cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell Pairing during Mating in Tetrahymena: I. Does Phagocytosis or a Cell Surface Receptor Participate in Con A Block?

The lectin, Concanavalin A (Con A), inhibits cell pairing during mating in Tetrahymena and binds to the surface of pairing cells via receptors concentrated around the conjugation junction. Concanavalin A is also ingested in large amounts into food vacuoles. To dispel the possibility that Con A inhibits pairing via uptake into food vacuoles or through induction of food vacuole formation and to strengthen the idea that pairing is blocked through binding of Con A to cell surface receptors, we have conducted three types of experiments: 1) attempts to inhibit pairing by feeding with nutrients and with tantalum, a non-nutritive reagent; 2) a temporal analysis of the presence of food vacuoles in mating cells fed with tantalum; and 3) analysis of the restoration of pairing following the addition of α-methyl mannoside to cells previously treated with inhibitory concentrations of Con A. The results of these studies support the idea that Con A inhibits pairing by binding to receptors located on the cell surface and not by induction of or uptake into food vacuoles. We also present evidence that cells grown in an enriched proteose peptone medium are able to pair and undergo morphogenesis more readily than cells grown in 2% proteose peptone.
An LC-MS-MS method for the determination of nevirapine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, in human plasma.

A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method has been developed to measure the levels of the HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor nevirapine (NVP) in human plasma. The analyte and internal standard (IS) are isolated from plasma by a simple perchloric acid precipitation of plasma proteins followed by centrifugation. LC-MS-MS in positive mode used pairs of ions at m/z of 267/226 for NVP and 628/421 for the IS, respectively. Two linear calibration curves were established for quantitation of NVP with the low curve ranging from 25 to 1000 ng/ml and the high curve ranging from 1000 to 10,000 ng/ml. Mean inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) over the ranges of the two standard curves were less than 10%. The overall recovery of NVP was 92.4%.
Geophysical observations of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, 1. temporal gravity variations related to the 29 November, 1975, M = 7.2 earthquake and associated summit collapse

Abstract Repeated high-precision gravity measurements made near the summit of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, have revealed systematic temporal variations in the gravity field associated with a major deflation of the volcano that followed the 29 November, 1975, earthquake and eruption. Changes in the gravity field with respect to a stable reference station on the south flank of neighboring Mauna Loa volcano were measured at 18 sites in the summit region of Kilauea and at 4 sites far removed from its summit. The original survey, conducted 10–23 November, 1975, was repeated during a two-week period after the earthquake. The results indicate that sometime between the first survey and the latter part of the second survey the gravity field at sites near the summit increased with respect to that at sites far removed from the summit. The pattern of gravity increase is essentially radially symmetrical, with a half-width slightly less than 3 km, about the point of maximum change 1.5 km southeast of Halemaumau pit crater. Gravity changes at sites near the summit correlate closely with elevation decreases that occurred sometime between leveling surveys conducted in late September 1975 and early January 1976. The systematic relation between gravity and elevation change (−1.71 ± 0.05 ( s . e .) μgal / cm ) shows that deflation was accompanied by a loss of mass from beneath the summit region. Mass balance calculations indicate that for all reasonable magma densities, the volume of magma withdrawn from beneath the summit region exceeded the volume of summit collapse. Analysis suggests that magma drained from at least two distinct areas south of Kilauea caldera that coincide roughly with two reservoir areas active during inflation before the 1967–1968 Kilauea eruption.
Differential methods of causal attributions for strangers vs acquaintances

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that people are more likely to attribute a stranger's behavior to external causes if that behavior is common in a given population than if it is relatively unique (the consensus rule). It was proposed in the present paper that another and perhaps simpler rule is available for causal attributions for an acquaintance's behavior, such that more external attributions are made as the behavior becomes increasingly inconsistent with extant impressions of the target (the goodness-of-fit rule). It was found that the goodness-of-fitrule, but not the consensus rule, was used in the attribution of causality for acquaintances when the behavior could be made to fit with extant impressions. When the behavior was completely inconsistent with extant impressions, both consensus and goodness-of-fit rules were used, such that the most external attributions were made in the poor fit/high consensus condition.
Time course of smoking withdrawal symptoms as a function of nicotine replacement

Subjects (N=32) provided morning, afternoon, and evening data for week-1 withdrawal from smoking. Withdrawal symptoms were measured using Schneider's Smoker Complaint Scale. Twenty subjects received nicotine gum and 12 subjects received placebo gum. Carbon monoxide levels verified smoking abstinence. Results showed significantly less withdrawal for nicotine gum subjects compared to the placebo group. A significant treatment-x-time of day interaction was also observed: Placebo subjects reported increased withdrawal in the evenings compared to their morning and afternoon scores, and in contrast to nicotine-group responses. The results provide evidence for nicotine withdrawal and its alleviation by nicotine gum.
Structure and expression of the human motilin gene.

