cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial normalization improves the quality of genotype calling for Affymetrix SNP 6.0 arrays

Microarray measurements are susceptible to a variety of experimental artifacts, some of which give rise to systematic biases that are spatially dependent in a unique way on each chip. It is likely that such artifacts affect many SNP arrays, but the normalization methods used in currently available genotyping algorithms make no attempt at spatial bias correction. Here, we propose an effective single-chip spatial bias removal procedure for Affymetrix 6.0 SNP arrays or platforms with similar design features. This procedure deals with both extreme and subtle biases and is intended to be applied before standard genotype calling algorithms. Application of the spatial bias adjustments on HapMap samples resulted in higher genotype call rates with equal or even better accuracy for thousands of SNPs. Consequently the normalization procedure is expected to lead to more meaningful biological inferences and could be valuable for genome-wide SNP analysis. Spatial normalization can potentially rescue thousands of SNPs in a genetic study at the small cost of computational time. The approach is implemented in R and available from the authors upon request.
Vascular precursors in developing human retina.

PURPOSE. Prior investigation has demonstrated that angioblasts are present in the inner retinas of human embryos and fetuses and that they differentiate and organize to form the primordial retinal vasculature. The purpose of this study was to characterize these angioblasts further and examine ligands that might control their migration and differentiation.
Catalyzing the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) with Molybdenum Sulfide Nanomaterials

We discuss recent developments in nanostructured molybdenum sulfide catalysts for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction. To develop a framework for performing consistent and meaningful comparisons between catalysts, we review standard experimental methodologies for measuring catalyst performance and define two metrics used in this perspective for comparing catalyst activity: the turnover frequency, an intrinsic activity metric, and the total electrode activity, a device-oriented activity metric. We discuss general strategies for synthesizing catalysts with improved activity, namely, increasing the number of electrically accessible active sites or increasing the turnover frequency of each site. Then we consider a number of state-of-the-art molybdenum sulfide catalysts, including crystalline MoS2, amorphous MoSx, and molecular cluster materials, to highlight these strategies in practice. Comparing these catalysts reveals that most of the molybdenum sulfide catalysts have similar active site turnov...
A reliability centered maintenance strategy for a discrete part manufacturing facility

Abstract A specialized maintenance decision support system based on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and the US dept. Of Defense's Failure Mode, Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) has been developed. It was constructed using a modular approach which uniquely integrates the virtues of RCM and FMECA to perform the failure analysis function. A Logic Tree Analysis (LTA) module supports the decision process by performing Cost and Maintainability evaluation to promote the most appropriate maintenance tasks. The Maintenance Planning Module applies “Theory of Constraints” to fit tasks into the production schedule. Apart from a conventional focus on addressing operational failure modes, it takes environmental impact and human safety concerns into perspective in developing tasks directed at achieving higher levels of equipment availability and effectiveness. Ultimately, it contributes to higher quality product manufactured at a significantly lower overall cost. Initial field test results for Miami, Florida based manufacturing system are reviewed.
Quantifying the Likelihood of Regional Climate Change: A Hybridized Approach

AbstractThe growing need for risk-based assessments of impacts and adaptation to climate change calls for increased capability in climate projections: specifically, the quantification of the likelihood of regional outcomes and the representation of their uncertainty. Herein, the authors present a technique that extends the latitudinal projections of the 2D atmospheric model of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) by applying longitudinally resolved patterns from observations, and from climate model projections archived from exercises carried out for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The method maps the IGSM zonal means across longitude using a set of transformation coefficients, and this approach is demonstrated in application to near-surface air temperature and precipitation, for which high-quality observational datasets and model simulations of climate change are available. The current climatology ...
The yeast model for Batten disease: a role for Btn2p in the trafficking of the Golgi-associated vesicular targeting protein, Yif1p

Btn2p is a novel coiled coil cytosolic protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We report that Btn2p interacts with Yif1p, a component of a protein complex at the Golgi that functions in ER to Golgi transport. Deletion of Btn2p, btn2-Δ, results in mis-localiztion of Yif1p to the vacuole. Therefore, Btn2p may have an apparent role in intracellular trafficking of proteins. Btn2p was originally identified as being up-regulated in a btn1-Δ strain, which exhibits dysregulation of vacuolar pH, and this up-regulation of Btn2p was presumed to contribute to maintaining a stable vacuolar pH [Pearce et al. Nat. Genet. 22 (1999) 55]. We propose that up-regulation of Btn2p in btn1-Δ is an indicator of altered trafficking within the cell, and as btn1-Δ serves as a model for the lysosomal storage disorder Batten disease, that altered intracellular trafficking may contribute to some of the cellular pathological hallmarks of this disease.
A mutation in TNNC1-encoded cardiac troponin C, TNNC1-A31S, predisposes to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and ventricular fibrillation

