cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishment and characterization of conditionally immortalized organ of corti cell lines.

A culture of cells was isolated from the organ of Corti of 2-week-old H-2Kb-tsA58 (Immortomouse) transgenic mice. All cells of these mice harbor a mutant of the simian virus 40 A-gene, encoding a thermolabile large T-antigen (Tag) protein. At 33°C the Tag protein is functional and induces cell proliferation, but at 39°C it is rapidly denatured and inactivated. Isolated organ of Corti cells growing at 33°C were predominantly small, rounded or fusiform and proliferated rapidly. When moved to 39°C, the cells reduced their rate of proliferation and differentiated into specific morphological phenotypes. Four cell lines were cloned by limiting dilution and characterized by immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot. The cell lines, named OC-k1, OC-k2, OC-k3 and OC-k4, have been passaged at least 50 times with retention of a stable phenotype. These cell lines were all positive for the neuroepithelial precursor cell marker nestin and for the inner ear cell marker OCP2. In addition, the cells showed reactivity to epithelial and neuronal cell markers, but with a pattern of protein expression different for each clone and different between cells of the same clone growing at 33°C or 39°C. Some of the clones exhibited asymmetric cell division which is a characteristic commonly ascribed to stem cells. These cell lines can be used advantageously to study mechanisms and signals involved in the control of cell differentiation and morphogenesis of the mammalian inner ear and to isolate inner ear specific proteins.
Rydberg Fingerprint Spectroscopy: A New Spectroscopic Tool with Local and Global Structural Sensitivity

Rydberg spectra are shown to provide a spectral fingerprint that is sensitive to molecular structure in unique ways. The concepts are demonstrated using a set of isomeric fluorophenols and a sequence of aliphatic diamines. In the fluorophenols, the sensitivity extends to the placement of a single hydrogen atom and can be traced to the molecular charge distributions associated with the locations of atoms and functional groups with respect to the charge center. Experiments on tetramethyl diamines demonstrate that the structural sensitivity encompasses the extended molecular structure, including parts of the molecule that are remote from the ionization center. This global structure sensitivity makes Rydberg fingerprint spectroscopy uniquely suited to characterize structures of large-scale molecular systems.
Elimination, tissue accumulation, and cellular incorporation of mercury in rats receiving an oral dose of 203Hg-labeled phenylmercuric acetate and mercuric acetate

Abstract The distribution of 203 Hg-labeled mercuric acetate and phenylmercuric acetate in several vital organs was studied by tracer technique after a single oral administration. The highest concentrations of mercury were found in the kidneys; next, in that order, were the liver, the lung and the heart. The accumulations in other organs were comparatively small. The major route of the excretion of both mercurials was via the feces, and small amounts were excreted in the urine. The average total excretion in 1 week reached 98% and 80% of the administered doses for inorganic mercury salt and PMA, respectively. Greater portions of these excretions were found in the first three days. Subcellular distribution of 203 Hg in rat liver and kidneys following an oral administration of PMA and inorganic mercuric salt have been investigated. The percentage distribution of mercury varied slightly between the liver and the kidney and remained quite constant throughout a 72-hour post dosage period.
Transient analysis of queues for peer-based multimedia content delivery

Consider a firm that sells online multimedia content. In order to manage costs and quality of service, this firm maintains a peer network that allows new users to download files from their peers who have previously downloaded the required files. The scenario can be modeled as a queueing system where the number of servers varies over time. Analytical models are developed that are based on fluid and diffusion approximations and allow analysis of transient system performance. The same approximations are used to analyze the steady-state behavior of this network. It is shown that the existing fluid and diffusion approximations are inaccurate for transient analysis. To address this shortcoming, a novel Gaussian-based adjustment is proposed and it significantly improves the accuracy of the approximations. Furthermore, the models used in this research can be extended seamlessly to the case of time-varying system parameters (e.g., arrival rates and service rates). Several numerical examples are provided that show ...
Performance of decoder-based algorithms for signal synchronization for DSSS waveforms

This paper presents results on the implementation of pilotless carrier synchronization algorithms at low SNRs using joint decoding and decision-directed tracking. A software test bed was designed to simulate the effects of decision-directed carrier synchronization (DDCS) techniques. These techniques are compared to non-decision directed algorithms used in phase-locked loops (PLLs) or Costas loops. In previous work by the authors, results for direct M-ARY modulation constellations, with no code spreading were introduced. This paper focuses on the application of the proposed family of decision directed algorithms to direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) waveforms, typical of GPS signals. The current algorithm can utilize feedback from turbo codes in addition to the prior support of LDPC codes.
Impact of age and duration of banding on left ventricular preparation before anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

