cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium homeostasis and sensitization in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle

The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure, low-resistance vascular bed with little to no resting tone under normal conditions. An increase in the [Ca(2+) ]i in PASMCs is an important determinant of contraction, migration, and proliferation. Both Ca(2+) influx through plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels and Ca(2+) release from the SR contribute to a rise in [Ca(2+) ]i . Additionally important in the pulmonary circulation are several kinase-mediated signaling pathways that act to increase the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to [Ca(2+) ]i . Similarly, cytoskeletal processes resulting in dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton can further contribute to contractility in the pulmonary circulation. In addition to endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors, alveolar hypoxia is an important stimulus for pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, prolonged hypoxia is a critical pathological stimulus associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how Ca(2+) homeostasis and sensitization regulate PASMC contractility under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Performance Of A Large Screen Fluoroscopic Imaging System

In recent years the need for large flat screen fluoroscopic imaging systems has been pointed up by the development and subsequent use of new technologies and new procedures in diagnostic radiology. Videodensitometry, if it is to be extended to clinical applications involving studies of the thorax, kidneys, etc., requires an input screen having an area greater than that of the usual x-ray image intensifier (Ref. 1). A similar requirement exists for optimal use to be made of fluoroscopic tomography (Refs. 2, 3, 4). Further, if these very promising developments are to be made truly quantitative rather than relative, the distortion of the resultant optical intensity due to screen curvature needs to be eliminated. The use of digitized systems with on-line processing and with their capabilities for making precision measurements at the levels of minimum detectability, makes this development even more desirable (Refs. 5, 6). Examples of this need can also be found in the qualitative or imaging aspects of diagnostic radiology.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Learning disability. Diagnosis by exclusion and discrepancy.

Abstract Learning disability is generally diagnosed by the exclusion of negative neurological, social, and psychoemotional etiology and by a significant discrepancy between levels of intellectual as compared with academic achievement. Language, attentional, and motor anomalies are nonetheless characteristic of learning-disabled children, but are somewhat different for those with and without reading disability. Common to both groups is a deficient capacity actively to encode incoming information according to useful classificatory schema.
Purification of five creatine kinase-MM variants from human heart and skeletal muscle.

Abstract Variants of creatine kinase-MM (variant of ATP:creatine N -phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.3.2), present in human heart and skeletal muscle, have been purified to homogeneity using DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography and column chromatofocusing techniques. Creatine kinase-MM I–IV were present in both heart and skeletal muscle, while MM-V was found only in heart. The number, ratio and elution profile of the variants during chromatofocusing remained identical even when they purified in the presence of proteinase inhibitors. MM-I-V, on chromatofocusing, were eluted at pH 8.3, 7.9, 7.6, 7.2 and 6.8, respectively. Isoelectric focusing revealed the p I of MM-I-V to be 7.2, 6.9, 6.7, 6.4 and 6.2. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a doublet pattern for creatine kinase-MM variants III–V. However, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without SDS indicated homogeneity because each variant showed a single band. The doublet pattern observed in the presence of SDS may reflect the presence of two subunits of slightly different mass.
Application of the MOS charge-sheet model to nonuniform doping along the channel

Nonuniform doping along the channel direction has played a central role in the power MOS device field. In addition, a new class of submicron devices using nonuniformly doped channels have exhibited remarkable resistance to short channel effects. Modeling of these devices for CAD applications has been limited to empirical models which assume uniform doping. The substrate doping concentration directly affects the electrostatics in the channel region and any variation in its value has significant effects on the device parameters. This paper presents a generalized version of the MOS charge-sheet model which physically incorporates nonuniform doping along the channel into the analysis. The model is developed and verified using the two dimensional device simulator PISCES on nonuniformly doped MOSFETs.
The Auger parameter, polarization energies and electronegativities: Application to a series of non‐conducting barium slats

By use of the Auger parameter, we show that barium in a series of halogen and chalcogenide salts presents chemically distinct and identifiable states. Differences between Auger parameters are related to the ligand environment and can be used to obtain information on extra-atomic relaxation, at least some of which is non-local in origin in the series of barium salts. As has previously been demonstrated by Moretti, non-local contributions to the extra-atomic relaxation correlate directly with nearest-neighbor anion polarization energies. However, polarization energies are easily calculable only for simple distributions of identical ligands
Effects of computer aided quality circles on organizational productivity and satisfaction

Abstract The research presented here is a longitudinal field study that compares changes in perceptions of productivity and job satisfaction for participants and nonparticipants in a computer aided quality circles program in a multinational firm in Saudi Arabia. Employee efficiency, productivity and absenteeism changes related to the implementation of the computer aided quality circles program were measured by collecting and analyzing actual organizational data. Data for each of the measures were collected for an 24-month period, ranging from 6-months before to 18-months after adoption of the program. The results of this study indicated that participation in computer aided quality circles program had a positive and significant impact on productivity and job satisfaction. In addition, the research findings suggest that using computer aided quality circles tends to make clerical jobs more demanding at the same time challenging.
EFFECT OF AMMONIA ON YEAST

