cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevation of cyclic GMP levels in the rat pineal gland induced by nitric oxide

Guerrero JM, Reiter RJ, Poeggeler B, Chen L-D, Tan D-X. Elevation of cyclic GMP levels in the rat pineal gland induced by nitric oxide. J Pineal Res. 1994:16:210–214. Abstract The present paper reports that nitric oxide (NO) released by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a potent activator of rat pineal cyclic GMP production without affecting cyclic AMP synthesis. Other drugs such as isoproterenol, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and peptide histidine isoleucine were ineffective in stimulating cyclic GMP production, but activated cyclic AMP production. However, L-arginine, the physiological precursor of NO, did not activate either cyclic GMP or NO synthesis. Because L-arginine failed to activate cyclic GMP production, results suggest that NO is not produced in the pineal gland, but behaves as a potent regulator of this cyclic nucleotide.
Cell surface immunoglobulin of hamster lymphoid cells.

Abstract Cell surface immunoglobulin (Ig) of hamster lymph node cells was analyzed utilizing lactoperoxidase catalyzed radioiodination, lentil leclin affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Immunoprecipitation of the radiolabeled cell surface Ig with a polyvalent rabbit anti-hamster Ig antiserum yielded 3 peaks of radioactivity when unreduced samples were analyzed by SDS-PAGE: a major Ig peak (I) at 220,000 daltons and two minor peaks, one (II) at 170,000 daltons and another (III) at 110,000 daltons. Upon reduction peak I yielded heavy chains with mobilities similar to mouse cell-surface μ (84,000 daltons) and light chains: peak II yielded heavy chains of 68,000 daltons and light chains; peak III yielded the same size heavy chains as peak I plus light chains and thus represents Ig half molecules (H-L). A maximum of 40% of peaks I and III were precipitated by a cross-reactive rabbit anti-mouse μ antiserum. The 68,000 dalton heavy chain has some of the characteristics of mouse δ chain (apparent mol. wt and susceptibility to papain), however, it is not precipitated by an anti-mouse δ antiserum and represents only 20% of the total heavy chains in 1–6-month old hamsters. The same results were obtained with radioiodinated hamster spleen cell lysates. These results indicate that hamster cell surface Ig consists of monomeric IgM and one (or two) other isotype(s). Either a sub-population of the 220,000 dalton Ig (H = 84,000), or the 170,000 dalton Ig (H = 68,000) may be the hamster IgD equivalent.
A designed experiments approach to optimization of automated data acquisition during characterization of bacteria with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

MALDI-TOF MS has been shown capable of rapidly and accurately characterizing bacteria. Highly reproducible spectra are required to ensure reliable characterization. Prior work has shown that spectra acquired manually can have higher reproducibility than those acquired automatically. For this reason, the objective of this study was to optimize automated data acquisition to yield spectra with reproducibility comparable to those acquired manually. Fractional factorial design was used to design experiments for robust optimization of settings, in which values of five parameters (peak selection mass range, signal to noise ratio (S:N), base peak intensity, minimum resolution and number of shots summed) commonly used to facilitate automated data acquisition were varied. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was used as a model bacterium in the designed experiments, and spectra were acquired using an intact cell sample preparation method. Optimum automated data acquisition settings (i.e., those settings yielding the highest reproducibility of replicate mass spectra) were obtained based on statistical analysis of spectra of P. aeruginosa. Finally, spectrum quality and reproducibility obtained from non-optimized and optimized automated data acquisition settings were compared for P. aeruginosa, as well as for two other bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens. Results indicated that reproducibility increased from 90% to 97% (p-value[Formula: see text]0.002) for P. aeruginosa when more shots were summed and, interestingly, decreased from 95% to 92% (p-value [Formula: see text] 0.013) with increased threshold minimum resolution. With regard to spectrum quality, highly reproducible spectra were more likely to have high spectrum quality as measured by several quality metrics, except for base peak resolution. Interaction plots suggest that, in cases of low threshold minimum resolution, high reproducibility can be achieved with fewer shots. Optimization yielded more reproducible spectra than non-optimized settings for all three bacteria.
Analysis of finite length dynamics in Czochralski crystal growth

Abstract In the analysis of energy transport within crystals grown by the Czochralski process, time dependence appears in both the boundary conditions, through the changing crystal shape, and in the energy equation, by inclusion of the unsteady term. Commonly, these phenomena are neglected by utilization of the quasi-steady state approximation. The present study examines the validity of the approximation with respect to changing crystal length. A one dimensional model, neglecting phenomena occuring at the crystal-melt interface, is developed so that the influence of time dependent changes in crystal length on the dynamics of this process can be evaluated. Finite difference solutions of this relatively simple model are found and used to predict crystal temperature distribution and pull rate. It is shown that use of the quasi-steady state approximation can lead to errors in calculating both the crystal pull rate and the “infinite”, or critical, crystal length. Also, it was found that the choice of initial condition can have a significant effect on early-time crystal growth behavior.
Adenocarcinoma of rete testis