ABSTRACT The human motilin gene was isolated from a human genomic library and its structure was determined by restriction mapping and DNA sequence analysis. The gene consists of five exons separated by four introns spanning approximately 9 kb of genomic DNA. Exon I encodes the 5′ untranslated portion of the motilin mRNA. Exons II and III encode the signal peptide and the 22-amino-acid motilin peptide; codons encoding the motilin moiety are split by an intron. The carboxy-terminal motilin-associated peptide (MAP) is largely encoded by Exons III and IV with the last two amino acids of the motilin precursor and the 3′ untranslated region encoded by Exon V. Thus, the motilin gene has an unusual structure in which a small bioactive peptide is encoded on two distinct exons. Examination of the expression of the human and nonhuman primate motilin gene by Northern hybridization analysis indicates that it is expressed in a number of gastrointestinal and extragastrointestinal tissues.
When affirmative action cloaks management bias in selection and promotion decisions

Executive Overview The Supreme Court decision in Johnson v. Transp. Agency, Santa Clara Cty., Cal.1 provides an instructive example of the pitfalls of a poorly implemented affirmative action program. The suit was brought by a white male who charged that he was more qualified but was denied a promotion solely due to his sex; a claim of reverse discrimination was supported in a federal district court on precedent. Subsequent appeals led to a Supreme Court decision important to organizational personnel and administrative practices.
Centrifugal Stresses in Impellers

THE importance of the aircraft engine supercharger is being emphasized by the increasing demands for high altitude performance in the present war. Centrifugal stresses of considerable magnitude are induced in the supercharger impeller by reason of the high rotative speeds necessary to obtain the desired pumping effect. A speed of 20,000 r.p.m. is not uncommon for an impeller of 12 in. outside diameter and over. Consequently, a knowledge of the centrifugal stresses constitutes a basic design consideration. Unfortunately, a direct determination of these stresses is not an easy matter.
The effect of processing on the structure and properties of carbon fibers

Abstract Even though the same three process steps (fiber formation, stabilization, and carbonization) are used to produce both polyacrylonitrile-based (PAN-based) and pitch-based carbon fibers, their final properties differ significantly. This is a direct result of the precursors used to produce these two types of carbon fibers (polymeric versus liquid-crystalline). Liquid-crystalline materials readily orient during fiber formation, creating fibers with a high degree of molecular orientation, whereas polymers form fibers with less ordered, fibrillar structures. Carbon fibers with high degrees of molecular orientation exhibit high moduli and thermal conductivities. By contrast, carbon fibers with more discontinuous and less ordered, fibrillar structures tend to develop higher tensile strengths. Thus, it is not surprising that PANbased carbon fibers have become the preferred reinforcement for high-strength composites. However, recent studies have proven that, by disrupting molecular orientation during fiber formation, the strengths of pitch-based carbon fibers can be improved significantly. Alternatively, linearizing the molecular orientation during fiber formation can yield pitch-based fibers with enhanced thermal conductivities. Researchers now realize that understanding and controlling structure during the fiber formation step is critical if the properties of carbon fibers are to be optimized. Controlling the structure during fiber formation can also permit milder conditions to be used during subsequent process steps. As a result, research into precursor fiber formation offers the best opportunity for improving properties and reducing production costs for both PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers.
Cultivating Collaborators: Concepts and Questions Emerging Interactively from an Evolving, Interdisciplinary Workshop

We report here on a series of interaction-intensive, interdisciplinary workshops to foster collaboration among those who teach, study, and engage with the public about scientific developments and social change—the New England Workshop on Science and Social Change. We include one line of thinking that fed into the workshops and present an analysis of how they contribute to participants developing their interest and skills in collaboration. Workshop evaluations suggest that people are moved to develop themselves as collaborators when they view an experience or training as transformative. Four R's—respect, risk, revelation, and re-engagement—point to the important conditions for interactions among researchers to be experienced as transformative. Three considerations lie behind the focus on the process side of the workshops, not the specific workshop topics: (1) how best to fill in for readers what they missed out on by not being there; (2) workshops and meetings are a ubiquitous part of the culture of scienc...
The effect of amiodarone pretreatment on survival of mice with cocaine toxicity.