The possibility that the presence of a small quantity of ammonia could be the cause of autolysis of stored yeast was investigated and the importance of excluding leakages from refrigerating plant in the vicinity of the yeast storage plant is demonstrated.
Hemocyanin synthesis in the American lobster, Homarus americanus

Abstract 1. 1. The synthesis of hemocyanin in the American lobster, Homarus americanus, has been investigated. 2. 2. In vitro incorporation of [14C]aspartic acid into proteins by tissue extracts, followed by hemocyanin immunoprecipitation, indicated the hepatopancreas is the site of hemocyanin synthesis. 3. 3. Experiments to induce hemocyanin biosynthesis by maintaining lobsters under hypoxic conditions ( p O 2 30–50 mm Hg) for 2—3 days produced an increase in the hemocyanin biosynthetic rate. 4. 4. Stressing lobsters by replacing 40–80% of their hemolymph volume with physiological saline or by placing lobsters in 50% seawater for 8 hr did not induce hemocyanin biosynthesis.
Anticancer activity of narcissus extracts in mice.

SummaryAnticancer activity of the alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal neutral fractions of narcissus bulbs has been demonstrated against Ehrlich ascites tumor and #6C3HED solid lymphosarcoma cells in mice. The residual alkaloid also showed moderate activity against syngeneic MCDV-12 leukemia cells in BALB/c mice and the 5th subfraction of neutrals (N-5) enhanced the activity of cyclophosphamide against the cells although N-5 itself was not active. The single ip administration of the neutral fraction was enough to eradicate Ehrlich ascites cells in about 50% of mice, while the alkaloidal fraction needed multiple administrations to suppress tumor growth. The cytotoxicity of the narcissus agents on KB cells was also investigated.We thank Dr. M. A. Chirigos of NIH for helpful advice; Dr. R. J. Speer of Wadley Institutes, Texas, for testing on L1210 leukemia; and Dr. P. Yoder of University of Hawaii for supplying MCDV-12 leukemia cells and critical review of the manuscript.
Thrombopoietin stimulates Hoxb4 expression: an explanation for the favorable effects of TPO on hematopoietic stem cells.

Thrombopoietin (TPO), the primary regulator of platelet production, also plays an important role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology. In previous studies we demonstrated that the self-renewal and expansion of HSCs is 10 to 20 times less robust in tpo – / – mice than in controls. To explore the molecular basis of this effect, we postulated that Hoxb4 might mediate at least part of the TPO effect on these cells. We first analyzed the effects of TPO on Hoxb4 expression in primitive hematopoietic cell lines; TPO increased expression of the gene 2- to 3-fold in EML and UT-7/TPO cells. We also compared Hoxb4 levels in a candidate HSC population derived from tpo – / – and control mice; Hoxb4 expression was 2- to 5-fold lower in null HSCs. Of the numerous signal transduction molecules induced by TPO, we found that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was responsible for the TPO-induced Hoxb4 elevation. We also demonstrated that upstream stimulating factor 1 (USF-1), a transcription factor previously shown to regulate Hoxb4 expression, is also induced by TPO in a p38-dependent manner. Together, these data provide a molecular pathway by which a growth factor can modulate a transcription factor and thereby help direct a critical developmental process.
Analysis of shock temperature data for iron

Abstract Reanalysis of the shock temperatures for iron employing the method of Tan and Ahrens permits reinterpretation of previously reported Fe-Al2, O3, and Fe-LiF interface radiance temperatures. The reduced data for iron foils and films in contact with Al2, O3, and LiF windows are consistent and indicate that the melting temperatures for iron range from 5300 K at 120 GPa to 7300 K at 240 GPa. This revised analysis indicates that the melting temperatures are-350 K higher than previously reported on the basis of a simpler analysis. Data for the initial density of a series of iron foils indicate a density of 7.87 ± 0.17 g/cm3, which indicates a total absence of porosity. Scanning electron microscope images of the 0.3 to 0.4 μpm thick iron foils used in the experiments indicate no detectable initial porosity. However these films demonstrate a variation in thickness of ∼0.1 μm which induces thermal transients at the iron-window interfaces with durations of ∼4 × 10−11 s. These temperature fluctuations would ...
Simple and efficient solid support scavenging of excess acyl donors after enzymatic acylations in organic solvents

A simple and efficient method for removing excess acyl donors following enzymatic acylations in organic solvents was developed. This method is based on selective chemical scavenging of acyl donors using an amino-functionalized solid support, and does not affect the desired acylated product. A wide variety of different acyl donors, including vinyl and trifluoroethyl esters and vinyl carbonates, can be quantitatively removed by this method, thus providing a simple and highly efficient tool for purification of reaction products after enzymatic acylation.
Decentralized decision-making in a large team with local information

