cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A simple technique for delivery of bulky gallbladders during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

I agree with Saber et al. [1] regarding the difficulties of delivering a bulky gallbladder filled with a large stone. Nevertheless, delivery of a benign specimen should not convert a laparoscopic procedure to nearly the incision length of an open procedure. To avoid this situation, it is important to try to reduce the volume of the gallbladder contents. This can often be done easily with a Luer, Liston, and/or a gallstone clamp (Fig. 1). With the gallbladder held at its neck by three clamps, evacuation of the gallbladder contents can be performed safely without enlarging the fascial opening. Moreover, this can be accomplished under direct visual control through the laparoscope inserted through one of the additional ports. Because fewer stitches are needed for the closing procedure, there is no loss of time.
In vivo and in vitro studies of cartilage differentiation in altered gravities.

Abstract The in vivo model our laboratory uses for studies of cartilage differentiation in space is the rat growth plate. Differences between missions, and in rat age and recovery times, provided differing results from each mission. However, in all missions, proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate of spaceflown rats was altered as was matrix organization. In vitro systems, necessary complements to in vivo work, provide some advantages over the in vivo situation. In vitro , centrifugation of embryonic limb buds suppressed morphogenesis due to precocious differentiation, and changes in the developmental pattern suggest the involvement of Hox genes. In space, embryonic mouse limb mesenchyme cells differentiating in vitro on IML-1 had smoother membranes and lacked matrix seen in controls. Unusual formations, possibly highly ruffled membranes, were found in flight cultures. These results, coupled with in vivo centrifugation studies, show that in vivo or in vitro , the response of chondrocytes to gravitational changes follows Hert's curve as modified by Simon, i.e. decreased loading decreases differentiation, and increased loading speeds it up, but only to a point. After that, additional increases again slow down chondrogenesis.
G Protein-coupled Receptors Mediate Two Functionally Distinct Pathways of Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Rat 1a Fibroblasts Shc PHOSPHORYLATION AND RECEPTOR ENDOCYTOSIS CORRELATE WITH ACTIVATION OF Erk KINASES

The Ras-dependent activation of Erk kinases by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is thought to involve tyrosine phosphorylation of docking proteins that serve as scaffolds for the plasma membrane recruitment of Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factors, such as the Grb2-mSos complex. We have investigated the role of two GPCR-regulated tyrosine phosphoproteins, p125FAK (FAK) and Shc, in the Ras-dependent activation of Erk kinases by endogenously expressed GPCRs in Rat 1a fibroblasts. Several lines of evidence suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and Shc are independently regulated. The GPCRs for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), thrombin, and bombesin mediate equivalent increases in FAK tyrosine phosphorylation and FAK-Grb2 association. In contrast, only LPA and thrombin receptors significantly stimulate Shc tyrosine phosphorylation and Shc-Grb2 complex formation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK is pertussis toxin-insensitive, can be mimicked by calcium ionophore, and is inhibited by treatment with cytochalasin D, which depolymerizes the actin cytoskeleton. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc is inhibited by pertussis toxin treatment, is not induced by calcium ionophore, and is insensitive to cytochalasin D. In each case, the rapid stimulation of Erk 1/2 correlates with tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc but not of FAK. The dissociation of FAK-Grb2 complex formation from receptor-mediated activation of Erk 1/2 indicates that recruitment of Grb2-mSos to the plasma membrane is not sufficient to mediate rapid Erk activation. Using four mechanistically distinct inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, concanavalin A, hypertonic medium, depletion of intracellular potassium, and monodansylcadaverine, we find that GPCR-mediated Erk 1/2 activation is also endocytosis-dependent. Thus, we propose that an additional step involving vesicle-mediated endocytosis is required for the rapid, Ras-dependent activation of Erk kinases in fibroblasts.
Spectral and radiometric calibration of midwave and longwave infrared cameras

Accurate spectral and radiometric calibrations of IR cameras are needed to interpret infrared imagery properly, to monitor camera performance over time, and to evaluate new imaging radiometers. In this paper, the physical basis for calibrating IR cameras is derived from first principles, and a laboratory setup used to perform both radiometric and spectral calibrations is described. The calibration procedures used with this setup are then demonstrated on a midwave IR focal plane array camera, a midwave IR scanned camera, and a longwave IR scanned camera. The system spectral response and radiometric response of each camera is given and analyzed. An error analysis of approximating a camera's spectral response by an equivalent top-hat responsivity is also given. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)01702-5)
An Approach to Inference following Model Selection with Applications to Transformation-Based and Adaptive Inference

Abstract A decision-theory approach is formulated for inference following model selection. Inference here refers to either testing, point estimation, or confidence estimation. The loss function includes components for model selection as well as for inference and allows for flexibility in emphasis on one or the other, if such emphasis is desired. A general prescription for Bayes and generalized Bayes procedures is given. A procedure consists of model selection and inference. The general formulation is applied to transformation-based inference, where model selection is equated to choice of transformation. Hinkley and Runger (1984) did transformation-based inference that has aroused controversy. The formulation here is directed to some of these issues. In this approach we explicitly define the quantity of interest for which an inference is desired. Furthermore, we evaluate procedures properly. An example is given where one is interested in estimating the mean of the model selected and the choice of models is...
Spontaneous calcium oscillatory patterns in mammotropes display non-random dynamics.

