cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies of hemopoietic stress adaptation within the medullary cavity.

Gravimetric determination of total bone water space was used as an index of available bone marrow space in mice following various specific stressors, i.e., splenectomy, hypoxia, bone fracture, and estrone-induced osteosclerosis. Data was corrected for bone weight and was reported as specific bone marrow volume (total bone water space/mg dry bone × 100). A direct relationship was observed between specific bone marrow volume and medullary hemopoietic activity induced by stress. Absolute and/or relative marrow space increased following splenectomy, hypoxia, and fracture. Osteosclerotic animals shift most hemopoietic activity from marrow to spleen, and splenectomized osteosclerotic animals become anemic. Both intact and splenectomized hypoxic animals develop increased specific bone marrow volume and successfully compensate for hypoxia with enhanced erythropoiesis. Animals sustaining a fracture callus increase both specific bone marrow volume and hemopoietic activity at the callus without an increase in hemopoietic demand. Increased specific bone marrow volume extends the marrow bone interface, where primitive stem cells accumulate, while expanding marrow stromal space, where stem cells lodge, proliferate and differentiate. Therefore, it would appear that availability of competent marrow space may play an integral part in passively permitting hematopoiesis and in determining hemopoietic reserve capacity. Stem cell migration increases during intensified hemopoietic demand, which also may be related to available marrow space. Mice have a low medullary hemopoietic reserve capacity; subsequently, when available medullary hematopoietic stroma becomes occupied, stem cells are more likely to migrate from the marrow to extra-medullary sites where they mature before entering the circulating pool.
Cloning and Molecular Analysis of the Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase Gene in Paramecium tetraurelia

We have determined the DNA sequence of the gene encoding the protein of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase in Paramecium tetraurelia. The predicted amino acid sequence of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase shows homology to conserved regions of known plasma membrane Ca*+-ATPases and contains the known binding sites for ATP (FITC), acylphosphate formation, and calmo- dulin, as well as the "hinge" region: all characteristics common to plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases. The deduced molecular weight for this sequence is 131 kDa. The elucidation of this gene will assist in the studies of the mechanisms by which this excitable cell removes calcium entering through voltage gated calcium channels and the pump functions in chemosensory signal transduction.
Single-shot optical conductivity measurement of dense aluminum plasmas

The optical conductivity of a dense femtosecond laser-heated aluminum plasma heated to 0.1-1.5 eV was measured using frequency-domain interferometry with chirped pulses, permitting simultaneous observation of optical probe reflectivity and probe pulse phase shift. Coupled with published models of bound-electron contributions to the conductivity, these two independent experimental data yielded a direct measurement of both real and imaginary components of the plasma conductivity.
Design, assessment, and in vivo evaluation of a computational model illustrating the role of CAV1 in CD4+ T-lymphocytes

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a vital scaffold protein heterogeneously expressed in both healthy and malignant tissue. We focus on the role of CAV1 when overexpressed in T- cell leukemia. Previously, we have shown that CAV1 is involved in cell-to-cell communication, cellular proliferation, and immune synapse formation; however, the molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. We hypothesize that the role of CAV1 in immune synapse formation contributes to immune regulation during leukemic progression, thereby warranting studies of the role of CAV1 in CD4+ T cells in relation to antigen-presenting cells. To address this need, we developed a computational model of a CD4+ immune effector T-cell to mimic cellular dynamics and molecular signaling under healthy and immunocompromised conditions (i.e. leukemic conditions). Using the Cell Collective computational modeling software, the CD4+ T-cell model was constructed and simulated under CAV1+/+, CAV1+/-, and CAV1-/- conditions to produce a hypothetical immune response. This model allowed us to predict and examine the heterogeneous effects and mechanisms of CAV1 in silico. Experimental results indicate a signature of molecules involved in cellular proliferation, cell survival, and cytoskeletal rearrangement that were highly affected by CAV1 knock out. With this comprehensive model of a CD4+ T cell, we then validated in vivo protein expression levels. Based on this study, we modeled a CD4+ T cell, manipulated gene expression in immunocompromised versus competent settings, validated these manipulations in an in vivo murine model, and corroborated acute T-cell leukemia gene expression profiles in humans. Moreover, we can model an immunocompetent versus an immunocompromised microenvironment to better understand how signaling is regulated in patients with leukemia.
Screening for nonsense mutations in patients with severe hemophilia A can provide rapid, direct carrier detection.

