cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing Intracellular Force Distributions by High‐Resolution Live Cell Imaging and Inverse Dynamics

Highly coordinated molecular regulation of mechanical processes is central to numerous cell processes. A key challenge in cell biophysics is, therefore, to probe intracellular force distributions and mechanical properties of live cells with high spatial and temporal resolution. This chapter describes a passive (i.e. nonperturbing) approach to map intracellular force distributions with submicron spatial resolution, and on a timescale of seconds. On the basis of a continuum mechanical interpretation of the cell cytoskeleton, this approach performs an inverse reconstruction of intracellular forces from cytoskeletal flows measured in high-resolution live cell images acquired by quantitative fluorescent speckle microscopy (qFSM). Our inverse algorithm can robustly reconstruct the relative force distribution even in the absence of a quantitative profile of network elasticity. In addition, we also propose an emerging technique for probing the in vivo actin network compliance based on correlation analysis of the same data set. We demonstrate the force reconstruction on migrating epithelial cells, where the reconstructed intracellular force field indicates spatial and temporal coordination of force generation by cytoskeleton assembly, contraction and focal adhesion resistance, and its functional output in the form of cell edge movements. This technique will potentially allow the analysis of intracellular force regulation in numerous other cell functions.
Voltage clamp studies of fertilization in sea urchin eggs: II. Current patterns in relation to sperm entry, nonentry, and activation

Abstract Following attachment of a sperm to the surface of a sea urchin egg clamped at a membrane potential ( V m ) more positive than +17 mV, no changes in membrane conductance can be detected, the sperm does not enter the egg, and no morphological changes can be detected. At V m from +17 to −100 mV three characteristically different types of current profiles are observed: Type I are activation currents in eggs penetrated by a sperm. These have three phases, which occur in all eggs clamped at V m from +17 to −20 mV and in decreasing percentages at clamped V m more negative than −20 mV (to −75 mV). Complete fertilization envelopes are elevated, relatively large mound-shaped fertilization cones form, and the eggs develop to normal embryos. Type II are sperm transient currents in eggs not penetrated by a sperm, the eggs otherwise remaining in the unfertilized state. These transients are simpler and shorter than type I currents, and are observed only at clamped V m more negative than −20 mV. Type III are modified activation currents in eggs not penetrated by a sperm. These have three phases, are observed only at clamped V m more negative than −20 mV, and are the only type of activation current seen at clamped V m more negative than −75 mV. Complete fertilization envelopes are elevated, the fertilization cones are small and filament-like, and the eggs fail to cleave. We conclude that (a) the sperm transient currents (type II) and phase 1 of the activation currents (types I and III) are similar events generated by a sperm-initiated localized conductance increase, (b) the abrupt decrease of current which terminates the sperm transients and phase 1 of type III currents results from a turnoff of the sperm-induced conductance increase and signals that the sperm will not enter the egg, and (c) the occurrence of phase 2 during an electrophysiological response induced by a sperm indicates that the egg is activating.
Precipitation anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean and their relation to the initiation of El Niño

[1] A pattern of intraseasonal to interannual variability in precipitation and surface winds for the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean (EEIO) during 1979 to 1999 is described using combined Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analyses. The main features of the positive phase of the EEIO mode are 1) enhanced precipitation to the south of the island of Sumatra, 2) suppressed precipitation in the central equatorial Indian Ocean, 3) surface westerly wind anomalies directed from the dry toward the wet region, and 4) southeasterly wind anomalies which meet the westerly anomalies in the vicinity of the enhanced precipitation. A relationship was found between the precipitation gradient of the EEIO mode and the five strongest El Nino events since 1979 (1982/83, 1986/87, 1991/92, 1994/95, and 1997/98). For the cases when the interannual component of the gradient reached a positive peak followed by significant power (94%) in the 30–60 day component of the gradient roughly a season later, an El Nino was observed to develop.
Axial Fatigue Properties of Metal Matrix Composites

Axial fatigue properties were determined on a number of filament reinforced metal matrix composite materials. Results indicated that each of the composite materials possessed excellent fatigue properties when tested parallel with reinforcing filaments (that is, fatigue strengths at 10 6 cycles of 50 to 80 percent of ultimate tensile strengths). Transverse fatigue properties were found to be similar to those of the unreinforced matrix material. The type and size of filaments and the matrix material and its condition were found to significantly affect fatigue properties. For example, boron-reinforced composites possess higher fatigue strengths than Borsic-reinforced composites at high-stress, low-cycle fatigue, but the reverse is true in the low-stress, high-cycle region; large diameter (5.6-mil) filaments impart superior fatigue properties to composites than do 4.0-mil filaments; aluminum matrix composites possess better fatigue properties in the longitudinal direction (that is, parallel with reinforcing filaments), however, titanium matrix composites possess higher fatigue strengths in off-axis directions; disbonds result in lower fatigue strengths; and, heat treatment of the matrix improves transverse fatigue properties but has little or no effect on longitudinal fatigue strength. The fatigue properties of boron 6061 aluminum, Borsic 6061 aluminum, boron stainless steel 6061 aluminum, Borsic stainless steel 6061 aluminum, Borsic titanium 6061 aluminum, and Borsic 6Al-4V titanium are presented and compared to facilitate use by design and materials engineers.
Dimensions and Anatomical Variants of the Foramen Transversarium of Typical Cervical Vertebrae.

