cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study of Improvement of Smoothness of Cotton Fabrics

An exploratory research has sought the most promising ways of imparting a high degree of durable smoothness to cotton cloth. This work, limited to laboratory pro cedures, has resulted in finishes characterized by different degrees of smoothness, of luster or glaze, and of durability. Smoothness was very well retained in the best of these finishes and can be considered permanent, although luster decreased gradually upon washing. Some of these finishes seem readily adaptable to lining and other apparel fabrics. The work was based on the use of an experimental calender and largely upon the calendering of cloth while it was wet, in a state of swelling greater than that from mere wetting with water. There would be difficulties in practical opera tion if the water in the cloth contained dissolved finishing agents or if the cloth was too wet. Objections have been partially met by preswelling, washing, padding the wet cloth in a softening and fixing agent, and then drying before calendering. Promising for further...
The role of perceived race and gender in the evaluation of college teaching on RateMyProfessors.Com.

The present study examined whether student evaluations of college teaching (SETs) reflected a bias predicated on the perceived race and gender of the instructor. Using anonymous, peer-generated evaluations of teaching obtained from RateMyProfessors .com, the present study examined SETs from 3,079 White; 142 Black; 238 Asian; 130 Latino; and 128 Other race faculty at the 25 highest ranked liberal arts colleges. Results showed that racial minority faculty, particularly Blacks and Asians, were evaluated more negatively than White faculty in terms of overall quality, helpfulness, and clarity, but were rated higher on easiness. A two-stage cluster analysis demonstrated that the very best instructors were likely to be White, whereas the very worst were more likely to be Black or Asian. Few effects of gender were observed, but several interactions emerged showing that Black male faculty were rated more negatively than other faculty. The results of the present study are consistent with the negative racial stereotypes of racial minorities and have implications for the tenure and promotion of racial minority faculty.
Prevalence and Diversity of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains in Fresh Produce

Analysis of fresh produce showed that enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are most often found in cilantro and parsley, with prevalence rates of approximately 0.3%. Some ETEC strains also carried Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC) genes but had no STEC adherence factors, which are essential to cause severe human illness. Most ETEC strains in produce carried stable toxin and/or labile toxin genes but belonged to unremarkable serotypes that have not been reported to have caused human illnesses.
The molar extinction coefficient of cyanmethemoglobin as determined by carbon analysis.

The molar extinction coefficient of cyanmethemoglobin at 540 nm. ( ϵ M540) has been determined, based on the microanalytical determination of the carbon content of solutions of highly purified hemoglobin. The value of this parameter was found to be 43,500 ± 160 (mean ±SE, N= 10 samples, triplicate analysis), which is in excellent agreement with the value recently reported based on the determination of nitrogen. The internationally accepted value of the ¼ millimolar extinction coefficient of 11.0 ( ϵ M540 = 44,000) is slightly greater. The simultaneously determined molar extinction coefficient of cyanmethemoglobin at 281 nm. was found to be 108,000 ± 500 (mean ± SE, N = 6 samples, 16 analyses). This value is in good agreement with a theoretically derived ϵ M280 of 100,280.
Upregulating Compliant Titin in the Heart Attenuates Left Ventricular Stiffness in a Mouse Model with Diastolic Dysfunction

Increasing titin length in the heart through functional deletion of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of RBM20 protein leads to a reduction of left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffness in sedentary mice. We tested the therapeutic effect of upregulating compliant titins by creating diastolic dysfunction in a mouse model with inducible RBM20 inhibition (MerCreMer;cRbm20ΔRRM). Under transcriptional control of an MHC6 promoter, RBM20 function of MerCreMer;cRbm20ΔRRM mice was inhibited in time- and cardiac-specific manners.Adult male MerCreMer;cRbm20ΔRRM mice had undergone transaortic constriction (TAC) surgery with Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) pellet implantation. Two weeks after TAC+DOCA surgery, mice developed LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction as demonstrated by echocardiography. Four weeks after surgery, pressure volume analysis revealed that LV chamber stiffness was markedly increased in TAC+DOCA mice (140% increased versus sham). However, the TAC+DOCA mice with RBM20 inhibition developed less severe LV chamber stiffness (29% increased versus sham). Passive stiffness measurements showed a reduction of cardiomyocyte stiffness in TAC+DOCA mice with RBM20 inhibition.Inhibition of the RBM20-based splicing system results in expression of compliant mutant N2BA titin which consequently lead to a reduction of cardiomyocyte stiffness and LV chamber stiffness in a mouse model with diastolic dysfunction.
Small Molecule Inhibition of Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4)

In recent years, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4, IRAK4, has become an attractive target for many medicinal chemistry programmes. Target inhibition is of potential therapeutic value in areas including autoimmune disorders, cancer, inflammatory diseases, and possibly neurodegenerative diseases. Results from high-throughput screening efforts have led, in conjunction with structure-based drug design, to the identification of highly potent and selective small molecule IRAK4 inhibitors from many diverse chemical series. In vitro and in vivo studies with entities from distinct structural classes have helped elucidate the downstream pharmacological responses associated with IRAK4 inhibition as a proof of concept in disease models, leading to the recent initiation of human clinical trials. Within this review, we will highlight the considerable effort by numerous groups dedicated to the development of small molecule IRAK4 inhibitors for the treatment of human disease.
Impact of switching to high deductible insurance on initiation and discontinuation of hormonal therapy among patients with early breast cancer.