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a very rare malignant neoplasm originating in the epithelium of the rete testis. Histologically, it appears as a papillary adenocarcinoma. The first case was reported in the literature in 1853 and since that time only 16 additional cases have been reported. This report represents the eighteenth case.
The CD19/CD21 signal transduction complex of B lymphocytes

CD19 and CD21 are B-cell surface molecules that associate with each other and with CD81 and Leu-13 to generate a signal transduction complex that is independent of the antigen receptor. Current studies, reviewed here by Thomas Tedder, Liang-Ji Zhou and Pablo Engel, indicate an important biological role for this protein complex in the regulation of B-cell development and activation.
Service Delivery Differences Between Consumer and Nonconsumer Case Managers in Mental Health

This analysis sought to determine whether a team of mental health service consumers delivered intensive case management services differently than a team of nonconsumer case managers. Ninety-six seriously mentally ill clients were randomly assigned to consumer and nonconsumer teams of case managers. Service documentation for each client's first year of service was analyzed by condition using t-tests, discriminant function, and multiple regression. Consumer case managers delivered more services face-to-face with the client and fewer services in the office and in interactions with family members or other mental health service providers. If current trends continue, social workers in mental health will be delivering more services with consumers as peer service providers or supervisees.
Peripheral modulation of smell: Fact or fiction?

Despite studies dating back 30 or more years showing modulation of odorant responses at the level of the olfactory epithelium, most descriptions of the olfactory system infer that odorant signals make their way from detection by cilia on olfactory sensory neurons to the olfactory bulb unaltered. Recent identification of multiple subtypes of microvillar cells and identification of neuropeptide and neurotransmitter expression in the olfactory mucosa add to the growing body of literature for peripheral modulation in the sense of smell. Complex mechanisms including perireceptor events, modulation of sniff rates, and changes in the properties of sensory neurons match the sensitivity of olfactory sensory neurons to the external odorant environment, internal nutritional status, reproductive status, and levels of arousal or stress. By furthering our understanding of the players mediating peripheral olfaction, we may open the door to novel approaches for modulating the sense of smell in both health and disease.
Spontaneous regression of cutaneous head and neck melanoma: implications for the immunologic control of neoplasia.

Background. Spontaneous regression of cancer in the head and neck is a rare event. Moreover, there are rare reported cases of spontaneous regression of primary head and neck melanoma with accompanying immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor. Methods. We used detailed preoperative and postoperative pathologic examination of a lesion in the right supraclavicular region. Results. Pathologic examination of the initial specimen identified a melanoma of superficial spreading type with vertical growth and a thickness of 1.8 mm. The excised specimen demonstrated a complete regression of the melanoma with a florid host inflammatory response predominantly composed of a histiocytic reaction. Conclusion. The case presented illustrates histopathologic findings occurring in a head and neck melanoma as it is undergoing spontaneous regression. These findings point to a potentially critical role for histiocytes in effecting tumor elimination. Pathologic analysis of spontaneous head and neck melanoma regression will ultimately facilitate an improved understanding of naturally-occurring tumor elimination. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Spontaneous cessation of smoking and alcohol use among low-income pregnant women

Abstract Background: Despite the strong evidence of harmful effects, tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy continue to be major public health challenges. Some women, however, do stop spontaneously when they learn of their pregnancy. No study has investigated spontaneous cessation of both behaviors in a low-income predominantly unmarried U.S. population. Objective: To describe the prevalence of spontaneous cessation of cigarette and alcohol use alone and in combination and associated factors among low-income pregnant women. Methods: Subjects (N=601) were currently smoking or smoking when they became pregnant and participating in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs in the greater Boston, Massachusetts, area. Baseline interviews assessed the factors being studied and the spontaneous cessation of cigarette and alcohol use with pregnancy. Saliva cotinine verified self-reported smoking status. Results: Spontaneous cessation of smoking and alcohol use was reported by 28% and 80% of the women, respectively; 25% spontaneously quit both, and 15% stopped neither. Multivariable analyses indicated that smoking cessation was less likely in women who had previous births, had a husband or partner who smoked, were born in the United States, were black (non-Hispanic, non-Portuguese), had less than a high school education, were highly addicted, reported lower perceived risk to the fetus, and reported “too many other problems in life to stop.” Hispanic ethnicity, younger age, and more social support to quit smoking were related to spontaneous alcohol abstinence. Conclusions: Targeted multiple strategies, including those aimed at increasing participation of partners, are needed for low-income pregnant smokers.
Social significance of ventrolateral coloration in the fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus

