cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bleomycin-Induced E Prostanoid Receptor Changes Alter Fibroblast Responses to Prostaglandin E2

Although PGE(2) is a potent inhibitor of fibroblast function, PGE(2) levels are paradoxically elevated in murine lungs undergoing fibrotic responses. Pulmonary fibroblasts from untreated mice expressed all four E prostanoid (EP) receptors for PGE(2). However, following challenge with the fibrogenic agent, bleomycin, fibroblasts showed loss of EP2 expression. Lack of EP2 expression correlated with an inability of fibroblasts from bleomycin-treated mice to be inhibited by PGE(2) in assays of proliferation or collagen synthesis and blunted cAMP elevations in response to PGE(2). PGE(2) was similarly unable to suppress proliferation or collagen synthesis in fibroblasts from EP2(-/-) mice despite expression of the other EP receptors. EP2(-/-), but not EP1(-/-) or EP3(-/-) mice, showed exaggerated fibrotic responses to bleomycin administration in vivo as compared with wild-type controls. EP2 loss on fibroblasts was verified in a second model of pulmonary fibrosis using FITC. Our results for the first time link EP2 receptor loss on fibroblasts following fibrotic lung injury to altered suppression by PGE(2) and thus identify a novel fibrogenic mechanism.
Pathogenicity and Antigenicity of Clones from Strains of Marek's Disease Virus and the Herpesvirus of Turkeys

Abstract Virus was extracted by filtration from chicken embryo fibroblast cultures infected with the JM, high passage JM(JMHP), GA, and RPL39 strains of Marek's disease virus (MDV) and from the herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) and purified by cloning. The plaques produced by clones of HVT, JMHP, and other MDV strains differed in morphology from one another. Clones of MDV varied greatly in pathogenicity for chickens, but JMHP and HVT were nonpathogenic. Two pathogenic clones of JM virus and a clone of JMHP virus lacked the A precipitin antigen present in all other clones tested. All clones had at least one B antigen in common. HVT and MDV clones with and without the A precipitin antigen could be distinguished from each other by the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Changes in virus-host cell relationships, loss of pathogenicity, and loss of the A antigens were independent events.
Transgenic X. laevis embryos from eggs transplanted with nuclei of transfected cultured cells

Transgenic Xenopus laevis embryos were produced by transplantation of transfected cultured cell nuclei into unfertilized eggs. A Xenopus cell line, X-C, was stably transfected with plasmids containing a hygromycin-resistance gene and genes for either beta-galactosidase with a heat shock promoter or chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) with a muscle-specific actin promoter. Nuclei transplanted from these cells into unfertilized eggs directed development of embryos containing stably integrated copies of the plasmids in each cell. Transgenic embryos showed somite-specific expression of CAT and uniform expression of beta-galactosidase. Transgenic embryos produced by nuclear transplantation should be useful for testing the function of cloned genes in amphibian development.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Hypervelocity Buckminsterfullerene Collisions

Molecular dynamics simulations of high-energy collisions between various combinations of C60 and C70 fullerenes were performed to calculate the threshold for molecular fusion of these clusters as a function of the center-of-mass collision energy. For collision energies below 90 eV, only non-reacting collisions occurred with no observation of any fusion. However, at higher collision energies molecular fusion of the colliding clusters was observed with the fusion probability approaching 1 by 160 eV collision energy. The non-fusing, rebounding collisions showed deeply inelastic behavior with the loss of translational energy to internal energy varying from 50 to 70 percent.
Reacting soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes with singlet oxygen

Abstract Soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes were oxidized with singlet oxygen (1Δg) and the reaction progress was monitored utilizing FT-IR and UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy. The results indicate reversible covalent addition of oxygen to the walls of the nanotubes, most likely producing either the [2 + 2] or [4 + 2] cycloaddition product. Oxidative selectivity of singlet oxygen for metallic over semiconducting SWNTs was demonstrated and it is proposed that this selectivity can be utilized as a method for nanotube purification.
Predator-prey relationships: egg-eating predators

Abstract A model originally suggested by Gurtin and Levine [1] and later modified by Thompson et al. [2] is considered but with a general fecundity rate function. The same model is also studied under the assumption that the age-specific fecundity function is a function of the total population size of predator and prey species. Our basic model equations turn out to be integrodifferential equations. The stability and instability of equilibria are studied. It is found that Thompson et al.'s results stay valid even for a general fecundity function. Sufficient conditions are given for the stability of equilibria in the case of density-dependent fecundity function.
Recent advances in solar sail propulsion systems at NASA

