cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient sodium current at subthreshold voltages: activation by EPSP waveforms

Summary Tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive sodium channels carry large transient currents during action potentials and also "persistent" sodium current, a noninactivating TTX-sensitive current present at subthreshold voltages. We examined gating of subthreshold sodium current in dissociated cerebellar Purkinje neurons and hippocampal CA1 neurons, studied at 37°C with near-physiological ionic conditions. Unexpectedly, in both cell types small voltage steps at subthreshold voltages activated a substantial component of transient sodium current as well as persistent current. Subthreshold EPSP-like waveforms also activated a large component of transient sodium current, but IPSP-like waveforms engaged primarily persistent sodium current with only a small additional transient component. Activation of transient as well as persistent sodium current at subthreshold voltages produces amplification of EPSPs that is sensitive to the rate of depolarization and can help account for the dependence of spike threshold on depolarization rate, as previously observed in vivo.
Improved algorithms for computing fisher's market clearing prices: computing fisher's market clearing prices

We give the first strongly polynomial time algorithm for computing an equilibrium for the linear utilities case of Fisher's market model. We consider a problem with a set B of buyers and a set G of divisible goods. Each buyer i starts with an initial integral allocation ei of money. The integral utility for buyer i of good j is Uij. We first develop a weakly polynomial time algorithm that runs in O(n4 log Umax + n3 emax) time, where n = |B| + |G|. We further modify the algorithm so that it runs in O(n4 log n) time. These algorithms improve upon the previous best running time of O(n8 log Umax + n7 log emax), due to Devanur et al.
Single-Molecule and Ensemble Structural Study of the AAA+ Atpase P97

p97/Cdc48p/VCP is a highly conserved, essential member of the class of AAA+ ATPases present in both archaea and the eukaryotic cytosol. Like many of the AAA+ proteins, the functional state of p97 is a hexameric ring-shaped structure. However, the detailed relationship between monomer folding and assembly of the quaternary structure of p97, as well as other members of this class, has remained elusive. Here, we present a study of the structural changes of p97 during its folding and assembly, utilizing biophysical techniques including single-molecule Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET). p97 is large for using standard techniques to dual label with dyes for FRET studies. Therefore, this work aims to gain a deeper understanding about critical structural aspects of p97, while exploring advanced labeling methods that extend the scope of fluorescence studies to larger and more complex protein systems.
Public goods, separability, decomposition and resource allocation

Economic journals are replete with articles on the functioning of perfectly competitive economies. General equilibrium and welfare economics literature of the 30's, 40's, and 50's extolls and analyzes exhaustively the functioning and optimality of perfectly competitive market economies [1, 3, 11, 12, 13, 15]. In contrast, the literature on the "real" world of mixed economies with both public and private sectors is much less developed.' Though any analysis of a general equilibrium nature for mixed economies is almost nonexistent, the 50's and the 60's have seen the development of a large body of literature on externalities and public goods which lays down the partial equilibrium background of government provision of public goods and the welfare economics of economies where consumers' utility functions are interdependent [6, 17]. This paper presents a model of a mixed economy in which there is both a perfectly competitive private sector supplying private goods and a public sector allocating and financing a pure public good. The question of public goods supply is analyzed by taking an organic perspective of government and assuming that it makes its decisions consistent with a specific decisionmaking framework stated as a mathematical programming problem. Assigning this role to the government permits a general equilibrium analysis of resource allocation in the economy and an assessment of the final allocation of resources in the economy vis-a-vis Pareto optimality and a social welfare maximum. The general equilibrium and welfare economics literature on perfect competition with only private goods can be summarized in two
Reported failures of the polymer self-locking (Hem-o-lok) clip: review of data from the Food and Drug Administration.

Background and Purpose: New technology has played an important role in the proliferation of laparoscopy within urology. A central issue remains meticulous hemostasis, particularly for larger vessel...
Area-specific representation of mechanical nociceptive stimuli within SI cortex of squirrel monkeys.

While functional imaging studies in humans have consistently reported activation of primary somatosensory cortex (SI) with painful stimuli, the specific roles of subdivisions of areas 3a, 3b, and 1 within SI during pain perception are largely unknown, particularly in the representation of mechanical evoked pain. In this study, we investigated how modality, location, and intensity of nociceptive stimuli are represented within SI by using high-spatial resolution optical imaging of intrinsic signals in Pentothal-anesthetized squirrel monkeys. Perceptually comparable mechanical nociceptive and innocuous tactile stimuli were delivered by indenting the glabrous skin of the distal finger pads with 0.2 and 2 mm diameter probes, respectively. Within each of areas 3a, 3b, and 1, activations to mechanical nociceptive stimulation of individual distal finger pads were spatially distinct and somatotopically organized. We observed differential cortical activation patterns. Areas 3a, 3b, and 1 were all activated during mechanical nociceptive stimulation and were modulated by nociceptive stimulus intensity. However, with innocuous tactile stimulation, mainly areas 3b and 1 exhibited response modulation with different levels of stimulation. In summary, mechanical nociceptive inputs are area-specific and topographically represented within SI. We propose that all areas of SI are implicated in encoding the features of mechanical nociception, where areas 3a and 3b are distinctively involved in coding nociceptive and pressure sensation components of stimulation.
Molar quantification of specific messenger ribonucleic acid expression in Northern hybridization using cRNA standards

