cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cathepsin D: A Candidate Link between Amyloid β-protein and Tauopathy in Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and intraneuronal accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein, tau. Despite a wealth of experimental and genetic evidence implicating both Aβ and tau in the pathogenesis of AD, the precise molecular links between these two pathological hallmarks have remained surprisingly elusive. Here, we review emerging evidence for a critical nexus among Aβ, tau, and the lysosomal protease cathepsin D (CatD) that we hypothesize may play a pivotal role in the etiology of AD. CatD degrades both Aβ and tau in vitro, but the in vivo relevance of this lysosomal protease to these principally extracellular and cytosolic proteins, respectively, had remained undefined for many decades. Recently, however, our group found that genetic deletion of CatD in mice results in dramatic accumulation of Aβ in lysosomes, revealing that Aβ is normally trafficked to lysosomes in substantial quantities. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that tau is also trafficked to the lysosome via chaperone-mediated autophagy and other trafficking pathways. Thus, Aβ, tau and CatD are colocalized in the lysosome, an organelle that shows dysfunction early in AD pathogenesis, where they can potentially interact. Notably, we discovered that Aβ42-the Aβ species most strongly linked to AD pathogenesis-is a highly potent, low-nanomolar, competitive inhibitor of CatD. Taking these observations together, we hypothesize that Aβ42 may trigger tauopathy by competitive inhibition of CatD-mediated degradation of tau-pathogenic forms of tau, in particular. Herein, we review the evidence supporting this hypothesis and explore the implications for the molecular pathogenesis of AD. Future research into these novel mechanistic links among Aβ, tau and CatD promises to expand our understanding of the etiology of AD and could potentially lead to novel therapeutic approaches for combatting this devastating disease of brain and mind.
BRANDING PRODUCT “ADRN CHOCOLATE”

Berawal dari cinta dan kesukaan penulis dengan cokelat lahirlah ide untuk membuat minuman cokelat yang pada akhirnya timbul keinginan untuk membuat branding yang menggunakan merek dengan singkatan nama penulis dan produk cokelat yaitu ADRN CHOCOLATE. Dalam merancang branding tersebut penulis memiliki tujuan: 1) Merancang konsep branding "ADRN CHOCOLATE” yang menampilkan ciri khas elegan dan bercita rasa tinggi. 2) Menciptakan desain branding yang dapat memperkenalkan ADRN CHOCOLATE kepada masyarakat secara efektif dan efisien. 3) Memvisualisasikan konsep desain yang mampu menampilkan branding produk “ADRN CHOCOLATE”. Konsep penciptaan seni tugas akhir ini adalah menciptakan branding produk ADRN CHCOLATE. Dengan menggunakan analisis STP dan analisis SWOT dihasilkan target atau sasaran audiens yang dituju. Dari analisis itulah diciptakan produk-produk desain untuk mempromosikan ADRN CHOCOLATE melalui penciptaan logo, web design, baliho, brosur, neon box, kartu nama, daftar menu, polo t-shirt, mug, cup, kalender meja, dan stiker. Dari konsep branding tersebut diciptakan desain branding yang didasari ilmu tata desain, konsep media yang tepat, dan konsep desain yang didalamnya terdapat aplikasi desain branding antara lain : media traffic, media cetak, media pendukung yang didalamnya mengandung strategi-strategi kreatif. Hasil perancangan branding ADRN CHOCOLATE menghasilkan produk-produk yaitu logo, web design, baliho, brosur, neon box, kartu nama, daftar menu, polo t-shirt, mug, cup, kalender meja, dan stiker. Dari konsep branding tersebut penulis menciptakan desain branding yang didasari ilmu tata desain, konsep media yang tepat, dan konsep desain yang didalamnya terdapat aplikasi desain branding. Desain branding divisualisasikan berdasarkan konsep penciptaan melalui teknik CorelDRAW 16 dan PhotoshopPortable. Kata kunci : Branding, Produk, Cokelat, ADRN CHOCOLATE.
Impact of early postnatal exposure of red blood cell transfusions on the severity of retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND Postnatal exposure to red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) in premature infants is an important risk factor for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) progression. We hypothesized that higher number and earlier timing of RBCT are associated with worse ROP severity and result in laser treatment at an earlier postmenstrual age (PMA) in very low birth weight (≤1500 g, VLBW) infants. METHODS A retrospective medical record review of 631 VLBW infants over a 5-year period was performed. Demographic features and potential clinical risk factors including number of RBCT, ROP severity, and progression to laser treatment were collected to evaluate predictors of severe ROP. ANCOVA, pairwise post-hoc analyses, and multivariate regression were used to determine associations between frequency and timing of RBCT and ROP severity. RESULTS Of the 456 eligible infants, 61 developed severe ROP (13%). There was significant correlation between number of RBCTs and ROP severity, adjusted for gestational age and birthweight (Adjusted R2 = 0.53; p < 0.001). Compared to infants with No/Mild and Type 2 ROP, infants with Type 1 ROP received more RBCTs, with higher number of RBCTs per week during the first month of life (mean RBCT in ROP No/Mild 5.7±0.4 vs Type 2 16.3±1.8 vs Type 1 22.4±1.5, p = 0.042). Laser-treated infants received a higher number of RBCTs than non-treated infants (mean RBCT 22.3 vs. 6.5, p < 0.001) but no correlation was observed between number of RBCTs and PMA at time of laser treatment. CONCLUSION Higher number of RBCTs in early postnatal life of VLBW infants was associated with more severe ROP.
Involving Industry Experts in the Selection of High-Impact Energy Research Projects

