cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Basilar dendrite bundles of giant pyramidal cells

Abstract Giant pyramidal cells of Betz from primary motor cortex and large solitary cells of Meynert from the visual cortex appear to share certain characteristics including extraordinary length of their basilar dendrites and the organization of these dendrite shafts into bundles. Each bundle consists of shafts from several adjacent giant cells apparently representing columns of cortical cells that exert functionally discrete, yet related effects on final common pathway systems. Using the Betz cells of motor cortex as a model, we suggest that the phasic output activity of these giant neurons is sequenced by mechanisms peculiar to the dendrite bundles. These complexes are conceived as the site for central programs controlling the Betz cell-initiated lysing of extensor antigravity activity that is essential to succeeding items of motor performance.
The clinical significance of serum ferritin in pediatric non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease.

Purpose Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children has become an important public health issue because of its high prevalence and severity. Several noninvasive methods for estimating NAFLD are under investigation. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum ferritin as a biomarker of severity of pediatric NAFLD patients. Methods A total of 64 NAFLD patient were enrolled from Severance Children's Hospital from March 2010 to February 2013. Serum ferritin levels, liver related laboratory tests, liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (2-dimensional [2D] proton density-fat fraction) and NAFLD severity markers were compared between obese group and overweight group. Correlation analyses were performed between serum ferritin and laboratory values including NAFLD severity markers. Results In obese group, serum ferritin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR), MRI 2D proton density-fat fraction, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) (an index score calculated from platelet count, ALT, AST and age) were significantly higher than those of overweight group. NAFLD severity markers, APRI and FIB-4, and liver specific important laboratory values, AST, ALT, INR, cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein show significant correlation with serum ferritin in NAFLD patients. Conclusion Serum ferritin concentrations could be a candidate of useful severity marker in the pediatric NAFLD patients.
Individual variation for in vitro fertilization success in dairy bulls.

Abstract Individual semen samples from 29 bulls in routine artificial breeding service were tested for their capability to achieve in vitro fertilization. Ejaculated semen was diluted, .1ml of semen in 2ml of a modified Tyrode's medium with an osmolality of 340 mOsmol/kg, washed thrice, incubated 3h at 37°C before being used for in vitro fertilization, or incubated 4h and 8h before assessment of motility, capacitation, and acrosome integrity. The degree of variability in percentage of oocytes fertilized was assessed along with several factors that might contribute to this variation. Variation among bulls was not significantly different. Variation from one replicate to another was high. Variation was found in motility, capacitation, and frequency of acrosome reaction, but these variables were not significantly correlated to fertilization rate in vitro.
Treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis with azathioprine

SUMMARY Fourteen patients with severe unremitting chronic actinic dermatitis were treated with oral azathioprine in a dosage of 100–200 mg daily for a mean 11.5 months. Clinical improvement, apparently permanent, occurred after a few weeks to several months and continued for up to 2 years. Nine patients cleared or improved markedly, one patient cleared and then relapsed again on treatment, two patients showed no response and two patients needed to discontinue therapy because of gastrointestinal side-effects. We feel that in many patients azathioprine can be a very effective therapy for this extremely incapacitating disease.
Medium-term post-Katrina health sequelae among New Orleans residents: predictors of poor mental and physical health.

AIMS: To assess the medium-term post-Katrina mental and physical health of New Orleans residents and to determine demographic, social and environmental factors that predict poor mental and physical health. BACKGROUND: Major disasters can have a negative impact on the health of survivors for prolonged periods. Although the initial and short-term impacts of Hurricane Katrina have been well described, the medium-term impacts have not been studied as thoroughly. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A convenience sample (n = 222) of residents in Gentilly area of New Orleans completed questionnaires between 16 and 18 December 2006. Multivariate logistic regression and multiple regression models were employed to determine predictors of poor mental and physical health. RESULTS: Poor mental health was reported by 52% of the respondents. Pre-Katrina depression [odds ratio (OR) = 19.1], post-Katrina depression (OR = 7.2), poor physical health (OR = 5.6), feeling unsafe from crime (OR = 4.3) and female gender (OR = 2.6) were significant predictor variables of poor mental health. Twenty-four percent of the variance in number of days of poor mental health was explained by the independent variables (R(2) = 0.24; p < 0.001). Poor physical health was reported by 48% of the respondents. Poor mental health (OR = 3.9), lack of money to buy food (OR = 2.7) and pre-Katrina arthritis (OR = 2.6) were significant predictor variables of poor physical health. Twenty-three percent of the variance in number of days of poor physical health was explained by the independent variables (R(2) = 0.23; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the New Orleans residents continue to experience poor mental and physical health 15 months after Katrina. The results support focusing post-Katrina efforts to protect residents from crime, improve mental health services to the depressed and improve food supply to the poor. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Identifying predictors of poor mental and physical health may help clinicians and policy makers to focus their efforts in ameliorating the post-disaster health sequelae. Language: en
Effect of Bolt Tightness on the Behavior of Composite Joints