The blue ventral colour patches of the fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, long believed to be involved in intraspecific communication, allow males to recognize the sex of conspecifics. This was demonstrated experimentally by a field study in which tethered lizards were introduced singly to free-ranging adult males. Males identified those conspecifics having blue belly and throat patches as male, and those that had white belly and throat patches as female. Six experimental groups of tethered lizards consisted of unpainted lizards of each sex, lizards of both sexes painted to match their normal ventral colour patterns, and lizards of each sex painted to match the ventral coloration of the opposite sex. Males responded to unpainted lizards by directing agonistic behaviour to males and courtship to females. Their responses to lizards painted to match the ventral patterns of their own sex were virtually identical to their responses to unpainted lizards, indicating that painting alone did not alter their reactions. Males painted to resemble females in ventral coloration were courted in all but one trial; females painted with the ventral pattern of males were all subjected to aggressive behaviour. Responses to both groups bearing colours of the opposite sex were significantly different from those to unpainted members of their own sex, but were nearly identical to those normally elicited by the opposite sex.
La réglementation des journaux jaunes à Montréal, 1955-1975. : le cadre juridique et la mise en application des lois

Cet article offre un survol de la reglementation de la presse populaire (notamment les journaux jaunes) a Montreal dans les annees d’apres-guerre. Vises par les groupes religieux et les politiciens, les journaux jaunes ont ete des cibles des campagnes de moralite. Tandis que les autres etudes sur l’histoire de la censure au Quebec considerent l’application du Code criminel (donc la loi federale), notre etude constate qu’une loi provinciale et des reglements municipaux ont egalement ete invoques et appliques. Sur le plan methodologique, cette recherche suggere qu’une analyse de la reglementation de la culture doit tenir compte d’autres cadres judiciaires que le Code criminel.
Processing prescription drug information under different conditions of presentation

Abstract Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate individuals’ processing of prescription drug information under different conditions of presentation. Design : Videotapes and written materials were used to develop 12 different conditions of presentation and data were collected via a mailed survey methodology. Controlling for respondent age, we studied respondents’ perceptions of cognitive effort required to process the information, information overload, and evaluative response to the information. Also, we documented and studied the number of questions reported after exposure to the information. Subjects : Study materials were mailed to 624 volunteers living in the United States, of which 477 (76.4%) returned completed data forms. Results and conclusions : The results suggest there is a balance between the need for information at a level sufficient for individuals to make decisions and the need for information that will not overload individuals as they cognitively process it.
Interannual Variability in Terrestrial Net Primary Production: Exploration of Trends and Controls on Regional to Global Scales

Climate and biophysical regulation of terrestrial plant production and interannual responses to anomalous events were investigated using the NASA Ames model version of CASA (Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach) in a transient simulation mode. This ecosystem model has been calibrated for simulations driven by satellite vegetation index data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) over the mid-1980s. Relatively large net source fluxes of carbon were estimated from terrestrial vegetation about 6 months to 1 year following El Nino events of 1983 and 1987, whereas the years 1984 and 1988 showed a drop in net primary production (NPP) of 1–2 Pg (1015 g) C from their respective previous years. Zonal discrimination of model results implies that the northern hemisphere low latitudes could account for almost the entire 2 Pg C decrease in global terrestrial NPP predicted from 1983 to 1984. Model estimates further suggest that from 1985 to 1988, the northern middle-latitude zone (between 30° and 60°N) was the principal region driving progressive increases in NPP, mainly by an expanded growing season moving toward the zonal latitude extremes. Comparative regional analysis of model controls on NPP reveals that although Normalized Difference Vegetation Index “greenness” can alone account for 30%–90% of the variation in NPP interannual anomalies, temperature or radiation loading can have a fairly significant 1-year lag effect on annual NPP at middle- to high-latitude zones, whereas rainfall amount and temperature drying effects may carry over with at least a 2-year lag time to influence NPP in semiarid tropical zones.
Effect of o-Benzyl-p-chlorophenol on drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats

o-Benzyl-p-chlorophenol (BCP) is widely used as a broad spectrum disinfectant. Treatment of male Fischer 344 rats with BCP resulted in an increase in cytochrome P-450 content and an accompanying decrease in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity in both liver and kidney microsomes. Several other drug-metabolizing enzymes were not affected by BCP treatment. However, in kidney, BCP induced NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase activities and caused a small increase in total cytochrome P-450 content and glutathione concentration. The cytochrome P-450 isozymes induced by BCP were fractionated by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC profile following BCP treatment most closely resembled that seen after phenobarbital. Using an immunoblotting procedure and a radioimmunoassay, it was shown that the increase in cytochrome P-450 content in the liver after BCP treatment was, in part, due to an increase in the phenobarbital-inducible isozymes, P-450b + e. In the kidney, the increase in total cytochrome P-450 content after BCP exposure was not due to an increase in P-450b + e. The decrease in AHH activity appeared to be caused by noncompetitive inhibition of constitutive AHH activity by BCP. BCP also inhibited benzphetamine demethylation, although to a lesser extent. The failure to observe an increase in benzphetamine demethylase activity in vivo, despite the induction of P-450b, was probably due to the concomitant induction and inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes by BCP.
Transcription analysis and sequence of the putative murine cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase gene.