Despite marked genetic heterogeneity in families with hemophilic patients, transition mutations in CG dinucleotides occur frequently. Of 71 CG dinucleotides in the factor VIII cDNA, a C-to-T transition in 12 would lead to a new Stop codon (CGA to TGA). Using restriction enzyme digestion of 11 amplified DNA fragments, seven point mutations were localized among 60 patients with severe hemophilia A. Five were detected as loss of a natural or introduced TaqI site at codons -5, 583, 1941, 2116, and 2209 and were confirmed as CGA (Arg) to TGA (Stop) nonsense mutations by DNA sequencing. A novel C-to-T nonsense mutation was detected as loss of the RsaI site at codon 1966 and confirmed by sequence in two unrelated individuals. Two partial gene deletions were detected as selective failure to amplify exon 1 and exons 15–22, respectively. In an additional (61st) patient who was subsequently found to have mild (instead of severe) hemophilia, digests suggested a mutation in codon 1696. Upon sequencing, this codon contained a novel missense mutation, a C-to-G transversion changing CGA (Arg 1696) to GGA (Gly). In four families with women available for testing, carrier status was rapidly determined by direct screening for the point mutation. In two of three with sporadic occurrences, the mother was a carrier as were two of four sisters. In the other family, the mother and a sister were homozygous for the TaqI cleavage site in their amplified exon 24 fragment, indicating a de novo C-to-T transition in codon 2209 in the patient's factor VIII gene. This final patient's sister was a noncarrier even though by linkage analysis she inherited the same factor VIII gene as her brother.
Magnetohydrodynamic pipe flow. Part 1

The solution is obtained to the problem of the steady one-dimensional flow of an incompressible, viscous, electrically conducting fluid through a circular pipe in the presence of an applied (transverse) uniform magnetic field. A no-slip condition on the velocity is assumed at the non-conducting wall. The solution is exact and thus valid for all values of the Hartmann number. Excellent agreement exists between the present theoretical results and the experimental values obtained by Hartmann & Lazarus (1937) in the low to medium Hartmann number range. The high Hartmann number case is treated by Shercliff (1962) in the following paper.
Mechanistic investigation of drying regimes during solvent removal from poly(vinyl alcohol) films

The mechanism of removal of solvents such as water and methanol from semicrystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) films was investigated using various thermal analysis techniques to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the drying process. Various drying regimes were identified, which correspond to different rate-controlling steps, and characterized by differences in drying rates and mechanisms. The kinetics of solvent removal was measured gravimetrically using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The drying kinetics studies yielded four distinct drying regimes hypothesized to be due to (1) removal of free solvent, (2) elimination of bound solvent, (3) solvent removal during the rubbery-glassy transition, and (4) drying when the polymer is in the glassy state. The amounts of free and bound water present in the polymer were measured using differential scanning calorimetry and compared with the TGA results, and they were found to verify the proposed hypothesis. The rubbery-glassy transition observed in TGA results was confirmed using dynamic mechanical analysis. The thickness of the films was also measured as a function of drying time using thermomechanical analysis. The drying rate plots were found to be qualitatively similar to the plots of changes in film thicknesses as functions of drying time. The results of these various techniques were analyzed to propose a comprehensive mechanism of solvent removal from poly(vinyl alcohol) films. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1913–1920, 1999
The predominant contribution of platelets to baseline and ascorbate-stimulated increments in cyclic GMP in human mononuclear leukocyte preparations.

Abstract In nine consecutive experiments with Ficoll-Hypaque-purified human mononuclear leukocytes containing 2.8 (range 1.1–4.3) platelets per leukocyte, 2–5 m M sodium ascorbate produced a 14-fold (range, 7- to 18-fold) rise in guanosine 3′: 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) from baseline levels of 0.103 ± 0.056 pmol/10 7 mononuclear leukocytes. In five experiments with mononuclear leukocytes prepared by the Ficoll-Hypaque method from human blood depleted of platelets by defibrination, 2–5 m M sodium ascorbate produced a twofold (range, one- to fourfold) rise in cyclic GMP from baseline levels of 0.030 ± 0.012 pmol/10 7 mononuclear leukocytes. Thus, platelets contribute substantially to baseline and ascorbate-stimulated levels of cyclic GMP in standard Ficoll-Hypaque preparations of mononuclear leukocytes. The rise in cyclic GMP concentration in mononuclear leukocyte preparations elicited by ascorbate was independent of a calcium requirement, persisted for up to 3 hr in the presence of ascorbate, and was prevented by the introduction of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin and indomethacin (ID 50 = 105 and 23.5 μ M , respectively).
Sensitivity and Performance Analysis of Doppler-Aided GPS Carrier-Tracking Loops

The performance of a Doppler-aided GPS receiver is analyzed. It is shown that Doppler aiding increases the receiver's robustness to interference and jamming. This is achieved by narrowing the noise bandwidth of the carrier-tracking loop using an external estimate of the Doppler shift of the GPS signal. The Doppler estimate is computed using an inertial navigation system and is incorporated into the carrier-tracking loop in a feed-forward fashion. The minimum achievable loop bandwidth is a function of phase noise on the receiver oscillator, satellite clock phase noise, and the quality of the external Doppler estimate. Using the criterion for loss of lock of 15 deg phase jitter, it is shown analytically that for an unaided receiver, loss of lock occurs at a signal power equal to approximately 26 dB-Hz. With Doppler aiding and a nominal-quality receiver clock, an additional 4 dB-Hz margin can be achieved, allowing signals with power as low as 22 dB-Hz to be tracked.
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection of the nervous system: An autopsy study of 268 adult, pediatric, and fetal brains

