cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Quadrupolar Preplanetary Nebula: IRAS 19475+3119

Our imaging of the preplanetary nebula IRAS 19475+3119 (hereafter I19475) at 0.43 and 0.6 ?m with HST reveals a quadrupolar nebula of size about 10.5'' ? 4.7'', with two bipolar elongated lobes emanating from the center of the nebula. One of the bipolar lobes shows detailed point-symmetric structure with respect to the central star. A faint, surface brightness-limited, diffuse halo surrounds the lobes. Interferometric observations of the CO J = 1-0 line with OVRO at ~8'' resolution show that the bulk of the emission comes from an unresolved molecular envelope expanding at 15 km s-1, resulting from the AGB progenitor's dense, slow wind. Weaker emission is seen from a fast bipolar outflow oriented along the longer and more tenuous pair of the sets of lobes. Optical spectroscopy reveals a complex H? profile with a broad photospheric absorption feature and a narrow inverse P Cygni shaped core; comparison with previous data shows that the core profile shape varies dramatically with time. We find an unresolved source of millimeter-wave continuum emission in I19475, which together with previous submillimeter continuum measurements, implies a very substantial mass (roughly a few times 0.01 M?) of large (radius 1 mm), cold (~30 K) dust grains in I19475. Combining our estimates of the circumstellar mass with the typical mass of a post-AGB star, we find that the main-sequence progenitor of I19475's central star had a mass 2.5 M?. We discuss the formation of I19475's quadrupolar nebula in the light of past and current ideas for the dramatic transformation of the morphology and kinematics of mass ejecta as AGB stars evolve into planetary nebulae.
INFLUENCE OF GENISTEIN (4', 5,7-TRIHYDROXYISOFLAVONE) ON THE GROWTH AND PROLIFERATION OF TESTICULAR CELL LINES

The effects of genistein on testicular cells, TM3, TM4, and GC-1 spg, were studied in vitro. First, each cell line was cultured with pre-determined concentrations of genistein for a maximum of 72 h to assess the effects of genistein on in vitro growth of the test cells. A second series of experiments were performed to determine the degree of genistein-induced apoptosis in these cells, using Apop-TagR kit reagents, to detect apoptotic cells in situ by specific end labeling, and detection of DNA fragments produced by the apoptotic process. The results obtained indicate that: i) genistein inhibits the growth and proliferation of testicular cells; ii) growth inhibition and proliferation is dose- and exposure-time dependent; iii) there is significant difference in sensitivity of the different testicular cells to genistein; iv) genistein induces apoptosis in testicular cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Genistein-induced apoptosis identifies genistein as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in testicular pathophysiological research.
Photohydration of testosterone and 4-androstene-3, 17-dione in aqueous solution

Abstract Irradiation of testosterone, 4-androstene-3, 17-dione, or their “half-molecule” 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8-hexahydro-4a-methyl-2(3H)-naphthalenone in dilute aqueous solutions with ultraviolet light of 254 nm wavelength caused rapid addition of water across the olefinic bond with formation of 5, 17β-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one, 5-hydroxy-5α-androstane-3–17-dione, and 9-hydroxy-10-methyl-2-decalone, respectively. Time-lapse spectrometry in the ultraviolet region showed that the photohydration of the androgenic steroids was extremely efficient and virtually free of side reactions. Preparative-scale photolytic reactions carried out in water-methanol solutions allowed isolation and characterization of photoproducts.
Studies on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism by low‐and high‐density lipoproteins in HepG2 cellsx

The uptake and degradation of low-density lipoproteins and the esterification and synthesis of cholesterol were poorly down-regulated by low-density lipoproteins in HepG2 cells. Addition of low-density lipoproteins to the cells increased the free and esterified cholesterol in the cells. The heavier fraction of high-density lipoproteins enhanced the degradation of low-density lipoproteins and cholesterol synthesis and decreased acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity. Addition of the heavier fraction of high-density lipoproteins also caused a net efflux of cholesterol from HepG2 cells. The lighter fraction did not have any significant effect on cholesterol metabolism or cellular cholesterol level. Neither the lighter nor the heavier fractions of high-density lipoproteins were found to have any specific binding properties to HepG2 cells.
Our digital world: camera phones and the diagnosis of a seizure.

A 28-year-old, previously well, man described suddenly feeling “funny” followed by loss of consciousness. During the event, his friends used camera phones to record, from several angles, the patient’s activity (fi gure A). The images showed the onset of left head deviation, left arm posturing, and leftward eye deviation, clearly indicating the epileptic nature of the event. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings confi rmed the presence of epileptiform spikes over the left temporal lobe (fi gure B). An adequate history is essential in the diagnosis of patients with sudden loss of consciousness. These patients are often unable to describe their events, and bystanders are frequently too distracted by the alarming presentation to reliably provide details. However, with the availability of camera phones, clinical information can be greatly enhanced. The key in recording an event, from a medical perspective, is to capture evidence of focality such as head or eye deviation or limb posturing, since these features will help to diff erentiate seizures from other causes of loss of consciousness. One picture is worth a thousand guesses. Lancet 2009; 373: 2136
Protein kinase activity of the insulin receptor in human circulating and cultured mononuclear cells.