We previously showed that primary rat mammotropes exhibited four distinct patterns of ‘spontaneous’ free intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) oscillatory behavior: a quiescent stateA and three oscillatory states B,CDB, 1.64 ± 0.3 h;C, 2.45 ± 0.62 h;D, 0.90 ± 0.2 h, mean ± SEM). Moreover, some transitions occurred more frequently than others and linked specific phenotypes into a common pattern: C to B to A. Our results demonstrate that the seemingly spontaneous nature of [Ca2+]iphenotype transitions are, in fact, ordered and support the view that they comprise a structured ‘code’ like that proposed to underlie calcium-dependent regulation of exocytosis and gene expression.
RELATION OF INCREASED WATER CONTENT AND DECREASED AERATION TO ROOT DEVELOPMENT IN HYDROPHYTES

The dependence of root development of most plants upon aeration is clearly shown by water-logging the soil. In a few days, the usual cultivated plants turn yellow, show wilting, and may ultimately die. If the water is kept well aerated, plants may survive though submerged for weeks. Exclusion of oxygen from the roots of most plants interferes with the respiration of the protoplasm of their cells. This results in the death of the cells and consequently the roots fail to function as absorbers for the plant (22). The importance of aeration in plant development has long been recognized by plant physiologists and a very large number of investigations have been made. In 1921, Clements (7) summarized nearly 700 such papers in his mongraph on "Aeration and Air-Content." The long-continued work of Cannon has added much to an understanding of this subject and his "Physiological Features of Roots " (5) includes the most extensive recent contribution to this problem. The importance of aeration in the production of crops and the growth of forests has been emphasized by the extensive researches of Howard (.18), Howard and Howard (16, 17), and Hole (14) in India. A survey of the literature shows that, with rare exceptions, there is general agreement that the aeration of the roots promotes a better growth of tops. Most of the experiments were carried on in water cultures, e.g., Hall, Brenchley and Underwood (12), Andrews and Beals (1), and Bergman (3), and some in soil, such as those of Hunter (19), Hole (14), Howard (15), and Knight (21). The response of the plant in most cases has been measured by the development of tops and little account has been taken, especially in soil cultures, of the organs directly affected by the increased aeration. The work of Balls (2), Hunter (19), Hole (14), and the Howards (16, 17) are among outstanding exceptions. Cannon (5) measured the effect of inadequate aeration on root elongation and not on the development of the root system as a whole. In devising a simple experiment for classes in plant physiology and ecology to illustrate the effect of aeration upon root and root-hair development, Typha latifolia was employed (24). It was selected because it grows naturally under a wide range of conditions, from water-logged soil to one that has a sufficiently low water content to be well aerated. Differences in root response under conditions of poor and good aeration were so marked
Investigation of the nature of micro-indentation hardness gradients below sliding contacts in five copper alloys worn against 52100 steel

This paper presents the results of a study of the variation of micro-indentation hardness with depth below sliding contact surfaces of OFHC Cu, Cu-3.5 wt % Al, Cu-7.0 wt % Al, and two commercial bronzes: CDA 638 and 688. All five metal alloys were worn dry against 52100 steel in a flat block (Cu alloy) on rotating cylinder (steel) configuration. The load was 10 N and sliding velocity was 20 cm sec−1 in a flowing argon environment. The variation of micro-indentation hardness with depth was found to be dependent upon the type of microstructural features below which each hardness profile was obtained. Therefore, micro-indentation hardness gradients sometimes varied more from location to location on a given sample than between similar microstructural features on one alloy and another. There was no obvious correlation between relative wear volumes of the alloys and the magnitude of their near surface micro-indentation hardness gradients. There did however seem to be a correlation between wear volumes and the thicknesses of highly deformed near-surface layers.
Boundary object efficacy: The mediating role of boundary objects on task conflict in global virtual project networks

Abstract As project-based industries such as Architecture, Engineering and Construction globalize, workers require strategies for managing conflict in virtual project networks. Our aim in this paper is to explore the efficacy of boundary objects as tools to mediate conflict in culturally-diverse, distributed networks. Based on annotated recordings for eight networks of graduate student engineers, we demonstrate that different interactional patterns between distributed engineers and boundary objects can lead to a reduction in conflict duration. We did not observe higher levels of conflict for global compared to domestic networks, but did discover that, regardless of network diversity, networks that interacted with the boundary objects in certain ways were able to identify and resolve conflicts more quickly. Our findings have important implications for theories of conflict management and boundary object efficacy in addition to practical applications to support conflict management in global virtual project networks.
Laser-time-of-flight velocimetry: analytical solution to the optical system based on ABCD matrices

