cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theorizing Affect in Foreign Language Learning: An Analysis of One Learner's Responses to a Communicative Portuguese Course

In this study we explore a student's affective responses to classroom foreign language learning. In 2 meetings each week throughout an 8-week Portuguese course for beginners, the first author described her language learning experiences to the second author. Sessions were transcribed and then coded and analyzed. A theoretical model grounded in the learner's experiences was developed to understand the learner's affective responses to the language learning process, the events from which her affect sprang, and her affective trajectory over the 8 weeks. This study is a response to the need for methodological and epistemological diversity in second language acquisition research and contributes to studies that focus on the affective responses of the learner to the language learning experience. Implications for the role played by emotion in learners' classroom foreign language learning and the development of sociocultural competence in a second language are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Effects of quality of energy intake on growth and metabolic response of enterally fed low-birth-weight infants.

Carbohydrate and fat may vary in their ability to support protein accretion and growth. If so, variations in the source of nonprotein energy might be used to therapeutic advantage in enterally fed low-birth-weight infants. To test the hypothesis that high-carbohydrate diets are more effective than isocaloric high-fat diets in promoting growth and protein accretion, low-birth-weight infants weighing 750–1600 g at birth were randomized in a double blind study to receive one of five formulas differing only in the quantity and quality of nonprotein energy. Groups 1, 2, and control received 130 kcal·kg−1·d−1 with 35, 65, and 50% of the nonprotein energy as carbohydrate. Groups 3 and 4 received energy intake of 155 kcal·kg−1·d−1 with 35 and 65% of the nonprotein energy as carbohydrate. Protein intake of all groups was 4 g·kg−1·d−1. Growth and metabolic responses were followed weekly, and macronutrient balances including 6-h indirect calorimetry were performed biweekly. Greater rates of weight gain and nitrogen retention were observed at high-carbohydrate intake compared with high-fat intake at both gross energy intakes. Greater rates of energy storage and an increase in skinfold thickness were observed in group 4 (high-energy high-carbohydrate diet) despite higher rates of energy expenditure. These data support the hypothesis that at isocaloric intakes, carbohydrate is more effective than fat in enhancing growth and protein accretion in enterally fed low-birth-weight infants. However, a diet with high-energy and high-carbohydrate content also results in increased fat deposition.
Physician Behaviors to Promote Informed Decisions for Prostate Cancer Screening: a National Research Network Study

Clinical guidelines for prostate cancer screening (PCS) advise physicians to discuss the potential harms and benefits of screening. However, there is a lack of training programs for informed decision-making (IDM), and it is unknown which IDM behaviors physicians have the most difficulty performing. Identifying difficult behaviors can help tailor training programs. In the context of developing a physician-IDM program for PCS, we aimed to describe physicians’ use of nine key IDM behaviors for the PCS discussion and to examine the relation between the behaviors and physician characteristics. A cross-sectional sample of The American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network completed surveys about their behavior regarding PCS (N = 246; response rate = 58 %). The surveys included nine physician key IDM behaviors for PCS and a single-item question describing their general practice style for PCS. The most common IDM behavior was to invite men to ask questions. The two least common reported behaviors concerned patients uncertain about screening (i.e., arrange follow-up and provide additional information for undecided men). Physicians reported difficulty with these two behaviors regardless whether they reported to discuss or not to discuss PCS with patients. Reported use of key IDM behaviors was associated with a general practice style for PCS and being affiliated with a residency-training program. Physician training programs for IDM should include physician skills to address the needs of patients uncertain about screening. Future research should determine if actual behavior is associated with self-reported behavior for the PCS discussion.
Anomalous origin of the left main pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta associated with Digeorge syndrome

We place on record 2 infants with the DiGeorge syndrome and anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta. We postulate that: (1) embryogenesis of anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta might be due to the persistent fifth aortic arch connecting both arterial systems; (2) an anomalous pulmonary artery arising from the ascending aorta is part of the aortic arch abnormality accompanied by normal conotruncal septation; and (3) in the DiGeorge syndrome, cardiac anomalies that originate from the conotruncus or aortic arch, or both, may have the same embryologic mechanisms.
Glycoproteomics of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes using subcellular fractionation, lectin affinity, and stable isotope labeling.