How can an impact-driven research program best select projects that will contribute to future technology cost reductions, given the inherent uncertainty of early-stage research efforts? Programs typically rely on peer review by academic experts, who are at the frontier of knowledge in their field, but may not be able to assess the potential impact of research on commercial technology. In order to achieve “step-out” ideas in energy research, i.e. novel ideas that could lead to technology breakthroughs, the Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford University supplemented their proposal review process with an industry point of view. Program administrators solicited both the opinions of a panel of sponsor company representatives and an independent panel with broad energy expertise, and incorporated both of these opinions into their funding decisions. Incorporating sponsor opinions into the selection process did not result in the selection of proposals with measurably different characteristics beforehand, on the basis of mail- in reviews from subject matter experts. We find that the program may have produced fewer publications as a result of sponsor involvement in review, but we find no evidence that either panel was able to predict outputs closer to commercialization.
The influence of regional factors in the expression of oceanic anoxic event 1a (OAE1a) in the semi-restricted Organyà Basin, south-central Pyrenees, Spain

Abstract The global occurrence of oxygen-deprived conditions in the ocean characterizes the early Aptian; hence the hallmark of that time interval is the accumulation of organic-rich sediments during an episode of severe oxygen deficiency known as oceanic anoxic event 1a (OAE1a). As seen elsewhere in the Tethyan domain, an overall change in facies marked by increased input of terrigenous material distinguishes the lower Aptian in the study area, but the nature of the lithologies associated with the organic carbon-rich deposits remain dominated by carbonate sediments and are expressed differently with respect to other areas where the occurrence of black shales characterizes OAE1a. This comparison indicates that significant spatial heterogeneity occurred in sub-Tethyan basins coeval with the global oceanic event. The present work provides a high-resolution, multi-proxy study (petrography, total inorganic carbon (TIC), total organic carbon TOC, carbon isotope [δ13Corg], clay mineralogy and biomarkers) of the upper 155 m of the El Pui section, Organya Basin, including the record of OAE1a. The results reveal that oxygenic conditions fluctuated throughout the studied interval, with episodes of oxygen depletion that concurred with TOC values > 1%. However, petrographic observations, molecular biomarkers, and redox sensitive trace elements (RSTEs) indicate that full anoxia was not achieved. The results also provide the first high-resolution δ13Corg profile for the El Pui section that replicates in greater detail the carbon isotopic signature reported for the Tethyan domain. The upper 155 m of the El Pui section include expanded and well-defined trends of the carbon isotope segments C2 (upper part), C3, C4, C5, and C6 (partial), which correlate with other Tethyan sections and allow for the recognition of the lower Aptian OAE1a in the uppermost 40 m of the section. Such improved high-resolution chemostratigraphic curve could contribute to a more precise chronostratigraphic correlation of Aptian events in a broader scale.
Representation of Music in a Learning Classifier System

NEXTPITCH, a learning classifier system using genetic algorithms, inductively learns to predict the next note in a nursery melody. This paper presents an analysis of different representations of specific features of Western tonal music. The rationale for the specific note representations merges ideas from learning classifier systems and genetic algorithms with concepts espoused by the music cognition community. Our results are correlated by analyses of variance statistical routines.
Of Mice and Men: Navigating Public Physical Mapping Databases

This chapter contains sections titled: Types of Physical Map Genome-Wide Maps from Large Community Databases Genome-Wide Maps from Individual Sources Chromosome-Specific Human Maps Mouse Mapping Resources
Early Blossoms of Genius: Child Poets at the End of the Long 18th Century

Few children from the past have written accounts of their lives which subsequent [adult] generations have found worthy of preservation. A rare exception to this rule can be found in the many books of poetry published by juvenile (under the age of twenty-one) British authors during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This study explores the range of these authors' works, along with their reception, and considers how these reflect the attitudes to children at that time.
Approximate score-based testing with application to multivariate trait association analysis

For genome-wide association studies and DNA sequencing studies, several powerful score-based tests, such as kernel machine regression and sum of powered score tests, have been proposed in the last few years. However, extensions of these score-based tests to more complex models, such as mixed-effects models for analysis of multiple and correlated traits, have been hindered by the unavailability of the score vector, due to either no output from statistical software or no closed-form solution at all. We propose a simple and general method to asymptotically approximate the score vector based on an asymptotically normal and consistent estimate of a parameter vector to be tested and its (consistent) covariance matrix. The proposed method is applicable to both maximum-likelihood estimation and estimating function-based approaches. We use the derived approximate score vector to extend several score-based tests to mixed-effects models. We demonstrate the feasibility and possible power gains of these tests in association analysis of multiple and correlated quantitative or binary traits with both real and simulated data. The proposed method is easy to implement with a wide applicability.
Role of the Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids in Protein-Induced Hypercalciuria in Men