Summary In lectin-purified receptor preparations from human monocyte-like cell (U-937), insulin (10 −7 M) stimulated phosphorylation of the 95,000 dalton subunit of its own receptor. In addition, insulin stimulated phosphorylation of exogenously added substrates like casein, (T,G)-A--L, and histones. Phosphorylation of the synthetic peptide (T,G)-A--L indicates the presence of at least one insulin-dependent tyrosine kinase in these cell extracts. Insulin receptor preparations from freshly isolated human mononuclear blood cells were also shown to possess insulin-dependent casein and (T,G)-A--L kinase activity. Phosphorylations in these systems are specific for insulin and dependent on insulin concentration. A simple and rapid method is described that is relevant for clinical investigations of early postbinding events.
Co-administration strategy to enhance brain accumulation of vandetanib by modulating P-glycoprotein (P-gp/Abcb1) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp1/Abcg2) mediated efflux with m-TOR inhibitors

The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize the interaction of vandetanib with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp1) in vitro and in vivo (ii) to study the modulation of P-gp and BCRP mediated efflux of vandetanib with specific transport inhibitors and m-TOR inhibitors, everolimus and temsirolimus. Cellular accumulation and bi-directional transport studies in MDCKII cell monolayers were conducted to delineate the role of efflux transporters on disposition of vandetanib. Brain distribution studies were conducted in male FVB wild-type mice with vandetanib administered intravenously either alone or in the presence of specific inhibitors and m-TOR inhibitors. In vitro studies suggested that vandetanib is a high affinity substrate of Bcrp1 but is not transported by P-gp. Interestingly, in vivo brain distribution studies in FVB wild type mice indicated that vandetanib penetration into the brain is restricted by both Bcrp1 and P-gp mediated active efflux at the blood brain barrier (BBB). Co-administration of elacridar, a dual P-gp/BCRP inhibitor increased the brain to plasma concentration ratio of vandetanib upto 5 fold. Of the two m-TOR pathway inhibitors examined; everolimus showed potent effect on modulating vandetanib brain penetration whereas no significant affect on vandetanib brain uptake was observed following temsirolimus co-administration. This finding could be clinically relevant as everolimus can provide synergistic pharmacological effect in addition to primary role of vandetanib efflux modulation at BBB for the treatment of brain tumors.
Glass fiber-reinforced polymer/steel hybrid honeycomb sandwich concept for bridge deck applications

Abstract Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bridge decks possess inherently high strength-to-weight ratios, but relatively low effective elastic moduli. As a result, serviceability issues govern GFRP bridge deck design. Therefore, the objective of this study was to increase the stiffness of a commercial GFRP honeycomb sandwich panel through the inclusion of steel within the cross section. GFRP-steel hybrid parametric studies were conducted to evaluate improvements on the GFRP honeycomb deck panel stiffness. Possible configurations included the embedment of steel plates within the face sheets and the placement of steel tubes within the core. Core stiffness analyses were also performed, leading to the development of the steel hexagonal honeycomb core concept. An experimental study, including large-scale beam tests, was conducted. The large-scale tests were performed to assess the equivalent flexural and shear stiffness, comparing the hybrid steel core concept and the current GFRP core design. From the large-scale beam test results, an overall stiffness increase was observed.
Coupling aerosol size distributions and size-resolved hygroscopicity to predict humidity-dependent optical properties and cloud condensation nuclei spectra

[1] Aerosol size distributions and size-resolved hygroscopicity were measured with a Differential Mobility Analyzer/Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA/TDMA) system during the May 2003 Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Aerosol Intensive Operational Period (IOP) at a rural site in northern Oklahoma. Size and hygroscopicity information were combined in order to model the aerosol as a population of multicomponent particles, each consisting of organic carbon, elemental carbon, mineral dust, ammonium sulfate, and water, or some subset of these components. Comparisons of both derived optical properties and derived cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) spectra with direct measurements are used to provide independent validation of this multicomponent aerosol model. The aerosol hygroscopic growth factor, f(RH), relating total submicron scattering at high relative humidity to that at low relative humidity, is predicted with this aerosol model. The f(RH) values computed using measurements made with the Aerosol Observing System are closer to those predicted when the hygroscopic fraction of the aerosol is assumed to be in the metastable state than to those values predicted assuming the aerosol is crystalline. Overpredictions of f(RH) are generally limited to the measured f(RH) plus 0.15 over the RH range from 40 to 80% RH. Underpredictions are enhanced at RH greater than ∼65%, suggesting underestimation of the increase in scattering enhancement with increasing RH. The multicomponent aerosol model is also used to predict the cumulative and differential critical supersaturation distributions of the aerosol population. The resulting derived CCN spectra are compared to spectra measured directly with two Desert Research Institute (DRI) CCN spectrometers. Among the 1490 pairs of DMA/TDMA-predicted and DRI-measured CCN concentrations at various critical supersaturations from 0.02–1.05%, the sample number-weighted mean R2 value for the linear regressions is 0.74. CCN concentrations are slightly overpredicted at both the lowest (0.02–0.04%) and highest (0.80–1.05%) supersaturations measured. Overall, the multicomponent aerosol model based on the measurements of size distributions and size-resolved hygroscopicity yields reasonable predictions of the humidity-dependent optical properties and of the CCN spectra of the aerosol.
Electron transport properties of palladium-ruthenium alloys from 50 mK to 4.2 K