Abstract Supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate, the In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) Program is developing solar sail propulsion (SSP) for use in robotic science and exploration of the solar system. SSP will provide longer on-station operation, increased scientific payload mass fraction, and access to previously inaccessible orbits for multiple potential science missions. Two different 20-m solar sail systems were produced and successfully completed functional vacuum testing last year in NASA Glenn's Space Power Facility at Plum Brook Station, Ohio. The sails were designed and developed by ATK Space Systems and L’Garde, respectively. These sail systems consist of a central structure with four deployable booms that support the sails. These sail designs are robust enough for deployments in a one atmosphere, one gravity environment, and are scalable to much larger solar sails—perhaps as much as 150 m on a side. In addition, computation modeling and analytical simulations have been performed to assess the scalability of the technology to the large sizes ( > 150 m) required for first generation solar sail missions. Life and space environmental effects testing of sail and component materials are also nearly complete. This paper will summarize recent technology advancements in solar sails and their successful ambient and vacuum testing.
Output Power Correlation Between Nearby Wind Power Plants

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) started a project in 2000 to record long-term, high-frequency (1-Hz) wind power output data from large commercial wind power plants. Outputs from about 330 MW of wind generating capacity from wind power plants in Buffalo Ridge, Minnesota, and Storm Lake, Iowa, are being recorded. Analysis of the collected data shows that although very short-term wind power fluctuations are stochastic, the persistent nature of wind and the large number of turbines in a wind power plant tend to limit the magnitudes and rates of changes in the levels of wind power. Analyses of power data confirm that spatial separation greatly reduces variations in the combined wind power output relative to output from a single wind power plant. Data show that high frequency variations of wind power from two wind power plants 200 km apart are independent of each other, but low frequency power changes can be highly correlated. This fact suggests that time-synchronized power data and meteorological data can aid in the development of statistical models for wind power forecasting.© 2003 ASME
Reduction of methemerythrin by dithionite ion

Abstract The reduction of methemerythrin (Hr + ) by dithionite produces deoxyhemerythrin (Hr o ) in multi, possibly three, stages. The kinetics were examined at pH 8·2 and 25 °C. The first stage is reduction of methemerythrin to an intermediate A by SO 2 - (k = 1.3 × 10 5 m −1 s −1 ). The much slower second and third stages have rates independent of dithionite concentrations. Reaction is completed after about 10 h. The kinetics of reactions of A with N 3 - , H 2 O 2 , and O 2 were examined, as well as the conversion of A to intermediate B (k = 4·4 × 10 −4 s −1 ). It is concluded that A is an (Fe(II)Fe(III)) 8 species, and that in B the unit (Fe(II)Fe(II)) 8 is well developed, judging by its unreactivity towards N 3 − , its reaction with H 2 O 2 , and its reversible uptake of O 2 (85–90% of the final product). There is little effect of adjusting the pH to 6·3 on the rates of the processes examined.
Detection of rebar delamination using modal analysis

A non-destructive method for early detection of reinforcement steel bars (re-bar) delamination in concrete structures has been developed. This method, termed modal analysis, has been shown effective in both laboratory and field experiments. In modal analysis, an audio speaker is used to generate flexural resonant modes in the re-bar in reinforced concrete structures. Vibrations associated with these modes are coupled to the surrounding concrete and propagate to the surface where they are detected using a laser vibrometer and/or accelerometer. Monitoring both the frequency and amplitude of these vibrations provides information on the bonding state of the embedded re-bar. Laboratory measurements were performed on several specially prepared concrete blocks with re-bar of varying degrees of simulated corrosion. Field measurements were performed on an old bridge about to be torn down in Howard County, Maryland and the results compared with those obtained using destructive analysis of the bridge after demolition. Both laboratory and field test results show this technique to be sensitive to re-bar delamination.
Growth and development of two species of chipmunks: Eutamias panamintinus and E. palmeri.

Growth rates and developmental patterns were determined on four litters each for two species of chipmunks, Eutamias panamintinus and E. palmeri , raised in the laboratory. E. palmeri were larger and had a faster rate of development in the early postnatal period, that is, earlier appearance of hair on head, erect pinnae, ability to stand, eruption of upper incisors, and appearance of cheek teeth. In weight and linear measurements, E. palmeri had faster growth rates than E. panamintinus . Constant growth rate (k) based on weight for E. panamintinus was 0.076 and for E. palmeri , 0.092. An accelerated ontogeny is characteristic of sciurids that hibernate; therefore, we attribute the more rapid growth rate of E. palmeri to its more extended period of hibernation at higher elevations.
Cluster parity indices of partitions

Andrews recently made an extensive study of parity in partition identities. One of the open questions he listed was to describe the partitions enumerated by a series. The series resembled the series side of the Andrews–Gordon Identities with an extra parameter, and it seemed to have properties related to the parity indices, which are defined by Andrews. We define cluster parity indices, and settle the problem.
Downscaling indicators of forest habitat structure from national assessments

Abstract Downscaling is an important problem because consistent large-area assessments of forest habitat structure, while feasible, are only feasible when using relatively coarse data and indicators. Techniques are needed to enable more detailed and local interpretations of the national statistics. Using the results of national assessments from land-cover maps, this paper demonstrates downscaling in the spatial domain, and in the domain of the habitat model. A moving window device was used to measure structure (habitat amount and connectivity), and those indicators were then analyzed and combined with other information in various ways to illustrate downscaling.
Mycolic acid biosynthesis: definition and targeting of the Claisen condensation step

Abstract Through the use of 2,2-[ 2 H]palmitic acid pulse labeling of the whole cells of C. matruchotti and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the non-labeled and [ 2 H]-labeled corynomycolates, we established a new mechanism for palmitate condensation devoid of the postulated carboxylation step. This evidence allowed the design and synthesis of several structurally related antagonists against the condensation reactions which were shown to possess potent in vivo activity against C. matruchotti with complete inhibition of growth on solid media at concentrations between 1–10 μ g/ml. In addition, a cell-free in vitro assay of corynomycolate synthesis was developed to allow the screening of these and other antagonists.
Assessing adrenal function in primary care settings with a single sample subcutaneous glucagon test.