A human metabolic study was conducted to determine what part sulfur-containing amino acids play in protein-induced hypercalciuria. The effects on the renal handling of calcium of increasing dietary protein from 50 to 150 g protein were compared with those of increasing the sulfur amino acids to simulate the amounts present in the 150 g protein diet; we also evaluated the effects of adding a 1.5 g supplement of phosphorus to the 50 g protein diet containing the sulfur amino acids. An increase in protein intake caused urinary calcium to double, increased glomerular filtration rate and decreased fractional renal tubular reabsorption of calcium and urinary sodium. Sulfur amino acids added to the low protein diet also caused urinary calcium to increase and fractional tubular reabsorption of calcium and urinary sodium to decrease, but the changes were only 43, 44 and 66%, respectively, those caused by the increase in protein. The phosphorus supplement effectively prevented the hypercalciuria caused by adding the sulfur amino acids to the low protein diet.
Reconstruction of the Three-Dimensional Coronal Magnetic Field

Studies of solar flares indicate that the mechanism of flares is magnetic in character and that the coronal magnetic field is a key to understanding solar high-energy phenomena. In our ongoing research we are conducting a systematic study of a large database of observations which includes both coronal structure (from the Soft X-ray Telescope on the Yohkoh spacecraft) and photospheric vector magnetic fields (from the Haleakala Stokes Polarimeter at Mees Solar Observatory). We compare the three-dimensional nonlinear force-free coronal magnetic field, computed from photospheric boundary data, to images of coronal structure. In this paper we outline our techniques and present results for active region AR 7220/7222. We show that the computed force-free coronal magnetic field agrees well with Yohkoh X-ray coronal loops, and we discuss the properties of the coronal magnetic field and the soft X-ray loops.
Monolithically integrated long vertical cavity surface laser incorporating a concave micromirror on a glass substrate

We present a fully monolithically integrated vertical laser using an InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs gain medium directly bonded to a glass substrate with a concave micromirror. The lasing wavelength is 980 nm with maximum output power of 39 mW.
Papilloma of the cervix, associated with pregnancy.

Abstract 1. 1. Papilloma of the cervix associated with pregnancy is a rare lesion. It results from and is associated with the concurrent pregnancy. 2. 2. Papilloma of the cervix has no adverse effect upon the antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum period of pregnancy. 3. 3. Papilloma of the cervix spontaneously disappears with termination of pregnancy, If no symptoms arise from its presence, no active therapy is necessary for its removal. 4. 4. Clinically and pathologically papilloma simulates carcinoma of the cervix. The morphological pattern of papilloma however is distinctive and thus permits its differentiation from true epidermoid carcinoma.
The Market Value of Online Degrees as a Credible Credential

This exploratory research employed a random sample drawn from employers across multiple industries to investigate four research questions: Do hiring managers hold favorable attitudes toward graduates from primarily online universities in comparison with non-online universities? To what degree are hiring managers well versed concerning online universities? To what extent do these expectations vary across industry sectors including government, and nonprofit settings? How do hiring managers perceive education at online universities? The purpose of the study was to describe and understand hiring manager’s perceptions of degrees gained from online universities. The specific research questions were aimed at gaining a clearer understanding of employers’ perceptions relative to online universities and online degree attainment, and to use the knowledge gained to inform prospective students, Universities and employers. The results of this study revealed (a) employers perceived a traditional or hybrid modality more credible than a purely online modality across multiple industries; (b) Respondents’ attitudes towards online education are significantly more positive if the respondent has had experience with online education, and (c) confirmed previous studies about the uncertainty of employing candidates with online degrees.
The submicroscopic morphology of the interphase nucleus.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the submicroscopic morphology of an interphase nucleus. A nucleus is the carrier of heredity in the form of DNA molecules, and being the site of RNA production, it is an informational source for the synthesis of all proteins. These findings have impelled cytologists to uncover the macromolecular organization of nucleoproteins. The problems in measurement introduced by sectioning perpendicular to a nuclear envelope and the image of a pore depend not only on the section thickness but also on the portion of the pore included in the section. Observational problems associated with measuring pore diameter arise while using sections cut tangential to the envelope surface. Similarities in the pore diameter and shape in three different species, including two amphibians and a starfish, raise the distinct possibility that pore morphology may be the same in all organisms. Intensive and successful electron microscope analysis of a nucleolus has helped place the data obtained by other cytological techniques in a meaningful morphological framework. The current knowledge of the mechanism involved in cellular biosynthesis underscores the close physiological association of a nucleus and the cytoplasm. Blebbing is a phenomenon that represents a nuclear response to a transitory need of the cytoplasm from membrane material. This provides a morphological basis that permits a special intense protein synthesis at a critical period of development. Thus, the role of the blebbing phenomenon in nucleocytoplasmic exchange may be a passive one.
Laboratory phase plate turbulence strength characterization

