cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Modeling Study of the Responses of the Lateral Superior Olive to Ipsilateral Sinusoidally Amplitude-Modulated Tones

The lateral superior olive (LSO) is a brainstem nucleus that is classically understood to encode binaural information in high-frequency sounds. Previous studies have shown that LSO cells are sensitive to envelope interaural time difference in sinusoidally amplitude-modulated (SAM) tones (Joris and Yin, J Neurophysiol 73:1043–1062, 1995; Joris, J Neurophysiol 76:2137–2156, 1996) and that a subpopulation of LSO neurons exhibit low-threshold potassium currents mediated by Kv1 channels (Barnes-Davies et al., Eur J Neurosci 19:325–333, 2004). It has also been shown that in many LSO cells the average response rate to ipsilateral SAM tones decreases with modulation frequency above a few hundred Hertz (Joris and Yin, J Neurophysiol 79:253–269, 1998). This low-pass feature is not directly inherited from the inputs to the LSO since the response rate of these input neurons changes little with increasing modulation frequency. In the current study, an LSO cell model is developed to investigate mechanisms consistent with the responses described above, notably the emergent rate decrease with increasing frequency. The mechanisms explored included the effects of after-hyperpolarization (AHP) channels, the dynamics of low-threshold potassium channels (KLT), and the effects of background inhibition. In the model, AHP channels alone were not sufficient to induce the observed rate decrease at high modulation frequencies. The model also suggests that the background inhibition alone, possibly from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, can account for the small rate decrease seen in some LSO neurons, but could not explain the large rate decrease seen in other LSO neurons at high modulation frequencies. In contrast, both the small and large rate decreases were replicated when KLT channels were included in the LSO neuron model. These results support the conclusion that KLT channels may play a major role in the large rate decreases seen in some units and that background inhibition may be a contributing factor, a factor that could be adequate for small decreases.
Characterization of Micro-Babington and Cross-Flow Type Nebulizers for Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

The use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP/AES) for the analysis of samples which contain either low or high amounts of dissolved solids and/or suspended particles has become common in recent years because of the high sensitivities and multielement capability of this technique. One of the major concerns associated with ICP/AES is the reproducible introduction of the sample aerosol into the plasma. This parameter is commonly thought of as the limiting factor in the reproducibility of experimental results. Although traditional pneumatic nebulizers, such as crossflow or concentric types, can be used for samples containing low amounts of dissolved solids, such nebulizers cannot be used for samples which contain suspended particles and/or high amounts of dissolved solids, because of the possible clogging of the sample capillary. For such samples, either frit, ultrasonic, or Babington-type nebulizers are commonly employed.
Protein phosphatase 2Cα inhibits the human stress‐responsive p38 and JNK MAPK pathways

MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascades are common eukaryotic signaling modules that consist of a MAPK, a MAPK kinase (MAPKK) and a MAPKK kinase (MAPKKK). Because phosphorylation is essential for the activation of both MAPKKs and MAPKs, protein phosphatases are likely to be important regulators of signaling through MAPK cascades. To identify protein phosphatases that negatively regulate the stress-responsive p38 and JNK MAPK cascades, we screened human cDNA libraries for genes that down-regulated the yeast HOG1 MAPK pathway, which shares similarities with the p38 and JNK pathways, using a hyperactivating yeast mutant. In this screen, the human protein phosphatase type 2Calpha (PP2Calpha) was found to negatively regulate the HOG1 pathway in yeast. Moreover, when expressed in mammalian cells, PP2Calpha inhibited the activation of the p38 and JNK cascades induced by environmental stresses. Both in vivo and in vitro observations indicated that PP2Calpha dephosphorylated and inactivated MAPKKs (MKK6 and SEK1) and a MAPK (p38) in the stress-responsive MAPK cascades. Furthermore, a direct interaction of PP2Calpha and p38 was demonstrated by a co-immunoprecipitation assay. This interaction was observed only when cells were stimulated with stresses or when a catalytically inactive PP2Calpha mutant was used, suggesting that only the phosphorylated form of p38 interacts with PP2Calpha.
Analysis of minimal path routing schemes in the presence of faults

Gordon, J.M., Analysis of minimal path routing schemes in the presence of faults, Discrete Applied Mathematics 37138 (1992) 245-263. The design and analysis of fault tolerant message routing schemes for large paraIIe1 systems has been the focus of much recent research. In this paper, we present a framework for the analysis of routing schemes in distributed memory multiprocessor systems containing faulty or unusable components. We introduce techniques for the derivation of the probabilities of successfully routing a single inessage using minimal path routing schemes. Using this framework, we derive closed form solutions for a wide range of routing schemes on the hypercube and on the twodimensional mesh. The results obtained show the surprising resilience of the hypercube to a potentially large number of faults while demonstrating the inability of the mesh to tolerate a comparatively smaller number of faults.
Combustion of nanofluid fuels with the addition of boron and iron particles at dilute and dense concentrations