Within the framework of complex ABCD matrix theory, an analytical expression for the time-lagged covariance of a classical time-of-flight laser velocimetry system is obtained as a function of the laser spot size, the limiting aperture, and the measurement-aperture radii. The decorrelation effects of wave-front tilt and velocity misalignment are derived and discussed. In addition, error estimates are presented that indicate how well one can determine the precise location of the peak of the cross-covariance function.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Hypertrophy and Failure

Richard A. Walsh, MD, ed 736 pages. London, UK: Taylor & Francis; 2005. $299.95. ISBN 1-84212-488 The heart responds to multiple forms of stress with an adaptive hypertrophic increase in cardiac mass. Under prolonged stress, the heart undergoes an apparent irreversible change, resulting in dilation, diminished performance, and ultimate failure.1 Heart failure is the leading hospital discharge diagnosis in the United States, and despite the application of state-of-the art therapy, mortality remains high at ≈50% at 5 years.2 Substantial efforts have been dedicated to the discovery of novel ways to prevent, detect, and treat cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Despite these efforts, however, virtually all the advances in heart failure therapy over the past 3 decades have emanated from other fields.3 The now-bedrock therapies that antagonize prominent signaling cascades (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, aldosterone antagonists) were first developed to treat other disorders (eg, hypertension, angina, or edema). The increasing use of device-based therapy can be viewed as a byproduct of electrophysiology. Contrast this …
In situ hybridization analysis of AMPA receptor subunit gene expression in the developing rat spinal cord

In early postnatal life the acquisition of mature morphological and molecular features of motor neurons is influenced by synaptic activity within the spinal cord. Glutamatergic synaptic neurotransmission is believed to play a central role in this process. We hypothesize that the repertoire of glutamate receptors expressed by neurons in the young spinal cord differ from those expressed in adults and such receptors support activity-dependent developmental plasticity. To explore this idea, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry to determine the distribution, temporal expression, and potential subunit composition of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors in the developing rat spinal cord and compared these findings with those in adult rats. We find qualitative and quantitative changes in alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit gene expression over the first month of postnatal life. alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit genes GluR1, 2 and 4 are expressed at greater levels throughout the spinal cord of the neonate versus the adult animals. The developmental down-regulation is most pronounced for GluR1 transcripts, less for GluR2 and GluR4 transcripts, and minimal for GluR3 transcripts. Analysis of flip and flop splice variants of each subunit show that receptors expressed by adult motor neurons are potentially composed of the subunits GluR1 flop, GluR2 flip, GluR3 flip and flop, and GluR4 flip. In neonatal motor neuron all subunits are potentially expressed (except GluR2 flop) with quantitatively the dominent subunits being the flip splice variants of GluR1, 2 and 4. Receptors in the substantia gelatinosa undergo equally dramatic, developmentally independent changes. Changes in the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit composition are likely to have an important effect on the electrophysiological properties of motor neurons and may form part of the molecular identity of neurons capable of undergoing activity-dependent developmental plasticity.
Building block concept for optical backplane interconnect systems

This paper represents the results of a trade study performed under the Optical Backplane Interconnect System contract sponsored by the Navy's Advanced Avionics Subsystems and Technology program. The purpose of this program is to perform development, test, evaluation, and documentation of optical backplane technology suitable for application in next- generation military air platforms.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
British Romantic Writers and the East: Anxieties of Empire

The recent turn to political and historical readings of Romanticism has given us a more complex picture of the institutional, cultural and sexual politics of the period. There has been a tendency, however, to confine such study to the European scene. In this book, Nigel Leask sets out to study the work of Byron, Shelley and De Quincey (together with a number of other major and minor Romantic writers, including Robert Southey and Tom Moore) in relation to Britain's imperial designs on the 'Orient'. Combining historical and theoretical approaches with detailed analyses of specific works, it examines the anxieties and instabilities of Romantic representations of the Ottoman Empire, India, China and the Far East. It argues that these anxieties were not marginal but central to the major concerns of British Romantic writers. The book is illustrated with a number of engravings from the period, giving a visual dimension to the discussion of Romantic representations of the East.
Effect of Vanadium on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Air Cooled Medium Carbon High Silicon Bainite Steels

The effect of vanadium on the bainite transformation of medium carbon high silicon steel during air cooling was studied by using Optical Microscopy (OM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties of the test steels subjected to heat treatment were measured by tensile, hardness and impact tests. The results showed that, through the same heat treatment process, the microstructure of the V-alloyed steel was comprised of Carbide-Free Bainite (CFB, bainite + retained austenite) and martensite while the microstructure of the V-free steel was composed of ferrite/pearlite, which made the V-alloyed steels exhibit superior combination of strength, hardness and toughness to the V-free steel, but the elongation of the V-alloyed steel was worse than that of the V-free steel somewhat. Vanadium was helpful for the transformation of bainite in the tested medium carbon high silicon steel under air cooling condition. The carbon-enriched retained austenite films in the CFB enhanced the toughness of the V-alloyed steel.
Quantitating the Effect of Solvent Type on Neutral Macrocycle‐Mediated Cation Transport in Liquid Membranes