The thermopowerS, resistivity ρ, thermal conductivity ϰ, and thermoelectric ratioG of alloys nominally of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 5 at % Ru in Pd have been measured from ∼50 mK to 4 K. The thermopowerS varies essentially linearly withT, and is only a slowly varying function of concentration up to 1 at % Ru. The characteristic thermopower of Ru in Pd for the 0.1 at % alloy is (0.23±0.01) T µ V/K. At temperatures below ∼0.15 K there are departures from linearity, presumably caused by magnetic impurities. In the same temperature rangeG shows large departures from the expected constant value. The Lorenz ratioL obtained from two independent sets of data,S/GT and ϰρ/T, are in good agreement. Departures ofL from the Sommerfeld valueL 0 are discussed.
A novel function of heparan sulfate in the regulation of cell-cell fusion

Despite the important contribution of cell-cell fusion in the development and physiology of eukaryotes, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate this process. Our study shows that glycosaminoglycans and more specifically heparan sulfate (HS) expressed on the cell surface and extracellular matrix may act as negative regulator of cell-cell fusion. Using herpes simplex virus type-1 as a tool to enhance cell-cell fusion, we demonstrate that the absence of HS expression on the cell surface results in a significant increase in cell-cell fusion. An identical phenomenon was observed when other viruses or polyethylene glycol was used as fusion enhancer. Cells deficient in HS biosynthesis showed increased activity of two Rho GTPases, RhoA and Cdc42, both of which showed a correlation between increased activity and increased cell-cell fusion. This could serve as a possible explanation as to why HS-deficient cells showed significantly enhanced cell-cell fusion and suggests that HS could regulate fusion via fine tuning of RhoA and Cdc42 activities.
For Love or Money

College professors used to be chided for their failure to address society's pressing problems. Instead of devoting ourselves to austere and useless scholarship, we were urged to come down from the ivory tower and apply our learning to the workaday world. Recently the kinds of people who once complained about "relevance" have learned that many professors were following their advice about involvement in real life. But now our critics seem outraged by the fact that some professors are so relevant as to command good money for their sparetime expertise.
Direct observation of kinetic traps associated with structural transformations leading to multiple pathways of S-layer assembly

The concept of a folding funnel with kinetic traps describes folding of individual proteins. Using in situ Atomic Force Microscopy to investigate S-layer assembly on mica, we show this concept is equally valid during self-assembly of proteins into extended matrices. We find the S-layer-on-mica system possesses a kinetic trap associated with conformational differences between a long-lived transient state and the final stable state. Both ordered tetrameric states emerge from clusters of the monomer phase, however, they then track along two different pathways. One leads directly to the final low-energy state and the other to the kinetic trap. Over time, the trapped state transforms into the stable state. By analyzing the time and temperature dependencies of formation and transformation we find that the energy barriers to formation of the two states differ by only 0.7 kT, but once the high-energy state forms, the barrier to transformation to the low-energy state is 25 kT. Thus the transient state exhibits the characteristics of a kinetic trap in a folding funnel.
Simple approximation of sample size for the bivariate normal

Abstract The determination of the sample size necessary to meet specified significance level and power considerations for multivariate data can be quite difficult. In this paper we propose a quick simple method of approximation. Also included is simulations that indicate the approximation is quite appropriate for bivariate normal data test of the mean vector.
Seven years after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: oncologic and renal functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES To compare the long-term oncologic and renal function outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic (LRN) versus open radical nephrectomy (ORN). METHODS The medical records of 116 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma before January 2000 were reviewed. Of these 116 patients, 63 underwent LRN and 53 ORN. The oncologic and renal functional data were obtained from the patient charts, radiographic reports, and direct telephone calls to the patients or their families. RESULTS The median follow-up was 65 months (range 19 to 92) in the LRN group and 76 months (range 8 to 105) in the ORN group. LRN was successfully completed in all patients without open conversion. The mean tumor size was 5.4 cm in the LRN group and 6.4 cm in the ORN group (P = 0.007). The 5-year overall survival (78% versus 84%, respectively; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%, respectively; P = 0.75) rates were similar between the LRN and ORN groups. At 7 years, the overall survival (72% versus 84%; P = 0.24), cancer-specific survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75), and recurrence-free survival (91% versus 93%; P = 0.75) rates were also comparable. No port site recurrence was noted in the laparoscopic group. The long-term renal function outcomes were similar in the LRN and ORN groups, with serum creatinine increasing by 33% and 25%, and the estimated creatinine clearance decreasing by 31% and 23% from baseline, respectively. Chronic renal insufficiency developed in 4% of patients in each group. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that LRN and ORN have comparable long-term oncologic and renal functional outcomes.
Ectoparasites, Fitness, and Social Behaviour of Yellow‐Bellied Marmots