552Background: High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) requiring substantial out-of-pocket costs for most services might reduce appropriate health care. This study examined the impact of modern HDHPs on use of adjuvant hormonal therapy, which is a fundamental treatment for secondary prevention in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We studied 970 women with newly diagnosed early breast cancer who were insured by employers that mandated a transition from low-deductible ( = $1,000) coverage and 11,155 contemporaneous patients whose employers offered only low-deductible plans. We propensity-score matched patients transitioning to HDHPs with contemporaneous patients whose employers offered only low-deductible coverage. Measures were time to initiation of adjuvant hormonal therapy and time to discontinuation of therapy (60-day gap in treatment). We used survival analysis to estimate changes in outcomes. Results: Prior to the HDHP-switch, time to initiation was similar between HD...
Operation start-up.

When Mount Carmel Health System sized up the Medicare market in Columbus, Ohio, executives liked what they saw: Seniors trusted them more than insurers to run a managed care plan. Only six months later, their provider-sponsored plan opened for business under a HCFA pilot project. Here's how Mount Carmel pulled it off.
The Mindful Personality II: Exploring the Metatraits from a Cybernetic Perspective.

Relationships between dispositional mindfulness and the personality metatraits, stability and plasticity, remain unexplored despite continued efforts to more accurately characterize associations between dispositional mindfulness and personality. The metatraits are theorized to constitute basic requirements for biological survival and their expression is believed to be a strong determinant of well-being. As such, this study used path analysis to explore associations between dispositional mindfulness, the metatraits, and psychological well-being in a sample of 403 American adults. Results indicate that dispositional mindfulness is principally associated with stability, or the capacity to sustain currently operative schemas and goals. Results further suggest a positive relationship between dispositional mindfulness and plasticity, or the tendency to flexibly adapt to changing circumstances. A more granular investigation of these associations demonstrated that the facets of dispositional mindfulness are differentially related with the metatraits. Ultimately, the metatraits were found to fully mediate the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and psychological well-being.
Voting and conformity: Russia, 1993–2016

Abstract Past research has showed the strong influence of social norms and conformity on voting choices in the national elections of many countries, with some more affected than others. This research demonstrates that social conformity has strongly and increasingly affected parliamentary elections in Russia. The analysis tests and estimates a mathematical model of the collective effect of conformity on people’s voting choices in each parliamentary election from 1993 to 2016 at the regional level using cross-sectional regression analysis. The analysis shows that voting and the party system are approaching the typical voting patterns seen in many democracies. Remarkably, voters typically are not aware of the influence of conformity on their own voting decisions.
Interaction of Monomeric Interleukin-8 with CXCR1 Mapped by Proton-Detected Fast MAS Solid-State NMR

The human chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8; CXCL8) is a key mediator of innate immune and inflammatory responses. This small, soluble protein triggers a host of biological effects upon binding and activating CXCR1, a G protein-coupled receptor, located in the cell membrane of neutrophils. Here, we describe 1H-detected magic angle spinning solid-state NMR studies of monomeric IL-8 (1-66) bound to full-length and truncated constructs of CXCR1 in phospholipid bilayers under physiological conditions. Cross-polarization experiments demonstrate that most backbone amide sites of IL-8 (1-66) are immobilized and that their chemical shifts are perturbed upon binding to CXCR1, demonstrating that the dynamics and environments of chemokine residues are affected by interactions with the chemokine receptor. Comparisons of spectra of IL-8 (1-66) bound to full-length CXCR1 (1-350) and to N-terminal truncated construct NT-CXCR1 (39-350) identify specific chemokine residues involved in interactions with binding sites associated with N-terminal residues (binding site-I) and extracellular loop and helical residues (binding site-II) of the receptor. Intermolecular paramagnetic relaxation enhancement broadening of IL-8 (1-66) signals results from interactions of the chemokine with CXCR1 (1-350) containing Mn2+ chelated to an unnatural amino acid assists in the characterization of the receptor-bound form of the chemokine.
The costs and benefits of exchange rate protection in China