The study was conducted on random sample of seventy-one dried, typical cervical vertebrae (C3–C6). The data on the age, sex, and built was not available. Using vernier calipers with 0.01 mm accuracy, the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of transverse foramina and their distance from the medial margin of the uncinate process were measured bilaterally. The mean diameter of the right/left transverse foramen varied from 2.54 mm to 7.79 mm (mean = 5.55 ± 0.87 mm) and from 2.65 mm to 7.35 mm (mean = 5.48 ± 0.77 mm), respectively. The transverse foramen was less than 3.5 mm in three vertebrae on the right and two on the left. The osteocytes observed in 21.3% of specimens and the narrow transverse foramen may place patients at risk for vertebrobasilar insufficiency or thrombus formation. The mean distance of the transverse foramen from the medial margin of uncinate process is an important landmark to avoid vertebral artery laceration and was 5.0 ± 0.87 mm (range: 3.5–7.9 mm) on the right and 5.0 ± 1.0 mm (range: 3.2–7.7 mm) on the left side. No statistically significant difference was observed between the right and left sides. The accessory transverse foramina seen in 24% of vertebrae suggest duplications or fenestrations in the vertebral artery.
Effect of residue structure on the thermal and thermoresponsive properties of γ-substituted poly(N-acryloyl-2-pyrrolidones)

We discuss the results of an investigation into the structure/property correlations of γ-substituted poly(N-acryloyl-2-pyrrolidone)s, a recently reported class of pyrrolidone-based polymers prepared from pyroglutamic acid, a bio-derived resource. Monomers bearing alkoxy and thiolate substituents were polymerized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization with polymer molecular weights and dispersities (ĐM) estimated by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal a large degree of steric congestion about the monomer acryl-imide functionality, a topological feature that has residual effects on polymer physicochemical properties when variations to γ-substituent structure are applied. Indeed, glass transition temperature Tg is significantly influenced by both substituent structure (e.g., saturated linear aliphatic vs. cyclic aliphatic vs. aromatic) and chemical class with the more thermally stable thiolated polymers possessing lower Tg values than their alkoxy congeners of comparable molecular weight. Regarding solubility, all polymers dissolve in common organic solvents including chloroform, dichloromethane, and tetrahydrofuran while only those bearing methoxyethoxy (poly(MeOEthONP)) and tetrahydrofurfuryloxy (poly(FurONP)) substituents are soluble in water, a medium where they also exhibit thermoresponsive behavior. Despite the structural similarities among these polymers, a remarkable difference of ca. 32 °C is observed between their cloud point (CP) temperatures (poly(MeOEthONP), CP = 47 °C, poly(FurONP), CP = 15 °C) measured during a phase transition that is sensitive to polymer concentration (0.1–1.0 g L−1) and chemical environment (e.g. deionized water vs. phosphate buffered saline (PBS)). Given that both the methoxyethyl thiolate-substituted (poly(MeOEthSNP) and substituent-free (poly(NP)) polymers are insoluble in aqueous media, we conclude that the observed thermoresponsivity arises from both the topology of the hydrophilic ether-based moiety and identity of the atom (i.e. O vs. S) that tethers the substituent to the lactam scaffold. Finally, cytotoxicity assays were performed on poly(MeOEthONP) as its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is close to that of the human body, an attribute that is desirable for hydrophilic materials used in thermoresponsive drug-delivery platforms. The results of this investigation show that over a concentration range of ca. 0.1–100 μg mL−1, poly(MeOEthONP) formulations are primarily noncytotoxic to both MCF-7 breast cancer cells and human dermal fibroblasts.
Moving in a fog: stimulus contrast affects the perceived speed and direction of motion

Moving cars give the illusion of slowing down in foggy conditions, because low contrast reduces perceived speed. A grey square that drifts horizontally across a surround of black and white vertical stripes appears to stop and start as it crosses each stripe, because its contrast keeps changing. A moving square whose vertical and horizontal edges have different contrast will show illusory distortions in perceived direction. Contrast also affects the apparent amplitude and salience of back-and-forth apparent motion. Also, a line of black and white dots on a gray surround moves in illusory directions, because of a mismatch in the contrast along the dotted line. Thus, motion signals in the early parts of the visual system are profoundly altered by stimulus luminance and contrast. This suggests that motion is coded by the relative firing rates of neural channels tuned to "fast" and "slow" motion.
Closely Related Good Prices in the Travel Cost Model

This travel cost demand study included prices for closely related goods such as money and time costs of on-site time, on-site purchases, and other trip activities. A disequilibrium labor market model was estimated. The sample was mainly composed of persons who did not substitute earned income for leisure time. The few persons who had the capability to substitute time for money were excluded from the sample. Consumer surplus was estimated to be $69 per trip using the expanded model. A model using only the conventional travel cost variables resulted in estimated surplus per trip of $45.
Planetary science: Saturn's mixed magnetosphere.