Procedures were developed for estimation of specific mRNA expression as measured by Northern hybridization in terms of moles of message present in tissue samples. These procedures use an externally added cRNA pseudomessage standard with cRNA concentration curves for both the standard and the message of experimental interest in order to convert hybridization signals into moles of message per milligram wet weight of tissue. We present a test of these procedures using hybridization to the message for the glucocorticoid-inducible enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase in rat liver. These procedures accommodate for variations in both RNA yield and hybridization signal intensities, and are applicable to the measurement of changes in message expression of twofold or more using triplicate determinations of a single RNA preparation. This approach allows for the integration of data from many individual hybridization experiments, and may be useful in experimental situations that involve population studies and/or long-term comparisons of treatments.
What Private Practitioners Should Know About Employee Assistance Programs and Their Referral Systems

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a carefully thought out, enlightened approach to the problems of what to do with valuable employees who have personal problems interfering with their job performance. EAPs face the personal problems of employees in a confidential manner, diagnose the real problems and get the resources that are necessary to help. The aim is to evaluate and refer into the community. EAP Coordinators have stringent rules on how to select practitioners for referral purposes. Private practitioners have to work together with EAP Coordinators if they are to bring about effective changes in employees with personal problems.
A description of the APT language

The APT (Automatically Programmed Tools) language for numerical control programming is described using the metalinguistic notation introduced in the ALGOL 60 report. Examples of APT usage are included. Presented also are an historical summary of the development of APT and a statement concerning its present status.
Dendritic cells and regulation of graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-leukemia activity

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment for many malignant hematologic diseases, with an often critical graft-versus-leukemia effect. Despite peritransplant prophylaxis, GVHD remains a significant cause of posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation morbidity and mortality. Traditional therapies have targeted T cells, yet immunostimulatory dendritic cells (DCs) are critical in the pathogenesis of GVHD. Furthermore, DCs also have tolerogenic properties. Monitoring of DC characteristics may be predictive of outcome, and therapies that target DCs are innovative and promising. DCs may be targeted in vivo or tolerogenic (tol) DCs may be generated in vitro and given in the peritransplant period. Other cellular therapies, notably regulatory T cells (Treg) and mesenchymal stem cells, mediate important effects through DCs and show promise for the prevention and treatment of GVHD in early human studies. Therapies are likely to be more effective if they have synergistic effects or target both DCs and T cells in vivo, such as tolDCs or Treg. Given the effectiveness of tolDCs in experimental models of GVHD and their safety in early human studies for type 1 diabetes, it is crucial that tolDCs be investigated in the prevention and treatment of human GVHD while ensuring conservation of graft-versus-leukemia effects.
Dry mass and area changes in the GM-10 skin fibroblasts during aging in vitro

Normal, human diploid skin fibroblasts (GM-10) were grown in culture and the changes in the mean cellular, nuclear and nucleolar dry mass and area were monitored simultaneously at regular intervals until the last passage. The results which were analyzed statistically showed that all measures increased during aging in vitro with a most striking surge for all values from passage 29 to 31. The area measures of the cell, nucleus and nucleosis were well correlated with the measures of dry mass for the same structures. The results are discussed and possible reasons for the findings are offered.
Dietary exposure to aluminium of urban residents from cities in South China

A dietary survey was conducted over three consecutive days by using 24-hour dietary recall in the Pearl River Delta of South China to investigate the dietary consumption status. A total of 1702 food samples, 22 food groups, were collected, and aluminium concentrations of foods were determined by using ICP-MS. Weekly dietary exposure to aluminium of the average urban residents of South China was estimated to be 1.5 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, which amounted to 76% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake. Wheat-made products (53.5%) contributed most to the dietary exposure, followed by vegetables (12.2%). The high-level consumers' weekly exposure to aluminium was 11.1 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, which amounted to 407% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake. The results indicated that the general urban residents in South China might be safe from aluminium exposure, but the high-level consumers might be at some risk of aluminium exposure. The foods contributing to aluminium exposure were processed food with aluminium-containing food additives. It is necessary to take effective measures to control the overuse of aluminium-containing food additives.
Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor and discoidin domain receptor 2 in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Many of the recently approved therapies in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are preferentially active against nonsquamous NSCLC, so development of effective targeted therapies in squamous cell histology tumors is a promising area of investigation. Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) mutations occur infrequently in squamous NSCLC but seem to be more prevalent than in adenocarcinoma. The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway, comprising 22 FGF ligands and four FGF receptors, is also frequently amplified or mutated in squamous NSCLC. Small-molecule drugs that target these molecular alterations in NSCLC are discussed here.
Activation of Human Prefrontal Cortex during Spatial and Nonspatial Working Memory Tasks Measured by Functional MRI

