cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracellular routes of apical and basolateral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of epithelial cells

The asymmetric distribution of pumps, channels, receptors and enzymes between the apical and basolateral domains of the plasma membrane is essential for the vectorial function of transporting and secretory epithelia. Enveloped viruses that bud in a polarized fashion from the surface of epithelial cells in culture provide an excellent system to study the biogenesis of this asymmetry. Using this system, evidence has been accumulated indicating that apical and basolateral plasma membrane proteins follow the same pathway until they reach the Golgi apparatus, where they codistribute. At the level of the Golgi, or immediately after leaving this organelle, apical and basolateral glycoproteins are incorporated into separate “carrier vesicles”, which transport them to the respective cell surface. Future work should establish the structural and biochemical nature of these vesicles and the molecular basis of this vectorial delivery of plasma membrane proteins in epithelial cells.
Positive and negative regulation of proliferation and differentiation in tracheobronchial epithelial cells

The lung (in particular the bronchial epithelium) is a major site for tumor formation in humans. Environmental factors in conjunction with genetic factors are important determinants in this disease. The acquisition of defects in the control of proliferation and differentiation appears to constitute crucial steps in the transition of a normal to a neoplastic cell. Several factors have been identified that control positively or negatively the proliferation and differentiation of tracheobronchial epithelial cells. These factors include EGF/TGFα, TGFβ, insulin/IGFI, KGF, certain cytokines, retinoids, and activators of protein kinase C. Studies with neoplastic cells have identified several protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes whose gene products are involved in the regulation of cell growth of normal tracheobronchial epithelial cells, and when mutated, lost, or activated, bring about a neoplastic phenotype. Future studies on the precise function of these genes will help to elucidate the mechanisms by whic...
Evaluating dairy herd management and ration formulation microcomputer software in the United States

Abstract A study was done during 1982–1983 to develop criteria by which farmers, agribusiness and extension personnel could evaluate dairy herd management and ration formulation software for onfarm microcomputers. Ration-balancing programs were generally rated higher than herd management programs on the criteria used. A second study was conducted during 1985–1986 using a system to determine a relative value of the software based on the number of items that the program will record, summarize, evaluate, and/or report. This later study found herd management and ration-balancing programs to be very diverse in their ability to perform these operations. This is likely due to the diversity in types of end-users that are purchasing this software and the demand that they create.
Spatial coding of visually guided arm movements in primate motor cortex

Previous studies of the motor cortex in behaving animals were focused on the relations between the activity of single cells, usually pyramidal tract neurons, and parameters of isometric contraction...
Confocal scanning Mueller polarimeter

We describe the design, construction, calibration and testing of a confocal scanning Mueller polarimeter. A polarization state generator and polarization state analyzer have been inserted into the optical path of a conventional confocal scanning imager to collect the reflectance Muller matrix of samples measuring up to 6.26 mm on a side. Four sources are available for sample interrogation using diode lasers centered at 532 nm, 635 nm, 670 nm, and 785 nm. The device captures all required imagery to calculate the Mueller matrix of each image pixel in approximately 90 s. These matrices are then reduced into polarization imagery such as the diattenuation, retardance and depolarization index. Oftentimes this polarization imagery is quite different and potentially more informative than a conventional intensity image. There are a number of fields that can benefit from alternative/enhanced imagery, most notably in the biomedical, discrimination, and target recognition communities. The sensor has been designed for biomedical applications aimed at improving the technique of noninvasive detection of melanoma lesions.
Words and Things: Religious and Political Domains

One of the more compelling starting points in social theory is defining the experience that one is studying. This Aristotelian exercise is irresistible when comparing two or more experiences that are demarcated for reasons independent of any research or linguistic project, and seem deficient accordingly. Church and state, for example, are separated in the United States on constitutional grounds, and almost never defined within constitutional law as organizations, institutions, or practices. Yet the reasons for separating church and state must rely to some degree on what we make of religion and politics. If the two (in this case) practices are identical or essentially similar, then arguments for separating church and state would be different than if the practices are radically unlike one another. My effort in these opening chapters will be to engage in what might be called concept-formation (or discovery). I will offer definitions of religion and politics, and explore the defining strategies that yield various productive concepts of church and state with the thought of providing a first cut into the distinctions, overlaps and mutual effects of the two institutions in democratic political systems.
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies recognizing neurotropic Friend murine leukemia virus.