Background The optimal age and duration of left ventricular (LV) training in congenitally corrected transposition (ccTGA) with an unprepared LV is unknown. The objective of this study was to review the effect of age at pulmonary artery banding (PAB) and duration of ventricular training on LV function and aortic regurgitation (AR) after anatomic repair. Methods The medical records of all patients who underwent PA banding for LV training between 1998 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary end points were moderate or more LV dysfunction and moderate or more AR after anatomic repair. Results During the study period, 25 patients with ccTGA underwent PAB for LV preparation. There was 1 early death. Eighteen patients underwent anatomic repair at a median of 10 months (range, 2 weeks to 11 years) from PAB. At the most recent follow-up after anatomic repair, moderate AR developed in 1 patient, and moderate or more LV dysfunction developed in 4. LV dysfunction developed in 4 of 6 patients banded after 2 years of age, compared with 0 of 12 patients banded before 2 years ( p = 0.005). After anatomic repair, LV dysfunction developed in 4 of 7 patients repaired after age 3 years compared with 0 of 11 repaired before 3 years ( p = 0.01). Conclusions Early PAB strategy is associated with favorable LV and neoaortic valve function after anatomic repair for ccTGA with an unprepared LV. Candidates for anatomic repair who require LV training should be referred early in infancy for consideration of appropriate timing of PAB.
Immunocytochemical localization of N-acetyl-aspartate with monoclonal antibodies

Abstract N -Acetyl-aspartate is found in high concentrations in all areas of the brain, but is undetectable in non-neuronal tissue. In order to characterize the cellular localization of N -acetyl-aspartate in brain, highly specific monoclonal antibodies against N -acetyl-aspartate were produced by fusing spleen lymphocytes obtained from mice immunized with N -acetyl-aspartate conjugated to thyroglobulin by carbodiimide with P3/x63-Ag8.653 mouse myeloma cells. Clones were selected which secrete IgG2a(k) antibodies highly specific for conjugated N -acetyl-aspartate. Only 3–6% cross-reactivity with conjugated N -acetyl-aspartate-glutamate was observed at high antibody concentrations, whereas no cross-reactivity ( N -acetyl-glutamate or aspartate. Preincubation of the antibodies with 0.5 mg/ml conjugated N -acetyl-aspartate blocked immunoreactivity more than 90%, while preincubation with conjugated N -acetyl-aspartate-glutamate and free N -acetyl-aspartate had no effect. Immunocytochemical staining has shown that N -acetyl-aspartate-like immunoreactivity is localized in neurons, which are widely distributed throughout the brain. The immunoreactive neurons exhibited intense staining of the perikarya, proximal dendrites and axons. No consistent pattern of distribution of immunoreactivity was observed with regard to primary neurotransmitter characteristics of stained neurons although neurons with long projections or extensive arbors, such as pyramidal cells in cortex, locus coeruleus, motor neurons and Purkinje cells, stained much more intensively than local circuit neurons.
The Effects of Local Government Finances on Community Growth Rates: A Test of the Tiebout Model

The Tiebout model of residential choice suggests that people freely shop among communities seeking a "market bundle" of local government services that best fits their preferences. Presumably, the different service/tax preferences of social groups help to explain their residential location. In this research on the suburban community growth of low-and high-income population, we find that differential service levels among communities have no relationship to income specific growth rates. However, we do find that, in contrast to low-income families, high-income families cluster in suburban communities with higher fiscal resources, giving them greater policy options in choosing service levels and tax rates.
“God Had Something Else in Mind”: Family, Religion, and Infertility:

Feminist scholarship has generated a large body of work that reveals that medical discourse encourages infertile women to embrace assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a path to “normative” family formation. The role that religion plays in the decision-making process is absent from this body of scholarship. This study is part of a larger study on infertility. In this article, I explore how infertile women who profess some religious affinity utilize medicine and religion to achieve their reproductive goals. Findings, which are drawn from participant observation of RESOLVE meetings and face-to-face interviews with infertile women, suggest that religion intersects with gender in complex ways. For many of the women in this study, growing up in traditional “church-going” families coupled with their continued connection to mainstream religion reaffirmed their desire for a child-centered family. Most of the women in this study pursued some form of ART. This held even for those who affiliated with religions...
Enrichment enhances spatial memory and increases synaptophysin levels in aged female mice

The present study tested whether environmental enrichment can reduce age-related spatial reference memory deficits and alter synaptic protein levels in aged female mice. Female C57BL/6 mice, (4 or 27-28 months), were tested in spatial and cued Morris water maze tasks. Prior to (14 days) and during testing, a subset of aged females was exposed to rodent toys and running wheels for 3h per day. The remaining aged females were group housed but were not exposed to enriching objects. At the conclusion of testing, levels of the presynaptic protein synaptophysin were measured in hippocampus and frontoparietal cortex. Enrichment improved spatial memory acquisition; relative to young controls, aged enriched females performed similarly, whereas aged control females were impaired. Enrichment also accelerated the development of a spatial bias in spatial probe trials. In contrast, the cued task was not significantly affected by enrichment. Hippocampal and cortical synaptophysin levels were increased in aged enriched females relative to young and aged controls. These data suggest that environmental enrichment can be a potent cognitive enhancer for aged females and suggests a potential neurobiological mechanism of this effect.
Syncrony of cueing modalities: Communicative competence between the mother and blind infant