The production of atmospheric-like turbulence is important to evaluate adaptive optics performance. Several techniques are commonly used to produce atmospheric-like turbulence in the laboratory, such as heating airflow, using diffractive and refractive optical components, and the atmospheric turbulence phase plate; however, the atmospheric turbulence phase plate has the advantage of low cost and easy control of the turbulence property. The properties of phase plates have been studied by many authors; however, a practical methodology to characterize the turbulence strength of the phase plate has not been discussed. The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical methodology to characterize the turbulence strength of the phase plate. In order to develop the methodology, a theoretical model of the optical system with the phase plate is derived first and the turbulence strength metric, which is in terms of the incident beam size versus D/r 0 , is obtained based on a comparison of theoretical and experimental data.
Thermal Emission From The Dust Coma Of Comet Hale-Bopp And The Composition Of The Silicate Grains

The dust coma of comet Hale-Bopp was observed in the thermal infrared over a wide range in solar heating (R = 4.9–0.9 AU) and over the full wavelength range from 3 μm to 160 μm. Unusual early activity produced an extensive coma containing small warm refractory grains; already at 4.9 AU, the 10 μm silicate emission feature was strong and the color temperature was 30% above the equilibrium blackbody temperature. Near perihelion the high color temperature, strong silicate feature, and high albedo indicated a smaller mean grain size than in other comets. The 8–13 μm spectra revealed a silicate emission feature similar in shape to that seen in P/Halley and several new and long period comets. Detailed spectral structure in the feature was consistent over time and with different instruments; the main peaks occur at 9.3, 10.0 and 11.2 μm. These peaks can be identified with olivine and pyroxene minerals, linking the comet dust to the anhydrous chondritic aggregate interplanetary dust particles. Spectra at 16–40 μm taken with the ISO SWS displayed pronounced emission peaks due to Mg-rich crystalline olivine, consistent with the 11.2 μm peak.
Nina Treadwell, Music and Wonder at the Medici Court: The 1589 Interludes for La pellegrina

The so-called 1589 intermedi, performed during the festivities in Florence celebrating the wedding of Grand Duke Ferdinando de’ Medici and Christine of Lorraine, occupy a prominent position in the ...
8-channel wavelength-selective 2/spl times/2 optical switch using phased array waveguide grating multi/demultiplexer

Summary form only given. We present a novel 2/spl times/N phased-array waveguide grating (PAWG) design, which utilizes two sets of vernier input ports to compensate center wavelength shifting due to processing. By having two corresponding sets of output waveguides, each PAWG can function as two identical 1/spl times/N-channel wavelength multi/demultiplexers. All input and output channels of the two 1/spl times/N devices are interleaved to yield uniformity and efficient interconnect to cross-bar switches. An 8-channel wavelength-selective 2/spl times/2 nonblocking optical switch is designed using two 2/spl times/8 PAWGs, connected by 12 thermal-optic (TO) cross-bar switches. This 2/spl times/2 WDM optical switch can route each input wavelength to either output ports and is suitable for any transparent optical WDM network systems.
Effect of Amiodarone on the Disposition of Acetaminophen in the Rat

Amiodarone has been demonstrated to form a cytochrome P-450Fe(II):metabolite complex. The administration of other agents which form this type of complex, such as troleandomycin, has been shown to deplete hepatic glutathione content. Depletion of glutathione will result in an increased synthesis of glutathione and an increased utilization of cysteine. Since inorganic sulfate and glutathione share cysteine as a common precursor, we postulated that amiodarone pretreatment may reduce the sulfation of drugs. To test this hypothesis, the effect of amiodarone pretreatment on acetaminophen disposition was examined in the rat. Acetaminophen (150 mg/kg) was administered to rats pretreated with amiodarone hydrochloride (100 mg/kg/d) or diluent for 5 d. There were no significant differences in the urinary recovery of acetaminophen sulfate or the partial clearance of acetaminophen to the sulfate metabolite between control and amiodarone-pretreated animals. There was a trend toward an increased urinary recovery of acetaminophen glucuronide in animals pretreated with amiodarone, but this did not reach statistical significance. Amiodarone pretreatment had no effect on the renal clearances of acetaminophen or its metabolites. These results suggest that amiodarone pretreatment does not alter the sulfation of drugs and that the formation of an amiodarone P-450Fe(II):metabolite complex is quantitatively insignificant.
International financial reporting standards — credible and reliable? An overview