Abstract We isolated a replication-competent, neurotropic retrovirus (FrC6 virus) and its molecular clone A8 from the NB-tropic Friend murine leukemia virus (FLV) complex. For detection and characterization of the FrC6 and A8 viruses, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the FLV complex were established. Thirty MAbs, each of which reacted with the FLV-producing cell line, were tested for potential neutralizing activities; only two MAbs inhibited the proliferation of the A8 virus. These two MAbs were ineffective or had very weak neutralizing activities toward the non-neurotropic FLV strain clone 57 virus. Further characterization of MAbs by immunoprecipitation revealed that 4 MAbs recognized the envelope protein of the A8 virus. Two of these 4 MAbs recognized the surface glycoprotein gp70, requiring the conformational epitope of the virus for this recognition, while the other two MAbs, which were reactive with the transmembrane protein p15E, were conformation-independent Both of the MAbs against gp70 distinguished neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic viruses to some extent, through neutralizing activity or binding activity detected by immunoprecipitation, whereas the two MAbs against p15E reacted with the viruses in a similar manner. Furthermore, one of the MAbs distinguished the viral antigen in the wall of the vacuolation that composes the spongiotic lesion induced by FrC6 viral infection of the brain.
The Drosophila anachronism locus: A glycoprotein secreted by glia inhibits neuroblast proliferation

The Drosophila anachronism (ana) locus controls the proliferation of neuroblasts, neuronal stem cells that give rise to the central nervous system. In ana mutants, quiescent postembryonic central brain and optic lobe neuroblasts enter S phase precociously. ana encodes a novel secreted protein of 474 amino acids that is expressed not in the affected neuroblasts, but rather in a subclass of neighboring glial cells. These studies argue for an important role for glia in negatively regulating proliferation of neuronal precursor cells, thereby controlling the timing of postembryonic neurogenesis.
Cognitive functioning in alcoholic patients with and without cocaine dependence.

Abstract Neuropsychological functioning of 32 cocaine-dependent, alcoholic patients was compared to that of 55 alcoholic patients without cocaine use at the beginning of treatment. When the effects of age were statistically controlled, cocaine-dependent patients performed more poorly on measures of immediate and delayed verbal memory. There were no other group differences on screening measures of attention, visuoconstructional ability, visuospatial memory, abstract reasoning, or practical judgment. Thus, in this sample of alcoholic patients, a specific decrement in verbal memory was associated with chronic cocaine use. The brief screening battery used in this study might have failed to detect other, more subtle impairments in the cocaine-dependent group. © 1997 National Academy of Neuropsychology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd
Medicaid And Marketplace Eligibility Changes Will Occur Often In All States; Policy Options Can Ease Impact

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), changes in income and family circumstances are likely to produce frequent transitions in eligibility for Medicaid and health insurance Marketplace coverage for low- and middle-income adults. We provide state-by-state estimates of potential eligibility changes (“churning”) if all states expanded Medicaid under health reform, and we identify predictors of rates of churning within states. Combining longitudinal survey data with state-specific weighting and small-area estimation techniques, we found that eligibility changes occurred frequently in all fifty states. Higher-income states and states that had more generous Medicaid eligibility criteria for nonelderly adults before the ACA experienced more churning, although the differences were small. Even in states with the least churning, we estimated that more than 40 percent of adults likely to enroll in Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace coverage would experience a change in eligibility within twelve months. Policy options...
Systemic thermotherapy: description of a method and physiologic tolerance in clinical subjects.

A safe, effective method of inducing total body hyperthermia to 42°C (108°F) has been developed and applied to clinical subjects with advanced malignancy. Physiological and biochemical parameters have been studied to determine tolerance and detect toxicity. Treatments were well tolerated with appropriate life support measures, mainly fluid and electrolyte replacement. Occasional arrhythmias and superficial cutaneous burns were the major complications. No evidence of central nervous system dysfunction was detected. Serum enzyme elevations after treatment appeared to indicate hepatic cellular injury but no clinical problems resulted. Renal, pulmonary, and hematologic parameters showed no significant changes from baseline values. Two early deaths occurred in patients with massive liver replacement with tumor and such patients may not be appropriate subjects for hyperthermia. Cancer 40:3155-3159, 1977.
Comparison of Tomatillo and Tomato Volatile Compounds in the Headspace by Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT‐MS)

The concentration of 31 volatiles were measured in the headspace of tomatillos using selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS), and were compared with those in vine-ripened tomato, roma tomato, cherry tomato, and grape tomato. None of the volatiles were higher in the headspace of tomatillos than of tomatoes. Compounds (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-pentenal, 2-isobutylthiazole, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and phenylacetaldehyde were significantly lower in tomatillo than in the tomato varieties in the headspace. After blending, volatiles in the headspace increased, and then decreased after reaching a maximum concentration, due to further degradation or depletion. Compounds (E)-2-pentenal and 1-penten-3-one reached a maximum concentration later than (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal, and hexanal for tomatillo and tomatoes. The slope of the ratio of (E)-2-hexenal and (Z)-3-hexenal was not significantly different for any of the samples, implying that the activity of cis/trans isomerase was not different between tomatillos and tomatoes.
The effects of peracetic acid-hydrogen peroxide reprocessing on dialyzer solute and water permeability.

