cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The discovery, scope, and puzzle of desiccation tolerance in plants

The modern scientific study of desiccation tolerance began in 1702 when Anthony von Leeuwenhoek discovered that rotifers could survive without water for months. By 1860, the controversy over whether organisms could dry up without dying had reached such a pitch that a special French commission was convened to adjudicate the dispute. In 2000, we know that a few groups of animals and a wide variety of plants can tolerate desiccation in the active, adult stages of their life cycles. Among plants, this includes many lichens and bryophytes, a few ferns, and a very few flowering plants, but no gymnosperms nor trees. Some desiccation-tolerant species can survive without water for over ten years, recover from desiccation to unmeasurably low water potentials, and, when plants are desiccated, endure temperature extremes from −272 to 100 °C. Desiccation-tolerant plants occur on all continents but mainly in xeric habitats or microhabitats where the cover of desiccation-sensitive species is low. Two main puzzles arise from these patterns: What are the mechanisms by which plants tolerate desiccation? and Why are desiccation-tolerant plants not more ecologically widespread? Recent molecular and biochemical studies suggest that there are multiple mechanisms of tolerance, many of which involve protection from oxidants and from the loss of configuration of macromolecules during dehydration. Hypotheses to explain the restricted ecological range of desiccation-tolerance plants include inability to maintain a cumulative positive carbon balance during repeated cycles of wetting and drying and inherent trade offs between desiccation tolerance and growth rate.
Determining the thickness of the liquid on the cornea for open and closed angle glaucoma using haar filter

Evaluating the anterior chamber angle with gonioscopy is an essential part of evaluating patients at risk of contracting glaucoma and neovascularization. It also provides useful information for patients with iris abnormalities or a history of trauma or ocular inflammation. Unfortunately, gonioscopy is underutilized by both optometrists and ophthalmologists. There are many symptoms that call for performing gonioscopy. One of the most common reasons for performing gonioscopy is in cases where the doctor suspects a patient is at risk of being infected with angle closure glaucoma (ACG) with pupil dilation. This paper aims at calculating the angle of open and closed glaucoma as a first step of determining the thickness of the liquid available on the cornea, which has been proven to be very helpful in preventing vision loss. The techniques involved in this study include proposing an eye segmentation process, the calculation of the angle opening distance (AOD), trabecular iris angle (TIA), and trabecular iris space area (TISA). The simulation results obtained and the performance of the proposed method are found to be highly efficient and accurate.
Response: Cosmopolitanism and/in Education: What Responsibilities Now for the Philosopher and the Teaching of Philosophy?

With the development of global processes, especially global communications and media, the notion of cosmopolitanism has become more widespread. However, cosmopolitanism is not new, as revealed by Martha Nussbaum’s synopsis of its history in her book Cultivating Humanity — words she borrowed, along with the figure of concentric circles, from the Ancient Stoic thinker Seneca (first century AD). Nicholas Burbules provided an insightful review of Nussbaum’s book, and an enlightening discussion of the shortcomings of her analysis. While she “would like to see education adopt this cosmopolitan Stoic stance,” focusing “cosmopolitan education” on philosophy and ethical reasoning, knowledge, and imagination, she sidesteps the difficult challenges her position must confront. Although she advocates the importance of philosophical argument, she offers little debate, little examination of attendant tensions and contradictions. Zelia Gregoriou underscores these difficulties and sums up her discussion of Nussbaum’s pedagogical approach: “In an effort to vernacularize Socratic pedagogy, Nussbaum’s cosmopolitan proposal often collapses the problem of cultural translation to knowing ‘some rudiments about others,’” excluding culture which “remains [but] an external tool to cosmopolitanism.”
Differentiation of the Branchial Apparatus

Skeletal Muscle Fibers: The skeletal muscle fibers originating from segmented (somites) and unsegmented (lateral plate) mesoderm are indistinguishable morphologically but they can be distinguished on the basis of their efferent (motor) innervation.
Studies in hybrid systems: modeling, analysis, and control

Abstract : Complex systems typically possess a hierarchical structure, characterized by continuous-variable dynamics at the lowest level and logical decision-making at the highest. Virtually all control systems today perform computer-coded checks and issue logical as well as continuous-variable control commands. Such are 'hybrid' systems. Traditionally, the hybrid nature of these systems is suppressed by converting them into either purely discrete or continuous entities. Motivated by real-world problems, we introduce 'hybrid systems' as interacting collections of dynamical systems, evolving on continuous-variable state spaces, and subject to continuous controls and discrete phenomena. We identify the discrete phenomena that arise in hybrid systems and review previously proposed models. We propose a hybrid control model, coupling differential equations and automata, that encompasses them. Our unified model is natural for posing and solving hybrid analysis and control problems. We discuss topological issues that arise in hybrid systems analysis. Then we compare the computational capabilities of analog, digital, and hybrid machines by proposing intuitive notions of analog machines simulating digital ones. We show that simple continuous systems possess the power of universal computation. Hybrid systems have further simulation capabilities. For instance, we settle the famous asynchronous arbiter problem in both continuous and hybrid settings. Further, we develop analysis tools for limit cycle existence, perturbation robustness, and stability. We analyze a hybrid control system, typically used in aircraft, that logically switches between two conventional controllers. Stability of such systems has previously only been tested using extensive simulation; we prove global asymptotic stability for a realistic set of cases. Our tools demonstrate robustness of this stability with respect
Individualized Prediction of Heat Stress in Firefighters: A Data-Driven Approach Using Classification and Regression Trees