Bonding between the mother and her infant is an important process in the development of the child. The interaction of bonding and its establishment between a mother and her child is a gradual, increasingly coordinated communication system. It is highly idiosyncratic because every mother and every child is different. A variety of factors may interfere with bonding among them, a baby's blindness. The extent of interruption in the bonding process depends on the characteristics of the mother and her reaction to the handicap. The mother can learn how to adapt to the remaining modalities of the blind child and develop a cueing system between themselves. The reciprocal system will enhance the child's development. Competent communication between the infant and mother needs to occur if the child is to relate within a sighted world.
Candida albicans ALS3 and insights into the nature of the ALS gene family

The ALS1 (agglutinin-like sequence) gene of Candida albicans encodes a protein similar to alpha-agglutinin, a cell-surface adhesion glycoprotein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Hoyer et al. 1995). A central domain of a tandemly repeated 108-bp sequence is found in the ALS1 coding region. This tandem-repeat motif hybridizes to multiple C. albicans genomic DNA fragments, indicating the possibility of other ALS1-like genes in C. albicans (Hoyer et al. 1995). To determine if these fragments constitute a gene family, tandem-repeat-hybridizing genomic fragments were isolated from a fosmid library by PCR screening using primers based on the consensus tandem-repeat sequence of ALS1 (Hoyer et al. 1995). One group of fosmids, designated ALS3, encodes a gene with 81% identity to ALS1. The sequences of ALS1 and ALS3 are most conserved in the tandem-repeat domain and in the region 5' of the tandem repeats. Northern-blot analysis using unique probes from the 3' end of each gene demonstrated that ALS1 expression varies, depending on which C. albicans strain is examined, and that ALS3 is hyphal-specific. Both genes are found in a variety of C. albicans and C. stellatoidea strains examined. The predicted Als1p and Als3p exhibit features suggesting that both are cell-surface glycoproteins. Southern blots probed with conserved sequences from the region 5' of the tandem repeats suggest that other ALS-like sequences are present in the C. albicans genome and that the ALS family may be larger than originally estimated.
The locality principle

Locality of reference is a fundamental principle of computing with many applications. Here is its story.
Factors influencing particulate concentrations resulting from open field burning

Abstract A field investigation was initiated in the summer of 1978 to quantify the influence of meteorological factors, ignition method, and fuel conditions on the behaviour of smoke plumes from open field burning. Measurements of air quality and meteorological conditions were performed within the plumes and their environment on 11 operational days during July and August using ground-based and airborne instrumentation. At the individual fields concurrent measurements were made of fuel conditions and fire characteristics. Ground-level particulate concentrations downwind of the burn area were found to be strongly correlated with plume height, which in turn was found to be predictable by means of equations presented by Briggs (1969). Thus, the impact of field burning on surface air quality was found to depend primarily on the burn rate, the field dimensions, the ambient windspeed, and the vertical potential temperature gradient. Using these results it was possible to develop simplified expressions for particulate exposure and peak concentration as smoke management tools.
Row-by-row dynamic image analysis of a matrix of scanned points

A practical image analysis algorithm is described that incorporates features to permit it to carry out its analysis on a row-by-row basis, in contrast to a full image matrix basis. A significant storage saving is realized, since the total image to be scanned is substantially larger than that used by this method. The dynamic build-up of the image on a scan-by-scan or row-by-row basis is carried out by a series of connectivity. pivot, chain set-up, and chaining algorithms used in conjunction with a dynamic memory allocation strategy.
Ecogeographic Segregation of Macaque Species

Sympatry in the genusMacaca is restricted to a heartland area in South Asia that is inhabited by eight species. All heartland species apparently are segregated either ecologically or geographically. Available evidence is compatible with the hypothesis that interspecific competition has been a major factor in the evolution of this pattern of ecogeographic segregation.
The Anthropologist as Expert Witness

Anthropologists representing each of the subfields of the discipline have appeared as expert witnesses in a wide range of legal cases. Their appearance raises a number of significant questions about the appropriateness of anthropological knowledge to adversary proceedings, and poses difficult ethical problems for the participant and the profession. The present article reviews a series of cases in which anthropologists have served as expert witnesses and proposes a set of recommended standards and reforms for this activity. [ethics, expert testimony, legal anthropology, American society, applied anthropology]
Toward a better understanding of violence in psychiatric settings: debunking the myths.