Herein we detail the first glycoproteomic analysis of a human pathogen. We describe an approach that enables the identification of organelle and cell surface N-linked glycoproteins from Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease. This approach is based on a subcellular fractionation protocol to produce fractions enriched in either organelle or plasma membrane/cytoplasmic proteins. Through lectin affinity capture of the glycopeptides from each subcellular fraction and stable isotope labeling of the glycan attachment sites with H218O, we unambiguously identified 36 glycosylation sites on 35 glycopeptides which mapped to 29 glycoproteins. We also present the first expression evidence for 11 T. cruzi specific glycoproteins and provide experimental data indicating that the mucin associated surface protein family (MASP) and dispersed gene family (DGF-1) are post-translationally modified by N-linked glycans. Keywords: Trypanosoma cruzi • lectin affinity • stable isotope labeling • glycoproteomics ...
Crystallization of thermostable glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Bacillus stearothermophilus

Abstract 1. 1. A procedure for the crystallization of homogeneous glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( D -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate: DPN + oxidoreductase (phosphorylating) (EC 1.2.1.12)) from the thermophile Bacillus stearothermophilus is described. 2. 2. Data are presented demonstrating the homogeneity of this enzyme and its remarkable thermostability characteristics.
Neural network implementation of a three-phase model of respiratory rhythm generation

A mathematical model of the central neural mechanisms of respiratory rhythm generation is developed. This model assumes that the respiratory cycle consists of three phases: inspiration, post-inspiration, and expiration. Five respiratory neuronal groups are included: inspiratory, late-inspiratory, post-inspiratory, expiratory, and early-inspiratory neurons. Proposed interconnections among these groups are based substantially on previous physiological findings. The model produces a stable limit cycle and generally reproduces the features of the firing patterns of the 5 neuronal groups. When simulated feedback from pulmonary stretch receptors is made to excite late-inspiratory neurons and inhibit early-inspiratory neurons, the model quantitatively reproduces previous observations of the expiratory-prolonging effects of pulses and steps of vagal afferent activity presented in expiration. In addition the model reproduces expected respiratory cycle timing and amplitude responses to change of chemical drive both in the absence and in the presence of simulated stretch receptor feedback. These results demonstrate the feasibility of generating the respiratory rhythm with a simple neural network based on observed respiratory neuronal groups. Other neuronal groups not included in the model may be more important for shaping the waveforms than for generating the basic oscillation.
The safety of rhytidectomy in the elderly.

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of face-lift surgery in an elderly population. Specifically, is chronologic age an independent risk factor leading to a higher complication rate in the elderly patient undergoing rhytidectomy surgery?Methods:The authors retrospectively
Homologies of Structure and Function in Mammalian Testes and Ovaries

In mammalian testes and ovaries, gametogenic and steroidogenic compartments interact in producing gametes and secreting sex steroid hormones. Components of these compartments share a number of structural and functional homologies. In the gametogenic compartments, Sertoli cells in testicular tubules and granulosa cells in ovarian follicles form diffusion barriers between germ cells and substances in blood and lymph, secrete luminal fluid and synthesize proteins and steroid hormones. However, steroid hormone concentrations in spermatic and ovarian veins represent the secretory activities of steroidogenic compartments. Interstitial cells in testes and ovaries synthesize and secrete androgens but whether they are the major source of estrogens in ovarian venous blood remains controversial. There are data which suggest that androgens and estrogens, acting on Sertoli cells and granulosa cells, mediate the role of gonadotrophins in induction and maintenance of gametogenesis in testis and ovary. Collectively, the numerous homologies of structure and function provide evidence for conservation and adaptation of mechanisms in mammalian gonads.
A new tricarbonylrhenium(I) compound incorporating the tridentate ligand N,N-bispicolyl-2-ethanolamine.

The title compound, {[N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]ethan-ol-κ 3 N,N',N}tricarbonylrhenium(I) bromide methanol solvate, [Re(C 14 H 17 N 3 O)(CO) 3 ]Br.CH 4 O, has been prepared in almost quantitative yield by reacting (NEt 4 ) 2 [Re(CO) 3 Br 3 ] with the ligand N,N-bispicolyl-2-ethanolamine in refluxing methanol. The X-ray structure revealed that the Re(CO) 3 N 3 coordination sphere is highly distorted from octahedral geometry and that the Re(CO) 3 core is facial. The coordinated ligand forms two five-membered rings, with the pyridine rings in a butterfly formation. The OH group is not involved in metal coordination. The packing of the molecule shows a network of classical O...H-O and Br...H-O, and non-classical Br...H-C and O...H-C hydrogen bonds between the methanol solvate molecules, the metal complex cations and the bromide anions.
Protein Microarrays Address the Elephant in the Room

Protein arrays, antigen microarrays in particular, are powerful tools for interrogating the humoral immune response in the setting of health and disease. Whereas antibodies against pathogen-associated antigens provide defense against infection, autoantibodies target a wide variety of cell surface, cytoplasmic, and nuclear self-antigens. Instead of analyzing these antibodies one at a time in single-analyte experiments, investigators can now perform multiplexed profiling of antibody reactivities to a panel of antigens spotted onto planar antigen microarrays(1)(2). Since their inception, antigen microarrays have been used to guide DNA vaccine therapy(3), to profile antibody reactivity during viral infections(4), and to identify clinical subtypes of rheumatoid arthritis(5), lupus(6), and prostate cancer(7). Despite recent advances, the need for improvement in antigen microarrays is still tremendous. Some of the unique challenges facing antigen microarrays include technical issues regarding printing and probing, normalization strategies, and the lack of a reference sample for standardization between experiments and laboratories. Another issue facing antigen microarrays, and protein arrays in general, is that proteins exist at widely different concentrations, and the simultaneous measurement of both low-abundance and high-abundance proteins represents a technical challenge. In this issue of Clinical Chemistry , Hartmann et al.(8) describe a strategy for accurately measuring total immunoglobulin, a high-abundance protein, while still permitting measurement of low-abundance autoantibodies. …
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Pulmonary Vascular Malformations