The central nervous system (CNS) of 221 adults and 31 infants or children with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was examined with immunocytochemistry for infectious agents and for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) antigen (gp41). Since the major risk factor in this population was intravenous drug abuse, there were more female and pediatric patients than in other neuropathology autopsy series. Although children had a different spectrum of pathologic changes, including less frequent opportunistic infections, women did not differ from men in terms of types or incidence of opportunistic infections, vascular disease, neoplasia, and subacute AIDS encephalitis (SAE). Subacute AIDS encephalitis was detected in 26% of adult and 48% of pediatric brains. Immunocytochemical analysis of 100 adult and 20 pediatric brains revealed gp41 immunoreactivity in 78% and 40%, respectively. Virtually all adult brains with SAE had gp41 immunoreactivity in macrophages and microglia. Even brains with no significant pathology had frequent gp41 immunoreactivity, especially in the basal ganglia. In pediatric brains, including cases with SAE, gp41 immunoreactivity was less abundant, suggesting the possibility of latent infection or viral clearance. Spinal cords with vacuolar myelopathy or corticospinal tract degeneration had only rare gp41-positive cells. Brains from 16 aborted fetuses from HIV-1-seropositive women were all negative for gp41 immunoreactivity, but 12 brains were positive for HIV-1 by the polymerase chain reaction. These results may indicate that HIV-1 infection in fetal brains is below the limits of detection of immunocytochemistry. The differences noted between adults and children suggest that adults more often have productive CNS HIV-1 infection.
Structure of the B‐DNA dodecamer with the reversed central sequence d(CGCGTTAACGCG) and its netropsin complex

The novel B-DNA dodecamer sequence d(CGCGTTAACGCG) and its complex with the anticancer drug netropsin have been determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The DNA conformations in both structures are compared to understand drug-induced conformational changes. The dodecamers crystallize in isomorphous orthorhombic space group P212121 with cell constants a = 25.49 A, b = 40.84 A, and c = 67.02 A for the DNA itself, and a = 25.70 A, b = 40.50 A, and c = 67.00 A for the complex. X-ray intensity data were collected on a Siemens area detector, and the structures were refined to R factors of about 19%. The DNA molecule is bent 18° in the native structure and 24° in the netropsin complex. The narrow “cleft” formed by the T2A2 sequence at the center serves as the binding site for the drug and on binding expands the cleft from about 4 to 4.3 A. The drug is engaged in hydrogenbonding interactions with the adenine N3 and thymine O2 atoms in the floor of the minor groove covering the entire tetranucleotide stretch TTAA/AATT.
Neonatal copper deficiency.

PURE copper deficiency in man has probably never been observed. When it occurs other deficiencies complicate the picture. In infants, a disorder characterized by hypocupremia, hypoferremia, neutrop...
Tetracycline reduces sedimentation damage to corals

Sediment deposition on coral reefs occurs naturally and is also caused by man-made disturbances such as dredging; it can result in the death of scleractinian corals by an unknown mechanism. Sedimentation experiments with corals were carried out in El Nido, Northern Palawan, Philippines, in 1986, and in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii in 1988. Four species of Indo-Pacific reef corals (Oxypora glabra, Montipora verrucosa, Porites lobata, Pocillopora meandrina) were subjected to sedimentation tests with and without the antibiotic tetracycline to investigate the possible role of microorganisms in the process of sedimentation damage to corals.O. glabra, Porites lobata andPocillopora meandrina were rapidly damaged andO. glabra was always killed by sedimentation.Montipora verrucosa was not injured and may be physiologically resistant to sedimentation damage. Tetracyclinetreated seawater reduced the rate of tissue necrosis and prevented colony mortality, suggesting that tetracycline-sensitive bacteria are involved in the process of tissue necrosis and may be partially responsible for coral mortality following sediment deposition.
A ligase-mediated gene detection technique

An assay for the presence of given DNA sequences has been developed, based on the ability of two oligonucleotides to anneal immediately adjacent to each other on a complementary target DNA molecule. The two oligonucleotides are then joined covalently by the action of a DNA ligase, provided that the nucleotides at the junction are correctly base-paired. Thus single nucleotide substitutions can be distinguished. This strategy permits the rapid and standardized identification of single-copy gene sequences in genomic DNA.
The Story of the Person: Integrating Personalist Philosophy with Narrative Psychology

Personalist philosophy, as articulated by individuals such as Clarke, bears a great similarity to narrative psychology. Because of these similarities, personalism is a useful philosophical framework to guide narrative psychology. This article sets out to (a) establish those similarities; (b) look at the relevance of self-determination theory to narrative psychology, especially given the role of the protagonist in any narrative; and (c) to make explicit the social nature of a person's narrative. Following this, the concepts explored are applied to the situation of first-generation college students by analyzing two prior studies of the population, “Ever upward and no turning back: Social mobility and identity formation among first generation college students,” by Roberts and Rosenwald (2001), and “Class jumping into academia: Multiple identities for counseling academics,” by Nelson, Englar-Carlson, Tierny, and Hau (2006).
Interpreting the broader context and meaning of Bin‐Laden's Fatwa