When interplanetary shock waves hit the Cassini spacecraft and then Saturn in January 2004, it presented a unique opportunity to study the planet's magnetosphere and to compare it with that of Earth.
Horizontal cell synapses onto glycine-accumulating interplexiform cells.

Horizontal cells mediate lateral transmission of signals in the outer plexiform layer of the vertebrate retina, and are presumed to contribute to surround properties of photoreceptors and bipolar cells by chemical transmission. The cell bodies1 and dendrites2 of fish horizontal cells possess presynaptic specializations characteristic of conventional chemical synapses. Horizontal cell axon terminals have not so far been shown to contain presynaptic specializations nor have the targets of the somatic and dendritic synapses been fully characterized. Using electron microscope autoradiography of retinas labelled by high-affinity 3H-glycine uptake, we show here that goldfish horizontal cells make somatodendritic and axodendritic synapses on glycinergic interplexiform cells (Gly-IPCs) as apposed to dopaminergic interplexiform cells. Thus, horizontal cells have at least three postsynaptic targets: photoreceptors, bipolar cells and Gly-IPCs. Gly-IPCs may constitute a major alternative pathway for horizontal cell signals to reach the inner plexiform layer.
Microbiologic studies of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from patients with nosocomial bacteraemias.

Abstract We studied 50 strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from 50 patients with hospital-acquired bacteraemia, identified by prospective surveillance at the University of Virginia Hospital between March 1981 and September 1982. Using the Staph-Ident System for speciation, we found that 37 strains (74%) were Staphylococcus epidermidis , 7 (14%) Staph. hominis , 3 (6%) Staph. haemolyticus and 3 (6%) Staph. warneri . 33 (66%) of the strains produced slime and a higher proportion of the Staph. epidermidis group (75%) than the non-epidermidis group (46%), did so Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by a microdilution technique with 20 different antibiotics. There was no difference in geometric mean MICs between slime producers and non-slime producers within either the epidermidis or non-epidermidis group. The most potent antibiotics against Staph. epidermidis (MIC 90 mg 1 −1 ) were rifampin (0·05), netilmicin (0·05), amikacin (2·9), thienamycin (0·75), teichomycin (0·85), vancomycin (1·0) and nafcillin (0·39). On the other hand strains were resistant to tobramycin (15), moxalactam (50), fosfomycin (64), and clindamycin (64). Overall, eight (16%) of the CNS strains were resistant to methicillin, three of which were Staph. haemolyticus . The non-epidermidis strains were more resistant than the Staph. epidermidis strains to most β-lactam antibiotics. Differences in antibiograms indicate that speciation of CNS may prove useful for clinical and epidemiologic purposes.
DEVITRIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS OF ALKALI‐LEAD OXIDE‐DOLOMITE LIME‐SILICA GLASSES*

The devitrification characteristics of the field of compositions, which includes the commercial lime crystal glasses, were investigated. Tridymite was found to crystallize from glasses containing as low as 62% of SiO2. Tridymite, devitrite, diopside, sodium disilicate, and an unidentified compound were found to be primary phases. Potassium oxide (K2O), in general, lowers the liquidus temperature when it replaces Na2O.
Comparison of certain laboratory tests in the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A lowered level of serum albumin and an increased PBI-BEI difference have diagnostic value in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The zinc sulfate concentration and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate were abnormally high in a large proportion of 101 patients having Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but also in nearly as high a proportion of 39 euthyroid patients with nodular goiters. For this reason the practical diagnostic usefulness of these two tests is negligible. When the zinc sulfate, PBI-BEI difference, alpha-1-globulin, and alpha-2-globulin tests were considered as a group, one or more gave abnormal results in 97 per cent of patients with thyroiditis and in 72 per cent of euthyroid patients with adenomatous goiter. This surprising proportion of abnormal values in the cases of euthyroid adenomatous goiter makes the use of such combinations of tests of relatively little value in the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is not known why so many of these laboratory findings are abnormal in patients with Hashimoto's t...
Semantic atoms of anaphora