Objective To test the efficacy of the low-dose glucagon test in assessing adrenal gland function. Study design Subcutaneous glucagon was used to assess the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis in 215 healthy children. Concordance of this test with the low-dose intravenous ACTH test was established for 42 children. Glucagon testing was conducted for 150 minutes after subcutaneous glucagon administration and for 30 minutes after 1 μg intravenous ACTH. Results Mean peak serum cortisol concentrations were 22.4 ± 0.6 μg/dL (SEM) after subcutaneous glucagon and 20.0 ± 0.6 μg/dL after intravenous ACTH. Specificity of 95% was found at peak cortisol concentrations of 9.5 and 12.5 μg/dL for the glucagon and ACTH tests, respectively. Concordance between the glucagon and ACTH tests was 90.5%. Conclusions The glucagon test was found to be as good a test of the HPA axis as the ACTH test and had a 90.5% concordance with it. The ease of performing the glucagon test, namely, obtaining a single sample of blood 150 minutes after the subcutaneous administration of glucagon, makes it a useful method of assessing the HPA axis in primary care settings.
Experimental determination of three-dimensional RF magnetic field distribution of NMR coils

Abstract RF magnetic field homogeneity is an important consideraxion in all NMR experiments. In this work, an extension to an existing method is suggested for experimental evaluation of RF field homogeneity of NMR coils in three dimensions. The technique is founded on Fourier analysis of signal intensity modulation produced by variation of RF pulse length or amplitude. The frequency of signal modulation produced by RF pulse length variation is proportional to the strength of the local RF field. The three-dimensional spatial information is encoded by application of frequency- and phase-encoding magnetic field gradients. RF field profiles of commonly used coil configuration obtained using this technique are presented. The method was found to be more convenient and sensitive than other techniques currently used for generating RF field profiles.
Atomic spectroscopic evidence for the absence of a low-molecular-weight (486) antigen in RNA extracts shown to transfer delayed-type hypersensitivity in vitro.

Abstract Ribonucleic acid-rich extracts obtained from the spleens or lymph nodes of guinea pigs skin test sensitive to mono-( p -azobenzenearsonate)-N-chloracetyl- l -tyrosine (ARS-NAT) (MW 486) were able to convert “nonsensitive” peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) to a state of specific immunologic sensitivity, as assessed by the cell-migration-inhibition correlate of delayed hypersensitivity. Specific inhibition of migration of RNA-treated PEC by ARS-NAT antigen was observed while no inhibition of migration occurred with RNA alone or by incubation with unrelated antigens. The RNA used to transfer sensitivity was assessed for arsenic (As) content as a chemical marker for the ARS-NAT antigen utilizing two methods: a Gutzeit As assay, and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Preliminary chemical analysis utilizing the Gutzeit assay, which detects as little as 1 μg As, failed to detect As in 3200–4800 μg of RNA or in cell suspensions from the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver of immunized guinea pigs. Further attempts to detect As utilizing AAS, where the limit of As sensitivity was 0.1 ng, failed to detect As in 250 μg to 10 mg of “ARS-NAT-sensitive” RNA, suggesting that, if As is associated with the RNA-rich extracts, it could be present in an amount of no more than 5 pg in 500 μg of RNA; this corresponds to less than 0.0000065% ARS-NAT antigen. These results suggest an informational role for the RNA extracts in our delayed hypersensitivity system, paralleling similar evidence for the action of RNA extracts in antibody systems.
Effects of Simplifications of the Köhler Equation on the Activation of CCN in an Updraft

Abstract The effects of simplifications in the derivation of the Kohler equation describing the equilibrium saturation ratio for solution drops as a function of size on the activation of a population of CCN in an updraft are examined. Simulations based on the conventional form of the Kohler equation underestimate the numbers of droplets nucleated in a 2 m s−1 updraft by roughly 10%. The most simplified form of the Kohler equation using the van't Hoff factor for dilute solutions estimated the number of droplets nucleated to within 1%.
Characterization of commercial water treatment membranes modified via ion beam irradiation