Objective: The purpose of our study was to establish magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria for the diagnosis of pulmonary vascular malformations (PVMs). Materials and methods: Since 1987, 11 patients have been referred for chest MRI at our institution because of findings suggestive of a PVM. They were evaluated with a 1.5-T MRI system, incorporating a combination of spin-echo, gradient-recalled echo (GRE) cine, and 2-D phase contrast (PC) cine sequences. We used the following MRI criteria to diagnose PVM: (1) flow void or intermediate gray signal on spin-echo sequences; (2) bright signal on GRE cine sequences; and (3) bright signal consistent with flow detected on PC cine sequences using relatively low velocity ranges. Twelve patients not suspected of having a PVM served as controls; all had both MRI and pulmonary angiography to evaluate for central pulmonary embolus. Results: Eight patients in the study group had PVM as determined with MRI using these criteria. In four of these patients, a PVM was confirmed by subsequent pulmonary angiography. Three patients did not have PVM utilizing these criteria; two had neoplasms and one had presumed mucus plugging and/or atelectasis that resolved spontaneously. The smallest vascular malformation detected by MRI was 1 cm. None of the control patients had PVM by MRI or pulmonary angiography. Conclusion: Utilizing these criteria, we believe that MRI is potentially an excellent noninvasive modality to evaluate PVM, and we stress that some form of PC cine sequence must be performed to determine if indeed there is blood flow within a suspicious lesion.
Phase i study of 'dose-dense' pemetrexed plus carboplatin/radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma

Background: This phase I study investigates the feasibility of carboplatin plus dose-dense (q2-week) pemetrexed given concurrently with radiotherapy (XRT) for locally advanced and oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Eligible patients had Stage III or IV (oligometastatic) NSCLC. Patients received XRT to 63 Gy in standard fractionation. Patients received concurrent carboplatin (AUC = 6) during weeks 1 and 5 of XRT, and pemetrexed during weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7 of XRT. The starting dose level (level 1) of pemetrexed was 300 mg/m 2 . Following the finding of dose limiting toxicity (DLT) in dose level 1, an amended dose level (level 1A) continued pemetrexed at 300 mg/m 2 , but with involved field radiation instead of extended nodal irradiation. Consolidation consisted of carboplatin (AUC = 6) and pemetrexed (500 mg/m 2 ) q3 weeks × 2 -3 cycles. Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled. Fourteen patients are evaluable for toxicity analysis. Of the initial 6 patients treated on dose level 1, two experienced DLTs (one grade 4 sepsis, one prolonged grade 3 esophagitis). There was one DLT (grade 5 pneumonitis) in the 8 patients treated on dose level 1A. In 16 patients evaluable for response (4 with oligometastatic stage IV disease and 12 with stage III disease), the median follow-up time is 17.8 months. Thirteen of 16 patients had in field local regional response. The actuarial median survival time was 28.6 months in all patients and 34.7 months (estimated) in stage III patients. Conclusions: Concurrent carboplatin with dose-dense (q2week) pemetrexed at 300 mg/m 2 with involved field XRT is feasible and encouraging in patients with locally advanced and oligometastatic NSCLC. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00330044
Chemical ionization mass spectrometry of iprodione and its metabolites

One of the cornerstones of an architectural approach adopted by this laboratory in screening vegetables for pesticides and industrial chemicals is the extensive use of element-selective gas chromatographic detectors followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In this particular case history, a recently introduced European fungicide, iprodione, was thought to be the first reported incidence in mache imported from France. An analytical protocol involving chemical ionization was devised to confirm this finding as well as search for possible potential metabolites.
What if the web were not RESTful