Defined as clinically unexplained hypertrophy of the left ventricle, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is traditionally understood as a disease of the cardiac sarcomere. Mutations in TNNC1-encoded cardiac troponin C (cTnC) are a relatively rare cause of HCM. Here, we report clinical and functional characterization of a novel TNNC1 mutation, A31S, identified in a pediatric HCM proband with multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation and aborted sudden cardiac death. Diagnosed at age 5, the proband is family history-negative for HCM or sudden cardiac death, suggesting a de novo mutation. TnC-extracted cardiac skinned fibers were reconstituted with the cTnC-A31S mutant, which increased Ca2+ sensitivity with no effect on the maximal contractile force generation. Reconstituted actomyosin ATPase assays with 50% cTnC-A31S:50% cTnC-WT demonstrated Ca2+ sensitivity that was intermediate between 100% cTnC-A31S and 100% cTnC-WT, whereas the mutant increased the activation of the actomyosin ATPase without affecting the inhibitory qualities of the ATPase. The secondary structure of the cTnC mutant was evaluated by circular dichroism, which did not indicate global changes in structure. Fluorescence studies demonstrated increased Ca2+ affinity in isolated cTnC, the troponin complex, thin filament, and to a lesser degree, thin filament with myosin subfragment 1. These results suggest that this mutation has a direct effect on the Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofilament, which may alter Ca2+ handling and contribute to the arrhythmogenesis observed in the proband. In summary, we report a novel mutation in the TNNC1 gene that is associated with HCM pathogenesis and may predispose to the pathogenesis of a fatal arrhythmogenic subtype of HCM.
Characterization of a new silica alumina-based backfill material utilizing large quantities of coal combustion byproducts

Abstract In this paper, a new silica alumina-based backfill material utilizing large quantities of coal combustion byproducts (CCPs) was investigated. The experimental results show that this material had excellent workability as fresh backfill slurry because of its high flowability and low bleeding rate, and the data also demonstrate that the material had good mechanical properties in a compressive test, as the hardening body of the backfill material reached around 7 MPa in 360 days. The results indicate that milled fly ash with a large specific surface area (represented as the Blaine value) significantly enhanced the performance of the silica alumina-based backfill material. The optimal design for this backfill material in this experiment was a composition of 30% milled fly ash at a pulp density 75.2%. Although the backfill slurry contained a large amount of industrial solid waste, the TCLP results indicate that none of the tested hazardous elements exceeded EPA limits, indicating that this backfill material is able to stabilize and/or solidify the hazardous elements very well.
Associations of intimate partner violence with unintended pregnancy and pre-pregnancy contraceptive use in South Asia.

Objective To assess associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) with pregnancy intendedness and pre-pregnancy contraceptive use among pregnant women in South Asia.
Oxidative Stress Induces Nuclear-to-Cytosol Shift of hMSH3, a Potential Mechanism for EMAST in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background Elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST) is a genetic signature observed in 60% of sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs). Unlike microsatellite unstable CRCs where hypermethylation of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene hMLH1’s promoter is causal, the precise cause of EMAST is not clearly defined but points towards hMSH3 deficiency.
Protease nexin-1 activity in cultured Schwann cells

We report that protease nexin-1 (PN-1), a serine protease inhibitor known to have neurite-promoting effects, is made by Schwann cells in tissue culture. Three modalities have been used to demonstrate the presence of PN-1 in Schwann cell cultures. Immunostaining of the cultures with anti-PN-1 antibody gives positive staining over cells and matrix. Western blots of Schwann cell conditioned medium (CM) using anti-PN-1 antibody show a band that co-migrates with the PN-1 standard at 45 kDa. Biochemical assay for protease inhibitory activity shows that CM inhibits thrombin activity in a calorimetric assay. The CM-mediated inhibition of thrombin is reversed if the CM is pre-incubated with anti-PN-1 antibody.
The need to integrate values into environmental curricula

Many environmental problems are controversial because of conflicting values people hold and because there is not a consensus as to which values should have precedence over others. If environmental managers are to make ethical decisions that reflect environmental values, they must have full understanding of such values and types of ethics and principles of moral reasoning to use in the decision-making process. Unfortunately, integration of values into environmental curricula has often not been explicit or comprehensive. One result is that university-trained environmental managers do not possess the knowledge, skills, and methods necessary for more ethically based decisions. An analysis of attitudes about integrating values and/or ethics into environmental curricula and approaches to do so yields the conclusion that environmental programs should more fully include teaching about values and ethics so that environmental managers can make more ethically sound decisions.
Four Irritating Odorants Target the Trigeminal Chemoreceptor TRPA1