This study provides an experimental and analytical investigation of the behavior of a double bolted single lap shear composite joint. Various scenarios of bolt tightness are considered for composite-to-composite and composite-to-aluminum bolted joints. Progressive damage analysis is provided for the composite coupons in two regions; namely, the surface under bolt heads and near the contact with the shank of the bolt; the damage analysis is performed using an optical microscope. Four tightening configurations are used in the testing of each double bolted joint. These configurations permit each of the two bolts to be either tight or loose. The analytical part of the study utilizes a 3-D finite element model that simulates the bolt tightness and the multilayered composite coupons. The experimental and finite element results are correlated.
A Fluorescence-Detection Size-Exclusion Chromatography-Based Thermostability Assay for Membrane Protein Precrystallization Screening

Optimization of membrane protein stability under different solution conditions is essential for obtaining crystals that diffract to high resolution. Traditional methods that evaluate protein stability require large amounts of material and are, therefore, ill suited for medium- to high-throughput screening of membrane proteins. Here we present a rapid and efficient fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography-based thermostability assay (FSEC-TS). In this method, the target protein is fused to GFP. Heated protein samples, treated with a panel of additives, are then analyzed by FSEC. FSEC-TS allows one to evaluate the thermostability of nanogram-to-microgram amounts of the target protein under a variety of conditions without purification. We applied this method to the Danio rerio P2X4 receptor and Caenorhabditis elegans GluCl to screen ligands, ions, and lipids, including newly designed cholesterol derivatives. In the case of GluCl, the screening results were used to obtain crystals of the receptor in the presence of lipids.
Condensation of propargylic alcohols with N-methylcarbazole and carbazole in [bmim]PF6 ionic liquid; synthesis of novel dipropargylic carbazoles using TfOH or Bi(NO3)3·5H2O as catalyst

Abstract A series of doubly-propargylated N-methylcarbazole and carbazole derivatives were synthesized in good to excellent isolated yields in (bmim)PF6 using triflic acid (10 mol %). The use of bismuth nitrate (20 mol %) instead of triflic acid allowed stepwise propargylation employing two different propargylic alcohols, to prepare mixed bis-propargylated carbazoles. Simple product isolation, mild reaction conditions, and repeated recycling and reuse of (bmim)PF6 are added advantages of this IL-mediated synthetic method.
Phase-resolved reflectance spectroscopy on layered turbid media

In this study, we investigate the influence of layered tissue structures on the phase-resolved reflectance. As a particular example, we consider the affect of the skin, skull, and meninges on noninvasive blood oxygenation determination of the brain. In this case, it's important to know how accurate one can measure the absorption coefficient of the brain through the enclosing layers of different tissues. Experiments were performed on layered gelatin tissue phantoms and the results compared to diffusion theory. It is shown that when a high absorbing medium is placed on top of a low absorbing medium, the absorption coefficient of the lower layer is accessible. In the inverse case, where a low absorbing medium is placed on top of a high absorbing medium, the absorption coefficient of the underlying medium can only be determined if the differences in the absorption coefficient are small, or the top layer is very thin. Investigations on almost absorption and scattering free layers, like the cerebral fluid filled arachnoid, reveal that the determination of the absorption coefficient is barely affected by these kinds of structures.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fine-resolution photoacoustic imaging of the eye

Purpose: Ultrasound and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are widely used techniques for diagnostic imaging of the eye. OCT provides excellent resolution, but limited penetration. Ultrasound provides better penetration, but an order-of-magnitude poorer resolution than OCT. Photoacoustic imaging is relatively insensitive to scattering, and so offers a potential means to image deeper than OCT. Furthermore, photoacoustic imaging detects optical absorption, a parameter that is independent of that detected by conventional ultrasound or OCT. Our aim was to develop a photoacoustic system suitable for imaging the eye. Methods: We developed a prototype system utilizing a focused 20 MHz ultrasound probe with a central aperture through which optics were introduced. The prototype system produced 1-μJ, 5-nsec pulses at 532 or 1064 nm with a 20-μm spot size at a 500 Hz repetition rate. The photoacoustic probe was mounted onto computer-controlled linear stages and pulse-echo ultrasound and photoacoustic images obtained on ex vivo pig eyes and in vivo mouse eyes. Results: Lateral resolution was significantly improved by use of a laser spot size much smaller than the acoustic beamwidth. Photoacoustic signals were obtained primarily from melanin in ex vivo tissues and from melanin and hemoglobin in vivo. Image fusion allowed superposition of photoacoustic signals upon the anatomic features detected by conventional ultrasound. Conclusion: Photoacoustic imaging detects the presence of clinically relevant pigments, such as melanin and oxyand deoxy-hemoglobin, and, potentially, from other pathologic pigments occurring in disease conditions (tumors, nevii, macular degeneration). Fine-resolution photoacoustic data provides information not detected in current ophthalmic imaging modalities.
Influence of oxygen flow rate on signal and T1 changes in oxygen‐enhanced ventilation imaging