From 2002 to 2011, China ran large surpluses in both the current and capital accounts of its balance of payments, which the People's Bank of China (PBOC) purchased and held at official foreign reserves to avoid nominal appreciation of the currency. Concurrently, with its massive purchases of foreign exchange, the PBOC compelled commercial banks to buy PBOC â€˜sterilisation bondsâ€™ and raised commercial bank reserve requirement ratios to avoid monetisation of its foreign exchange purchases and concomitant upward pressure on the price level (that is, real appreciation of the currency). Sterilising foreign exchange intervention, as China did for a decade, constitutes a violation of the implicit rules of a fixed exchange rate regime and as such can be seen as a mercantilist policy of manipulating the real exchange rate to gain, or avoid losing, international price competitivenessâ€”what Corden (1981) termed â€˜exchange rate protectionâ€™. This paper sets out the simple theory of the costs and benefits of exchange rate protection and provides backâ€ ofâ€ theâ€ envelope estimates of their magnitude in China in the 2000s. It also explores the â€˜other side of the storyâ€™, the decline in US manufacturing employment in the 2000s, which recent literature attributes to a â€˜China Trade Shockâ€™ that allegedly resulted from the US granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to China in 2001. Here, it is argued that the soâ€ called China Trade Shock resulted from China's sterilised intervention policy, not the granting of PNTR. The implications of these competing hypotheses are considered in the conclusions.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE GLASS-FORMING ABILITY (GFA) AND SEVERAL METALLURGICAL PARAMETERS: Tl, Tg, To, Tn, T and tG

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relationships between the glass-forming ability (GFA) and several metallurgical parameters. The process of glass formation from the liquid may be described as avoidance of crystallization on cooling. If the glass transition temperature is denoted as Tg and the crystallization temperature as Tx, glassy—amorphous—solids will be obtained whenever Tx is depressed below Tg during rapid cooling. It is well known that of these two parameters, Tx is much more sensitive to the cooling rate than is Tg. The cooling rate at which a liquid can be subjected is closely dependent on the technique used. Both during the liquid-quenching on a rotating wheel and in laser surface treatment, the heat is removed through the solid substrate. Hence, the technique used brings a new variable parameter in addition to the cooling rate, namely, the nature of the substrate itself. The chapter also highlights a modified approach to the GFA concept. This approach is considered mainly because of technological importance of being able to assess which alloys compared with others may be turned relatively easily into an amorphous form using the conventional gun or wheel techniques.
Abstract WMP29: Hemorrhage Associated With Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis

Object: Intracranial stenting and flow diversion requires the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent in-stent thrombosis. DAPT may significantly increase the risk of hemorrhagic complic...
The role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in negative reinforcement learning and plasticity in alcohol dependence.

A role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in plasticity-dependent learning has been established. MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) when synaptic reorganization is warranted. Previously, we showed that escalation of alcohol self-administration is a learned plasticity-dependent process that requires an intact MMP system. To identify the MMP subtypes within specific brain regions that are associated with plasticity underlying the negative reinforcing effects of alcohol (as measured by escalated alcohol self-administration) during acute withdrawal in alcohol dependence, male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer alcohol in an operant paradigm, subjected to one month of intermittent alcohol vapor exposure to induce alcohol dependence and then allowed to self-administer alcohol during repeated acute withdrawal self-administration sessions. Subsequently, rat brains were extracted after initial or stable escalated alcohol self-administration phases of acute withdrawal and analyzed by immunoblot to detect MMP-2, -3, and -9 levels in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central amygdala (CeA), hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens (NAc). The results showed that MMP-9 expression in the CeA and NAc of alcohol-dependent rats was increased, however, MMP-9 expression in the ACC was decreased during negative reinforcement learning. Subsequently, the importance of plasticity mediated by MMP-9 in escalated alcohol self-administration during acute withdrawal was functionally assessed through site-specific intra-CeA MMP-9 inhibition during repeated acute withdrawal self-administration sessions. MMP-9 inhibition prevented acute withdrawal-induced escalation of alcohol self-administration in a manner that was not confounded by locomotor effects or a permanent inability to learn about the negative reinforcing effects of alcohol.
Bayesian Inference for Simulator Output

In Chap. 3 the correlation and precision parameters are completely unknown for the process model assumed to generate simulator output. In contrast this chapter assumes that the researcher has prior knowledge about the unknown parameters that is quantifiable in the form of a prior distribution.
Holding Us Accountable: Arts Education in California Multiple Subject Credential Programs

To ensure a robust and comprehensive educational experience, every K-12 learner must have access to high quality Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) education. To make this happen, their teachers mus...
Strategies older adults use in their work to get back to normal following hospitalization

Abstract Loss of function is a significant concern among hospitalized older adults, and prior research suggests they engage in dedicated work to regain “normal” function following hospitalization. This paper aims to describe the strategies older adults use to return to normal function and the conditions that influence their ability to do so. Recently discharged adults aged 65 and older (N = 14) completed in-depth one-on-one interviews. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Participants described strategies they used to regain their normal function following hospitalization: doing exercises, expanding physical space, resuming activities and daily cares, and tracking improvement with benchmarks. Several conditions, such as presence of informal and formal support, perceived threats, and poor physical or physiologic function, acted as barriers and facilitators to participants’ ability to work back to normal function. Findings increase our understanding of patients’ work to regain normal function and have important implications for practice.
Direct Imaging of Interfacial Fluctuations in Confined Block Copolymer with in Situ Slow-Scan-Disabled Atomic Force Microscopy.