A commercial sulfonated polysulfone water treatment membrane was modified by ion beam irradiation. After irradiation, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to identify chemical structure changes incurred by the modification. Some of the sulphonic groups on the surface of the membrane were broken due to ion beam irradiation, which resulted in crosslinking of the polymer. These changes modified the surface morphology of the membrane and also decreased the negative charge of the membrane. Previous studies have determined that ion beam irradiation produces no significant changes in membrane permeability along with improvements in selectivity with respect of organic carbon rejection. Thus, this study focused on conducting bench-scale cross-flow filtration experiments to investigate the cake accumulation on the modified membrane. Through ATR-FTIR and atomic force miscroscopy, it was concluded that fouling of the modified membrane was significantly less severe than that of the virgin membrane. Thus, ion beam irradiation was observed to be an effective membrane modification technique.
Mechanism of djenkolic acid decomposition by cystathionase

Abstract In the cleavage of djenkolic acid by the enzyme cystathionase ( l -homoserine hydrolyase (deaminating), EC 4.2.1.15) it has been shown that equivalent amounts of cysteine, pyruvic acid, formaldehyde, H 2 S and ammonia are formed. In analogy with the cleavage of cystine, decomposition of djenkolic acid yields S -thiomethylcysteine, which decomposes spontaneously to cysteine, formaldehyde and ammonia. The presence of iodoaceate in the reaction medium prevents this decomposition and results in the formation of the carboxymethyl congener of djenkolic acid.
A hybrid image registration technique for a digital camera image fusion application

Abstract In this paper, some image registration algorithms are investigated for the purpose of image fusion in a digital camera application. A hybrid scheme which uses both feature-based and intensity-based methods is proposed. In particular, an edge-based image registration approach is developed to guide the intensity-based registration which uses optical flow estimation. The idea of coarse-to-fine multi-scale iterative refinement is also utilized. The combination of these different methods tends to compensate for any deficiencies in the individual methods. Experiments show that our approach provides accurate registrations for the digital camera application. It is also demonstrated that the approach proves useful for registering some multi-spectral images.
Superconducting charge-ordered states in cuprates

Motivated by recent neutron scattering and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments on cuprate superconductors, we discuss charge-ordered states, in particular with two-dimensional charge modulation patterns, coexisting with superconductivity. We extend previous studies of a large-$N$ mean-field formulation of the $t\ensuremath{-}J$ model. In addition to bond-centered superconducting stripe states at low doping, we find checkerboard-modulated superconducting states which are favorable in an intermediate doping interval. We also analyze the energy dependence of the Fourier component of the local density of states at the ordering wave vector for several possible modulation patterns, and compare with STM results.
Carbon-Oxygen Hydrogen Bonding in Biological Structure and Function

Carbon-oxygen (CH···O) hydrogen bonding represents an unusual category of molecular interactions first documented in biological structures over 4 decades ago. Although CH···O hydrogen bonding has remained generally underappreciated in the biochemical literature, studies over the last 15 years have begun to yield direct evidence of these interactions in biological systems. In this minireview, we provide a historical context of biological CH···O hydrogen bonding and summarize some major advancements from experimental studies over the past several years that have elucidated the importance, prevalence, and functions of these interactions. In particular, we examine the impact of CH···O bonds on protein and nucleic acid structure, molecular recognition, and enzyme catalysis and conclude by exploring overarching themes and unresolved questions regarding unconventional interactions in biomolecular structure.
Cross Talk Between Estradiol and mTOR Kinase in the Regulation of Ovarian Granulosa Proliferation

Treatment of ovarian granulosa cells and follicles with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase inhibitor results in biphasic effects where nanomolar rapamycin (RAP) results in reduced proliferation, mitotic anomalies, and attenuated follicle growth, while the picomolar RAP results in accelerated follicle growth. Here, we tested whether such effects are specific to RAP or could be mimicked by 2 alternative mTOR inhibitors, everolimus (EV) and temsirolimus (TEM), and whether these effects were dependent on the presence of estradiol (E2). Spontaneously immortalized rat granulosa cells (SIGCs) were cultured in dose curves of RAP, EV, TEM, or vehicle with or without E2. Proliferation and phosphorylation of mTOR targets p70S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein (BP) were determined. Cell cycle gene array analysis and confirmatory quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were performed upon cells treated with picomolar RAP versus controls. Nanomolar RAP, EV, and TEM reduced SIGC proliferation and decreased phospho-p70 and 4E-BP. Picomolar concentrations accelerated proliferation without affecting mTOR substrate phosphorylation. Acceleration of growth by picomolar inhibitor required E2. Picomolar drug treatment altered the transcription of cell cycle regulators, increasing Integrin beta 1 and calcineurin expression, and decreasing inhibin alpha, Chek1, p16ARF, p27/Kip1, and Sestrin2 expression. At nanomolar concentrations, mTOR inhibitors attenuated granulosa proliferation. Accelerated growth and alterations in cell cycle gene transcription found with picomolar concentrations required E2 within the intrafollicular concentration range. The low concentrations of inhibitors required to increase granulosa proliferation suggest a novel use to support the growth of ovarian follicles.
Identifying Transient Binding Pockets in Protein Dynamics for Allosteric Drug Design