Purpose To investigate the optimal oxygen flow rate for oxygen-enhanced MR ventilation imaging. Materials and Methods Using a cardiac-triggered nonselective inversion recovery (IR) half Fourier single-shot fast spin echo sequence, series of images were acquired with the subject alternately inhaling room air and 100% oxygen. Oxygen flow rates of 5 L/min, 10 L/min, 15 L/min, 20 L/min, and 25 L/min were studied, and signal intensity from the oxygen-enhanced ventilation images and T1 of the lung were measured. Results The average signal intensity was 63.0 ± 21.0 for 5 L/min, 98.7 ± 26.8 for 10 L/min, 133.8 ± 20.0 for 15 L/min, 138.7 ± 19.7 for 20 L/min, and 139.2 ± 37.9 for 25 L/min. The average T1's of the lung were 1399 msec ± 130 msec for room air, 1314 msec ± 101 msec for 5 L/min, 1276 msec ± 105 msec for 10 L/min, 1207 msec ± 71 msec for 15 L/min, 1206 msec ± 90 msec for 20 L/min, and 1207 msec ± 42 msec for 25 L/min. Conclusion The optimal flow rate is 15 L/min for oxygen-enhanced ventilation imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:37–41. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Energy Harvesting With Piezoelectric Nanobrushes: Analysis and Design Principles

The development of self-powered electronic devices is essential for emerging technologies such as wireless sensor networks, wearable electronics, and microrobotics. Of particular interest is the rapidly growing field of piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH), in which mechanical strains are converted to electricity. Recently, PEH has been demonstrated by brushing an array of piezoelectric nanowires against a nanostructured surface. The piezoelectric nanobrush generator can be limited to sub-micron dimensions and thus allows for a vast reduction in the size of self-powered devices. Moreover, energy harvesting is controlled through contact between the nanowire tips and nanostructured surface, which broadens the design space to a wealth of innovations in tribology. Here we propose design criteria based on principles of contact mechanics, elastic rod theory, and continuum piezoelasticity.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The Cerebellar Epoch

This text provides an excellent descriptive account of the developmental processes that give rise to the rodent cerebellum. For example, it will be a most valuable resource for any investigator attempting to make sense of pattern changes in mutant rodent cerebellum where an understanding of normal development is critical. It is especially strong in its discussion of the process of foliation and provides concise information about the putatively distinct roles of Purkinje and granule cells in this process. In addition, anyone who has struggled in the past with digesting critical information out of the great body of work of these prolific authors will find this book a handy reference, with one warning. One needs to know where to draw the distinction between what is observation and what is interpretive speculation, for the authors engage in a good bit of the latter.
A Strategy for Rational and Responsive Program Evaluation

This paper offers a strategy for evaluating university training programs in special education. The strategy is comprised of five steps for designing and implementing a system that is responsive to changing trends and needs and oriented to applications by departments of special education using existing resourses and programmatic standards. The discussion includes examples illustrating the steps and considerations involved in implementing them.
Hydroxyapatite Modulates mRNA Expression Profiles in Cultured Osteocytes

Osteocytes in vivo present a unique pattern of gene expression necessary for bone remodeling and mineral metabolism. Genes expressed in osteocytes such as Sost and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are essential for load-driven bone formation and regulation of phosphate in the serum, respectively. However, their expression levels in standard cell cultures are significantly low and the mechanism of their transcriptional regulation is hardly examined. Since osteocytes reside in hydroxyapatite (HA)-surrounded lacunae, in this in vitro study we addressed a question whether they would exhibit mRNA expression profiles close to in vivo in the presence of HA. Our hypothesis was that HA would provide a three-dimensional (3D) growth environment important for the regulation of many of the osteocyte characteristic genes. To test this hypothesis, we grew MLO-A5 cells in a 3D collagen matrix with and without HA deposition and conducted a genome-wide expression analysis. The results revealed that deposition of HA markedly elevated the mRNA levels of Sost, dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), and FGF23. The microarray derived data indicated potential involvements of Wnt and PI3K signaling. Protein and mRNA expression analysis using pharmacological inhibitors such as LY294002 and pertussis toxin showed that HA-driven gene regulation was in part mediated by Akt in a PI3K pathway and G-protein linked receptors. In summary, we demonstrated herein that HA provided a growth environment that enabled osteocytes to stimulate their characteristic genes such as Sost, DMP1, and FGF23.
Trends in e-business technologies

As e-business continues to develop, various technologies associated with computing underlie its evolution. Currently, the JavaTM programming language and platform, the Extensible Markup Language, and transcoding are emerging as major technologies for performing e-business functions. In this overview essay, trends in these technologies are described, indicating how they will lead to future Web services.
An automated water quality data acquisition system for use in aquaculture ponds