Using environmentally controlled, high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM), we examine dynamic fluctuations of topographically confined poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) cylinders...
Experience of using gastric-tube pull-up(GTPU) for treating type III a esophageal atresia as one-stage operation in the neonatal period

Objective To investigate the feasibility of applying gastric-tube pull-up (GTPU) in the treatment of type Ⅲ a esophageal atresia in the neonatal period.Methods From Jan.2010 to Oct.2011,GTPU was used to treat 6 newborns with type Ⅲa esophageal atresia diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal radiography.Their clinical data including operative time,blood loss,duration of mechanical ventilator supporting were retrospectively summarized and analyzed in this study.The operation was divided into four main parts.The tracheo-esophageal fistula was divided and ligated.The gastric lesser curvature was cut open and a gastric-tube was made; then the tube was pulled up to the thorax by the posterior mediastinum approach.After the proximal end was searched atthe neck,the tube was brought into the neck via the trans-hiatal route to make an end-to-end anastomosis.Results All operations were performed successfully during the neonatal period with no mortality.The mean distance between the two blind- ends was 4.5 cm (ranging from 4～6); the average operative time was 270mins (ranging from 20～390):and the mean volume of blood loss was 25 mls (ranging from 10～50).Two patients underwent colostomy at the same time due to impferforate anus.The mean time to wean from mechanical ventilation was 13 d (ranging from 5～18).The duration of fasting was 9 d (ranging from 7～ 12).2 patients had anastomotic leakage but healed after conservative treatment.The average length of hospitalization was 32 d (26～39).At follow up(4 to 20 months),no anastomotic stenosis or gastroesophageal reflux was found in any of the cases.Conclusions Gastric-tube pull-up is one of the choices for treating type Ⅲ a esophageal atresia as one-stage operation in the neonatal period. Key words: Gastric-tube pull-up; Anastomosis,surgical; Esophageal atresia; Neonate
Levetiracetam – An Alternative Option in Preterm Neonates for Acute Seizure Management

800x600 Neonatal seizures occur in five of 1000 live births in North America and affect the future development of the child. Preterm neonates are more susceptible to seizures due to brain immaturity with the incidence of 11 of 1000 live births, much higher than neonatal seizures. Few medicines studied and approved to treat this subset of patients, management difficult. The only medicines approved by the FDA are phenytoin and Phenobarbital in the neonatal period. Failure of these agents due to lack of efficacy and undesirable side-effects led us to investigate the role of Intravenous Levetiracetam in preterm neonates, the most challenging group of patients in the pediatric population. In this research highlight, we will discuss the findings of our recent in preterm neonates. Normal 0 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
The use of angles and angular rates

MIT's Lincoln Laboratory has developed a computer driven, rapidly slewing (≃4° s−1), electro-optical (≃3″ resolution) telescope. This enables the rapid measurement of angles and instantaneous angular rates for artificial satellites. The simultaneous acquisition of angles and angular rates constitutes a new initial orbit problem which has been solved. Three different methods of solution are presented including an exact, analytical one. Numerical tests on six widely different satellite orbits indicate that the topocentric distance can be determined to better than 1% (and usually as well as 0.1%) for most satellites after a 5–10 min observation interval.
Abstract 17436: STAT3 Inhibition Protects Against Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Through a Novel NF-kB p65/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Introduction: Left ventricular hypertrophy is the end-result of diverse cardiovascular pathologies. STAT3 signaling has been implicated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, although the precise mechanism remains incompletely understood. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that STAT3 induces myocyte hypertrophy via NF-kB/Nrf2 pathway. Methods and Results: Treatment of H9c2 cells with 1 μM Angiotensin II for 48 h induced a 2.4-fold increase in cell size compared with controls. This cellular hypertrophy was significantly inhibited in the presence of STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 (Figure). The levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a key molecule in cardioprotective signaling, were increased by WP1066 treatment and decreased by STAT3 overexpression. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that WP1066 blocks the inhibitory effect of NF-kB p65 on Nrf2, leading to an upregulation of HO-1 (Figure). By using chromosome-IP and bioinformatics analysis, we identified that p65 suppresses Nrf2 expression by directly binding t...
Microdialysis and Mass Spectrometric Monitoring of Dopamine and Enkephalins in the Globus Pallidus Reveal Reciprocal Interactions that Regulate Movement