Parasites can cause a loss of fitness for their hosts, potentially influencing social behaviour patterns of the host that promote or hinder parasite transmission. I studied yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) and their ectoparasites to determine if ectoparasites reduce the fitness of marmots and to test whether ectoparasite loads differ according to social behaviour. Three taxa of ectoparasites were identified, fleas (Oropsylla stanfordi), lice (Linognathoides marmotae), and mites (family Dermanyssidae). High ectoparasite loads were related to slower growth, lower overwinter survival, and reduced reproduction, suggesting that ectoparasites are a fitness cost for marmots. Ectoparasite loads were not higher in colonial than in noncolonial marmots, nor in polygynous than in monogamous adult males. There was a trend, however, toward higher ectoparasite loads in marmots that were dispersing rather than philopatric. Further, ectoparasite loads differed among groups of marmots that nested or hibernated communally, indicating that spatial scale is important in understanding the relationships between parasites and social behaviour.
Identification of differentially expressed genes in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The goal of this study was to compare the cellular gene expression profiles of HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinomas with those of the normal oral epithelium. Using Affymetrix Human U133A GeneChip, our results showed that 397 genes were differentially expressed in HPV-positive SCCHN compared to the normal oral epithelium. The upregulated genes included those involved in cell cycle regulation (CDKN2A), cell differentiation (SFRP4) and DNA repair (RAD51AP1), while the downregulated genes included those involved in proteolysis (PRSS3). We also found 162 differentially expressed genes in HPV-negative SCCHN compared to the normal oral mucosa. The upregulated genes included those involved in cell proliferation (AKR1C3) and transcription regulation (SNAPC1), while downregulated genes included those involved in apoptosis (CLU) and RNA processing (RBM3). Our studies also identified a subgroup of 59 differentially expressed genes in HPV-positive SCCHN as compared to both HPV-negative SCCHN and normal oral tissues. Such upregulated genes included those involved in nuclear structure and meiosis (SYCP2), DNA repair (RFC5), and transcription regulation (ZNF238). Genes involved in proteolysis (KLK8) and signal transduction (CRABP2) were found to be downregulated in HPV-positive SCCHN. The results of GeneChip experiments were validated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of a few representative genes. Our results reveal specific gene expression patterns in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous carcinomas that may serve as potential biomarkers for the development of SCCHN.
The strategies WDK: a graphical search interface and web development kit for functional genomics databases

Web sites associated with the Eukaryotic Pathogen Bioinformatics Resource Center (EuPathDB.org) have recently introduced a graphical user interface, the Strategies WDK, intended to make advanced searching and set and interval operations easy and accessible to all users. With a design guided by usability studies, the system helps motivate researchers to perform dynamic computational experiments and explore relationships across data sets. For example, PlasmoDB users seeking novel therapeutic targets may wish to locate putative enzymes that distinguish pathogens from their hosts, and that are expressed during appropriate developmental stages. When a researcher runs one of the approximately 100 searches available on the site, the search is presented as a first step in a strategy. The strategy is extended by running additional searches, which are combined with set operators (union, intersect or minus), or genomic interval operators (overlap, contains). A graphical display uses Venn diagrams to make the strategy’s flow obvious. The interface facilitates interactive adjustment of the component searches with changes propagating forward through the strategy. Users may save their strategies, creating protocols that can be shared with colleagues. The strategy system has now been deployed on all EuPathDB databases, and successfully deployed by other projects. The Strategies WDK uses a configurable MVC architecture that is compatible with most genomics and biological warehouse databases, and is available for download at code.google.com/p/strategies-wdk. Database URL: www.eupathdb.org
Occurrence and endocrine effects of agrichemicals in a small Nebraska, USA, watershed.