Abstract The combustion characteristics of nanofluid fuels containing additions of boron and iron particles were investigated. The effects of particle materials, loading rate, and type of base fuel on suspension quality and combustion behavior were determined. The burning behaviors of dilute and dense suspensions were compared, and the results for dense nanosuspensions showed that most particles were burned as a large agglomerate at a later stage when all the liquid fuel had been consumed. Sometimes this agglomerate may not burn if the energy provided by the droplet flame is insufficient. For dilute suspensions, the burning characteristics were characterized by a simultaneous burning of both the droplet and the particles, which integrated into one stage. The fundamental mechanism responsible for bringing the particles out of the droplet, which is a prerequisite condition for them to burn, is different for n-decane- and ethanol-based fuels. For the former, the particles are brought out of the droplet by a disruptive behavior of the primary droplet, which was characterized by multiple-time disruptions and with strong intensity. This was caused by the different boiling points between n-decane and the surfactant. For ethanol-based fuels having no added surfactant, the particles are also brought out of the droplet by disruptive behavior, but characterized by continuous disruptions of mild intensity. This was very likely caused by a continuous water absorption by the ethanol droplet during its burning process.
Aspects of the syntax of behavior: Syllable structure and speech rate

This paper shows that maximal rate of speech varies as a function of syllable structure. For example, CCV syllables such as [sku] and CVC syllables such as [kus] are produced faster than VCC syllables such as [usk] when subjects repeat these syllables as fast as possible. Spectrographic analyses indicated that this difference in syllable duration was not confined to any one portion of the syllables: the vowel, the consonants and even the interval between syllable repetitions was longer for VCC syllables than for CVC and CCV syllables. These and other findings could not be explained in terms of word frequency, transition frequency of adjacent phonemes, or coarticulation between segments. Moreover, number of phonemes was a poor predictor of maximal rate for a wide variety of syllable structures, since VCC structures such as [ulk] were produced slower than phonemically longer CCCV structures such as [sklu], and V structures such as [a] were produced no faster than phonemically longer CV structures such as [g...
The prophylactic effect of immunization with DNA encoding herpes simplex virus glycoproteins on HSV-induced disease in guinea pigs

Plasmid expression vectors encoding herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoproteins B (gB) or D (gD) were constructed and tested for their ability to immunize guinea pigs against genital HSV infection. Immunization with a plasmid expressing the aminoterminal 707 amino acids (aa) of gB induced humoral immune responses detected by ELISA and virus neutralization. When challenged by vaginal infection, immunized animals were partially protected from genital herpes, exhibiting significantly reduced primary and subsequent recurrent disease. When the gB plasmid was combined with a plasmid expressing full-length gD, immunized guinea pigs developed humoral responses to both proteins and were also significantly protected from viral challenge.
Plasmid-determined antibiotic synthesis and resistance in Streptomyces coelicolor.

IN eubacteria, many characteristics1–3 including resistance to antibiotics and other agents are plasmid-determined. In streptomycetes there are indications that plasmid genes are involved in the production of certain antibiotics: kasugamycin and aureothricin by Streptomyces kasugaensis4 oxytetracycline by S. rimosus5 and turimycin by S. hygroscopicus6. An increased proportion of antibiotic non-producing strains is found after treatment of antibiotic producers with agents known to cause plasmid loss in eubacteria; in S. rimosus, crosses provided additional evidence that extrachromosomal genes are involved in antibiotic production. In all three species, the cause of antibiotic non-production, for example whether it involved an interruption of the biosynthetic pathway or a defect in the liberation of antibiotic into the medium, was unknown. We report here that both the production of and resistance to the same antibiotic in S. coelicolor A3(2) are determined by genes borne on the plasmid SCP1.
Identification of cannabinoid receptors in cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells

Abstract G protein-linked cannabinoid receptors are present in high density in cerebellum, where they inhibit adenylyl cyclase. This study explored whether cannabinoid receptors are co-localized with GABAB receptors on cerebellar granule cells. In rat cerebellar membranes, receptor-coupled G protein function was assayed by agonist stimulation of lowKm GTPase as well as agonist-inhibited adenylyl cyclase. Addition of cannabinoid agonists together with the GABAB agonist, baclofen, produced additive responses with stimulation of lowKm GTPase but only partially additive responses with inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. In Weaver and Staggerer but not Nervous mutant mice, cannabinoid-inhibited adenylyl cyclase was significantly decreased in cerebellar but not striatal membranes compared to littermate controls. In primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells, cannabinoids inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels, with IC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 μM. Cannabinoid inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels was blocked by pretreatment of cell cultures with pertussis toxin. Addition of baclofen and cannabinoid agonists together in cultured granule cells produced no additivity in response for inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels. These data confirm that G protein-linked cannabinoid receptors are present in cerebellar granule cells and may share adenylyl cyclase catalytic units with GABAB receptors.
Thermal recovery of lattice defects in alpha-irradiated UO2 crystals☆

Abstract Isochronal and isothermal annealing have been used to study the recovery behavior of lattice defects in single crystals of stoichiometric UO 2 irradiated at room temperature with alpha particles emitted from an effectively semi-infinite 238 PuO 2 source to a dose of 3 × 10 20 alpha particles/m 2 (~ 0.0625 dpa). Three recovery stages were observed in the temperature range between 50° and 1050°C. The activation energies were estimated and the recovery behavior of the lattice defects discussed.
Ferromagnetic R2Mn2O7 pyrochlores (R = DyLu, Y)