We characterized the effects of peracetic acid-hydrogen peroxide (PAHP) reprocessing on hemodialyzer permeability to water and solutes of various molecular weights and compared these effects within and between dialyzers. An aqueous-based solution containing urea, creatinine, vancomycin, inulin, myoglobin, and albumin was dialyzed for 60 minutes with a hemodialyzer after undergoing 0, 1 , 5, 10, and 15 reuse cycles. Solute clearance, sieving coefficient (SC), and ultrafiltration coefficient were determined. We found that PAHP reprocessing significantly decreased water and solute removal (urea, creatinine, vancomycin, inulin) by cellulose triacetate dialyzers (CT190) over 15 reuses (p<0.05) but did not affect the permeability of polysulfone dialyzers (F80A). Inulin removal was significantly lower for F80A than for CT190 (p<0.0001 and p<0.001 for clearance and SC values, respectively). Myoglobin and albumin removal by CT190 significantly decreased over 15 reuses (p<0.05), but no protein was detected in dialysate or ultrafiltrate at any reuse number for F80A. Reprocessing with PAHP alters dialyzer permeability; the effect is more pronounced for the CT190 dialyzer, but removal of solutes with molecular weight above 1500 Da is significantly lower with F80A dialyzers than with CT190. These changes in dialyzer permeability should be considered when determining optimal reuse procedures.
The role of the stomach in drug absorption as observed via absorption rate analysis.

Abstract Absorption rate analysis (ARA) was introduced in 2011 as a no-cost investigative tool for elucidating the details of drug absorption recorded in individual plasma time–concentration profiles. The method continues to be refined since its introduction, so that a new article offering more advanced applications of the method is appropriate. The stomach has been observed to exert considerable influence on the drug absorption process beyond the usual issues of drug solubility and stability in the gastric environment. This article is intended to demonstrate how readers can use ARA to reveal common factors affecting drug absorption. A newly introduced technique is to make observations concerning individual subjects, then assemble those individual observations to reveal factors not observable on an individual basis. This technique considerably increases the utility of ARA for revealing potential barriers to drug absorption.
Possible Interference Phenomena between Parity Doublets

Possible interference phenomena between parity doublets are discussed. In particular, the decay particle distributions of ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}$ produced in ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p$ capture and in ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p$ collision are analyzed. These distributions may have interference terms with odd parity. Experimental detection of such terms would constitute an unambiguous proof of the existence of parity doublets. It is further pointed out that such interference terms have a rather interesting time dependence.
Evidence for terminal S1-nuclease-resistant regions on single-stranded linear DNA

Abstract The 5′- and probably the 3′-termini of the single-stranded linear DNA from parvovirus Kilham rat virus (KRV) are resistant to a single-stranded specific S, nuclease and elute from BND cellulose as a double-stranded DNA. These DNA pieces are small, involving 90 to 150 nucleotides from each end of the DNA molecule. The double-stranded DNA termini could result from hairpin turns of terminal palindromic sequences. The 3′ double-stranded DNA termini might serve as a primer for the replication of linear, single-stranded DNA.
Finding Haplotype Block Boundaries by Using the Minimum-Description-Length Principle

We present a method for detecting haplotype blocks that simultaneously uses information about linkage-disequilibrium decay between the blocks and the diversity of haplotypes within the blocks. By use of phased single-nucleotide polymorphism data, our method partitions a chromosome into a series of adjacent, nonoverlapping blocks. The partition is made by choosing among a family of Markov models for block structure in a chromosomal region. Specifically, in the model, the occurrence of haplotypes within blocks follows a time-inhomogeneous Markov process along the chromosome, and we choose among possible partitions by using the two-stage minimum-description-length criterion. When applied to data simulated from the coalescent with recombination hotspots, our method reliably situates block boundaries at the hotspots and infrequently places block boundaries at sites with background levels of recombination. We apply three previously published block-finding methods to the same data, showing that they either are relatively insensitive to recombination hotspots or fail to discriminate between background sites of recombination and hotspots. When applied to the 5q31 data of Daly et al., our method identifies more block boundaries in agreement with those found by Daly et al. than do other methods. These results suggest that our method may be useful for designing association-based mapping studies that exploit haplotype blocks.
Flow control for limited buffer multicast

Analyses a multiround flow control algorithm that attempts to minimize the time required to multicast a message to a group of recipients and receive responses directly from each group member. Such a flow control algorithm may be necessary because the hurry of responses to the multicast can overflow the buffer space of the process that issued the multicast. The condition that each recipient directly respond to the multicast prevents the use of reliable multicast protocols based on software combining trees or negative-acknowledgments. The flow control analysed algorithm directs the responding processes to hold their responses for some period of time, called the backoff time, before sending them to the originator. The backoff time depends on the number of recipients that respond, the originator's available buffer space and buffer service time distribution, and the number of times that the originator is willing to retransmit its message. This paper develops an approximate analysis of the service time distribution of the limited-buffer preemptive queuing process that occurs within the protocol processing layers of a multiprogrammed operating system. It then uses this model to calculate multicast backoff times. The paper reports experimental verification of the accuracy of this service time model and discusses its application to the multicast flow control problem. >
Effects of Changes in Chemistry on Flex Bending Fatigue Behavior of Al-Based Amorphous Alloy Ribbons