The purpose of this study was to explore data-driven models, based on decision trees, to develop practical and easy to use predictive models for early identification of firefighters who are likely to cross the threshold of hyperthermia during live-fire training. Predictive models were created for three consecutive live-fire training scenarios. The final predicted outcome was a categorical variable: will a firefighter cross the upper threshold of hyperthermia – Yes/No. Two tiers of models were built, one with and one without taking into account the outcome (whether a firefighter crossed hyperthermia or not) from the previous training scenario. First tier of models included age, baseline heart rate and core body temperature, body mass index, and duration of training scenario as predictors. The second tier of models included the outcome of the previous scenario in the prediction space, in addition to all the predictors from the first tier of models. Classification and regression trees were used independently...
Evolution of a barrier island, Shackleford Banks, Carteret County, North Carolina

Split-spoon core samples from 14 bore holes on Shackleford Banks, Carteret County, North Carolina, revealed three lithologically distinct units above an erosional surface on upper Tertiary fine-grained sands. Two Pleistocene units are recognized. The lower unit, consisting of silty, highly fossiliferous sand, was deposited in a nearshore open marine environment during a late Sangamon transgression of the sea that advanced at least 32 km inland from the present coastline. This unit was informally named the Core Creek sand by Mixon and Pilkey. Overlying the Core Creek sand is a silty, sandy gray clay herein named the Diamond City Clay. It contains a fauna indicative of a back-barrier environment. Shells and salt-marsh peat from the Diamond City Clay were radiometrically dated between 24,000 and 30,000 B.P., indicating that the unit was deposited during a mid-Wisconsin high stand of sea level. It is speculated that a barrier at that time stood just offshore of the present-day Shackleford Banks. The Pleistocene surface was subsequently subaerially exposed, and a freshwater peat was deposited in one local depression. The Outer Banks sand of Holocene age is the uppermost unit of the island. In this sand body ten sedimentary environments, of which barrier inlets were dominant, were recognized. At least one inlet was formed in the recent past on the eastern end of the island and then migrated to the present location of Beaufort Inlet — all while Shackleford Banks remained in its same relative position. The migrating inlet eroded all previous Holocene sediments and truncated the underlying Diamond City Clay.
Cutaneous necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis with evolution to T cell lymphoma

The evolution of unusual cutaneous vasculitis to a systemic T cell lymphoma was observed over a 12-year period. Precise classification of the skin biopsy specimens during the course of this patient's illness was difficult. Different observers suggested malignant hemangioendothelioma, malignant lymphoma, regressing atypical histiocytosis, and granulomatous vasculitis. In retrospect, the biopsy specimens likely represented the spectrum of cutaneous lymphomatoid granulomatosis. This condition is yet another example of a reactive lymphoid proliferation proceeding to a malignant lymphoma.
FORCE AND ADHESION MEASUREMENTS BETWEEN HYDROGEN-BONDED LAYERS OF GLYCINE-FUNCTIONALIZED AMPHIPHILES

James Schneider, Peter Berndt, Kraig Haverstick,Sanjay Kumar, Shiv Chiruvolu, and Matthew Tirrell*Department of Chemical Engineering andMaterials Science, UniVersity of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota 55455ReceiVed August 11, 1997ReVised Manuscript ReceiVed February 19, 1998The structural integrity of proteins, DNA, and supramolecularassemblies
Molecular Control of Immune/Inflammatory Responses: Interactions Between Nuclear Factor-κB and Steroid Receptor-Signaling Pathways

I. Introduction II. Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) A. Introduction B. NF-κB is a dimeric transcription factor C. The regulatory subunit IκB is an inhibitor of NF-κB D. Activation and function of NF-κB E. The transcription factor NF-κB interacts with multiple transcription factors and transcriptional co-factors F. Transgenic animals suggest a complex role for NF-κB family members in immunity and development III. Steroid Hormones/Receptors: Glucocorticoids and the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) A. General background B. Glucocorticoid mechanism of action: the GR C. Glucocorticoid physiology D. GR/NF-κB interactions E. GR interacts with other transcription factors and transcriptional cofactors IV. NF-κB and GR Antagonism: Physiological Significance? V. Interactions Between NF-κB and Other Steroid Hormone Receptors A. Androgen receptor (AR) B. Estrogen receptor (ER) C. Progesterone receptor (PR) VI. Summary/Conclusions
Quantification of clinical consultations in academic emergency radiology1