The recently confirmed diffusion-limited transport model for neutral macrocyle-mediated cation transport in membranes has been used to quantify the membrane solvent effects on the fundamental parameters in the model and their relative importance. The fundamental parameters involved are the extraction equilibrium constant, macrocycle partition coefficient, and diffusion coefficient. Experimental measurements and predictive correlation calculations have been made to quantify these fundamental parameters. Membrane stability has also been quantified by looking at solvent solubilities and solvent compatibility with various membrane types. It was found that membrane stability vs. rapid transport is the major choice to be made in choosing a membrane solvent. Retention of the macrocycle in the membrane and diffusion coefficients are greatest with short carbon chain solvents containing few chlorine atoms. On the other hand, high boiling points and low water solubility are obtained with long carbon chain solvents containing increasing numbers of chlorine atoms. Extraction equilibrium constants also decrease with increasing carbon chain lengths and increasing chlorination, but the decrease is not uniform like the changes in the other parameters. Little effect of solvent type on membrane selectivity was observed. The transport model and quantification of these fundamental parameters should allow for accurate predictions in the choice of solvent in designing stable membranes with optimal transport properties.
Electron microscopic autoradiographic analysis of the uptake and intracellular transport of H3-leucine by the rat submandibular gland acinar cells in tissue slices.

Uptake of H3-leucine into secretory product and its subsequent intracellular transport was analyzed by electron microscopic autoradiographic techniques in the rat submandibular gland acinar cells in vitro. The route and kinetic timetable of intracellular transport was established for the acinar cell secretory product by calculating the percent of silver grains and relative grain density associated with the various organelles on a time sequence basis. Radioactivity was first associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum; then the convex surface of the Golgi apparatus; the concave surface of the Golgi apparatus; and finally with the secretory granules. Comparison of the kinetics of intracellular transport in the rat submandibular gland acinar cell with other established systems revealed only a difference in the exit of radioactivity from the concave surface of the Golgi apparatus.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) as a Pharmacological Target for Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases

In the present era of ever-increasing antibiotic resistance and increasingly complex and immunosuppressed patient populations, physicians and scientists are seeking novel approaches to battle difficult infectious disease conditions. Development of a serious infection implies a failure of innate immune capabilities in the patient, and one may consider whether pharmacological strategies exist to correct and enhance innate immune cell function. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), the central regulator of the cellular response to hypoxic stress, has recently been recognized to control the activation state and key microbicidal functions of immune cells. HIF-1 boosting drugs are in clinical development for anemia and other indications, and could be repositioned as infectious disease therapeutics. With equal attention to opportunities and complexities, we review our current understanding of HIF-1 regulation of microbial host‐pathogen interactions with an eye toward future drug development.
Caprylic acid precipitation method for impurity reduction: An alternative to conventional chromatography for monoclonal antibody purification

We report the use of caprylic acid based impurity precipitation as (1) an alternative method to polishing chromatography techniques commonly used for monoclonal antibody purification and (2) an impurity reduction step prior to harvesting the bioreactor. This impurity reduction method was tested with protein A purified antibodies and with cell culture fluid. First, the operational parameters influencing precipitation of host cell proteins and high molecular weight aggregate in protein A pools were investigated. When used as a polishing step, the primary factor affecting purification and yield was determined to be pH. Caprylic acid precipitation was comparable to polishing IEX chromatography in reducing host cell protein and aggregate levels. A virus reduction study showed complete clearance of a model retrovirus during caprylic acid precipitation of protein A purified antibody. Caprylic acid mediated impurity precipitation in cell culture showed that the impurity clearance was generally insensitive to pH and caprylic acid concentration whereas yield was a function of caprylic acid concentration. Protein A purification of caprylic acid precipitated cell culture fluid generated less turbid product pool with reduced levels of host cell proteins and high molecular weight aggregate. The results of this study show caprylic acid precipitation to be an effective purification method that can be incorporated into a production facility with minimal cost as it utilizes existing tanks and process flow. Eliminating flow through chromatography polishing step can provide process intensification by avoiding the process tank volume constraints for high titer processes.
Compensating Plaintiffs and Punishing Defendants: Is Bifurcation Necessary?