So-called RESTful services are in widespread use both on the Web, and increasingly, in large enterprises. We say "so-called" because in reality, most of these services are not very RESTful. Those active in the REST community know well where these interfaces fail to meet REST principles, however, true understanding remains only in this relatively small community. Unfortunately, the result is a set of interfaces that are ultimately limited in their use, and the deficiencies are not usually recognized until it is too late to make the necessary changes. Our experience has shown that individuals are not being deliberately neglectful, rather, they simply do not know what they do not know. Everyone thinks they "get REST", after all, using HTTP to move XML or JSON payloads over the network is very simple. We have found that most individuals begin to understand the nuances of REST when they are explained and they almost always ask for resources that further explain these concepts. Certainly, materials are available, however the best ones are rather substantial in size lessening the chance that many people will read them.In this paper we take a fresh approach to explaining the core principles of REST, by describing a World Wide Web that fails to meet these tenets. We look at each key element, resource orientation, the uniform interface, media types and hyperlinking, and imagine the consequences of not abiding by the REST architectural style on the end user or tools developer of the Web. We then do a similar analysis in the context of Web services and programmatic consumers, reexamining each REST characteristic, describing common mistakes and suggesting improvements. We have found that in discussions, the analogy of the World Wide Web has been very effective at explaining REST.
The Global and Regional Constitution of Nations: The View from East Asia

. While the origins of nationalism are sought in global historical trends, few analysts have shown how nations themselves are constituted and re-shaped by circulating global power, ideas and models. The view from East Asia shows that these circulations are mediated by regional developments and interactions which bind these nations together in rivalry and interdependence. The histories of China, Japan and Korea have been closely tied together since the end of the nineteenth century and, with a gap of about thirty years during the Cold War, have intensified once again. The global and regional constitution of nations produces a dialectic between its global form and aspirations and misrecognition of this constitution arising from the self-perception of nationalism as historically immanent. This tension between the global constitution and national misrecognition contributes to the tenacity of nationalism. It also allows us to get a better grasp of the relationship between historical change and structure in nationalism and the relationship between state and popular nationalisms in the countries of the region.
Smoking Cessation Reverses Arterial Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation Injury

Chronic smoking is associated with acetylcholine-dependent endothelial dysfunction, an early marker of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this effect of smoke exposure on blood vessel endothelium is reversible. New Zealand White rabbits were placed in a 240 cubic-foot air flow chamber for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, over a 4-week period and were exposed to smoke produced by a robotic smoke generator. After the 4-week period, rabbits (n=four, Smoked) were killed and their superficial femoral arteries (SFAs) were cut into 3-mm segments. The rings were suspended from tension transducers and the maximal contraction of one ring was recorded following stimulation with norepinephrine (NE). The remaining rings were contracted to 50% of the maximum. Relaxation of these rings was determined by adding increasing doses of acetylcholine. The remaining rabbits were placed in and out of the chamber without smoke exposure for an additional 4 weeks (n=five, Reverse-smoked), and then the SFAs were harvested. Control (n=six) SFAs were explanted from rabbits not exposed to smoke. KCl induced increased contractility in the smoked group when compared with the controls, and NE induced increased contractility in the smoked group when compared with the reverse-smoked rabbits. Acetylcholine-dependent relaxation was significantly reduced in the rings from the smoked rabbits when compared with the controls. The percentage ring relaxation in the reverse-smoked rabbits was similar to the control rings. The impaired acetylcholine-dependent endothelium relaxation in the smoked group verifies endothelial injury. However, the improved relaxation in the reverse-smoked group suggests that endothelial injury is reversible.
Sex-biased dispersal produces high error rates in mitochondrial distance-based and tree-based species delimitation

Abstract Species delimitation using mitochondrial sequences aims to identify species as morphological expertise and biodiversity both decline. Species delimitation in animals relies completely or in part on 2 criteria: genetic distance and reciprocal monophyly. Using coalescent simulations of populations experiencing continuous and interrupted gene flow we show that these commonly applied criteria incur both high false-positive and high false-negative error rates in species delimitation when dispersal is sex biased, as it is in most mammals. The combination of distance- and topology-based criteria will incur false-positive error rates well above 5% when ancestral effective population sizes are large and when population structure has been in place for 10,000 years or more. This effect persists even with a subtle bias in dispersal of 1 : 4 female : males dispersing in each generation. High false-positive error rates in genetic distances can be overcome by correcting for within-population sequence divergence...
Extending the Kawai-Kerman-McVoy Statistical Theory of Nuclear Reactions to Intermediate Structure via Doorways

Kawai, Kerman, and McVoy have shown that a statistical treatment of many open channels that are coupled by direct reactions leads to modifications of the Hauser- Feshbach expression for energy-averaged cross section (Ann. of Phys. 75, 156 (1973)). The energy averaging interval for this cross section is on the order of the width of sin- gle particle resonances, 1 MeV, revealing only a gross structure in the cross section. When the energy-averaging interval is decreased down to a width of a doorway state, 0:1 MeV, a so-called intermediate structure may be observed in cross sections. We extend the Kawai-Kerman-McVoy theory into the intermediate structure by leveraging a theory of doorway states developed by Feshbach, Kerman, and Lemmer (Ann. of Phys. 41, 230 (1967)). As a by-product of the extension, an alternative derivation of the central result of the Kawai-Kerman-McVoy theory is suggested. We quantify the e ect of the ap- proximations used in derivation by performing numerical computations for a large set of compound nuclear states.
The influence of technology evolution on technology adoption: a study of digital cameras