Introduction Cocaine is a common drug of abuse and use has been associated with ventricular dysrhythmias. Published guidelines suggest that amiodarone is the first line antidysrhythmic for ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. However, the effects amiodarone in the setting of cocaine toxicity are unknown and unstudied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of amiodarone pretreatment in a murine model of acute cocaine toxicity.
Properties of local vibrational modes: the infrared intensity

For the local (adiabatic) vibrational modes of Konkoli and Cremer (Int J Quantum Chem 67:29–40, 1998), infrared intensities are derived by setting up the appropriate adiabatic conditions. It is shown that the local mode intensities are independent of the coordinates used to describe a molecule and correctly reflect the molecular symmetry and isotope composition. Normal mode intensities are related to local mode intensities via an adiabatic connection scheme (ACS). The ACS reveals intensity changes due to local mode mixing and avoided crossings, which are easily identified and quantified. The infrared intensities of simple molecules such as H2O, CH4, O3, HOOH, CH3OH, and the water dimer are discussed, and the influence of isotopes is quantified.
A coupling algorithm for computing large-scale dynamic computable general equilibrium models

Abstract Large-scale dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are widely used for policy evaluation and economic forecasting in the studies of global environmental problems, such as climate change. Investigating these issues requires that CGE models have long time spans. Widely used dynamic mechanisms in CGE modeling, such as myopic expectations and calibration on `balanced growth' path, are inadequate for such a long time scale. To improve the performances of long-term CGE models, a coupled algorithm that combines CGE modeling with optimal growth modeling approach, is introduced in this paper. The caveats of existing methods and improvements from the coupled algorithm are explored analytically as well as exemplified in the EPPA model, one large-scale dynamic CGE model with long time horizon. Numerical results from the EPPA model show the superiority of the coupled algorithm over existing treatments of dynamics in CGE models.
Performance assessment of damaged ship hulls

In this paper, a probabilistic framework for performance assessment of ship hulls under sudden damage accounting for different operational conditions is presented. Grounding and collision accidents are considered as sudden damage scenarios. The combined effects of sudden damage and progressive deterioration due to corrosion are investigated. The performance of ship hull is quantified in terms of ship reliability and robustness. The longitudinal bending moment failure is considered as the limit state. The longitudinal bending moment capacities of the intact and damaged ship hulls are assessed using an optimization-based version of incremental curvature method. The wave-induced loads for different ship speeds, headings and sea states are identified based on hydrodynamic analysis and the ship performance under different operational conditions is investigated. The approach is illustrated on an oil tanker. Under different operational conditions the reliability index associated with the intact and damaged ship hull and the robustness index associated with damage scenarios are presented in polar plots. In addition, aging effects on ship reliability are investigated.
Auditor independence: third party hiring and paying auditors

Purpose – Although the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) has introduced rules to avoid auditor independence impairment, there are still issues that are not sufficiently solved. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problems of auditor independence that arise by auditors being hired and paid by the auditee, and by SOX requiring rotation of only the lead audit partner.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a discussion paper, exploring alternatives to overcome the mentioned issues of independence.Findings – The paper presents an alternative where auditors are hired and paid by an external third party. Besides this change, it also proposes a quality control system including the extension of the CPE program. A private entity in representation of the investors (e.g. Stock exchange) and an oversight board (e.g. PCAOB) as alternatives to hire, pay and control audit quality are discussed.Practical implications – This paper has implications for regulators, since it presents a new alternative for hi...
Form finding and analysis of inflatable dams using dynamic relaxation

Inflatable dams are flexible membrane structures inflated by air and/or water. Due to their ease of construction, rapid deployability and low cost, these systems have great potential for hazard mitigation applications in the context of global warming. However, designing inflatable dams is a challenging task as the dam's initial equilibrium shape has to be determined by either experimental or numerical form-finding methods. Furthermore, the dam's shape and the applied loading are coupled since changes in the form of the structure induce also changes in the loading profile. In this paper, dynamic relaxation, a well-established form-finding and analysis technique, is employed for the cross-sectional analysis of inflatable dams. Using this technique and the proposed extensions, the structural behavior of inflatable dams can be analyzed under constant and varying internal pressure as well as different loading and support conditions. The results are in agreement with published results in literature. Therefore, the presented method provides an alternative computationally advantageous tool for the design of inflatable dams.
Diode-laser deceleration and collimation of a rubidium beam

We report the use of frequency-chirped diode lasers to decelerate a thermal atomic beam of Rb and, in a separate experiment, the use of frequency-stabilized diode lasers to collimate the beam with optical molasses. For this we used a 100-mW cw laser-diode array injection locked to light from a low-power, frequency-narrowed, single-stripe diode laser. Also, a novel scheme for imaging the neutral-atom beam profile has been developed for monitoring the collimation experiments in two dimensions. We have increased both beam brightness and intensity by a factor of more than 20.
Mechanisms of Rapid Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Response to Cytosolic Ca2+ or Zn2+ Loads in Cortical Neurons