Abstract Pyrochlores of the type R2Mn2O7 have been prepared and characterized where R is Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, or Y. All are semiconductors with activation energies ranging from 0.37 to 0.51 eV, which correlate very well with the electronegativity of R. Structural refinements on Er2Mn2O7 and Y2Mn2O7 confirm the pyrochlore structure and the stoichiometry. Highly anisotropic thermal motion is found for the rare-earth cation, consistent with its very unusual environment. These R2Mn2O7 pyrochlores all possess magnetic ordering temperatures in the range 20 to 40 K. The susceptibility data above Tc indicate dominant ferromagnetic interactions, i.e., positive Weiss constants. The field dependence data below Tc are also suggestive of ferromagnetism. Nonetheless, the magnetic behavior is complex, and there may be no spontaneous moments in the absence of an applied field.
The mixing properties of certain processes related to Markov chains

Let {Y n ,− ∞ < n < ∞} be either a function of a stationary Markov chain with countable state space, or a finitary process in the sense of Heller [3]. The purpose of this note is to prove that if {Y n ,− ∞ < n < ∞} is mixing, then it is aK-shift. (Definitions will be given below.) IfT is a measure-preserving transformation on a probability space, then the following implications relevant to the present paper are known: (1)T is aK-shift ⇒T is (r + 1)-mixing ⇒T isr-mixing ⇒T is totally ergodic ⇒T is ergodic, and (2)T is ergodic ⇏T is totally ergodic ⇏T isr-mixing ⇏T is aK-shift. It is not known if the classes ofr-mixing and (r + 1)-mixing transformations are distinct. (1-mixing is also called mixing.) The results of this note then imply that for the classes of transformation that we are consideringr-mixing and (r + 1)-mixing are equivalent.
The neural sociometer: Brain mechanisms underlying state self-esteem

On the basis of the importance of social connection for survival, humans may have evolved a "sociometer"-a mechanism that translates perceptions of rejection or acceptance into state self-esteem. Here, we explored the neural underpinnings of the sociometer by examining whether neural regions responsive to rejection or acceptance were associated with state self-esteem. Participants underwent fMRI while viewing feedback words ("interesting," "boring") ostensibly chosen by another individual (confederate) to describe the participant's previously recorded interview. Participants rated their state self-esteem in response to each feedback word. Results demonstrated that greater activity in rejection-related neural regions (dorsal ACC, anterior insula) and mentalizing regions was associated with lower-state self-esteem. Additionally, participants whose self-esteem decreased from prescan to postscan versus those whose self-esteem did not showed greater medial prefrontal cortical activity, previously associated with self-referential processing, in response to negative feedback. Together, the results inform our understanding of the origin and nature of our feelings about ourselves.
Concerning the number of mutually orthogonal latin squares

Let N(n) denote the maximum number of mutually orthogonal Latin squares of order n. It is shown that for large n, N(n)>=n117-2 In addition to a known number-theoretic result, the proof uses a new combinatorial construction which also allows a quick derivation of the existence of a pair of orthogonal squares of all orders n > 14. In addition, it is proven that N(n) >= 6 whenever n > 90.
The deformation of an aluminum-silicon eutectic alloy under thermal cycling conditions

This communication reports results of isothermal and thermal cycling creep experiments in the aluminum-silicon eutectic system
The Mechanics of Batting: Analysis of Ground Reaction Forces and Selected Lower Extremity Kinematics

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine variations in ground reaction forces and selected lower extremity kinematics during the stride and swing phases of batting. High speed photography (100 fps) employing direct linear transformation methodology and a force plate were used to record three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data for 7 female fast pitch softball batters. Mean vertical forces (Fz) of the right or rear foot increased to approximately 1 BW during the stride. Once the left or forward foot made contact with the ground after completion of the stride, right Fz forces decreased to .43 BW while left Fz forces rapidly increased to 1.6 BW at contact. The mean decrease in right Fz forces from peak force until contact was 55%, and the ratio of left to right Fz forces; at impact was 3.67:1. Right mediolateral forces (Fx) were exerted laterally, away from the batter, and were responsible for initiating movement of the body toward the pitched ball. As the left foot made contact with the ground a...
Quality control for engineering authorship

Assistance and guidance to the engineering author should be provided by his firm through a well-organized professional papers routine administered by a group which reviews papers, secures approvals for publication, and advises the author on both the technical and literary-graphics aspects of presentation or publication. Such a program can pay off in better talks and papers, resulting in good publicity for the firm as well as providing an incentive for potential authors.
The effect of Rho kinase inhibition on capsule formation using local delivery of Y-27632