Pallidal dopamine, GABA and the endogenous opioid peptides enkephalins have independently been shown to be important controllers of sensorimotor processes. Using in vivo microdialysis coupled to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and a behavioral assay, we explored the interaction between these three neurotransmitters in the rat globus pallidus. Amphetamine (3 mg/kg i.p.) evoked an increase in dopamine, GABA and methionine/leucine enkephalin. Local perfusion of the dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (100 μM) fully prevented amphetamine stimulated enkephalin and GABA release in the globus pallidus and greatly suppressed hyperlocomotion. In contrast, the dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist raclopride (100 μM) had only minimal effects suggesting a greater role for pallidal D(1) over D(2) receptors in the regulation of movement. Under basal conditions, opioid receptor blockade by naloxone perfusion (10 μM) in the globus pallidus stimulated GABA and inhibited dopamine release. Amphetamine-stimulated dopamine release and locomotor activation were attenuated by naloxone perfusion with no effect on GABA. These findings demonstrate a functional relationship between pallidal dopamine, GABA and enkephalin systems in the control of locomotor behavior under basal and stimulated conditions. Moreover, these findings demonstrate the usefulness of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as an analytical tool when coupled to in vivo microdialysis.
Plasma timolol concentrations of timolol maleate: timolol gel-forming solution (TIMOPTIC-XE) once daily versus timolol maleate ophthalmic solution twice daily.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare plasma concentrations of timolol following multiple dosing of the therapeutic regimens of timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution (Timolol GS; TIMOPTIC-XE®) and timolol maleate ophthalmic solution. Timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution is also referred to as Timolol GS, i.e. gel-forming solution. Methods: This was a masked observer, two-period crossover study in six normal male subjects randomized to receive either Timolol GS, 0.5% (TIMOPTIC-XE,) once daily (0530 hours) or timolol maleate ophthalmic solution (0.5% TIMOPTIC®) twice daily (0530 and 1730 hours) for 8 days, in both eyes. On Day 8, a blood sample was obtained prior to treatment, as well as 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 24 hours following the morning instillation. After a 7-day inter-period washout interval, subjects received the opposite treatment. Results: Timolol GS (TIMOPTIC-XE): Plasma concentrations of timolol rarely exceeded 0.375 ng/ml (the lower limit of assay quantification). For all subjects, peak plasma concentrations of timolol averaged <0.3 ng/ml within 4 hours after the last dose. The highest single observation was 0.49 ng/ml in one subject (at hour 2). Timolol solution: For all subjects, peak plasma concentrations of timolol averaged about 0.5 ng/ml and 0.3 ng/ml within 4 hours following the first and second dose, respectively, on Day 8. The highest single observation was 0.95 ng/ml in one subject (at hour 2). Conclusions: The data suggest that there is less systemic exposure to timolol following once-daily therapy with Timolol GS 0.5% compared with twice daily therapy with timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.5%.
Endotoxemia Induces IκBβ/NF-κB–Dependent Endothelin-1 Expression in Hepatic Macrophages

Elevated serum concentrations of the vasoactive protein endothelin-1 (ET-1) occur in the setting of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and contribute to distal organ hypoperfusion and pulmonary hypertension. Thus, understanding the cellular source and transcriptional regulation of systemic inflammatory stress-induced ET-1 expression may reveal therapeutic targets. Using a murine model of LPS-induced septic shock, we demonstrate that the hepatic macrophage is the primary source of elevated circulating ET-1, rather than the endothelium as previously proposed. Using pharmacologic inhibitors, ET-1 promoter luciferase assays, and by silencing and overexpressing NF-κB inhibitory protein IκB expression, we demonstrate that LPS-induced ET-1 expression occurs via an NF-κB-dependent pathway. Finally, the specific role of the cRel/p65 inhibitory protein IκBβ was evaluated. Although cytoplasmic IκBβ inhibits activity of cRel-containing NF-κB dimers, nuclear IκBβ stabilizes NF-κB/DNA binding and enhances gene expression. Using targeted pharmacologic therapies to specifically prevent IκBβ/NF-κB signaling, as well as mice genetically modified to overexpress IκBβ, we show that nuclear IκBβ is both necessary and sufficient to drive LPS-induced ET-1 expression. Together, these results mechanistically link the innate immune response mediated by IκBβ/NF-κB to ET-1 expression and potentially reveal therapeutic targets for patients with Gram-negative septic shock.
Co-electropolymerization of a viologen oligomer and lipoamide dehydrogenase on an electrode surface: Application to cofactor regeneration

Abstract We report here a novel enzyme electrode obtained by electrochemically copolymerization of a redox enzyme with an oligomeric orgaric redox mediator on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. This electrode serves as an efficient catalyst for the regeneration of the cofactor in enzymatic syntheses requiring NADH. The reaction shows a relatively short induction period and the rate of product formation is higher than for similar electrodes upon which the enzyme and redox mediator are physically trapped under a Nafion membrane.
The influence of quinoline yellow on potassium alum growth rates