Excessive “excitotoxic” accumulation of Ca2+ and Zn2+ within neurons contributes to neurodegeneration in pathological conditions including ischemia. Putative early targets of these ions, both of which are linked to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, are mitochondria and the cytosolic enzyme, NADPH oxidase (NOX). The present study uses primary cortical neuronal cultures to examine respective contributions of mitochondria and NOX to ROS generation in response to Ca2+ or Zn2+ loading. Induction of rapid cytosolic accumulation of either Ca2+ (via NMDA exposure) or Zn2+ (via Zn2+/Pyrithione exposure in 0 Ca2+) caused sharp cytosolic rises in these ions, as well as a strong and rapid increase in ROS generation. Inhibition of NOX activation significantly reduced the Ca2+-induced ROS production with little effect on the Zn2+- triggered ROS generation. Conversely, dissipation of the mitochondrial electrochemical gradient increased the cytosolic Ca2+ or Zn2+ rises caused by these exposures, consistent with inhibition of mitochondrial uptake of these ions. However, such disruption of mitochondrial function markedly suppressed the Zn2+-triggered ROS, while partially attenuating the Ca2+-triggered ROS. Furthermore, block of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), through which Zn2+ as well as Ca2+ can enter the mitochondrial matrix, substantially diminished Zn2+ triggered ROS production, suggesting that the ROS generation occurs specifically in response to Zn2+ entry into mitochondria. Finally, in the presence of the sulfhydryl-oxidizing agent 2,2'-dithiodipyridine, which impairs Zn2+ binding to cytosolic metalloproteins, far lower Zn2+ exposures were able to induce mitochondrial Zn2+ uptake and consequent ROS generation. Thus, whereas rapid acute accumulation of Zn2+ and Ca2+ each can trigger injurious ROS generation, Zn2+ entry into mitochondria via the MCU may do so with particular potency. This may be of particular relevance to conditions like ischemia in which cytosolic Zn2+ buffering is impaired due to acidosis and oxidative stress.
Combining Biodiesel and Exhaust Gas Recirculation for Reduction in NOx and Particulate Emissions

The coupled elimination of NOx and particulate matter (PM) in diesel exhaust was investigated by combining biodiesel, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and diesel particulate filtration (DPF). The combustion of biodiesel fuels, being oxygenated hydrocarbons, produces less partial oxidation products such as CO, volatile organic hydrocarbons, and particulate soot. EGR requires auxiliary particulate filtration due to the increased soot that is produced while the reliability of the DPF regeneration requires a minimum exhaust temperature and NOx/PM ratio. We employed a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer system to quantify the synergistic effects of biodiesel, EGR, and soot filtration for a vehicle having a drive cycle with a low exhaust temperature. The biodiesel/EGR/DPF system performance was assessed in terms of NOx and PM emissions for low-temperature operation. The combination of biodiesel and EGR was shown to produce significantly less NOx and PM for a refuse truck operated at low load. The combination of biod...
Structural and Initial Biological Analysis of Synthetic Arylomycin A2

The growing threat of untreatable bacterial infections has refocused efforts to identify new antibiotics, especially those acting by novel mechanisms. While the inhibition of pathogen proteases has proven to be a successful strategy for drug development, such inhibitors are often limited by toxicity due to their promiscuous inhibition of homologous and mechanistically related human enzymes. Unlike many protease inhibitors, inhibitors of the essential type I bacterial signal peptidase (SPase) may be more specific and thus less toxic due to the enzyme's unique structure and catalytic mechanism. Recently, the arylomycins and related lipoglycopeptide natural products were isolated and shown to inhibit SPase. The core structure of the arylomycins and lipoglycopeptides consists of a biaryl-linked, N-methylated peptide macrocycle attached to a lipopeptide tail, and in the case of the lipoglycopeptides, a deoxymannose moiety. Herein, we report the first total synthesis of a member of this group of antibiotics, ar...
Evaluation of Pre- and Postoperative Physical Activity Participation in Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Patients

Weight loss outcomes following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are widely variable, and physical activity (PA) participation improves these results. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively describe PA behaviors before and after LAGB and to evaluate the impact of PA on weight loss outcomes. Participants were 172 individuals (145 females, mean age 43.3 ± 12.0 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 43.8 ± 5.1 kg/m2) who underwent LAGB at a university medical center. Height, weight, presence of comorbidities, and PA participation were assessed prior to and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Those who reported engaging in ≥150 min of weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were considered active. Less than 40 % of participants were active prior to surgery, while 31 % of those who were inactive before surgery became active at 6 months of follow-up. Unlike previous reports on gastric bypass patients, there was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) relationship between postoperative PA status and weight loss outcomes at 3, 6, or 12 months in LAGB patients. Interestingly, participants who reported ≥150 min of MVPA prior to surgery achieved approximately 10 % greater excess weight loss (p < 0.05) and a 2.4-kg/m2 greater decrease in BMI (p < 0.05) at 1 year post-LAGB compared to those who were inactive preoperatively. In our sample, higher levels of preoperative PA participation were associated with improved weight loss outcomes following LAGB. We posit that higher preoperative volumes are indicative of habitual exercise and that those who report being active prior to surgery are likely to maintain these behaviors throughout follow-up.
Kindergartners' Development Toward “Invented” Spelling and a Glottographic Theory