Rationale and objectives The purpose of this study is to quantify the impact of clinical consultation on the workload of an academic emergency radiology section. Materials and methods Data from a 7-day audit (24 h/d) of the number and length of clinical consultations was expressed as the mean number of consultations per 24 hours and consultation minutes per 24 hours. Consultations performed on images acquired from outside institutions were noted. The attending radiologist consultation fraction was defined as the attending consultation minutes per 24 hours divided by the number of minutes of attending coverage per 24 hours. Using annualized work relative value units per full-time employee (wRVU/FTE) over the 7 days, the consultation value unit per full-time employee (CVU/FTE) was defined and calculated as the consultation fraction multiplied by the annual wRVU/FTE. Results For the attending radiologists, the consultation fraction was 0.13 and the CVU/FTE was 1216. Twenty-two percent of the total consultation minutes were spent on studies performed outside our institution. Conclusions Clinical consultation represents a significant portion of the workload in academic emergency radiology. The consultation fraction describes the fraction of the radiologist's time spent in consultation, and the CVU/FTE expresses the workload of clinical consultations in terms of wRVU/FTE, the factor used most commonly to determine the academic radiologist's productivity and staffing.
Recurrent Gestational Diabetes: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Management, and Implications

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) should be regarded as a sentinel event in a woman's life that presents challenges and disease prevention opportunities to all providers of health care for women of reproductive age. Prediabetic risk factors are rising in prevalence and include dietary and lifestyle habits, which when superimposed on genetic predisposition contribute to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and GDM. There is growing evidence that treatment of GDM matters, with a continuum of adverse pregnancy outcome risks proportional to degrees of maternal glucose intolerance. GDM in an index pregnancy increases the risk of recurrent GDM in subsequent pregnancies, and recurrence rates of up to 70% have been reported. GDM recurrence rates are influenced by maternal health characteristics and past pregnancy history. The risk of later metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes is increased in women with a history of GDM and women should be screened for postpartum glucose intolerance. Opportunities to prevent recurrent GDM and later type 2 diabetes require attention to risk factors and plasma glucose status with identification of impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
Avoiding the SCAMs.

Dendrites from the same neuron usually avoid contact with one another, a behavior known as self-avoidance. In this issue of Neuron and in the upcoming May 4, 2007 issue of Cell , a pair of studies by Soba et al. and Hughes et al. and a study by Matthews et al., respectively, identify products from the highly alternatively spliced Dscam gene as central to this behavior in Drosophila . Signaling induced by adhesion between identical isoforms triggers repulsion between sister dendrites.
Agents in Service-Oriented Wireless Sensor Networks

Advances in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are fuelling highly distributed wireless sensors organised for increasingly complex tasks. WSNs will soon evolve beyond current data, network, and resource-oriented architectures. Autonomous and collaborative agents provide relevant parallels for more sophisticated tasking. Agent-based systems present a viable architecture for responding to layers of distributed tasking exhibited by WSNs. They map readily to the Service-Oriented WSN (SOWSN) model layers (mission, network, region, sensor, and capability). This paper explores the synergy between WSN and agent technologies to manage growing complexity of future sensor network applications, revealing key parallels that lend themselves to emergent applications.
Scalable and high performance betweenness centrality on the GPU

Graphs that model social networks, numerical simulations, and the structure of the Internet are enormous and cannot be manually inspected. A popular metric used to analyze these networks is between ness centrality, which has applications in community detection, power grid contingency analysis, and the study of the human brain. However, these analyses come with a high computational cost that prevents the examination of large graphs of interest. Prior GPU implementations suffer from large local data structures and inefficient graph traversals that limit scalability and performance. Here we present several hybrid GPU implementations, providing good performance on graphs of arbitrary structure rather than just scale-free graphs as was done previously. We achieve up to 13x speedup on high-diameter graphs and an average of 2.71x speedup overall over the best existing GPU algorithm. We observe near linear speedup and performance exceeding tens of GTEPS when running between ness centrality on 192 GPUs.
Increasing age at time of pectus excavatum repair in children: emerging consensus?