The trigeminal nerve responds to a variety of nociceptive stimuli, including many chemicals that activate the olfactory system at lower concentrations. However, the mechanisms by which specific odorants activate the trigeminal nerve are largely undetermined. We used an integrative approach to determine whether TRPA1 channels were the target of eight olfactory stimuli known to activate the trigeminal nerve. In a mammalian cell line stably expressing the human TRPA1 channel, we observed significant increases in intracellular calcium levels upon application of α-terpineol, amyl acetate, benzaldehyde, and toluene. Notably, these responses were greatly reduced when these chemicals were applied in conjunction with the TRPA1 inhibitor HC-030031. To determine whether TRPA1 is required for detecting these odorants as irritants in vivo, we evaluated physiological and behavioral responses to these stimuli in mice lacking the TRPA1 channel. A decline in respiration was seen in wild-type but not TRPA1 knockout mice upon exposure to α-terpineol, benzaldehyde, and toluene. Furthermore, we observed either attenuated or absent avoidance behaviors in TRPA1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice when exposed to α-terpineol, amyl acetate, and benzaldehyde. Our results show that TRPA1 is a molecular target for four different odorants—α-terpineol, amyl acetate, benzaldehyde, and toluene. Additionally, this study suggests that TRPA1 is required for detection of α-terpineol, benzaldehyde, and toluene as trigeminal irritants. However, TRPA1 is likely only one of multiple trigeminal receptors detecting amyl acetate.
Progress in GaN MOSFET Technology

GaN MOS capacitors were characterized to optimize the electric properties of SiO2/GaN interface. With optimized anneal conditions, an interface state density of 3.8×1010/cm2-eV was estimated at 0.19 eV near the conduction band and decreases deeper into the band gap. Enhancement-mode GaN MOSFETs were experimentally demonstrated on both p and n GaN epilayer with record high field-effect mobility of 167 cm2/V-s. Lateral RESURF-type GaN MOSFETs exhibit non-destructive high voltage (up to 940V) blocking capabilities. Other characterization including mobility orientation dependence, MOS-gated Hall mobility, current collapse and an NMOS inverter utilizing E/D mode GaN MOSFETs have also been experimentally demonstrated.
Movement Patterns and the Conservation of Amphibians Breeding in Small, Temporary Wetlands

Many amphibians breed in water but live most of their lives in terrestrial habitats. Little is known, however, about the spatial distribution of these habitats or of the distances and directions amphibians move to reach breeding sites. The amphibian community at a small, temporary pond in northcentral Florida was monitored for 5 years. Based on captures and recaptures of more than 2500 striped newts (Notophthalmus perstriatus) and 5700 eastern narrow-mouthed toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis), we tabulated the angles of orientation that these amphibians entered and exited the pond basin. Our results showed that movements of these species between the pond and terrestrial habitats were nonrandom in orientation, but that narrow corridors did not appear to be used. Differences between the species likely reflect differences in habitat preferences, whereas intraspecific differences among years and between the sexes likely reflect variation among individuals. For terrestrial buffer zones to be effective at conserving pond-breeding amphibian communities, they need both a distance and a directional component. The determination of a directional component may be obscured if studies are carried out over a short time span. Conservation efforts for wetland-breeding amphibians that concentrate solely on the wetland likely will fail without consideration of the adjacent terrestrial habitat. Patrones de Movimiento y Conservacion de Anfibios en Humedales de Temporal Pequenos Muchos anfibios se reproducen en el agua pero viven la mayor parte de sus vidas en habitats terrestres. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre la distribucion espacial de estos habitats o de las distancias y direcciones en las que se mueven los anfibios para llegar a sus sitios de reproduccion. La comunidad de anfibios en estanques temporales pequenos en Florida nor-central ha sido monitoreada por 5 anos. En base a capturas y recapturas de mas de 2500 tritones rayados (Notophthalmus perstriatus) y 5700 sapos de boca chica del este (Gastrophryne carolinensis), tabulamos los angulos de orientacion en que estos anfibios entraron y salieron de la cuenca del estanque. Nuestros resultados muestran que los movimientos de estas especies entre el estanque y los habitats terrestres no tuvieron una orientacion azarosa, pero los corredores angostos aparentemente no son utilizados. Diferencias entre las especies parecen reflejar diferencias en las preferencias de habitat, mientras que diferencias intraespecificas entre anos y entre sexos parece reflejar variacion entre individuos. Para que las zonas terrestres de amortiguamiento sean efectivas en la conservacion de comunidades de reproductores de anfibios, necesitan tener como componentes una distancia y orientacion. La determinacion del compopente direccional puede ser obscurecido si los estudios se llevan a cabo en un periodo de tiempo corto. Los esfuerzos conservacionistas para anfibios de reproduccion en humedales tenderan a fallar si se concentran unicamente en el humedal sin tomor en consideracion el habitat terrestre adyacente.
A transient technique for in-situ thermal property measurements