yDepartment of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USAzDepartment of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA§Missouri River Institute, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA(Submitted 8 February 2011; Returned for Revision 1 May 2011; Accepted 18 June 2011)Abstract—The Bow Creek watershed (Nebraska, USA) is dominated by the production of beef cattle and row crops; therefore, surfacewaters are likely to receive runoff containing steroid hormones and pesticides. The goal of the present study was to determine theoccurrence and endocrine effects of agrichemicals in this watershed. To accomplish this, four sites within the watershed—Pearl, Bow,and East Bow Creeks and a site at the conﬂuence with the Missouri River—were selected. In June of 2008, polar organic chemicalintegrative samplers (POCIS) were deployed at each site, whereas in June of 2009, water and sediment samples were collected. Cagedfatheadminnows(Pimephales promelas)weredeployedatalloftheselectedsitesinbothyears.Analysis ofthesesamplesrevealedthatsteroid hormones were not present; however, pesticides were present in POCIS extracts and water samples. In general, the amount ofpesticides was higher in POCIS retrieved from Pearl and Bow Creeks than in POCIS from East Bow Creek and the conﬂuence. Thisvariationbetweensitesappearedtoberelatedtorowcropdensity,asrowcroplandcoversurroundingthePearlandBowCreeksiteswashigher than that surrounding the East Bow and conﬂuence sites. To determine the endocrine effects of agrichemicals within thiswatershed, the hepatic mRNA expression of vitellogenin and estrogen receptor a (ERa), as well as the gonadal expression of P450aromataseA,wasdeterminedforthecagedminnows.FemalesdeployedatEastBowCreekandtheconﬂuenceexperienceddecreasesinthe expression of ERa, suggesting that these females had been defeminized; however, this defeminization could not be attributed toany of the pesticides detected at these sites. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2253–2260. # 2011 SETACKeywords—Fathead minnow Agrichemicals Land use Endocrine disruption Agricultural runoffINTRODUCTION
Categorizing locally rare plant taxa for conservation status

Locally rare taxa are those that are rare or uncommon within a local geographical boundary while more common outside of that boundary. In addition to the rare taxa identified by global, national, and state/provincial levels, locally rare taxa are important for the preservation of species diversity and ecological processes, and therefore require effective and recognizable conservation status. Currently, there are no specific local rarity criteria in use to categorize taxa at regional jurisdictional levels. To address this need, we developed criteria for categorizing locally rare plant taxa by using the framework the Natural Heritage Network’s Element Ranking System combined with attributes of the World Conservation Union’s Red List Criteria. We then tested the efficacy of our classification system (called L-ranks) on the flora of Napa County using a geographic information system and available plant distribution data for the State of California. Results indicated that 89 taxa from 34 families met the area of occupancy criteria for local rarity status. Our findings demonstrated that with available geographic data, the proposed criteria for classifying locally rare plants can be usefully applied at the county level to identify significant peripheral plant populations. The proposed L-rank system was specifically designed to be compatible with existing multi-scale conservation programs and will augment the current systems in use by local organizations. By systematically classifying locally rare plants, current regulations that are applicable to locally rare taxa may be used more effectively in conservation planning and prioritizing at the county scale.
Ascertaining Important Features For Industrial Simulation Environments

Recent years have witnessed the development and commercial release of multiple simulation tools, environments, and intelligent simulators. Each release seems to contain additional advanced features designed to simplify simulation use and increase the productivity of model builders. But to date, no one has addressed feature definition from the viewpoint of a simulation practitioner. This paper discusses our efforts to identify and prioritize simulation features deemed most desirable from the practitioner viewpoint. A series of three questionnaires were developed and administered to a group of qualified simulation practitioners. With results that are of interest to simulation users, researchers, and simulation software developers, the survey responses reveal not only what practitioners feel are the most important features of presently available commercial packages, but also identify important areas for future development.
Tacrolimus (FK506) and mycophenolate mofetil combination therapy versus tacrolimus in adult liver transplantation

Background Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) prolongs allograft survival in experimental animals, prevents acute rejection in humans, and has recently been approved for use in renal transplantation in combination with cyclosporine. Tacrolimus (Prograf) has been shown to be effective for the prevention and treatment of allograft rejection in liver transplantation. However, there has been limited experience with the combination of tacrolimus and MMF in liver transplantation. Methods This retrospective pilot study examined the results in 130 primary, consecutive, adult liver transplants under two separate immunosuppressive protocols. Patients in the study group received MMF (1 g p.o. b.i.d.), tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d.), and a standard steroid taper. MMF was also tapered and then discontinued within 3 months of transplantation. A historical control received tacrolimus (0.15 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d.) and the same steroid taper. Results Pretransplant demographics, including creatinine, were not significantly different between the groups. The 6-month patient and graft survivals of 96.3% (control) versus 92.0% (study) were not significantly different. The incidence of acute rejection was 45.0% in the control group versus 26.0% in the study group (P = 0.03). The study group had a lower incidence of rejection (mean episodes/patient +/- SEM): 0.28+/-0.07 vs. 0.61+/-0.10 (P = 0.007). All of the study group members responded to high-dose steroids. In the control group, three patients required monoclonal antibody therapy and two patients required the addition of MMF. The incidence of cytomegalovirus was similar in the study group and the control group (13.8% vs. 10.0%, P = NS). Early renal function was better preserved in the tacrolimus/MMF group (mean creatinine +/- SEM): 1.09 mg/dl +/- 0.05 vs. 1.51 mg/dl +/- 0.08 at 30 days, P = 0.0001. The study design required dosing with less tacrolimus (mean mg/day +/- SEM), which was achieved at 1 week (23.2+/-0.7 vs. 13.5+/-0.5); 1 month (18.7+/-0.8 vs. 11.4+/-0.5); 3 months (14.5+/-0.6 vs. 9+/-0.5); and 6 months (11.6+/-0.6 vs. 8.2+/-0.6); P = 0.0001, for all time points. Conclusion Combination therapy with tacrolimus and MMF may significantly reduce the incidence of acute liver allograft rejection, allow a significant reduction in tacrolimus dosage, and decrease the incidence of nephrotoxicity. Long-term analysis will be necessary to assess any increased risk of opportunistic infections.
Positively Selected Disease Response Orthologous Gene Sets in the Cereals Identified Using Sorghum bicolor L. Moench Expression Profiles and Comparative Genomics