It is argued that most anaphors have semantic content and that the semantic content of a given anaphoric atom plays an active role in determining both its distribution and the interpretation of the sentences in which it is employed. It is first demonstrated that semantic distinctions between semantically relational anaphoric atoms predict differences between their distributions. It is then argued that all of the semantically relational anaphoric atoms respect Principle A, while semantically contentless anaphors often do not.
Oscillator strengths from line absorption in a high-temperature furnace—II. The (0,0) band of the B2σ+—X2σ+ transition in CN*

Abstract Quantitative high-resolution absorption spectroscopy was applied to the (0,0) violet band of CN. The CN radical was prepared in a furnace at 1421°K containing pure cyanogen gas. Since the calculated CN concentration is dependent on the controversial CN heat of formation, only the relationship, fυ = 6·84 X 10-3 exp (0·354δ), where fυ is the excess over the initially assumed ΔH0f(CN) = 100·8 kcal/mole, could be directly determined in this study with an estimated error in fυ of ±20%. For δ = 0, our fυ is a factor of 4·8 smaller than an average value of 0·033±0· derived from other measurements. If this latter value of fυ is assumed, our relationship yields ΔH0f(CN) = 105·3±1· kcal/mole or D0(CN) = 7·66±0·05 eV. The rotational temperature and line widths for this band were also measured.
New fine structural features of cardiac rhabdomyoma: report of a case.

Electron microscopy of a cardiac rhabdomyoma revealed two varieties of cells: (1) typical "spider cells' characterized by few myofibrils and large aggregates of glycogen particles free in the cytoplasm; and (2) cells with more myofibrils, less glycogen, and glycogen within membrane-limited vacuoles. These differences in myofibril development and glycogen content represent two succeeding stages in the early maturation of normal cardiocytes. The vacuoles containing glycogen were interpreted as autophagic and, consequently, active in the glycogen decrease typical of normal maturing cardiocytes. Rhabdomyoma cells did not show the structures, e.g., T system, characteristic of the late normal heart development. This study supports the theory that arrested cardiocyte maturation is a factor in the pathogenesis of cardiac rhabdomyoma.
The effects of constant and diurnal illumination of the pineal gland and the eyes on ocular growth in chicks.

PURPOSE. To investigate the effects of constant or 12-hour cyclic illumination of the pineal gland and the eyes on the growth of the chick eye. METHODS. Chicks (Gallus gallus, Cornell K Strain) were raised either under a 12-hour light-dark cycle of normal light or under constant light, with or without opaque removable hoods that covered the top of the head for 12 hours each day. A second group of chicks was raised under constant light with opaque eye covers that were worn on either both eyes or only the right eye for 12 hours each day. Chicks were placed in the experimental conditions on the third day after hatching and raised for 3 weeks. RESULTS. Pineal gland hoods and eye covers worn 12 hours a day significantly (P < 0.0001) protected the chicks from hyperopia under constant-light conditions. They also reduced the flattening of the cornea caused by constant light. Most striking was the protection afforded the uncovered eye from constant light's effects by the periodic covering of the opposite eye. CONCLUSIONS. A diurnal light- dark rhythm presented to one of three photosensitive organs (the pineal gland and both eyes) can protect the eyes from the effects of constant light. This is most probably due to the maintenance of a melatonin rhythm in the organ receiving the diurnal light rhythm.
Flow in t-bifurcations: Effect of the sharpness of the flow divider

The local geometry of a bifurcation has been hypothesized to be a potential geometrical risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. While flow division and branch area ratios clearly affect the flow field, the importance of the flow divider shape is not as clear. A fast spectral element computational fluid mechanics (CFD) solver was used to simulate flow through 90 degrees T-bifurcations with three different flow divider shapes. Other factors, such as flow partition, area ratio, and bifurcation angle, were kept constant. A Reynolds number range of 15 to 350 was studied to bracket experimental results in the literature. The variation in the sharpness of the corners had a dramatic effect on both the flow field and wall shear stress distribution in the side branch, but little effect on the flow in the main tube. The magnitude of reverse velocities and wall shear stress in the side branch increased linearly over a physiological range of Reynolds number and corner shape. This paper verifies the accuracy and usefulness of spectral element CFD in studying three-dimensional hemodynamics.
AVERSIVE STIMULUS DIFFERENTIALLY TRIGGERS SUBSECOND DOPAMINE RELEASE IN REWARD REGIONS

Aversive stimuli have a powerful impact on behavior and are considered to be the opposite valence of pleasure. Recent studies have determined some populations of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons are activated by several types of aversive stimuli, whereas other distinct populations are either inhibited or unresponsive. However, it is not clear where these aversion-responsive neurons project, and whether alterations in their activity translate into dopamine release in the terminal field. Here we show unequivocally that the neurochemical and anatomical substrates responsible for the perception and processing of pleasurable stimuli within the striatum are also activated by tail pinch, a classical painful and aversive stimulus. Dopamine release is triggered in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc) core by tail pinch and is time locked to the duration of the stimulus, indicating that the dorsal striatum and NAc core are neural substrates, which are involved in the perception of aversive stimuli. However, dopamine is released in the NAc shell only when tail pinch is removed, indicating that the alleviation of aversive condition could be perceived as a rewarding event.
Aftercare Services from Funeral Directors to Bereaved Men: Surveys of Both Providers and Recipients:

Little is known about the aftercare practices of funeral directors toward bereaved men or about bereaved men's use of aftercare services. We addressed these issues in two studies. In Study 1, 145 funeral directors were surveyed about their attitudes and aftercare services for bereaved men. They offered a range of services, but only a minority of men utilized them, and primarily only those services initiated by the funeral home (e.g., mailings, phone calls), rather than initiated by the men themselves (e.g., use of support groups, using reading material, counseling). Funeral directors who acknowledged men's emotional needs and adjustment problems were more active in providing services, and in turn, reached more men. In Study 2, we interviewed 69 men who had funeral services for their wives in the prior 16 months. Their use of aftercare services paralleled reports by funeral directors. On average, these men reported that such services were only moderately helpful. However, men who used services that they in...
Variations in solids: A declarative treatment

Abstract Underlying the notions of variational geometry, design prototypes, features, and representation of assemblies seems to be a common concept of variations. This paper develops the core of a monotonically declarative system for variations on solids. It introduces a set of language constructs that are the basis for ASCEND, an object-oriented equation-solving language. It presents equations for representing certain spatial relationships between primitive geometric elements. Using plex grammar notation, it develops a set of Euler operators that are monotonic in the strict sense required by the ASCEND language. These operators are collectively shown to generate representations for all plane models of 2-manifold objects and to generate only such representations. Finally, it presents the core of a system for variations using the ASCEND language to implement both equation models and the new Euler operators.
Grannies, tanning beds, tattoos and NASCAR: evaluation of search tasks with varying levels of cognitive complexity

One of the most challenging aspects of designing an interactive information retrieval (IIR) study is the development of search tasks. In this paper, we present preliminary results of a study designed to evaluate a set of search tasks that were developed for use in IIR studies. We created 20 search tasks using five levels of cognitive complexity and four domains, and conducted a laboratory evaluation of these tasks with 48 undergraduate subjects. We describe preliminary results from an analysis of data from 24 subjects for 10 search tasks. Initial results show that, in general, as cognitive complexity increased, subjects issued more queries, clicked on more search results, viewed more URLs and took more time to complete the task. Subjects' expected and experienced difficulty ratings of tasks generally increased as cognitive complexity increased with some exceptions. When subjects were asked to rank tasks according to difficulty and engagement, tasks with higher cognitive complexity were rated as more difficult than tasks with lower cognitive complexity, but not necessarily as more engaging. These preliminary results suggest that behaviors and ratings are fairly consistent with the differences one might expect among the search tasks and provide initial evidence of the usefulness of these tasks in IIR studies.
Elevated temperature mechanical behavior of bulk nanostructured Al 5083–Al85Ni10La5 composite

Abstract The mechanical behavior of a nanostructured 5083 Al–Al 85 Ni 10 La 5 composite that was processed via consolidation of cryomilled 5083 Al and amorphous Al 85 Ni 10 La 5 powder was investigated in the temperature range of 25–400 °C. The devitrified Al 85 Ni 10 La 5 phase revealed high thermal stability against growth during the consolidation process and resulted in a grain size of approximately 200 nm. The 5083 Al–Al 85 Ni 10 La 5 composite exhibited superior elevated temperature properties when compared to that of nanostructured or coarse-grained 5083 Al alloy. The mechanical behavior of the 5083 Al–Al 85 Ni 10 La 5 composite was analyzed in the context of the deformation mechanisms that are active in the 5083 nanostructured matrix.
Hybrid data mining-regression for infrastructure risk assessment based on zero-inflated data

Abstract Infrastructure disaster risk assessment seeks to estimate the probability of a given customer or area losing service during a disaster, sometimes in conjunction with estimating the duration of each outage. This is often done on the basis of past data about the effects of similar events impacting the same or similar systems. In many situations this past performance data from infrastructure systems is zero-inflated; it has more zeros than can be appropriately modeled with standard probability distributions. The data are also often non-linear and exhibit threshold effects due to the complexities of infrastructure system performance. Standard zero-inflated statistical models such as zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models do not adequately capture these complexities. In this paper we develop a novel method that is a hybrid classification tree/regression method for complex, zero-inflated data sets. We investigate its predictive accuracy based on a large number of simulated data sets and then demonstrate its practical usefulness with an application to hurricane power outage risk assessment for a large utility based on actual data from the utility. While formulated for infrastructure disaster risk assessment, this method is promising for data-driven analysis for other situations with zero-inflated, complex data exhibiting response thresholds.
When Is a Brain Like the Planet