This article analyzes the “inner logic” of the fatwa issued by Usamah Bin‐Laden and a coalition of four other Islamic movements on 22 February 1998. Having first discussed the significance of the “ ...
Interfacial free energies from substrate curvature measurements of the creep of multilayer thin films

The equilibrium biaxial curvature of a multilayer thin film adhering to a free standing substrate is determined when plastic flow is possible in the multilayer. The relationship found between the equilibrium biaxial curvature and the interfaces in the multilayer is modified to account for grain boundaries in the layers. Two possible experiments that utilize the resulting relationship to determine interfacial free energies are described.
Hormones in Cancer: VIII. Influence of the Hypophysis

Introduction The present paper is a summation of results obtained leading to the conclusion that the pituitary gland may be concerned in neoplastic extension. Preliminary reports2 (1, 2, 3) of our earlier findings have been presented, and it was originally intended that further publication should be withheld until the results warranted some degree of finality as to conclusion. In the meantime others (4, 5, 6) have entered the field and new relations (7) of the anterior lobe hormones to each other have been established. It appeared timely, therefore, to present our evidence demonstrating the effect of the pituitary, since it is now clear that more ground must be covered before the mechanism of the hormonal influence of the pituitary upon neoplastic extension is elucidated. Plan of Study In studying the possible role of the pituitary in neoplastic extension, two methods are feasible: the active glandular principles may be administered, or the gland or fraction of the gland elaborating the active principle may be removed, and the effects upon tumor growth noted. We have resorted to roentgen irradiation of the pituitary region in an attempt to inhibit the normal function of the gland and have studied the effect of dosage of all the established active principles of the gland.
Prevention of lipopolysaccharide-induced microangiopathy by gp49B1: evidence for an important role for gp49B1 expression on neutrophils

gp49B1 is expressed on mast cells and inhibits immunoglobulin E-dependent activation and inflammation in vivo. We now show that gp49B1 is expressed on neutrophils and prevents neutrophil-dependent vascular injury in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The intradermal (i.d.) injection of LPS into gp49B1-null (gp49B-/-) but not gp49B1-sufficient (gp49B+/+) mice elicited macroscopic hemorrhages by 24 h, which were preceded on microscopic analyses by significantly more intravascular thrombi (consisting of neutrophils, platelets, and fibrin) that occluded venules and by more tissue neutrophils than in gp49B+/+ mice. However, there were no differences in the number of intact (nondegranulating) mast cells or the tissue levels of mediators that promote neutrophil recruitment. Hemorrhage was prevented by depleting neutrophils, blocking beta2 integrin-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 interactions, or inhibiting coagulation. These characteristics indicate that gp49B-/- mice are exquisitely sensitive to a local Shwartzman reaction (LSR) after a single i.d. injection of LPS, whereas in the classic LSR, a second exposure is required for increased beta2 integrin function, intravascular neutrophil aggregation, formation of occlusive thrombi, and hemorrhage. Moreover, LPS increased gp49B1 expression on neutrophils in vivo. The results suggest that gp49B1 suppresses the LPS-induced increase in intravascular neutrophil adhesion, thereby providing critical innate protection against a pathologic response to a bacterial component.
Prompt and sequential decay processes in the fragmentation of 40 MeV/nucleon 20Ne projectiles.

The fragmentation of E/A=40 MeV $^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$ projectiles into exit channels containing only p, d, t, $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, \ensuremath{\alpha}, $^{6}\mathrm{He}$, $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, and $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ fragments has been investigated. Relative shifts between the average longitudinal velocity of each fragment type were measured with $^{120}\mathrm{Sn}$ and $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ targets. A post-breakup Coulomb acceleration component of these shifts was isolated. Its magnitude indicates that the projectile broke up while in near contact with the target. On the other hand, correlations between projectile fragments indicate that a significant fraction of these fragments are produced by the sequential decay of long- and short-lived unstable intermediates. A fully sequential decay process, although consistent with the experimental relative angle distributions, fails to reproduce the correlation function. Thus, a picture emerges of a prompt breakup step producing stable and unstable particles with the subsequent decay of the latter extending over a long time period.
Easy and efficient protocol for oomycete DNA extraction suitable for population genetic analysis