Introduction. Despite current developments in surgery and manufacturing technology, capsular contracture is still the most common late complication associated with breast implant surgery. This proposed study was designed to investigate the effect of Rho kinase inhibition on capsule formation. Rho kinases are pivotal regulators of several aspects of cell behavior and contribute to reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, formation of stress fibers, and cell migration in the wound environment. They activate NF-κB by inducing I-κB kinase, which lead to activation of inflammatory pathways during wound healing. However, these responses may yield to extensive inflammatory effect which triggers an uncontrolled synthetic process, as seen in burns. We hypothesized that Rho kinase signaling pathway is up regulated in capsular contracture, which leads to excessive fibrosis, and inhibition of this pathway prevents contracture. This study aims to demonstrate the dynamic interaction between Rho kinase pathway and capsular contracture. Methods. Forty adult, Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized for this project. Animals were classified into two main groups: Group A (n = 20): Only Silicon Implant; and Group B (n = 10): Silicon Implant + Rho kinase Inhibitor (Y-27632). Silicon hemispheric implants of 2.5 cm in diameter were placed dorsally beneath the panniculus carnosus away from the incision into 20 Sprague-Dawley rats . Y-27632 was delivered by a biodegradable drug delivery method which is Polylactic-coglycolic acid/polyethylene glycol (PLGA/PEG) microspheres to provide long-term inhibition of the rho kinase signaling system. One milliliter of 10 mM Y-27632 was delivered into the vicinity of implant in 10 rats utilizing PLGA/PEG microspheres. Animals were sacrificed after 2 and 4 weeks for tissue processing. Obtained capsules were stained by Hematoxylin--Eosin and Masson’s trichrome stain to demonstrate architectural changes in capsules. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test (P < 0.05). Results. Capsule formation was noted in both groups at 2 and 4 weeks. Capsule thickness was not significantly different between groups. However, histological analysis of Masson’s trichrome stained capsule specimens revealed that rho kinase inhibition led to a significant decrease in collagen deposition in Rho kinase inhibited group, an important architectural change in the capsule. Morphometric analysis using ImagePro software demonstrated that this change in collagen deposition was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Down regulation of Rho kinase activity results in alterations in capsule architecture. These findings suggest that Rho kinase-mediated signaling pathway is a promising new target for prevention capsular contracture.
The molecular structures of 3-silabicyclo(3.2.1)octane and endo-3-methyl-3-silabicyclo(3.2.1)octane as determined by gas phase electron diffraction

The molecular structures of 3-silabicyclo(3.2.1)octane (SB3210) and endo-3-methyl-3-silabicyclo(3.2.1)octane (endo-MSB3210) have been determined by gas phase electron diffraction. The average SiC bond lengths, 1.891(4) A for SB3210 and 1.883(3) A for endo-MSB3210, are comparable with the observed SiC bond lengths in silacyclohexane and silacyclopentane. The average CC bond lengths, 1.552(2) A for SB3210 and 1.548(2) A for endo-MSB3210, also compare favorably with the corresponding distances in silacyclopentane and silacyclohexane. Observed flap angles at the silicon atom are 145(4)° in SB3210 and 160(5)° in endo-MSB3210. Both molecules exhibit considerable flattening at the silicon end of the six-membered ring relative to silacyclohexane which has a flap angle of 139°. The observed structures are compared with the results of molecular mechanics calculations, and with experimental structures for several related compounds.
High Smog Levels Seen in Mecca During the Annual Pilgrimage

In 2012, the Hajj drew 3.5 million Muslims to Mecca for 5 days of prayer and spiritual enlightenment. The annual pilgrimage, one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, also brings dangerous levels of air pollution to Islam's holiest city.
Exposure to cigarette smoke and Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in mice: Effect on infectious burden, systemic dissemination and cytokine responses: A pilot study

AbstractCigarette smoke exposure has been considered a risk factor for infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae. C. pneumoniae infection is associated with respiratory tract infection and chronic respiratory disease, which is a serious public health concern. To determine whether prior exposure to cigarette smoke worsens C. pneumoniae infection (specifically, increases infectious burden and systemic dissemination) as well as alters cytokine responses in mice, adult female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or mainstream cigarette smoke (MCS) (15 mg/m3, total suspended particulates) for 5 days/week for 2 weeks and then infected with C. pneumoniae (105 IFU) via intratracheal instillation. Mice were euthanized on Days 7, 14 or 26 post-infection (p.i.). Chlamydial burdens in the lungs and spleen were quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and histologic analyses were performed; cytokine levels (TNFα, IL-4, IFNγ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent ...
Psychometric Evaluation of Sociological Factors in a Boys' Reformatory

A psychological assessment battery was given (N = 1011) in a boys' reformatory to evaluate the milieu and the psychological impact of incarceration. Increased incarceration results in greater psychopathology and criminal identification. The continuation of antisocial identification is especially pronounced with boys who have had prior incarcerations. The boys who get into trouble and who are housed in the disciplinary quarters are not the more sociopathic, but instead the more anxious and neurotic boys. Reliability, validity, normative and base-rate data are provided, and methodological implications discussed.
Tissue expression of three structurally different fatty acid binding proteins from rat heart muscle, liver, and intestine.