Time series of macroscopic quantities that are aggregates of microscopic quantities, with unknown one‐many relations between macroscopic and microscopic states, are common in applied sciences, from economics to climate studies. When such time series of macroscopic quantities are claimed to be causal, the causal relations postulated are representable by a directed acyclic graph and associated probability distribution—sometimes called a dynamical Bayes net. Causal interpretations of such series imply claims that hypothetical manipulations of macroscopic variables have unambiguous effects on variables “downstream” in the graph, and such macroscopic variables may be predictably produced or altered even while particular microstates are not. This paper argues that such causal time series of macroscopic aggregates of microscopic processes are the appropriate model for mental causation.
Phosphatidic Acid and Phosphoinositide Turnover in Myelin and Its Stimulation by Acetylcholine

: Brain slices obtained from the forebrains of adult female rats were incubated with [32P]phosphate and [3H]-glycerol for 60 min, and lipids extracted and analyzed by TLC. The 32P in brain slice lipids was primarily in polyphosphoinositides, phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phos-phatidate (PA). Distribution of the 32P-labeled lipids in isolated myelin was biased toward PA, 38%, relative to 16% in whole tissue slice lipids. About 33% of the total labeled PA in brain slices was accounted for by that in myelin. On a per milligram protein basis, PA labeling in myelin is about 2.5-fold greater than that of whole brain slice. Since incorporation of [3H]glycerol (indicative of synthesis by the de novo synthetic pathway) was at very low levels, we conclude that [32P]phosphate entered into myelin PA primarily through a pathway involving phospholipase C activity. Much of the production of PA relates to hydrolysis of phosphoinositides, yielding diacylglycerol which is then phosphorylated within myelin. The distribution of label among the inositol-containing lipids suggests that only a fraction of the myelin polyphosphoinositides serve as substrate for rapid diglyceride production. In the presence of 10 mM acetylcholine (ACh) there was a 20–60% stimulation of [32P]-phosphate incorporation into PA and PI of brain slice lipids and purified myelin. Stimulation by ACh was blocked by atropine. The observed increase in the 32P/3H ratio, relative to controls, indicated that for both total lipids and myelin lipids there was selective stimulation of a phospholipase C-dependent cycle relative to de novo biosynthesis. We conclude that a significant fraction of both background and neurotransmitter-enhanced phospholipid metabolism seen in whole brain tissue relates to myelin metabolism.
Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes by nanoparticle-based immunomagnetic separation and real-time PCR.

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a method combining nanoparticle-based immunomagnetic separation (IMS) with real-time PCR for a rapid and quantitative detection of Listeria monocytogenes. Carboxyl modified magnetic nanoparticles were covalently bound with rabbit anti-L. monocytogenes via the amine groups. Several factors, such as the amount of immunomagnetic nanoparticles (IMNPs), reaction and collection times, and washing step, were optimized, and the nanoparticle-based IMS in combination with real-time PCR was further evaluated for detecting L. monocytogenes from artificially contaminated milk. The cell numbers calculated from the means of threshold cycles (CT) of PCR amplification curves were compared to those from plate counts in order to determine the correspondence degree of quantitative data. The capture efficiency (CE) by plating from IMNP-based IMS was 1.4 to 26 times higher than those of Dynabeads®-based IMS depending on the initial cell concentrations inoculated into milk samples. When combined with real-time PCR, L. monocytogenes DNA was detected in milk samples with L. monocytogenes ≥ 102 CFU/0.5 ml. In the range of 103 to 107 L. monocytogenes CFU/0.5 ml, cell numbers calculated from CT values were 1.5 to 7 times higher than those derived from plate counts. Our results demonstrated that both the use of nanoparticles and the choice of anti-L. monocytogenes in our IMNP-based IMS in combination with real-time PCR has improved the sensitivity of L. monocytogenes detection from both nutrient broth and milk samples.
Silicon induced in situ hole formation in optical fibers

Random hole optical fibers (RHOFs) represent a new class of holey fiber, which utilizes randomly sized and spaced porosity in the cladding region to confine light to the core region of the fiber. The porosity in the cladding region acts to lower the average refractive index relative to that of the core region. This paper presents studies on silicon induced in situ hole formation in optical fibers. Silicon powder was added to the optical fiber preform and during drawing of the optical fiber, the silicon powder caused the formation of bubbles which were subsequently drawn into tubes in the fiber.
Feline sporotrichosis: A report of five cases with transmission to humans

Sporotrichosis was diagnosed in five cats. Seven humans exposed to these cats subsequently developed the disease. All feline cases developed draining ulcers, and in four of five cases there was disseminated cutaneous involvement. Histologically, numerous Sporothrix organisms were noted in cutaneous lesions and overlying exudate, The seven humans who became infected were involved in cleaning and medicating cats with the disease; all human patients developed a localized lymphocutaneous form of sporotrichosis. In four of the human cases there was no history of an associated penetrating wound. The large number of Sporothrix organisms is a distinct feature of feline sporotricosis and indicates that the cat may be the only domestic animal species that can readily transmit this disease to humans. In addition, any contact with the draining lesions of affected cats offers the potential for human infection. (J Am Acad Dermatol 15:37-45, 1986.)
Alterations in the myocardial capillary vasculature accompany tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.

