cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visceral target organs in systemic St. Louis encephalitis virus infection of hamsters.

Abstract Ultrastructural aspects of St. Louis encephalitis virus infection of the major extraneutral organs and tissues of suckling hamsters were examined. In the pancreas, both the exocrine and endocrine portions were equally affected by the virus. A feature apparently unique to flaviviruses was the accumulation of virus particles in all types of secretory granules in this organ. Virus particles were seen within myocardial fibers and within the smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells of small blood vessels of the heart. In the intestines, the lamina propria was the most severely infected, with virus particles accumulated in all cell types.
Human working memory capacity is 7+/-2 in a radial maze with distracting interruption: possible implication for neural mechanisms of declarative and implicit long-term memory

Human participants were instructed to walk out along each of the arms of a 15-m in diameter, 8-arm radial maze once and only once. In order to approximate the circumstances under which laboratory rats remember visited sites, our human participants were asked to select arms in an unsystematic order. They scored an average of 7.6 to 7.8 correct choices, even if midway during a trial there was a 5-min interruption filled with a verbal-spatial interfering task (a scavenger hunt) or a 15-min interruption filled with a visuospatial task (a maze-running computer simulation). This finding extends our earlier research with humans in 13- or 17-arm radial mazes under nondelay conditions, in which we also found working memory (WM) capacity for about 7 to 9 places, the same as that of laboratory rats. We discuss earlier findings in other laboratories, showing that rats can successfully bridge long radial maze task interruptions of 5 or 8 h, and we compare our results also to those from studies in which human participants were not discouraged from reducing memory load by responding systematically in radial mazes. Because the radial maze task takes minutes to complete even under nondelay conditions its routine consideration as a working memory task in the animal literature alters the assumptions often made about the duration of WM in the human literature. Accumulating empirical findings about place-memory in humans, nonhuman mammals, and birds suggest it might be productive to reevaluate this theoretical issue with respect to present knowledge about the roles of the hippocampus and other brain structures in declarative memory and in procedural or implicit memory, while considering the hypothesis that some forms of information may exploit long-term memory in parallel with working memory.
On the asymptotics of occurrence times of rare events for stochastic spin systems

We consider translation-invariant attractive spin systems. LetTΛ,xv be the first time that the average spin inside the hypercube Λ reaches the valuex when the process is started from an invariant measure ν with density smaller thanx. We obtain sufficient conditions for (1) ¦Λ¦−1 logTΛ,xv →ϕ(x) in distribution as ¦Λ¦ → ∞, and ¦Λ¦−1 logTΛ,xv →ϕ(x) as ¦Λ¦ → ∞, where ϕ(x):= −limΛ¦Λ¦−1 log ν{(average spin inside Λ) ⩾ x. And (2)TΛ,xv/ETΛ,xv converges to a unit mean exponential random variable as ¦Λ¦ → ∞. Both (1) and (2) are proven under some type of rapid convergence to equilibrium. (1) is also proven without extra conditions for Ising models with ferromagnetic pair interactions evolving according to an attractive reversible dynamics; in this case ϕ is a thermodynamic function. We discuss also the case of finite systems with boundary conditions and what can be said about the state of the system at the timeTΛ,xv.
MATERNAL BREAST FEEDING AND SUBSEQUENT INFANT DEVELOPMENT

Thirty-six breast fed infants (BF) and 36 formula fed (FF) infants from a middle socioeconomic population were matched according to sex (16 pairs F and 20 pairs M), birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score, mode of delivery and ethnic background to aasess the effect of breast feeding on later development. Sixty-one percent were first-born infants. The mother first held and fed her infant at 12 hours of age, and breast or formula fed the infant at 24 hours of age. Infant feeding and visitation with the mother was at 4 hour intervals for 45 minutes. Mean duration to BF was 2.96 months with a range of 1 week to 9 months. Mean maternal education of the BF group was 14.3 years and 13.8 years in the FF group. Developmental evaluations of the 36 pairs of infants at 9 months of age showed the DQ (p<.01), fine motor development (p<.01), adaptive and language development (p<.05) scores were higher in the BF infant. Repeat examination of infants (36 pairs) at 18 to 24 months of age showed higher scores in gross motor development (p<.05). At 36 months of age 18 pairs of infants were available for testing. Adaptive behavior was found to be significantly higher in the BF infants (p<.05). It is suggested that the act of breast feeding plays some part in the developmental achievement of the infant. Perhaps longer effects may be present. Whether this is due to primary maternal motivation to breast feed, tactile stimuli or favorable factors yet unknown requires investigation.
Porphyrin-adsorbed Allograft Bone: A Photoactive, Antibiofilm Surface.