Abstract Three structurally different 14–15 kDa fatty acid binding proteins have have been purified from rat liver, small intestinal epithelium, and heart muscle, and were quantitated using specific antisera in rat tissues. Heart muscle fatty acid binding protein comprised 5% of heart muscle cytosol protein and was also expressed in stomach, muscle, testis, ovary, kidney, brain, and adipose tissue, a pattern distinct from both liver protein (expressed in liver, small and large intestinal epithelium, and adipose tissue) and intestinal protein (expressed in small and large intestinal epithelium and stomach). Distinctive patterns of tissue expression of the three different fatty acid binding proteins suggest that they may perform different specific functions in fatty acid transport and metabolism.
Priority setting for patients with multiple comorbidities: diabetes may not end up number one.

doctor back to seek an alternate prescription. How would a diabetes specialist set priorities with Mr. Jones? How would a primary care physician set priorities? What information could be given to Mr. Jones to help him set his own priorities? How could they be woven together to help him choose among priorities if he feels overwhelmed and unable to comply with all of the recommended treatments? How do his physicians “see” his life—his work, his children’s needs for his time, his increasing physical limitations—when they make treatment decisions? How well do they engage him in these decisions? Currently, very few of our care systems in the US are designed to deal with patients like Mr. Jones who are in fact our typical patient. Work like Kerr’s serves to remind us of how complex our patients have become as we extend life spans. We now have to create whole new ways of thinking about care for such patients. Even the Chronic Illness Care Model still tends to leave the impression of focusing on a single disease. (http:// www.improvingchroniccare.org) Clinical practice guidelines, as currently designed in a disease-specific manner, are woefully inadequate for dealing with the intersection of comorbidities and prioritizing among treatments. We need new methods of
Hybrid method for hot electron calculations

Abstract A new method for precise computations on hot electrons in semiconductors is introduced. It combines attributes of Monte Carlo and distribution-function-based methods. Exploratory calculations, with a model semiconductor, are reported, including time dependence of drift velocity, steady-state longitudinal diffusivity and avalanche rate.
Mass spectrometric and thermochemical studies of the manganese fluorides

Abstract Mass spectrometric, calorimetric, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on MnF 2 , MnF 3 and MnF 4 . The heat capacity of MnF 2 has been measured from 330°K to 770°K. D (MnF-F), D (MnF 2 -F) and D (MnF 3 -F) have been determined to be 126 ± 7, 79 ± 6 and 62.3 ± 2.4 kcal mole -1 , respectively. The uncorrected electron impact ionization potentials of MnF, MnF 2 , MnF 3 , and MnF 4 are 8.41, 11.18, 12.25 and 13.15 eV, all ± 0.1 eV, respectively. Evidence for the phase Mn 2 F 5 (c) has been found. MnF 3 is far more volatile and stable than previously believed. The vapor pressure of MnF 3 (769-930°K) is given by MnF 4 exerts about 10 -9 atm for fluorine pressure at room temperature and about 10 -6 atm of sublimation pressure at 600°K. MnF 4 (c) is 10.5 ± 2 kcal mole -1 more stable than MnF 3 (c) at 298°K. Formation and atomization enthalpies for MnF, MnF 2 , MnF 3 and MnF 4 have been derived from these new data and a critical review of existing data. No evidence was found for MnF 5 , MnF 6 or MnF 7 . A simple method of removing much of the ambiguity from the electron impact threshold measurements is reported.
Wages and the dominant firm

The standard one-period model of an industry populated by one large firm and a fringe of small competitors is used to show that the traditional focus on dominant firm pricing strategies is too narrow. In an era of industry-wide wage-setting or spillover effects, the dominant firm may also improve its position through generous wage contracts that spread to its competitors and raise their costs. Some general observations are made about the model’s applicability and its possible extension to oligopoly theory and stagflation.
Patient satisfaction scores for endoscopic procedures: impact of a survey-collection method

Background Many endoscopy units administer patient satisfaction surveys. We hypothesized that the survey collection method would affect satisfaction scores. Objective To compare satisfaction scores obtained by using on-site (OS) surveys versus mail-back (MB) surveys. Design Quasi-randomization based on alternating weeks. Setting Teaching hospital. Patients Patients undergoing elective routine outpatient colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. Interventions Every patient was given an 11-question survey that asked about the patient's satisfaction with the nurses and the physician, wait times, the bowel-preparation process, patient education, procedural comfort, and sedation. Survey collection methods alternated weekly between an OS versus an MB method. Main Outcome Measurements Satisfaction scores on a Likert scale ranged from 1 (worst) to 7 (best). Results A total of 1698 subjects were included. The response rate was higher for the OS group (95%) than the MB group (62%). OS scores were significantly higher than MB scores for 5 of 11 questions, which concerned nurse satisfaction, physician satisfaction, bowel-preparation comfort, postprocedure education, and overall satisfaction (Bonferroni adjusted P Limitations Lack of true randomization and formal validation of the satisfaction survey. Conclusions Survey collection methods may bias not only response rates but also satisfaction scores. OS survey collection methods tend to result in higher satisfaction scores than MB methods. This bias should be noted when comparing scores among studies that used different survey collection methods.
Inhibitory actions of calmodulin antagonists on steroidogenesis in zona glomerulosa cells.