We study a problem involving a team of agents each associated with a node in a chain. Each agent makes a decision that influences only his own cost and those of adjacent agents. Prior to making his decision, each agent observes only the cost structure associated with nodes that can be reached by traversing no more than r arcs. Decisions are selected without any coordination, with the common objective of minimizing average cost among agents. We consider such decisions decentralized since agents act based on different information. Cost incurred by an optimal centralized strategy, in which a single decision-maker has access to all information and dictates all decisions, is employed as a performance benchmark. We show that, to maintain a certain level of performance relative to optimal centralized strategies, decentralized deterministic strategies require r to be proportional to the number of agents. This means that the amount of information accessible to any agent should be proportional to the total number of agents. Stochastic strategies, on the other hand, decentralize more gracefully—the amount of information required by each agent is independent of the total number of agents.
The Flow Pattern in a Scalene Triangular Duct Having Two Rounded Corners

Determination experimentale des caracteristiques de chute de pression et des distributions de vitesse moyenne
Automated high-throughput purification of genomic DNA from plant leaf or seed using MagneSil paramagnetic particles

Three different methods of automated high throughput purification of genomic DNA from plant materials processed in 96 well plates are described. One method uses MagneSil paramagnetic particles to purify DNA present in single leaf punch samples or small seed samples, using 320ul capacity 96 well plates which minimizes reagent and plate costs. A second method uses 2.2 ml and 1.2 ml capacity plates and allows the purification of larger amounts of DNA from 5-6 punches of materials or larger amounts of seeds. The third method uses the MagneSil ONE purification system to purify a fixed amount of DNA, thus simplifying the processing of downstream applications by normalizing the amounts of DNA so they do not require quantitation. Protocols for the purification of a fixed yield of DNA, e.g. 1 ug, from plant leaf or seed samples using MagneSil paramagnetic particles and a Beckman-Coulter BioMek FX robot are described. DNA from all three methods is suitable for applications such as PCR, RAPD, STR, READIT SNP analysis, and multiplexed PCR systems. The MagneSil ONE system is also suitable for use with SNP detection systems such as Third Wave Technology’s Invader methods.
Comparative kinetics of fatty acid-amino acid conjugate elicitor biosynthesis by midgut tissue microsomes of Lepidopterous caterpillar larvae.

N-Linolenoyl-L-glutamine is one of several structurally similar fatty acid–amino acid conjugate (FAC) elicitors found in the oral secretions of Lepidopterous caterpillars and its biosynthesis is catalyzed by membrane-associated alimentary tissue enzyme(s). FAC elicitors comprise 17-hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated linolenic acid coupled with L-glutamine or L-glutamate by an amide bond. We demonstrate in vitro biosynthesis of N-linolenoyl-L-glutamine by Manduca sexta, Heliothis virescens, and Helicoverpa zea tissue microsomes. Comparison of N-linolenoyl-L-glutamine biosynthesis kinetics for these species suggests that concurrent biosynthesis and hydrolysis contribute to proportions of FAC elicitors found in their oral secretions. The apparent Km values for coupling of sodium linolenate were 8.75±0.79, 14.3±3.7 and 20.7±3.4 mM and Vmax values were 2.92±0.14, 6.81±1.2 and 4.95±0.55 nmol/min/mg protein for H. zea, H. virescens and M. sexta, respectively. The Km values for coupling of L-glutamine were 10.5±0.26, 22.3±2.0 and 18.9±2.4 mM and Vmax values were 1.78±0.21, 3.71±0.50 and 2.49±0.41 nmol/min/mg of protein for H. zea, H. virescens and M. sexta, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3-D localization and feature recovering through CAD-based stable pose calculation

Abstract CAD-based computer vision methodologies have been used in practice for simplifying the process of geometric inspection. In general, it can be assumed that a three-dimensional (3-D) object lying on a planar surface has a finite number of stable poses. These poses precisely determine all feasible positions and orientations of an object, and can be utilized for localization and accurate shape matching. In this paper, procedures are proposed to efficiently determine all stable poses of piecewise smooth curved 3-D objects, and to perform 3-D localization and feature recovering. The stable pose determination process is based on a faceted approximation of the associated CAD model built by a CAD solid modeling package. Localization and feature recovering calculations are derived from Lowe's method. Several real 3-D objects are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.
D-Lactate oxidation in a marine gastropod and a sea urchin.

Abstract 1. 1. Lactate dehydrogenase activities in extracts of a gastropod, Monodonta sagittifera, and a sea urchin, Arbacia lixula, were determined by change in light absorbance of a dye mixture on addition of salts of lactic acid in each isomeric form. 2. 2. The Monodonta extract catalyzed the oxidation of d -lactate only, with an apparent Michaelis constant of 180 mM. 3. 3. Weight-specific enzyme activity of Monodonta was proportional to the −0·18 power of total body weight. 4. 4. The sea urchin appeared to contain two enzymes of equal activity, one specific for l -lactate and one specific for d -lactate.
Body expressions of emotion do not trigger fear contagion in autism spectrum disorder

