cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of a human glutamate transporter

Currents mediated by a glutamate transporter cloned from human motor cortex were measured in Xenopus oocytes. In the absence of glutamate, voltage jumps induced Na(+)-dependent capacitive currents that were blocked by kainate, a competitive transport antagonist. The pre-steady-state currents can be described by an ordered binding model in which a voltage-dependent Na+ binding is followed by a voltage-independent kainate binding. At -80 mV, two charges are translocated per molecule of glutamate, with a cycling time of approximately 70 ms, which is significantly slower than the predicted time course of synaptically released glutamate. The results suggest that glutamate diffusion and binding to transporters, rather than uptake, are likely to dominate the synaptic concentration decay kinetics.
Noninvasive long-term ventilatory support for individuals with spinal muscular atrophy and functional bulbar musculature

Abstract Ten individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and chronic ventilatory insufficiency were trained in the use of assisted coughing techniques and received intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) via oral and/ or nasal interfaces for a mean of 5.3 (range = 1 to 17) years. During this time they had significantly fewer respiratory complications than before introduction of noninvasive respiratory muscle aids despite the fact that 6 of the 10 went on to require more than 20 hours per day of ventilator use with less than 2 hours of ventilator-free breathing time (VFBT). All except two noninvasive IPPV users had vital capacities (VCs) less than 13% of predicted normal. They could, however, communicate verbally and take nutrition by mouth. All of the patients remained in the community. Five patients were gainfully employed and four were in school. We conclude that noninvasive respiratory muscle aids including noninvasive IPPV and assisted coughing techniques are effective and practical alternatives to tracheostomy for SMA patients with ventilatory failure but functional bulbar musculature.
Effect of chronic caloric restriction on hepatic enzymes of intermediary metabolism in the male Fischer 344 rat.

Abstract It is well established that caloric restriction extends life span and significantly retards the rate of occurrence of most age-associated degenerative disease processes. A paucity of data exists relative to the mechanisms by which caloric restriction accomplishes these events. We have examined the effect of caloric restriction in rats on several hepatic enzymes of intermediary metabolism. The activities of glycolytic and supporting enzymes including lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and alcohol dehydrogenase were all decreased in response to caloric restriction. Fructose 1-phosphate aldolase and creatine phpshokinase were not altered. Likewise, enzymes associated with lipid metabolism (malic enzyme and glycerokinase) were reduced (fatty acid synthetase was reduced, but not to a statistically significant degree). Activities of enzymes supporting gluconeogenesis (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, tyrosine aminotransferase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate dehydrogenase, amino acid oxidase, malate dehydrogenase, and glucose 6-phosphatase) were either unchanged or increased significantly by caloric restriction. Glucagon levels were decreased. Comparisons between young ad libitum fed and older calorically restricted rats revealed similar but not identical metabolic activity. These results suggest that caloric restriction produces an effect on intermediary metabolism, favoring the role of glucagon and glucose synthesis; but limiting the role of insulin and glucose catabolism in the liver. The former observation provides for the efficient support of peripheral tissues and the latter a level of energy production necessary only for self maintenance. Limited lipid metabolism suggests decreased potential for fatty acid epoxide formation and free radical damage to cellular macromolecules. Additionally, caloric restriction may delay the progressive age associated changes in the activities of some of the enzymes investigated.
Ultrasound velocity of trabecular cubes reflects mainly bone density and elasticity.

Studies have indicated that quantitative ultrasound (QUS) variables may be influenced by the mechanical properties of bone which in turn are determined by bone's material and structural properties. However, from these studies it is unclear what role density, elasticity, and structure play in determining velocity. Eighteen defatted, 12-mm cubic trabecular bone specimens were cut from cadaveric specimens. Amplitude-dependent speed of sound (SOS) using a single point QUS system was assessed in three orthogonal axes. Magnetic resonance images were obtained, from which measures of apparent trabeuclar structure were derived. The specimens were nondestructively tested in compression along three orthogonal axes defined by the sides of the cubes. The elastic modulus (in the three directions) and the strength (in one direction) were determined. Trabecular BMD was measured by quantitative computed tomography. SOS varied significantly with direction of measurement, with the highest value in the axial direction (axial:1715 m/s, sagittal: 1662 m/second, and coronal: 1676 m/s). SOS of each of the three axes was generally associated with the various mechanical (r = 0.30–0.87), density (r = 0.81–0.93), and bone structural variables (0.3–0.8). However, after adjusting the SOS correlations by density, only the correlation with elasticity remained significant in the coronal direction. BMD alone explained 88–93% of variance in SOS whereas in the multivariate model, BMD plus elasticity and/or anisotropic variables explained 96–98% of the variance in SOS. Variability of SOS is explained mostly by density and to a small extent by elasticity or anisotropy. Since only 2–6% of the variance of the QUS measurement is not explained by density and elasticity, one could conclude that the remaining variance reflects other properties of bone or perhaps simply measurement error. Evidence that these other properties may be structure related is only found in the anisotropy of QUS parameter.
Ability of Iron To Promote Surfactant Peroxide Decomposition and Oxidize α-Tocopherol