Allosteric modulators that regulate the activity of the orthosteric ligands are emerging as cutting-edge strategies in drug design. Unlike orthosteric ligands, allosteric modulators bind to topographically distinct domains from those utilized by orthosteric ligands. Allosteric modulators offer unique therapeutic advantages such as high selectivity thereby causing reduced side effects. However, allosteric pockets are difficult to find since they are often formed transiently during the protein dynamics and hence could be absent in the crystal structures. This poses a challenge in designing allosteric modulators using structure based drug design methods that rely solely on crystal structures or homology models. Moreover not all transient pockets are suitable for allosteric modulation, since the allosteric pocket must communicate with the orthosteric site for functional modulation. Thus there is a dire need for novel techniques that utilize information from protein dynamics to detect allosteric sites for drug design. We present here a comprehensive method for designing allosteric modulators using protein dynamics trajectories or NMR data. We have developed a method, VoidVol, to identify transient binding cavities during protein dynamics. Next, using mutual information calculated from the dynamics trajectories, we map the allosteric pipelines communicating with the orthosteric site. The transient pockets having strong allosteric communication with the orthosteric site can be used for screening allosteric modulators. These sites can be further tested for druggability using the program FindBindSite, also developed in our laboratory. The resulting druggable sites can then be used for high-throughput screening of small-molecule database. We have validated this approach using several kinases and GPCRs with known allosteric modulators. The above methodology demonstrates how molecular dynamics can be useful for allosteric drug design. Our method is applicable to any water-soluble or membrane protein with an available crystal structure or homology model.
Sorption of tritium by nickel during plastic deformation

The effect of plastic deformation on the amount of tritium absorbed, the surface concentration, and the apparent diffusivity was determined by comparing elastically and plastically deformed sections of nickel tensile tubes that were filled with tritium during deformation. Plastic deformation increased the amount of tritium absorbed by the metal and adsorbed on the surface, but decreased the apparent diffusivity. These data for nickel can be explained by the trapping theory developed primarily to explain anomalous hydrogen diffusivity and solubility in iron, where the dislocations created during deformation are postulated to trap the tritium, thereby producing higher values for interior and surface tritium concentrations and lower values for tritium diffusivity.
A further note on Bayesian information topologies

Abstract Two sub-σ-fields of a probability space are close in the Bayesian variation norm topology if there is an ex ante high probability that after conditioning, the associated posterior distributions will be close in variation norm. Stinchcombe (Journal of Mathematical Economics 19, 1990) worked with probability spaces having a countably generated σ-field and proper regular conditional probabilities. In this context, the Bayesian variation norm topology was shown to be at least as fine as the Boylan (Annals of Mathematical Statistics 42, 1971) topology. This paper establishes the equivalence of the Bayesian variation norm and the Boylan topologies. The continuity of the join operation in the Boylan topology is an immediate corollary.
Vitamin D levels differ by cancer diagnosis and decline over time in survivors of childhood cancer

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in survivors of childhood cancer and compare levels by underlying diagnosis and as a function of time. Procedure A retrospective review of 201 pediatric cancer survivors enrolled in a hospital-based cancer survivor registry. Demographic characteristics and 25OHD levels were extracted from the registry. Vitamin D status was determined during routine clinical care and was categorized as normal, insufficient, or deficient. Results 25OHD levels differed significantly across diagnoses (P = 0.017), with the lowest levels found in patients treated for osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and myeloid leukemias. Age was inversely correlated with 25OHD levels (P = 0.03). Average 25OHD level at study entry was 29.8 ng/ml (range: 5–79.7), with 14.4% vitamin D deficient, 39.3% insufficient, and 46.3% normal. 25OHD concentrations decreased 11.4% over time (P < 0.00001). Conclusion Fewer than half of childhood cancer survivors have normal 25OHD concentrations, which further declined over time. Patients with solid tumors were the most affected, despite their lack of routine exposure to glucocorticoids. Future investigations should focus on why vitamin D level varies by diagnosis and how best to replete in this population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 949–952. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Temperature and Sodium Chloride on Drag Reduction by Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose and Gum Gum

The effect of variations in temperature and sodium chloride concentrations on drag reduction by sodium carboxymethylcellulose and guar gum was studied with water in turbulent flow, using a simple flow tube. Two different drag-reducing mechanisms apparently exist for sodium carboxymethylcellulose and guar gum. Sodium chloride significantly reduced the drag-reducing property of sodium carboxymethylcellulose but did not appear to affect drag reduction by guar gum. The effect of variations in temperature (10–45°) on drag reduction was different for each drag-reducing agent.
Localization of the CB1 type cannabinoid receptor in the rat basolateral amygdala: High concentrations in a subpopulation of cholecystokinin-containing interneurons