Critics of the civil jury have proposed several procedural reforms to address the concern that damage awards are capricious and unpredictable. One such reform is the bifurcation or separation of various phases of a trial that involves multiple claims for damages. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of bifurcating the compensatory and punitive damages phases of a civil tort trial. We manipulated the wealth of the defendant and the reprehensibility of the defendant's conduct (both sets of evidence theoretically related to punitive but not to compensatory damages) across three cases in a jury analog study. We wondered whether jurors would misuse the punitive damages evidence in fixing compensatory damages and whether bifurcation would effectively undo this practice. Our findings indicated that mock jurors did not improperly consider punitive damages evidence in their decisions about compensation. Moreover, bifurcation had the unexpected effect of augmenting punitive damage awards. These findings raise questions about the merits of bifurcation in cases that involve multiple claims for damages.
Timing and Interaction in Politics: A Comment on Pierson

Political science is notoriously divided into subfields. In parallel, most journals are restricted to one or another part of the discipline and most faculty teach only within their specializations and have little time to read outside of it. We then tend to lose sight of the fact that all of us are studying politics of one form or another and so perspectives that span the divisions are particularly valuable.
Fingertip reconstruction with a palmar advancement flap and free dermal graft: a report of six cases.

The palmar thumb advancement flap was first described by Moberg in 1964. It was further utilized for the thumb and defined by Posner and Smith in 1971. In 1980, Macht and Watson favorably reported their technique of pahnar advancement that was applicable not only for the thumb, but also for all five digits with soft tissue tip losses. A further refinement of their technique is to augment the digital tip with an autogenous dermal graft. This dermal "padding" is placed directly over the bony tuft to act as a "shock absorber," add bulk and contour to the distal tip of the finger, increase soft tissue stability, eliminate direct percussive tenderness of the bone, and decrease disability for specific occupations such as those requiring typewriting. Six cases are reported.
Effects of Li Content on Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Li1 + x ( Ni0.5Mn0.5 ) 1 − x O2 ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15 ) Electrodes in Lithium Cells ( 1.0 – 4.8 V )

Layered Li 1+x (Ni 0.5 Mn 0.5 ) 1-x O 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) materials have been synthesized using Li 2 CO 2 and coprecipitated (Ni 0.5 Mn 0.5 )(OH) 2 . The materials with increased lithium content (x ≥ 0.10) showed distinct differences in particle morphology, which is attributed to the melting of excess Li 2 CO 3 during calcination. The powder XRD patterns and the initial charging curves to 4.8 V indicated that the excess lithium resides in the transition metal layer to form Li 2 MnO 2 -like domains in the electrode structure such that these compounds can be reformulated in a two-component composite notation as 2xLi 2 MnO 3 .(1 - 3x)Li(Ni y Mn 1-y )O 2 {y = (1-x)/[2(1- 3x)]) with some cation disorder between the two components. The excess lithium significantly affected the charge/discharge behaviors in the low-voltage range (<2 V) and the rate capability of the electrode materials, which is attributed to increasing Ni 3+ content and decreasing Li/Ni disorder (i.e., Ni content in the lithium layer) in the materials.
Single-Index Additive Vector Autoregressive Time Series Models

We study a new class of nonlinear autoregressive models for vector time series, where the current vector depends on single-indexes defined on the past lags and the effects of different lags have an additive form. A sufficient condition is provided for stationarity of such models. We also study estimation of the proposed model using P-splines, hypothesis testing, asymptotics, selec- tion of the order of the autoregression and of the smoothing parameters and nonlinear forecasting. We perform simulation experiments to evaluate our model in various settings. We illustrate our methodology on a climate data set and show that our model provides more accurate yearly forecasts of the El Nino phenomenon, the unusual warming of water in the Pacific Ocean.
Semiconductor Clusters, Nanocrystals, and Quantum Dots

Current research into semiconductor clusters is focused on the properties of quantum dots-fragments of semiconductor consisting of hundreds to many thousands of atoms-with the bulk bonding geometry and with surface states eliminated by enclosure in a material that has a larger band gap. Quantum dots exhibit strongly size-dependent optical and electrical properties. The ability to join the dots into complex assemblies creates many opportunities for scientific discovery.
Age-related change in neural processing of time-dependent stimulus features.

Abstract Aging is associated with changes in automatic processing of task-irrelevant stimuli, and this may lead to functional disturbances including repeated orienting to nonnovel events and distraction from task. The effect of age on automatic processing of time-dependent stimulus features was investigated by measurement of the auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) in younger (18–23) and older (55–85) adults. Amplitude of MMN recorded during a paradigm involving low-probability deviation in interstimulus interval (from 500 ms to 250 ms) was found to be reduced in the older group at fronto-central sites. This effect was paralleled by, and correlated to, decreased sensory gating efficiency for component N1 recorded during a separate paradigm involving alternate presentation of auditory stimuli at long (9 s) and short (0.5 s) interstimulus intervals. Further, MMN amplitude was correlated to behavioral performance on a small subset of neuropsychological tests, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, within a group of healthy older adults. The results support the hypothesis that aging is associated with declines in automatic processing of time-dependent stimulus features, and this is related to cognitive function. These conclusions are considered in the context of age-related declines in prefrontal cortex function and associated increases in susceptibility to task-irrelevant stimuli.
UVRAG is required for virus entry through combinatorial interaction with the class C-Vps complex and SNAREs