Separate working memory domains for spatial location, and for objects, faces, and patterns, have been identified in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of nonhuman primates. We have used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether spatial and nonspatial visual working memory processes are similarly dissociable in human PFC. Subjects performed tasks which required them to remember either the location or shape of successive visual stimuli. We found that the mnemonic component of the working memory tasks affected the hemispheric pattern of PFC activation. The spatial (LOCATION) working memory task preferentially activated the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in the right hemisphere, while the nonspatial (SHAPE) working memory task activated the MFG in both hemispheres. Furthermore, the area of activation in the left hemisphere extended into the inferior frontal gyrus for nonspatial SHAPE task. A perceptual target (DOT) detection task also activated the MFG bilaterally, but at a level approximately half that of the working memory tasks. The activation in the MFG occurred within 3-6 s of task onset and declined following task offset. Time-course analysis revealed a different pattern for cingulate gyrus, in which activation occurred upon task completion. Cingulate gyrus activation was greatest following the SHAPE task and was greater in the left hemisphere. The present results support the prominent role of the PFC and, specifically, the MFG in working memory, and indicate that the mnemonic content of the task affects the relative weighting of hemispheric activation.
Physical properties of Uranian delta ring from a possible density wave

On the basis of wavelength and amplitude behavior, as well as observed feature morphology, that are indicative of a density wave, the presently studied Voyager PPS stellar occultation observations of the Uranus delta ring are held to indicate the presence of a moonlet interior to the delta ring. Lindblad resonances are calculated for all 65 discrete possible locations for this moonlet; the locations are labeled by azimuth number of the resonance associated with each location that would excite the observed density wave in the delta ring.
Selection Rules in the Raman Effect

RECENT experimental work by McLennan (NATURE, Feb. 2, 1929) on liquids and by myself (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., March 1929) on gases has shown definitely that transitions between vibrational levels of a non-polar molecule such as nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen take place in the Raman effect. I have pointed out that this, far from being inconsistent with the well-known selection rules, is exactly what we should expect to happen from the quantum-mechanical theory of dispersion.
Dublin Core: An Obituary

The Dublin Core Metadata Standard was conceived illegitimately, had a troubled life, and has finally met its demise. Developed as a tool for online resource discovery, the standard waned after the arrival of Google. Because its fields were designed with a lack of specificity, Dublin Core suffered from nonstandard data elements and poor interoperability. Also, the poor organization behind the initiative contributed to its failure. Dublin Core will likely soon be replaced by an emerging standard, the Metadata Object Description Schema.
Measuring the Dimerization Propensities of Mucin1 Transmembrane and Juxtamembrane Domains

Overexpression of the membrane protein mucin 1 (MUC1) has been linked to 75% of all human solid tumor cancers, including 90% of breast carcinomas. In cancer cells, MUC1-MUC1 homodimerization has been associated with cell migration and adhesion. Furthermore, this interaction is necessary for forming complexes with growth factor receptors and targeting to the nucleus, where MUC1 can interact with effector proteins regulating gene expression. Thus, understanding how MUC1 forms homodimers is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies to block its oncogenic effects. A recent study has shown that the membrane proximal CQC motif promotes dimerization under oxidizing conditions, suggesting that the motif may act as a redox switch in response to changes of cytosolic oxidant levels. Aside from these few studies focusing on the CQC motif, very little is known regarding the mechanism of MUC1 homodimerization. Currently, we are using the ToxR and AraTM assays to investigate if the transmembrane domain, without the cytosolic CQC motif, is able to dimerize by itself. We are also measuring if the dimerization propensity of the TMD changes with the membrane proximal CQC motif. The two assays allow us to compare the dimerization propensity when the CQC motif is in reducing and oxidizing environments.
Spectral dependence of phase noise of stabilized optical frequency combs

We present the spectral dependence of the phase noise between two optical frequency combs that are frequency shifted from each other by their offset frequencies and both stabilized to the same optical reference.
Anti-aβ oligomer IgG and surface sialic acid in intravenous immunoglobulin: measurement and correlation with clinical outcomes in Alzheimer's disease treatment.