Abstract The study discusses how IFRS's objective of the harmonization of accounting standards and improvement of quality of financial reporting may have been negatively affected due to public authorities' influences in the European Union (EU), the U.S., the U.K. and China. In addition, we discuss issues related to the inconsistent interpretations and implementations of IFRS as principle-based accounting standards. Moreover, we discuss how the funding system of the IASB may (or may not) have affected its independence. The review of relevant literature and discussion is critical to IFRS adoption/convergence efforts in the U.S.
Sustaining the Fight: A Cross-Sectional Time-Series Analysis of Public Support for Ongoing Military Interventions

What determines a democratic public's willingness to tolerate the human and material costs of sustaining ongoing military operations to victory? Athough much literature has addressed the factors th...
Positive affectivity predicts successful and unsuccessful adaptation to stress

This study examined adaptation to work stress among public school teachers (n = 267). Regression analyses tested whether positive affect predicted successful and unsuccessful adaptation to stress (viz., resilience and burnout, respectively) after controlling for demographic characteristics and work stress. Positive affect was largely correlated with resilience (r = .65, p < .001) and burnout (r = −.57, p < .001). The regression of resilience showed that positive affect had a direct effect (β = .66, p < .001) and the total model explained 44 % of the variance (R 2 Change = 37 %). In the regression of burnout, positive affect also had a direct effect (β = −.41, p < .001) and the total model explained 52 % of the variance (R 2 Change = 14 %). Further analyses found no significant interaction between work stress and positive affect, but revealed that positive affect completely mediated the effect of work stress on resilience. Results provide support for the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, particularly the theory’s building and undoing effects.
Reflections on second language teacher dispositions: Preparing for educational, linguistic, and cultural challenges in national and international settings

Abstract The literature on teacher dispositions does not address the dispositions of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers at a national level or at an international level for those teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). At a national level the ESL teachers in the US are usually involved in the education of minority students who have been classified as English language learners (ELLs) and at an international level, EFL teachers usually teach majority language students English for enrichment. The identification of dispositions has become more important in the preparation of second language teachers.
Genetic algorithms and neural networks: optimizing connections and connectivity

Abstract Genetic algorithms are a robust adaptive optimization method based on biological principles. A population of strings representing possible problem solutions is maintained. Search proceeds by recombining strings in the population. The theoretical foundations of genetic algorithms are based on the notion that selective reproduction and recombination of binary strings changes the sampling rate of hyperplanes in the search space so as to reflect the average fitness of strings that reside in any particular hyperplane. Thus, genetic algorithms need not search along the contours of the function being optimized and tend not to become trapped in local minima. This paper is an overview of several different experiments applying genetic algorithms to neural network problems. These problems include 1. (1) optimizing the weighted connections in feed-forward neural networks using both binary and real-valued representations, and 2. (2) using a genetic algorithm to discover novel architectures in the form of connectivity patterns for neural networks that learn using error propagation. Future applications in neural network optimization in which genetic algorithm can perhaps play a significant role are also presented.
Wavelet image processing applied to optical and digital holography: past achievements and future challenges

The link between wavelets and optics goes back to the work of Dennis Gabor who both invented holography and developed Gabor decompositions. Holography involves 3-D images. Gabor decompositions involves 1-D signals. Gabor decompositions are the predecessors of wavelets. Wavelet image processing of holography, both optical holography and digital holography, will be examined with respect to past achievements and future challenges.
III. The Social Construction of Lesbianism: Resistance and Reconstruction:

For many of us the appearance of Celia Kitzinger’s The Social Construction of Lesbianism (1987) was a signal event in the struggle to develop a viable alternative to traditional empiricist psychology. The work was particularly significant because of its multiple and simultaneous accomplishments. First, it went beyond many of the meta-theoretical and philosophic critiques of the empiricist paradigm by offering an alternative form of inquiry. Where others had criticized past traditions, Kitzinger was exploring new futures. Second, and equally important, Kitzinger’s book demonstrated the ways in which significant social inquiry could be coupled with political passion. Abandoning the flawed assumptions of ‘scientific neutrality’, Kitzinger set out on a responsible course of ideological critique. Finally, her book demonstrated that, even with a constructionist sensitivity to the limits of methods, it was still possible to employ methodology to add rhetorical force to one’s scholarly views. And, rendering support to many other critics of mainstream methods of experimentation, Kitzinger provided a powerful case for qualitative methodology. In her work, social constructionist inquiry began to acquire a life of its own. Her volume formed the first contribution to the Sage series in social construction, for which one of us (KJG) served as editor. The series ultimately formed a corpus of 22 books, and was abandoned only because social constructionist ideas had become so prevalent across the social sciences that a specialized publishing venue was no longer required. Yet, while the publication of Kitzinger’s volume was a pivotal contribution to post-empiricist psychology, it is also interesting to consider the vicissitudes of history since publication. Our particular concern is the case of psychology related to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues in the USA. Here we confront a decidedly mixed picture, but a context that lends special appreciation to the existence of Kitzinger’s work.
Effects of reducing the readability of the words in the Stroop Color-Word Test