Abstract The conservation of the herpesvirus DNA polymerases has allowed cross-hybridization studies to be used for their identification and mapping on the viral genome. With the use of a DNA fragment containing the DNA polymerase gene of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as a hybridization probe, we were able to localize the DNA polymerase gene of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) to a region within MCMV Eco RI fragment B which spans the Hin dIII site separating Hin dIII fragments D and H. This site is colinear with the HCMV strain AD169 DNA polymerase gene. To confirm that this region encoded the MCMV DNA polymerase gene, we sequenced a 5131 nucleotide fragment from the Pstl site in Hin dIII fragment D to a Bg/II site in Hin dIII fragment H. Initiating in Hin dIII fragment D and extending into Hin dIII fragment H was a long open reading frame (ORF) 1097 amino acids in length with extensive homology to the DNA polymerases of HCMV, herpes simplex virus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Upstream of the polymerase ORF was a reading frame with considerable homology to the carboxy terminal half of the glycoprotein B gene of human herpesviruses. At early times in the infection, we could detect with a probe representing part of the polymerase ORF two 3′ coterminal transcripts, 3.9 kb and 1.7 kb in length. S1 nuclease and exonuclease VII analyses indicated that both transcripts were unspliced and initiated at independent sites in Hin dIII fragment D. By primer extension, we were able to map precisely the 5′ end of the 3.9-kb RNA to a site 186 nucleotides upstream of the beginning of the DNA polymerase ORF.
The flow of scientific knowledge from lab to the lay public: The case of genetically modified food

This article reports on a study of how scientific knowledge about genetically modified (GM) food flows to the American public, focusing on language and message genres in the scientific literature, newspapers, and popular magazines. A comprehensive search of these literatures from 1992 to 2002 revealed a publishing pattern of scientific communication that contrasted with that found in the lay press. Examination of this difference led researchers to a scientific study on the effect of GM corn pollen on the Monarch butterfly. The case study of the discourse surrounding this event demonstrates how press releases affect what is published in the popular press. The role of this event in generating subtle repercussions in the perceptions of U.S. consumers, similar to the ripple effects found in Kasperson’s social amplification of risk theory, is analyzed and reported.
Turbidimetric and dynamic light scattering studies of mixtures of cationic polymers and anionic mixed micelles

Abstract We have studied the formation of microscopic and macroscopic aggregate phases between strong cationic polymers and oppositely charged anionic/nonionic or anionic/zwitterionic mixed micelles at moderate to high ionic strength. Conditions for bulk phase separation, which appears to be a critical phenomenon, are determined by the ionic strength and the mole fraction of anionic surfactant (Y), not by the concentrations of polymer or total surfactant. Polyion-micelle association is thus viewed as a coulombic phenomenon, mainly intramolecular with respect to polymer, with the mixed surfactant composition controlling the surface charge density of mixed micelles. At critical conditions for irreversible phase separation, the dependence of the square root of ionic strength on Y is found to be linear. At values of Y smaller than this critical value by 1–20%, such mixtures contain stable aggregates that may be studied by optical and hydrodynamic methods. These general features have been demonstrated for a range of cationic polymers, differing widely with respect to chemical composition or molecular weight, as well as for several anionic and nonionic (or zwitterionic) surfactants. However, a soluble aggregate regime, which is observed for the surfactant system sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/ Triton X-100, is absent when the surfactant mixture is the monodisperse SDS/C12E6 pair. This may suggest that precipitation in the former system is delayed or inhibited by some form of micellar heterogeneity. For the system poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride)/sodium dodecyl sulfate/Triton X-100, QELS autocorrelation decay curves have been analyzed using “canned” software programs (Langley-Ford and Nicomp, respectively) for the characterization of size distributions. Both of these analyses indicate bimodal size distributions for the scattering particles. Two well-resolved populations appear to coexist, corresponding to unbound mixed micelles and polyion-micelle complexes, respectively.
Etanercept and venous thromboembolism: a case series