Abstract A technique was developed to measure in-situ thermal properties effectively. It makes use of the early transient temperature behavior at the borehole wall in response to the constant heat supply in the borehole. The use of early phase is appropriate since the assumption of cylindrical radial heat flow holds with a good accuracy. To determine the thermal properties of the medium, the theoretical temperature behavior in the Laplace domain was compared with the measured temperature behavior transformed into the Laplace domain. Field data from Avery Island was used for practical application. The obtained thermal properties were subsequently substituted in the nondimensional result given by Carslaw and Jaeger and also used as input parameters in a finite element analysis. The measured temperature behavior was closely reproduced.
The Influence of Ionic Impurities on SCC of Alloy X-750 (UNS N07750)

Abstract The effect of sulfate impurities on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of alloy X-750 (UNS N07750) in three different heat treatment conditions has been examined. Addition ...
The Language of Beauty and the Modern Interior: An Approach to Aesthetic Criticism

OBJECTIVE: This article presents a critical evaluation of images of the popular American modern environment of the 1940s. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Using content analysis and a close semiological reading of representative images and phrases, the spaces of the modern interior environment in the context of the philosophical writings of Burke (1756), Kant (1790), Ruskin (1849), Downing (1865) and Turner (1991) are examined. Works by these philosophers collectively establish a connection between the concepts of beauty, nature, and the feminine that results in the construction of a language of beauty used to market modern design in popular women's periodicals. ANALYSIS: The Better Homes and Gardens‘ series entitled “Tomorrow You Can Live Like This” (1944–45) is used to represent modern design for this analysis. Eleven well-known architects and designers submitted designs for this series to promote modern design in American popular culture. The spaces published as part of this series share common characteristics including multi-functionalism, a lack of extraneous ornamentation, and non-traditional spatial definition. These characteristics are translated metaphorically into the concepts of freshness, simplicity, and flexibility. KEY FINDINGS: The connection formed between cultural understanding of the concept of beauty and modern design was used to strengthen the appeal of modernism to the American public. In place of the emphasis on functionalism promoted by high-style designers, the use of language connected the qualities of freshness, simplicity, and flexibility found in modern design to culturally-based notions regarding aesthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding perceptions of the modern interior from a female user/consumer vantage point is significant in providing an inclusive approach to assessing the meaning of interior environments from outside of the designer's point of view and for demonstrating the importance of women as consumers of design in the post-war period.
Comment on Vector-Meson-Dominance and the gamma --> 3 pi Vertex in the Low-Energy Limit

It is found that a simple derivation of a relation between the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3\ensuremath{\pi}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\gamma}$ vertices, previously obtained from current algebra and the partial-conservation-of-axial-vector-current anomaly, can be given on the basis of a pole model together with vector-meson dominance if we require consistency between a $\ensuremath{\rho}$-pole description of $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ scattering in the framework of a Yang-Mills theory and a theorem of Weinberg for the same process in the two-soft-pion limit.
Treatment of colorectal liver metastases by cryotherapy

One hundred fifty-eight procedures were performed on 136 patients with unresectable hepatic metastases using hepatic cryotherapy to ablate the tumors. The median age was 62 years. Patients included 90 males and 46 females. Fifty-eight patients had synchronous metastases, 55 had bilobar lesions, and 90 had precryo chemotherapy. Median preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was 14.4 ng/dl. The numbers of lesions treated, frozen, and resected were two and one. Median survival of all patients was 30 months. Survival for 39 patients was 37 months. Patients with a CEA level >100 ng/dl had a statistically worse survival rate than those with a level <100 ng/dl (P< .001). Twenty patients underwent re-cryotherapy with median survival of 34 months. Recurrent disease developed in 78% of patients—82% of the patients developed liver recurrence. Complication rates were comparable to liver resection. Operative mortality was 3.7%. Hepatic cryotherapy is effective and safe in treating colorectal hepatic metastases under ultrasound guidance. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 14:163–170, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
In vitro microscopic imaging of enhanced thrombolysis with 120-kHz ultrasound in a human clot model

Substantial enhancement of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolysis can be achieved with ultrasound, suggesting its use as an adjunctive treatment in thrombolytic therapy for stroke. A microscopic visualization method was used to measure the lysis of human whole-blood clots treated with human fresh frozen plasma (HFFP), rt-PA, and 120-kHz ultrasound for 30 min at T=37 °C. The clot–plasma interface was imaged using an inverted optical microscope and the thrombolytic front analyzed as a function of time. Ultrasound treatment significantly enhanced the mean lytic rate from 0.5 to 3.4 μm/min (a 580% change) compared with rt-PA treatment alone.
Influence of a calcium dependent protease inhibitor on platelet activation and secretion.