We examine technology adoption by integrating it with technological evolution. We trace the technology evolution S-curve, which represents changes in the key components over time, and the emergence of dominant designs, which represents changes in the architecture over time. We highlight the importance of differentiating three aspects of dominant design: component, internal and external. Our study on digital cameras in the US market indicates that the emergence of both internal and external dominant designs has a positive and significant impact on new camera sales. Our analyses are based on quarterly key-performance-data of digital cameras shipped from 1996 to 2005.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-2 Increase After Arterial Injury in Rats

Vascular injury induced by angioplasty causes smooth muscle cells to migrate, proliferate, and form a neointima. The neointima is further enlarged by the accumulation of matrix molecules synthesized by smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cell migration and matrix accumulation are associated with an increase in the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes and might be regulated by the balance of protease and anti-protease activity. We have studied the inhibitors of two major classes of matrix-degrading enzymes, the plasminogen activators and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to understand better the regulation of proteolytic activity following balloon catheter injury in the rat carotid artery. At various times after injury, protease inhibitor expression was analyzed by Northern blotting, reverse zymography, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. During the first month after injury, we found that the expression of two proteinase inhibitors (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 [PAI-1] and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 [TIMP-2]) was modulated. PAI-1 mRNA expression reached a maximum 6 hours after injury before tapering off to baseline levels by 3 days. PAI-1 activity, as measured by reverse zymography, followed the same temporal profile. PAI-1, localized by immunohistochemistry, was expressed at low levels in the media of control arteries and was increased after injury primarily in the medial smooth muscle cells. TIMP-2 mRNA levels began to increase 24 hours after injury and reached a maximum at day 7. TIMP-2 activity, measured by reverse zymography, peaked at day 3 after injury. TIMP-2 protein was increased in the intima compared with the media and adventitia at day 7 after injury. The increase of PAI-1 and TIMP-2 after injury supports the hypothesis that changes in the proteolytic balance play an important role in smooth muscle cell migration after arterial injury.
A coherent description of nonlinear flow behavior of entangled polymers as related to processing and numerical simulations

This Feature Article describes a plausible picture of entangled polymer shear flow behavior, resulting from a decade of efforts in our laboratory to unravel the origins of a host of intricate and interconnected rheological phenomena. The first report of spurt flow by Bagley (1958) raised several key questions: Does the spurt flow reflect a constitutive failure as suggested by Vindogradov et al. (1972), Doi-Edwards (1979) and McLeish-Ball (1986)? How is it related to sharkskin, "melt fracture" and/or wall slip? The subject remained unsettled and "paradoxical" [Denn (1990)] until the 1990's when a first quantitative description of polymer slip was provided by Brochard and de Gennes (1992). The experimental elucidation [Rheol. Acta 1998, 37, 415] of the interfacial origin of the spurt flow led to the conclusion that the stress maximum in the Doi-Edwards theory (1979) was a theoretical artefact and to a decade of efforts to derive a constitutive description of polymer flow by incorporating Marrucci's idea of convective constraint release (1996). Ongoing studies (2003-present) of constitutive flow and interfacial slip behavior of entangled polymer solutions have revealed something surprising: the entangled polybutadiene solutions appear to respond differently to rate-controlled vs. stress-controlled shear. The results [Macromolecules 2004, 37, 9083] imply that there would not necessarily be a homogeneous shear field in a simple-shear apparatus in the rate-controlled mode. An effective particle tracking velocimetric (PTV) method was developed to allow determination of the velocity profile across the gap in various shear apparatuses including cone-plate and linear sliding-plate setups for startup shear, large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) and step strain experiments. Our PTV observations show an initial linear velocity variation across the gap and a nonlinear velocity profile beyond the shear stress overshoot [Phys. Rev. Lett. 2006, 96, 016001], growth of shear banding in LAOS [Phys. Rev. Lett. 2006,96,196001] and elastic breakup of several entangled solutions after step strain [Phys. Rev. Lett. 2006, 97, 187801]. These results present great challenges to both the prevailing theoretical description of entangled polymer flow that is based on tube models and the conventional rheometric protocols used to experimentally determine constitutive flow behavior, and questions the validity to perform numerical simulations of polymer processing based on the available constitutive models.
Evaluation of organosolv pulp as a suitable substrate for rapid enzymatic hydrolysis.