The treatment with antitumor necrosis factor agents has often been associated with the induction of autoantibodies (antinuclear antibodies, anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and antiphospholipid antibodies). The clinical significance of these antibodies remains unclear, but they may predispose to antiphospholipid syndrome with thromboembolic complications. The association of etanercept with thromboembolic events has not been reported previously in the literature. We describe the cases of three patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and seronegative inflammatory arthritis who were treated with etanercept. They developed deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism one to three years after the initiation of etanercept therapy. All three patients had a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time with a positive lupus anticoagulant that persisted even after 12 weeks. Although the clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies during treatment with antitumor necrosis factor agents remains unclear, they may predispose patients to develop antiphospholipid syndrome when associated with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, lupus anticoagulant positivity, or the presence of anti-β2 glycoprotein I. Clinicians must keep this in mind during therapy with antitumor necrosis factor agents in order to prevent, detect and treat potential consequences such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Role of Mechanical Forces in Endothelial Homeostasis

Shear stress and stretch can modulate functions of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by activating mechano-sensors, signaling pathways, and gene/protein expressions. Sustained shear stress with a forward direction causes only a transient activation of atherogenic genes, followed by down-regulation. In ECs exposed to complex flow with little forward direction, activation of these atherogenic genes is sustained, and cell turnover is accelerated. Cyclic uniaxial stretch causes orientation of actin stress fibers perpendicular to stretch direction, and this causes a decrease of intracellular stress, transient JNK activation, and protection of ECs against apoptosis. Cyclic biaxial stretch without a preferred direction has opposite effects. In the straight arteries, laminar shear stress with a forward direction and uniaxial strain with a circumferential direction have anti-atherogenic effects. At branch points, the complex shear flow and mechanical strain with little net direction are atherogenic. The direction of mechanical forces has important effects on ECs in health and disease.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Silent squamous cell carcinoma invading the orbit following the course of the zygomaticotemporal nerve.

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of silent skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) with invasion routes to the orbit.Methods: Retrospective case studies. Clinical records and histopathological material, therapy and complications were evaluated, together with MRI imaging analyses and literature review on the anatomy of the lateral orbital wall in relation to the zygomatico-temporal nerve channel.Results: Two recent cases of metastatic SCC from het lateral zygomatic region to het orbit are reported. Originally the skin tumors of the first case was diagnosed as benign, but a review of the pathology of these skin tumors showed an invasive SCC. The second case was diagnosed as an atypical SCC. Analysis of possible invasion routes, using both computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), indicated neither skin nor bone involvement. However, the lateral temporal fossa near the entrance of the zygomatico-temporal channel showed small tumors and pseudo-cy...
1/f frequency noise effects on self-heterodyne linewidth measurements

The effects of a 1/f frequency noise on self-heterodyne detection are described, and the results are applied to the problem of laser diode linewidth measurement. The self-heterodyne autocorrelation function and power spectrum are evaluated for both the white and the 1/f components of the frequency noise. From numerical analysis, the power spectrum resulting from the 1/f frequency noise is shown to be approximately Gaussian, and an empirical expression is given for its linewidth. These results are applied to the problem of self-heterodyne linewidth measurements for coherent optical communications, and the amount of broadening due to 1/f frequency noise is predicted. >
Low-Serum Media and Dynamic Deformational Loading in Tissue Engineering of Articular Cartilage

High-serum media have been shown to produce significant improvement in the properties of tissue-engineered articular cartilage when applied in combination with dynamic deformational loading. To mitigate concerns regarding the culture variability introduced by serum, we examined the interplay between low-serum/ITS-supplemented media and dynamic deformational loading. Our results show that low serum/ITS supplementation does not support the same level of tissue formation as compared to high serum controls. In free-swelling culture, using a combination of ITS with concentrations of FBS above 2% negated the beneficial effects of ITS. Although there were beneficial effects with loading and 0.2%FBS + ITS, these constructs significantly underperformed relative to 20%FBS constructs. At 2%FBS + ITS, the free-swelling construct stiffness and composition approached or exceeded that of 20%FBS constructs. With dynamic loading, the properties of 2%FBS + ITS constructs were significantly lower than free-swelling controls and 20%FBS constructs by day 42. By priming the chondrocytes in 20%FBS prior to exposure to low-serum/ITS media, we observed that low-serum/ITS media produced significant enhancement in tissue properties compared to constructs grown continuously in 20%FBS.
Deservingness for Foreign Aid: Effects of Need, Similarity, and Estimated Effectiveness

This study was conducted to determine how people form conceptualizations of other countries’ deservingness for nonmilitary foreign aid. A factor analysis of 78 college students’ ratings of 21 variables for their importance in determining whether another country is deserving of economic aid yielded appropriate variables for closer examination. In the second part of this study, a new group of 40 college students was asked to rate 96 stimulus countries (constructed by factorially varying the levels of six need, similarity, and effectiveness variables) on their deservingness for foreign aid. The results suggested that ratings of other countries’ deservingness for foreign aid are based on perceived need, similarity, and effectiveness, with a multiplicative combination of the recipient’s need and similarity playing a prominent role. The results are related to two other conceptions of altruism and helping behavior.
Kinematics of swimming of penguins at the Detroit Zoo