Abstract Twenty-six kindergartners were individually interviewed once a month from October to May with two tasks. The children were first asked to write seven words— cement , ocean , punishment , motion , tomato , karate , and vacation . Two sentences (“Daddy kicks the ball” and “The man is eating a cookie”) were then written in the children's presence and read to them before they were asked where “ball,” “daddy,” etc., might be written. This longitudinal study verified the four levels in both tasks previously found in cross-sectional research. Level 2 in the writing task was often found to last a surprisingly long time, revealing children's belief about our writing system that words are written with three, four, or five letters or a minimum and maximum number of letters. Before “invented” spelling, young children hold beliefs that are different from the principle underlying our writing system—the alphabetic principle of basing writing partly on the sounds of speech.
The unresponsive EEGs of college underachievers

The EEGs of college achievers and ability-matched under-achievers were recorded under conditions of eyes closed, eyes opened, and during a mental arithmetic task. Computer quantification of the recordings showed no group differences for eyes closed. In the other two conditions achievers had normal EEG arousal patterns whereas under achievers did not.
Calcineurin-inhibitor pain syndrome.

Background There has been increased recognition of calcineurin, a phosphoprotein serine/threonine phosphatase enzyme, in the regulation of many physiologic systems. Calcineurin mediates activation of lymphocytes, which play a role in immune response. Widely distributed in the central nervous system, calcinuerin also plays an important role in sensory neural function, via its role in the regulation of newly discovered 2-pore potassium channels, which greatly influence neuronal resting membrane potentials. Calcinuerin inhibition is the mechanism of action of immunomodulatory drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, which are widely used in transplantation medicine to prevent rejection. While important for immunosuppression, the use of calcineurin inhibitors has been associated with the development of a new pain syndrome called the calcineurin pain syndrome, which appears to be an untoward complication of the interruption of the physiologic function of calcineurin. Methods This is a narrative review focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, characterization of a newly recognized pain syndrome associated with the use of calcineurin inhibitors. Results The use of immunosuppressants however is associated with several well-known toxicities to which the calcineurin pain syndrome can be added. The development of this syndrome most likely involves altered nociceptive processing due to the effect of calcineurin inhibition on neuronal firing, as well as effects of calcineurin on vascular tone. The most striking aspect of the treatment of this syndrome is the response to calcium channel blockers, which suggest that the effects of calcineurin inhibition on vascular tone play an important role in the development of the calcineurin pain syndrome. Conclusion The calcineurin syndrome is a newly recognized complication associated with the use of calcineurin inhibitors. There is no standard therapy at this time but anecdotal reports suggest the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers.
Tissue autofluorescence as an intermediate endpoint in cancer chemoprevention trials

Intermediate endpoints which reflect responsiveness to chemopreventive agents are needed in clinical trials. A potential problem in the assessment of these endpoints is their requirement for invasive biopsies. Secondly, their expression within the aerodigestive tract is doubtfully uniform. Without clinically definable disease, the potential for biopsy sampling error is significant. Our approach to this problem is the analysis of intrinsic tissue fluorescence. Various cellular components exist within tissues with the innate capacity to emit a characteristic spectral signature when excited at a particular wavelength of light. It can be postulated that cells in varying stages of progression towards malignancy will differ in both the qualitative and quantitative nature of these intrinsic cellular fluorophores which include folate derivatives and cytokeratins, as well as various vitamins and coenzymes. Using current bioptical technology, we have tested the applicability of tissue autofluorescence to chemoprevention studies through various model systems. In an N-nitroso-N-methylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced rat esophageal cancer model, alteration of the 380 nm emission pattern corresponded to disease progression from normal mucosa through dysplasia to invasive cancer. In a multicellular tumor spheroid model, trans-retinoic acid (RA) altered autofluorescent profiles at multiple wavelengths including intensities at 340 nm, 450 nm, and 520 nm. Such RA-induced alterations corresponded to changes in the state of spheroid differentiation. In vivo human studies are in progress which suggest that aerodigestive mucosal neoplasias can be discriminated from normal mucosa by their autofluorescent profile. Because aerodigestive mucosa can be scanned without the need for invasive biopsive, the assessment of tissue autofluorescence as an intermediate endpoint may prove valuable.
Dynamic expression of the osmosensory channel trpv4 in multiple developing organs in zebrafish

Transient receptor potential channels function in a wide spectrum of tissues and transduce sensory stimuli. The vanilloid (capsaicin) channel TRPV4 is sensitive to osmotic changes and plays a central role in osmoregulatory responses in a variety of organisms. We cloned a zebrafish trpv4 cDNA and assayed its expression during embryogenesis. trpv4 is expressed as maternal mRNA in 4-cell embryos and later zygotic expression is first observed in the forming notochord at the one somite stage. Notochord expression persists to 24 hpf when broad expression in the brain is observed. At 32 hpf trpv4 expression is observed in the endocardium, restricted primarily to the ventricular endothelium. Low level expression of trpv4 is also seen from 32-48 hpf in the pronephric kidney with strongest expression in the most distal nephron segment and in the cloaca. Expression is also observed in lateral line organs starting at 32 hpf, primarily in the hair cells. At 72 hpf, expression of trpv4 in heart, kidney, brain, and lateral line organs persists while expression in the notochord is down-regulated.
Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Cervix: Review and Treatment Course