The effects of changes in composition on the flow behavior and flex bending fatigue behavior of a series of Al-Gd-Ni-X (X = Fe or Co) amorphous alloy ribbons have been determined at 1 Hz at room temperature. It has been shown that the addition of Fe, Co, and Fe/Co combination into these materials increases the strength, T g, and T x1 in addition to the activation energy for crystallization. The lowest strength (i.e., 880 MPa) base alloy Al87Gd6Ni7 exhibited the best low-cycle fatigue (LCF) and worst high-cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior, whereas the higher strength alloys (~1100 MPa) Al85Gd6Ni7Fe2 and Al85Gd6Ni7Fe1Co1 exhibited worse LCF and better HCF behavior. The ratio of the stress amplitude at the fatigue limit at 1 × 106 cycles to uniaxial failure strength ranged from 0.25 to 0.37 (240 to 397 MPa), much higher than conventional aluminum alloys. These results are also compared with those obtained on other amorphous alloy ribbons.
The influence of grain size on the work hardening of face-center cubic polycrystals

Abstract Stress-strain data were obtained over a wide range of grain sizes for brass, copper and aluminium. A Hall-Petch relation was found not to describe work hardening in the cases of copper and aluminium. An approach to poly-crystal work hardening, based in part on Ashby's concepts, was also unsuccessful in describing the behaviour of the same materials. These results indicate the need for a new viewpoint on the influence of grain size on poly-crystal work hardening.
INFLUENCE OF INTESTINAL CONTENT ON RADIATION LESIONS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE.

SummaryThe abdomens of dogs with T-V fistulas of the jejunum were irradiated with 1,000 and l,500r. The post-irradiation lesions in the small intestine in continuity were typical. Those in the fistulas, where intestinal content was absent, were considerably less intense.
The 8-13 micron spectra of comets and the composition of silicate grains

We have analyzed the existing spectra of seven comets which show an emission feature at 7.8-13 micrometers. Most have been converted to a common calibration, taking into account the SiO feature in late-type standard stars. The spectra are compared with spectra of the Trapezium, interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), laboratory mineral samples, and small particle emission models. The emission spectra show a variety of shapes; there is no unique 'cometary silicate'. A peak at 11.20-11.25 micrometers, indicative of small crystalline olivine particles, is seen in only three comets of this sample, P/Halley, Bradfield 1987 XXIX, and Levy 1990 XX. The widths of the emission features range from 2.6 to 4.1 micrometers (FWHM). To explain the differing widths and the broad 9.8 micrometers maximum, glassy silicate particles, including both pyroxene and olivine compositions, are the most plausible candidates. Calculations of emission models confirm that small grains of glassy silicate well mixed with carbonaceous material are plausible cometary constituents. No single class of chondritic aggregate IDPs exhibits spectra closely matching the comet spectra. A mixture of IDP spectra, particularly the glass-rich aggregates, approximately matches the spectra of comets P/Halley, Levy, and Bradfield 1987 XXIX. Yet, if comets are simply a mix of IDP types, it is puzzling that the classes of IDPs are so distinct. None of the comet spectra match the spectrum of the Trapezium. Thus, the mineralogy of the cometary silicates is not the same as that of the interstellar medium. The presence of a component of crystalline silicates in comets may be evidence of mixing between high- and low-temperature regions in the solar nebula.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis Predicts an Epigenetic Switch for GATA Factor Expression in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease defined by the extrauterine growth of endometrial-like cells that cause chronic pain and infertility. The disease is limited to primates that exhibit spontaneous decidualization, and diseased cells are characterized by significant defects in the steroid-dependent genetic pathways that typify this process. Altered DNA methylation may underlie these defects, but few regions with differential methylation have been implicated in the disease. We mapped genome-wide differences in DNA methylation between healthy human endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells and correlated this with gene expression using an interaction analysis strategy. We identified 42,248 differentially methylated CpGs in endometriosis compared to healthy cells. These extensive differences were not unidirectional, but were focused intragenically and at sites distal to classic CpG islands where methylation status was typically negatively correlated with gene expression. Significant differences in methylation were mapped to 403 genes, which included a disproportionally large number of transcription factors. Furthermore, many of these genes are implicated in the pathology of endometriosis and decidualization. Our results tremendously improve the scope and resolution of differential methylation affecting the HOX gene clusters, nuclear receptor genes, and intriguingly the GATA family of transcription factors. Functional analysis of the GATA family revealed that GATA2 regulates key genes necessary for the hormone-driven differentiation of healthy stromal cells, but is hypermethylated and repressed in endometriotic cells. GATA6, which is hypomethylated and abundant in endometriotic cells, potently blocked hormone sensitivity, repressed GATA2, and induced markers of endometriosis when expressed in healthy endometrial cells. The unique epigenetic fingerprint in endometriosis suggests DNA methylation is an integral component of the disease, and identifies a novel role for the GATA family as key regulators of uterine physiology–aberrant DNA methylation in endometriotic cells correlates with a shift in GATA isoform expression that facilitates progesterone resistance and disease progression.
Expanding heat source model for thermal spalling of TiB2 in electrical discharge machining