Abstract Continuous proteolysis resulting in consumption of major cytoskeletal proteins may be essential for platelet activation and aggregation. In this study we evaluated the effect of a known protease inhibitor, Leupeptin, on agonist induced platelet aggregation and secretion. Platelets exposed to 10 ugs/ml of Leupeptin did not aggregate in response to the action of thrombin (0.2u/ml). However, a concentration of Leupeptin as high as 250 ugs/ml did not prevent arachidonate induced aggregation and secretion. Leupeptin (100 ugs/ml) effectively blocked thrombin (0.2 u/ml) induced elevation of cytosolic calcium, but did not affect arachidonate induced elevation of platelet intracellular calcium levels. At a concentration of 100 ug/ml, Leupeptin effectively blocked thrombin (0.5u/ml) induced clot formation of platelet poor plasma, suggesting that it can exert its effect on thrombin by preventing fibrinogen degradation. Effective Ki for the competitive inhibition of thrombin induced hydrolysis of a chromogenic substrate, S2238, by Leupeptin was 2.4 uM. Leupeptin inhibition of platelet function was reversible by washing platelets free of the polypeptide. Results of our study demonstrate that Leupeptin inhibits thrombin induced platelet activation, probably by interfering with its proteolytic activity on the platelet surface membrane. However, inhibition of platelet surface membrane associated proteases did not prevent activation of platelets by other agonists.
Measurement of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Hand Wipes: Estimating Exposure from Hand-to-Mouth Contact

Estimates of exposure to the flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust are very poor due to limited knowledge about dust ingestion. This study was undertaken to determine if PBDEs could be measured on hand wipes, and if so, to determine the distribution of levels present on the skin surface area to provide preliminary exposure estimates from hand-to-mouth contact. Hand wipes were collected from 33 individuals residing in the United States using sterile gauze pads soaked in isopropyl alcohol. The total PBDE residue collected on the wipes ranged from 2.60 to 1982 ng, with a median value of 130 ng, or normalized to hand surface area, a concentration of 135 pg/cm2. The fully brominated congener, BDE 209, was also detected and ranged from <DL to 270 ng with a median value of 26 ng. Congener patterns observed on the wipes were similar to patterns observed in house dust samples, consisting of congeners associated with the PentaBDE and DecaBDE mixtures, suggesting that the source of PBDEs to ...
Chronic Administration of Mood Stabilizers Upregulates BDNF and Bcl-2 Expression Levels in Rat Frontal Cortex

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins are neuroprotective factors involved in neuronal signaling, survival and plasticity. Both can be regulated by cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) protein. Decreased levels of BDNF and Bcl-2 are implicated in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. The present study investigated whether chronically administered mood stabilizers would increase BDNF and/or Bcl-2 levels in rat brain. Real time RT-PCR, sandwich ELISA and Western blotting were used to measure BDNF and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels in the frontal cortex of rats chronically administered carbamazepine (CBZ) or lamotrigine (LTG) to produce plasma concentrations therapeutically relevant to bipolar disorder. Chronic CBZ and LTG significantly increased BDNF and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels in the frontal cortex. A common mechanism of action of mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder may involve neuroprotection mediated by upregulation of brain BDNF and Bcl-2 expression.
Effect of Salt Concentration on the Apparent In-Vitro Susceptibility of Pseudomonas and Other Gram-Negative Bacilli to Gentamicin

A strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from blood, an R factor-containing strain of Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli K12, and a streptomycin-resistant mutant of E. coli K12 were all much more susceptible to gentamicin in nutrient broth than in Mueller-Hinton, glucose-phosphate, or trypticase soy broths. Addition of large amounts of NaCl or moderate amounts of MgCl2 to nutrient broth raised the MICs of gentamicin of all four strains to levels similar to those in the other broths. Successive addition of small increments of a divalent cation to all broths progressively increased MICs of gentamicin to levels at which Pseudomonas is considered resistant, but not Serratia or E. coli. Variations in concentrations of salts may increase or decrease the susceptibility of Pseudomonas and other bacilli to gentamicin in vivo, as they do in vitro.
THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE INTERNAL SECRETORY ACTIVITY OF TRANSPLANTED OVARIES IN THE FEMALE RAT

RECENT REPORTS have indicated that the internal secretory activity of the ovary canbe influenced qualitatively and quantitatively by transplantation and temperature regulation. Hill (1) found that transplantation of ovarian tissue into the ears of castrate male mice wouldprevent the usual castration changes from developing, provided the mice were kept in the properenvironmental temperature, 22° C, but not in those animals kept in a warm environment, 33° C. This has been confirmed to some extent by Deanesly (2), and by work which is being done in this laboratory. Available data are not sufficient to explain this phenomenon. There is some question as to whether the explanation lies in the possibility of the production of an an drogen-like substanceby the transplanted ovaries or in the androgen simulating action of one of the female hormones.Greene, Burril and Ivy (3) have shown that progesterone in large doses is androgenic.
The Calculation of Frequency-Modulation Distortion in Linear Networks