Although there is evidence of emotion perception deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), research on this topic has been mostly confined to perception of emotions in faces. Using behavioral measures and 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined whether such deficits extend to the perception of bodily expressed emotions. We found that individuals with ASD, in contrast to neurotypical (NT) individuals, did not exhibit a differential pattern of brain activation to bodies expressing fear as compared with emotionally neutral bodies. ASD and NT individuals showed similar patterns of activation in response to bodies engaged in emotionally neutral actions, with the exception of decreased activation in the inferior frontal cortex and the anterior insula in ASD. We discuss these findings in relation to possible abnormalities in a network of cortical and subcortical mechanisms involved in social orienting and emotion contagion. Our data suggest that emotion perception deficits in ASD may be due to compromised processing of the emotional component of observed actions.
Combinational Logic Circuits

In a digital system, the logic circuits can be divided into two classes: combinational and sequential. A combinational circuit uses logic gates only; a sequential circuit uses flip-flops (ffs) and logic gates. The discussion of ffs is left to the next chapter. Most of the flip-flops are synchronous. Such a flip-flop has two sets of input—the clock and the data—and its output state changes in synchronization with the clock.
Transmutability: Digital Decontextualization, Manipulation, and Recontextualization as a New Source of Value in the Production and Consumption of Culture Products

This paper introduces a fundamental characteristic of digital culture goods, transmutability, which has not previously been studied in IS research as a driver of value. Transmutability refers to the fact that digital files of culture goods such as music and movies can easily be altered, unlike the analog culture products which preceded the digital age. Both creators and consumers of digital culture products, with ready access to technological resources of production, have begun to experiment with transmutability to push creative, economic and in some cases legal boundaries. This paper discusses the characteristic of transmutability, provides a theoretical lens for the analysis of value creation, open source production modes and social welfare, and discusses its impacts on value, innovation, and creativity.
Expression determinants of mammalian argonaute proteins in mediating gene silencing

RNA interference occurs by two main processes: mRNA site-specific cleavage and non-cleavage-based mRNA degradation or translational repression. Site-specific cleavage is carried out by argonaute-2 (Ago2), while all four mammalian argonaute proteins (Ago1-Ago4) can carry out non-cleavage-mediated inhibition, suggesting that Ago1, Ago3 and Ago4 may have similar but potentially redundant functions. It has been observed that in mammalian tissues, expression of Ago3 and Ago4 is dramatically lower compared with Ago1; however, an optimization of the Ago3 and Ago4 coding sequences to include only the most common codon at each amino acid position was able to augment the expression of Ago3 and Ago4 to levels comparable to that of Ago1 and Ago2. Thus, we examined whether particular sequence features exist in the coding region of Ago3 and Ago4 that may prevent a high level of expression. Swapping specific sub-regions of wild-type and optimized Ago sequence identified the portion of the coding region (nucleotides 1-1163 for Ago-3 and 1-1494 for Ago-4) that is most influential for expression. This finding has implications for the evolutionary conservation of Ago proteins in the mammalian lineage and the biological role that potentially redundant Ago proteins may have.
Vehicle state estimation using steering torque

This work presents a new approach to estimating vehicle sideslip using steering torque information. This method is especially suited to vehicles equipped with steer-by-wire systems since the steering torque can easily be determined from the current applied to the steering motor. By combining a linear vehicle model with the steering system model, a simple observer may be devised to estimate sideslip when yaw rate and steering angle are measured. The observer is validated on a test vehicle equipped with a steer-by-wire system.
Corrigendum to “The effects of loss versus alteration of consciousness on inhibition-related brain activity among individuals with a history of blast-related concussion” [Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 191 (1) (2011) 76–79]

Corrigendum to “The effects of loss versus alteration of consciousness on inhibition-related brain activity among individuals with a history of blast-related concussion” [Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging 191 (1) (2011) 76–79] Scott Matthews ⁎, Alan Simmons , Irina Strigo a a Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, CA, United States b Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, CA, United States
The generation of electron-hole pairs in very thin solar cells possessing an optical back-surface reflector

It is pointed out that very thin solar cells (1 μm thick or less) as, for example, amorphous silicon or cadmium sulfide cells, possessing a back‐surface reflector should be regarded as Fabry‐Perot cavities as far as the generation of electron‐hole pairs by light is concerned. The generation rate of electron‐hole pairs as a function of distance from the front surface exhibits characteristic interference patterns which are not negligible and must be accounted for in an analysis of the performance of such a cell.
Reactions and properties of clusters