A model is presented to explain the recently reported mechanism of thermal spalling for shaping high melting point ceramics by electrical discharge machining. Since previous models fail to explain the experimental observations completely, an expanding circular heat source created by growth of plasma is assumed to act on the surface. Erosion of materials by spalling is caused by thermally induced compressive stresses during heating-up periods and tensile stresses during cooling-down periods. This model explains material removal for anodic erosion in general (wire-cutting machines) and for cathodic erosion (die-sinking machines) whenever long pulse duration is used. Simulation of the model for TiB2 provides a local melt front that penetrates to a depth of submicrometer, then recedes as pulse duration increases. Spalling develops flakes with thickness correlated to pulse duration. The results were verified by the experimental observations which showed that large flakes having the predicted maximum thickness as well as few quenched spherical droplets containing titanium were obtained.
Technology Flows Between Industries: Identification and Productivity Effects

This paper investigates whether the Yale Technology Concordance (YTC) succeeds in identzbing technology flows between sectors. As a test, total factor productivity (TFP)-R&D regressions based on the YTC matrix are compared with regressions using technology flow data constructed fram input–output matrices and randomly created interindusty linkages. Because results based on the YTC do not dzffer markedly from the other estimates, one cannot easily infer @om the empirical evidence whether the YTC matrix appropriately captures interindusty technology flows or not.
Priapism as a sequela of chlorpromazine therapy.

A patient developed priapism following a single intramuscular injection of chlorpromazine for hiccups. Conservative management was unsuccessful. During surgical intervention on the 15th hospital day, the corpora cavernosa of the turgid penis was irrigated and aspirated with heparinized saline using #14 gauge needles. The patient did well post-operatively. The physiology of the erection and the pathophysiology of priapism are discussed.
Small-Signal Analysis and Crosstalk of Linear Optical Amplifiers

The small signal dynamic behavior of the linear optical amplifier (LOA) is described by using small signal analysis to evaluate both gain and rate equations. Analytical results are obtained for both horizontal and vertical emissions that delineate the difference between the LOA region of maximum gain and gain compression. Crosstalk is calculated by adding a second gain equation to represent the output in a parallel channel. The analytical approach is based on the representation of the laser gain with the concept of the frequency dependent stimulated lifetime. This model is especially useful to represent multiple channels in the LOA. Experimental data are found to be well matched by the calculated results.
A single-molecule view of chaperonin cooperativity

According to a survey in 2000 (1), 80% of genes in Escherichia coli code for proteins that can assemble into dimers, trimers, hexamers, or higher-order structures, including filaments. Adding to the complexity, many of these proteins have multiple binding sites for ligands such as ATP, GTP, small metabolites, and other proteins. Such multisubunit proteins represent major challenges and opportunities in developing new experimental approaches and theoretical framework needed to comprehend their interworking. In PNAS, Jiang et al. (2) take a major step toward this goal by devising a unique single-molecule technique to analyze the conformational states of a single multisubunit enzyme.
Changes in jasmonic acid concentration during early development of apple fruit

Apple fruits (Malus domestica Borkh.) were harvested from 24 to 136 days after full bloom (DAFB) and endogenous jasmonic acid was analyzed by GC-MS. There were two isomers of jasmonic acid in apple fruit with a ratio of 37:63 (cis:trans). The cis:trans ratio remained relatively constant throughout this period of fruit development. The endogenous jasmonic acid concentration was 138 ng g -1 fresh weight 24 DAFB and decreased as fruit developed. Changes in jasmonic acid concentration were coincident with those of respiration, ethylene production, and anthocyanin accumulation in patterns consistent with the reported responses to exogenous jasmonates. Possible roles for jasmonic acid during early fruit development are discussed.
DIAGNOSTICS FOR MIRROR MACHINES