Enveloped viruses exploit the endomembrane system to enter host cells. Through a cascade of membrane-trafficking events, virus-bearing vesicles fuse with acidic endosomes and/or lysosomes mediated by SNAREs triggering viral fusion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we found that UV-radiation resistance-associated gene (UVRAG), an autophagic tumor suppressor, is required for the entry of the prototypic negative-strand RNA virus, including influenza A virus and vesicular stomatitis virus, by a mechanism independent of IFN and autophagy. UVRAG mediates viral endocytic transport and membrane penetration through interactions with the class C vacuolar protein sorting (C-Vps) tethering complex and endosomal glutamine-containing SNAREs [syntaxin 7 (STX7), STX8, and vesicle transport through t-SNARE homolog 1B (Vti1b)], leading to the assembly of a fusogenic trans-SNARE complex involving vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP8), but not VAMP7. Indeed, UVRAG stimulates VAMP8 translocation to virus-bearing endosomes. Inhibition of VAMP8, but not VAMP7, significantly reduces viral entry. Our data indicate that UVRAG, in concert with C-Vps, regulates viral entry by assembling a specific fusogenic SNARE complex. Thus, UVRAG governs downstream viral entry, highlighting an important pathway capable of potential antiviral therapeutics.
AN ATTEMPT TO PRODUCE INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RENAL ISCHEMIA IN RABBITS BY MEANS OF ENDOCRINE PREPARATIONS

THE DELETERIOUS EFFECT of pregnancy on the course and prognosis of chronic I nephritis has long been noted by obstetricians (i, a, 3). Acute nephritis JL. coincident with pregnancy is apparently so rare that no statistics are available. We have been able to demonstrate that dogs and rabbits are made much more susceptible to the effects of acute renal ischemia by the pregnancy state (4)The isolation of a pressor substance (5, 6) from the kidney together with the failure to ameliorate the hypertension of renal ischemia by nerve (7) and spinal cord sections (8) and renal transplantation (9) makes it likely that this pressor substance is the fundamental agent in producing this type of hypertension. The altered reaction of the pregnant animal to the reduction of renal blood flow makes it seem probable that the vasospastic properties of this pressor substance (renin) have been enhanced by some agent which is found exclusively or in greater abundance in the pregnant animal.
Estimation of Growth Yield and Maintenance Coefficient of Plant Cell Suspensions

Methodology is presented for the determination of growth yield (Yg) and maintenance coefficient (m) for carbon utilization of plant cells grown in suspension culture. Estimation of Yg and m requires measurements of specific growth rate (µ) and specific rate of substrate uptake (q) at different growth limiting substrate concentrations. Batch culture of tobacco cells did not permit evaluation of Yg and m because µ is constant and maximal during most of the growth cycle. In batch culture, the period of declining specific growth rate is extremely brief because of the rapid transition from logarithmic growth to stationary phase. This occurs because the Km for growth is relatively small compared to the initial sucrose concentration. Thus, when the substrate level reaches the Km, the large mass of cells rapidly depletes the remaining substrate. In contrast, semicontinuous culture facilitates the determination of Yg and m because various steady-state growth rates can be achieved. Mathematical expressions were developed to determine the effective values of µ and q over the semicontinuous replacement interval. The validity of this approach was verified by conducting simulations using experimentally determined parameters.
Dynamic backlight adaptation for low-power handheld devices

Backlight power minimization can effectively extend battery life for mobile handheld devices. This article proposes an adaptive middleware-based approach to optimize backlight power consumption when playing streaming video. The technique simultaneously minimizes the negative impact on perceived video quality.
Cytokinetics of the S-180 ascites tumor system.

The cytokinetics of the S-180 mouse ascites tumor system was determined on Days 2, 4, 6 and 9 of growth. Studies included volume tumor growth, per cent labeled mitoses curves, and repeated injections of tritiated thymidine. It was possible to extrapolate the cytokinetic compartment values to Day 0 of growth. Results indicate that the growth fraction of the S-180 system remains close to 1 throughout its growth, with progressive lengthening of G1, S and G2 times. Cell loss is minimal through 6 days but becomes significant thereafter. A theoretical growth curve constructed from cytokinetic values is similar to the actual volume growth curve.
Skeletal muscle expression of bone morphogenetic protein-1 and tolloid-like-1 extracellular proteases in different fiber types and in response to unloading, food deprivation and differentiation

