells with Vpx-containing viruslike particles. Vpx was also active in differentiated THP-1 cells but not in other cell lines. Induction of an antiviral state in macrophages with type I interferon significantly magnified the effect of Vpx on HIV-1 infection, suggesting that Vpx helps the virus to overcome an inducible intracellular restriction. Quantitative PCR quantitation of SIV and HIV-1 reverse transcripts in newly infected macrophages showed that the block was at an early step in reverse transcription. In spite of its structural similarity, Vpr was inactive. This difference allowed us to map the functional domains of Vpx with a panel of Vpr/Vpx chimeras. Analysis of the chimeras demonstrated that the amino-terminal domain of Vpx is important for the enhancement of infection. Fine mapping of the region indicated that amino acids at positions 9, 12, and 15 to 17 were required. Although the mutants failed to enhance infection, they retained their ability to interact with DCAF1. These findings suggest that the Vpx amino terminus contains an activation domain that serves as the binding site for a cellular restriction factor.
PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE TRENDS IN TEACHING CLINICAL SKILLS THROUGH WEB-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Distance education in social work has grown significantly due to the use of interactive television and computer networks. Given the recent developments in delivering distance education utilizing Web-based technology, this article presents a literature review focused on identifying generational trends in the development of Web-based learning environments for distance education. Previous research studies, theories, and applications of Web-based learning environments that teach clinical skills are reviewed. Three themes from the literature review are identified and discussed. Implications and future trends for teaching clinical skills in Web-based learning environments for social work distance education are also discussed.
Optical Realization of the Retinal Ganglion Receptive Fields in Electron-Trapping Material Thin Film

Optical control of the electron-trapping material is used to model the retinal ganglion cell's receptive field. Using this approach all the retinal image processing can be done on the surface of a thin film of this material.
The role of a conserved threonine residue in the leader peptide of lasso peptide precursors

The conserved threonine (Thr) residue in the penultimate position of the leader peptide of lasso peptides microcin J25 and capistruin can be effectively replaced by several amino acids close in size and shape to Thr. These findings suggest a model for lasso peptide biosynthesis in which the Thr sidechain is a recognition element for the lasso peptide maturation machinery.
Parameter sensitivities, monte carlo filtering, and model forecasting under uncertainty

Complex models are often used to make predictions of environmental effects over a broad range of temporal and spatial scales. The data necessary to adequately estimate the parameters of these complex models are often not available. Monte Carlo filtering, the process of rejecting sets of mode! simulations that fail to meet prespecified criteria of model performance, is a useful procedure for objectively establishing parameter values and improving confidence in model predictions. This paper uses a foodweb model to examine the relationship between model sensitivities and Monte Carlo filtering. Results show that Monte Carlo filtering with a behavior definition that is closely related to the sensitivity structure of the model will produce substantial reductions in model forecasting uncertainty.
A tert-butyl-substituted amino-borane bound to an iridium fragment: A latent source of free H2BNtBuH

Abstract Release of the primary amino-borane H2B NtBuH from [Ir(PCy3)2(H)2(η2-H2B NtBuH)] [ BA r 4 F ] , formed from dehydrogenation of [Ir(PCy3)2(H)2(η2-H3B·NtBuH2)][ BA r 4 F ] , results in the eventual formation of the corresponding cyclic borazine [HBNtBu]3. Observations point to the fact that off-metal hydrogen redistribution reactions play a major role in the final product formation, with H3B·NtBuH2 being formed alongside [HBNtBu]3.
Dependence of fluorescence on coupling from coupled Au nanoparticle - semiconductor quantum dot assemblies