Abstract An automated water quality data acquisition system has been developed at the University of California, Davis (UCD). The self-contained microprocessor based system consists of a micrologger, a weather station and a unique water sampling raft. The system can monitor and record the following information on a routine basis: (a) weather data including solar irradiance, photosynthetically active radiation, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity and rainfall; (b) pond environmental data, taken at up to eight depths to a maximum of 175 cm, including dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and photosynthetically active radiation. This paper describes the data acquisition system, its uses in aquaculture research, possible future improvements, and modifications for use in other water quality related research.
Effect of 17β-trenbolone on male and female reproduction in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The anabolic steroid 17β trenbolone (17β-TB), a known endocrine disrupting chemical, may influence reproductive functions in avian wildlife. We evaluated the effects of dietary exposure to 17β-TB a...
μ-Monothiopyrophosphate as a Substrate for Inorganic Pyrophosphatase and UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase☆

Abstract μ-Monothiopyrophosphate (MTP, 2− O 3 P–S–PO 2− 3 ) is an excellent substrate for inorganic pyrophosphatase. The maximum velocity for the hydrolysis of MgMTP by inorganic pyrophosphatase is 24% of that for MgPP i at pH 8.0 and 5°C and 190% at pH 9.0 and 15°C. The hydrolyses of MnMTP and CoMTP proceed at 24 and ≥7%, respectively, of the maximum velocity for the reaction of MgMTP at pH 8 and 5°C. The maximum velocities for hydrolyses of MnPP i and CoPP i are 31 and 13% of that for MgPP i , respectively. There is no evidence that Mn 2+ or Co 2+ coordinate with bridging sulfur in MTP in such a way as to affect the rate of hydrolysis. The apparent Michaelis constants at pH 8 and 5°C in the presence of 195 μ M divalent metal ion are as follows: MgPP i , 12 μ M ; MnPP i , 19 μ M ; CoPP i , 12 μ M ; MgMTP, 45 μ M ; MnMTP, 5.3 μ M ; and CoMTP, 16 μ M . The apparent Michaelis constants at pH 9 and 15°C in the presence of 10 m M divalent metal ion are MgPP i , 1.9 μ M and MgMTP, 19.1 μ M . The values of k cat for MgPP i at pH 8 and 5°C and at pH 9 and 15°C are 8 s −1 and 12.4 s −1 , respectively. The values of k cat for MgMTP under the same conditions are 2 s −1 and 24 s −1 , respectively. MTP and MgMTP undergo nonenzymatic hydrolysis by a mechanism in which monomeric metaphosphate monoanion (PO − 3 ) is a discrete intermediate (Lightcap, E. S., and Frey, P. A. (1992) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114, 9750–9755). This reaction is accommodated at the active site of inorganic pyrophosphatase, indicating that the mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis is dissociative. MgMTP is also a substrate for UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, reacting at 4.8% of the maximum velocity of MgPP i and with a Michaelis constant 17 times larger than that for MgPP i . The P–S bonds of MgMTP are not cleaved in the pyrophosphorylase reaction, but the product UTP β,γ S is chemically unstable and undergoes hydrolysis to UDP β S and P i , making the cleavage of UDP-glucose to glucose-1-P, UDP β S and P i , experimentally irreversible.
An Approach to Skin Lesions in the Returning Traveler

As international travel has increased over the years, it is important for the clinician to be aware of communicable diseases in other countries. Infections can be characterized by endemic region, season of travel, method of transmission, and specific disease-defining lesions, which aid the clinician in developing a diagnosis and promptly initiating treatment. We describe common travel-acquired diseases by geographic location, key skin symptoms, and manifestations for early and proper diagnosis, as well as their standard treatment regimen.
Levels of Amoxicillin and Ampicillin in Human Serum and Interstitial Fluid

Levels of ampicillin and amoxicillin in sera and skin window fluid of 22 volunteers were studied. Higher levels of amoxicillin than of ampicillin were attained. Approximately 20% of both antibiotics circulated in a protein-bound form, and the ratio of the concentration in skin window fluid to that in serum were comparable. This finding confirms our previous studies of penicillins and cephalosporins, in which an inverse relationship between protein binding and diffusion of these antibiotics into the skin window fluid was demonstrated.
Southern Mountain Republicans 1865-1900: Politics and the Appalachian Community

The mountaineer stereotype--violent people who preserve a traditional lifestyle and vote Republican--has been perpetuated through the years. McKinney found that the impact of the Civil War and the absence of blacks, rather than economic and geographical factors, were responsible for the persistence of Republican voting patterns. Also, mountain Republicanism was the conscious creation of politicians in a five-state region to shape their party to conform to local political conditions.Originally published 1978.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
The asymptotic risk in a signal parameter estimation problem