Kinematic parameters were examined in a study of the swimming abilities of seven species of penguins housed at the Detroit Zoo. Penguins produce thrust over both halves of the wing stroke cycle, as observed in fishes using the caudal or pectoral fins for locomotion, but not in other birds in level forward flight. Unpowered gliding phases between wing strokes were observed in all species at swimming speeds less than 1.25 m/sec, while Emperor, King and Adelie penguins interpose gliding phases over a broad range of speeds. Videotape records reveal that length-specific speed is correlated with increases in wingbeat frequency and, for most of the species examined, stride length. These findings are in contrast to those reported for other, flying birds, which maintain a relatively constant wingbeat frequency but vary stride length with forward speed, and for most fishes, which vary speed with tailbeat frequency but maintain a constant stride length. The results are somewhat comparable to those reported for Cymatogaster, a fish which uses the pectoral fins for locomotion. Drag coefficients of three gliding Emperor penguins were 2.1, 3.0 and 3.0 × 10-−3 at Reynolds numbers of 1.25, 1.62 and 1.76 × 106, respectively.
Non-invasive neuromodulation to improve gait in chronic multiple sclerosis: a randomized double blind controlled pilot trial

This study sought to examine the effect of targeted physical therapy with and without cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM), on the walking ability of people with MS who exhibited a dysfunctional gait. We hypothesized that subjects who received electrical stimulation would have greater improvement than those who had a control device after a 14-week intervention. Gait disturbance is a common problem for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Current management may include exercise, pharmacology, functional electrical stimulation, compensatory strategies, use of assistive devices, and implanted electrical devices. We have developed an effective rehabilitative strategy using neuromodulation of the cranial nerves via electrical stimulation of the tongue to enhance the plasticity of the brain. The study is a within-subject blinded randomized control design. Twenty chronic MS subjects with an identified gait disturbance were assigned to either an active or control group. Both groups completed a 14-week intervention program using a standardized combination of exercise and a device that provided electrical stimulation to the tongue. Those in the active group received electrical stimulation on the tongue that they could perceive. Those in the control group used a device that did not provide a physiologically significant stimulus and was not perceivable. Subjects were assessed with the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). The DGI scores improved for both groups. There were significant between-group differences, with the active group showing statistically greater improvement than the control group mean. People with MS demonstrated improved gait with CN-NINM training in a pilot randomized controlled trial. This study suggests that tongue-based neurostimulation may amplify the benefits of exercise for improving gait in people with chronic MS.
Modulating effect of dietary carbohydrate supplementation on Candida albicans colonization and invasion in a neutropenic mouse model.

We studied the effect of dietary carbohydrate supplementation on Candida albicans colonization and invasion of the gastrointestinal tract in a neutropenic mouse model. Mice inoculated with C. albicans were allowed free access to standard chow and drinking water supplemented with either glucose or xylitol or no carbohydrates (control). On days 33 through 36 postinoculation, the mean +/- standard error log10 CFU of C. albicans per gram on the mucosal surface, determined by quantitating CFU dislodged in the first wash of the gastric wall, was significantly higher in mice given the glucose supplement: 7.20 +/- 0.09 (glucose) versus 5.38 +/- 0.28 (xylitol) and 5.11 +/- 0.33 (control) CFU/g (P 10(6) CFU/g, showed extensive invasive growth, as compared with only 2 of 26 mice in the remaining groups (P = 0.00006 by Fisher's exact test). These results indicate that dietary glucose intake is a key determinant of C. albicans growth in the gastrointestinal tract. The data provide an experimental rationale for clinical trials to decrease the intake of glucose or its utilization by C. albicans in immunocompromised patients.
Radiation induced small bowel "web" formation is associated with acquired microvascular dysfunction.

Background and aims: Radiation therapy of abdominal and pelvic solid tumours results in late intestinal toxicity of a severe nature in approximately 5% of cases. These manifestations may include ischaemia and stricture formation, which may present as “webs”. These webs are likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent bowel obstruction. The mechanisms of microvascular injury to the bowel in the setting of radiation have not been defined. We hypothesised that microvascular dysfunction with impaired vasodilation to acetylcholine (Ach) would be an acquired pathophysiological abnormality in radiation and “web” formation. Methods: A 40 year old patient treated with radiation, two years previously, for an anal squamous cell cancer presented with recurrent small bowel obstruction. “Webs” in the distal ileum were detected using wireless capsule endoscopy, after small bowel barium radiographs failed to demonstrate a lesion. Following resection, freshly isolated 50–150 μm diameter arterioles from the “web” and adjacent normal calibre bowel were analysed with histology and microvessel physiological studies. Results: After constriction (30–50%) with endothelin, dilation to graded doses of Ach (10 −9 –10 −4 M) was observed in vessels dissected from the stricture and the adjacent normal calibre area. Ach dilation was reduced in vessels from “web” (mean diameter 7 (2)%; n = 3, p Conclusions: External radiation is associated with acquired microvascular endothelial dysfunction and “web” formation in the small bowel.
The Protein Data Bank and lessons in data management