Decreasing the readability of words, by partially obscuring them with a mask, increased the susceptibility of reading and decreased the susceptibility of color naming to interference in the Stroop color-word conflict situation. The conflict interfered with both reading and color-naming performance, with and without the mask, but the degree of interference was inversely related to the relative strength of the response.
Genetic Variations in Cytokines and Cytokine Receptors Associated with Psoriasis Found by Genome-Wide Association

Genetic variants have long been suspected to be important in psoriasis. Recent work has suggested that HLA-Cw6 on chromosome 6 is the risk variant in the PSORS1 [MIM 177900] susceptibility locus that confers the greatest risk for early onset of psoriasis. Although numerous minor susceptibility loci have been identified by linkage analysis, few biologically relevant candidates have been discovered within these intervals. Recent large-scale genome-wide association studies have yielded new candidates in genes encoding cytokines with functional relevance to psoriasis. Polymorphisms within the genes encoding the IL-12 p40 subunit, IL12B, and one of the IL-23 receptor subunits, IL23R, have been replicated in US and European populations and overlap with risk of Crohn's disease. Polymorphisms within the gene encoding IL-13, a Th2 cytokine, also confer risk for psoriasis. Variants of the gene IL15 encoding IL-15 have been identified that associate with psoriasis in a Chinese population. These discoveries pose the challenge of elucidating the role of common genetic variants in susceptibility to and manifestations of psoriasis.
Ultrastructure of striated inclusions in Neurospora

Cytoplasmic and intranuclear bodies appearing as bundles of rodlike structures have been observed in cells of Neurospora crassa. These striated bodies may lie in the cytoplasm, in the nucleus, or in close association with the cytoplasmic or nuclear membranes. These structures do not appear within the mitochondria. The rods composing this structure have a diameter of approximately 62 A. The chemical composition or functional role of these structures is unknown.
Construction of a stable plasmid vector for industrial production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) by a recombinant Cupriavidus necator H16 strain

A new stable plasmid vector (pCUP3) was developed for high and stable production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) using Cupriavidus necator H16 as the host strain. In pCUP3, it was found that the plasmid partition and replication region of the megaplasmid pMOL28 in the Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 strain plays an important role in plasmid stability in C. necator H16. Moreover, the partition locus (comprising parA28 and parB28 and the parS28 region) is essential for plasmid maintenance under high-PHBH-accumulation. PHBH productivity by the C. necator H16/ds strain (phaC1 deactivated mutant strain) harboring a phaCAc NSDG within pCUP3 was identical to the productivity of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by the C. necator H16 strain when palm kernel oil was used as the sole carbon source without any antibiotics. This new vector is important for industrial mass production of polyhydroxyalkanoates using the C. necator H16 strain as the host, dispensing the necessity of the application of selective pressure such as antibiotics.
BK virus nephropathy: a pediatric nephrologist's perspective.

Abstract Polyomavirus (BK)–associated nephropathy (BKVN) is now recognized as significant problem in pediatric renal transplants that may lead to progressive allograft dysfunction. BKVN was first recognized in 1999 in adult renal transplant recipients, and most data have been obtained from this patient population. Today, there is an increasing number of publications pertaining to children with BKVN that allows for a selective analysis of the pediatric population. Most early pediatric publications were predominantly cases reports. However, several retrospective and prospective studies are now available that provide important insights with respect to the incidence of BKVN in the pediatric transplant population, the efficacy of treatment strategies, and the risk factors for developing BKVN. This review analyzes several of the most significant studies that address these issues.
Activatable organic near-infrared fluorescent probes based on a bacteriochlorin platform: synthesis and multicolor in vivo imaging with a single excitation.

Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes are ideal for in vivo imaging because they offer deeper tissue penetration and lower background autofluorescence. Although most fluorophores in this range are cyanine-based dyes, several new classes of fluorescent NIR probes have been developed. In this study, we developed organic bacteriochlorin derivatives, NMP4 and NMP5, which are excited with a single green light and emit different narrow, well-resolved bands in the NIR (peak of 739 and 770 nm for NMP4 and NMP5, respectively). When conjugated to galactosyl-human serum albumin (hGSA) or glucosyl-human serum albumin (glu-HSA), both targeting H-type lectins, including the β-d-galactose receptor expressing on ovarian cancer, these agents become targeted, activatable, single excitation, multicolor NIR fluorescence probes. After conjugation to either glu-HSA or hGSA, substantial quenching of fluorescence occurs that is reversed after cell binding and internalization. In vitro studies showed higher cancer cell uptake wi...
Measurements and Modeling of Cloud Point Behavior for Poly(propylene glycol) in Ethane and in Ethane + Cosolvent Mixtures at High Pressure

The phase behavior of poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) in ethane and ethane + cosolvent mixtures was studied using a high-pressure, variable-volume view cell. The cosolvents studied were chloroform and...
Reconceptualizing fossilization in second language acquisition: a review:

In recent fossilization literature, two problems have been raised repeatedly (e.g. Han, 2003; Long, 2003; Birdsong, 2004). First, the term ‘fossilization’ lacks a unified definition and, second, it...
Induction of Haploid Callus from Anthers of Four Species of Arabidopsis