Introduction: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the uterine cervix is rare. Fortunately, these lesions are responsive to treatment, and patients typically have a favorable prognosis. Case report: In this paper, we discuss the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with pelvic pain. Imaging studies demonstrated an 11 × 6 cm complex pelvic mass. The patient was treated with abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Final pathology revealed invasive lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma. She remains free of disease with 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the cervix is a rare entity with few reports of clinical outcome following treatment. (J GYNECOL SURG 21:185)
Responses of Floods to Holocene Climatic Change in the Upper Mississippi Valley

Dimensions of Holocene relict channels and sedimentological characteristics of point bars associated with these relict channels were used to reconstruct a Holocene history of long-term changes in magnitudes of 1.58-yr floods in Upper Mississippi Valley watersheds of southwestern Wisconsin. The reconstructed record of floods shows relatively large and persistent (nonrandom) departures from contemporary long-term average flood magnitudes. The flood history indicates climatic changes that are broadly similar to climatic changes indicated from fossil pollen in the same region. The Holocene floods ranged from about 10–15% larger to 20–30% smaller than contemporary floods of the same recurrence frequency. Large floods were characteristic between about 6000 – 4500 and 3000 – 2000 yr B.P., and during a brief interval after 1200 yr B.P. Small floods were common between about 8000 – 6500, 4500 – 3000, and 2000 – 1200 yr B.P. These fluvial responses were found to be closely associated with a long-term episodic mobility and storage of sediments in the Wisconsin watersheds. During periods of relatively large floods, relatively rapid lateral channel migration either reworked or removed extensive tracts of valley bottom alluvium. In contrast, during periods of relatively small floods, relatively slow lateral channel migration is apparent and the channel and floodplain system appear to have been relatively stable.
The Potential Roles of the Conserved Amino Acids in Human Liver Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase

The sequence alignment of all known aldehyde dehydrogenases showed that only 23 residues were completely conserved (Hempel, J., Nicholas, H., and Lindahl, R. (1993) Protein Sci.2, 1890–1900). Of these 14 were glycines and prolines. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Cys302 was the essential nucleophile and that Glu268 was the general base necessary to activate Cys302 for both the dehydrogenase and esterase reaction. Here we report the mutational analysis of other conserved residues possessing reactive side chains Arg84, Lys192, Thr384, Glu399, and Ser471, along with partially conserved Glu398and Lys489, to determine their involvement in the catalytic process and correlate these finding with the known structure of mitochondrial ALDH (Steinmetz, C. G., Xie, P.-G., Weiner, H., and Hurley, T. D. (1997) Structure 5, 701–711). No residue was found to be absolutely essential, but all the mutations caused a decrease in the specific activity of the enzyme. None of the mutations affected the K m for aldehyde significantly, although k 3, the rate constant calculated for aldehyde binding was decreased. TheK m and dissociation constant (K ia) for NAD+ increased significantly for K192Q and S471A compared with the native enzyme. Mutations of only Lys192 and Glu399, both NAD+-ribose binding residues, led to a change in the rate-limiting step such that hydride transfer became rate-limiting, not deacylation. Esterase activity of all mutants decreased even though mutations affected different catalytic steps in the dehydrogenase reaction.
Localization of Activin and Activin Receptors in Rat Spinal Motoneurons.

The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether rat spinal motoneurons (a) produce activin protein and (b) transcribe mRNAs coding for the βA-subunit of activin and activin receptors II and IIB. The production of activin was determined by immunocytochemistry. The expression and localization of the mRNAs were elucidated by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization techniques. We have observed that activin A protein was produced and mRNAs encoding activin βA-subunit and activin receptors II and IIB were expressed by motoneurons of the rat spinal cord. Furthermore, the identity of RT-PCR products was confirmed by DNA sequencing. It is concluded that activin may have a functional role in the maintenance of rat spinal motoneurons.
North Central Sociological Association Presidential Address 2014: Positively Teaching Positive Sociology

Like many sociologists, I have been influenced by Martin Seligman’s work in the area of Positive Psychology. Seligman realized the need for a positive psychology after examining the history of psyc...
Home on the Range: A Century on the High Plains