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a widely used biological database of macromolecular structures with a long history. This history is treated as lessons learned and is used to highlight what are believed to be the best practices important to developers of biological databases today. While the focus is on data quality, data representation and the information technology to support these data, the non-data and technology issues cannot be ignored. The role of the human factor in the form of users, collaborators, scientific society and ad hoc committees is also included.
Identification of the predominant proteins in uterine fluids of unilaterally pregnant ewes that inhibit lymphocyte proliferation.

Uterine fluid from unilaterally pregnant ewes contains activity inhibitory to lymphocyte proliferation. The molecules responsible for this activity may thereby regulate uterine immune responses during pregnancy. The purpose of the experiment described here was to identify the major protein in uterine fluid responsible for this activity. When uterine fluid was fractionated by a combination of cation exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and lectin affinity chromatography, the majority of the lymphocyte activity co-migrated with a pair of proteins previously identified as related, serpin-like glycoproteins. Together, this pair of proteins, called the uterine milk proteins (UTM-proteins), are the predominant endometrial secretory protein produced under the influence of progesterone. Preparations of uterine protein highly enriched for the UTM-proteins inhibited lymphocyte proliferation induced by phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and mixed lymphocyte reactions but did not inhibit proliferation induced by pokeweed mitogen. In some experiments, UTM-proteins also reduced viability of cultured lymphocytes. Another previously described lymphocyte-inhibitory factor, megasuppressin, was also observed. Megasuppressin, which eluted at an apparent molecular weight of greater than 4 x 106 even after treatment with urea, guanidine-HCI, and P-mercaptoethanol, was a more potent inhibitor of lymphocyte proliferation than UTM-proteins. Megasuppressin is not very abundant, however, and probably is responsible for only a small fraction of the lymphocyte inhibitory activity in uterine fluid. The majority of lymphocyte-inhibitory activity is caused by the UTM-proteins or by a molecule that co-purifies in trace amounts with UTM-proteins.
Assisting Victims of Human Trafficking: Strategies to Facilitate Identification, Exit from Trafficking, and the Restoration of Wellness

Human trafficking is a pressing social justice concern. Social work is uniquely situated to address this problem. However, despite the profession's commitment to social justice, the scholarship to equip social workers to address this issue has been largely absent from professional discourse. To address this gap, this article helps social work practitioners to assist victims of human trafficking. After orienting readers to the scope and process of human trafficking, the topics of victim identification, exit from trafficking, and the restoration of psychological wellness are discussed. By equipping themselves in these three areas, practitioners can advance social justice on behalf of some of the most exploited people in the world.
Media Coverage and Public Opinion on Scientific Controversies

The nature of science reporting for the U.S. mass media is detailed as an introduction to a brief analysis of the effect of media coverage on public opposition to science issues. There are a small number of scientist "stars" often seen on television and a similar small number of influential reporters of science about 50 who dominate the print media. There is a localized slender communication link between the science community and the journalist community with friendly exchange of information and favors. This local bias is exemplified by the public relations received on publication of the book "Sociobiology A Science of Altruism" described as a manufactured "science event" turned into a national controversy via this narrow communications channel. It is possible to demonstrate fluctuations in media coverage such as by numbers of articles indexed in the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature and Television News: Index and Abstracts. When publicity of issues is plotted vs. public opinion polls on issues such as fluoridation and nuclear power plants an increase in public hostility can be seen with each rise in publicity. Media exposure to scientific issues seems to encourage public opposition and suspicion suggesting that the public is either discriminatory or perhaps anxious in a counter-productive direction.
Reduced cytochrome P4501A activity and recovery from oxidative stress during subchronic benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[e]pyrene treatment of rainbow trout.

This study assessed the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) affinity, and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) protein and activity in polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced oxidative stress. In the 1–100 nM concentration range benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) but not benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) competitively displaced 2 nM [3H]2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin from rainbow trout AHR2α. Based on appearance of fluorescent aromatic compounds in bile over 3, 7, 14, 28 or 50 days of feeding 3 μg of BaP or BeP/g fish/day, rainbow trout liver readily excreted these polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their metabolites at near steady state rates. CYP1A proteins catalyzed more than 98% of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in rainbow trout hepatic microsomes. EROD activity of hepatic microsomes initially increased and then decreased to control activities after 50 days of feeding both PAHs. Immunohistochemistry of liver confirmed CYP1A protein increased in fish fed both PAHs after 3 days and remained elevated for up to 28 days. Neither BaP nor BeP increased hepatic DNA adduct concentrations at any time up to 50 days of feeding these PAHs. Comet assays of blood cells demonstrated marked DNA damage after 14 days of feeding both PAHs that was not significant after 50 days. There was a strong positive correlation between hepatic EROD activity and DNA damage in blood cells over time for both PAHs. Neither CYP1A protein nor 3-nitrotyrosine (a biomarker for oxidative stress) immunostaining in trunk kidney were significantly altered by BaP or BeP after 3, 7, 14, or 28 days. There was no clear association between AHR2α affinity and BaP and BeP-induced oxidative stress.
Relating reactive solute transport to hierarchical and multiscale sedimentary architecture in a Lagrangian-based transport model: 2. Particle displacement variance