A numerical method is developed for the calculation of steady-state FM distortion in a linear passive network from the character of the FM signal input and the steady-state transfer characteristics of the network. The method of calculating FM distortion requires the solution of a finite set of linear equations which is accomplished readily by a digital computer. To illustrate the use of the method, the FM distortion introduced by a Chebyshev-response bandpass filter is calculated for a range of network and input signal parameters.
Amino acid analysis with o-phthalaldehyde detection: Effects of reaction temperature and thiol on fluorescence yields

Abstract Chromatographic separation of amino acids with fluorometric detection of the o -phthalaldehyde-thiol reaction product offers an analytical system of high sensitivity for most amino acids. The fluorescence yield for amino acids having a fully substituted carbon atom in the α -position with respect to the amino group can be substantially improved by increasing the temperature of the reaction with o -phthalaldehyde-thiol and by substituting either ethanethiol or methanethiol for the more commonly used β -mercaptoethanol. The analytical sensitivity for these α -branched amino acids is thus brought into line with that for the other primary amino acids. A comparison of chromatograms obtained at reaction temperatures of 25 and 100°C allows recognition of amino acids of this type in complex mixtures by the substantial increase in fluorescence yield at 100°C.
Self-assembly and applications of nucleic acid solid-state films

While most nucleic acid (NA)–lipid or NA–polymer complexes are studied in solution, there is growing interest in understanding their properties as naturally derived, biodegradable, biocompatible, solid-state materials with tailorable properties influenced by environmental parameters. Therapeutic and cell programming applications comprise an important new research field, particularly in gene transfection and silencing using plasmid DNA and siRNA with targeted local delivery for use in cell culture. Dried solid films have lower nuclease degradation, fewer barriers to long term storage, and allow localized delivery by direct implantation in combination with controlled release and dosage adjustment. In contrast to particulate complexes or other methods of drug delivery which are prepared and must remain in solution, films can regain their biological activity once wetted. However our understanding of the types of cationic agents that predictably form self-standing films with NA is still limited. The self-assembly and structural, physical, and chemical properties of these materials are of key importance to maintaining their activity. We therefore discuss the material properties of NA–lipid and NA–polymer films as the focus of this article. Recent studies have indicated that there is also growing interest in NA films beyond bioengineering and medical applications in the fields of nano- and optoelectronics. We survey the self-assembly of solid-state materials composed of NA complexed with lipids, surfactants, or polymers, and summarize investigations of nanoscopic assembly, structure, optical, and macroscopic material properties. We further evaluate the current and future applications of NA–lipid and NA–polymer films and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 479–500 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.148 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Vitrectomy for Perforating Eye Injuries From Shotgun Pellets

Pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling were performed on 22 eyes of 19 patients for treatment of perforating eye injuries from shotgun pellets. We reviewed the intraoperative findings at the time of vitrectomy to determine what factors might influence final visual acuity. The presence of a total retinal detachment at vitrectomy portended a poor prognosis when compared with eyes without total retinal detachment, as only one of ten eyes with total retinal detachment obtained useful vision (P = .002). Preoperative separation of the posterior vitreous was associated with a favorable outcome when compared with the absence of posterior vitreous detachment (P = .035), as ten of 16 eyes with posterior vitreous detachment at the time of vitrectomy ultimately achieved functional vision. The locations of the exit wounds did not affect visual success in the overall series of patients. However, in the patients who achieved visual success, exit wounds outside the vascular arcades were more likely to be associated with final visual acuities of, or better than, 20/70 than were those within the arcades (P = .022). Other prognostic factors, such as the number of perforations and the use of cryotherapy, were also examined for their effects on final visual outcome. However, these factors did not appear to affect visual outcome statistically.
Salt-induced protein precipitation: Phase equilibria from an equation of state

A molecular-thermodynamic model is developed for salt-induced protein precipitation. The model considers an aqueous solution of a globular protein as a system of interacting hard spheres in a continuum pseudo-solvent (water and salt ions). The protein molecules are considered to interact in a manner described by a set of spherically-symmetric two-body potentials of mean force. These include screened Coulombic repulsion, dispersion (van der Waals) attraction, osmotic attraction, and an attractive square-well potential intended to model specific protein-protein chemical interactions (including the hydrophobic effect and protein self-associations). Following Chiew et al. (1995), an analytical equation of state is derived using the Random Phase Approximation with the hard-sphere fluid as the reference system and a perturbation based on the protein-protein overall potential of mean force. This equation of state provides an expression for the chemical potential of the protein and determines liquid-liquid equilibria. The model is generalized for co-precipitation of several proteins. Experimental single-protein precipitation data are correlated for hen egg-white lysozyme and for α-chymotrypsin in concentrated aqueous solutions of ammonium sulfate.
Depth Profiling of 4-Acetamindophenol-Doped Poly(lactic acid) Films Using Cluster Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

The feasibility of using cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry for depth profiling of drug delivery systems is explored. The behavior of various biodegradable polymer films under dynamic SF5+ pri...
The rhetoric of women and children's rights in Indian psychiatry.