Abstract The elucidation from a molecular point of view of the differences and similarities in the properties and reactivity of matter in the gaseous compared to the condensed state is a subject of considerable current interest. One of the promising approaches to this problem is to utilize mass spectrometry in conjunction with laser spectroscopy and fast-flow reaction devices to investigate the changing properties, structure and reactivity of clusters as a function of the degree of solvation under well-controlled conditions. In this regard, an investigation of molecular cluster ions has provided considerable new insight into the basic mechanisms of ion reactions within a cluster, and this paper reviews some of the recent advances in cluster production, the origin of magic numbers and relationship to cluster ion stabilities, and solvation effects on reactions. There have been some notable advances in the production of large cluster ions under thermal reaction conditions, enabling a systematic study of the influence of solvation on reactions to be carried out. These and other new studies of magic numbers have traced their origin to the thermochemical stability of cluster ions. There are several classes of reaction where solvation has a notable influence on reactivity. A particularly interesting example comes from recent studies of the reactions of the hydroxyl anion with CO 2 and SO 2 , studied as a function of the degree of hydration of OH − . Both reactions are highly exothermic, yet the differences in reactivity are dramatic. In the case of SO 2 , the reaction occurs at near the collision rate. By contrast, CO 2 reactivity plummets dramatically for clusters having more than four water molecules. The slow rate is in accord with observations in the liquid phase.
A Surfeit of Musics: What Goethe's Lyrics Concede When Set to Schubert's Music

Of the many possible relationships between music and poetry, which are but a small subset of the possible relationships between music and text, I have chosen a still narrower focus for inquiry. I will investigate two independent, lyric poems whose musically poetic language and form was fully conceived without any expectation that a composer might use their texts as structural scaffolding and expressive inspiration for related, and emergent, musical and artistic ends. Two lyric poems by Goethe, each set by Schubert, will serve to illustrate the conflict between poetic and instrumental/vocal musics, in which the lyric poems inevitably concede something of their music to an appropriation by, and not merely a translation into, another artistic medium. Even when Schubert succeeds in exemplifying, or expanding upon, the symbolic richness of meaning embodied in the poem, we should consider the fate of overwritten meaning embodied in the musical language and form of the poem by itself.
Relation of Left Ventricular Mass to Prognosis in Initially Asymptomatic Mild to Moderate Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Background—The prognostic importance of left ventricular (LV) mass in nonsevere asymptomatic aortic stenosis has not been documented in a large prospective study. Methods and Results—Cox regression analysis was used to assess the impact of echocardiographic LV mass on rate of major cardiovascular events in 1656 patients (mean age, 67 years; 39.6% women) with mild-to-moderate asymptomatic aortic stenosis participating in the Simvastatin Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) study. Patients were followed during 4.3 years of randomized treatment with combined simvastatin 40 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg daily or placebo. At baseline, LV mass index was 45.9+14.9 g/m2.7, and peak aortic jet velocity was 3.09+0.54 m/s. During follow-up, 558 major cardiovascular events occurred. In Cox regression analyses, 1 SD (15 g/m2.7) higher baseline LV mass index predicted increases in hazards of 12% for major cardiovascular events, 28% for ischemic cardiovascular events, 34% for cardiovascular mortality, and 23% for combined total...
Treatment of five or more brain metastases with stereotactic radiosurgery.

Purpose To examine the outcomes of patients with five or more brain metastases treated in a single session with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods and Materials Sixty-four patients with brain metastases treated with SRS to five or more lesions in a single session were reviewed. Primary disease type, number of lesions, Karnofsky performance score (KPS) at SRS, and status of primary and systemic disease at SRS were included. Patients were treated using dosing as defined by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Protocol 90-05, with adjustments for critical structures. We defined prior whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) as WBRT completed >1 month before SRS and concurrent WBRT as WBRT completed within 1 month before or after SRS. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to determine which patient and treatment factors predicted overall survival (OS). Results The median OS after SRS was 7.5 months. The median KPS was 80 (range, 60–100). A KPS of ≥80 significantly influenced OS (median OS, 4.8 months for KPS ≤70 vs. 8.8 months for KPS ≥80, p = 0.0097). The number of lesions treated did not significantly influence OS (median OS, 6.6 months for eight or fewer lesions vs. 9.9 months for more than eight, p = nonsignificant). Primary site histology did not significantly influence median OS. On multivariate Cox modeling, KPS and prior WBRT significantly predicted for OS. Whole-brain radiotherapy before SRS compared with concurrent WBRT significantly influenced survival, with a risk ratio of 0.423 (95% confidence interval 0.191–0.936, p = 0.0338). No significant differences were observed when no WBRT was compared with concurrent WBRT or when the no WBRT group was compared with prior WBRT. A KPS of ≤70 predicted for poorer outcomes, with a risk ratio of 2.164 (95% confidence interval 1.157–4.049, p = 0.0157). Conclusions Stereotactic radiosurgery to five or more brain lesions is an effective treatment option for patients with metastatic cancer, especially for patients previously treated with WBRT. A KPS of ≥80 predicts for an improved outcome.
Involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in TDP-43-linked neurodegenerative disease