Abstract Background Advances in surgical technique for pectus excavatum repair continue to change practice patterns. The present study examines trends in operative age in a nationwide administrative database. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) data from 1998 to 2009. Pediatric discharges involving surgical repair of pectus excavatum were selected. Patients were sub-grouped by age at operation and calendar year of repair for further comparison. Results A total of 5830 elective admissions were identified that met inclusion criteria. Mean age at operation was 13.5 years, and this increased from 11.8 years to 14.4 years over the period studied and was accompanied by narrowing of the interquartile range. Examined over groups of four calendar years, patient age at the time of repair was significantly higher in more recent years in both unadjusted and multivariate analyses ( P Conclusions The age at operation in this sample has steadily increased, with an accompanying decrease in variability. This is consistent with previous findings and with overall trends in patient selection reported in the literature. This selection pattern may reflect evolving consensus regarding optimal management of pectus excavatum and provide clinical guidance regarding appropriate referral and intervention.
The VISTA architecture: experiencing stories through virtual storytelling agents

VISTAs (Virtual Interactive Story Telling Agents) interact with users through natural language query/answer patterns derived from the analysis of narrative content developed from multimedia. This paper describes the rationale for agent development, their software components, and the overall architecture for VISTAs, which are used as a form of high-level dialog manager to provide information retrieval for educational and entertainment purposes.
Littrow angle method to remove alignment errors in grating pulse compressors

An alignment method for pulse-compression gratings that obviates the need to place the gratings at normal incidence to remove grating-tip error is proposed. Grating-tip and groove-orientation errors are removed using two alignment wavelengths in a manner analogous to a laser-beam pointing and centering procedure entirely at the respective Littrow angles for the two wavelengths. By choosing wavelengths with Littrow angles close to the use angle of the grating, the residual tip and groove-orientation errors that may be introduced when the grating mount is tilted to its use angle are reduced. This method has greatly facilitated the alignment of the OMEGA Extended Performance (EP) large-aperture pulse compressors, thereby reducing residual pulse-front tilt caused by nonparallel gratings. OMEGA EP is a high-energy, petawatt-class laser at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics. A numerical simulation of the alignment procedure is presented.
Searle’s Derivation, Natural Law, and Moral Relativism

Some philosophers have maintained that even if John R. Searle’s attempted derivation of an evaluative proposition from purely descriptive premises is successful, moral ought would not have been derived. Searle agrees. I will argue that if Searle has successfully derived “ought,” then, based on various approaches taken towards the content of “morality,” this is moral ought. I will also trace out some of the benefits of a successful derivation of moral ought in relation to natural law ethics. I sketch a possible derivation of moral obligations based on one of the basic goods in natural law ethics (i.e., friendship) that resembles Searle’s attempted derivation of an individual’s obligation to keep her promise to someone else. I also sketch a possible derivation of moral obligations based on another of the basic goods in natural law ethics – knowledge. This derivation may not parallel Searle’s attempted derivation as closely as the derivations based on friendship, but it seems to at least involve the derivation of moral obligations from all non-moral premises.
A program for transition point analysis of experimental data.

Abstract A FORTRAN IV program is presented which determines transition points for data that can be represented by a set of intersecting regression lines. Initial estimates are not required, and no specific spacing of the data is needed. A spline function is used to reduce the large number of computational steps arising from complex linear models while an iterative least squares procedure is used to obtain the final solution. Examples of experimental and artificially generated data are presented along with an F-statistic for differences in slope at the transition point.
An HREELS investigation of the adsorption and reaction of formic acid on the (0001)-Zn surface of ZnO

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of HCOOH on the (0001)-Zn surface of ZnO was studied using high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Fourier deconvolution was used to remove phonon-phonon and phonon-adsorbate combination losses from the HREEL spectra of the adsorbate-covered surface, allowing adsorbed species to be easily identified. Formic acid was found to dissociate on the (0001)-Zn surface to form surface formate species and surface hydroxyl groups. The HREEL spectra indicate that formates are adsorbed in a monodentate configuration on this surface. This study represents one of the first examples of the use of HREELS to characterize adsorbed organic species on a metal oxide surface.
Probing the structure of the affinity-purified and lipid-reconstituted torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is the only member of the Cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) that is available in high abundance in a native membrane preparation. To study the structure of the other LGICs using biochemical and biophysical techniques, detergent solubilization, purification, and lipid reconstitution are usually required. To assess the effects of purification on receptor structure, we used the hydrophobic photoreactive probe 3-trifluoromethyl-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)diazirine ([125I]TID) to compare the state-dependent photolabeling of the Torpedo nAChR before and after purification and reincorporation into lipid. For the purified nAChR, the agonist-sensitive photolabeling within the M2 ion channel domain of positions M2-6, M2-9, and M2-13, the agonist-enhanced labeling of δThr274 (δM2-18) within the δ subunit helix bundle, and the labeling at the lipid−protein interface (αΜ4) were the same as for the nAChR in native membranes. However, addition of ag...
Partially adaptive estimation via a normal mixture

Abstract This paper proposes a new partially adaptive regression estimator. The estimator is derived by modeling the disturbance distribution as a variance mixture of normal distributions, yet the true disturbance distribution need not be a variance mixture in order for the proposed estimator to be consistent and asymptotically normal. Moreover, the partially adaptive estimator is shown to be less sensitive to extreme values than the ordinary least-squares estimator, a point that is illustrated with some Monte Carlo experiments. The paper also provides some easily programmed EM algorithms for computing estimates.
Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning in Narragansett Bay.