Background Allograft bone is commonly used to augment bone stock. Unfortunately, allograft is prone to bacterial contamination and current antimicrobial therapies are inadequate. Photoactivated porphyrins combat bacterial growth by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, to our knowledge, they have not been tested in the setting of allograft bone.
The structure of english causatives

Abstract Despite the centrality of causation to recent work in theoretical linguistics, few detailed analyzes have been made of the causal system of English. The present study attempts to bridge this hiatus. A definition of causation is proposed and the question is raised as to what underlying notions causative expressions should be used to represent. After summarizing surface and underlying modes of representing causation in English, a set of syntactic/semantic parameters is constructed in terms of which the relation between elements in causative constructions may be defined.
Addition of an aminopeptidase N‐binding sequence to human endostatin improves inhibition of ovarian carcinoma growth

BACKGROUND Blood vessels in tumors express higher level of aminopeptidase N (APN) compared with normal tissues. It has been reported that peptides that contain asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) sequence home to APN in tumor vasculature. Increased expression of APN in tumor vascular endothelium, therefore, offers an opportunity to target NGR peptide-linked therapeutic reagents to tumors. METHODS To determine whether an additional NGR sequence could improve endothelial homing and biologic activity, human endostatin was modified genetically to introduce an NGR motif (NGR-endostatin) and was expressed in yeast. In vitro biologic activity of NGR-endostatin was compared with the native protein in endothelial cell proliferation and migration. NGR-modified endostatin was used in tumor localization studies. Finally, the effects of endostatin and NGR-endostatin on tumor growth were determined in two model systems. RESULTS Human endostatin has an internal NGR sequence, which is not accessible to bind APN. However, the addition of an NGR-sequence at the amino terminus resulted in strong binding and inhibition of endothelial cell APN. NGR-endostatin showed increased binding to endothelial cells compared with the native protein. Increased binding of endostatin also coincided with improved antiangiogenic properties of endostatin. NGR modification improved tumor localization and, as a consequence, effectively inhibited ovarian carcinoma growth in athymic nude mice. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrated that human endostatin can be modified genetically to improve its ability to inhibit tumor growth. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Sudden Solidarity and the Rush to Normalization: Toward an Alternative Approach

Cet article montre comment la tragedie des attaques du 11 septembre 2001 a eu pour effet de faire remonter a la surface les valeurs et la culture partagees par les Americains. L'article s'interroge sur l'exhortation du gouvernement Americain a un retour a la normalite et souligne la necessite de renforcer la cohesion sociale a travers la citoyennete
Recursive statistics on words

Abstract We describe a general machine for constructing statistics on words with a certain recursive structure. The classical Mahonian statistics, major index and inversion number, are examples, as are more modern Mahonian statistics, including those of Zeilberger and Bressoud, Denert, Han, Rawlings and Kadell. We give simple recursive procedures for calculating these statistics, as well as statistic-preserving bijections among them. We also describe other non-Mahonian distributions with similar recursive structures.
The Endogenous Determination of Time Preference

We model a consumer's efforts to reduce the discount on future utilities. Our analysis shows how wealth, mortality, addictions, uncertainty, and other variables affect the degree of time preference. In addition to working out many implications of the model, we discuss evidence on consumption, savings, equilibrium, and the dynamics of inequality. We claim that most ofthat evidence is consistent with the predictions of our approach.
Wold Decompositions and the Unitary Model for Bi-isometries

In this work we use the unitary model associated to a bi-isometry, which appears for the first time in [1] and was recently rediscovered in [2], to characterize the summands in the Wold decompositions of a bi-isometry and to give new proofs of such decomposition theorems.
Evolution of a high-quality digital imaging system

A digital imaging system that produces high image quality is not created by inspirational design alone, but evolves over time as the challenges posed by new applications are met. Our experience over the last ten years have led to a versatile high quality imaging systems. In this talk, we will describe some of the system challenges encountered and the enhancements incorporated to address them.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Why there is no nuclear dependence in dimuon production

Abstract Comparison of dimuon production in medium mass nuclei with that in the deuteron shows no effect of the nuclear environment for values of 0.1 m N ∗ m N = m σ ∗ m σ = m ω ∗ m ω = Λ ∗ Λ , etc. In the next order, correction must be made for the fact that the pion mass mπ does not scale in-medium. This is small. A second correction, pion rescattering by nucleonic excitations, is also small because of the local field correction g'0(q). The g'0(q) is only ~ 0.525 for q = 0, but its growth with q provides an effectively large g'o, and this cancels the attraction in the pionic rescattering channel. Thus the pionic enhancement in the small-x region is suppressed. Inclusion of isobar excitation in the rescattering provides a small enhancement, and the coupling of the ρ-meson between nucleon and isobar can be chosen within the range of preferred values so that there is no net effect of the nuclear environment in the small-x region considered.
Backfitting Random Varying-Coefficient Models with Time-Dependent Smoothing Covariates