The stimulation of aldosterone (Aldo) production in the adrenal glomerulosa cell by angiotensin II (All) and ACTH is highly dependent on calcium. To determine the role of calmodulin (CM) as a regulator of intracellular calcium during hormonal activation of steroidogenesis, the actions of a series of CM inhibitors on the stimulation of Aldo biosynthesis by All, the calcium ionophore A23187, ACTH, and cAMP were examined in isolated adrenal glomerulosa cells. The CM antagonists, pimozide, W7 [N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalenesulfonamide] and W5 [N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-napthalenesulfonamide] caused dose-dependent inhibition of hormone-stimulated Aldo production, in proportion to their reported binding affinities for CM. The maximum inhibitory concentration (5 μm) of the most potent CM antagonist, pimozide, had no effect on the conversion of progesterone to Aldo. However, submaximal inhibitory concentrations of W7 and W5 also reduced conversion of progesterone to Aldo, indicating that their inhibitory action...
Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric enzymatic determination of serum creatine kinase mb isoenzyme by using immuno-inhibition

Abstract Two fully enzymatic methods, colorimetric and fluorimetric, are reported for the determination of creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) MB isoenzyme after immune-inhibition with the use of goat anti-human CK-M IgG antibodies. The residual creatine kinase activity is assayed by using hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase systems; the resulting NADPH is determined spectrophotometrically by reaction with p -iodonitro-tetrazolium violet in the presence of diaphorase as an intermediate electron carrier, or fluorimetrically by coupling the NADPH with resazurin/diaphorase to form resorufin. Both assays take only 12 min and require only 100 or 25μl of serum. The calibration plots of enzyme activities are linear up to 580 and 435 U l -1 of CK-MB in serum for the spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays, respectively, the coefficients of variation being 2.3% and 4.6%, and the recovery values 103% and 100% respectively. The results correlate very well with those obtained by the Helena electrophoresis—fluoridensitometric methods. As little as 4 U l -1 and 2 U l -1 CK-MB could be measured reproducibly.
The expression of β-galactosidase during preimplantation mouse embryogenesis

Lysosomal acid hydrolase expression during preimplantation mouse embryogenesis has proved useful in estimating when mRNA transcription commences during this period. Previous work from this laboratory has shown that α-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase undergo 50- to 100-fold increases in activity between the two-cell stage and the blastocyst stage [1, 2]. Here we show that β-galactosidase activity levels undergo a similar change. We also demonstrate that mouse strains with the Bgl-sh allele produce cleavage stage embryos with 2–4-fold higher activity levels than strains with the Bgl-sd allele. Bgl has been shown to control β-galactosidase levels in adult mouse tissues [3]. Unfertilized egg β-galactosidase levels are also regulated by Bgl, but loci distant from Bgl modify egg expression. The distant sites are not observed to act during cleavage. Hybrid embryos (Bgl-sd/h) show intermediate activity levels to the parental types. The timing of the deviation of hybrid embryo β-galactosidase activity levels from maternal-type activity levels is used to estimate when transcription of genes governing β-galactosidase expression occurs.
Visual transduction in retinal rods of the monkey Macaca fascicularis

The small size and fragility of primate photoreceptors have impeded study of their neural signals by single cell recording. Although physiological information is meagre, psychophysical experiments indicate remarkable performance, including single photon detection by human rods1. What electrical change results from absorption of a quantum? How do the photoreceptors themselves contribute to the sensitivity and temporal resolution of the primate visual system? We report here a study of transduction in single rods of the cynomolgus monkey. From results of colour matching tests2 and microspectrophotometry3 the light receptors of the cynomolgus monkey are thought to be similar to those of man. We have determined the size and shape of the quantal response, and related parameters of the transduction mechanism. These measurements provide a physiological basis for the single photon detection, saturation, and limited temporal resolution characteristic of rod behaviour in psycho-physical experiments. Spectral sensitivity measurements over the entire visible region extend previous determinations of the spectral absorption of rhodopsin, and allow assessment of the factors that determine human scotopic sensitivity.
KGF and FGF-10 Stimulate Liquid Secretion in Human Fetal Lung

During fetal life, the pulmonary epithelium secretes liquid that distends the airways and is important for normal lung growth and development. The factors regulating human fetal lung liquid secretion are poorly understood; however, recent studies in murine models show that keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, FGF-7) and fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF-10) stimulate liquid secretion. We asked whether KGF and FGF-10 stimulate liquid secretion in human fetal lung. First trimester fetal lung explants developed dose-dependent increases in intraluminal volume in response to KGF and FGF-10. Although there were no acute changes in explant transepithelial potential difference in response to KGF (0.1–1000 ng/mL), exposure to 5–50 ng/mL KGF over 60 h depolarized transepithelial potential difference compared with controls. We used ribonuclease protection assays to quantitate the ontogeny and regulation of mRNA expression for KGF and its receptor. Both mRNA were expressed in fetal and postnatal lung. Because the promoter region of the human KGF gene contains cAMP and IL-6 response elements, we asked whether cAMP or IL-6 stimulated expression of KGF or its receptor. We have previously shown that cAMP stimulates liquid secretion in this model. Both cAMP and IL-6 significantly increased expression of KGF but not KGF receptor during a 48-h experiment. Thus, stimulation of liquid secretion in explant models by cAMP may be mediated in part by induction of KGF expression. KGF and FGF-10 may be important paracrine factors regulating liquid secretion in human fetal lung.
Antimycobacterial activities of dehydrocostus lactone and its oxidation products.