A two-year survey for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) was conducted in Narragansett Bay using the mouse assay method. The suspected causative organisms,Dinophysis spp., were monitored at the same time. Only one shellfish sample, in September 1984, yielded an unequivocal positive result at a time when the dinoflagellate population was dominated byD. acuminata. False positive results were suspected in May, when the mussels appeared sexually matured, and in, the summer of 1985, at the time of an unusual massive picoplanktonic bloom. Evidence of toxin production byD. acuminata was obtained from an almost monospecific sample; we calculated that over 5.4×105 cells would be necessary to produce one mouse unit. The specificity and sensitivity of the assay method are questioned and improvements for DSP detection are suggested.
Comparison of diet quality, physical activity and biochemical values of older adults either reporting or not reporting use of lipid-lowering medication.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare standard lipid profile, reported dietary intake, and physical activity in older adults who reported taking or not taking a lipid-lowering medication, namely statins.
Temperature−Composition Phase Diagrams for Binary Blends Consisting of Chemically Dissimilar Diblock Copolymers

Temperature−composition phase diagrams for binary blends of chemically dissimilar diblock copolymers, (A-block-B) and (A-block-C) copolymers, were constructed experimentally. For the study, two pol...
Abstract-concept learning of difference in pigeons

Many species have demonstrated the capacity to learn abstract concepts. Recent studies have shown that the quantity of stimuli used during training plays a critical role in how subjects learn abstract concepts. As the number of stimuli available in the training set increases, so too does performance on novel combinations. The role of set size has been explored with learning the concept of matching and same/different but not with learning the concept of difference. In the present study, pigeons were trained in a non-matching-to-sample task with an initial training set of three stimuli followed by transfer tests to novel stimuli. The training set was progressively doubled eight times with learning and transfer following each expansion. Transfer performance increased from chance level (50 %) at the smallest set size to a level equivalent to asymptotic training performance at the two largest training set sizes (384, 768). This progressive novel-stimulus transfer function of a non-matching (difference) rule is discussed in comparison with results from a similar experiment where pigeons were trained on a matching rule.
Multirate processing using nested sampling

This paper describes the multirate processing of random signals sampled on nested intervals. Nested sampling intervals consist of nonuniformly spaced samples formed by concatenating two or more smaller intervals each with uniform sampling. By filtering a vectorized version of the signal power spectral density matrix, the input-output behavior of conventional filter banks can be replicated. This type of processing is especially useful in multifunction radars that must perform multiple tasks simultaneously but lack the capability to form multiple beams on receive. By performing Doppler processing for a given mainbeam pointing direction using only a sparse subset of uniformly transmitted pulses, the radar is able to point the mainbeam in other directions and execute different tasks in a time-multiplexed fashion. Simulated examples are presented which describe the application of the proposed technique.
Pepsinogen 7 as an indicator of neonatal maturity: preliminary studies.

Qualitative electrophoretic patterns of urinary pepsinogens (Pg1 to Pg7) were studied in two infant populations. Population 1 included 54 neonates judged to be full-term by expected date of confinement, birth weight, and physical examination. Population 2 included 17 neonates judged premature by identical criteria. Seventy-four per cent of Population 1 were nonexcretors by the end of the first week of life. With one exception, all infants in Population 2 were excretors during the first postnatal week. With further observation throughout their hospital stay, 15 infants continued to be excretors, and one showed transition to nonexcretor status during the last week of hospital stay. Since a previous study of a large nonneonatal population has shown that Pg7 is not normally excreted, excretion of Pg7 appears to be associated with prematurity. Nonexcretion or transition to nonexcretion appears to be associated with term maturity. Pg7 may therefore provide a useful biochemical index of neonatal maturity.
Solving eigenvalue response matrix equations with nonlinear techniques

United States. Department of Energy (Nuclear Energy University Programs Graduate Fellowshi)
AIDS and progressive disseminated histoplasmosis.