Despite heavy patient caseloads and limited resources, psychiatric professionals of North Indian public teaching hospitals aspire to deliver psychosocial interventions along with pharmaceutical or biologic treatments. However, significant obstacles stand in the way of the success of these interventions. This paper discusses how the relative social and political status differences between elite professionals and their non-elite patients and patients’ families render problematic many of the psychosocial interventions employed. Data were collected in the form of observations of practitioner-patient-family attendant interactions at the Outpatient Department, and interviews with patients, patients’ family members, and psychiatric professionals at the Inpatient Department 2001–2004. Analysis found that many of the professionals’ verbal interventions attempted to promote egalitarian styles of communication and relating among patients’ family members. Psychiatrists perceived mental health problems as stemming fro...
Discriminative stimulus, subject-rated and cardiovascular effects of cocaine alone and in combination with aripiprazole in humans.

Aripiprazole is a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist undergoing evaluation as a pharmacotherapy for stimulant-use disorders. Acutely administered aripiprazole attenuates the discriminative stimulus and other behavioral effects of d-amphetamine in humans; however, whether aripiprazole attenuates the effects of more commonly abused stimulants is unknown. The aim of this experiment was to assess the discriminative stimulus, subject-rated and cardiovascular effects of oral cocaine alone and following acute administration of aripiprazole in humans. Eight cocaine-dependent subjects learned to discriminate 150 mg cocaine from placebo. After acquiring the discrimination, the effects of cocaine (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg) administered alone and in combination with aripiprazole (15 mg) were determined. Significant effects of cocaine were observed for the drug discrimination task, stimulant-like subject-rated effects and heart rate. Limited effects of aripiprazole were revealed. However, for most measures, fewer d...
Association of actin with the platelet membrane

Human platelet membrane-actin associations were studied by means of differential extraction of purified membranes and low-shear viscometry of membrane-F-actin mixtures. As indicated by resistance to extraction with 0.6 M potassium iodide, a significant amount of platelet actin appears to be tightly associated with the membrane. When tested by falling-ball viscometry, both whole and KI-extracted membranes increased the low-shear viscosity of preformed rabbit skeletal muscle F-actin at physiologically reasonable pH and ionic conditions. This membrane-associated actin gelation activity was dependent upon low free calcium concentration (10(-8)-10(-7) M). The results are consistent with specific associations between actin and platelet membranes and may be relevant to membrane-cytoskeletal interactions believed to occur in the intact cell.
The E.P.R.G. Schema and Multinational Management: A Perspective of Employment Practices

In order to develop geocentric orientation, multinationalfirms must develop management and marketing tactics that can effectively deal with local market environments. These firms cannot allow themselves to optimize on an international scale. Local market decisions must be made in light of their effect upon the entire company.
Renal Intercalated Cells Sense and Mediate Inflammation via the P2Y14 Receptor

Uncontrolled inflammation is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. Pro-inflammatory responses can occur in the absence of infection, a process called sterile inflammation. Here we show that the purinergic receptor P2Y14 (GPR105) is specifically and highly expressed in collecting duct intercalated cells (ICs) and mediates sterile inflammation in the kidney. P2Y14 is activated by UDP-glucose, a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) released by injured cells. We found that UDP-glucose increases pro-inflammatory chemokine expression in ICs as well as MDCK-C11 cells, and UDP-glucose activates the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway in MDCK-C11 cells. These effects were prevented following inhibition of P2Y14 with the small molecule PPTN. Tail vein injection of mice with UDP-glucose induced the recruitment of neutrophils to the renal medulla. This study identifies ICs as novel sensors, mediators and effectors of inflammation in the kidney via P2Y14.
The effect of amosite and chrysotile asbestos on the clearance of TiO2 particles from the lung

Abstract It is well known that the pulmonary system encompasses pathways by which foreign materials can be removed from the body. The defense mechanisms involved in this removal, are presently being examined closely in order to more fully understand the complex interactions between the lung parechyma and airborne agents. In the experiments described here, techniques have been developed to assess the effects of air pollutants on the alveolar clearance pattern of inert particles deposited in the lungs of laboratory animals. Amosite or chrysotile asbestos exposures, relatively short in duration (1–3 hours) and high in concentration (∼10 mg/m3) depressed the alveolar clearance of titanic oxide (TiO2) particles in rats. This effect was not observed when asbestos air concentrations were reduced to about 10× the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) estimated to be ∼0.1 mg/m3. Extending the postexposure observation period and the number of exposures to 11 or 22 a suppressive effect on TiO2 clearance was seen. How important this late effect is can not be determined at this time. However, the effect of high concentrations of amosite or chrysotile at exposures lasting only a short time should be considered with concern.
Applying the concept of patterns to systems architecture