Abstract Because of the risk of dealing with violent patients on a daily basis, psychiatric clinicians must keep abreast of new developments in the field and alter their practice accordingly. However, belief in outdated theories results in the continuation of some traditional practices that are minimally effective for decreasing violence. Five myths about violence are identified and alternatives offered to clinicians interested in changing their approach. The five myths are: (1) the violent person is out of control, (2) the use of a punching bag decreases violence, (3) staff doing a good job means controlling patients, (4) unconscious staff conflicts result in aggression and violence by patients, and (5) the fearful clinician is most often assaulted.
Political Information, Party Identification and Voting Defection

A NUMBER OF recent studies have argued persuasively that policy issues play a significant role in voter decision-making.' Although they are an important addition to voting research, these studies leave several major questions about the information level of the voter unresolved. This is unfortunate, for the quantity and quality of the underlying information must affect one's interpretation of the studies' findings. The purpose of this research note is to present data that have bearing on two of these unresolved considerations-namely, the relationship between political information and (1) strength of party identification and (2) voting defection. On the basis of the impressive investigations conducted by the Michigan Survey Research Center/Center for Political Studies (SRC/CPS), it is generally thought that strong partisans are more informed than weak partisans. And weak partisans, in turn, are presumed to be more informed than Independents. Partisans, however, apparently use their information to reinforce their partisanship. As Converse puts it: "The
Subdivision in an Ancestral Species Creates Asymmetry in Gene Trees

We consider gene trees in three species for which the species tree is known. We show that population subdivision in ancestral species can lead to asymmetry in the frequencies of the two gene trees not concordant with the species tree and, if subdivision is extreme, cause the one of the nonconcordant gene trees to be more probable than the concordant gene tree. Although published data for the human-chimp-gorilla clade and for three species of Drosophila show asymmetry consistent with our model, sequencing error could also account for observed patterns. We show that substantial levels of persistent ancestral subdivision are needed to account for the observed levels of asymmetry found in these two studies.
Novel adenovirus vector-based vaccines for HIV-1.

Purpose of Review Recombinant adenovirus (rAd) vectors have emerged as promising vaccine platform technologies due to their capacity to elicit potent humoral and cellular immune responses to encoded antigens. These vectors are being explored as potential vaccine candidates for a variety of pathogens. This review summarizes current efforts to develop rAd vector-based vaccines for HIV-1.
Association between antibiotic resistance and the expression of Dr adhesin among uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant health problem and Escherichia coli has been exported to be the primary pathogen in approximately 80
Method for quantifying redox site densities in metal oxide catalysts: Application to the comparison of turnover frequencies for ethanol oxidative dehydrogenation over alumina-supported VOx, MoOx, and WOx catalysts

Isothermal anaerobic titration with ethanol as a probe molecule is proposed as an accurate technique to quantify active redox site densities in supported metal oxide catalysts. It is shown that the number of active redox sites for VOx–Al2O3, MoOx–Al2O3, and WOx–Al2O3 catalysts is a function of both the metal atom and its oxide surface density, but the intrinsic redox rate per active site is independent of both of these factors. Thus, the difference in steady-state redox rates per metal atom is due only to differences in the number of redox sites under reaction conditions.
Overall Rate Analysis of the Gaseous Reduction of Stable Oxides Incorporating Chemical Kinetics, Mass Transfer, and Chemical Equilibrium

A unified mathematical relationship for the overall rate of gaseous reduction of a stable oxide that produces a volatile suboxide has been derived including the effects of a product gas in the bulk stream, chemical kinetics, mass transfer, and chemical equilibrium. The important effect of the small equilibrium constant is quantified. How the reaction conditions affect the overall rate at different asymptotic conditions is also elucidated. By using the obtained results, the conflicting previous claims on the rate-controlling mechanism for the hydrogen reduction of silica has been critically examined and reconciled. The small equilibrium constant of this reaction causes it to be rate controlled by mass transfer under typical conditions and its rate to be slow. How the presence of even a small amount of water vapor in the bulk gas greatly enhances the effects of the small equilibrium constant is elucidated from the mathematical derivation. In addition, the small equilibrium constant also causes the apparent activation energy of silica reduction by wet hydrogen to approach the ΔH of reaction and that by dry hydrogen to approach 1 2ΔH. Because of the large positive ΔH° value associated with reactions with a large positive ΔG° value, such a reaction has been mistaken to be rate controlled by chemical kinetics.
Spatiotemporal pattern of rod degeneration in the S334ter-line-3 rat model of retinitis pigmentosa