Phosphorylated and ubiquitinated TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology is the neurodegenerative hallmark of the vast majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and approximately half of all frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) cases. An RNA/DNA-binding protein with diverse roles in the nucleus, TDP-43 accumulates in the cytoplasm of affected neurons and glia in disease, indicating that both a loss of normal nuclear function and additional gain of toxicity due to increased cytoplasmic presence likely occur in these TDP-43 proteinopathies. Abundance and splicing of hundreds of transcripts are affected by dysfunction of TDP-43, making identification of the key pathways involved in disease pathogenesis a difficult task. However, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the unfolded protein response have been described in sporadic ALS patient tissues as well as in cell and animals models of widely-studied superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation-linked ALS. These responses to misfolded proteins have more recently been demonstrated in models of TDP-43linked disease, and modulation of ER stress, which is intimately associated with oxidative stress and formation of stress granules in cells, could therefore represent one avenue for potential amelioration of ALS and FTLD. This review summarizes recent findings describing the involvement of ER stress in TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Relationship of Pericardial to Pleural Pressure During Quiet Respiration and Cardiac Tamponade

Pericardial pressure was studied in chronic experiments on dogs with relation to intrathoracic pressure in the normal state and in cardiac tamponade. In the normal resting animal, the two pressures were in good agreement throughout the respiratory cycle. The cardiac cycle produced superimposed pressure fluctuations amounting to 30% of the respiratory swings. Adding saline to the pericardial sac produced sigmoid pressure-volume curves; tamponade required 100 to 330 ml of fluid. Although during tamponade the pericardial pressure greatly exceeded the intrathoracic pressure, the pericardial pressure invariably fell with inspiration, generally by the same amount as the intrathoracic pressure. The cardiac cycle produced greater pressure fluctuations (50% of the respiratory pressure fluctuations). The superior vena caval pressure always fell with inspiration in the normal state and during tamponade. Hypovolemia did not change the resting pericardial pressure, but decreased the slope of the pressure-volume curve ...
Chromosomal duplications and cointegrates generated by the bacteriophage lamdba Red system in Escherichia coli K-12.

An Escherichia coli strain in which RecBCD has been genetically replaced by the bacteriophage λ Red system engages in efficient recombination between its chromosome and linear double-stranded DNA species sharing sequences with the chromosome. Previous studies of this experimental system have focused on a gene replacement-type event, in which a 3.5 kbp dsDNA consisting of the cat gene and flanking lac operon sequences recombines with the E. coli chromosome to generate a chloramphenicol-resistant Lac- recombinant. The dsDNA was delivered into the cell as part of the chromosome of a non-replicating λ vector, from which it was released by the action of a restriction endonuclease in the infected cell. This study characterizes the genetic requirements and outcomes of a variety of additional Red-promoted homologous recombination events producing Lac+ recombinants. A number of observations concerning recombination events between the chromosome and linear DNAs were made: (1) Formation of Lac+ and Lac- recombinants depended upon the same recombination functions. (2) High multiplicity and high chromosome copy number favored Lac+ recombinant formation. (3) The Lac+ recombinants were unstable, segregating Lac- progeny. (4) A tetracycline-resistance marker in a site of the phage chromosome distant from cat was not frequently co-inherited with cat. (5) Recombination between phage sequences in the linear DNA and cryptic prophages in the chromosome was responsible for most of the observed Lac+ recombinants. In addition, observations were made concerning recombination events between the chromosome and circular DNAs: (6) Formation of recombinants depended upon both RecA and, to a lesser extent, Red. (7) The linked tetracycline-resistance marker was frequently co-inherited in this case. The Lac+ recombinants arise from events in which homologous recombination between the incoming linear DNA and both lac and cryptic prophage sequences in the chromosome generates a partial duplication of the bacterial chromosome. When the incoming DNA species is circular rather than linear, cointegrates are the most frequent type of recombinant.
Learning To Represent Word Meaning: What Initial Training Events Reveal about Children's Developing Action Verb Concepts.

Abstract Very little experimental research has shown how the events from which verbs are learned affect children's representation of meaning. This study addressed these lacunae by systematically exploring how three different initial training contexts affect children's and adults' interpretation of novel action verbs. Brief, videotaped action events were used to teach children and adults novel verbs in 1 of 3 conditions. Subjects were asked whether these verbs generalized to other events differing only in outcome, manner, instrument, or agent. Initial representation of verb meaning was inferred from generalizations. Unlike 10-year-olds and adults, 3-year-olds' interpretations were (a) significantly context specific—preferring instrument and outcome elements of meaning in one context, but manner in another, and (b) consistently, though moderately biased to favor the manner of action. Results clearly demonstrate that both the young word learner and the context in which word learning occurs are equally important determinants of developing action verb concepts.
Plant Virus HC-Pro Is a Determinant of Eriophyid Mite Transmission