Abstract The neuronal localization of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the rat basolateral amygdala was studied using peroxidase and fluorescence immunohistochemical techniques. All nuclei of the basolateral amygdala contained a large number of lightly stained pyramidal neurons and a small number of more intensely stained non-pyramidal neurons. Most of the latter cells had medium-sized to large multipolar somata and three to four aspiny dendrites, but some exhibited smaller oval somata. The axon initial segments of some of these non-pyramidal neurons exhibited large swollen varicosities in colchicine-injected animals, suggesting that much of the CB1 receptor protein is transported down the axons of these cells. Double-labeling studies using immunofluorescence histochemistry combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the great majority of non-pyramidal neurons with CB1 receptor immunoreactivity belonged to a cholecystokinin-containing subpopulation. Whereas none of the other subpopulations of non-pyramidal neurons (exhibiting immunoreactivity for calretinin, parvalbumin, or somatostatin) expressed high levels of CB1 receptor immunoreactivity, a small percentage of these cells exhibited low levels of immunoreactivity. The results indicate that cannabinoids may modulate the activity of pyramidal projection neurons as well as a subpopulation of cholecystokinin-containing non-pyramidal neurons in the basolateral amygdala. Previous studies indicate that most of the latter are inhibitory interneurons that utilize GABA as a neurotransmitter. The intense staining of the cholecystokinin-containing interneurons and the evidence that large amounts of CB1 receptor protein are transported down the axons of these cells suggests that, as in the hippocampus, cannabinoids may inhibit the release of GABA from the axon terminals of these neurons.
Investigating mitotic spindle assembly and function in vitro using Xenopus laevis egg extracts

Extracts from Xenopus laevis eggs provide a powerful system for the study of cell division processes in vitro through biochemical reconstitution and manipulation, and microscopic analysis. We provide protocols for the preparation of metaphase-arrested extracts and in vitro assays to examine the following pathways of spindle assembly: 1) Sperm nuclei added to meiotic extracts, supporting the formation of half-spindles and bipolar spindle structures around unreplicated chromosomes; 2) sperm nuclei added to extracts that cycle through interphase and form spindles that are capable of undergoing anaphase and chromosome segregation; and 3) spindle formation around chromatin-coated beads. Finally, we describe methods to inhibit a specific protein by immunodepletion or addition of an inhibitor such as a dominant-negative construct. These techniques can be used to analyze the mitotic function of a given protein. It takes approximately 1.5 h to prepare the extract, 1-3 h for spindle-assembly experiments and an additional 1-3 h if immunodepletion is performed.
Contingent employment in academic careers: Relative deprivation among adjunct faculty

Abstract This article utilizes relative deprivation theory to examine the careers of non-tenure-track instructors and research associates. Demographic status, motivations for accepting contingent employment, and standards of comparison used to assess the quality of the job were all related to the degree of relative deprivation experienced by adjunct faculty. Furthermore, even after controlling for the level of objective job rewards (e.g., salary) and objective working conditions (e.g., hours worked), relative deprivation was consistently and negatively related to both career attitudes and job behaviors. The article concludes with directions for future theory development, empirical research, and management practice in regard to academics and other highly-skilled professionals engaged in contingent employment.
The cytology of the vitellogenic stages of oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. 3. Formation of the vitelline membrane.

Electron microscopic studies of oogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster suggest that the ovarian follicle cells alone are responsible for the secretion of the vitelline membrane and chorion. The synthesis and assembly of the vitelline membrane is a complex process involving several stages of development and different populations of follicle cells. This combined autoradiographic and ultrastructural investigation of vitelline membrane formation has led to the conclusion that the protein component of the vitelline membrane is synthesized in the follicle cells, and that these cells possess a mechanism which directs the polarized synthesis and deposition of vitelline membrane and chorion in response to contact by a specific cell, the oocyte. Under certain aberrant conditions, however, other cell types may serve to induce formation of these membranes. The concept of Drosophila egg coverings as maternal cuticle is also discussed, with regard to the embryonic origin of secreting cells, the requirement for adjacent cells as inducers, and the differences in ultrastructural mechanisms of formation.
Bare-soil evaporation determined in situ by infrared thermometry

Abstract Bare-soil evaporation was measured in situ by infrared thermometry. Measurements were made at 25 sites on a 20 × 20-m plot. About 17 mm of water were added during the first test in March 1982 and 27 mm during a second experiment in May, both in a rainless and sunny period. The method requires measurement of wind speed, the maximum surface temperature of the test soil and a reference dry surface. Measured values of the evaporation were well correlated (r2 = 0.7) with water added, and the amount of evaporation measured for a 1-week period was of the same order of magnitude as the added water. Supporting information of surface water content by gravimetric and neutron measurements helped to complete water-balance calculations on each site. The method is proposed as a tool for evaluating spatial variability for water-balance studies in large areas. Semi-variograms were prepared for evaporation on the site and fitted by assuming a linear drift.
A modification of biotinylated dextran amine histochemistry for labeling the developing mammalian brain