This series of papers addresses the transport of sorbing solutes in groundwater. In part 2, plume dispersion, as quantified by the particle displacement variance, X11R(t), is linked to hierarchical sedimentary architecture using a Lagrangian-based transport model. This allows for a fundamental understanding of how dispersion arises from the hierarchical architecture of sedimentary facies, and allows for a quantitative decomposition of dispersion into facies-related contributions at different scales within the hierarchy. As in part 1, the plume behavior is assumed to be controlled by linear-equilibrium sorption and the heterogeneity in both the log permeability, Y=ln⁡(k), and the log distribution coefficient, Ξ=ln⁡(Kd). Heterogeneity in Y and Ξ arises from sedimentary processes and is structured by the consequent sedimentary architecture. Our goal is to understand the basic science of the dispersion process at this very fundamental level. The spatial auto and cross covariances for the relevant attributes are linear sums of terms corresponding to the probability of transitioning across stratal facies types defined at different scales. Unlike previous studies that used empirical relationships for the spatial covariances, here the model parameters are developed from independent measurements of physically quantifiable attributes of the stratal architecture (i.e., proportions and lengths of facies types, and univariate statistics for Y and Ξ). Nothing is assumed about Y- Ξ point correlation; it is allowed to differ by facies type. However, it is assumed that Y and Ξ variance is small but meaningful, and that pore-scale dispersion is negligible. The time-dependent spreading rate is a function of the effective ranges of the cross-transition probability structures (i.e., the ranges of indicator correlation structures) for each relevant scale of stratal hierarchy. As in part 1, the well-documented perchloroethene (PCE) tracer test at the Borden research site is used to illustrate the model. The model was parameterized with univariate statistics for Y, Ξ of (PCE), and proportions and lengths of lithologic facies types defined at two scales within a two-level hierarchical classification, as given by Ritzi et al. (2013). The model gives a viable explanation for the observed PCE plume dispersion, and thus X11R(t) can be explained by the process of linear equilibrium sorption and the heterogeneity in k and Kd. The results quantitatively show that the k- Kd cross correlation, though small, and varied by facies type, can significantly impact the particle displacement variance. Furthermore, by quantitatively decomposing the dispersion into facies-related contributions, we gain the fundamental insight that that the time-dependent rate of spreading is mostly defined by the cross-transition probability correlation structure imparted by the proportions and sizes of the larger-scale facies types.
A systematic approach for comparing modeled biospheric carbon fluxes across regional scales

Abstract. Given the large differences between biospheric model estimates of regional carbon exchange, there is a need to understand and reconcile the predicted spatial variability of fluxes across models. This paper presents a set of quantitative tools that can be applied to systematically compare flux estimates despite the inherent differences in model formulation. The presented methods include variogram analysis, variable selection, and geostatistical regression. These methods are evaluated in terms of their ability to assess and identify differences in spatial variability in flux estimates across North America among a small subset of models, as well as differences in the environmental drivers that best explain the spatial variability of predicted fluxes. The examined models are the Simple Biosphere (SiB 3.0), Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA), and CASA coupled with the Global Fire Emissions Database (CASA GFEDv2), and the analyses are performed on model-predicted net ecosystem exchange, gross primary production, and ecosystem respiration. Variogram analysis reveals consistent seasonal differences in spatial variability among modeled fluxes at a 1° × 1° spatial resolution. However, significant differences are observed in the overall magnitude of the carbon flux spatial variability across models, in both net ecosystem exchange and component fluxes. Results of the variable selection and geostatistical regression analyses suggest fundamental differences between the models in terms of the factors that explain the spatial variability of predicted flux. For example, carbon flux is more strongly correlated with percent land cover in CASA GFEDv2 than in SiB or CASA. Some of the differences in spatial patterns of estimated flux can be linked back to differences in model formulation, and would have been difficult to identify simply by comparing net fluxes between models. Overall, the systematic approach presented here provides a set of tools for comparing predicted grid-scale fluxes across models, a task that has historically been difficult unless standardized forcing data were prescribed, or a detailed sensitivity analysis performed.