The eriophyid mite transmitted Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV; genus Tritimovirus, family Potyviridae) shares a common genome organization with aphid transmitted species of the genus Potyvirus. Although both tritimoviruses and potyviruses encode helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) homologues (required for nonpersistent aphid transmission of potyviruses), sequence conservation is low (amino acid identity, approximately 16%), and a role for HC-Pro in semipersistent transmission of WSMV by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella [Keifer]) has not been investigated. Wheat curl mite transmissibility was abolished by replacement of WSMV HC-Pro with homologues of an aphid transmitted potyvirus (Turnip mosaic virus), a rymovirus (Agropyron mosaic virus) vectored by a different eriophyid mite, or a closely related tritimovirus (Oat necrotic mottle virus; ONMV) with no known vector. In contrast, both WSMV-Sidney 81 and a chimeric WSMV genome bearing HC-Pro of a divergent strain (WSMV-El Batan 3; 86% amino acid sequence identity) were efficiently transmitted by A. tosichella. Replacing portions of WSMV-Sidney 81 HC-Pro with the corresponding regions from ONMV showed that determinants of wheat curl mite transmission map to the 5'-proximal half of HC-Pro. WSMV genomes bearing HC-Pro of heterologous species retained the ability to form virions, indicating that loss of vector transmissibility was not a result of failure to encapsidate. Although titer in systemically infected leaves was reduced for all chimeric genomes relative to WSMV-Sidney 81, titer was not correlated with loss of vector transmissibility. Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time that HC-Pro is required for virus transmission by a vector other than aphids.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament and Elbow Adaptations in High School Baseball Pitchers

Background:Baseball pitchers have adaptive changes in the soft tissues of the throwing elbow.Hypothesis:High school baseball pitchers would show adaptive changes in the ulnar collateral ligament (U...
Baroreflex Modulation by Isoflurane Anesthesia in Normotensive and Chronically Hypertensive Rabbits

Publisher Summary Hemodynamic instability has been well documented in both humans and animals in hypertensive and is presumed to be at least partly because of impaired baroreflex control of efferent sympathetic activity. Control of arterial pressure (AP) is further complicated during anesthesia, as anesthetics attenuate arterial baroreflexes. The study presented in this chapter has been designed to investigate the individual effects of isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia and chronic hypertensive (HT) on baroreflex control of heart rate (HR) and efferent sympathetic nerve activity. In addition, the integrative effects of HT and anesthesia are discussed. A couple of studies in the chapter have demonstrated that increases in the level of ISO in already anesthetized animals produce progressive depression of the sympathetic baroreflex. In addition, the upper plateau and range of the AP-renal efferent sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) baroreflex has been significantly reduced at all levels of ISO. It is also demonstrated that the AP-RSNA baroreflex remains functional during ISO anesthesia, although the ability to respond to transient falls in AP is decreased with increasing levels of ISO. It is showed that the range and slope of the HR baroreflex do not differ between normotensive (NT) and HT rabbits. The results of the present study indicate that the range and slope of the AP-RSNA baroreflex is not altered by hypertension in conscious rabbits. In the present study the resting RSNA is not different between conscious NT and HT rabbits. But resting HR in the present study has been significantly lower in HT rabbits than in NT rabbits. The results of the present study indicate that ISO anesthesia depressed both baroreflex curves to the same degree in NT and HT rabbits. The only difference is that baroreflex curves in HT rabbits have been displaced to the right along the pressure axis.
Modal Control of Multistory Structures

The design of active control systems for civil engineering structures is considered using modal control concepts. The theory of modal control is briefly presented with respect to the control of linear structures where the control objective is to direct changes of its specific dynamic modes and stiffness. The numerical example makes clear that in the design of modal control, a great deal of freedom exists in terms of eigenvalue assignments and control policy decision. The task of making appropriate choices must be guided by physical constraints, economic and engineering feasibilities, and experience and good judgment on the part of the designer. This freedom of choice gives rise to suboptimal control in general. On the other hand, it can have a positive effect on control design since practical considerations can be easily implemented, which in turn makes it possible to determine a feasible control in short order.
Unusual Neoplasms of the Head and Neck

Chloromas (also called granulocytic sarcomas or myeloid sarcomas) are solid extramedullary tumors consisting of early myeloid precursors associated with AML. The name derives from the green color of affected tissues. They are more frequent with AML M4 and M5 subtypes, and are associated with t(8;21). They may herald AML relapse after remission. They present in the CNS with increased intracerebral pressure, or in the orbit with exophthalmos.
Tuft cells, taste-chemosensory cells, orchestrate parasite type 2 immunity in the gut

The intestinal epithelium forms an essential barrier between a host and its microbiota. Protozoa and helminths are members of the gut microbiota of mammals, including humans, yet the many ways that gut epithelial cells orchestrate responses to these eukaryotes remain unclear. Here we show that tuft cells, which are taste-chemosensory epithelial cells, accumulate during parasite colonization and infection. Disruption of chemosensory signaling through the loss of TRMP5 abrogates the expansion of tuft cells, goblet cells, eosinophils, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells during parasite colonization. Tuft cells are the primary source of the parasite-induced cytokine interleukin-25, which indirectly induces tuft cell expansion by promoting interleukin-13 production by innate lymphoid cells. Our results identify intestinal tuft cells as critical sentinels in the gut epithelium that promote type 2 immunity in response to intestinal parasites.
Color Variation in Nymphs of Leptoglossus corculus