In an attempt to study the structural dependence of antimycobacterial activity of the guaianolide dehydrocostus lactone and its derivatives, m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid oxidations of dehydrocostus lactone (1a) were performed. Three new monoepoxides, one previously synthesized diepoxide, and two new diepoxides were obtained. Two of the monoepoxides are C-10 epimers (3a, 3b), while the 4(15)-monoepoxide (2) has the 4α-O-configuration. The known diepoxide (4a) contains a C-10 α-epoxide and a β-epoxide at C-4. The diepoxides 4b and 4c, each with a C-4 α-epoxy group, differ in the configuration of the epoxide ring at C-10. Allylic oxidation of dehydrocostus lactone (1a) with selenium dioxide/tert-butyl hydroperoxide afforded the known 3-epizaluzanin C (1b). The relative configurations of compounds 1b−4c were established by 1D and 2D NMR techniques (1H, 13C, COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC) as well as comparison with literature data. The molecular structures of lactones 1b, 4a, and 4c were determined by single-cryst...
Ask not what physics can do for biology—ask what biology can do for physics

Stan Ulam, the famous mathematician, said once to Hans Frauenfelder: 'Ask not what Physics can do for biology, ask what biology can do for physics'. The interaction between biologists and physicists is a two-way street. Biology reveals the secrets of complex systems, physics provides the physical tools and the theoretical concepts to understand the complexity. The perspective gives a personal view of the path to some of the physical concepts that are relevant for biology and physics (Frauenfelder et al 1999 Rev. Mod. Phys. 71 S419–S442). Schrodinger's book (Schrodinger 1944 What is Life? (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)), loved by physicists and hated by eminent biologists (Dronamraju 1999 Genetics 153 1071–6), still shows how a great physicist looked at biology well before the first protein structure was known.
Lens cation transport and permeability changes following exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract Exposure of the rabbit lens, in vitro, to 10−3 m -hydrogen peroxide resulted in an increase of the lens sodium, calcium and water content together with a decrease of the lens potassium content. No such changes were observed in the presence of 10−4 or 10−5 m -hydrogen peroxide. 10−3 m -hydrogen peroxide was observed to diminish 86Rb uptake by 32% and to reduce the lens Na+-, K+-ATPase activity by 37%. The lens potential remained ouabain-sensitive after peroxide treatment. These findings suggest that only partial inhibition of the lens sodium pump takes place in the presence of 10−3 m -hydrogen peroxide. Lens depolarization, increased lens conductance and an increase rate of 86Rb efflux were also observed upon exposure of the lens to 10−3 m -hydrogen peroxide. Such alterations of 86Rb efflux and electrophysiological parameters indicate that hydrogen peroxide changes the passive permeability of lens membranes.
Multi-layer graphene on Co(0001) by ethanol chemical vapor deposition

N layer (1 ≤ N ≤ 10) monolayer films of graphene were formed by the chemical vapor deposition of ethanol on either clean or oxidized Co(0001) substrates at 1000 K, with no evidence of either interfacial oxide formation or graphene/substrate charge transfer. Low energy electron diffraction data indicate that the graphene layers or domains are azimuthally rotated, but otherwise show the characteristics of graphene with a Raman spectra D/G intensity ratio of 0.25 or less, and a C 1s binding energy of 284.5 eV with an observable π → π* transition. Magneto optic Kerr effect spectra indicate only the ferromagnetic hysteresis with high remanence, with no evidence of Co/graphene exchange bias. This is very different from the negligible remanent magnetization of graphene/Co3O4/Co trilayer structures.
Distinct Interactions of GTP, UTP, and CTP with GsProteins

Early studies showed that in addition to GTP, the pyrimidine nucleotides UTP and CTP support activation of the adenylyl cyclase (AC)-stimulating Gs protein. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which UTP and CTP support Gs activation. As models, we used S49 wild-type lymphoma cells, representing a physiologically relevant system in which the β2-adrenoreceptor (β2AR) couples to Gs, and Sf9 insect cell membranes expressing β2AR-Gαs fusion proteins. Fusion proteins provide a higher sensitivity for the analysis of β2AR-Gs coupling than native systems. Nucleoside 5′-triphosphates (NTPs) supported agonist-stimulated AC activity in the two systems and basal AC activity in membranes from cholera toxin-treated S49 cells in the order of efficacy GTP ≥ UTP > CTP > ATP (ineffective). NTPs disrupted high affinity agonist binding in β2AR-Gαs in the order of efficacy GTP > UTP > CTP > ATP (ineffective). In contrast, the order of efficacy of NTPs as substrates for nucleoside diphosphokinase, catalyzing the formation of GTP from GDP and NTP was ATP ≥ UTP ≥ CTP ≥ GTP. NTPs inhibited β2AR-Gαs-catalyzed [γ-32P]GTP hydrolysis in the order of potency GTP > UTP > CTP. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that UTP is accommodated more easily within the binding pocket of Gαsthan CTP. Collectively, our data indicate that GTP, UTP, and CTP interact differentially with Gs proteins and that transphosphorylation of GDP to GTP is not involved in this G protein activation. In certain cell systems, intracellular UTP and CTP concentrations reach ∼10 nmol/mg of protein and are higher than intracellular GTP concentrations, indicating that G protein activation by UTP and CTP can occur physiologically. G protein activation by UTP and CTP could be of particular importance in pathological conditions such as cholera and Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.
31.2: Ultra‐Thin High‐Transparency Projective Capacitive Touch Sensing Film