Disease response genes (DRGs) diverge under recurrent positive selection as a result of a molecular arms race between hosts and pathogens. Most of these studies were conducted in animals, and few defense genes have been shown to evolve adaptively in plants. To test for adaptation in the molecules mediating disease resistance in the cereals, we first combined information from the expression pattern of Sorghum bicolor genes and from divergence to the full genome of rice to identify candidate DRGs. We then used evolutionary analyses of orthologous gene sets from several grass species, to determine whether the DRGs show signals of positive selection and the residues targeted. We found 140 divergent genes upregulated under biotic stress in S. bicolor by evaluating the relative abundance of expressed sequence tags in different libraries and comparing them with rice genes. For 10 of these genes, we found sets of orthologs including sequences from rice and three other cereals; six genes showed a pattern of substitution that was consistent with positive selection. Three of these genes, a thaumatin, a peroxidase, and a barley mlo homolog, are known antifungal proteins. The other three genes with evidence of positive selection were a MCM-1 agamous deficiens SRF- (MADS) box transcription factor, an eIF5 translation initiation factor, and a gene of unknown function but with evidence of expression during stress. Permutation analyses, using different ortholog and paralog sequences, consistently identified five positively selected codons in the peroxidase, a member of a cluster of genes and a large gene family. We mapped the positively selected residues onto the structure of the peroxidase and thaumatin and found that all sites are on the surface of these proteins and several are close to biochemically determined active sites. Identifying new positively selected plant disease resistance genes and the critical amino acid sites provides a basis for functional studies that may increase our understanding of their underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Additionally, it may lead to the identification of individuals having variation at functionally important sites, as well as eventually using this information in the rational design and engineering of proteins involved in plant disease resistance.
Selective Exposure in the Age of Social Media: Endorsements Trump Partisan Source Affiliation When Selecting News Online

Much of the literature on polarization and selective exposure presumes that the internet exacerbates the fragmentation of the media and the citizenry. Yet this ignores how the widespread use of social media changes news consumption. Social media provide readers a choice of stories from different sources that come recommended from politically heterogeneous individuals, in a context that emphasizes social value over partisan affiliation. Building on existing models of news selectivity to emphasize information utility, we hypothesize that social media’s distinctive feature, social endorsements, trigger several decision heuristics that suggest utility. In two experiments, we demonstrate that stronger social endorsements increase the probability that people select content and that their presence reduces partisan selective exposure to levels indistinguishable from chance.
Studies on nuclear amino acid transport and cation content in embryonic myocardium of the chick

Nuclei isolated from 12-day embryonic chick heart are capable of transporting a number of amino acids including arginine, alanine and serine. Dicarboxylic amino acids are not transported. Arginine is concentrated in an intranuclear diffusible pool 17 times that expected from a purely passive equilibrium distribution. There is no competition between stereoisomers nor between unlike amino acids, whether or not they are transported. The nuclei bind Ca ++ (8 mM) and Na + (28 mM) in the absence of added cations. Mg ++ and K + are not tightly bound. Nuclear Na + content reflects that bound plus that in the extranuclear environment; nuclear K + can be concentrated in free form above that in the extranuclear environment. Nuclear cation content is not appreciably affected by the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and arginine, except that the Mg ++ -ATP chelate can not readily permeate the nuclear membrane. Subcellular distribution of Na + and Ca ++ plus Mg ++ , as revealed by histochemical means, correlates well with direct analytical data. The high nuclear Na + content can account for only about 50 percent of the total bound Na + in the myocardium at 12 days of embryonic age.
Upper and lower bounds for fundamental natural frequency of beams

Abstract A better upper bound than the Rayleigh quotient is the Timoshenko quotient, the evaluation of which depends on a pair of compatible admissible moment and displacement functions. Based on both Rayleigh and Timoshenko quotients, a lower bound is readily computed. By means of an iteration procedure, both the upper and lower bound converge to the fundamental natural frequency.
Loosing the Dragon: Charismatic Legal Action and the Construction of the Taiping Legal Order