The fraction of IgG antibodies with anti-oligomeric Aβ affinity and surface sialic acid was compared between Octagam and Gammagard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) using two complementary surface plasmon resonance methods. These comparisons were performed to identify if an elevated fraction existed in Gammagard, which reported small putative benefits in a recent Phase III clinical trial for Alzheimer’s Disease. The fraction of anti-oligomeric Aβ IgG was found to be higher in Octagam, for which no cognitive benefits were reported. The fraction and location of surface-accessible sialic acid in the Fab domain was found to be similar between Gammagard and Octagam. These findings indicate that anti-oligomeric Aβ IgG and total surface sialic acid alone cannot account for reported clinical differences in the two IVIG products. A combined analysis of sialic acid in anti-oligomeric Aβ IgG did reveal a notable finding that this subgroup exhibited a high degree of surface sialic acid lacking the conventional α2,6 linkage. These results demonstrate that the IVIG antibodies used to engage oligomeric Aβ in both Gammagard and Octagam clinical trials did not possess α2,6-linked surface sialic acid at the time of administration. Anti-oligomeric Aβ IgG with α2,6 linkages remains untested as an AD treatment.
Quantitation of in vivo measurements with carbon fiber microelectrodes.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon fiber disk microelectrodes and quantitative microdialysis were used to measure striatal concentration changes of N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP, acetaminophen) following an intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg APAP in rats. The goal of this work was to determine which in vitro calibration procedure, precalibration or postcalibration, gave the most accurate results when using carbon fiber microelectrodes in vivo. Voltammetric detection of APAP in vivo was complicated with normal electrodes by interference from pH changes. An electrode treatment was used to minimize electrode sensitivity to pH and this allowed successful APAP detection. In vitro calibrations of the treated carbon fiber disk microelectrodes before and after the in vivo experiment were used to calculate APAP concentration changes measured in vivo and compared to microdialysis results. The maximal striatal APAP concentration determined by microdialysis, adjusted for in vitro recovery, was 23.1 μM. The electrochemical results were approximately two times greater (postcalibration) or smaller (precalibration) than the microdialysis result.
Site of Vitamin A Storage in the Liver

SummaryIn 3 cases of healed massive necrosis of the liver Vitamin A was more abundant in the parts of the liver from which hepatic cells had disappeared than in those where these cells had not been destroyed. Presumably it was stored in the Kupffer cells, which had been spared by the agent which produced the necrosis.
The role of insulin and corticosterone in the toxicity of dioxins

Abstract TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) alters the homeostasis of numerous hormones among them that of corticosterone and insulin. Hormonal status in turn affects toxicity of TCDD as shown by rapid exitus in response to nontoxic doses of insulin and a shifting of the dose response curve to the left in adrenalectomized rats. These two hormones are key regulators of PEPCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), which is the rate determining enzyme of gluconeogenesis. PEPCK end hence gluconeogenesis is dose-dependently inhibited by TCDD and its penta-, hexa- and hepta-chloro homologues as well as their mixture revealing an essentially perfect structure/activity relationship and strict additivity in their inhibitory effect. This structure/activity relationship shows a highly significant correlation with the structure/activity relationship of acute toxicity suggesting that inhibition of PEPCK is the key lesion in the toxicity of dioxins and of all other compounds acting by this mechanism. Inhibition of PEPCK is a very early effect beginning 4 to 8 hrs after an oral dose of TCDD and it is at maximum by 16 hrs after dosing. Amount of PEPCK-protein (Western blot) and PEPCK-mRNA (Northern blot) reflect the decreased activity of PEPCK suggesting that TCDD reduces the transcription of the PEPCK gene. Hormonal changes (insulin and corticosterone) are not apparent until 4 to 8 days after dosing indicating that they are secondary to an earlier lesion and as such they represent a response of the organism to the primary insult. Moreover, hormonal changes (decreased insulin and increased corticosterone) are consistent with maximum stimulation of PEPCK (as in the case in pair-fed controls) and yet PEPCK is dose-dependently inhibited. Therefore, we suggest that the mechanism of action of dioxins consists of an interaction with the PEPCK gene which renders the insulin- and glucocorticoid-responsive regions nonresponsive to endogenous stimuli.
Optimizing Dietary Restriction for Genetic Epistasis Analysis and Gene Discovery in C. elegans

Dietary restriction (DR) increases mammalian lifespan and decreases susceptibility to many age-related diseases. Lifespan extension due to DR is conserved across a wide range of species. Recent research has focused upon genetically tractable model organisms such as C. elegans to uncover the genetic mechanisms that regulate the response to DR, in the hope that this information will provide insight into the mammalian response and yield potential therapeutic targets. However, no consensus exists as to the best protocol to apply DR to C. elegans and potential key regulators of DR are protocol-specific. Here we define a DR method that better fulfills criteria required for an invertebrate DR protocol to mirror mammalian studies. The food intake that maximizes longevity varies for different genotypes and informative epistasis analysis with another intervention is only achievable at this ‘optimal DR’ level. Importantly therefore, the degree of restriction imposed using our method can easily be adjusted to determine the genotype-specific optimum DR level. We used this protocol to test two previously identified master regulators of DR in the worm. In contrast to previous reports, we find that DR can robustly extend the lifespan of worms lacking the AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit AAK2 or the histone deacetylase SIR-2.1, highlighting the importance of first optimizing DR to identify universal regulators of DR mediated longevity.
Crystal structures of a Rab protein in its inactive and active conformations.