A simple and rapid DNA extraction protocol capable of obtaining high-quality and quantity DNA from a large number of individuals is essential for assaying population and phylogenetic studies of plant pathogens. Most DNA extraction protocols used with oomycetes are relatively lengthy and cumbersome for high throughput analysis. Commercial kits are widely used, but low quantities of DNA are usually obtained, and with large scale analysis multiple isolations are required. A protocol for DNA isolation from Phytophthora and Pythium suitable for the evaluation of a large set of molecular markers was modified from one previously developed for soybean seed. There was a one to three fold increase in the amount of DNA that was extracted using the modified protocol compared to a commercial kit. The DNA obtained using the modified protocol was suitable for the amplification of microsatellite markers as well as the ITS region. This protocol is inexpensive, easy, quick, and efficient in terms of the volume of reagents and the number of steps involved in the procedure. The method may be applicable to other oomycetes and effectively implemented in other laboratories.
Photophysics and mechanism of photoinduced antiviral action of the natural products, hypericin and hypocrellin A

60 Introduction 61 Materials and Methods 64 Results 66 Discussion 94 Conclusions 105 Acknowledgment 108 References 108
Effect of Center of Excellence requirement by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on practice trends

Abstract Background To report the effect of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery or American College of Surgeons–designated Centers of Excellence designation in Michigan on our practice trends and patient populations. As of February 2006, weight loss surgery for Medicare beneficiaries are reimbursed when procedures are performed at American Society of Bariatric Surgery or American College of Surgeons–designated Centers of Excellence. Methods Patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery by an individual surgeon from June 1 to October 31 in 2004, 2005, and 2006 were stratified according to use of private third-party insurance versus Medicare (MC) insurance. The demographic data, body mass index, numbers of medications and co-morbidities, operative time, lengths of stay, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. Significance was assessed at P Results From June 1 to October 31 in 2004, 2005, and 2006, 255 patients with MC or private third-party insurance underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, with the percentage of MC patients increasing from 15.3% and 10.2% in 2004 and 2005 to 30.9% in 2006. The MC patients were older (56.1 ± 1.3 yr versus 44.1 ± 0.7 yr; mean ± standard error of mean), had more co-morbidities (5.1 ± 0.2 versus 3.5 ± 0.1), required more medications (10.3 ± 0.6 versus 5.6 ± 0.3), had undergone more previous operations (2.1 ± 0.2 versus 1.3 ± 0.1), and had longer operative times (148 ± 11.1 versus 121 ± 3.1 min) than the private third-party insurance patients; the differences were all significant. The differences in gender, body mass index, and length of stay were not significantly different. Conclusion The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements for Centers of Excellence designation resulted in a significant increase in the Medicare case load within our institution. This population tended to be older and more complex, with longer operative times. The changes present new challenges in patient care, including the coordination of care for the multiple co-morbidities of older obese patients with a multispecialty care team.
Pricing Asian options in a semimartingale model

In this article we study arithmetic Asian options when the underlying stock is driven by special semimartingale processes. We show that the inherently path dependent problem of pricing Asian options can be transformed into a problem without path dependency in the payo function. We also show that the price satisfies a simpler integro-dierenti al equation in the case the stock price is driven by a process with independent increments, Levy process being a special case.
A Web-based collaborative workspace using Java 3D

The paper presents a framework for building Web-based collaborative workspaces using the latest Java technologies-Java 3D, JavaServer Page (JSP), and Java Servlet. This Web-based approach allows designers, engineers and production managers to share a common workspace that can be used for design review, production monitoring, remote control, and troubleshooting, based on a set of interactive Java 3D models that represent the physical world with common interests. Following a brief overview of the related research work, the paper discusses the Java 3D concept from its scene graph structure to behavior control, and explains our approach to building Web-based collaborative workspaces using Java 3D. The proposed framework uses the popular client-server architecture and view-control-model design pattern with a secured session control. Control logic and the interfaces, which interact with the real world, are handled by an application server through servlets. The benefits enabled by the framework include reduced network traffic, increased flexibility of remote monitoring, interactive control, Web-based synchronous collaboration and quick response. It also shows significant potential for various Web-based real-time and distributed applications.
Integration of murine leukemia virus DNA depends on mitosis

In synchronized rat or mouse cells infected with Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV), integration of viral DNA and production of viral proteins occur only after the cells traverse mitosis. Integration is blocked when cells are prevented from progressing through mitosis. Viral nucleoprotein complexes isolated from arrested cells contain full-length viral DNA and can integrate this viral DNA in vitro, showing that the block to integration in arrested cells is not due to a lack of mature integration machinery. When infected cells traverse mitosis, there is a sharp increase in nuclear accumulation of viral DNA. The dependence of integration on mitosis may therefore be due to a requirement for mitosis and nuclear envelope breakdown for entry of the viral integration complex into the nucleus.
Bioinformatic methods for allergenicity assessment using a comprehensive allergen database.

Background: A principal aim of the safety assessment of genetically modified crops is to prevent the introduction of known or clinically cross-reactive allergens. Current bioinforma
Antiviral activity of shiga toxin requires enzymatic activity and is associated with increased permeability of the target cells.