Abstract The linear growth rate of the (111) face of potassium alum has been evaluated in the presence of quinoline yellow dye. Experimental conditions were such that surface incorporation was controlling the growth rate. The observed influence of the dye on the growth rate was attributed to a blockage of growth sites on the crystal face by adsorbed dye. Using an adsorption isotherm intermediate to those of Langmuir and Freundlich the growth rate was correlated with the dye concentration in parts per million by the equation (G − G ∞ ) (G 0 − G) = 6.76 × 10 5 c -3.41 .
Similitude experiments on projectile-induced fracture of monolithic glass

Abstract Experiments were used to identify the II-groups that best scaled the fracture of monolithic plate glass under central impact by a projectile mass. Threshold impact velocities for glass fracture were measured for three groups of geometrically similar, laboratory-scale, rectangular specimens, for two types of edge constraints: (i) all edges clamped, and (ii) short edges clamped and long edges free. Different sets of Π-groups were needed for the two types of edge constraints, if the threshold impact velocities measured for the smallest specimens are to be used to predict those for the larger ones. Furthermore, edge flaws on the specimen face, caused by the diamond cutter used to size the specimens, and the orientation of the cut face to the oncoming projectile, affected the threshold impact velocities significantly. Extensive drop tests showed that, for other parameters remaining constant, the threshold projectile impact velocity is higher for a window glass whose previously cut surface faces toward, rather than away from, the oncoming projectile, regardless of the edge constraints.
Helminth Induced Suppression of Macrophage Activation Is Correlated with Inhibition of Calcium Channel Activity

Helminth parasites cause persistent infections in humans and yet many infected individuals are asymptomatic. Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the cestode Taenia solium, has a long asymptomatic phase correlated with an absence of brain inflammation. However, the mechanisms of immune suppression remain poorly understood. Here we report that murine NCC displays a lack of cell surface maturation markers in infiltrating myeloid cells. Furthermore, soluble parasite ligands (PL) failed to induce maturation of macrophages, and inhibited TLR-induced inflammatory cytokine production. Importantly, PL treatment abolished both LPS and thapsigargin-induced store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Moreover, electrophysiological recordings demonstrated PL-mediated inhibition of LPS or Tg-induced currents that were TRPC1-dependent. Concomitantly STIM1-TRPC1 complex was also impaired that was essential for SOCE and sustained Ca2+ entry. Likewise loss of SOCE due to PL further inhibited NFkB activation. Overall, our results indicate that the negative regulation of agonist induced Ca2+ signaling pathway by parasite ligands may be a novel immune suppressive mechanism to block the initiation of the inflammatory response associated with helminth infections.
The first series of completely robotic esophagectomies with three-field lymphadenectomy: initial experience.

Background This study investigated the use of robotics to perform extended esophageal resection in a series of patients.
Rate Coefficients for Ro‐vibrational Transitions in H 2 Due to Collisions with He

We present quantum mechanical and quasi-classical trajectory calculations of cross sections for ro-vibrational transitions in ortho- and para-H2 induced by collisions with He atoms. Cross sections were obtained for kinetic energies between 10-4 and 3 eV, and the corresponding rate coefficients were calculated for the temperature range 100 K ≤ T ≤ 4000 K. Comparisons are made with previous calculations.
On the performance of Gupta's subset selection rule

Abstract Let X ¯ i ∼ N ( θ i , τ 2 / n ) , i = 1 , … , k , be independent sample means, based on a common sample size n from k normal populations with the same known variance τ 2 > 0 . To select a small non-empty subset that contains with a guaranteed probability P * the best population, i.e. the population associated with θ [ k ] = max { θ 1 , … , θ k } , Gupta [1956. On a decision rule for a problem in ranking means. Ph.D. Thesis, Mimeo, Series No. 150, Institute of Statistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; 1965. On some multiple decision (selection and ranking) rules. Technometrics 7, 225–245.] proposed and studied a subset selection rule that has become a classic and bears his name. Since then, its performance has been studied and compared with the performance of other subset selection rules by many authors. Gupta and Miescke [2002. On the performance of subset selection rules under normality. J. Statist. Plann. Inference 103, 101–115.] derived generalized Bayes rules under two loss functions and possibly unequal sample mean variances τ 2 / n i , i = 1 , … , k , but risk comparisons between these generalized Bayes rules and Gupta's classical rule appeared to be infeasible, both theoretically and numerically. With the advent of faster computers, risk comparisons via computer simulations have become feasible. Numerical results of this type for equal sample mean variances are presented in this paper.
A thermal absorber for high power density photon beams

Abstract The high power density of multipole wiggler radiation from the X-ray ring at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory precludes the use of normal incidence water cooled masks and shutters due to high metal temperatures and resulting high stresses and/or deflections and the possibility of cooling water boiling. One way the power density can be reduced is by positioning the absorber surface at a small angle to the beam, a technique first developed by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Finite element analyses results for temperatures, displacements and stresses are presented in this paper for a thermal absorber designed for ultrahigh vacuum operation.
Enhanced expression of tubulin-specific chaperone protein A, mitochondrial ribosomal protein S27, and the DNA excision repair protein XPACCH in the song system of juvenile male zebra finches.