We have determined crystal structures of Sec4, a member of the Rab family in the G protein superfamily, in two states: bound to GDP, and to a non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, guanosine-5'-(beta, gamma)-imidotriphosphate (GppNHp). This represents the first structure of a Rab protein bound to GDP. Sec4 in both states grossly resembles other G proteins bound to GDP and GppNHp. In Sec4-GppNHp, structural features common to active Rab proteins are observed. In Sec4-GDP, the switch I region is highly disordered and displaced relative to the switch I region of Ras-GDP. In two of the four molecules of Sec4-GDP in the asymmetric unit of the Sec4-GDP crystals, the switch II region adopts a conformation similar to that seen in the structure of the small G protein Ran bound to GDP. This allows residues threonine 76, glutamate 80, and arginine 81 of Sec4 to make contacts with other conserved residues and water molecules important for nucleotide binding. In the other two molecules in the asymmetric unit, these interactions do not take place. This structural variability in both the switch I and switch II regions of GDP-bound Sec4 provides a possible explanation for the high off-rate of GDP bound to Sec4, and suggests a mechanism for regulation of the GTPase cycle of Rab proteins by GDI proteins.
17 GHz Photonic Band Gap Cavity with Improved Input Coupling

We present the theoretical design and cold test of a 17 GHz photonic band gap (PBG) cavity with improved coupling from an external rectangular waveguide. The PBG cavity is made of a triangular lattice of metal rods with a defect (missing rod) in the center. The ${\mathrm{TM}}_{010}$-like defect mode was chosen as the operating mode. Experimental results are presented demonstrating that critical coupling into the cavity can be achieved by partial withdrawal or removal of some rods from the lattice, a result that agrees with simulations. A detailed design of the PBG accelerator structure is compared with a conventional (pillbox) cavity. One advantage of the PBG cavity is that its resonance frequency is much less perturbed by the input/output coupling structure than in a comparable pillbox cavity. The PBG structure is attractive for future accelerator applications.
Heavy quark decay

Exclusive D and B meson semileptonic branching ratio measurements are summarized and compared with models. In the D meson sector study of the ratio of rates of Kl+νK∗l+ν and the K∗ polarization are in disagreement with most models, while in the B sector studies of similar final states are in agreement with the models. By comparing the D∗0l−νandD∗+l−ν rates, the lifetime ratio of neutral and charged B's is shown to be equal to 1.18±0.27+0.22−0.30. Using this lifetime ratio, coupled with a new measurement of the fraction of neutral B's on the T(4S), the B0−B0 mixing parameter r is determined to be in the range 0.15 > r > 0.39. A hint of a positive signal for the b→u transition using the endpoint of the lepton momentum spectrum is shown to be consistent in the standard model with the mixing measurement and CP violation in the kaon sector. Finally indirect measurements of the absolute branching ratios for Λc→pK−π+ and Ds→Θπ+ yield 4.1±1.5% and 1.5±0.8%, respectively.
Synthesis and emission spectra of some adducts of Eu(fod)3

Abstract The shift reagent Eu(fod)3 forms adducts with a number of Lewis bases that can be isolated from solution with some difficulty. The solid compounds do not always have the composition indicated by solution studies. Both seven- and eight-coordinate adducts are formed and are very strongly luminescent. Studies of the luminescence spectra of these solids give an indication of their structures and evidence is presented that in some cases the structures are preserved in solution.
Brefeldin A Redistributes Resident and Itinerant Golgi Proteins to the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Brefeldin A (BFA) has been reported to block protein transport from the ER and cause disassembly of the Golgi complex. We have examined the effects of BFA on the transport and processing of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein, a model integral membrane protein. Delivery of G protein to the cell surface was reversibly blocked by 6 micrograms/ml BFA. Pulse-label experiments revealed that in the presence of BFA, G protein became completely resistant to endoglycosidase H digestion. Addition of sialic acid, a trans-Golgi event, was not observed. Despite processing by cis- and medial Golgi enzymes, G protein was localized by indirect immunofluorescence to a reticular distribution characteristic of the ER. By preventing transport of G protein from the ER with the metabolic inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or by use of the temperature-sensitive mutant ts045, which is restricted to the ER at 40 degrees C, we showed that processing of G protein occurred in the ER and was not due to retention of newly synthesized Golgi enzymes. Rather, redistribution of preexisting cis and medial Golgi enzymes to the ER occurred as soon as 2.5 min after addition of BFA, and was complete by 10-15 min. Delivery of Golgi enzymes to the ER was energy dependent and occurred only at temperatures greater than or equal to 20 degrees C. BFA also induced retrograde transport of G protein from the medial Golgi to the ER. Golgi enzymes were completely recovered from the ER 10 min after removal of BFA. These findings demonstrate that BFA induces retrograde transport of both resident and itinerant Golgi proteins to the ER in a fully reversible manner.
High-voltage diode experiments on mercury