Abstract Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) has proven to be an excellent anterograde tracer in adult mammalian brains, having some advantages over other anterograde tracers such as Phaseolus vulgaris -leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) and biocytin. However, results are inferior when BDA is used in neonatal mammals. To improve the sensitivity and quality of BDA labeling in neonatal mammalian brains, the tetramethylbenzidine-sodium tungstate (TMB-ST) method for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) histochemistry was modified and used in BDA histochemistry. After BDA application to the visual cortex of neonatal rat and cat, contralateral and ipsilateral cortical and subcortical regions were examined for BDA-labeled axons and terminals. The modified BDA histochemistry produced corpus callosum (CC) axons in neonatal rat and cat that were heavily and continuously labeled. The distribution, trajectories, branching and termination of individual CC axons, and even possible axon-axon contacts, were clearly identified in exquisite detail, even at low magnification. The quality of BDA labeling in the ipsilateral lateral geniculate nucleus and superior colliculus was similar to that of the CC axonal labeling. These results indicate that the modified BDA histochemistry provides a very sensitive and reliable approach to revealing the detailed distribution and morphology of projecting axons and terminals in the developing mammalian nervous system.
Mammalian deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate pyrophosphatase.

Abstract The existence of an enzyme specific for the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and PPi has been demonstrated using mouse leukemia L-1210 cells. Only slight activity was detected with either dCTP or dTTP as substrates. In addition, neither dCTP nor dTTP, at equimolar concentrations, interfered with the enzymatic activity observed with dUTP, indicating that neither of these compounds was capable of binding to the active site. This enzyme, which has no requirement for Mg2+, shows a broad pH optimum with no decrease in activity from pH 6.5 to pH 10.5.
Spatiotemporal organization, regulation and functions of tractions during neutrophil chemotaxis

Despite recent advances in our understanding of biochemical regulation of neutrophil chemotaxis, little is known about how mechanical factors control neutrophils' persistent polarity and rapid motility. Here, using a human neutrophil-like cell line and human primary neutrophils, we describe a dynamic spatiotemporal pattern of tractions during chemotaxis. Tractions are located at both the leading and the trailing edge of neutrophils, where they oscillate with a defined periodicity. Interestingly, traction oscillations at the leading and the trailing edge are out of phase with the tractions at the front leading those at the back, suggesting a temporal mechanism that coordinates leading edge and trailing edge activities. The magnitude and periodicity of tractions depend on the activity of nonmuscle myosin IIA. Specifically, traction development at the leading edge requires myosin light chain kinase-mediated myosin II contractility and is necessary for α5β1-integrin activation and leading edge adhesion. Localized myosin II activation induced by spatially activated small GTPase Rho, and its downstream kinase p160-ROCK, as previously reported, leads to contraction of actin-myosin II complexes at the trailing edge, causing it to de-adhere. Our data identify a key biomechanical mechanism for persistent cell polarity and motility.
Progress in television

The background of the “status quo” in standardization of this youngest offspring of communications is reviewed, and the contributions of the NTSC, the RTPB, and wartime developments evaluated. In outlining the immediate future of television, due consideration is given to commercial problems, and predictions are hazarded about the course color television will follow in view of the recent FCC decision.
Translational inhibition of messenger RNA of the human π class glutathione S-transferase by antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides

In this study, a T7 plasmid expression vector containing the cDNA of a variant human GST-pi gene, hGSTP1*C, was used to examine the translational inhibition of the GST-pi mRNA with antisense deoxyribonucleotides (AS-ONs), and to investigate the dependency of the inhibition on ribonuclease (RNAse) H, AS-ON and target mRNA sequence specificity and AS-ON back bone modification. Translational inhibition of hGSTP1*C mRNA showed significant AS-ON concentration-dependency and was both target mRNA and AS-ON sequence specific. Fully modified phosphoromonthioate AS-ONs were less inhibitory than their partial phosphoromonthioate analogs; unmodified AS-ONs were inactive. RNAse H enhanced the translational inhibition by AS-ON specific to the translation initiation region mRNA, and was associated with cleavage of the target mRNA at the site of AS-ON:mRNA hybridization. AS-ONs directed to the A-->G and C-->T transitions, unique to hGSTP1*C, were more RNAse H-dependent than AS-ONs directed against the translation initiation site, indicating a greater involvement of RNAse H-dependent mRNA cleavage in the mechanism of translational inhibition by AS-ON at the polymorphic site. These data suggest that AS-ONs provide a potentially effective means of specific down-regulation of the human GST-pi gene, and demonstrate that the sites of GST-pi gene allelo-polymorphism can be targeted to translationally down-regulate the different GST-pi gene variants, specifically and differentially targeted.
Global ischemia-induced inhibition of the coupling ratio of calcium uptake and ATP hydrolysis by rat whole brain microsomal Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase

Abstract Ischemia is associated with a loss of cytosolic calcium homeostasis. Intracellular stores, particularly in endoplasmic reticulum, are critical for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that ischemia significantly inhibited microsomal calcium uptake mediated by Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase, the major mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum calcium sequestration. This study was initiated to determine whether the decreased calcium uptake caused by ischemia was the result of inhibition of Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase activity or an uncoupling of calcium uptake from ATP hydrolysis. The microsomal Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase specific inhibitor thapsigargin partially inhibited ATPase activity and completely inhibited calcium uptake. ATPase inhibited by thapsigargin was considered microsomal Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase. Ischemia from 5 to 60 min had no significant effect on thapsigargin sensitive ATPase activity. However, under identical conditions, increasing ischemia from 5 to 60 min significantly inhibited microsomal calcium uptake. Comparing calcium uptake to ATP hydrolysis as ischemia increased from 5 to 60 min revealed that the coupling ratio of calcium molecules sequestered to ATP molecules hydrolyzed became significantly decreased. The results demonstrated that the effect of ischemia on microsomal calcium uptake was mediated by an uncoupling of calcium transport from Mg2+/Ca2+ ATPase activity.
The Craft of Policy Design: Can It Be More Than Art?