To the Editor.— The timely review in the March 13, 1987, issue of JAMA entitled "Treatment of Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Associated Manifestations" by Kaplan and coworkers 1 from San Francisco fails to mention progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), an important early opportunistic infection of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) found in patients in the endemic area for histoplasmosis. This disease, which is rare in patients with intact cellular immunity, was added to the Centers for Disease Control definition of AIDS in 1985. 2 We encountered ten (2.7%) cases of PDH among 370 confirmed cases of AIDS in the Houston Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area as of October 1985. 3 This figure was lower than in the previous reports by Bonner et al 4 from Birmingham, Ala, and Wheat et al 5 from Indianapolis, which together described PDH in ten of 19 patients with AIDS. 6 This represented the most common
Local recurrence of rectal cancer:evaluation with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET imaging

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is a useful technique for detection of malignancy. The purpose of this study was to determine if FDG-PET scanning using visual and quantitative analyses can identify patients with recurrent colorectal tumor following abdominoperineal resection.
Bacillus anthracis’ lethal toxin induces broad transcriptional responses in human peripheral monocytes

Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), produced by the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a highly effective zinc dependent metalloprotease that cleaves the N-terminus of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKK or MEKs) and is known to play a role in impairing the host immune system during an inhalation anthrax infection. Here, we present the transcriptional responses of LT treated human monocytes in order to further elucidate the mechanisms of LT inhibition on the host immune system. Western Blot analysis demonstrated cleavage of endogenous MEK1 and MEK3 when human monocytes were treated with 500 ng/mL LT for four hours, proving their susceptibility to anthrax lethal toxin. Furthermore, staining with annexin V and propidium iodide revealed that LT treatment did not induce human peripheral monocyte apoptosis or necrosis. Using Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays, we identified over 820 probe sets differentially regulated after LT treatment at the p <0.001 significance level, interrupting the normal transduction of over 60 known pathways. As expected, the MAPKK signaling pathway was most drastically affected by LT, but numerous genes outside the well-recognized pathways were also influenced by LT including the IL-18 signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway and the IFN alpha signaling pathway. Multiple genes involved in actin regulation, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and cytokine signaling were identified after treatment with anthrax LT. We conclude LT directly targets human peripheral monocytes and causes multiple aberrant gene responses that would be expected to be associated with defects in human monocyte’s normal signaling transduction pathways and function. This study provides further insights into the mechanisms associated with the host immune system collapse during an anthrax infection, and suggests that anthrax LT may have additional downstream targets outside the well-known MAPK pathway.
Juglone reduces growth, nitrogenase activity, and root respiration of actinorhizal black alder seedlings.

European black alder trees [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.] fix nitrogen with nodular symbionts and are interplanted with valuable black walnut trees (Juglans nigra L.) to increase soil nitrogen fertility. However, on some soils interplanted alder can be killed by black walnut's allelochemical juglone. In order to better understand the effects of juglone directly on the growth, nitrogen fixation, and root respiration of black alder, we grew nodulated alders hydroponically in a nitrogen-free nutrient solution at juglone levels of 2 × 10−6, 2 × 10−5, and 0 molar (M). Results indicate that nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) of alders growing in 2 × 10−3 M juglone was reduced relative to alders without added juglone after one day, and in 2 × 10−6 M juglone after five days. Root respiration (CO2 evolution) and the relative increase of plant fresh weight were reduced in the 2 × 10−5 M juglone treatment. In a related experiment, black alder germinants were grown in Flanagan silt loam soil dosed with 10−3, 10−4, and 0 M juglone. The inhibitory effects of 10−3 M juglone on radicle elongation ceased 22–37 days after juglone treatments were started, suggesting that this soil can readily detoxify juglone.
Probability of Corporal Punishment: Lack of Resources and Vulnerable Students

ABSTRACT The author examined corporal punishment practices in the United States based on data from 362 public school principals where corporal punishment is available. Results from multiple regression analyses show that schools with multiple student violence prevention programs and teacher training programs had fewer possibilities of use corporal punishment, whereas schools that served a greater percentage of ethnic minority students and special education students had a 2.1 times greater and a 1.8 times greater likelihood of use corporal punishment, after controlling for students’ problem behavior and school characteristics. Policy implications for an equal implementation of corporal punishment practice were offered.
Expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 in kidney and intestine Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and age

To study the mechanism of hormonal regulation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase, a DNA probe complementary to the published sequence of the recently cloned P450 component [(1991) FEBS Lett. 278, 195] was employed. Young (2 month) and adult (12 month) F344 rats, deficient in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, were given a single dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. In young rats, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D markedly increased P450 mRNA levels within 3 h in both kidney and intestine, and maximal levels were attained at 16 and 3 h, respectively. In adult animals, maximal induction of mRNA was diminished in the kidney, and the decline was slower in the intestine. Time of maximal induction did not change with age. These studies demonstrate for the first time regulation of the 24-hydroxylase enzyme by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D at the level of the mRNA for the cytochrome P450. They also demonstrate that this regulation may change with age.
Thermal conductivity of polymer melts

Abstract The Du Pont 910 DSC cell and base have been modified for the measurement of steady-state heat flux and temperature gradients through molten polymeric specimens. This is a comparative method for thermal conductivity determination. The calculation for polymer melts is based on the measured thermal quantities and a calibration factor obtained from reference materials. The measurements at several steady-state temperatures can be carried out consecutively. Furthermore, the thermal diffusivity k can be obtained from the relationshipκ = λ/ρCp, where λ is the thermal conductivity, ϱ is density, and Cp is specific heat. Construction of sample holders and modifications of the DSC cell and base are described.
Magnetic resonance determination of the antiferromagnetic coupling of Fe layers through Cr.