Members of the bone morphogenetic protein-1/mammalian tolloid (BMP-1/mTLD) family of proteases cleave diverse extracellular proteins, including the growth inhibitor myostatin. The purpose of this work was to examine the expression of BMP-1/mTLD, tolloid-like-1 and -2 (TLL1 and TLL2) in hindlimb muscles of the mouse in vivo and in C2C12 muscle cells in vitro. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that neither BMP-1/mTLD nor TLL1 mRNA levels differed between the predominantly fast-twitch tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GAST) muscles and the more slow-twitch soleus (SOL) muscle; TLL2 mRNA levels were not detectable in any of the muscles examined. Interestingly, however, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that BMP-1 protein was expressed in type I and IIa but not in IIb fibers. TLL1 mRNA levels significantly increased in the TA but not the SOL with 3 days of hindlimb suspension and significantly decreased in both TA and SOL in response to 2 days of food deprivation. In contrast, BMP-1/mTLD mRNA levels were unaffected in either muscle by either condition. In addition, BMP-1/mTLD and TLL1 mRNA levels significantly decreased during C2C12 myoblast differentiation in vitro, and activity of a 1,200-bp mouse TLL1 promoter construct was significantly decreased in C2C12 myotubes by differentiation, by mutation of an nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-kappaB) site, or deletion of a sma/mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) site. Together, these data demonstrate that TLL1 mRNA levels are altered by loading, energy status, and differentiation, and thus its expression may be regulated so as to modulate activity of myostatin or other extracellular substrates during these adaptive states.
Insulinomas and expression of an insulin splice variant.

Summary Background Insulinomas are β-cell tumours characterised by uncontrolled insulin secretion even in the presence of hypoglycaemia. However, the mechanisms allowing such excessive insulin secretion are not known. Insulin secretion can occur only when the β-cell insulin stores have been replenished by insulin biosynthesis, which is mainly controlled by translation. Such specific translational regulation often involves the 5′ untranslated region. We have identified an insulin splice variant in isolated human pancreatic islets of non-diabetic donors that retains 26 bp of intron 1 and thereby changes the 5 untranslated region, but leaves the coding region unchanged. This splice variant has increased translation efficiency in vitro and in vivo compared with native insulin mRNA. However, splice variant expression is less than 1% of native insulin mRNA in normal islets. Methods To test whether this splice variant is involved in insulin production by human insulinomas, we extracted RNA from nine laser-captured surgical insulinoma samples and from isolated islets of nine donors who did not have diabetes. We then determined the ratio of splice variant to native insulin mRNA by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Findings The mean ratio of the splice variant to native insulin mRNA was increased more than 50-fold in insulinomas compared with normal islets, and this difference was present in all nine human insulinomas. Overexpression of the splice variant therefore seems to be a general characteristic of insulinomas and is estimated to contribute about 90% to insulin synthesis by these tumours. Interpretation Overexpression of the insulin splice variant with increased translation efficiency in insulinomas might explain how these tumours maintain high levels of insulin synthesis and secretion leading to hyperinsulinaemia—the hallmark of this disease.
Analytical techniques for characterizing enzymatic biofuel cells.

Enzymatic biofuel cells, which replace expensive metal catalysts with enzymes, are still in an early stage of development. This article details the analytical techniques that are often employed for evaluating and characterizing enzymatic biofuel cells and their corresponding bioanodes and biocathodes. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, please go to the Analytical Chemistry multimedia page at pubs.acs.org/page/ancham/audio/index.html.)
Reconstruction of small-scale flow dynamics by acoustical tomography

This paper has three specific objectives. The first is to summarize some of the recent theoretical developments regarding the measurement of fluid flows by acoustical tomography and to bring these results to the attention of oceanographic instrumentation specialists. The authors present a numerical simulation study of the reconstruction of both potential density (sound speed) and vorticity for a flow representative of a turbulent event in the upper ocean thermocline. Required measurement precision is discussed in the context of this example. Finally the authors discuss a simple measurement strategy for an oceanographic instrument. The overall goal of this work is to facilitate a dialogue between theoreticians working on inversion strategies and instrumentation experts that could result in a feasible design. >
reproduction: a replacement for reciprocity

An overemphasis on equivalences in exchange procedures forces us to continue to depend upon theories and models based on “norms of reciprocity.” This “reciprocity approach” disregards the significance of time and analyzes reciprocal equivalences for what, in fact, may be a process of replacement. Significant wealth objects, originally given in exchange, may be reclaimed years or generations later and in this way the replacement process gives an exchange system a dimension of reproductive potential. From this “reproductive perspective,” death rather than marriage operates as a regulatory force, allowing for the replacement of wealth, and the long-term regeneration of social relations. [reproduction, exchange, death, Melanesia, Trobriand Islanders]
Oxytetracycline depletion from skin-on fillet tissue of coho salmon fed oxytetracycline medicated feed in freshwater at temperatures less than 9°C