We have recently described the surviving cones and Muller-glia process remodeling in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and shown that rod degeneration triggers the reorganization of the cone mosaic into an orderly array of rings. Within these rings, remodeled Muller-glia processes envelope cones. Here, we report the spatiotemporal pattern of healthy rods, their relationship with dying rods and the way that rod death stimulates the modification of cone spatial-distribution patterns and Muller-glia processes in the S334ter-line-3 rat, a transgenic model expressing a rhodopsin mutation that causes RP. The spatial patterns of rods, cones, microglial and Muller cells were labeled by immunocytochemistry with cell-type-specific markers at various stages of deveopment in rat whole-mount retinas. Spatial patterns of dying cells were examined by TUNEL staining. The S334ter rod mosaic began to develop small holes around postnatal day 10. These hot-spots of cell death progressively increased in size, leaving larger rod-less holes behind. The holes were temporarily occupied by active microglial cells, before being replaced by remodeled Muller-cell processes. Our data suggest that the hot spots of rod death create holes in the rod mosaic early in retinal degeneration and that the resulting pattern triggers the modification of the spatial-distribution patterns of cones and glia cells.
Optical Properties of a Supramolecular Assembly Containing Polydiacetylene

We report polarized optical measurements of a new type of single-crystal supramolecular assembly containing isolated chains of polydiacetylene (PDA): poly(1,6-bis(nictonyloxy)-2,4-hexadiyne). Room-temperature spectra reveal a large anisotropy, confirming the low-dimensional nature of the material. In particular, the characteristic optical signature of PDA correlates well with the chain orientation from the X-ray crystal structure. A near-infrared charge-transfer band is also observed, which we attribute to low-energy charge transfer from the polymer backbone to the pyridine rings. Temperature-dependent spectra reveal a weak doublet splitting of the optical bands, indicating a slight distortion of the side chains which contain the pyridine ring at low temperature.
Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl–DTPA, a new liver-directed magnetic resonance contrast agent: Absence of acute hepatotoxic, cardiovascular, or immunogenic effects

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-DTPA (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a recently introduced experimental magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent for hepatic imaging. Although liver enhancement has been investigated in a number of animal models, tolerance evaluations of Gd-EOB-DTPA injection have been limited. METHODS The authors investigated acute hepatotoxicity in an isolated perfused rat liver model, cardiovascular effects in the anesthetized rat, and potential immunogenicity of Gd-EOB-DTPA using detection of specific antibodies. RESULTS Using perfused rat liver model, no significant deviation could be observed for functional parameters, liver enzymes, or potassium release, comparing Gd-EOB-DTPA to a control, but there was a significant choleresis (+250% bile flow). Hemodynamic effects of Gd-EOB-DTPA were observed after femoral bolus injection, but only with relatively high dosages (0.3-0.5 mmol/kg, 10-fold the likely clinical dose in humans). Experimental conditions, idealized for antibody induction, failed to cause an IgG immune response to Gd-EOB-DTPA in the intact rat. CONCLUSIONS The results further support preliminary conclusions that Gd-EOB-DTPA is a well-tolerated MR contrast agent.
Coronal Transient Phenomena

Solar coronal transients, particularly those caused by flares and eruptive prominences, play a major role in the fields of solar-terrestrial physics and astrophysics. In the former field, coronal transients and their associated interplanetary disturbances are responsible for solar and galactic cosmic ray modulations, as well as planetary magnetospheric and ionospheric disturbances. In the latter field, supernovae remnants are scaled-up manifestations of such disturbances; that is they are stellar, rather than solar, coronal transients. Study of the more accessible solar transients is proving invaluable in both fields and is, therefore, selected for attention in this paper.
New-onset Majocchi’s granuloma in two kidney transplant recipients under tacrolimus treatment

In 1883, Majocchi first described an intracutaneous or subcutaneous granulomatous inflammation arising as a result of local invasion by a dermatophyte, which he called granuloma tricofitico. t The most common cause is Trichophyton rubrum. 2 Two types of Majocchi's granuloma have been described, a perifollicular type secondary to trauma and a subcutaneous nodular type in immunocompromised hosts.2,3 We describe two
Tactile distance feedback for firefighters: design and preliminary evaluation of a sensory augmentation glove

In this paper, we describe the design and preliminary evaluation of a vibrotactile glove for distance display in low vision search contexts. Specifically, this glove was developed for firefighting applications in which users experience compromised vision due to a combination of smoke and low ambient light levels. The glove maps an ultrasonic rangefinder to a pair of vibrating motors on the dorsal surface of the hand. Initial perceptibility testing with 15 participants showed participants were consistently able to detect the presence and absence of obstacles in a gap-detection task (93% correct detection) and to detect relative changes in the proximity of an obstacle (74% correct identification of relative position). Mapping tactile stimuli to absolute position was more challenging, with an accuracy rate of 57% (adjusted to 89% within one unit of actual position). Challenges to implementation of the concept include response time-lag, challenges of absolute judgment, and width of the sensor signal cone.
Cholesterol Influences Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and BK-Type Potassium Channels in Auditory Hair Cells