This article develops the notion of legal charisma by analyzing the Taiping Rebellion in mid-nineteenth-century China. The concept of legal charisma seeks to capture those normally inchoate aspects of law that transcend its institutionalized incarnations and empower its subjects to act out visions of the universal, often in anarchic and unpredictable ways. The article further suggests that such charismatic legal behavior, in spite of its anarchic qualities, provides an important means through which systems of legal authority revitalize and strengthen their hold over legal subjects. The Taiping Rebellion provides an example of both these facets of legal charisma; the rebellion drew on visions of collective empowerment inherent in a newly articulated legal code to act out a challenge to existing social institutions—even as this same code came to assert an ever-tightening grip on the lives of the Taiping population.
An inhibitor of ubiquitin conjugation and aggresome formation

Proteasome inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma, and validated the therapeutic potential of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). It is believed that in part, proteasome inhibitors elicit their therapeutic effect by inhibiting the degradation of misfolded proteins, which is proteotoxic and causes cell death. In spite of these successes, proteasome inhibitors are not effective against solid tumors, thus necessitating the need to explore alternative approaches. Furthermore, proteasome inhibitors lead to the formation of aggresomes that clear misfolded proteins via the autophagy–lysosome degradation pathway. Importantly, aggresome formation depends on the presence of polyubiquitin tags on misfolded proteins. We therefore hypothesized that inhibitors of ubiquitin conjugation should inhibit both degradation of misfolded proteins, and ubiquitin dependent aggresome formation, thus outlining the path forward toward more effective anticancer therapeutics. To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the UPS to treat solid cancers, we have developed an inhibitor of ubiquitin conjugation (ABP A3) that targets ubiquitin and Nedd8 E1 enzymes, enzymes that are required to maintain the activity of the entire ubiquitin system. We have shown that ABP A3 inhibits conjugation of ubiquitin to intracellular proteins and prevents the formation of cytoprotective aggresomes in A549 lung cancer cells. Furthermore, ABP A3 induces activation of the unfolded protein response and apoptosis. Thus, similar to proteasome inhibitors MG132, bortezomib, and carfilzomib, ABP A3 can serve as a novel probe to explore the therapeutic potential of the UPS in solid and hematological malignancies.
Phenotypic High-Throughput Screening Elucidates Target Pathway in Breast Cancer Stem Cell-Like Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to standard cancer treatments and are likely responsible for cancer recurrence, but few therapies target this subpopulation. Due to the difficulty in propagating CSCs outside of the tumor environment, previous work identified CSC-like cells by inducing human breast epithelial cells into an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiated state (HMLE_sh_ECad). A phenotypic screen was conducted against HMLE_sh_ECad with 300 718 compounds from the Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository to identify selective inhibitors of CSC growth. The screen yielded 2244 hits that were evaluated for toxicity and selectivity toward an isogenic control cell line. An acyl hydrazone scaffold emerged as a potent and selective scaffold targeting HMLE_sh_ECad. Fifty-three analogues were acquired and tested; compounds ranged in potency from 790 nM to inactive against HMLE_sh_ECad. Of the analogues, ML239 was best-in-class with an IC 50 = 1.18 µM against HMLE_sh_ECad, demonstrated a >23-fold selectivity over the control line, and was toxic to another CSC-like line, HMLE_shTwist, and a breast carcinoma cell line, MDA-MB-231. Gene expression studies conducted with ML239treated cells showed altered gene expression in the NF-κB pathway in the HMLE_sh_ECad line but not in the isogenic control line. Future studies will be directed toward the identification of ML239 target(s).
Exposing digital forgeries by detecting traces of resampling

The unique stature of photographs as a definitive recording of events is being diminished due, in part, to the ease with which digital images can be manipulated and altered. Although good forgeries may leave no visual clues of having been tampered with, they may, nevertheless, alter the underlying statistics of an image. For example, we describe how resampling (e.g., scaling or rotating) introduces specific statistical correlations, and describe how these correlations can be automatically detected in any portion of an image. This technique works in the absence of any digital watermark or signature. We show the efficacy of this approach on uncompressed TIFF images, and JPEG and GIF images with minimal compression. We expect this technique to be among the first of many tools that will be needed to expose digital forgeries.
Quantification of l-Abrine in Human and Rat Urine: A Biomarker for the Toxin Abrin

Abrin is a toxic protein found in the jequirity seed. L-Abrine (N-methyl-tryptophan) is also found in the jequirity seed and can be used as a biomarker for abrin exposure. Analysis of L-abrine was added to an existing method for quantifying ricinine as a marker for ricin exposure in human urine and analytically validated. Accuracy and reproducibility were enhanced by including a newly synthesized (13)C(1)(2)H(3)-L-abrine internal standard. One-milliliter urine samples were processed using solid-phase extraction prior to a 6-min high-performance liquid chromatography separation. Protonated molecular ions were formed via electrospray ionization in a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer and quantified via multiple reaction monitoring. Method validation included the characterization of two enriched urine pools, which were used as quality control materials. Endogenous levels of L-abrine were quantified in a reference range of 113 random urine samples at 0.72 +/- 0.51 ng/mL. Urinary concentrations of L-abrine were monitored in an intentional rat exposure study for up to 48 h. Comparing the results from the human reference range and the animal exposure study indicates that this method is suitable for quantifying L-abrine within 24 h post-exposure. Quantification of L-abrine beyond 24 h is limited by rapid excretion of the biomarker and the level of the L-abrine dose.
Comparison of amino acid concentrations between plasma and erythrocytes. Studies in normal human subjects and those with metabolic disorders.