In this paper, we propose a random varying-coefficient model for longitudinal data. This model is different from the standard varying-coefficient model in the sense that the time- varying coefficients are assumed to be subject-specific, and can be considered as realizations of stochastic processes. This modelling strategy allows us to employ powerful mixed-effects modelling techniques to efficiently incorporate the within-subject and between-subject variations in the esti- mators of time-varying coefficients. Thus, the subject-specific feature of longitudinal data is effectively considered in the proposed model. A backfitting algorithm is proposed to estimate the coefficient functions. Simulation studies show that the proposed estimation methods are more efficient in finite-sample performance compared with the standard local least squares method. An application to an AIDS clinical study is presented to illustrate the proposed methodologies.
Delimiting the Binding Site for Quaternary Ammonium Lidocaine Derivatives in the Acetylcholine Receptor Channel

The triethylammonium QX-314 and the trimethylammonium QX-222 are lidocaine derivatives that act as open-channel blockers of the acetylcholine (ACh) receptor. When bound, these blockers should occlude some of the residues lining the channel. Eight residues in the second membrane-spanning segment (M2) of the mouse-muscle α subunit were mutated one at a time to cysteine and expressed together with wild-type β, γ, and δ subunits in Xenopus oocytes. The rate constant for the reaction of each substituted cysteine with 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSEA) was determined from the time course of the irreversible effect of MTSEA on the ACh-induced current. The reactions were carried out in the presence and absence of ACh and in the presence and absence of QX-314 and QX-222. These blockers had no effect on the reactions in the absence of ACh. In the presence of ACh, both blockers retarded the reaction of extracellularly applied MTSEA with cysteine substituted for residues from αVal255, one third of the distance in from the extracellular end of M2, to αGlu241, flanking the intracellular end of M2, but not with cysteine substituted for αLeu258 or αGlu262, at the extracellular end of M2. The reactions of MTSEA with cysteines substituted for αLeu258 and αGlu262 were considerably faster in the presence of ACh than in its absence. That QX-314 and QX-222 did not protect αL258C and αE262C against reaction with MTSEA in the presence of ACh implies that protection of the other residues was due to occlusion of the channel and not to the promotion of a less reactive state from a remote site. Given the 12-Å overall length of the blockers and the α-helical conformation of M2 in the open state, the binding site for both blockers extends from αVal255 down to αSer248.
Low loss dual polarized matched zero index metamaterials for microwave applications

Planar multilayer dual polarized zero index metamaterials using cascaded frequency selective surface screens were presented. Two structures with three and four screens, respectively, were optimized by a genetic algorithm to have a very low effective refractive index and an effective impedance matched to free space. Fabrication constraints on the screen geometry and the dielectric layers were included to guarantee that the design can be correctly fabricated.
Interaction of Arch Type and Footwear on Running Mechanics

BackgroundRunning shoes are designed to accommodate various arch types to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries sustained during running. Yet little is known about the biomechanical changes o...
PIV Investigation of Reynolds Number 200 Photodriven Flapping Wings in Air

The flowfield surrounding wings with a pure flapping motion was studied in quiescent air at a Reynolds number of approximately 200 using particle image velocimetry (PIV) in unusually thin illuminated planes (~0.3 mm). Typical wing semi-spans were on the order of a few millimeters. The polymer cantilever wings consisting of monodomain liquid crystal polymers made from azobenzene (azo-LCN) were flapped at 30 Hz at a large amplitude (>170°). Chordwise and spanwise planar slices of the flow across the wings were used to estimate the unsteady aerodynamic forces generated by the flapping wings. This study focuses on the flapping of small-scale wings in order to establish the flowfield topology. Flow in the spanwise direction was significant. Surprisingly little large-scale vorticity was identified. The chordwise results were inconclusive due limitations in the experimental setup. Order of magnitude estimates were made of the aerodynamic contributions to lift which correlated well with empirical estimates.
General and domain-specific influence of prior knowledge on setting of goals and content use in museum websites

This article explores the influence of prior knowledge on the setting of goals and use of content in museum website visits. Goal setting is a crucial process in organizing the activities of surfers in open environments, such as museum websites, where surfers faced ill-defined tasks. To this end, 12 graduate students were asked to surf through two museum websites in different domains (anthropology and natural sciences). Half of the participants had robust background in anthropology. Within each of these groups, half of the students had spent more than four years in graduate school, while the other half were first year students. Visited pages and concurrent comments were recorded, coded and analyzed. Results showed that domain specific knowledge influences goal setting process. Visitors with high domain knowledge tended to set larger and more consistent goal structures than first year students. Results showed also that general previous knowledge influences content use. Surfers with higher general skills tended to elaborate more on content and use more intensively the information available at the websites.
Chest Trauma and Subvalvular Left Ventricular Aneurysms