The influence of membrane cholesterol content on a variety of ion channel conductances in numerous cell models has been shown, but studies exploring its role in auditory hair cell physiology are scarce. Recent evidence shows that cholesterol depletion affects outer hair cell electromotility and the voltage-gated potassium currents underlying tall hair cell development, but the effects of cholesterol on the major ionic currents governing auditory hair cell excitability are unknown. We investigated the effects of a cholesterol-depleting agent (methyl beta cyclodextrin, MβCD) on ion channels necessary for the early stages of sound processing. Large-conductance BK-type potassium channels underlie temporal processing and open in a voltage- and calcium-dependent manner. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are responsible for calcium-dependent exocytosis and synaptic transmission to the auditory nerve. Our results demonstrate that cholesterol depletion reduced peak steady-state calcium-sensitive (BK-type) potassium current by 50% in chick cochlear hair cells. In contrast, MβCD treatment increased peak inward calcium current (~30%), ruling out loss of calcium channel expression or function as a cause of reduced calcium-sensitive outward current. Changes in maximal conductance indicated a direct impact of cholesterol on channel number or unitary conductance. Immunoblotting following sucrose-gradient ultracentrifugation revealed BK expression in cholesterol-enriched microdomains. Both direct impacts of cholesterol on channel biophysics, as well as channel localization in the membrane, may contribute to the influence of cholesterol on hair cell physiology. Our results reveal a new role for cholesterol in the regulation of auditory calcium and calcium-activated potassium channels and add to the growing evidence that cholesterol is a key determinant in auditory physiology.
A Monte Carlo study of oxygen diffusion on the (110) plane of tungsten

Abstract A Monte Carlo study of oxygen diffusion on the (110) plane of tungsten has been carried out, by finding the time autocorrelation function of particle number fluctuations on a square lattice. Best results were obtained by the single site autocorrelation function, but do not differ much from those obtained from a finite probed region. The experimentally observed increase in activation energy with coverage could be reproduced almost quantitatively by using an attractive nearest neighbor interaction energy J 1 = 2.1 kcal, a repulsive next-nearest neighbor energy J 2 = −1.7 kcal, an attractive third nearest-neighbor energy J 3 = 0.7 kcal and a triplet energy J t = 0 or −1.2 kcal. With those parameters an increase in prefactor of > 100 was seen as coverage increased from 0 to 0.5. This increase still falls short of the experimentally observed one, as expected. The mean square number fluctuation was also calculated using the values of J 1 , J 2 and J 3 cited above in the grand canonical ensemble as function of temperature and coverage. The results agree qualitatively with the experimental ones, but are an order of magnitude larger. Reasons for the discrepancy are discussed.
Effects of inorganic oxides on polymer binder burnout. I. Poly(vinyl butyral)

The effects of silica, mullite, α-alumina and γ on the nonoxidative thermal degradation of poly(vinyl butyral) are described. To varying degrees, all of the inorganic oxides catalyzed reactions that produced butanal. Other significant products included: water, butenal, acetic acid, and alkyl aromatics. Two distinct evolution steps were detected for samples containing mullite and α-alumina, suggesting that multiple interactions existed between these oxides and the polymer. The relative amounts of volatile aromatic products evolved by heating polymer/oxide samples were greater than the amounts generated from the neat polymer. For the polymer/γ-alumina sample, carboxylate species were detected on oxide surfaces above 250°C, indicating that a reaction between the polymer and γ-alumina occurred. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diminished protein binding capacity of uremic sera for valproate following hemodialysis: Role of free fatty acids and uremic compounds

We previously reported higher free phenytoin concentration in predialysis serum compared to postdialysis serum. In our present study with valproic acid, we observed an opposite effect, where free valproic acid concentration was higher in postdialysis serum. The increased free valproic acid concentrations in postdialysis sera (15.4-77.4% higher in postdialysis sera) were probably related to a 2- to 4-fold increase in free fatty acid concentrations in postdialysis sera. On the other hand, when an aliquot of predialysis serum pool was subjected to in vitro equilibrium dialysis and then both undialyzed and dialyzed serum pools were supplemented with valproic acid and incubated, the concentration of valproic acid in dialyzed serum was significantly lower than the undialyzed serum. This is probably related to removal of some uremic compounds during in vitro dialysis. Treatment of both pre- and postdialysis sera with activated charcoal corrected the binding deficiency of valproic acid due to removal of both uremic compounds and free fatty acids.
Do medical trainees feel confident communicating with low health literacy patients