Abstract Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a broad spectrum antibacterial agent approved in the USA for treating certain bacterial diseases in salmonids cultured in freshwater at temperatures greater than or equal to 9°C. This study was conducted to provide the information necessary to expand the OTC label to include treatment of diseased salmonids cultured in freshwater at temperatures below 9°C. The study was designed to treat juvenile coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) with OTC-medicated feed and determine the depletion of OTC from the skin-on fillet tissue. Oxytetracycline depletion was evaluated in juvenile coho salmon (weight range, 13–62 g) fed OTC-medicated feed at a rate of 88.2 mg OTC/kg body weight/day for 10 days. Pairs of skin-on fillets were taken from individual fish on days 4 and 10 during the treatment phase and on days 1, 4, 8, 14, and 19 during the depletion phase. Water temperatures during the study period ranged from 4.1°C to 8.5°C. The OTC concentrations in medicated feed and skin-on fillets were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography methods. The maximum mean OTC concentration in fillet tissue was 932 ng/g, 1 day after the last treatment and decreased to 32 ng/g 19 days after the last treatment. The log-linear loss of OTC from the fillet tissue was biphasic with a terminal phase half-life of 4.9 days.
Long-Term Volumetric Retention of Autologous Fat Grafting Processed With Closed-Membrane Filtration

Background: Some practitioners have criticized the unpredictable retention associated with autologous fat transfer. Potential causes of variations in predictability include intrinsic (patient-related) or extrinsic factors, such as harvesting, processing, and graft-delivery technique. Objectives: The authors sought to determine the long-term retention of autologous fat graft processed with a closed-membrane filtration system, to compare this retention with centrifuge-processed fat, and to analyze factors that affect graft retention. Methods: This was a prospective analysis of 26 female patients (representing 52 hemi-midfaces) who underwent autologous fat transfer to the midface via the closed-membrane filtration system. The Vectra 3D camera and software were employed for all photography, which was then analyzed to compare immediate preoperative images with long-term follow-up images (obtained at least 10 months postprocedure). The authors compared the findings with data from their previous study of centrifuge-processed fat grafts (historical controls). Results: Mean values were as follows: age, 55 years; follow-up period, 17 months; amount of autologous fat injected, 8.88 mL; absolute volume augmentation measured at the last postoperative visit, 3.71 mL; and retention, 41.2%. Results of Welch’s t test, in which the membrane-filtration data were compared with the previous centrifuge data (31.8% long-term retention), showed a significant difference ( P = .03). Retention in this study was significantly higher in patients younger than 55 years (53.0% vs 31% for older patients; P = .001) and lower in patients who underwent rhytidectomy (23.8% vs 47.6% for nonrhytidectomy patients; P < .001). Conclusions: Autologous fat processed by closed-membrane filtration had a significantly higher long-term retention rate than did centrifuged-processed fat injected by the same surgeons. Level of Evidence: 3 ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Negotiating Religious Differences: The Strategies of Interfaith Chaplains in Healthcare

Chaplains in healthcare increasingly work in interfaith roles with patients and families from a range of religious and spiritual backgrounds. Some move with ease between their own religious backgrounds and those of the individuals with whom they work. Others encounter tensions as their status as a person of faith comes into conflict with their status as an interfaith chaplain. We explore the two main strategies—neutralizing and code-switching—chaplains at one large academic medical center use when working with patients and families whose religious and spiritual backgrounds are different from their own. Through training in clinical pastoral education and experiences on the job, chaplains learn to neutralize (use a broad language of spirituality that emphasizes commonalities rather than differences) and to code-switch (use the languages, rituals, and practices of the people with whom they work). To the extent that the strategies evident here are present among chaplains in a broader range of institutional settings, they suggest a kind of spiritual secularism or broad approach to meaning makings that may be facilitated by interfaith chaplains in a range of settings.
A Corpus-Sensitive Algorithm for Automated Tonal Analysis

A corpus-sensitive algorithm for tonal analysis is described. The algorithm learns a tonal vocabulary and syntax by grouping together chords that share scale degrees and occur in the same contexts and then compiling a transition matrix between these chord groups. When trained on a common-practice corpus, the resulting vocabulary of chord groups approximates traditional diatonic Roman numerals. These parameters are then used to determine the key and vocabulary items used in an unanalyzed piece of music. Such a corpus-based method highlights the properties of common-practice music on which traditional analysis is based, while offering the opportunity for analytical and pedagogical methods more sensitive to the characteristics of individual repertories.
Thermal Conductivity Analysis of a Multichip Micropackage

As integrated circuit speeds increase, the length of interconnecting signal runs become a significant portion of the delay in a logic network. This forces increased packaging density with the related problems of heat removal. One of Honeywell’s answers to increasing packaging density is the multichip micropackage which is an alumina substrate with layers of dielectric and signal runs screened and fired on it to form a small, high density, multilayer circuit “board”. The chips are soldered to metal pads on the surface of the micropackage and the solder joint has voids. The solder under the chip not only holds the chip in place, but is the prime path for heat flow from the chip. Two of the questions which arose during the thermal analysis of the micropackaging concept were how void free must the solder joint be in order to guarantee an adequate thermal path (especially since the dielectric is a very poor thermal conductor) and how much can the beam leads be depended on as a thermal path as this void area increases?