In estimating the unknown location of a rectangular signal observed with white noise, the asymptotic risks of three important estimators are compared under L/sub 1//L/sub 2/ losses. A different numerical scheme is used to improve the accuracy of I.A. Ibragimov and R.Z. Hasminskii's (Statistical Estimation-Asymptotic Theory, 2nd. ed., New York: Springer-Verlag, 1985) result, which also leads to further information and numerical comparisons about the problem. >
Utility valuations for outcome states of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: Utilities for the outcome states of colorectal cancer (CRC) must be measured to evaluate the cost-utility of screening and surveillance strategies for this disease. We sought to measure utilities for stage-dependent outcome states of CRC. METHODS: We identified persons who had previously undergone removal of colorectal adenoma. We conducted individual interviews in which these participants were presented with stage-dependent outcome states and were asked to assess utilities for them using the standard gamble technique. RESULTS: A total of 90 participants were interviewed; nine were excluded, leaving 81 for analysis. We obtained the following utility valuations: stage I rectal or stage I/II colon cancer (mean 0.74, median 0.75); stage III colon cancer (mean 0.67, median 0.75); stage II/III rectal cancer without ostomy (mean 0.59, median 0.60), stage II/III rectal cancer with ostomy (mean 0.50, median 0.55), stage IV rectal or colon cancer (mean 0.25, median 0.20). These valuations were statistically different from each other. CONCLUSIONS: We measured utilities for stage-dependent outcome states of CRC in a sample of persons who had previously undergone removal of colorectal adenoma. We found that our participants were able to differentiate between the presented outcome states and assigned lower utility to increasingly morbid states. Our results show that stage-dependent morbidity is an important consideration in CRC and should be incorporated into any decision analysis model evaluating the cost-effectiveness of CRC screening or surveillance.
Lattice relaxation near isolated adsorbates

Self-consistent calculations show that S and Al adatoms form directional bonds to Al(001) in four-fold hollows. If substrate nearest-neighbor nuclei are allowed to move, each adatom approaches the surface, as its square of neighbors expands and moves slightly into the metal. These relaxations approximately preserve adatom-Al bond lengths. They open Al-adatom-Al bond angles slightly, and shorten the bonds between first- and second-neighbor atoms in the outer Al layer, as expected for a surface under tensile stress.
Spinal cord traction, vascular compromise, hypoxia, and metabolic derangements in the pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome

Object The definition of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) relies mainly on radiological criteria and clinical picture. The presence of a thickened filum terminale and a low-lying conus medullaris in symptomatic patients is indicative of TCS. The radiological definition of TCS does not take into account cases that involve a normal-lying conus medullaris exhibiting symptoms of the disease. Methods The authors performed a MEDLINE search using the terms “tethered cord” and “pathophysiology.” The search returned a total of 134 studies. The studies were further filtered to identify mostly basic research studies in animal models or studies related to the biomechanics of the filum terminale and spinal cord. Results Spinal cord traction and the loss of filum terminale elasticity are the triggers that start a cascade of events occurring at the metabolic and vascular levels leading to symptoms of the disease. Traction on the caudal cord results in decreased blood flow causing metabolic derangements that culminate in mot...
Dynamics of an Asymmetric Gyrostat

The nonlinear despin dynamics of a gyrostat with a symmetric balanced platformand an asymmetric rotor (can bebalancedor unbalanced) is studied.A numerical scheme is provided for computingthemultipleequilibriaaswell as their bifurcation properties. The major purpose is to determine the boundary curves between normal-spin and  at-spin transitions in terms of motor torque magnitude and initial conditions, rotor asymmetry, and imbalance, when the torque is not considered small. Results show alternating regions of normaland  at-spin states in the range of torque magnitude.
Lacunarity of Dedekind η-products

The Dedekind η-function is defined bywhere τ lies in the upper half plane ℋ = {tau;|Im(τ) > 0}, and x = e2πiτ. It is a modular form of weight ½ with a multiplier system. We define an η-product to be a function f (τ) of the formwhere rδ e ℤ. This is a modular form of weight with a multiplier system. The Fourier coefficients of η-products are related to many well-known number-theoretic functions, including partition functions and quadratic form representation numbers. They also arise from representations of the “monster” group [3] and the Mathieu group M24 [13]. The multiplicative structure of these Fourier coefficients has been extensively studied. Recent papers include [1], [4], [5] and [6]. Here we study the connections between the density of the non-zero Fourier coefficients of f(τ) and the representability of f(τ) as a linear combination of Hecke character forms (defined in Section 4 below). We first make the following definition.
Adenosine inhibits renin release from juxtaglomerular cells via an A1 receptor-TRPC-mediated pathway

Renin is synthesized and released from juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Adenosine inhibits renin release via an adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) calcium-mediated pathway. How this occurs is unknown. In cardi...
Coacervation of gelatin-XM6 mixtures and their use in microencapsulation

Abstract Complex coacervation has been observed at low total polymer concentrations in mixtures of gelatin with the extracellular bacterial polysaccharide secreted by Enterobacter (NCIB 11870). Coacervation only occurred within the pH range 3·0–4·5. Methods are described for the microencapsulation of oils and solid particles.
Influence of time of overhead shading on yield, fruit quality, and subsequent flowering of hardy kiwifruit, Actinidia arguta