While much has been written about patterns in software engineering, little has been written about their application to systems architecting. This paper provides a discussion of patterns and their potential applicability to complex system architecting. A historical introduction to the concept of patterns is provided along with their evolution from the domain of civil architecture to other engineering disciplines and domains. The relevance and applicability of patterns to systems architecting is then examined. Research with regard to developing a pattern form for documenting patterns for systems architecting is presented, and this is demonstrated on a command and control pattern, using both IDEF0 and UML. The application of this pattern within a functional architecture is then explored. Finally, recommendations for the development and management of a systems architecting and architecting pattern repository are offered. © 2007 Wiley Periodiocals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 138– 154, 2007
Activation of the mec-3 promoter in two classes of stereotyped lineages in Caenorhabditis elegans

The mec-3 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a homeodomain protein and is expressed in one of two cells upon asymmetric cell division. As a result of asymmetric mec-3 expression, the two sister cells express different fates, so mec-3 is a likely target for the machinery that mediates asymmetric cell division. The unc-86 gene encodes a homeodomain protein of the POU family, which activates mec-3 by binding to its promoter. The ten mec-3-expressing cells are a subset of the anterior daughters of UNC-86-containing cells. Posterior daughters of UNC-86-containing cells do not express mec-3, even though the UNC-86 protein is distributed into both daughter cells. Lineages that express the unc-86 and mec-3 genes can be grouped into two types: in Type I lineages, UNC-86 protein is first made in the immediate parent of the terminal mec-3-expressing cell, while in Type II lineages, UNC-86 is first made in the grandparent of the terminal mec-3-expressing cell. The purpose of experiments presented here is to understand the relationship between the mec-3 expression patterns in each type of lineage, and to determine the fundamental activity pattern of the mec-3 promoter. We find that in the Type I V5.pa lineage, mec-3-lacZ is first synthesized in the terminal PVDR neuron, one cell division after unc-86 is expressed. mec-3 expression in PVDR can occur by transcriptional regulation alone; segregation of the mec-3 RNA or protein is not required to explain the asymmetric expression of mec-3. In the Type II Q lineage, the mec-3 promoter activity can be detected in the immediate anterior daughter of the first unc-86-expressing cell, but when this cell divides, mec-3 is expressed in only one of its daughters at later times. It seems likely that, in the short-lived immediate anterior daughter cell in Type II lineages, mec-3 product does not accumulate to levels that can influence subsequent events. Our results suggest that the mec-3 promoter is activated in all anterior daughters of unc-86-expressing cells.
Puf mediates translation repression of transmission-blocking vaccine candidates in malaria parasites.

Translational control of gene expression plays an essential role in development. In malaria parasites, translational regulation is critical during the development of specialized transition stages between the vertebrate host and mosquito vector. Here we show that a Pumilio/FBF (Puf) family RNA-binding protein, PfPuf2, is required for the translation repression of a number of transcripts in gametocytes including two genes encoding the transmission-blocking vaccine candidates Pfs25 and Pfs28. Whereas studies to date support a paradigm of Puf-mediated translation regulation through 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, this study, for the first time, identifies a functional Puf-binding element (PBE) in the 5′UTR of pfs25. We provide both in vitro and in vivo evidence to demonstrate that PfPuf2 binds to the PBEs in pfs25 and pfs28 to mediate translation repression. This finding provides a renewed view of Pufs as versatile translation regulators and sheds light on their functions in the development of lower branches of eukaryotes.
Cloning of a Very Virulent Plus, 686 Strain of Marek's Disease Virus as a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome

SUMMARY. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors were first developed to facilitate propagation and manipulation of large DNA fragments. This technology was later used to clone full-length genomes of large DNA viruses to study viral gene function. Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic herpesvirus that causes rapid induction of T-cell lymphomas in chickens. Based on the virus's ability to cause disease in vaccinated chickens, MDV strains are classified into pathotypes, with the most virulent strains belonging to the very virulent plus (vv+) pathotype. Here we report the construction of BAC clones of 686 (686-BAC), a vv+ strain of MDV. Transfection of DNA isolated from two independent clones into duck embryo fibroblasts resulted in recovery of infectious virus. Pathogenesis studies showed that the BAC-derived 686 viruses were more virulent than Md5, a vv strain of MDV. With the use of a two-step red-mediated mutagenesis process, both copies of viral interleukin 8 (vIL-8) were deleted from...
Hypothalamic-hypophyseal dysgenesis as a neuroimaging correlate of pituitary hormone deficiency in anophthalmia

Purpose To document the association of neurohypophyseal dysgenesis with hypopituitarism in a child with primary bilateral anophthalmia. Methods An infant with bilateral anophthalmia underwent magnetic resonance imaging and endocrinologic evaluation. Results Magnetic resonance imaging showed dysgenesis confined to the hypothalamus and hypophyseal stalk. Endocrinologic testing showed low serum cortisol and pituitary gonadotropin levels. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging can help predict which children with anophthalmia will have endocrinologic deficiencies.