Two patients were discovered to have pulsatile saccular lesions at the base of the left ventricle and mitral regurgitation following blunt trauma to the chest. These aneurysms resembled annular subvalvular aneurysms which have previously been reported as congenital defects in African blacks and as acquired lesions following endocarditis or mitral valve replacement. The first patient had two aneurysms, while the second had an aneurysm in continuity with a traumatic ventricular septal defect. These aneurysms were detected by echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging and should be sought in patients who develop valvar regurgitation following chest trauma. (Chest 1989; 95:474-75)
T-cells for tumor therapy can be obtained from antigen-loaded sponge implants.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the therapeutic use of tumor-specific T-cells obtained from s.c. Ag (antigen)-loaded sponge implants. Naive C57BL/6 mice were implanted with small, polyurethane sponges containing irradiated FBL-3 tumor cells. On day 10, cells that had accumulated in the sponges were harvested and tested for specific cytolytic and proliferative function in vitro . The results demonstrated that CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells immune to FBL-3 could both be primed in and obtained from the Ag-loaded sponge implants. Limiting dilution analysis demonstrated that the frequency of FBL-3-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes elicited from Ag-loaded sponges was four times greater than the frequency from draining lymph nodes and at least 50 times greater than from spleen and peripheral blood. Ibmor-specific T-cells could similarly be obtained from Ag-loaded sponges implanted into previously primed mice and into mice bearing disseminated FBL-3. In both circumstances, elicited T-cells exhibited much higher cytolytic activity than T-cells from sponges implanted in naive mice, indicating an in situ accumulation and expansion of primed T-cells in response to the antigen stimulation. Tumor-specific T-cells obtained from Ag-loaded sponge implants could be grown long-term in vitro by periodic restimulation with irradiated FBL-3 and low concentrations of interleukin 2. Adoptive transfer of the resultant expanded T-cell lines into mice with disseminated FBL-3 revealed that cultured sponge-infiltrating T-cells could mediate effective antitumor therapy. Thus, in vivo immunization with Ag-loaded sponges provides a potentially useful technique for procuring primed, Ag-specific T-cells for tumor therapy.
A Transitional Cell Carcinoma with Squamous Differentiation in a Pericloacal Mass in a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps)

Abstract This article describes the case of a 10-year-old male sugar glider ( Petaurus breviceps ) with a pericloacal mass. Clinical signs before presentation included straining to defecate, decreased appetite, and self-mutilation of the perineal skin. Physical examination revealed a palpable right-sided, moderately ulcerated pericloacal mass and abdominal distention. Survey and contrast radiography revealed severe cloacal narrowing with moderate small bowel and colon distention. The animal was euthanized because of its debilitated condition and poor prognosis for recovery. Postmortem examination revealed a lobulated, partially circumferential pericloacal mass, which was characterized on histopathology as a transitional cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation. Although neoplasms are not uncommon in sugar gliders, this appears to be the first report of a transitional cell carcinoma in this species.
Pulmonary function and the risk of functional limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The authors’ objective was to analyze the impact of respiratory impairment on the risk of physical functional limitations among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They hypothesized that greater pulmonary function decrement would result in a broad array of physical functional limitations involving organ systems remote from the lung, a key step in the pathway leading to overall disability. The authors used baseline data from the Function, Living, Outcomes, and Work (FLOW) study, a prospective cohort study of adults with COPD recruited from northern California in 2005–2007. They studied the impact of pulmonary function impairment on the risk of functional limitations using validated measures: lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery), submaximal exercise performance (6-Minute Walk Test), standing balance (Functional Reach Test), skeletal muscle strength (manual muscle testing with dynamometry), and self-reported functional limitation (standardized item battery). Multiple variable analysis was used to control for confounding by age, sex, race, height, educational attainment, and cigarette smoking. Greater pulmonary function impairment, as evidenced by lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), was associated with poorer Short Physical Performance Battery scores and less distance walked during the 6-Minute Walk Test. Lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second was also associated with weaker muscle strength and with a greater risk of self-reported functional limitation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, pulmonary function impairment is associated with multiple manifestations of physical functional limitation among COPD patients. Longitudinal follow-up can delineate the impact of these functional limitations on the prospective risk of disability, guiding preventive strategies that could attenuate the disablement process.
Induction of metallothionein synthesis in cultured human trophoblasts by cadmium and zinc

A system of primary cultures of human chorionic trophoblasts has been used for studying the effects of heavy metals on human reproductive tissue. Using this system, changes in cellular concentration of metallothionein (MT) in response to exposure to Cd or Zn were determined. Trophoblasts were isolated from term chorion laeve, grown in RPMI‐1640 medium, and exposed to Cd or Zn. Cellular content of MT was measured using the Cd/heme radioassay. MT increased in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner after exposure to either metal. Cd increased the content of MT in trophoblasts at concentrations as low as 0.5 μM during a 24‐h exposure. Moreover, extending exposure to Cd (2 μM) to 72 h resulted in a 3–4‐fold increase in the concentration of MT. On a molar basis, Zn was not as potent a stimulus for MT synthesis as Cd, and required a concentration of 2.5 μM to increase the concentration of MT over a 24‐h period. However, a 48‐ or 72‐h exposure to Zn (10 μM) increased concentrations of MT nearly 8‐fold over co...
Linear fractional representations of systems with rational uncertainty