ABSTRACT This paper is subdivided into three chapters to match three corresponding lectures. The goals of the first chapter are to define the neutral-beam-heated, quasi-d.c. mirror confinement systems under discussion here and to give a general example of mirror diagnostics by listing and very briefly discussing the diagnostics used on the 2XIIB experiment at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The second chapter develops mirror machine diagnostics in more detail, and adds background for a few selected diagnostics of particular importance to mirror machine studies. The third chapter discusses the special diagnostic needs of future mirror machines, with emphasis on diagnostics involving the higher-power neutral beams used with them.
Alternating and synchronous rhythms in reciprocally inhibitory model neurons

We study pacemaker rhythms generated by two nonoscillatory model cells that are coupled by inhibitory synapses. A minimal ionic model that exhibits postinhibitory rebound (PIR) is presented. When the post-synaptic conductance depends instantaneously on presynaptic potential the classical alternating rhythm is obtained. Using phase-plane analysis we identify two underlying mechanisms, “release” and “escape,” for the out-of-phase oscillation. When the postsynaptic conductance is not instantaneous but decays slowly, the two cells can oscillate synchronously with no phase difference. In each case, different stable activity patterns can coexist over a substantial parameter range.
Heme protein-mediated renal injury: A protective role for 21-aminosteroids in vitro and in vivo

Heme protein-mediated renal injury: A protective role for 21-aminosteroids in vitro and in vivo . 21-aminosteroids ("lazaroids") have recently excited much interest by virtue of their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in vitro and to protect against neural injury in vivo . We tested the effect of these compounds in models of heme protein-mediated renal injury in vitro and in vivo . We devised an in vitro model of heme protein-induced toxicity in which renal epithelial cells were exposed to heme proteins for one hour, after which they were subjected to glutathione depletion by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). This model was associated with more than a threefold increase in lipid peroxidation (as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and a marked reduction in cellular glutathione content. In this model, 21-aminosteroids virtually prevented cytotoxicity as measured by the 51 -chromium release assay, and significantly reduced TBARS in a dose-dependent manner. Catalase was partially protective in this model, thereby indicating hydrogen peroxide-dependent toxicity. While pursuing mechanisms accounting for enhanced cellular generation of hydrogen peroxide, we uncovered the first direct evidence that the heme prosthetic group per se directly stimulates cellular generation of hydrogen peroxide; complementing these findings is the remarkable efficacy of 21-aminosteroids in protecting against cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide. We also tested the capacity of 21-aminosteroids to protect against heme protein-mediated renal injury in vivo . Prior administration of 21-aminosteroids attenuated reductions in GFR and renal blood flow rates following the systemic infusion of methemoglobin in normal rats. 21-aminosteroids also attenuated renal injury observed over three successive days in the glycerol model of heme protein-mediated injury when this model was induced at a higher dose of glycerol (8 ml/kg body wt) but not at a lower dose (5 ml/kg body wt). We conclude that 21-aminosteroids protect against heme protein-mediated renal injury in vitro and in vivo . We suggest that these compounds are potentially useful in such clinical conditions as rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis and renal injury associated with hemoglobin-based red blood cell substitutes.
A role of silica nanoparticles in layer-by-layer self-assembled carbon nanotube and In2O3 nanoparticle thin-film pH sensors: Tunable sensitivity and linearity

Abstract A role of the dielectric silica nanoparticle (SiO 2 NP) in nanomaterial chemoresistors and ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET) is demonstrated in this study. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and indium oxide nanoparticles (In 2 O 3 NP) are layer-by-layer self-assembled alternately with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, respectively. Nanomaterial multilayer thin-film is patterned using photolithography and electrochemically characterized in various pH buffers. The pH sensors are implemented as resistor and transistor in absence and presence of SiO 2 NP layer. We observed tunable sensitivity and linearity of output current flowing through the conducting channel in SWCNT chemoresistor and ISFET. The role of SiO 2 NP is proven to modulate and linearize the sensitivity to pH. The linearization is attributed to a positive shift in pH gating voltage in p-type semiconducting SWCNTs. On the other hand, a tunable sensitivity is observed whereas the linearization is not demonstrated in In 2 O 3 NP ISFETs. The increased sensitivity with SiO 2 NP in acidic region is caused by a positive shift in gate voltage due to the protonation of the surface hydroxyl groups. This facile modulation and linearization of the electrochemical sensitivity in semiconducting nanomaterial thin-film device by means of the additional SiO 2 NP layer is useful for developing various functional nanomaterial-based biosensors.
A worldwide comparison of alkali olivine basalts and their differentiation trends

Abstract Worldwide alkali olivine basalts (AOB) and their differentiation series have been subdivided into continental, oceanic, or island-arc assemblages according to the inferred crustal environment at their time and place of eruption. No systematic differences have been found in major element composition of the AOB's from these three different environments. As plotted on (Na 2 O + K 2 O) vs. SiO 2 and AMF diagrams, AOB differentiation trends also show no differences between environments. Thus, AOB appears to be a primary magma generated at sufficient depth in the mantle that its major element content is unaffected by chemical or thermal differences between mantle regions underlying continents, ocean basins, or island arcs. The major element chemistry of AOB is also apparently unaffected by passage through different types of crust.
Heterogeneous distribution of filipin-sterol complexes in nuclear membranes