Recent evidence suggests that sexual dimorphisms in the zebra finch song system and behavior arise due to factors intrinsic to the brain, rather than being solely organized by circulating steroid hormones. The present study examined expression of 10 sex chromosome genes in the song system of 25-day-old zebra finches in an attempt to further elucidate these factors. Increased expression in males was confirmed for nine of the genes by real-time qPCR using cDNA from individual whole telecephalons. In situ hybridization at the same age revealed specific, male-enhanced mRNA for three of the nine genes in one or more song control nuclei. These genes encode tubulin-specific chaperone A, mitochondrial ribosomal protein S27, and a DNA repair protein XPACCH. Based on what is currently known about these proteins' functions and their localization to particular components of the song circuit, we hypothesize that they each may be involved in specific aspects of masculinization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 199–207, 2012
Genesis of free fatty acids.

According In our current state of knowledge, free fatty acids are formed in sebaceous follicles primarily through hydrolysis of sebum triglycerides by microbial lipases. Because of their comedogenic and irritant qualities, these free fatty acids are probably responsible for many of the alterations in the follicle that result in acne lesions.
The toxicological response of the algaAnabaena flos- aquae (cyanophyceae) to cadmium

The toxicological response of the cyanophycean algaAnabaena flos- aquae to cadmium was investigated by three integrated approaches: 1) the determination of the incipient lethal concentration of the metal, 2) study of metal incorporation and cellular compartmentalization using X-ray energy dispersive analysis, and 3) the quantification of intracellular structural changes, after metal exposure, using morphometric analysis. After 96 hr of exposure, the incipient lethal concentration was calculated to be 0.118 ± 0.04 μM cadmium. At concentrations three orders of magnitude higher than the incipient lethal concentration, cadmium was incorporated into both the cellular cytoplasm and the cell's polyphosphate bodies. Cadmium also caused the polyphosphate bodies to lose Mg and Ca, resulting in ionic changes in the elemental composition of these cellular inclusions. The utilization of stereological techniques for electron microscopic morphometric analysis established that all concentrations of cadmium tested caused significant reductions in the surface area of the cell's thylakoids. Cadmium induced changes in the numbers and relative volume of the cell occupied by polyhedral bodies, polyphosphate bodies, lipid inclusions, cyanophycin granules, membrane limited crystalline, inclusions, and changes in the volume of the cell wall layers were also documented. The physiological significance of these findings are discussed in terms of the toxic action of cadmium and the cellular mechanisms for detoxification of cations once they enter the cell.
Photoavalanche effects in a GaAs MESFET

This paper describes a photomultiplication effect in microwave MESFETs that occurs when the device is operated close to the avalanche breakdown voltage of the drain-gate Schottky barrier. The multiplication enhances the optical response of the device, which is important when the MESFET is used in a photodetection mode. However, caution is required when the device is operated at high Vds levels so that premature avalanche breakdown is avoided.
Live Attenuated Human Rotavirus Vaccine, Rotarix

Rotavirus infections are the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. Recently two new rotavirus vaccines have entered the world market. This review provides a summary of the rationale, development, and evaluation of one of these vaccines, Rotarix. Rotarix is a live oral rotavirus vaccine developed from a single protective human strain following multiple passages in tissue culture to attenuate the strain. The vaccine is administered as two oral doses at approximately 2 and 4 months of age. Large safety and efficacy trials have shown the vaccine is safe, not associated with intussusception, and effective against the most common circulating human serotypes. Efficacy against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis and hospitalization have ranged from 85 to 100 percent.
Capacitors for discharge-lighting control circuits

A short Section on manufacture and materials outlines typical features in the construction of a capacitor for discharge lighting and refers briefly to common practice in the choice of impregnating material and vacuum processing conditions.Under the general heading of dielectric life and breakdown the probable effects of conducting paths in tissue are mentioned. The importance of discharge-inception stress is emphasized, reference being made to discharge-inception measurements on capacitors impregnated with petroleum jelly and with pentachlorodiphenyl, and to the interim results of long-term accelerated tests on pentachlorodiphenyl-impregnated capacitors. A suggestion that electrochemical deterioration is not a major factor contributing to failure of paper capacitors under a.c. stress is discussed. A note on chemical decomposition of impregnants during breakdown is followed by discussion of the use of fusing to reduce or eliminate such chemical effects.A final Section discusses power factor as a criterion of capacitor quality.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN STEPHANODISCUS NIAGARAE (BACILLARIOPHYTA) 1