In this paper the linear fractional representation problem of systems with rational parametric uncertainty is addressed. First it is shown that this problem can be solved using the structured tree decomposition algorithm. Minimality and order reduction of these linear fractional representations is discussed. An example is presented to illustrate this method and compare several approaches to order reduction.
Innovative Therapeutic Care for Homeless, Mentally Ill Clients: Intrapsychic Humanism in a Residential Setting

Residential care is increasingly recognized as an invaluable therapeutic resource for homeless, severely mentally ill, and substance-abusing clients. However, those managers and staff seeking to provide residential care can be perplexed by the communications of these clients and would benefit from a conceptual framework for planning psychosocial interventions to address these clients' diverse problems. This paper describes how a comprehensive psychology-intrapsychic humanism-can be used as a flexible, consistent guide for serving this population in residential care. Based on a central principle that staff-client relationships can be a path to healing, intrapsychic humanism's other precepts include treatment planning that recognizes clients' conflicting motives and strengthens their constructive motives, understanding clients' self-destructive responses to positive experiences, and helping clients govern their self-destructive behavior while enhancing their self-respect.
Psychometric properties of an HIV knowledge scale administered with populations at high risk for HIV infection.

HIV prevention programs targeting men who have sex with men, Blacks, and young adults commonly use measures of HIV knowledge as an important component of demonstrating overall program effectiveness...
The admissibility of expert testimony regarding malingering and deception

This article discusses the legal admissibility of expert testimony and the ability of mental health professionals to detect malingering and deception among defendants. A legal analysis of the admissibility of expert testimony regarding malingering and deception in formal legal proceedings is presented. Some guidelines are provided to help mental health professionals and attorneys determine the admissibility of evidence they intend to introduce. Although psychologists and psychiatrists currently have a limited ability to identify accurately malingering and deception, expert testimony about the genuineness of a defendant's mental illness is likely to be held admissible for both practical and evidentiary reasons. In contrast, evidence about a witness' credibility is rarely admissible. In addition, psychologists are ethically obliged to recognize their limitations in making representations about their skills.
Effects of gamma radiation on poly(methyl methacrylate)/single-wall nanotube composites

Single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were fabricated and exposed to ionizing radiation for a total dose of 5.9 Mrads. Neat nanotube paper and pure PMMA were also exposed for comparison, and nonirradiated samples served as controls. A concentration of 0.26 wt% SWNT increased the glass transition temperature (T g), the Vickers hardness number, and modulus of the matrix. Irradiation of the composite did not significantly change the T g, the Vickers hardness number, or the modulus; however, the real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity increased after irradiation. The dielectric properties were found to be more labile to radiation effects than mechanical properties.
Dipole currents and interstellar propagation of electromagnetic signals

We present results of our investigations on the propagation of EM signals through interstellar medium that is supposed to be formed by neutral atomic hydrogen gas with rather low density. We describe the model under consideration and obtain the partial differential equation for one of the EM field components, as well as formulation of the initial-boundary value problem for that equation and the method for its solution in the time domain. EM signals propagation over billions light years distance through such medium is studied for various combinations of its parameters.
Cell- and Virus-Mediated Regulation of the Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor's Phosphorylation State Controls Its DNA Binding, Dimerization, Subcellular Localization, and Antipoxviral Activity

Barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) is a DNA binding protein with multiple cellular functions, including the ability to act as a potent defense against vaccinia virus infection. This antiviral function involves BAF's ability to condense double-stranded DNA and subsequently prevent viral DNA replication. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that dynamic phosphorylation involving the vaccinia virus B1 kinase and cellular enzymes is likely a key regulator of multiple BAF functions; however, the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we analyzed how phosphorylation impacts BAF's DNA binding, subcellular localization, dimerization, and antipoxviral activity through the characterization of BAF phosphomimetic and unphosphorylatable mutants. Our studies demonstrate that increased phosphorylation enhances BAF's mobilization from the nucleus to the cytosol, while dephosphorylation restricts BAF to the nucleus. Phosphorylation also impairs both BAF's dimerization and its DNA binding activity. Furthermore, our studies of BAF's antiviral activity revealed that hyperphosphorylated BAF is unable to suppress viral DNA replication or virus production. Interestingly, the unphosphorylatable BAF mutant, which is capable of binding DNA but localizes predominantly to the nucleus, was also incapable of suppressing viral replication. Thus, both DNA binding and localization are important determinants of BAF's antiviral function. Finally, our examination of how phosphatases are involved in regulating BAF revealed that PP2A dephosphorylates BAF during vaccinia infection, thus counterbalancing the activity of the B1 kinase. Altogether, these data demonstrate that phosphoregulation of BAF by viral and cellular enzymes modulates this protein at multiple molecular levels, thus determining its effectiveness as an antiviral factor and likely other functions as well. IMPORTANCE The barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) contributes to cellular genomic integrity in multiple ways, the best characterized of which are as a host defense against cytoplasmic DNA and as a regulator of mitotic nuclear reassembly. Although dynamic phosphorylation involving both viral and cellular enzymes is likely a key regulator of multiple BAF functions, the precise mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that phosphorylation coordinately regulates BAF's DNA binding, subcellular localization, dimerization, and antipoxviral activity. Overall, our findings provide new insights into how phosphoregulation of BAF modulates this protein at multiple levels and governs its effectiveness as an antiviral factor against foreign DNA.
Playing on the Job in Adolescent Work Settings