Home on the Range chronicles the epic drama of the settling and development of the High plains - a lyrical, nostalgic look at our rural past and its endangered future. The High Plains of the United States, where the buffalo once roamed, are being abandoned by many who once lived there, and, as a result, a culture and a way of life are being lost. Silhouetted against the violent dust storms and blizzards that often boil across the vast horizon, grain elevators, water towers, church steeples, and stark, tiny towns look as though they could be swallowed up without a trace. But, James R. Dickenson points out, the poignant irony is that these farms and towns are disappearing not through the ferocity of Mother Nature but due to the progression of technology and changes in life-styles. The railroad, the six-shooter, and barbed wire made the settlement and growth of this region possible, but technological advancements such as irrigation and computerized equipment are having a different effect. Home on the Range examines the past hundred years of life on the High Plains through the prism of the author's own hometown. The history of McDonald, Kansas (population now 200), is the story of hundreds of other Western towns. It's a moving and exciting portrait - including shootouts over land rights, lynchings, the chicanery of land agents, the adventures of bootleggers (Kansas was a dry state until 1948) - but also one of faith and community, with life revolving around the local school and church and the cycle of the harvest. The High Plains residents of today, Dickenson reminds us, are in the same position as their great-grandparents - on the verge of a great change. The question is whether the peopleof this area, who are on a social and economic rather than a physical frontier, can meet the challenge and create a viable society as their forbears did a century ago when they pioneered the vast untracked area once known as the Great American Desert.
Testicular involvement inplasma-cell leukemia

Abstract A case is presented of a sixty-three-year-old man with multiple myeloma which progressedto plasma-cell leukemia.
Advanced Research and Technology Development Fossil Energy Materials Program

The Advanced Research and Technology Development (AR and TD) Fossil Energy Materials Program is a multi-faceted materials research and development program sponsored by the Office of Fossil Energy of the U. S. Department of Energy. Technical activities on the program are divided into three research thrust areas: structural ceramic composites, alloy development and mechanical properties, and corrosion and erosion of alloys. In addition, assessments and technology transfer are included in a fourth thrust area. This paper provides information on the structure of the program and summarizes some of the major research activities.
Comparison of blastospores of two Paecilomyces fumosoroseus isolates: in vitro traits and virulence when injected into fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.

Blastospores of two isolates of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were compared to determine their productivity in vitro and their relative pathogenicity after injection of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Blastospores of less virulent P. fumosoroseus isolate 1576 are smaller than those of isolate 4461, and they germinate and proliferate more slowly in vitro. The pathogenicity of injected blastospores of isolate 1576 against S. frugiperda varies with larval size. In small larvae, percentage mortality was lower among those injected with isolate 1576 than among those injected with isolate 4461. Large larvae were equally susceptible to both isolates. Survival times were higher for isolate 1576 and were higher at lower doses for both isolates. Those larvae injected late in development that ultimately died, regardless of treatment, did not lose weight typical of developing pupae. Injection of large larvae with isolate 4461 resulted in a significantly longer time to pupation among apparently uninfected larvae.
Exploring Transformational Processes and Meaning in LDS Marriages

For decades, research has shown that religion is correlated with several important aspects of marriage. However, most studies have looked only at distal aspects of a couple's religion, such as church attendance or religious salience, and are therefore hard pressed to explain precisely how religion and marriage correlate. This qualitative study examines the connection Mormon (LDS) couples perceive between their religious faith and their marriage and family relationships. For this study we used a subset of a national sample of 445 individuals from across the United States who were interviewed over several years; this subset consisted of 48 individuals (24 couples) living in seven different states (25% of whom are ethnic minorities) that we interviewed. The interviews specifically sought to understand how these couples connected their faith to five transformational constructs: commitment, sacrifice, coping, conflict resolution, and forgiveness. Each couple shared specific beliefs and practices that impacted ...
Interaction of cadmium with atrial natriuretic peptide receptors: implications for toxicity.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a diuretic and vascular smooth muscle relaxant which plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular regulation. Since cadmium (Cd) produces cardiovascular toxicity and alters ANP levels in atria and hypothalamus, its effect on ANP receptors were studied in rats and in PC12 cells exposed to Cd. Male rats were injected with CdCl2 (0.01, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) twice a day for 7 days and then maintained for a period of 30 days. On experimental day 37 ANP receptor binding in the adrenal cortex, aorta and kidney cortex was studied by saturation isotherm analysis. In Cd-treated animals a non-dose related decrease in receptor affinity and density was observed in the kidney and aorta with the aortic ANP receptors being the most sensitive. Cellular regulation of the receptor was studied in PC12 cells, a cell line that expresses functional ANP receptors. Incubation of PC12 cells with Cd reduced both the affinity of the receptor for ANP and decreased the number of binding sites on the cell plasma membrane. The ratio of ligand-receptor complex internalized in the cell to ligand bound to the plasma membrane was significantly decreased following Cd pretreatment (500 microM). A significant decrease in the internalization rate of [125I]ANP was observed in cells incubated concurrently with Cd and ligand. In photoaffinity labelling studies with [125I]ANP, binding of ANP to B and C receptors subtypes was decreased following treatment of either intact cells or plasma membranes with Cd. It was concluded that Cd produces significant alterations in the ANP receptor, both in in vitro and in vivo models and it is proposed these effects play a role in the cardiovascular toxicity of this heavy metal.
Charmed meson decays and the structure of the charged weak current