Variable frequency ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) has been used to directly observe the coupled resonance modes in single-crystal Fe/Cr/Fe(001) sandwiches grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. Magnetization M and magnetoresistance measurements also were carried out on these samples, which exhibited antiferromagnetic (AF) layer alignment for 12 A\r{}lt(Cr)25 A\r{}. The FMR data reveal two resonance modes with complex frequency dependences for the AF-aligned samples. The detailed FMR and M vs H behavior can be quantitatively explained by an AF coupling parameter J which has a thickness dependence peaked about t(Cr)=16 A\r{}.
Transcritical Liquid Oxygen Droplet Vaporization; Effect on Rocket Combustion Instability

The response of a liquid oxygen droplet to oscillatory ambient conditions consistent with liquid-rocket engines over a wide range of frequencies is computed. Two configurations are considered: 1) isolated droplets and 2) droplets in an array. The consequences of nonuniformities introduced in the gas phase by neighboring droplets on the droplet response are evaluated. The potential of gasification as the ratecontrolling mechanism was evaluated through the computation of a response factor derived from the Rayleigh criterion. Computations show that the peak frequency for the computed response factor is mainly correlated to the droplet lifetime and also depends on the type of flow that the droplet is experiencing (with or without reversal). Consequently, droplet secondary atomization, which causes a substantial droplet lifetime reduction, induces a significant (one order of magnitude) shift in the peak frequency. As a result, the frequency of the maximum response factor is too high to correspond to the acoustic frequencies of the typical modes for standard cryogenic rocket engine chambers. Since droplets are likely to undergo secondary atomization in the stripping regime for most of their lifetime in these engines, this phenomenon explains the observed better stability of such engines compared to storable propellant engines. It was also shown that the droplet gasification process, whether undergoing stripping or not, can drive combustion instabilities for the longitudinal mode, under certain simplifying assumptions. The effects of mean pressure and pressure fluctuations on the droplet response were also evaluated.
Saying No Presidential Support and Veto Use, 1889-1989

The presidential veto is an influential yet relatively ignored power of the chief executive. To date, only three empirical studies have analyzed influences on veto use. All have been flawed in seve...
Identification and Quantification of Residual Strains During Curing of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Laminates

Residual strains develop from matrix shrinkage and non-isotropic coefficients of thermal expansion in composite laminates throughout the cure cycle. These strains influence the final shape and strength of the laminate. It is hypothesized that cure strains depend on lamina orientation, lamina stacking sequence, spatial location, and cure kinetics. In the present study, embedded strain gages are used to monitor residual strain development. Changes in strain due to elevated temperature post cure are quantified and a study of the curing epoxy characteristics is performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These later studies provide insight to the measured internal laminate stresses and provide guidance in the interpretation of the strain measurements.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Biologic Effects of Ultrasound III. In Vitro and Animal Studies

Multiple issues affecting the safe use of ultrasound in the clinical environment are discussed. Topics include an analysis of the concept of benefits versus risks, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) evaluations, minimum threshold for thermal effects, clinical efficacy in obstetrics, education and training, and potential exposure limits.
An approach to effectiveness monitoring of floodplain channel aquatic habitat: salmonid relationships

Rivers and streams that support anadromous salmonids are an important part of land management planning in southeastern Alaska and the Pacific Northwest of North America. Land managers and planners require a consistent set of protocols that include both the physical and biological aspects of the stream for effectiveness monitoring procedures to evaluate management activities in forested watersheds. We apply a quantitative method to estimate salmonid populations and link these estimates to a set of physical variables used in an assessment of channel condition at the reach scale. We are able to obtain precise estimates of juvenile salmonid populations at the habitat and reach scale; however, we find a lack of strong relationships between channel condition variables and salmonid densities. Nonetheless, a few trends appear, such as relationships between coho salmon and both pools and large wood. A significant and positive relationship exists between coho salmon fry density and two measures of pool frequency. Our results suggest that the response of fish populations to changes in the amount and quality of habitat can be measured by using the tested procedures. Complexity in habitat use, seasonal effects, and external factors tend to mask close relationships between fish populations and physical variables. We also discuss the implications for trophic status for fish populations and how this information may provide a more robust evaluation of land management activities on the aquatic biota in managed watersheds.
Blueprint III: Is the Third Time the Charm?