For adolescents in the workplace, playing on the job constitutes an important source of tension release, an opportunity to create solidarity among coworkers, and, less positively, avenues of escape from boring, routine work. Opportunities for play vary according to the setting and the job. Because conditions vary for young employed men and women, young men have greater opportunity to engage in playful behavior than young women whose work lives are more tightly bounded. Moreover, playful behavior creates solidarity among young men while it often denigrates and marginalizes young women. This study examines workplace play among adolescent factory workers, bank personnel, and health spa workers employed in the United States. Observations in the workplace indicate differences among workers in types of play, dependent both on the gender of the worker and on the social organization of the work being carried out in a particular setting. Analytic frameworks from a number of perspectives, including political economy, psychology, and social organizational theory in sociology and anthropology, are viewed as particularly helpful in interpreting the findings in this research.
Cytogenetic Alterations During Malignant Transformation

Interest in the degree of chromosomal stability of normal cells in vitro and in the same cells under conditions leading to “malignant transformation” obviously relates to various theories of cancer which can be assembled under the term “somatic mutation.” Only in the past 7 or 8 years have techniques been available for adequate studies of mammalian chromosomes. The comments of Schultz (18) are appropriate in this regard: “It is a truism by now that the change from the normal to the neoplastic cell must involve a change in cellular heredity. However, this statement is now so general as to be meaningless; it demands a rephrasing in concrete terms and a more definite conceptual analysis.” Schultz pointed out that alternative hypotheses often consist of nothing more than restatements “specified in terms of a particular phenotype” which also applies to the viral theory of tumorigenesis. The virus may act only at one point during infection and its subsequent loss would be immaterial since it functions as an initiator, an agent of gene or structural mutation. Viral DNA may possibly become incorporated into the mammalian host cell genome in the manner of lysogenic systems but again this can be classified as a special case of a somatic cell mutation.
Hydrodynamic thickening of lubricating fluid layer beneath sliding mesothelial tissues.

Abstract The delicate mesothelial surfaces of the pleural space and other serosal cavities slide relative to each, lubricated by pleural fluid. In the absence of breathing motion, differences between lung and chest wall shape could eventually cause the lungs and chest wall to come into contact. Whether sliding motion keeps lungs and chest wall separated by a continuous liquid layer is not known. To explore the effects of hydrodynamic pressures generated by mesothelial sliding, we measured the thickness of the liquid layer beneath the peritoneal surface of a 3-cm disk of rat abdominal wall under a normal stress of 2 cm H 2 O sliding against a glass plate rotating at 0–1 rev/s. Thickness of the lubricating layer was determined microscopically from the appearance of fluorescent microspheres adherent to the tissue and glass. Usually, fluid thickness near the center of the tissue disk increased with the onset of glass rotation, increasing to 50–200 μm at higher rotation rates, suggesting hydrodynamic pumping. However, thickness changes often differed substantially among tissue samples and between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, and sometimes thickness decreased with rotation, suggesting that topographic features of the tissue are important in determining global hydrodynamic effects. We conclude that mesothelial sliding induces local hydrodynamic pressure gradients and global hydrodynamic pumping that typically increases the thickness of the lubricating fluid layer, moving fluid against the global pressure gradient. A similar phenomenon could maintain fluid continuity in the pleural space, reducing frictional force and shear stress during breathing.
Happiness, Creative Ideation, and Locus of Control

ABSTRACT This study explored the relationship between happiness, creative ideation, and locus of control. Participants included 171 university students. Three hypotheses were explored: First, happiness was predicted to be correlated to internal locus of control; second, creative ideation was predicted to be correlated to internal locus of control, and third, happiness was predicted to be correlated with creative ideation. Assessment tools included the Oxford Happiness Inventory, Runco Ideation Behavior Scales, and Rotter's Locus of Control. Results indicated a relationship between creative ideation and external locus of control. Data also indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between happiness and creative ideation. A significant difference on the happiness measure was found for those individuals with internal locus of control versus those with external locus of control.
Long-term student experiences in a hybrid, open-ended and problem based Adventure Learning program