It has been shown that enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic material can be significantly improved by simultaneous attrition. The enhancement is due to the concurrent and continuous formation of reactive sites for association with the enzyme. Various chemical and physical methods are used to modify the substrate and hence increase the rate and extent of hydrolysis. The modification may involve removal of lignin from the plant cell walls. In this study, samples which have been prepared by an organosolv delignification in ethanol-water have been evaluated using simultaneous attrition and hydrolysis. (Refs. 12).
THE FINE STRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN KUPFFER CELLS OF RAT LIVER

Endogenous peroxidase activity has been demonstrated in sections of rat liver fixed briefly by glutaraldehyde perfusion and incubated in Graham and Karnovsky's medium for cytochemical demonstration of peroxidase activity (29). In 25-40% of sinusoidal cells, an electron-opaque reaction product is localized in segments of the endoplasmic reticulum, including the perinuclear cisternae, a few Golgi vesicles and saccules and in some large membrane-bounded granules. This staining is abolished after prolonged fixation or boiling of tissue sections in glutaraldehyde, and in the absence of H(2)O(2) or DAB from the incubation medium. Furthermore, the reaction is inhibited completely by sodium azide and high concentrations of H(2)O(2), and partially by KCN and aminotriazole. Among the different cells in hepatic sinusoids, the nonphagocytic "fat-storing" cells (39) are always peroxidase negative, whereas the lining cells in process of erythrophagocytosis are consistently peroxidase positive. The possible biological significance of endogenous peroxidase in Kupffer cells is discussed. In addition, the uptake of exogenous horseradish peroxidase by Kupffer cells has been investigated. The exogenous tracer protein, which in contrast to endogenous peroxidase of Kupffer cells is not inhibited by prolonged aldehyde fixation, is taken up by micropinocytosis and remains confined to the lysosomal system of Kupffer cells. The significance of these observations in respect to some recent studies suggesting localization of exogenous peroxidases in the endoplasmic reticulum of Kupffer cells and peritoneal macrophages (22, 23) is briefly discussed.
Man-Machine Symbiosis: A Conspectus of Interactions

In this tutorial paper the authors review the interactions of man with machines from a hierarchical point of view. These interactions have been principally associated with utilization of machines until the last decade. During this latter period, the development of computers as data-processing and information-retrieval devices has evolved to a higher level of interactions. Several pertinent accomplishments and seemingly inherent problems associated with these developments are presented.
Recovering the Human in Human Rights

It is often said that human rights are the rights that people possess simply in virtue of being human – that is, in virtue of their intrinsic, dignity-defining common humanity. Yet, on closer inspection the human rights landscape doesn’t look so even. Once we bring perpetrators of human rights abuse and their victims into the picture, attributions of humanity to persons become unstable. In this article, I trace the ways in which rights discourse ascribes variable humanity to certain categories of people. I set the stage for my discussion of the human in relation to human rights by examining John Locke’s account of the justification for punishment. For Locke, in committing a crime one abrogates one’s humanity and forfeits one’s rights. Likewise, I argue, human rights discourse takes a scalar view of humanity. I consider victims of genocide who are dehumanized as helpless and passive, victims of state persecution who are super-humanized as righteously agentic, and perpetrators of genocide who are dehumanize...
An Elementary Reaction Kinetic Model of the Gas-Phase Formation of Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans from Chlorinated Phenols

A 30-reaction core kinetic model has been developed that accounts for the major features in the homogeneous formation of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) from the high-temperature oxidation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP). The core, purely gas-phase scheme provides agreement within a factor of 1.5−2 between experimental and calculated yields of PCDD/Fs using the REACT kinetic program. It is demonstrated that the formation of PCDF is due to the conversion of TCP to 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), which subsequently forms a keto resonance structure of the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyl radical (DCP•). The conversion of TCP to DCP provides an ortho hydrogen that is necessary for the formation of PCDF. Ab initio calculations were utilized to calculate the activation energies of the key reactions involved in the gas-phase formation of PCDF.
Convergence of Laplacian diffusion versus resolution of an ocean model

[1] This paper presents a convergence study for second order finite difference Laplacian diffusion used in ocean models. For demonstration, ocean model simulations are performed over a rectangular domain, based on the North Pacific subtropical gyre region with grid resolution between 1/2° and 1/32° and with horizontal eddy viscosity coefficient (AH) ranging from 8000 to 30 m2 s−1. A range of AH which is appropriate for useful model simulations of an oceanic domain is found to exist. This range is determined by examining the spatial patterns of Eddy kinetic energy and mean sea surface height. The results fall into three broad categories: (a) converged, (b) converging, and (c) numerical problems. Solutions in the “converged” category do not change with increased grid resolution, and solutions in the “numerical problems” category exhibit distinct differences to the converged result at the same AH.
Dynamic test scheduling for analog circuits for improved test quality

In this paper, we present an innovative test scheduling method to improve test quality and/or reduce test time for analog circuits. Our dynamic test scheduling approach predicts the fail probability of unmeasured specifications with the aim of passing statistically well-behaved chips early on so as to devote more resources to marginal devices. Results show that for a gain controlled LNA circuit, with 48 specification parameters, it is possible to achieve 67% improvement in test quality for the same test time or 19.2% test time reduction with the same test quality compared to the widely used set cover method.
Effects of firing angle imbalance on 12-pulse rectifiers with interphase transformers