Background: Medical trainees infrequently use health literacy (HL) skills and overestimate their use of plain language and teach back skills. The aim of this study is to assess if level of training impacts the perception of medical trainees around HL knowledge and skills. Methods: A structured questionnaire consisting of 5 questions assessing the respondents’ perception of their confidence in their HL knowledge, ability to identify and communicate with low HL patients, and use of relevant resources was completed by medical students and residents of 2 community-based internal medicine programs in Pennsylvania and Maryland between July 2012 and January 2013. Results: The response rate was 100% (40) for the PA program and 42% (17) for the MD residency program. All rotating medical students (17) completed the questionnaire. Out of 74 participants, less than 10% were confident of their HL knowledge and ability to identify and communicate with low HL patients. Only 1.4% (1) were confident of their ability to identify appropriate resources. There was no significant difference in communication skills (P=0.305) and ability to identify appropriate resources (P=0.143) across all participants irrespective of their training level. A significant improvement in HL knowledge was observed during the progression from first-year to third-year medical school (P=0.0126) and from internship to second year of residency (P=0.0496). Conclusion: Medical trainees perceive that they do not receive adequate training on HL knowledge and skills required to feel confident in identifying and communicating with low HL patients and identifying appropriate resources. There is a need for addressing these deficiencies via medical school and residency curricula. Keywords: health literacy; patient–provider communication; medical education (Published: 14 April 2014) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2014, 4 : 22893 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v4.22893
Effects of muscular contraction on discharge patterns of neurons in the medullary raphe nuclei

Cells of the medullary raphe nuclei were characterized as sympathoinhibitory (SI), sympathoexcitatory (SE) or serotonergic (5-HT). When muscular contraction (MC) was evoked by stimulation of the L7 and S1 ventral roots, putative SI cells were inhibited while putative SE cells were excited. 5-HT cells were unaffected by MC. These data are discussed in relation to integration of somatosensory and cardiovascular reflexes.
Vitamin D supplementation in the pediatric rheumatology clinic.

Vitamin D is capturing the attention of healthy and chronically ill populations for its potential skeletal and nonskeletal benefits. New information suggesting a role in immune modulation has led to a surge of interest among rheumatologists. Although the epidemiologic data are limited, it appears that many children with rheumatic conditions are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. However, understanding this phenomenon requires an appreciation for how vitamin D status is assessed, and options for supplementation. Although a “more-is-better” attitude is tempting when considering the medicinal effects of a nutritional supplement, we suggest a cautious approach and suggest that further studies are needed to clarify the potential benefits and risks among children with rheumatic conditions.
Estrogen inducibility of c-Ha-ras transcription in breast cancer cells. Identification of functional estrogen-responsive transcriptional regulatory elements in exon 1/intron 1 of the c-Ha-ras gene.

Although mutation of ras gene is rare in human breast cancer, overexpression of normal c-Ha-rasgene is frequently observed. Using a mouse mammary metastasis model consisting of genetically related mammary tumor sublines with variant metastatic potential, we have previously (i) demonstrated a direct correlation between c-Ha-ras mRNA and protein levels and metastatic potential and (ii) identified a novel hormone-responsive transcriptional regulatory element in intron 1 of the mouse c-Ha-ras gene that contains the consensus half-site of a glucocorticoid response element and flanking consensus half-sites for estrogen response element. Here, we have examined the functionality of intron 1 sequence in context of upstream sequences by using transient transfection assays with plasmids expressing chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. Intron 1 sequence and sequences similar to intron 1 element located in exon 1 function as transcriptional regulatory elements that confer hormonal inducibility to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene expression both independently and in context of 5′-flanking sequences. Measurement of c-Ha-rastranscription rates and protein expression by nuclear run-on and metabolic labeling assays showed a 5–12-fold enhancement, respectively, following treatment with 17β-estradiol that was blunted by ICI 182,780 in the nonmetastatic variant. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of c-Ha-ras transcripts and protein in the metastatic subline was unaffected by estrogen and ICI 182,780. Gel shift assays demonstrated specific interaction of c-Ha-rasexon 1 sequence with nuclear proteins of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells with formation of two complexes, one of which contains estrogen receptor. Our data demonstrate a direct (i) interaction of c-Ha-ras sequence with estrogen receptor and (ii) stimulatory effect of estrogen on c-Ha-ras gene transcription and suggest that alteration in transcriptional regulation of c-Ha-ras gene by estrogen may play an important role in progression of breast cancer.
Report to TIM Editor on CPEM 2012

CPEM 2012 is a biennial scientific event devoted to topics related to electromagnetic measurements at the highest accuracy levels. These cover the frequency spectrum from dc through the optical region. A major focus of CPEM is quantum devices that relate electrical standards to fundamental constants and the international system of units. CPEM presenters were encouraged to submit full-length papers on their work to the editors of this special issue devoted to the topic of precision electromagnetic measurements. The 2012 CPEM was held at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor just outside of Washington D.C. from 1-6 July 2012. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) led the Local Organizing Committee and teamed with the NCSL International and Centro Nacional de Metrologia (CENAM) to organize CPEM 2012. CPEM was attended by 396 metrologists, physicists, and engineers from National measurement institutes, industry, and universities. Over 75% of the attendees came from 40 countries outside the U.S. to attend CPEM 2012. It was a pleasure to welcome attendees back to the Washington D.C. area, especially during the national holiday as had been done 14 years earlier at CPEM 1998. The next CPEM will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 24 to 29 August 2014 hosted by the Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), in cooperation with the Instituto Nacional de Tecnologica Industrial of Argentina.
Water molecule rearrangements around Leu93 and Trp182 in the formation of the L intermediate in bacteriorhodopsin's photocycle.