In this paper we investigate the experiences of elementary school children over a two-year period during which they engaged with a hybrid Adventure Learning program. In addition to delineating Adventure Learning experiences, we report on educational technology implementations in ecologically valid and complex environments, while drawing inferences on the design of sustainable and successful innovations. Our research indicates that the Adventure Learning experience over the two-year period was dynamic, participatory, engaging, collaborative, and social. Students eagerly became part of the experience both inside and outside of the classroom, and it quickly became apparent that they saw themselves as valued members of the unfolding storyline that mediated their learning. Our recommendations for future research and practice include a call to evaluate "authenticity," focus on the learner experience and narrative, and consider the interplay between pedagogy, technology, and design.
Cellular and Humoral Aspects of “High and Low Dose” Tolerance to Sheep Erythrocytes in Mice

The mechanism of specific immunologic tolerance is still poorly understood (1–3). Nevertheless, it is widely recognized that any new information concerning tolerance induction might also have significant bearing on understanding the equally unresolved problem of antibody formation. In this regard, several studies have shown that immunologic tolerance can be induced with sub-immunogenic doses of antigen, either in neonatal or adult animals, thus giving rise to the concept of “high and low zones” of tolerance (4,5). Most studies concerning low zone tolerance were based on work with serum protein antigens. Recent reports, however, indicate that tolerance also can be achieved in two dose ranges to strongly immunogenic bacterial antigens, as assessed by serum antibody titrations (6,7).
Expression profiles of human epididymis epithelial cells reveal the functional diversity of caput, corpus and cauda regions

Study hypothesis Region-specific transcriptional profiling of tissues and cultured epithelial cells from the human epididymis will predict functional specialization along the duct. Study finding We identified the molecular signature driving functions of the caput, corpus and cauda epithelium, and determined how these differ to establish the regional differentiation of the organ. What is known already The epithelium lining the human male genital ducts has a critical role in fertility. In particular, it controls the luminal environment in the epididymis, which is required for normal sperm maturation and reproductive competence. Studies in many animal species have largely informed our understanding of the molecular basis of epididymis function. However, there are substantial differences between species. Study design, samples/materials, methods Using RNA sequencing on biological replicates, we described gene expression profiles for tissue from each region of the epididymis and cultured epithelial cells derived from these regions. Bioinformatic tools were then utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tissues and cells from the caput, corpus and cauda. Main results and the role of chance The data showed that the caput is functionally divergent from the corpus and cauda, which have very similar transcriptomes. Interrogation of DEGs using gene ontology process enrichment analyses showed that processes of ion transport, response to hormone stimulus and urogenital tract development are more evident in the caput, while defense response processes are more important in the corpus/cauda. Consistent with these regional differences in epididymis function, we observed differential expression of transcription factors in the caput and corpus/cauda. Limitations, reasons for caution Cultured caput, corpus and cauda cells may not faithfully represent the same cells in the intact organ, due to loss of hormonal signals from the testis and communication from other cell types. Wider implications of the findings Our data provide a molecular characterization that will facilitate advances in understanding human epididymis epithelium biology in health and disease. They may also reveal the mechanisms coordinating epididymis luminal environment and sperm maturation. Large scale data Data deposited at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/GSE72986. Study funding and competing interests This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health: R01HD068901 (PI: A.H.). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
C–H Activation of Pyrazolyl Ligands by Ru(II)

Previously, hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) Ru(II) alkyl and aryl complexes of the type TpRu(L)(NCMe)R (R = methyl or aryl; L = charge-neutral two-electron donating ligand) were demonstrated to activate aromatic C–H bonds. To determine the impact of replacing the anionic Tp ligand with charge-neutral poly(pyrazolyl)alkane ligands, [(C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Me][BAr′4] (pz = pyrazolyl, BAr′4 = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) was prepared. Heating a C6D6 solution of [(C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Me][BAr′4] with 1 equiv of NCMe resulted in C–H activation of the 5-position of a pyrazolyl ring to yield [(κ3-(N,C5,N)C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)2][BAr′4] and CH4. Intramolecular C–H activation of the 5-position of a pyrazolyl ring also occurred when (η6-p-cymene)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(Br)Ph was heated in the presence of C(pz)4 to yield [(κ3-N,C5,N)C(pz)4]Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Br and C6H6. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the different reactivities of TpRu(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)R and [...
Inclusive Searches for Supersymmetry with the CMS detector at √s = 8 TeV