Firing angle or source imbalances between 6-pulse bridges comprising a 12-pulse rectifier lead to current imbalance, due to the finite magnetizing inductance of the interphase transformer. The magnitude of the imbalance is limited by the negative feedback produced by load regulation of the 6-pulse groups. This paper uses both an averaged model and a piecewise-linear simulation to obtain a quantitative understanding of this effect. The averaged model is used to predict steady-state current shifts and transient behavior. The piecewise-linear model of the system is then used to verify and extend the results via computer simulation. It is shown that the current imbalance can be accurately predicted by the averaged model, making the model suitable for both feedback control and interphase transformer design. >
Mohambi xylophone music of the Shangana-Tsonga

The Tsonga of Mozambique and South Africa are located between the Venda in the northwest and the Chopi in the southeast. While the large Venda xylophones have all but disappeared in the last forty years, Chopi xylophone playing is widely practised and the Chopi orchestras are famous both in the homeland and in the Johannesburg gold-mine compounds. It is on the Chopi timbila that the Tsonga model their mohambi xylophone, often obtaining the ready-made slats by barter and then assembling a copy of the rest of the instrument themselves
Relationship of the Chemokine, CXCL12, to Effects of Dietary Fat on Feeding-Related Behaviors and Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Systems

The intake of a high fat diet (HFD), in addition to stimulating orexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus while promoting overeating and reducing locomotor behavior, is known to increase inflammatory mediators that modulate neuronal systems in the brain. To understand the involvement of chemokines in the effects of a HFD, we examined in rats whether HFD intake affects a specific chemokine, CXCL12, and its receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, in the hypothalamus together with the neuropeptides and whether CXCL12 itself acts similarly to a HFD in stimulating the neuropeptides and altering ingestion and locomotor behavior. Compared to low-fat chow, a HFD for 5 days significantly increased the expression of CXCL12 and its receptors, in both the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) where the neuropeptides enkephalin (ENK) and galanin were also stimulated and the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PFLH) where orexin (OX) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) were increased. In contrast, the HFD had no impact on expression of CXCL12 or its receptors in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) where the carbohydrate-related peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), was suppressed. Analysis of protein levels revealed a similar stimulatory effect of a HFD on CXCL12 levels in the PVN and PFLH, as well as in blood, and an increase in the number of CXCR4-positive cells in the PVN. In the ARC, in contrast, levels of CXCL12 and number of CXCR4-positive cells were too low to measure. When centrally administered, CXCL12 was found to have similar effects to a HFD. Injection of CXCL12 into the third cerebral ventricle immediately anterior to the hypothalamus significantly stimulated the ingestion of a HFD, reduced novelty-induced locomotor activity, and increased expression of ENK in the PVN where the CXCR4 receptors were dense. It had no impact, however, on NPY in the ARC or on OX and MCH in the PFLH where the CXCR4 receptors were not detected. These results, showing CXCL12 in the hypothalamus to be stimulated by a HFD and to mimic the effects of the HFD where its receptors are located, suggest that this chemokine system may have a role in mediating both the neuronal and behavioral effects induced by a fat-rich diet.
Detection of expressions of Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin in ovarian cancer tissue and its clinical application value

Objective To study the expressions of casein kinase 2α(Ck2α),β-catenin,survivin in ovarian cancer tissue and analyze the relationships between them, and to explore the clinical application value.Methods Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expressions of Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin in8 cases of simple ovarian cysts tissue,8cases of ovarian benign tumor tissue and 29 cases of ovarian cancer tissue;the correlations of the expressions of Ck2α,β-catenin,survivin in ovarian cancer tissue and their associations with the clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed.Results The expression levels of Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin in ovarian cancer tissue were significantly higher than those in simple ovarian cysts tissue and ovarian benign tumor tissue(P0.05);the Ck2αexpression level in ovarian cancer tissue was positively corelated with the expression levels ofβ-catenin and survivin(r=0.438,r=0.479,P0.05);the expression levels of Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin in low-medium differentiation group were significantly higher than those in high differentiation group(P0.05);the expression levels of Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin in stagesⅡandⅢ group were significantly higher than those in stageⅠ group(P0.05).Conclusion The protein expression levels of Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin are increased in ovarian cancer tissue,and three are positive corelations between them;Ck2α,β-catenin and survivin may play an important role in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer;the combined detection of them has important clinical value.
Abstract IA23: Hippo/YAP signaling in stem cells and cancer