After the chromophore's isomerization in the initial photochemical event in bacteriorhodopsin, the primary photoproduct K makes a thermal transition to the L intermediate, which prepares the pigment for Schiff base deprotonation in the following step (L → M). Substantial changes in the hydrogen bonding of internal water molecules take place upon L formation. Some of these mobile waters are probably involved in changing the pK of the Schiff base and perhaps that of the proton acceptor Asp85 to allow proton movement [Maeda, A. (2001) Biochemistry (Moscow) 66, 1555−1569]. Here we show that mutations of Leu93 and Trp182, residues close to the 13-methyl group of the chromophore, allow the formation of L at much lower temperatures than in the wild type (80 K instead of 140 K). Moreover, an intense band due to weakly bound water that is peculiar for L was already present in the initial (unphotolyzed) state of each mutant at 2632 cm-1 (in D2O) but not in the wild type. This unique, intense water band is shifted c...
Movement of chemical warfare agent simulants through porous media

Abstract A measurement protocol is documented and data presented to characterize the permeation of chemical warfare agent simulants through the porous con- struction materials brick, cinder block, gypsum wall board, and wood. These data will be used to develop guidelines for access (‘reentry’) to potentially contaminated properties if nerve or vesicant agents are released during any phase of the US Department of the Army's Chemical Stock- pile Disposal Program. A novel permeation cell design allowed sampling of air volumes adjacent to the spiked face, breakthrough face and lateral face of each test medium at two temperatures. Simulant movement through wood is nearly always in the direction of the wood grain. Two-dimensional breakthrough was observed in brick and gypsum wall board. The sulfur mustard simulant broke through all test media in less than 60 min; nerve agent simulant breakthrough required several hours. Surface decontamination of wood with high test hypochlorite is 95% effective.
THE EFFECT OF MOTORIST INFORMATION ON COMMUTER BEHAVIOR: CLASSIFICATION OF DRIVERS INTO COMMUTER GROUPS

This paper describes a methodology originally devised for analysis of travel-activity patterns and applies it to commuters' responses to the influence of traffic information upon commuting decisions. The method of cluster analysis was employed to identity commuter groups (from 3,893 motorists who responded to an on-road survey) with similar patterns of responses to the influence of traffic information. The resulting groups were defined as (a) route changers, willing to change route both on Interstate 5 and before leaving; (b) non-changers, unwilling to change departure time, route, or mode of transportation; (c) route and time changers, willing to change route and departure time; and (d) pre-trip changers, willing to change departure time, route, or mode before departure but unwilling to change en route. Knowledge of such groups and their behavioral characteristics is useful in designing advanced traveler information systems that seek to affect commuter behavior and increase the efficiency of current transportation facilities. This paper discusses the methodology used to derive the commuter groups and investigates their commuting behaviors, decision-making processes, and information needs.
Progestins inhibit FSH-induced functional LH receptors in cultured rat granulosa cells.

The role of intraovarian progesterone in the control of follicular growth and development remains unclear. The presence of a rat ovary granulosa cell progesterone receptor suggests that progesterone has a direct effect on the follicles. We have previously reported that progestins inhibit FSH-stimulated estrogen production by cultured granulosa cells by inhibiting the FSH induction of the aromatase enzyme. We now report that progestins can inhibit another FSH action on rat granulosa cells; the induction of LH/hCG receptors. The concomitant administration of 10(-5) M R5020, a potent synthetic progestin, with 10 ng/ml FSH during a 2-day culture period inhibits the FSH induction of LH/hCG receptors by 75 +/- 6% (mean +/- S.E.) The progestin inhibition of the induction of LH/hCG receptors is not mediated by its inhibitory action on the induction of aromatase. Scatchard analysis indicates that progestin decreases the number of LH/hCG receptors per cell but has no effect on receptor affinity. Both R5020 and progesterone have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the FSH induction of LH/hCG receptors, causing a 30 and 85% decrease in receptor number at concentrations of 10(-6) and 10(-5) M, respectively. The concomitant administration of R5020 with FSH also leads to a significant decrease in the ability of LH to stimulate cAMP production, indicating that progestin is inhibiting the induction of 'functional' LH/hCG receptors. R5020 (10(-5) M) also inhibits by 90% the induction of LH/hCG receptors by cholera toxin and dibutyryl cAmP, indicating that the progestin effect is at a post-cAMP site. Since the induction of LH/hCG receptors by FSH is a necessary event in follicular maturation, these results offer another mechanism by which progestins, at high concentrations, can inhibit follicular growth and development.