We discuss two complementary searches for supersymmetry and their combination carried out on approximately 19 fb^(-1) of data collected by CMS during the √s = 8 TeV LHC run. Results for a variety of final state signatures, including multi-bottom, multi-top, and mixed top-plus-bottom quark topologies, are presented. The combination of results yields an improved bound on the top-squark mass. For a neutralino mass of 100 GeV, the branching fraction dependent (independent) pair production of gluinos and top squarks is excluded for gluino masses up to 1310 (1175) GeV and for top squark masses up to 730 (645) GeV.
Antisense Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System

Antisense inhibition has been developed, particularly in cell-culture applications, to the point where it is being tested in clinical trials for HIV and cancer (1,2). The pros and cons of its use have been reviewed elsewhere (3). Before 1992, however, antisense (AS) had not been applied in vivo with any success. There was much concern about the efficiency of cellular uptake of oliogodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). During 1992-1993, a few laboratories simultaneously and independently designed AS-ODNs and tested them in the brain (4-8). Cellular uptake was not a limiting factor in the central nervous system.
Supplemental defatted microalgae affects egg and tissue fatty acid composition differently in laying hens fed diets containing corn and flaxseed oil

Abstract Effects of defatted microalgae (DFA) on fatty acid composition of eggs and tissues of hens have not been well studied. This experiment was to determine how low concentrations of supplemental DFA in the presence or absence of flaxseed oil (FO) altered fatty acid profiles of egg yolk, liver, adipose tissue, and plasma of layers. A total of 60 Shaver Leghorn layer hens (individually caged, 20-wk old) were allotted into 6 groups (n = 10) and fed a corn/soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 3, or 5% DFA and 0 (1.5% corn oil, CO) or 1.5% FO for 6 wk. BW, ADFI, egg production rate, and egg component weights were not affected by any of the dietary treatments at various time points, but egg yolk color was changed (P
Debugging with Logs

Do you remember something called printf debugging? Years ago, before debuggers were as common as they are now, the only way to see a program’s execution flow was to make your code print a debugging output file listing information like, “About to enter function so-and-so”. That way, when your program crashed, you could look at the last line in the output file to tell how far your program had gotten before dying. The line that crashed your code had to be somewhere between that point and the next print statement, so you could use the output file to zero in on the bug.
Targeting the Hypoxic Microenvironment by mTOR Inhibitors Sensitizes ALL Cells to Chemotherapy

The main therapeutic challenge in the treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is the development of strategies aimed at overcoming resistance to chemotherapy. Interactions between leukemia cells and microenvironment promote leukemia cell survival and confer resistance to drugs commonly used to treat ALL. Recent reports indicate that the endosteum at the murine bone-bone marrow (BM) interface is hypoxic, and data in a rat model demonstrate that leukemic cells infiltrating bone marrow were markedly hypoxic compared to cells in bone marrow of healthy rats. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a key regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia. To characterize expression and function of HIF-1α in the bone marrow from ALL patients, HIF-1α expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in the bone marrow specimens from 16 newly diagnosed patients with pre-B ALL. HIF-1α was found to be expressed in 10/16 samples tested (62.5%). Of the 16 patients, 5 patients subsequently relapsed, all of which have expressed HIF-1α at diagnosis. No relapses were seen in the 6 patients with negative HIF-1α levels at presentation. To examine the molecular mechanisms of survival of leukemic cells growing under hypoxic conditions of bone marrow microenvironment, we established a co-culture system of pre-B ALL cells with BM-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Culture of REH cells under hypoxia (1% O 2 ) resulted in induction of HIF-1α protein which was further increased in leukemia/stroma co-culture. Exposure of cells to hypoxia resulted in robust activation of AKT phosphorylation in leukemic cells. We have recently demonstrated that rapamycin analogs inhibit AKT signaling in AML cells via inhibition of mTORC2 formation ( Zeng et al., Blood 109:3509-12, 2007 ). Likewise, mTOR inhibition by RAD001 completely blocked HIF-1α and pAKT in REH cells. Importantly, REH cells co-cultured with MSC under hypoxia/high glucose environment exhibited significantly lower apoptotic rates (p=0.02) and growth inhibition (p=0.002) in response to vincristine, and these effects were reversed by mTOR blockade with RAD001. We have further demonstrated that inhibition of mTOR signaling reduced expression of the glucose transporter Glut-1 and diminished glucose flux, decreased glycolytic rate and ATP production, both in leukemic cell lines and in primary ALL blasts (n=8). This was associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibition of the hypoxia-induced hexokinase (HKII) in the mitochondrial fraction of ALL cells. In summary, data suggest that mTOR/AKT signaling critically controls HIF-1α expression and function in ALL cells studied under the hypoxic conditions characteristic of bone marrow microenvironment. Hence, mTOR inhibition or blockade of HIF-1α-mediated pro-survival signaling events may reverse microenvironment-mediated chemoresistance and improve clinical outcomes in ALL.