Abstract The effect of overhead shading on yield, fruit quality, and subsequent flowering was studied in 4‐year‐old Actinidia arguta ’Ananasnaya’ vines in Oregon, United States in 1998 and 1999. Experimental vines were shaded to 45% of full sun from 14 July to 14 August, 14 July to 10 September (harvest date), or 10 September to 16 November, 1998. Control vines were not shaded. Shading treatments were not repeated in 1999. Fruit fresh and dry weight development followed a similar growth pattern in all treatments. Shading had no effect on yield per vine or fruit fresh weight, length, diameter, and % soluble solids in 1998. Shading for 2 months before harvest significantly reduced fruit dry weight in 1998. Shading in 1998 did not affect percentage of budbreak or the number of buds, shoots, or fruitful shoots per vine in 1999. However, vines that were shaded had a significantly lower percentage of fruitful shoots than unshaded vines, especially vines shaded for 2 months before harvest in 1998. Vines shaded f...
Globalization and Science Education: The Implications for Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Much of the current diversity literature in science education does not address the complexity of the issues of indigenous learners in their postcolonial environments and calls for a “one size fits all” instructional approach (Lee, 2001). Indigenous knowledge needs to be promoted and supported. There is currently a global initiative of maintaining worldviews, languages, and environments of which science education can be a part (McKinley, 2007). This paper is organized around five main topics that further guide the theoretical framework for this important area: a) describing postcolonialism and indigeneity related to science education, b) defining the terms indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, c) western modern science and the effects of globalization on these terms d) examining the research on learning implications of IK and/or TEK in classrooms with a focus on the research into student learning in indigenous language, e) connecting place-based education to curricular implications for indigenous knowledge systems.
Nomenclatural Notes on the Eurytomids (Chalcidoidea: Eurytomidae) Described by Jean Brèthes Housed in Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”

Ten Eurytomidae (Hymenoptera) parasitic wasp species described by Jean Brethes and deposited in the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales in Buenos Aires are treated and their nomenclature stabilized. The condition of the type material is described. Lectotypes are designated for Decatoma cecidosiphaga Brethes, Prodecatoma parodii Brethes, Eudecatoma opposita Brethes, and Eurytoma caridei Brethes. One new generic synonymy, Xanthosomodes Brethes with Tetramesa Walker, n. syn., and five new combinations are proposed: Tetramesa albiangulata (Brethes), n. comb.; Phylloxeroxenus caridei (Brethes), n. comb.; Aximopsis vulgata (Brethes), n. comb.; Proseurytoma parodii (Brethes), n. comb.; and Bruchophagus opposita (Brethes), n. comb. Sycophila paranensis Brethes is declared incertae sedis.
Mechanical efficiency during cycling in prepubertal and adult males.

Previous studies have indicated that values for mechanical efficiency during cycle exercise in prepubertal subjects are similar to those in adults. Few studies have directly compared these groups, however, and earlier reports did not consider the importance of assessing efficiency at similar relative exercise intensities. Nineteen prepubertal boys and 21 college men underwent cycle exercise testing for determination of delta efficiency (the energy required to increase workload), related to both absolute work load and relative work intensity (percent VO2max). No significant differences in either of these measures were observed between the two groups. Mean delta efficiency between workloads of similar relative intensity was 23.2% for the prepubertal subjects and 22.5% for the adults (p greater than .05). Between equal absolute workloads the values were 23.2 and 26.5%, respectively (p greater than .05). These findings support earlier contentions that the efficiency of muscular contraction during exercise is comparable in pre- and post-pubertal subjects.
You Said What? Assessing the Impact of Collaboration Technologies and Message Characteristics Using Physiological Measures

Collaboration technologies often are effective but sometimes they can distort messages, especially in emotional communication. We propose and test a theoretical model to explain how different technologies and message characteristics influence the emotional responses of recipients and how recipients evaluate the emotional content of the messages. Two collaboration technologies - email and voicemail - were examined because they differ in richness and naturalness. As some individuals are more capable in interpreting and understanding emotion, we also examined the role of emotional intelligence. The results show that a message sent via email was likely to trigger a different immediate psycho physiological emotional response and be evaluated differently by the recipient than the same message sent using voicemail, depending on the content of the message, its tone, and the emotional intelligence of the recipient.
Creative cognition in gifted adolescents

Gifted adolescents performed a creative generation task in which they imagined and drew fruit that might exist on another planet. They produced creations that tended to include central properties of Earth fruit, such as seeds and stems, but also more unusual properties, such as poisonousness. They also developed imaginary fruit that were rated as more original than those developed by a comparison sample of college students, and they did so regardless of whether they were explicitly instructed to be creative. They were also less likely than college students to base their creations on specific exemplars of Earth fruit, but among those who did so, they tended to rely on highly representative types of fruit (e.g., apples) as starting points for their novel ideas. The results are discussed in terms of how existing knowledge directs imaginative activities in individuals that exhibit different degrees of generative or creative performance.
Analysis of the early stage of coalescence of helium drops.