Changes in capillary structure and distribution within the left ventricle (LV) occur with pressure and volume overload hypertrophy. These changes may cause an impairment in myocardial blood flow (MBF) and oxygen delivery resulting in myocyte injury and LV dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether changes in the capillary vasculature accompany the development of LV dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathies. Accordingly, this study examined the relation between LV function, MBF and capillary architecture after the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in pigs produced by chronic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). LV function was examined by echo-catheterization, and capillary morphometrics were computed using lectin histochemistry in two groups of pigs: sham controls (n=8); and after 3 weeks of pacing-induced SVT (n=8). Chronic SVT resulted in significantly incresed LV end-diastolic dimension and pressure with a 50% reduction in LV fractional shortening compared to CON (p<0.05). Although no significant change in capillary density (2180±164 vs 2402±147/mm2, p=0.25) occurred in the SVT group compared to CON, a significant reduction in the volume fraction of capillaries (12.2±0.5 vs 9.9±0.7%, p<0.05) and increased capillary diffusion distance (8.4±0.5 vs 7.5±0.3 μm, p<0.05) was observed. Frequency distribution analysis revealed a higher percentage of smaller diameter capillaries with chronic SVT vs CON (p<0.05). Ultrastructural examination revealed an increased capillary-myocyte distance with chronic SVT (0.95±0.08 vs 1.95±0.12 μm, p<0.05). These changes were accompanied by ultrastructural evidence of significant subendocardial injury (p<0.05). MBF was measured using microspheres in five additional conscious pigs in each group. MBF was significantly reduced and coronary vascular resistance increased in the SVT group compared to CON (p<0.05). Chronic SVT caused significant remodeling of the capillary vasculature; these changes were associated with reduced MBF, myocyte injury, and LV dysfunction.
Effects of natural antioxidants on iron-catalyzed lipid oxidation of structured lipid-based emulsions

The effects of iron, pH, and natural antioxidants (α-tocopherol, gallic acid, and quercetin) on oxidation of structured lipid-based emulsions were evaluated. Ten percent oil-in-water emulsions were formulated with a canola oil/caprylic acid structured lipid and stabilized with 0.5% whey protein isolate. The PV, anisidine values, and Totox values of emulsions stored at 50°C were measured over a 15-d period. Iron significantly (P<0.05) increased lipid oxidation rates compared to control emulsions. Greater iron-catalyzed lipid oxidation occurred in the pH 3.0 emulsions compared to their pH 7.0 counterparts. Quercetin and gallic acid exhibited significant (P<0.05) prooxidant effects on total oxidation in the pH 3.0 emulsions. Emulsions at pH 7.0 were relatively stable to oxidation throughout the storage period. Because of the ability of some of these natural antioxidants to exhibit prooxidant activity, care should be exercised when adding them to food systems containing transition metals.
Insulin binding to erythrocytes: a negative correlation with red cell age.

Although the human erythrocyte has been used to study insulin binding to its receptor, the specific erythroid cell responsible for insulin binding has not been determined. Therefore, in subjects with reticulocyte counts ranging from 0.5–20%, [125I]insulin binding was measured and corrected for the number of either erythrocytes or reticulocytes. The binding of [125I]- insulin to erythrocytes was similar to that shown for other cell types by a variety of binding criteria. Within any erythrocyte preparation, binding increased linearly with cell number; however, among 33 subjects, the level of specific [l25I]insulin binding did not correlate with the number of erythrocytes (r = 0.006; P = NS). Instead, the level of specific [l25I]insulin binding among subjects was better correlated with the number of reticulocytes (r = 0.74; P < 0.001). The greater the percentage of reticulocytes, the higher the binding, with the increase due to an increase in the total number of insulin receptors. Since the density of erythr...
Soil deformation and its spectral signature

Spatial variation of the surface micro-relief in a Sharkey clay soil was investigated. The micro-relief measurements of the soil surface were obtained using an automated infrared laser system and evaluated with methods of Fourier analysis. The authors illustrate the spectral technique with a simple example and then use the technique to interpret the surface micro-relief patterns of soil samples subjected to three simulated rainstorm intensities. The periodicity of the soil surface micro-relief in the longitudinal direction was 80–120 mm. The periodic surface micro-relief patterns immediately following the rainstorm are shown to be an early manifestation of the cracking pattern. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of weak signals with random parameters in non-Gaussian clutter