This study expanded our earlier finding that Shiga toxin type 1 (Stx1) has activity against bovine leukemia virus (BLV) (W. A. Ferens and C. J. Hovde, Infect. Immun. 68:4462-4469, 2000). The Stx molecular motifs required for antiviral activity were identified, and a mechanism of Stx action on virally infected cells is suggested. Using inhibition of BLV-dependent spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation as a measure of antiviral activity, we showed that Stx2 had antiviral activity similar to that of Stx1. Enzymatic and antiviral activities of three StxA1 chain mutants deficient in enzymatic activity or aspects of receptor-mediated cytotoxicity were compared. Using protein synthesis inhibition to measure enzymatic activity, the mutant E167D was 300-fold less catalytically active than wild-type StxA1, was minimally active in antiviral assays, and did not inhibit synthesis of viral proteins. Two StxA1 mutants, A231D-G234E and StxA11 (enzymatically active but unable to kill cells via the classical receptor-mediated route), had undiminished antiviral activity. Although binding of radiolabeled StxA1 to bovine blood cells or to free virus was not detected, flow cytometric analysis showed that the number of BLV-expressing cells were specifically reduced in cultures treated with Stx. These unique and rare lymphocytes were highly permeable to 40- and 70-kDa fluorescent dextrans, indicating that direct absorption of toxins by virus-expressing cells is a potential mechanism of target cell intoxication. These results support the hypothesis that Stx-producing Escherichia coli colonization of the gastrointestinal tract may benefit ruminant hosts by the ability of Stxs to exert antiviral activity.
Asymptotic performance analysis of Bayesian target recognition

This article investigates the asymptotic performance of Bayesian target recognition algorithms using deformable-template representations. Rigid computer-aided design (CAD) models represent the underlying targets; low-dimensional matrix Lie-groups (rotation and translation) extend them to particular instances. Remote sensors observing the targets are modeled as projective transformations, converting three-dimensional scenes into random images. Bayesian target recognition corresponds to hypothesis selection in the presence of nuisance parameters; its performance is quantified as the Bayes' error. Analytical expressions for this error probability in small noise situations are derived, yielding asymptotic error rates for exponential error probability decay.
Managing the Public Service Market

Prescriptions for improving contracting focus on how public managers can negotiate, implement, and monitor contracts to enhance service delivery and save costs. Yet, the well-functioning markets that effective contracting requires cannot be taken for granted. All markets risk failure. Consequently, public managers must manage the market to ensure competition and the flow of information about vendor performance, effective contract practices, and so on. We supplement transaction-cost theory with scholarship on public management networks to evaluate refuse services in nine governments in the Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area. Our analyses reveal that even in the case of refuse collection, where nonspecific asset investments and easily measured service outputs and outcomes enhance contracting success, public managers looking to improve service delivery still must manage the market and the network supporting it.
Design and characterization of a broadband focal plane array for THz imaging

A novel broadband monolithic THz antenna design that covers the 0.625 THz–1.125 THz band is developed as the imaging pixel of THz focal plane array. Each pixel consists of heterostructure backward diodes monolithically integrated with impedance tuned THz antennas. Since THz responsivity of the pixel is optimized by conjugate matching between the antenna and the diode, it is important to characterize antenna impedance. To this end, an indirect impedance characterization method for THz antennas using coplanar probe measurements is presented.
If You Build It, They Will Come: Consequences of Improved Citizen Complaint Review Procedures

This study tests the hypothesis that when law enforcement agencies make improvements in their citizen complaint review procedures, a likely consequence is more complaints. Findings from a survey of 700 law enforcement agencies suggest that improvements in citizen complaint procedures result in a higher incidence of complaints. Additionally, certain combinations of citizen complaint review procedures are highly associated with the incidence of complaints. Two recommendations are made: (a) researchers and policy makers need to be attuned to the fact that more complaints will be filed when complaint procedures are reformed, and (b) law enforcement agencies need to be “careful what they ask for;” a higher complaint rate, although a desirable consequence of improved complaint review procedures, could result in unanticipated consequences.
Simultaneous detection of readback signals from interfering magnetic recording tracks using array heads

A maximum-likelihood detector for interfering channels is described. Attention is given to the cases of array heads reading several tracks simultaneously as well as to a single head suffering from crosstalk from adjacent tracks. An interesting case is that of two tracks being read by three heads. Simple examples of partial-response channels with no frequency distortion across tracks are given and performances are calculated. It is shown that for a small amount of crosstalk, an improvement in performance over the no-interference case is possible. It is also shown that the use of the detector to counter crosstalk when only a single head is present can yield substantial gains over the case where the detection ignores crosstalk. The potential of two-dimensional trellis coding is also shown. >
Behavior Intervention Planning and Implementation of Positive Behavioral Support Plans An Examination of States' Adherence to Standards for Practice

To address the behavioral needs of students with disabilities in school settings, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA) requires the development and implementa...
Affective response to eye contact and face recognition ability in children with ASD.