Decays of charmed mesons into two pseudoscalars are considered in the framework of weak interaction models with more than four quarks. Possible patterns of nonleptonic enhancement, and their experimental consequences are discussed.
The free topological group over the rationals

Abstract In this paper we investigate the topological structure of the Graev free topological group over the rationals. We show that this free group fails to be a k -space and fails to carry the weak topology generated by its subspaces of words of length less than or equal to n . As tools in this investigation we establish some properties of net convergence in free groups and also some properties of certain canonical maps which are closely related to the topological structure of free groups.
Pulmonary hemorrhage in fiberoptic transbronchial biopsy

Transbronchial forceps biopsy via the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope is described as a "safe," high-yielding procedure, but the potential danger of serious hemorrhage is of concern to chest physicians. In a collected series of 438 patients, the incidence of mild to "explosive" hemorrhage was 9 percent in "routine" cases, 29 percent (eight) in 31 immunosuppressed patients, and 45 percent (five) in 11 uremic patients. One death resulted from massive hemorrhage. A new "wedge" method of transbronchial forceps biopsy is now being utilized in our bronchoscopic unit. The tip of the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope is lodged into the appropriate segmental bronchus to tamponade any bleeding and, thus, prevent blood from flooding the airway. Careful screening of patients and competence in procedural techniques are necessary. Otherwise, transbronchial forceps biopsy should be performed through a rigid open-tube bronchoscopicronchoscope or performed through a rigid open-tube bronchoscope or lung tissue should be obtained via thoracotomy.
Roles of human factors and ergonomics in meeting the challenge of terrorism.

Human factors and ergonomics research focuses on questions pertaining to the design of devices, systems, and procedures with the goal of making sure that they are well suited to human use and focuses on studies of the interaction of people with simple and complex systems and machines. Problem areas studied include the allocation of function to people and machines, person-system interface design, accident prevention, risk assessment, human performance under various types of stress, crisis management, search and rescue operations, decision aiding, the training and coordination of teams, and negotiation and conflict resolution, among many others. Much human factors and ergonomics work has been directed at responding to accidents (train wrecks, airplane crashes, nuclear plant mishaps) and natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, floods). Although most of this work has not been motivated by the reality of terrorism or, in particular, by the attacks of 9/11, much of it is relevant to one or another aspect of terrorism in its various manifestations, and human factors and ergonomics researchers are increasingly making the connection. The purpose of this article is to illustrate this relevance by noting a few studies, from among the many that could be cited, that have implications for helping to prevent terrorism or for dealing with the effects of terrorist incidents when they occur. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Protein kinase Cδ protects against bile acid apoptosis by suppressing proapoptotic JNK and BIM pathways in human and rat hepatocytes

Retained bile acids, which are capable of inducing cell death, activate protein kinase Cδ (PKC-δ) in hepatocytes. In nonhepatic cells, both pro- and antiapoptotic effects of PKC-δ are described. The aim of this study was to determine the role of PKC-δ in glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC)-induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes and human HUH7-Na-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) cells. Apoptosis was monitored morphologically by Hoechst staining and biochemically by immunoblotting for caspase 3 cleavage. The role of PKC-δ was evaluated with a PKC activator (phorbol myristate acetate, PMA) and PKC inhibitors (chelerythrine, H-7, or calphostin), PKC-δ knockdown, and wild-type (WT) or constitutively active (CA) PKC-δ. PKC-δ activation was monitored by immunoblotting for PKC-δ Thr505 and Tyr311 phosphorylation or by membrane translocation. JNK and Akt phosphorylation and the amount of total bisindolylmaleimide (BIM) were determined by immunoblotting. GCDC induced the translocation of PKC-δ to the mitochondria and/or plasma membrane in rat hepatocytes and HUH7-Ntcp cells and increased PKC-δ phosphorylation on Thr505, but not on Tyr311, in HUH7-Ntcp cells. GCDC-induced apoptosis was attenuated by PMA and augmented by PKC inhibition in rat hepatocytes. In HUH-Ntcp cells, transfection with CA or WT PKC-δ attenuated GCDC-induced apoptosis, whereas knockdown of PKC-δ increased GCDC-induced apoptosis. PKC-δ silencing increased GCDC-induced JNK phosphorylation, decreased GCDC-induced Akt phosphorylation, and increased expression of BIM. GCDC translocated BIM to the mitochondria in rat hepatocytes, and knockdown of BIM in HUH7-Ntcp cells decreased GCDC-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these results suggest that PKC-δ does not mediate GCDC-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. Instead PKC-δ activation by GCDC stimulates a cytoprotective pathway that involves JNK inhibition, Akt activation, and downregulation of BIM.