Abstract Free amino acids and oxidized glutathione were studied in the plasma and erythrocytes of 6 normal individuals and 10 infants and children with various metabolic or transport disorders. The latter included those with histidinemia, iminoglycinuria, hyperglycinemia (nonketotic), hyperornithinemia, tyrosinosis, maple syrup urine disease, phenylketonuria, homocystinuria due to cystathionine synthase deficiency, and liver disease of unknown etiology. Aspartic acid and glutathione were present in large concentrations in erythrocytes but were not detectable in plasma. Glutamic acid was always more concentrated in erythrocytes than in plasma, and serine and threonine generally had greater concentrations in erythrocytes. Conversely, cystine, methionine, and arginine were less concentrated in erythrocytes than in plasma. Among the amino acids whose concentrations were specifically elevated in individuals with metabolic disorders, only methionine and homocystine had plasma/erythrocyte differences, in both instances the erythrocyte concentrations being much less than the plasma value.
A molecular test of alternative hypotheses of tetraodontiform (Acanthomorpha : Tetraodontiformes) sister group relationships using data from the RAG1 gene

Two primary competing hypotheses regarding the identity of the sister group of the order Tetraodontiformes exist. The first hypothesis holds that some or all acanthuroid fishes represent the sister of Tetraodontiformes. The second, proposed in 1984 by Rosen, holds that the order Zeiformes is sister to Tetraodontiformes and that the family Caproidae is sister to this Zeiformes + Tetraodontiformes clade. These two hypotheses were tested using data from the single-copy nuclear gene RAG1. Representatives of most major orders of acanthomorph fishes were included to provide an appropriate context in which to place Tetraodontiformes and its hypothesized sister groups. The results of an unweighted parsimony analysis indicate that Zeiformes is not the sister group of Tetraodontiformes. In addition, Caproidae appears unrelated to Zeiformes. A monophyletic Tetraodontiformes was recovered as the sister group of the clade Ephippidae + Drepanidae and was more distantly related to the included zeiform and caproid representatives.
Factors affecting the success of surgical and nonsurgical equine embryo transfer

Abstract Nonsurgical embryo recovery was attempted from light-horse and draft mares. Embryo recovery rates were not affected (P>.05) by technician or stallion but were lower (P .05) increase the number of mares returning to estrus by 22 days post-ovulation. Method of embryo transfer greatly affected pregnancy rates. Embryos transferred surgically during March–June resulted in 0 of 12 pregnancies versus 13 of 25 pregnancies obtained during July–September, This strongly suggests a seasonal influence on pregnancy rates. Technician influenced (P
The Economic Consequences of the American Civil War

The Economic impact of the Civil War on American history remains the focus of a lively debate among Civil War scholars. Did the Northern victory pave the way for changes so profound that, as Charles and Mary Beard claimed, the war was a “Second American Revolution?” Or was the war a tragic error of misguided statesmanship that killed 625,000 men without significantly altering the economic and social development of the United States? By the middle of the twentieth century the Beardian view, reinforced by numerous supporters, had become the dominant interpretation for the economic significance of the Civil War. At the heart of this analysis was an assertion that wartime changes – in particular a series of legislative actions taken in 1862–64 – had produced a rapid acceleration in economic growth during and after the war.1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Perirenal Pathology

The perirenal space can be involved by a variety of neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, and proliferative disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging is often an ideal technique for identification and staging of lesions arising within the perirenal space, with its superior soft tissue characterization as well as its ability to visualize extension into blood vessels and adjacent organs. This pictorial essay describes the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of a variety of pathologies which can arise from or involve the perirenal space, and provides a framework for categorization and differential diagnosis of these lesions.
Virulence of the Lyme disease spirochete before and after the tick bloodmeal: a quantitative assessment

Background Borrelia burgdorferi, the tick-transmitted agent of Lyme disease, adapts to different environments as it cycles between an arthropod vector and vertebrate host. Signals encountered during nymphal tick feeding prior to transmission activate a regulon that is controlled by the alternative sigma factors RpoN and RpoS, which are required for mammalian infection. The ingested bloodmeal also provides nutrients that stimulate spirochete replication. Although the influence of tick feeding on spirochete growth and gene expression is well documented, a quantitative assessment of spirochete virulence before and after tick feeding has not been made.
Bronchospasm Due to Suxamethonium: Report of a Case

Summary Severe bronchospasm developed in an 11-year-old female during intra-abdominal surgery. Suxamethonium was incriminated as the aetiological agent. This was confirmed by repeated administration of the relaxant and by intradermal skin-testing.