The vision of training school psychologists to serve a broad, preventative role has evolved through Blueprint I, Blueprint II, and the 2002 Conference on the Future of School Psychology with limited impact on the daily functioning of practitioners. Blueprint III is a multidimensional and integrated model for the training of school psychologists that more accurately represents the multifaceted functions that a school psychologist must integrate into daily work functions in delivering comprehensive and effective psychological services within schools. Is the desired shift to comprehensive service delivery a function of training and preparation or does the responsibility for change belong to practitioners within the field and the systems within which they work?
The aorticopulmonary artery of the cat--its location and postnatal closure.

This paper describes the position and time of postnatal closure of a vessel from the pulmonary artery to the aorticopulmonary glomus (carotid body-like) tissue. Nine prenatal and eight postnatal kittens (killed at 12 hours, and 8, 12, 16, 30, 42, 60 and 90 days) and 50 adult cats were examined. The vessel arose from the root of the right pulmonary artery and had ascending and descending branches. The latter supplied the aorticopulmonary glomus tissue and mingled with vessels arising from the root of the coronary arteries — usually the left. In two prenatal cats an actual anastomosis was demonstrated. There was no change in the intramural part of the branch of the pulmonary artery in kittens less than 16 days old. The vessel was partly closed by cellular proliferation by the sixteenth day and was almost certainly occluded by the forty-second day. It was not patent in any animal more than 42 days of age. In the adult cat, the aorticopulmonary glomus tissue was less cellular than in the fetus. It is suggested that the communication between the branch from the right pulmonary artery and the coronary arteries through chemoreceptor tissue may have functional significance.
Illuminated near card assessment of potential acuity in eyes with cataract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the accuracy and potential role of the illuminated near card (INC) for predicting visual outcome after cataract surgery in eyes with and without comorbid disease. Study design A consecutive case series. Participants A total of 101 preoperative patients with cataracts participated. Main outcome measures Accuracy of predicted postoperative distance acuity was measured. Method The preoperative acuity obtained with the INC was compared by linear regression to the postoperative INC acuity and the postoperative distance acuity for 100 consecutive eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Variables analyzed were preoperative distance acuity and the presence or absence of comorbid disease. Results The preoperative INC acuity was significantly predictive of postoperative INC ( P = 0.0005) and postoperative distance ( P = 0.0007) acuities for the 100 eyes studied. For the subgroup of 15 eyes with 20/200 or worse, the preoperative INC acuity was not predictive of postoperative INC acuity ( P = 0.8673) or postoperative distance acuity ( P = 0.8789). For the 21 eyes with comorbid disease, the predictions were more accurate for postoperative INC acuity ( P P P = 0.0051), and postoperative distance acuity ( P = 0.0046). The INC predicted postoperative distance acuity to within two lines in 98% of eyes when preoperative distance acuity was 20/100 or better. When the preoperative distance acuity was 20/200 or worse, the postoperative distance vision was predicted to within two lines in only 53% of the eyes. Conclusion The INC can be a useful adjunct for predicting postoperative distance acuity in eyes with cataract that have preoperative distance acuity of 20/100 or better, particularly in eyes with comorbid disease, in which the clinical judgment of vision potential may be difficult.
Time-dependent regulation of rat adipose tissue glucose transporter (GLUT4) mRNA and protein by insulin in streptozocin-diabetic and normal rats

Streptozocin (STZ) administration (125 mg/kg) to normal rats resulted in a rapid (24-hour) decrease in circulating insulin levels, marked hyperglycemia, and weight loss. Adipose tissue glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) mRNA levels decreased approximately eightfold, whereas GLUT4 protein levels were unchanged. However, GLUT4 protein levels decreased approximately 30% by 48 hours and fivefold by 72 hours of insulin deficiency. Although GLUT4 mRNA levels were rapidly restored by insulin therapy (twofold above control levels within 12 hours), GLUT4 protein levels increased only gradually, reaching peak values of 1.5-fold control levels following 7 to 10 days of insulin treatment. Insulin treatment in normal rats increased adipose GLUT4 mRNA levels nearly 100% by 24 hours, while GLUT4 protein levels increased in a more gradual fashion. The delay in GLUT4 protein induction relative to its mRNA was shorter in normal rats treated with insulin than in insulin-treated diabetic rats. These data demonstrate that insulin-induced changes in adipose GLUT4 protein are considerably delayed relative to its mRNA, and that the diabetic state enhances this difference. The known in vivo time-dependent effects of insulin treatment on adipocyte glucose transport activity can be at least partly explained by altered specific expression of GLUT4 protein.