The craft for predicting and evaluating the impacts of policy alternatives has received much of the attention of students of public policy analysis. Relatively little attention has been given to understanding and improving the craft for designing alternative policies. Beyond catalogs of generic policy instruments, two sources provide useful insights into policy design. First, the study of institutional choice as policy design draws attention to the selection of procedures and incentive systems to achieve substantive policy outcomes. Second, the study of the manipulation of the dimensions of policy choice (heresethetics), which provides insight into strategy in political arenas, may help with the broader problem of packaging and presenting policies so that they remain viable during implementation.
Axitinib Improves Radiotherapy in Murine Xenograft Lung Tumors.

A third of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with un-resectable stage III locally advanced disease and are currently treated by chemo-radiotherapy but the median survival is only about 21 months. Using an orthotopic xenograft model of lung carcinoma, we have investigated the combination of radiotherapy with the anti-angiogenic drug axitinib (AG-013736, Pfizer), which is a small molecule receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively targets the signal transduction induced by VEGF binding to VEGFR receptors. We have tested the combination of axitinib with radiotherapy in nude mice bearing human NSCLC A549 lung tumors. The therapy effect was quantitatively evaluated in lung tumor nodules. The modulation of radiation-induced pneumonitis, vascular damage and fibrosis by axitinib was assessed in lung tissue. Lung irradiation combined with long-term axitinib treatment was safe resulting in minimal weight loss and no vascular injury in heart, liver and kidney tissues. A significant decrease in the size of lung tumor nodules was observed with either axitinib or radiation, associated with a decrease in Ki-67 staining and a heavy infiltration of inflammatory cells in tumor nodules. The lungs of mice treated with radiation and axitinib showed a complete response with no detectable residual tumor nodules. A decrease in pneumonitis, vascular damage and fibrosis were observed in lung tissues from mice treated with radiation and axitinib. Our studies suggest that axitinib is a potent and safe drug to use in conjunction with radiotherapy for lung cancer that could also act as a radioprotector for lung tissue by reducing pneumonitis and fibrosis.
Degradation of laminin by human tumor cathepsin B.

Cathepsin B activity, including that of a plasma membrane-associated cathepsin B, has been linked to tumor malignancy. As cathepsin B at the tumor cell surface has been hypothesized to play a role in the focal degradation of basement membrane during the metastatic cascade, we have examined the ability of human tumor cathepsin B to degrade laminin, an adhesive glycoprotein found exclusively in the basement membrane. We report that at pH 6·5 and 7·0 tumor cathepsin B degraded by specific, limited proteolysis both subunits of native laminin. The disappearance of both subunits and the appearance of lower Mr protein bands could be observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Accumulation of degradation products was also observed using gel filtration chromatography and a fluorescamine assay. The proteolysis of laminin by tumor cathepsin B could be inhibited by an active site titrant for cysteine proteinases or stefin B, an endogenous low-Mr cysteine proteinase inhibitor.
Metabolic oxygen consumption measurement with a single-cell biosensor after particle microbeam irradiation

A noninvasive, self-referencing biosensor/probe system has been integrated into the Columbia University Radiological Research Accelerator Facility Microbeam II end station. A single-cell oxygen consumption measurement has been conducted with this type of oxygen probe in 37° C Krebs–Ringer Bicarbonate buffer immediately before and after a single-cell microbeam irradiation. It is the first such measurement made for a microbeam irradiation, and a six fold increment of oxygen flux induced during a 15-s period of time has been observed following radiation exposure. The experimental procedure and the results are discussed.
Sputtered silicon nitride coatings for wear protection

Silicon nitride films were deposited by RF sputtering on 304 stainless steel substrates in a planar RF sputtering apparatus. The sputtering was performed from a Si3N4 target in a sputtering atmosphere of argon and nitrogen. The rate of deposition, the composition of the coatings, the surface microhardness and the adhesion of the coatings to the substrates were investigated as a function of the process parameters, such as: substrate target distance, fraction nitrogen in the sputtering atmosphere and sputtering pressure. Silicon rich coating was obtained for fraction nitrogen below 0.2. The rate of deposition decreases continuously with increasing fraction nitrogen and decreasing sputtering pressure. It was found that the adherence of the coatings improves with decreasing sputtering pressure, almost independently of their composition.