We analyze the growth of the neck that forms between two liquid drops that have come into contact. The analysis is for a fluid in which the velocity of each point on the surface is proportional to the local curvature and directed normal to the interface. For this system, we show that the radius of the neck is proportional to t 1 / 3 , where the time t is measured from the moment at which coalescence commences. We are able to find a simple expression for the shape of the interface in the vicinity of the neck.
High-dose itraconazole as a noncastrating therapy for a patient with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer.

Optimal management of patients with biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer after local therapy is controversial. Although treatment with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is considered standard in men with metastatic disease, the role of ADT for biochemical recurrence is less clear and there are limited therapeutic options that can delay disease progression or improve survival in these patients. Furthermore, ADT is associated with significant adverse effects including fatigue, hot flashes, loss of libido, loss of bone mineral density, sarcopenia, increased adiposity, metabolic abnormalities, and increased risk of coronary artery disease and other vascular complications.1,2 Thus, there is interest in developing non-castrating therapies in this setting that can improve clinical outcomes. Itraconazole is an FDA-approved antifungal drug used in the treatment of various mycoses that was repurposed as an antineoplastic agent after a screening effort identified that it could potently inhibit Hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling in cancer.3 Following from preclinical studies, a phase II clinical trial suggested that itraconazole prescribed at high doses (600 mg per day) may have a role as an antineoplastic agent in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who had not previously received chemotherapy.4 In this trial, modest clinical activity using high-dose itraconazole in this setting was demonstrated as evidenced by longer PSA-progression-free survival and clinical/radiographic-progression-free survival compared to historical controls. Of note, treatment with itraconazole did not appear to have a significant effect on testosterone levels in these men with CRPC, suggesting that its clinical activity (unlike that of ketoconazole) may be independent of androgen modulation. To date, the clinical and endocrine effects of itraconazole in men with non-castrate biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer are unknown. Here, we describe a case of a patient with biochemical recurrence treated with high-dose itraconazole who achieved a PSA response that was not associated with androgen suppression.
Decentralized sensing and tracking for UAV scheduling

This paper presents a fully automated and decentralized surveillance system for the problem of detecting and possibly tracking mobile unknown ground vehicles in a bounded area. The system consists ideally of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unattended fixed sensors with limited communication and detection range that are deployed in the area of interest. Each component of the system (UAV and/or sensor) is completely autonomous and programmed to scan the area searching for targets and share its knowledge with other components within communication range. We assume that both UAVs and sensors have similar computing and sensing capabilities and differ only in their mobility (sensors are stationary while UAVs are mobile). Gathered information is reported to a base station (monitor) that computes an estimate of the global state of the system and quantifies the quality of the surveillance based on a measure of the uncertainty on the number and position of the targets overtime. The present solution has been achieved through a robotic implementation of a software simulation that was in turn realized under the principles of a novel top-down methodology for the design of provably performant agent-based control systems. In this paper we provide a description of our solution including the distributed algorithms that have been employed in the control of the UAV navigation and monitoring. Finally we show the results of an novel experimental performance analysis of our surveillance system.
Sliding Motions on a Periodically Time-varying Boundary for a Friction-induced Oscillator

In this paper, the analytical conditions for sliding and passable motions on the periodically time-varying boundary in a friction-induced oscillator are presented first through the relative force product. The force product for the sliding motion in such a friction-induced oscillator is less than zero. However, the force product is greater than zero for the passable motion. Based on such analytical conditions, the criteria for the onset and vanishing of the sliding motion are developed. The sliding fragmentation for such an oscillator is discussed. The effects of system parameters to the sliding motion are discussed by use of the sliding mapping. Finally, the sliding motions for such a friction-induced oscillator are illustrated. From this investigation, the force product criterion is very useful to determine existence of the sliding and passable motions in such discontinuous dynamical systems. Such an investigation may provide a different way for sliding mode controls in dynamical systems.
Docetaxel-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in androgen independent prostate cancer cells are enhanced by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Pre-treatment with high-dose 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-VD) enhanced the antitumor activity of docetaxel in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line, PC-3. The effect manifested as an increasing population of apoptotic cells and amount of pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, under combined treatment compared with single treatment of either 1,25-VD or docetaxel alone. We further demonstrated that pre-treatment with 1,25-VD reduced the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 at both the mRNA and protein levels. This suggests pre-treatment with 1,25-VD can potentiate cytotoxicity of docetaxel in PC-3 due to 1,25-VD reducing multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 expression.
Ectopic overexpression of wild-type and mutant hipA genes in Escherichia coli: effects on macromolecular synthesis and persister formation.