This study tested the hypothesis that affective arousal in response to eye contact is negatively associated with face identification skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 20 children and adolescents with ASD and 20 age- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) children. Skin conductance response (SCR), a psychophysiological measure of autonomic arousal, was collected while participants viewed faces with gaze directed toward them and faces with gaze averted away from them. Participants also completed an independent match-to-sample face recognition test. Children with ASD exhibited significantly larger SCRs than TD children to faces with direct and averted gaze. There were no differences between SCRs to direct gaze and averted gaze in either group. Children with ASD exhibited a marginally significant decrease in face recognition accuracy relative to TD children, particularly when face recognition depended on the eye region of the face. Face recognition accuracy among children with ASD was negatively correlated with the amplitude of SCRs to direct gaze but not to averted gaze. There was no association between face recognition accuracy and SCRs to gaze in the TD group. These findings suggest that autonomic reactivity to eye contact may interfere with face identity processing in some children with ASD. ( JINS , 2008, 14 , 947–955.)
Lagoon Disposal of Water Treatment Plant Wastes

The use of lagoons for concentration and storage of sludges is frequently a desirable method leading to satisfactory disposal of the water treatment plant wastes. The 6,000,000 gpd water treatment plant of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-VPI Water Authority includes a 1,000,000-gal water lagoon built for sludge concentration and storage. In view of the limited data available on the operational efficiency of such lagoons, studies were conducted to analyze the performance of this unit and to subsequently develop design parameters and recommend operational procedures for lagoon disposal of these wastes.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: macrophages engulfing red cells and neutrophils

A 47-year-old female presented with a 3-day history of high grade fever, myalgia, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, shortness of breath, headache, and altered mental status. She was hypotensive with acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. Laboratory workup was significant for pancytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, acute kidney injury, elevated creatine kinase levels and ferritin level of 10,000 mcg/L.
Selective Modulation of Protein Kinase C α over Protein Kinase C ε by Curcumin and Its Derivatives in CHO-K1 Cells

Members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases regulate various cellular functions, including cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis. Modulation of isoform-selective activity of PKC by curcumin (1), the active constituent of Curcuma L., is poorly understood, and the literature data are inconsistent and obscure. The effect of curcumin (1) and its analogues, 4-[(2Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxohepta-2,6-dien-1-yl]-2-methoxyphenyl oleate (2), (9Z,12Z)-4-[(2Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxohepta-2,6-dien-1-yl]-2-methoxyphenyl octadeca-9,12-dienoate (3), (9Z,12Z,15Z)-4-[(2Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxohepta-2,6-dien-1-yl]-2-methoxyphenyl octadeca-9,12,15-trienoate (4), and (1E,6E)-1-[4-(hexadecyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl]-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (5), and didemethylcurcumin (6) on the membrane translocation of PKCα, a conventional PKC, and PKCe, a novel PKC, has been studied in CHO-K1 ...
Abstract B18: Barriers and successes in minority participation in community clinical oncology programs

Background: Although the Tuskegee Syphilis Study may be on the mind of many Blacks and minorities it does fully explain why Blacks continue to participate in low numbers in clinical research and trials. Low minority participation in clinical research is concerning for both research and for the public health. Objective: The aim of this project was to investigate barriers and successes in minority participation in cancer medical research and cancer clinical trials. More specifically to: (1) determine major environmental, cultural, and economic barriers confronted by minority patients with cancer; and (2) determine the components of an environment that supports greater recruitment and retention of minorities to Clinical Community Oncology Practice (CCOP) cancer studies. Methods: 6 focus groups consisting of 8–12 current of former minority cancer patients and 18 health care practitioners, from geographically diverse areas, were recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Focus group participants were asked questions about their attitudes and beliefs concerning their cancer and medical research. Health care practitioners were questioned on site recruitment and retention practices. Results: Two major thematic areas emerged for providers: barriers minority recommendation to trials and reasons for why minorities are underrepresented in trials. The three thematic areas for focus group participants were perceptions of medical research, reasons for participation or nonparticipation, and effects of Tuskegee Syphilis Study on participation. Conclusions: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study may have been a major impetus for why many Blacks and other minorities in this sample do not participate in medical research. Providers seem to state what was obviously important in connecting with the community, however, their actions in the community varied. This qualitative study gives voice to communities which mistrust the medical community in general and medical research in particular, and highlights the need for interventions bridging the community and research.
IN VIVO INHIBITION OF LIPOGENESIS BY BIOTIN DEFICIENCY.