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has used such strong fields to achieve fluorescence enhancement factor over 1013 in organic molecules. Semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs) exhibit significant advantages over fluorescence dyes due to their: (a) broader absorption spectra and more readily tunable emission options (b) higher quantum yields, and (c) higher photochemical stability. However, the interactions between SPs and SQDs are still relatively poorly understood. Experiments-to-date give contradictory results on detailed issues that affect fluorescence enhancements [1, 2]. Detailed parametric studies of linear (excitation photon energy ≫ bandgap of SQDs) and nonlinear (excitation photon energy ≪ bandgap of SQDs) fluorescence enhancements in SQDs are strongly needed.
Learning to gesture: applying appropriate animations to spoken text

We propose a machine learning system that learns to choose human gestures to accompany novel text. The system is trained on scripts comprised of speech and animations that were hand-coded by professional animators and shipped in video games. We treat this as a text-classification problem, classifying speech as corresponding with specific classes of gestures. We have built and tested two separate classifiers. The first is trained simply on the frequencies of different animations in the corpus. The second extracts text features from each script, and maps these features to the gestures that accompany the script. We have experimented with using a number of features of the text, including n-grams, emotional valence of the text, and parts-of-speech. Using a naive Bayes classifier, the system learns to associate these features with appropriate classes of gestures. Once trained, the system can be given novel text for which it will attempt to assign appropriate gestures. We examine the performance of the two classifiers by using n-fold cross-validation over our training data, as well as two user studies of subjective evaluation of the results. Although there are many possible applications of automated gesture assignment, we hope to apply this technique to a system that produces an automated news show.
Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum from Running Sprints

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a fairly rare condition, caused by increased intrathoracic pressure, leading to free air in the mediastinal structures. Underlying lung conditions are associated with increased incidence of SPM, including asthma, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, bullous lung, and radiation therapy for lung cancer. It is often preceded by Valsalva maneuvers, vomiting, coughing, asthma exacerbation, sneezing, childbirth, or intense physical activity. A case of SPM is presented in a 15-year-old male, who complained of throat pain and dyspnea while running sprints at football practice. Workup revealed SPM, and he was subsequently admitted and treated conservatively. His symptoms resolved in 2 days and he was discharged and suffered no further recurrences. In contrast to secondary pneumomediastinum, SPM is usually a benign condition although life-threatening conditions can rarely arise. Differentiating between these two conditions has important prognostic indications. There is a paucity of prospectively collected data regarding SPM, and considerable variation in recommendations concerning the extent of workup.
Eimeria acervulina Infection in the Chicken: A Model System for Estimating Nutrient Requirements During Coccidiosis

Eimeria maxima inoculations of 5 X 10(4) oocysts and E. acervulina inoculations of 2 X 10(5) to 4 X 10(5) oocysts were shown to depress growth by 15 to 20% in young chicks fed crystalline amino acid (CAA) diets. The intestinal lesions produced were typical of light to moderate coccidiosis. In one experiment, the performance of chicks fed monensin was increased in the presence, but not in the absence, of E. acervulina. Thus, monensin prevented the negative effects of E. acervulina on chick performance. This coccidiosis X monensin interaction was also indicative of an active coccidiosis infection. Severe E. acervulina infections were produced by inoculations of 1 X 10(6) or 2 X 10(6) oocysts. Under these conditions, gain was depressed by 30 to 40% and the intestinal lesions produced were indicative of severe coccidiosis. Also, E. acervulina infections were more severe in birds fed CAA diets than in birds fed corn-soybean meal diets. Trypsin incubation of the oocysts prior to inoculation had no significant effect on performance regardless of diet type. Based upon growth rate, intestinal lesions, and responses to anticoccidial drugs, it was clearly demonstrated that coccidiosis of varying severity cn be produced in birds fed CAA diets. In addition, it was observed that the CAA diet, with 24.58% amino acids, contained adequate levels of all indispensable nutrients, even during coccidiosis. This assures that the diet can be used effectively for nutrient requirement studies during coccidiosis.
Anomalous Information Reception by Research Mediums Demonstrated Using a Novel Triple-Blind Protocol