We are pursuing the development of high-voltage (3–6 MV), relatively high-impedance (10-20 Ohms) pulsed ion diodes for DoD applications. The 6-MV, 350-kA Mercury inductive-voltage adder1 has been converted to positive polarity and is coupled to a pinch-reflex ion diode.2 The ion beam is directed onto an appropriate target to produce either neutrons, or characteristic gammas using the reaction 19F(p,αγ)16O. This work presents the challenges of harnessing the positive-polarity MITL vacuum flow and obtaining efficient ion production at these relatively high impedances. In addition to complicating generator-load coupling, the positive-polarity flow renders equilibrium MITL theory4 useless in determining the diode voltage.
Mo1502 Predictors of Unscheduled Events (Early Stent Occlusion) Among Plastic Biliary Stents

Mo1502 Predictors of Unscheduled Events (Early Stent Occlusion) Among Plastic Biliary Stents Mouen Khashab, Anne Marie Lennon, Susan Hutfless, Katherine J. Kim, Sanjay Jagannath, Marcia Canto, Patrick I. Okolo, Kerry B. Dunbar, Vikesh K. Singh Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD; Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD Background: Plastic stents are commonly used to treat biliary pathologies. A major disadvantage of plastic stents is their short patency rates. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of unscheduled events (early stent occlusion) among both conventional and wing stents. Methods: Patients with biliary pathology that necessitated biliary stenting at Johns Hopkins Hospital during the period 2003-2009 were considered for inclusion in the study. Those who underwent placement of a self-expandable metallic stent, who were lost to follow-up or died were excluded. Patients were stratified as having benign biliary strictures (group 1), malignant biliary strictures (group 2), or benign biliary non-stricture pathologies (group 3). Unscheduled events were defined as worsening cholestatic liver test results of significant severity to warrant ERCP with stent exchange prior to the planned stent exchange (usually at a three month interval), or symptoms of cholangitis. The association of stent type, stent number and diameter, demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), history of prior unscheduled events, presence of gallbladder, and performance of sphincteromy with the occurrence of unscheduled events was studied using logistic regression and multivariate analysis. Results: During the study period, 346 patients (mean age 58.3 years, females 47.7%) underwent 612 ERCP procedures with placement of plastic biliary stent(s). A total of 537 conventional plastic stents and 75 wing stents were placed. The broad indications for stent placement were benign biliary strictures in 41.7% (group 1), malignant biliary strictures in 29.1% (group 2), and various benign non-stricture biliary pathologies in 29.2% (group 3). Overall, only prior history of unscheduled events (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.61-5-65, p 0.001) and CCI (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28, p 0.007) were associated with occurrence of subsequent unscheduled events (premature occlusion) on multivariate analysis. In group 2, but not groups 1 or 3, prior history of unscheduled events (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.02-5.85, p 0.04) and CCI (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03-1.46, p 0.02) were factors associated with subsequent unscheduled events. Conclusions: Prior unscheduled events (early stent occlusion) and CCI were significantly associated with subsequent unscheduled events in patients with malignant biliary strictures. Physicians should consider early elective stent exchange in patients with malignant biliary strictures and prior early stent occlusion.
Activation of p38 MAPKα by extracellular pressure mediates the stimulation of macrophage phagocytosis by pressure

We have previously demonstrated that constant 20 mmHg extracellular pressure increases serum-opsonized latex bead phagocytosis by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- differentiated THP-1 macroph...
Primary Inhibition by Light: A Unique Property of Bivalve Photoreceptors*

Abstract: Bivalve molluscs are known for shadow responses involving closure or retraction of the siphon and valve adduction. In representative genera [Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn, 1918), Mercenaria mercenaria (Linnaeus, 1758), Lima scabra (Born, 1778)], the pallial nerves contain photosensitive fibers that exhibit physiological shadow responses. These photoreceptors are inhibited by light but trigger an excitatory burst of spikes to a shadow, the off-response. Equivalent responses are seen in bivalve eyes, e.g., in optic fibers from the siphon tentacle eyes of Cardium edule (Linnaeus, 1758) and the mantle eyes of scallops (Pectinidae) and file clams (Limidae). In scallops, they form a distal retinal layer of ciliary receptors, distinct from a proximal microvillar layer that is excited by light. In off-receptors (ciliary), light inhibition is the result of a hyperpolarizing receptor potential with spikes generated on the rebound depolarization at dimming. In contrast, the proximal on-receptors are excited...
Latent impacts: the role of historical human activity in coastal habitat loss