Persistence is an epigenetic trait that allows a small fraction of bacteria, approximately one in a million, to survive prolonged exposure to antibiotics. In Escherichia coli an increased frequency of persisters, called “high persistence,” is conferred by mutations in the hipA gene, which encodes the toxin entity of the toxin-antitoxin module hipBA. The high-persistence allele hipA7 was originally identified because of its ability to confer high persistence, but little is known about the physiological role of the wild-type hipA gene. We report here that the expression of wild-type hipA in excess of hipB inhibits protein, RNA, and DNA synthesis in vivo. However, unlike the RelE and MazF toxins, HipA had no effect on protein synthesis in an in vitro translation system. Moreover, the expression of wild-type hipA conferred a transient dormant state (persistence) to a sizable fraction of cells, whereas the rest of the cells remained in a prolonged dormant state that, under appropriate conditions, could be fully reversed by expression of the cognate antitoxin gene hipB. In contrast, expression of the mutant hipA7 gene in excess of hipB did not markedly inhibit protein synthesis as did wild-type hipA and yet still conferred persistence to ca. 10% of cells. We propose that wild-type HipA, upon release from HipB, is able to inhibit macromolecular synthesis and induces a bacteriostatic state that can be reversed by expression of the hipB gene. However, the ability of the wild-type hipA gene to generate a high frequency of persisters, equal to that conferred by the hipA7 allele, may be distinct from the ability to block macromolecular synthesis.
REF-1 REGULATES THE TRANSACTIVATION AND PRO-APOPTOTIC FUNCTIONS OF P53 IN VIVO

Ref-1 is a multifunctional protein that stimulates DNA binding by a number of transcription factors and serves as the abasic (A/P) endonuclease in base excision repair. Ref-1 was discovered to be a potent activator of p53 DNA binding in vitro. To address the physiological significance of the effects of Ref-1 on p53, we have analyzed its role in regulating p53 function in vivo. We found that Ref-1 over-expression enhances the ability of p53 to transactivate a number of p53 target promoters and increases the ability of p53 to stimulate endogenous p21 and cyclin G expression. Additionally, it was observed that Ref-1 associates with p53 in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, downregulation of Ref-1 (by antisense) causes a marked reduction in p53 induction of p21 mRNA and protein, as well as diminished ability of p53 to transactivate the p21 and Bax promoters. Moreover, Ref-1 levels are correlated with the extent of apoptosis induced by p53. Finally, we observed that Ref-1 cooperates with a DNA-damaging compound, camptothecin, to stimulate the transcriptional activity of p53. Together these data indicate that Ref-1 is a key cellular regulator of p53.
Growth-related shape changes in the fetal craniofacial complex of humans (Homo sapiens) and pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina): a 3D-CT comparative analysis.

This study investigates whether macaques and humans possess a common pattern of relative growth during the fetal period. The fetal samples consist of 16 male pigtailed macaques (mean age, 20.5 gestational weeks) and 17 humans (9 males and 8 females; mean age, 29.5 gestational weeks). For each individual, three-dimensional coordinates of 18 landmarks on the skull were collected from three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) reconstructed images and two-dimensional CT axial slices. Early and late groups were created from the human (early mean age, 24 weeks, N = 8; late mean age, 34 weeks, N = 9) and macaque samples (early mean age, 17.7 weeks, N = 7; late mean age, 23 weeks, N = 9). Inter- and intraspecific comparisons were made between the early and late groups. To determine if macaques and humans share a common fetal pattern of relative growth, human change in shape estimated from a comparison of early and late groups was compared to the pattern estimated between early and late macaque groups. Euclidean distance matrix analysis was used in all comparisons. Intraspecific comparisons indicate that the growing fetal skull displays the greatest amount of change along mediolateral dimensions. Changes during human growth are primarily localized to the basicranium and palate, while macaques experience localized change in the midface. Interspecific comparisons indicate that the two primate species do not share a common pattern of relative growth, and the macaque pattern is characterized by increased midfacial growth relative to humans. Our results suggest that morphological differences in the craniofacial skeleton of these species are in part established by differences in fetal growth patterns.
Evaluation of Repeat Clostridium difficile Enzyme Immunoassay Testing

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, which have significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical. Repeat enzyme immunoassay testing for C. difficile toxin has been recommended because of <100% sensitivity. All C. difficile tests between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 were retrospectively analyzed for results and testing patterns. The Wampole C. difficile Tox A/B II enzyme immunoassay kit was used. There were a total of 8,256 tests from 3,112 patients; 49% of tests were repeated. Of the 3,749 initially negative patient tests, 96 were positive upon repeat testing within 10 days of the first test. Of repeat tests, 0.9% repeated on day 0 (same day as the first test), 1.8% on day 1, 3.8% on day 2, 2.6% on day 3, 5.4% on days 4 to 6, and 10.6% on days 7 to 10 were positive. Thirty-eight patients had a positive test within 48 h of an initial negative test, and based on chart review, 18 patients were treated empirically while 16 were treated following the new result. None had evidence of medical complications. Of initially positive patients, 91% were positive upon repeat testing on day 0, 75% on day 1, and 58% on day 2, to a low of 14% on days 7 to 10. Depending on the clinical setting, these data support not repeating C. difficile tests within 2 days of a negative result and limiting repeat testing to ≥1 week of a positive result.