Abstract Filipin, a sterol-specific polyene antibiotic, has been shown by electron microscopy to form complexes in membranes of mouse urinary bladder cells. Following instillation of a glutaraldehyde-filipin-dimethylsulfoxide solution into the bladder lumen, filipin-cholesterol complexes appear as membrane corrugations in thin sections and as 20–25 nm protuberances and depressions on PF and EF faces in freeze-fracture replicas. The complexes are observed in plasmalemma, Golgi membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear membrane of five different cell types (urothelial, endothelial, mesothelial, smooth muscle and fibroblasts). In the present report, we direct particular attention to the localization of numerous filipin-cholesterol complexes present in the nuclear envelopes of these cells. Our results suggest that enrichment of cell membranes with cholesterol occurs at an earlier stage in the flow-differentiation process than previously suspected. In addition, the unequal distribution of complexes in favor of the outer nuclear membrane suggests that it has a higher cholesterol content than the inner membrane.
The benefits of reducing the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers: A defensive expenditures approach

Abstract A defensive expenditures approach is used to estimate the benefits of reducing the predicted increases in the rates of nonmelanoma skin cancers over the next 60 years. The defensive expenditures estimates are compared to estimates generated using a cost of illness methodology. The cost of illness estimates are found to be more than double the estimates from the defensive expenditures method.
Neuregulin activates erbB2-dependent src/FAK signaling and cytoskeletal remodeling in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes.

Cardiac myocyte erbB2 expression is required for maintenance of normal cardiac structure and function, though its role in cardiac cellular physiology is incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that erbB2 signaling modulates focal adhesion formation via activation of a src/FAK pathway using adult rat ventricular myocytes in primary culture. The erbB ligand neuregulin-1β (NRG-1β) induced phosphorylation of Src at Y416 and Y215, and FAK at Y861. Using antibody and pharmacological inhibitor strategies, we found that FAK activation was erbB2- and Src-dependent, but independent of PI3-kinase/Akt pathway. Furthermore, NRG-1β stimulated the formation of a multiprotein complex between erbB2, FAK, p130CAS and paxillin within 30 min, and induced lamellipodia with longitudinal elongation of the myocytes within days. The extension of lamellipodia resulted in restoration of cell-to-cell contact between isolated myocytes, allowing for synchronous beating. These effects of NRG-1β were prevented by a src inhibitor as well as an antibody to erbB2. These results suggest the potential role of NRG-1β/erbB2/Src/FAK signaling in the maintenance and repair of electrical and mechanical coupling in cardiomyocytes.
Edmund Gosse Visits Robert Louis Stevenson

Edmund Gosse (1849â€“1928) was known for his striking portraits of contemporary literary figures.Â In this article, Young writes about Gosse's encounter with Robert Louis Stevenson and his family in 1881, using letters from the Symington Collection as his primary sources.
Perception of dynamic information for vowels in syllable onsets and offsets.

It has been demonstrated using the “silent-center” (SC) syllable paradigm that there is sufficient information in syllable onsets and offsets,taken together, to support accurate identification of vowels spoken in both citation-form syllables and syllables spoken in sentence context. Using edited natural speech stimuli, the present study examined the identification of American English vowels when increasing amounts of syllable onsetsalone or syllable offsetsalone were presented in their original sentence context. The stimuli were /d/-vowel-/d/ syllables spoken in a short carrier sentence by a male speaker. Listeners attempted to identify the vowels in experimental conditions that differed in the number of pitch periods presented and whether the pitch periods were from syllable onsets or syllable off-sets. In general, syllable onsets were more informative than syllable offsets, although neither onsets nor offsets alone specified vowel identity as well as onsets and offsets together (SC syllables). Vowels differed widely in ease of identification; the diphthongized long vowels /e/, /ae/, /o/ were especially difficult to identify from syllable offsets. Identification of vowels as “front” or “back” was accurate, even from short samples of the syllable; however, vowel "height" was quite difficult to determine, again, especially from syllable offsets. The results emphasize the perceptual importance of time-varying acoustic parameters, which are the direct consequence of the articulatory dynamics involved in producing syllables.
Clinically Suspected Coagulopathy in Blunt Head Trauma