Understanding human impacts on ecosystems is critical for conservation, but can be complicated by interactions between multiple impacts occurring at different times. Using historical patterns of ditch construction on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, we tested the hypothesis that mosquito ditches have exacerbated salt marsh die-offs. Ditching activities occurred in the 1930s and were followed by post-World War II shoreline development, which created > 90% of current shoreline infrastructure on Cape Cod. Recently, predator depletion caused by recreational fishing has allowed populations of a native herbivorous crab (Sesarma reticulatum) to increase dramatically, triggering herbivore-driven cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) die-off at developed sites. Depression-era mosquito ditching had little effect for decades, but accelerated subsequent die-offs by expanding cordgrass habitat. Despite occurring decades apart, ditching interacted synergistically with shoreline development and recreational fishing to devastate ~ 5...
Two process views of God

When one thinks of ‘Process’ Theology, two names almost universally come to mind, the names of A. N. Whitehead and Charles Hartshorne. In the ‘Preface’ to his Creative Synthesis and Philosophic Method, which he published almost twenty-five years ago in 1970, Hartshorne tells us something which is often taken for granted, that ‘the closest parallel to and probably the strongest influence’ on his own philosophy is the philosophy of Whitehead. Despite Whitehead’s being his ‘Closest parallel’ and his ’strongest influence’, Hartshorne immediately adds: However, the doctrine of ‘eternal objects’ has always seemed to me… an extravagent kind of Platonism, a needless complication in the philosophy of process. Then, too, I question if God can be a single ‘actual entity,’ another doctrine which appears out of place in this philosophy. I am puzzled also by talk of ‘earlier’ and ‘later’ phases in the becoming of entities said to be devoid of actual succession. Finally, I explain — some would say explain away — Whitehead’s concept (or metaphor) of ‘perishing’ very differently than some leading expositors do.1
A compact 5GHz Q-enhanced standing-wave resonator-based filter in 0.13μm CMOS

A fully-integrated 5 GHz bandpass filter with 0 dB IL and 3 dB bandwidth of 9.5% (1 dB bandwidth of 6%) is reported. The filter employs novel on-chip capacitively-loaded, transmission-line standing-wave resonators and Q-enhancement circuits. A prototype 5 GHz on-chip filter, implemented in 0.13 mum CMOS, dissipates 2.88 mW from a 1.2 V supply, and occupies a die area of 0.3 mm2.
Challenges and opportunities for promoting booster seat use: progressive dissemination of a high-threat message.

Motivating parents to take certain safety precautions when traveling with their children remains challenging for advocates. Caregivers of booster-aged children are particularly difficult to reach b...
Reproducibility of echocardiographic techniques for sequential assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes: application to patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the best echocardiographic method for sequential quantification of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and volumes in patients undergoing ...
Streamlining context models for data compression

While context-modeling algorithms provide very good compression, they suffer from the disadvantages of being slow and requiring large amounts of main memory. A context-model-based algorithm is described that runs significantly faster, uses much less space, and provides compression ratios close to those of earlier context modeling algorithms. These improvements are achieved through use of self-organizing lists. >
Learning multi-lane trajectories using vehicle-based vision

Safe operation of a motor vehicle requires awareness of the current traffic situation as well as the ability to predict future maneuvers. In order to provide an intelligent vehicle the ability to make predictions, this work proposes a framework for understanding the driving situation based on vehicle mounted vision sensors. Vehicles are tracked using Kalman filtering based on a vision-based system that detects and tracks using a combination of monocular and stereo-vision. The vehicles' full trajectories are recorded, and a data-driven learning framework has been applied to automatically learn surround behaviors. By learning based on observations, the ADAS system is being trained by experience. Learned trajectories have been compared between dense and free-flowing traffic conditions. Preliminary experimental results using real-world multi-lane highways show the basic promise of this approach. Future research directions are discussed.
Research a Development of a Variable Polarisation Superconducting Undulator at the NSLS

In this paper a new concept for a planar, superconductive, variable polarization undulator (VPU) is presented. Advantage of this design include: (1) electrical tunability for both right and left circular and elliptical, as well as linear vertical or horizontal, (2) it requires no compensation of unwanted vertical field component and (3) used only simple windings of superconductive wire in an interlaced pattern. The construction of the device is described and compared with a permanent magnet VPU with the same gap and period, as well as with previously published concepts.
In Vitro Activities of DX-619 and Comparison Quinolones against Gram-Positive Cocci

The in vitro activity of the novel quinolone DX-619 was compared to those of currently available quinolones against U.S. clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. DX-619 was the most potent quinolone overall, indicating possible utility as an anti-gram-positive quinolone.
Review of Amit Goswami's Book: Creative Evolution: A Physicist's Resolution between Darwinism and Intelligent Design

Goswami's book is worth five stars, and his view of evolution is almost the same as my own; and I have studied evolution for years now. I present the following quotes. For example, Goswami write: "Any organizing principle that is nonmaterial is automatically excluded from science by definition. However, mainstream scientists themselves, biologists included, have a fundamental but unproven metaphysical assumption behind their work called scientific materialism." You can find this book at Amazon: Creative Evolution: A Physicist's Resolution between Darwinism and Intelligent Design .
Evidence for Two Components of Object-Based Selection