Context Investigating the information reported by mediums is ultimately important in determining the relationship between brain and consciousness in addition to being of deep concern to the public. Objective This triple-blind study was designed to examine the anomalous reception of information about deceased individuals by research mediums under experimental conditions that eliminate conventional explanations. Participants Eight University of Arizona students served as sitters: four had experienced the death of a parent; four, a peer. Eight mediums who had previously demonstrated an ability to report accurate information in a laboratory setting performed the readings. Methodology To optimize potential identifiable differences between readings, each deceased parent was paired with a same-gender deceased peer. Sitters were not present at the readings; an experimenter blind to information about the sitters and deceased served as a proxy sitter. The mediums, blind to the sitters’ and deceased’s identities, each read two absent sitters and their paired deceased; each pair of sitters was read by two mediums. Each blinded sitter then scored a pair of itemized transcripts (one was the reading intended for him/her; the other, the paired control reading) and chose the reading more applicable to him/her. Results The findings included significantly higher ratings for intended versus control readings (p = 0.007, effect size = 0.5) and significant reading-choice results (p = 0.01). Conclusions The results suggest that certain mediums can anomalously receive accurate information about deceased individuals. The study design effectively eliminates conventional mechanisms as well as telepathy as explanations for the information reception, but the results cannot distinguish among alternative paranormal hypotheses, such as survival of consciousness (the continued existence, separate from the body, of an individual’s consciousness or personality after physical death) and super-psi (or super-ESP; retrieval of information via a psychic channel or quantum field).
Remarks on spherically symmetric solutions of the compressible Euler equations

Some evidence indicates that spherically symmetric solutions of the compressible Euler equations blow up near the origin at some time under certain circumstances (cf. [4,19]). In this paper, we observe a criterion for L∞ Cauchy data of arbitrarily large amplitude to ensure the existence of L∞ spherically symmetric solutions in the large, which model outgoing blast waves and large-time asymptotic solutions. The equilibrium states of the solutions and their asymptotic decay to such states are analysed. Some remarks on global spherically symmetric solutions are discussed.
Terrain-influenced local wind forecasting for the Sasebo typhoon haven: Improved empirical techniques

Although the Sasebo, Japan harbor is usually a “typhoon haven” from tropical cyclone (TC) winds due to terrain-blocking effects, in rare cases damaging winds occur that may be attributed to terrain channeling. An empirical parametric model technique is developed and tested that includes consideration of the TC wind structure, land frictional effects, and terrain influences affecting the maximum wind speeds in the harbor when TCs pass within 200 nautical miles of Sasebo. The terrain influence is represented by two sets of wind direction-dependent acceleration factors. The first set, which is directly from the ratio of the local wind to the adjusted parametric wind for TCs passages during 2003–2010, provides mean values that represent the terrain blocking and channeling effects, but the variability with wind direction may be suspect. The second set derived from a large sample of reanalysis winds not limited to TCs has better variability properties, but is not easily related to just the TC passages. A new nomogram modified to include TC wind structure has higher estimates of Sasebo sustained winds for some TC tracks that may be related to terrain influences, but is limited due to the number of TC structure estimates in the developmental sample. These empirical models have the advantage of ease and low cost for future use in also estimating the combined uncertainty in the local winds in Sasebo harbor due to TCs.
A Simple Technique for the Monte Carlo Simulation of Transport in Quantum Wells

A simple technique that can be implemented in the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of transport in a quantum well is reported. The main difference between the proposed technique and existing methods is the use of three dimension momentum (3Dk) particles in the simulation of a quantum region. The use of 3Dk particles within a quantum well structure facilitates the MC simulation of transport in nanoscale devices which contain both the classical and quantum regions.
Biological investigations on Comperia merceti (Compere), an Encyrtid parasite of the cockroach Supella longipalpa (Serville)

SYNOPSIS An account is given of the behaviour, host specificity and potential as a biological control agent of Comperia merceti, a hymenopterous parasite of cockroach oothecae.