An uncommon, green nymphal form of Leptoglossus corculus (Say) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) was collected, reared, and established as a laboratory colony. Breeding studies indicated that the green color was dominant over the usual brownish color of nymphs of this bug.
Effect of CO2(aq) Exposure on a Freshwater Aquifer Microbial Community from Simulated Geologic Carbon Storage Leakage

Geological carbon storage is likely to be part of a comprehensive strategy to minimize the atmospheric release of carbon dioxide (CO2), raising concerns that injected CO2 will leak into overlying freshwater aquifers. While a high concentration of CO2 is toxic to bacteria and causes large community changes, little is known about how exposure to low concentrations of CO2 may impact bacterial communities in aquifers. Microbial communities in aquifers provide important functionality through carbon and nutrient cycling in aquifer and connected aqueous ecosystems. The impact of in situ CO2(aq) exposure on the microbial community in a freshwater aquifer was examined. CO2(aq) was introduced into the formation to simulate leakage from a geologic carbon storage unit. On the basis of the 16S rRNA genes recovered from subsurface samples, the population numbers were unaffected by CO2(aq) up to 1.53 g of CO2(aq)/L, but diversity decreased with an increased CO2(aq) concentration, suggesting at least short-term disruptio...
Sensor protection techniques of super-large deep-water pile group foundation

The pile group foundation of Sutong bridge is the largest in the world.It is composed of 131 overlength cast-in place bored piles which are 117 m long.The sensors worked under this engineering environment must subject to large pressure,as well as construction factors,and they damage easily.In order to improve the installing survival rate of the sensors,some sensor protection techniques are put forward after several field tests,including concrete strain gauge,surface strain gauge,hydrostatic level and water pressure gauge.The installing survival rate of sensors can be ensured by implementation of sensor protection techniques.The average survival rate exceeds 96%.The rules of load mechanism and uneven settlement are analyzed by monitoring data.The results show that the load mechanism of overlength cast-in place bored piles is different with the piles in common.The uneven settlement of large-scale pile group foundation appears in the direction across bridge;and the uneven settlement in longitudinal direction can be ignored.
Factorization of adjoint polynomials of kinds of graphs with chromatically equivalent analysis

A new method for proving the chromatically non unique graphs is given by studying factorization their adjoint polynomials,and some structure characteristic is obtained.
SU-F-T-676: Measurement of Hydroxyl Radicals in Radiolized Water Systems.

Purpose: Hydroxyl radicals can be produced within tissue by radiation therapy, and they are largely responsible for DNA damage and cell killing. Coumarin-3-carboxylic acid (3-CCA) and crystal violet are reported to react with hydroxyl radicals and can be used for fluorescence and absorbance measurements, respectively. This study assesses the ability of hydroxyl measurement for both 3-CCA and crystal violet in radiolized water systems in order to provide dosimetric information in radiation chemistry and radiation biology experiments. Methods: 3-CCA and crystal violet were both dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) with final concentrations 0.5 mg/mL and 0.05 mg/mL. 3-CCA and control solutions (PBS only) were loaded in black bottom 96-well plates. Crystal violet and control solutions were loaded in clear bottom 96-well plates. The prepared solutions were irradiated at 2 Gy using a small animal radiation research platform. Fluorescence reading with 360 nm excitation wavelength and 485 nm emission wavelength was done for 3-CCA, and absorbance reading at wavelength 580 nm was done for crystal violet before and after radiation. Results: 3-CCA showed clear difference in fluorescence before and after radiation, which suggested hydroxyl production during radiation. However, crystal violet absorbance at 580 nm was not changed significantly by radiation. Conclusion: The overall conclusion is that 3-CCA can be used for hydroxyl measurement in radiolized water systems, while crystal violet cannot, although crystal violet is reported widely to react with hydroxyl radicals produced in Fenton reactions. Possible reasons could relate to reaction pH.
Targeted Killing and the Legality of Drone Warfare

This chapter discusses whether the war on al Qaeda and terrorism generally is part of an armed conflict or better addressed through law enforcement mechanisms. It then dissects the laws of war (jus ad bellum) regarding self-defense, host state consent, and UN Security Council authorization, and the laws in war (jus in bello) standards on drones as a weapon system, distinction between civilian and combatant, military necessity and signature strikes, proportionality, responsibility, and due process. It also introduces suggestions that human rights norms or domestic law bind state behavior regarding targeted killing. Ultimately, strikes against some non-state actors in noncombat zones fall afoul of international law, though the U.S. government argues that targeted killing with drones fully complies with all applicable laws.
Documentation of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis (Eastern Hellbender) Predation on Nest-Associate Stream Fishes

Abstract The covert habits of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis (Eastern Hellbender) make direct field observations of their behavior difficult. Here I provide the first video documentation of in situ predation by a hellbender on a spawning aggregation of stream fishes. Both targeting fish and diurnal activity are behaviors rarely documented among hellbenders. The present observation, however, supports previously described patterns of elevated diurnal activity in late spring hypothesized to be associated with increased foraging-activity to meet higher energy-demands. The observation demonstrates that Eastern Hellbenders will modify behavior to exploit stream fishes when prey are easily captured.