SummaryBiotin deficiency in the intact chick resulted in increased incorporation of sodium acetate-1-C14 into respiratory CO2 and decreased incorporation into carcass long chain fatty acids. Biotin deficiency had no effect on the incorporation of malonic-2-C14 acid. The total fatty acid content of the carcass was decreased and the proportion of 16-carbon to 18-carbon fatty acids was increased by biotin deficiency.
Optimists’ Creed: Brave New Cyberlearning, Evolving Utopias (Circa 2041)

This essay imagines the role that artificial intelligence innovations play in the integrated living, learning and research environments of 2041. Here, in 2041, in the context of increasingly complex wicked challenges, whose solutions by their very nature continue to evade even the most capable experts, society and technology have co-evolved to embrace cyberlearning as an essential tool for envisioning and refining utopias–non-existent societies described in considerable detail. Our society appreciates that evolving these utopias is critical to creating and resolving wicked challenges and to better understanding how to create a world in which we are actively “learning to be” – deeply engaged in intrinsically motivating experiences that empower each of us to reach our full potential. Since 2015, Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) has transitioned from what was primarily a research endeavour, with educational impact involving millions of user/learners, to serving, now, as a core contributor to democratizing learning (Dewey 2004) and active citizenship for all (billions of learners throughout their lives). An expansive experiential super computing cyberlearning environment, we affectionately call the “Holodeck,” supports transdisciplinary collaboration and integrated education, research, and innovation, providing a networked software/hardware infrastructure that synthesizes visual, audio, physical, social, and societal components. The Holodeck’s large-scale integration of learning, research, and innovation, through real-world problem solving and teaching others what you have learned, effectively creates a global meritocratic network with the potential to resolve society’s wicked challenges while empowering every citizen to realize her or his full potential.
Effects of cytochrome p450 on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

s AIM: To study the effects of cytochrome p450 on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and the mechanisms. METHODS: Observing the changes of ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias , myocardial ultrastructure injury and myocardial infarct size after cytochrome p450 inhibitors or 11, 12,-EET(epoxyeicosatrienoic acids) and the influence of TEA (tetrae thylammonium) and glibenclamide on them. RESULTS: The cytochrome p450 inhibitors clotrimazole (0.9 mmol/L) and SKF525a (0.54 mmol/L)decreased but 11,12-EET increased the ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmia, myocardium infarct size and ultrastructure injury; the effect of 11,12-EET could be reduced by TEA and glibenclamide. CONCLUSION:Cytochrome p450 might relate to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and the action of it may be through releasing EET and opening the K ATP and KCa .
CREB-Mediated Memory Enhancement

CREB-responsive transcription is a conserved, important mechanism employed during memory formation. In both Drosophila and mice, overexpression of the activator isoform can enhance this process. However, in both systems, some conflicting data exists, providing a lingering doubt about its universality. In this review, we consider how molecular, cellular and systems parameters affect the fly dCREB2 gene during memory formation. This multi-level analysis provides plausible explanations for some of the discrepant data that exists in the fly system, and perhaps can inform mouse behavioral analysis as well.
Environmental Problems of Runners

While running, athletes are surrounded by their own microclimate. Elaborate mechanisms exist to cope with thermal, altitudinal, and environmental challenges. Runners are advised to recognize potentially hazardous situations and to make appropriate adjustments for them.
The HSUS's Pain and Distress Initiative: overview and update.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) publicly launched its Pain and Distress Initiative in 2000, to encourage greater attention to the prevention and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals. The initiative's ultimate goal is the phasing out of all significant pain and distress in animal research by 2020. There have been several developments to date. A survey conducted for The HSUS revealed that Americans strongly oppose the use of animals in experiments that cause them to suffer. The HSUS has begun producing a newsletter, The Pain & Distress Report, distributed periodically to over 2000 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, scientists and regulators. In 2000, the US Department of Agriculture issued a proposal to upgrade the regulation and reporting of pain and distress. We have challenged the leading research institutions over their under-reporting of unrelieved pain and distress in animals. We have written a comprehensive critique of CO 2 euthanasia, arguing that it causes avoidable pain and distress in animals. The National Institutes of Health has issued new guidance on CO 2 euthanasia. These developments lay the groundwork for a sustained effort to eliminate animal suffering in research.
Observer liking of unilateral stroke patients.

Objective: To examine observers' initial affective impressions of unilateral stroke patients, based on exposure to the patients' verbal and nonverbal behavior. Given the linguistic deficits associated with left hemisphere damage (LHD), the authors expected affective judgments based on exposure to patients' utterances to be reduced for patients with LHD. Given the nonverbal deficits associated with right hemisphere damage (RHD), the authors expected affective judgments based on exposure to patients' facial expressions to be reduced for patients with RHD. Method: Ten patients with LHD, 1 patients with RHD, and seven normal control (NC) patients were video-taped while engaging in social interaction. Observers read transcripts of the interactions and made judgments about how much they liked the patients. They then watched soundless videotapes and made similar liking judgments. This reflected a 3 (patient group) x 2 (coding modality) mixed factorial design. Results: A 2 x 3 analysis of variance yielded a significant interaction. When liking judgments were based on utterances, patients with LHD were liked less than patients with RHD and NC patients. When liking judgments were based on facial expressions, patients with RHD were liked less than patients with LHD and NC patients. Conclusions: The verbal behavior of patients with LHD and the nonverbal behavior of patients with RHD may affect others' impressions of them, and consequently put these patients at interpersonal risk.