A wealth of research has shown that observers can bias vi- sual processing toward specific locations, but the role of object-based selection is less clear. In support of object-based selection, previous research has shown that when two objects are presented simulta- neously, observers are better at reporting two attributes from one of the objects than one attribute from each object. However, there has been controversy over whether this effect is best explained by object- based selection or spatial selection. Our work suggests that there are two separate components of selection in this task: (a) a spatial compo- nent that is observed when the relevant targets are cued for observers before the onset of the stimulus display and (b) an object-based com- ponent that can still be observed when the first component has been eliminated. The latter effect replicates the initial evidence in favor of object-based selection, and can be demonstrated even when the rele- vant targets are cued after the offset of the target stimuli.
Rigid rod-random coil transformation, Mark-Houwink constants, and Millich's intrinsic isoviscosity, [η]M, and isohydrodynamic volume, [η]MMM

On the basis of values of Mark–Houwink constants of rigid rod—polymer systems and their conformers a unique stage can be recognized which is common to all polymers of this type, independent of polymer conformation and solvent medium. The crude values derived for these polymer–solvent systems at 20–30°C. of Millich's intrinsic isoviscosity, [η]M, is 0.28 ± 0.04 dl/g, occurring at the coordinate molecular weight, MM, of 42,700, and produces a value of ca. 170 A of Millich's isohydrodynamic polymer volume at this stage and temperature. Utility in the use of [η]MMM as a standard reference state, assuming reliable Mark–Houwink constants that obtain for strictly linear, monodisperse polymer samples, is indicated.
Role of B Regulatory Subunits of Protein Phosphatase Type 2A in Myosin II Assembly Control in Dictyostelium discoideum

ABSTRACT In Dictyostelium discoideum, myosin II resides predominantly in a soluble pool as the result of phosphorylation of the myosin heavy chain (MHC), and dephosphorylation of the MHC is required for myosin II filament assembly, recruitment to the cytoskeleton, and force production. Protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) was identified in earlier studies in Dictyostelium as a key biochemical activity that can drive MHC dephosphorylation. We report here gene targeting and cell biological studies addressing the roles of candidate PP2A B regulatory subunits (phr2aBα and phr2aBβ) in myosin II assembly control in vivo . Dictyostelium phr2aBα- and phr2aBβ-null cells show delayed development, reduction in the assembly of myosin II in cytoskeletal ghost assays, and defects in cytokinesis when grown in suspension compared to parental cell lines. These results demonstrate that the PP2A B subunits phr2aBα and phr2aBβ contribute to myosin II assembly control in vivo , with phr2aBα having the predominant role facilitating MHC dephosphorylation to facilitate filament assembly.
Filtering of surface Laplacian electrocardiograms from humans to produce atrial activation patterns

Four digital filtering techniques were evaluated to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of directly obtained Laplacian electrograms (LECG), which were bandpass filtered before analog to digital conversion. The moment of activation (MOA) in the LECG was detected to create isochronal body surface maps, which show activation patterns. Unprocessed atrial LECG activity coincided with P-waves in the Lead II ECG (L2). Partial atrial flutter activation patterns were also constructed. The LECG system promises to reveal underlying cardiac activation patterns, including those of the atria, which are far less prominent than those from the ventricles.
Theories of Aggression: A Critique and Possible Reformulation

Several models of aggression and aggressive behavior are discussed, ranging from neurological, ethological, experimental social-psychological, and historical analyses. Distinctions are suggested between two different levels of analysis for examining aggressive behavior-individual-level aggression and systemic-level aggression-and between two primary characteristics of aggression (spontaneous/planned). The limitations of using one level of analysis for examining behavior occurring at a different level are suggested. This proposed conceptual scheme incorporates in a two-dimensional framework approaches as varied as E. 0. Wilson's Sociobiology and J. T. Tedeschi's reinterpretation of research on aggression. The shift from motivational models to more cognitive information-processing models in the social-psychological literature is examined.
Nonlinear group-blind multiuser detection

A nonlinear group-blind technique is developed for joint detection of some given users' data in a CDMA uplink environment with the presence of unknown interference. This method performs the so-called "slowest-descent search" over a likelihood function of the desired users, starting from the estimate closest to the unconstrained maximizer of the likelihood function, and along mutually orthogonal directions where this likelihood function drops to the slowest. Simulation results show that this new nonlinear technique offers substantial performance improvement over the previously proposed linear group-blind multiuser detectors with little attendant increase in computational complexity. The problem of group-blind multiuser detection in the presence of both unknown interference and impulsive ambient noise is also treated under the framework of slowest-descent search, with the aid of a novel subspace-based robust interference cancellation scheme. It is seen that this robust group-blind method significantly outperforms the robust blind multiuser detection scheme proposed previously.