An ultra-thin capacitive touch sensing film is developed using colorless polyimide for large-area flexible displays. The film thickness is only 20um and transmittance is more than 90%. No degradation in touch sensitivity is observed after bending under 2cm curvature radius for more than 5000 times. Sheet resistance of transparent conductive oxide layer is less than 20Ω/□.
A scalable framework for cluster ensembles

An ensemble of clustering solutions or partitions may be generated for a number of reasons. If the data set is very large, clustering may be done on tractable size disjoint subsets. The data may be distributed at different sites for which a distributed clustering solution with a final merging of partitions is a natural fit. In this paper, two new approaches to combining partitions, represented by sets of cluster centers, are introduced. The advantage of these approaches is that they provide a final partition of data that is comparable to the best existing approaches, yet scale to extremely large data sets. They can be 100,000 times faster while using much less memory. The new algorithms are compared against the best existing cluster ensemble merging approaches, clustering all the data at once and a clustering algorithm designed for very large data sets. The comparison is done for fuzzy and hard-k-means based clustering algorithms. It is shown that the centroid-based ensemble merging algorithms presented here generate partitions of quality comparable to the best label vector approach or clustering all the data at once, while providing very large speedups.
Amorphous metallic films for bubble domain applications

We have found that sputtered amorphous films of Gd-Co and Gd-Fe have perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The demagnetized domain configuration consists of stripe domains, and bubble domains were nucleated in an applied field. By controlling the sputtering conditions, films with a wide variety of magnetic properties were obtained.
Purification and characterization of C.BamHI, a regulator of the BamHI restriction-modification system.

The bamHIC gene, controlling the BamHI restriction-modification (R-M) system can functionally be replaced by providing pvuIIC or smaIC in trans. C.BamHI, the protein product encoded by bamHIC, has been purified and shown to bind a 345-bp DNA fragment within the BamHI R-M system.
Impaired flexibility in decision making in rats after administration of the pharmacological stressor yohimbine

Stress-induced disruption of decision making has been hypothesized to contribute to drug-seeking behaviors and addiction. Noradrenergic signaling plays a central role in mediating stress responses. However, the effects of acute stress on decision making, and the role of noradrenergic signaling in regulating these effects, have not been well characterized. To characterize changes in decision making caused by acute pharmacological stress, the effects of yohimbine (an α2-adrenergic antagonist) were examined in a delay discounting task. Noradrenergic contributions to decision making were further characterized by examining the effects of propranolol (a β antagonist), prazosin (an α1 antagonist), and guanfacine (an α2 agonist). Sprague–Dawley rats were administered drugs prior to performance on a delay discounting task, in which the delay preceding the large reward increased within each session (ascending delays). To dissociate drug-induced changes in delay sensitivity from behavioral inflexibility, drug effects were subsequently tested in a modified version of the discounting task, in which the delay preceding the large reward decreased within each session (descending delays). Yohimbine increased choice of the large reward when tested with ascending delays but decreased choice of the same large reward when tested with descending delays, suggesting that drug effects could be attributed to perseverative choice of the lever preferred at the beginning of the session. Propranolol increased choice of the large reward when tested with ascending delays. Prazosin and guanfacine had no effect on reward choice. The stress-like effects of yohimbine administration may impair decision making by causing inflexible, perseverative behavior.
On the mechanoelectrical coupling in the cochlear outer hair cell

Outer hair cell electromotility, a manifestation of the interconnection between the mechanical and electrical processes occurring in outer hair cells, is believed to be an important contribution to the active cochlea. Two modes of mechanoelectrical coupling in the outer hair cell wall are studied: the potential shift caused by mechanical loading under the wall charge preservation conditions and the current (transferred charge) caused by mechanical loading under the voltage-clamp conditions. By using the previously reported elastic moduli of the wall and components of the active force, the potential shift under the charge preservation conditions is derived. This shift is expressed in terms of the wall strains and the active force derivatives with respect to the wall potential. The magnitudes of the potential shift corresponding to the conditions of cell inflation, axial stretch (compression), and the micropipet aspiration are estimated. In the last case, the distribution of the potential shift along the cell wall is also demonstrated. The potential shift can reach −20–−40 mV under the conditions of the micropipet aspiration or cell inflation. Such shift is much smaller under the condition of cell stretch (compression). The current and the charge transfer caused by the cell stretch under the voltage-clamp conditions is analyzed, and shows good agreement of predictions with experimental data.
From Difficult Dialogues to Critical Conversations: Intersectionality in Our Teaching and Professional Lives.

The authors describe a faculty learning community that used intersectional analysis to facilitate critical conversations on the teaching of multicultural content.