The long-term goals of the Camargo laboratory are to provide basic insight into conserved mechanisms underlying size and growth control. We are particularly interested in the pathways that somatic stem and progenitors cells utilize to sense and respond to growth inputs in vivo. We utilize the mouse as a genetic model to study pathway function and to dissect the mechanisms by which growth control is coordinated. We also employ three-dimensional primary culture, biochemistry, and high-throughpout genetic interrogation in vitro to identify novel growth-control genes and to provide basic molecular mechanisms underlying our in vivo observations. Additionally, my lab is pursuing the development of novel technologies for lineage tracing of mammalian stem cells. We are particularly interested in studying the function of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and its effects on tissue size, homeostasis and cancer. We have demonstrated that Hippo signaling can be a very potent regulator of organ size in mice and have provided a conceptual link between organ size regulation and stem cell activity through Hippo signals. Studies exploring the molecular basis of YAP-driven phenotypes will be discussed. Citation Format: Fernando Camargo. Hippo/YAP signaling in stem cells and cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Developmental Biology and Cancer; Nov 30-Dec 3, 2015; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(4_Suppl):Abstract nr IA23.
Understanding Visual Literacy Through Visual Information Processing

AbstractVisual information brings about a type of information processing ca involves the simultaneous use of both a verbal and a nonverbal code. Understanding the human information processing system and the role of visuals within it. deepens ourunderstanding of visual literacy. Nonverbal mental processes can be used successfully to visualize important informationduring learning. Several studies report that dual coding has been used to improve learning and accuracy. Such methods are not widely proven but show promise to help learners capitalize on the advantages of being visual literate.
Flexible Low-Cost SDR Platform for HF Communications: Near vertical incidence skywave preliminary results.

A new low-cost reconfigurable software-defined radio (SDR) platform for high-frequency (HF) applications is presented in this article. The platform can work in the entire HF band (3-30 MHz), with bandwidths up to 36 kHz. We present the preliminary results working in a near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) communication, where only the frequency range 3- 12 MHz is needed. The modem has been designed so that the modulations to be used, time frames, and scheduling can be completely reprogrammable in both narrow-band and wide-band modes. This is a strong advantage, because tests can be redesigned and reprogrammed to evaluate channel performance, which is not only important for research purposes but also for its final application in emergency communications in the NVIS propagation case of study. The transmission can be adapted to the best propagation frequency at every moment by means of a previous sounding analysis.
Anxiety and mood clinical profile following sport-related concussion: from risk factors to treatment

Conceptual models for assessing and treating sport-related concussion (SRC) have evolved from a homogenous approach to include different clinical profiles that reflect the heterogeneous nature of this injury and its effects. There are six identified clinical profiles, or subtypes from SRC, and one such clinical profile is the anxiety/mood profile. Athletes with this profile experience predominant emotional disturbance and anxiety following SRC. The purpose of this targeted review was to present an overview of the empirical evidence to support factors contributing to the anxiety/mood profile, along with methods of evaluation and treatment of this clinical profile following SRC. We discuss the potential underlying mechanisms and risk factors for this clinical profile, describe comprehensive assessments to evaluate concussed athletes with an anxiety/mood clinical profile, and explore behavioral and other interventions for treating these athletes. Although there is limited, but growing empirical evidence for the anxiety/mood clinical profile following SRC, understanding this clinical profile is germane for clinicians who are treating athletes with emotional sequelae after SRC.
Long-range PCR allows sequencing of mitochondrial genomes from environmental DNA

As environmental DNA (eDNA) from macro-organisms is often assumed to be highly degraded, current eDNA assays target small DNA fragments to estimate species richness by metabarcoding. A limitation of this approach is the inherent lack of unique species-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms available for unequivocal species identification. We designed a novel primer pair capable of amplifying whole mitochondrial genomes and evaluated it in silico for a wide range of ray-finned fishes (Class: Actinopterygii). We tested the primer pair using long-range PCR and Illumina sequencing in vitro on a mock community of fish species assembled from pooling genomic DNA extracted from tissues. In situ we utilized long-range PCR and Illumina sequencing to generate fragments between 16 and 17 kb from eDNA extracted from filtered water samples. Water samples were sourced from a mesocosm experiment and from a natural stream. We validated our method in silico for 61 orders of Actinopterygii; we successfully sequenced mitogenomes in vitro from all six species in our mock community. In situ we recovered mitogenomes for all species present in our mesocosms. We additionally recovered mitogenomes from 10 of 12 species caught at the time of water sampling and two species previously only detected from eDNA metabarcoding of short DNA fragments from a natural stream. Successful amplification of large fragments (>16 kb) from eDNA demonstrates that not all eDNA is highly degraded. Sequencing whole mitogenomes from filtered water samples will alleviate many problems associated with identification of species from short-fragment PCR amplicon-based methods.
Electrogenic Na + /HCO 3 − cotransporter NBC1 (SLC4A4): proximal renal tubular acidosis and ocular pathologies

Blood and cellular pH are tightly controlled. Normal blood pH is 7.35–7.45, that is,[H+ of 36–45nM. In fact, humans with blood pH below 7.2 or above 7.6 are quite sick. Chronic blood pH below 7.0 ([H+=100nM) or above 7.8 (H+ ∼ 15nM) is incompatible with life.