Summary Cultured anthers of four different Arabidopsis species are shown to give rise to haploid callus. Anthers of several geographic races of A. thaliana all gave high callus induction frequencies (43–87 %). The frequency of diploids among such callus was low (0–5 %) for all species. Aneuploidy was observed in primary anther callus of all four species as well as in diploid callus originating from germinating seedlings. The degree of aneuploidy did not appear to be related to hormonal content of the cultural medium but was very closely and negatively correlated with the chromosome number of the source tissue (r = -0.9).
Microevolution and biological adaptability in the transition from food-collecting to food-producing in the Iron Gates of Yugoslavia

Dental and mandibular changes were studied in Iron Gates populations in Hugoslavia dating from 6300–4500 b.c. (uncalibrated 14 C). During this time the Iron Gates diet gradually shifted away from fish, small game and wild grain to domesticated animals and cereals. The earlier population (Vlasac) biomechanically developed smaller jaws which caused the following diseases of the molars: alveolar lipping, calculus, abscesses, tooth crowding and rotation and premortem tooth loss. The later population (Lepenski-Vir III) had less abraded teeth, less premortem tooth loss, but more occlusal caries and enamel hypoplasia. The later population had a smaller, less powerful jaw and smaller teeth. Most of the occlusal area reduction occurred in the molars. It is suggested that innovation and adoption of a neolithic way of life which resulted in a softer diet produced a biomechanically reduced jaw that could no longer accommodate large mesolithic teeth. Maladaption between osseous and dental tissues especially in the posterior teeth is the direct selectional argument presented to explain the reduction of these teeth. Arguments that the dental changes in the Iron Gates are directly due to immigrants from the Near East are refuted by comparing populational-taxonomic variables of the dentition. Dental changes in several variables follow opposite developments in Yugoslavia and the Near East. The changes in dentition between the Yugoslav mesolithic and neolithic periods is seen here as due to microevolution, not gene flow.
Verilog-A Modeling of Ferroelectric High-K Capacitors for Tunable Circuit Applications

Ferroelectric capacitors have shown very good prospect for use in circuits where voltage dependent tuning is required. We are studying high-K capacitors made from Ba1 - xCaxTi1 - yZryO3 (BCTZ) to fully characterize their tunable and high frequency behavior. A model for capacitance-voltage, current-voltage, and impedance-frequency relations is presented. The model can be used for simulation of high frequency tuning circuits.
Theory of blending in single inlet flow systems

Abstract Good design requires that the fluctuations in concentration which occur at the output of a blending device be small. Using the criterion of minimum variance of the output concentration, it is shown that blender performance depends only on the residence time distribution of the blender and the autocovariance function of the input concentration. The optimal blender design is found for the case of rapid uncorrelated fluctuations at the inlet, and nearly ohtimal blender designs are found for input fluctuation which are autocorrelated over a moderate time interval. A general method for blender design is given using discrete time increments.
RSK1 Activation Promotes Invasion in Nodular Melanoma

The two major melanoma histologic subtypes, superficial spreading and nodular melanomas, differ in their speed of dermal invasion but converge biologically once they invade and metastasize. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that distinct molecular alterations arising in primary melanoma cells might persist as these tumors progress to invasion and metastasis. Ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 90 kDa, polypeptide 1 (RSK1; official name RPS6KA1) was significantly hyperactivated in human melanoma lines and metastatic tissues derived from nodular compared with superficial spreading melanoma. RSK1 was constitutively phosphorylated at Ser-380 in nodular but not superficial spreading melanoma and did not directly correlate with BRAF or MEK activation. Nodular melanoma cells were more sensitive to RSK1 inhibition using siRNA and the pharmacological inhibitor BI-D1870 compared with superficial spreading cells. Gene expression microarray analyses revealed that RSK1 orchestrated a program of gene expression that promoted cell motility and invasion. Differential overexpression of the prometastatic matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 in metastatic nodular compared with metastatic superficial spreading melanoma was observed. Finally, using an in vivo zebrafish model, constitutive RSK1 activation increased melanoma invasion. Together, these data reveal a novel role for activated RSK1 in the progression of nodular melanoma and suggest that melanoma originating from different histologic subtypes may be biologically distinct and that these differences are maintained as the tumors invade and metastasize.
Cellular and animal indispensable amino acid limitation responses and health promotion. Can the two be linked? A critical review

Cellular growth repression can mediate positive health outcomes by improving resistance while delaying the manifestation and decelerating the progression, of chronic diseases. Sensing systems that respond to amino acid limitation are, the general control non-derepressible kinase 2 (GCN2), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR; namely mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1), the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)–mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, the adenosine 5-mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase system. GCN2 particularly, under limiting essential amino acid conditions, activates the integrated stress response (ISR) causing selective up- /down-regulation of pro-survival/pro-apoptotic genes, respectively, rendering beneficial adaptation responses to amino acid limitation. This review attempts to bridge the link between molecular events and mechanisms observed at the cellular level with the potential health benefits possibly achieved at the whole organism level. The article describes...
Osteopenia and osteoporosis in pediatric patients after stem cell transplant.