We observed sexual reproduction in a clonal culture of Stephanodiscus niagarae Ehrenb. and used light and scanning electron microscopy to absent flagellated male cells, auxospore growth, initial valve structure and production, and subsequent daughter cell division. Free auxospores were spherical and nonsiliceous throughout growth, producing hemispherical initial valves devoid of spines and with nonfasciculate striae. Pregametangial cells averaged 43% of the diameter of the daughter cell population and were 1/9 the biovolume of initial, cells. This paper is the first confirmed report of sexual reproduction in S. niagarae, although it appears that specimens of Actinocyclus niagarae H. L. Smith, described from Lake Erie in 1878, are actually initial valves of S. niagarae.
Charge motion in ferroelectric thin films

Switching of the direction of polarization in ferroelectric thin films can be used as a mechanism for space-efficient memory storage in microcircuits. The fields required for adequate switching rates are of the order of 5 × 105 volts/cm. At these high fields, there are several potential mechanisms for the motion of charged species in the film with a resulting degradation of properties. The defect chemistry and charge transport mechanisms in perovskite-based systems are reviewed, and their pertinence for the development of stable, reliable memory elements is discussed.
A summary of the use of electronic tagging to provide insights into salmon migration and survival

IntroductionThe status of Pacific salmon populations has been ofincreasing concern for many decades, with many pop-ulations now under legal protection. The causes oftheir declining status are manifold and untanglingthem has been difficult due to the complex life histo-ries, which involve migrations among freshwater, es-tuarine, and marine habitats. Finding solutions tosalmon management problems requires understandinghow salmon respond to threats in these different envi-ronments. Telemetry provides an attractive approachto monitoring salmon as they move among these envi-ronments, and advances in miniaturization and massproduction have made it feasible to monitor salmonthroughout their life cycle.Recent advances in acoustic telemetry have provid-ed for the first time an opportunity to greatly expandknowledge and understanding of mortality and themigratory behavior of salmonids on the western coastof North America. Firstly, these electronic tags havebeenreducedinsizesufficientlytofitintotheperitonealcavity of smolts (ocean-ready juveniles). Secondly, thesignals emitted from these beacons are unique so thateach tagged fish can be recognized by its code, whichenables recording movement patterns and mortality ofindividual fish. This has been accomplished with twotypes of coding, pulse interval modulation or frequencyphase shifting (McMichael et al. 2010). Thirdly, auto-mated monitors have been developed that identify andrecord the passage of individual fish from the uniquesignals emitted from these beacons (Klimley et al.1998).Thecostofthese autonomousreceivershasbeenreduced sufficiently to permit the establishment of largescale arrays that can monitor salmon throughout theirmigratory cycle.These advances have led to a burst in telemetrystudies of Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus).Until recently, the movements and mortality patternsof juvenile salmonids were determined by a series ofcross-shelf arrays of tag-detecting monitors that wereestablished along the continental shelf, from PointReyes in northern California to Prince William Soundin Alaska (Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking Program -POST; Welch et al. 2002). Additionally, monitors havebeendeployedinmanyofthe estuaries and riversalongthiscoastline.CodedtagsandthePOSTarrayhavebeenused to determine the overall survival of salmon smolts
Multivariate Catastrophe Model Estimation: Method and Application

Leading management scholars have called for the use of nonstandard research to help solve complex problems that are not tractable with standard approaches. This article demonstrates the use of mult...
Proliferation-specific genes activated by Galpha(12): a role for PDGFRalpha and JAK3 in Galpha(12)-mediated cell proliferation.

Gα12, the α-subunit of G protein G12, is ubiquitously expressed and it has been identified as a putative “causative oncogene” of soft-tissue sarcomas. Overexpression of wild-type or GTPase-deficient mutant of Gα12 (Gα12Q229L or Gα12QL) leads to the oncogenic transformation of NIH3T3 cells. Gα12QL-tramsformed NIH3T3 cells show a distinct oncogenic phenotype defined by increased cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, reduced growth-factor dependency, attenuation of apoptotic signals, and neoplastic cytoskeletal changes. In this study, the genes contributing to the reduced growth-factor dependency of Gα12QL-NIH3T3 cells were identified by transcription profiling of serum-starved Gα12QL-transformed NIH3T3 (Gα12QL-NIH3T3) cells. Results from these studies indicate that Gα12QL stimulates the expression of genes that promote cell growth. The increased expressions of growth-promoting genes in Gα12QL-NIH3T3 cells were validated by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses. Further studies aimed at investigating the critical role of two of such upregulated genes, namely PDGFRα and JAK3, indicated that the inhibition of PDGFRα or JAK3 activity-attenuated Gα12QL-mediated serum-independent cell proliferation. These studies point to possible novel autocrine and/or paracrine control mechanisms involving PDGFRα and JAK3 in Gα12-mediated proliferation and oncogenesis.