Patients with moderate to severe head injury and abnormal coagulation studies have a significantly higher risk of brain injury. The objective of this study was to determine the association of clinical suspicion of coagulopathy and intracranial injury (ICI) among patients sustaining blunt head trauma, including minor injuries. As part of the NEXUS II blunt head injury study, enrolled patients were prospectively evaluated for ICI and suspicion of coagulopathy. We examined the relationship between suspicion of coagulopathy and the presence of any clinically significant or "therapeutically inconsequential" ICI based on head computed tomography (CT) scan results. The NEXUS II study enrolled 13,728 patients, including 493 with suspicion of coagulopathy. Significant ICI was present in 46 (9.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.9-12.2) patients with suspected coagulopathy, and in 460 of 9863 (4.7%; 95% CI 4.3-5.1) patients without such suspicion. "Therapeutically inconsequential" findings were found on head CT scan in 74 patients, and 7 of these had suspected coagulopathy. Interventions including intubation, intracranial pressure monitoring, or craniotomy were performed in 5 of these 7 (71%; 95% CI 29-96) individuals, compared with only 3 of 67 (4%; 95% CI 1-12) patients without suspicion of coagulopathy. Initial clinical suspicion of coagulopathy, independent of laboratory confirmation, is associated with a greater prevalence of significant ICI injury after blunt head trauma; it also substantially increases the risk of morbidity despite the presence of an apparent "therapeutically inconsequential" injury. CT scanning of the head should be performed initially based on clinical suspicion of coagulopathy.
Track-follow control for tape storage

Abstract Lateral tape motion (LTM) in tape storage systems is the main contributor to the position error signal (PES) and thereby the limiting factor to track density on a magnetic tape. The characteristics of LTM disturbances and their effect on track-follow performance are identified. The power spectral density of LTM contains many periodic components at the so-called “once around” roller-frequencies and their harmonics. Another contributor to LTM is originated by the stack shift effects. Stack shifts are low frequency disturbances that degrade the track-follow performance, especially in tape paths with flangeless rollers. Control design concepts are evaluated that improve the track-follow performance of tape storage systems.
Accuracy of Broadband On-Wafer Load Pull Measurements

Numerous systems are currently available for taking semi-automated load pull measurements. The majority of these systems use computer controlled, passive microwave tuners. At Texas Instruments a test set has been constructed around one of these systems to make broadband on-wafer measurements on large numbers of devices. Through various experiments, the accuracy of the system is examined both at the tuner and on wafer reference plane, and errors discussed. The calculation of a normalized VSWR is introduced as a useful method to quantify measurement error, and other means of quantifying error are also discussed. The result is a test set capable of accurate on-wafer measurements from 6-18GHz at high reflection coefficients. These capabilities make possible not only the broadband characterization of devices without lengthy calibrations, but also the ability to measure larger devices without specially dedicated prematched devices, which use up valuable wafer space.
Influence of Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones on Their Large-Scale Environment

The authors investigate the influence of western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclones (TCs) on their large-scale environment by lag regressing various large-scale climate variables [atmospheric temperature, winds, relative vorticity, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), column water vapor, and sea surface temperature (SST)] on an index of TC activity [accumulated cyclone energy (ACE)] on a weekly time scale. At all leads and lags out to several months, persistent, slowly evolving signals indicative of the El Nino– Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon are seen in all the variables, reflecting the known seasonal relationship of TCs in the WNP to ENSO. Superimposed on this are more rapidly evolving signals, at leads and lags of one or two weeks, directly associated with the TCs themselves. These include anomalies of positive low-level vorticity, negative OLR, and high column water vapor associated with anomalously positive ACE, found in the region where TCs most commonly form and develop. In the same region, lagging ACE by a week or two and so presumably reflecting the influence of TCs on the local environment, signals are found that might be expected to negatively influence the environment for later cyclogenesis. These signals include an SST reduction in the primary region of TC activity, and a reduction in column water vapor and increase in OLR that may or may not be a result of the SST reduction. On the same short time scale, an increase in equatorial SST near and east of the date line is seen, presumably associated with equatorial surface westerly anomalies that are also found. This, combined with the correlation between ACE and ENSO indices on the seasonal time scale, suggests the possibility that TCs may play an active role in ENSO dynamics.
A comparison of SNOTEL and AMSR-E snow water equivalent data sets in western US watersheds

It is a consensus among earth scientists that climate change will result in an increased frequency of extreme events (e.g. floods, droughts). Streamflow forecasts and flood/drought analyses, given this high variability in the climatic driver (snowpack), are vital in the western USA. However, the ability to produce accurate forecasts and analyses is dependent upon the quality of these predictors. Run-off and stream volume analysis in the region is currently based upon in situ telemetry snow data products. Recent satellite deployments offer an alternative data source of regional snowpack. The proposed research investigates and compares remotely sensed snow water equivalent (SWE) data sets in western US watersheds in which snowpack is the primary driver of streamflow. Watersheds investigated include the North Platte, Upper Green and Upper Colorado. SWE data sets incorporated are in situ snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) sites and the advanced microwave scanning radiometer-earth observing system (AMSR-E) aboard NAS...