New results are presented for optimum coherent detection of signals with random parameters in non-Gaussian clutter. The spherically invariant random vector (SIRV) model is used to characterize the correlated, non-Gaussian clutter samples. A new canonical form for the optimal nonlinear receiver structure is presented. This form incorporates the conventional matched filter which maximizes signal-to-clutter ratio. Closed form solutions for the optimum receivers in Student-t SIRV clutter are presented for the known signal case and in the case of a signal with U(0,2(pi) ) initial random phase. The Student-t clutter example is used to demonstrate the significant improvement in detection probability of the non-Gaussian receiver for the weak signal problem, when compared to conventional Gaussian-based receivers.
The dispersion of matter in neutral and stably stratified atmospheric surface layers

Abstract The dispersion of neutrally buoyant matter in neutral and stably stratified atmospheric surface layers is described by the transient diffusion equation with an eddy diffusivity approximation. The concentration moment method, which is well suited to computer techniques, is used to solve the mass conservation equation for dispersion near the instantaneous line source at ground and elevated levels. The moment equations are solved by numerical methods for the zeroth, first, second, third and fourth moment of the longitudinal concentration distribution. The present results agree with analytic solutions available for neutral flows. The statistical properties of the dispersing cloud are used to find the constants that appear in the Lagrangian similarity hypothesis of Batchelor for wide range of stability conditions.
Premorbid Personality and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease (P07.132)

Objective: To evaluate the association of Parkinson9s disease (PD) with premorbid personality indicators in early adult life. Background PD has been shown to be associated with premorbid personality characteristics such as inflexibility, anti-social behavior and caution. Most studies of parkinsonian premorbid personality relied on subjective reports of personality in early life, which may be subject to recall bias. Design/Methods: In-person assessments of 89 cases with PD and 99 controls were completed at an academic medical center. Risk-taking activities and behaviors, routinization, smoking and alcohol consumption from ages 20-35 were used as indicators of early-adult life personality. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine associations between early-adult personality indicators and risk for PD controlling for age, sex and education. Results: The risk for PD was associated with taking or wanting to take fewer activity risks as a young adult in the total sample (OR=0.78 (95% CI 0.63-0.97)) and among women (OR=0.69 (95% CI 0.50-0.95)). The risk for PD among women also was associated with greater preference for a routine lifestyle as a young adult (OR=1.63 (95% CI 1.05-2.53)). When other personality indicators were included in the model, the association between risk-taking as a young adult and PD remained unchanged. Conclusions: PD was associated with taking or wanting to take more activity risks and a greater desire for routinization during young adulthood, consistent with the presence of a distinct premorbid personality. These findings suggest that personality characteristics in early life may be useful in the identification of individuals at higher risk for PD and provide insight into the pre-clinical period of the disease. Disclosure: Dr. Sullivan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mortimer has received personal compensation for activities with Davies, McFarland, and Carroll. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zesiewicz has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Pharmaceuticals as a speaker. Dr. Zesiewicz has received research support from Bobby Allison Ataxia Research Center, National Ataxia Foundation, Astellas Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Friedreich9s Ataxia Research Alliance, Takeda, Biovail Corporation, Southern Illinois University, and Allon Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Brownlee has received personal compensation for activities with Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly & Company, and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Borenstein has nothing to disclose.
Influence of pressure on solute retention in liquid chromatography

In this investigation, multiple on-column detectors are utilized to measure the retention of model solutes directly on a packed, capillary column. The absolute pressure on the column is controlled using a restrictor at the column exit, while the pressure gradient and volumetric flowrate are maintained constant. Measurements obtained under reversed-phase conditions indicate that the local capacity factor changes considerably with local pressure under typical operating conditions. These results are somewhat surprising since the mobile-phase solvents used for liquid chromatography are generally considered to be incompressible.
Computer simulation of the dispersion phenomena occurring during flow through porous media, using a random maze model

Using a simplified geometric model of porous media consisting of a two-dimensional random maze of plane tubes and assuming that in every portion of the tube fully developed flow conditions exist, we can determine the motion of a particle of a solute in the actual realizations of the random maze. Consequently, the dispersion phenomena occurring in flow through porous media can be simulated on a digital computer. One obtains the following relation between the coefficient of dispersionD and the mean pore velocity\(\bar \upsilon \) $$D \sim \bar \upsilon ^{1.2} $$ which is in agreement with the available experimental results.
Responding to Globalization Social Policy in Emerging Market Economies

The article addresses some of the major themes influencing the development and reform of social policy in emerging market economies. It is argued in the first section that growing concern with social policy is largely associated with the increasing openness of these economies – globalization – and the new systemic risks that domestic economies now face. We look at the broad reform trends that seem to be shaping the social policy agenda around the world, particularly privatization of social insurance, means-testing of benefits, and decentralization of provision. This raises the question of whether or not the provision of social insurance is moving toward some type of convergence. In the final section, the role of the international community in the social policy debate is examined, with a focus on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).