As more patients are surviving the transplant experience, more children are coping with long-term side effects. Long-term side effects, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, are not as well acknowledged in pediatric stem cell transplant survivors. Osteopenia and osteoporosis can lead to fractures, deformities, pain, and financial burden. There are many factors during and after a stem cell transplant that cause patients to be at an increased risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis. Nurses have the ability to prevent these potentially debilitating and progressive diseases and to provide adequate treatment to prevent further complications. Key features of the history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging can assist with making a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia. Prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis involves both lifestyle modifications and medical management. Measures to prevent and treat bone loss are crucial. Transplant nurses must be knowledgeable regarding the risk factors and prevention a...
F2 reaction dynamics with defective Si(100): defect-insensitive surface chemistry

Abstract We have investigated the influence of a variety of dimer vacancy defects on the reactivity of F 2 molecules with the clean Si(100)−2 × 1 reconstructed surface via molecular dynamics using an ab-initio-derived Stillinger-Weber-type many-body potential. Our simulations of a wide variety of defective surfaces indicate that vacancy defects have a negligible effect on the reactivity of F 2 molecules toward the Si surface. These simulations suggest that the density of accessible Si dangling bonds (i.e., the number of reactive surface sites) is the sole critical factor in determining the reactivity for this highly exothermic surface reaction. Thus, defective Si(100) exhibits essentially the same reactivity toward F 2 as a perfect Si(100)−2 × 1 surface.
The hydrodynamic resistance of filter cakes

Abstract In calculating the hydrodynamic resistance of a filter cake or polarized layer the influence of the rejecting membrane itself on the permeate flow field is usually ignored. However, because permeate is constrained to pass through the reduced cross-sectional area offered by the membrane's pores, fluid velocities must increase in the vicinity of the membrane surface. Rejected material near the membrane will therefore cause a proportionally larger pressure drop than material further upstream. A model taking account of this phenomenon is presented, and a solution for the simple case of a filter cake or gel layer of constant concentration (and hence constant permeability) is given. Sample calculations for 0.2 μm track-etched filters are also shown. Generally, this effect is of greatest importance when: (i) the thickness of the layer formed by the rejected material is small compared with the rejecting membrane's pore separation distance, or (ii) when the filter porosity is small. Implications for classical boundary layer filtration models are discussed.
CHANDRA AND HST STUDY OF A NEW TRANSIENT X-RAY SOURCE IN M31

We present X-ray and optical observations of a new transient X-ray source in M31 first detected 2004 May 23 at R.A. = 00h43m09940 ± 065, decl. = 41°23'3249 ± 066. The X-ray light curve shows two peaks separated by several months, reminiscent of many Galactic X-ray novae. The location and X-ray spectrum of the source suggest it is a low-mass X-ray binary. Follow-up HST ACS observations of the location both during and after the outburst provide a high-confidence detection of variability for one star within the X-ray position error ellipse. This star has ΔB ≈ 1 mag, and there is only a ≈1% chance of finding such a variable in the error ellipse. We consider this star a good candidate for the optical counterpart of the X-ray source. The luminosity of this candidate provides a prediction for the orbital period of the system of 2.3 days.
How far can sodium substitute for potassium in red beet

Sodium (Na) movement between plants and humans is one of the more critical aspects of bioregenerative systems of life support, which NASA is studying for the establishment of long-term bases on the Lunar or Martian surface. This study was conducted to determine the extent to which Na can replace potassium (K) in red beet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp vulgaris) without adversely affecting metabolic functions such as water relations, photosynthetic rates, and thus growth. Two cultivars, Ruby Queen and Klein Bol, were grown for 42 days at 1200 micromoles mol-1 CO2 in a growth chamber using a re-circulating nutrient film technique with 0%, 75%, 95%, and 98% Na substitution for K in a modified half-strength Hoagland solution. Total biomass of Ruby Queen was greatest at 95% Na substitution and equal at 0% and 98% Na substitution. For Klein Bol, there was a 75% reduction in total biomass at 98% Na substitution. Nearly 95% of the total plant K was replaced with Na at 98% Na substitution in both cultivars. Potassium concentrations in leaves decreased from 120 g kg-1 dwt in 0% Na substitution to 3.5 g kg-1 dwt at 98% Na substitution. Leaf chlorophyll concentration, photosynthetic rate, and osmotic potential were not affected in either cultivar by Na substitution for K. Leaf glycinebetaine levels were doubled at 75% Na substitution in Klein Bol, but decreased at higher levels of Na substitution. For Ruby Queen, glycinebetaine levels in leaf increased with the first increase of Na levels and were maintained at the higher Na levels. These results indicate that in some cultivars of red beet, 95% of the normal tissue K can be replaced by Na without a reduction in growth.