Peroxides are an important factor in oxidative reactions in foods because their decomposition can result in formation of highly reactive free radicals. Emulsifiers such as the Brijs, Tweens, and lecithin were found to contain 4-35 micromol of peroxides/g of surfactant. Peroxide concentrations in Tween 20 micelles increased in the presence of low iron concentrations but decreased when iron concentrations were high, suggesting that iron was capable of promoting both peroxide formation and decomposition. Oxidation of alpha-tocopherol was observed in micelles high in peroxides (Tween 20) but not in micelles where peroxide concentrations were low (Brij). Transition metals accelerated the oxidation of alpha-tocopherol in Tween 20 micelles, whereas EDTA stabilized alpha-tocopherol in the presence of added Fe(2+). These results suggest that surfactant peroxides could decrease the oxidative stability of food emulsions by acting as a source of free radicals, especially in the presence of transition metals.
Elastic Wave Solutions in Stratified Media

Classical Thomson‐Haskell methods are proven applicable to the asymptotic wave solution in a stratified elastic medium which has both first and second order discontinuities in ρ, λ, and μ. This proof removes a weakness of the original method, which made it unsatisfactory for modeling velocity gradient anomalies. The generalized method, simple in application for a stack of inhomogeneous layers, is used here to derive P-SV reflection/conversion/transmission properties for a transition region in which ρ, [(λ+2μ)/ρ]1/2, and (μ/ρ)1/2 vary linearly. Although the solution method is approximate, its accuracy is confirmed by comparison with exact solutions.
Small‐Amplitude Atomic Force Microscopy

Small amplitude Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a relatively new AFM technique which was specifically developed to perform linear measurements of nanomechanical phenomena. This is achieved by using ultra-small cantilever amplitudes and very high sensitivity deflection sensors. Recently this technique has been used in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and liquid environments to measure atomic and molecular forces and dynamics with high precision. Here we focus on three examples which are interesting from a nanoengineering standpoint: Atomic energy dissipation (atomic friction), atomic-scale contact mechanics, and nanotribology/molecular ordering in confined liquid films.
Investigating Divergent Thinking in Creativity Exercises Through Alternative Uses Tests

Creativity is a valuable skill for today’s workplace and one that universities should be emphasizing in the classroom. Teaching creativity usually involves the completion of “creative exercises” that help an individual understand how to think outside the box. Often individuals that are considered creative “practice” creativity on a daily basis, either through their own will or through their occupation, which increases their creative potential. Creativity is shown to be divided into multiple aspects, one of which is divergent thinking. This study examines participants’ divergent thinking skills over nine weeks as they perform a simple design task each week. The participants are split into two groups as they perform an alternative uses test on a weekly basis. Each week a new item is presented and the results are collected and entered in a database. The number of entries per card is analyzed to determine if the participants have increased their divergent thinking ability throughout the nine weeks.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Physical-layer security challenges of DSA-enabled TD-LTE

The Time-Division mode for Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) is viewed by many as the first waveform that will be enabled by Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) and see widespread adoption in both the commercial and public safety arena. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is developing standards for DSA-enabling TD-LTE. In this paper we take an initial look at the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN), the air interface for TD-LTE, and seek to identify how a DSA-enabled version of TD-LTE could be efficiently jammed by an adversary. Robust communications in the face of hostile jammers will be a necessary component as DSA-TD-LTE is being to be deployed by public safety users. We focus on physical-layer features such as the OFDM and MIMO, and how DSA could potentially be implemented. Then we lay out a roadmap for future research and development that ensures that the waveform can be ruggedized in an interoperable way.
Spermatogenesis in Hunterella nodulosa Mackiewicz and McCrae, 1962 (Cestoidea: Caryophyllidea).

Spermatogenesis of H. nodulosa from Catostomus commersoni (Catostomidae) from New York (USA) was studied by means of sections and squashes and found to consist of the following stages. Primary spermatogonia undergo a series of mitotic divisions resulting in successive linked clusters of two secondary, four tertiary, and eight quaternary spermatogonia. With succeeding divisions, sixteen primary spermatocytes are formed that have their nuclei arranged toward the periphery of a central syncytial mass. Thirty-two secondary spermatocytes arise from the first maturation division. A second maturation division yields sixty-four spherical spermatids that, still connected to the central cytoplasmic mass, subsequently mature to form spermatozoa. Thus this sequence is essentially similar to that reported for Cyclophyllidea and Pseudophyllidea. Drawings and photographs of many of the above mentioned stages supplement the description.
The relationship between ATP and R-values in postmortem bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle.

Abstract To study the relationship between ATP and each of three R-values (R248, R250 and R258) in beef longissimus dorsi muscle data, appropriate mathematical functional forms were estimated by the Box-Cox transformation and then tested for linearity. Two separate tests for linearity indicated that the relationships between ATP and the three R-values were nonlinear. A shifting parameter restriction on the Box-Cox model was used to produce a curve that was more parallel to the y axis in the lower range of x axis, but the restriction lowered the R 2 compared with the Box-Cox model. ATP (1 μmol) could be estimated by R248 of 0·925, R250 of 0·967 and R258 of 1·038 with standard errors of 0·033, 0·034 and 0·032, respectively. There were no significant differences among the three R-values for the prediction of ATP, but there was a suggestion that R258 was the preferred R-value for predicting ATP in beef muscle.
Localization of Traumatic Oculomotor Nerve Palsy to the Midbrain Exit Site by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose To present the magnetic resonance imaging findings for a patient with traumatic oculomotor nerve injury. Methods We examined a patient with a right pupil-involving oculomotor nerve palsy after severe closed head trauma. Results Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated marked signal hypointensity on gradient-echo T2*-weighted images consistent with hemorrhage at the midbrain exit site of the right oculomotor nerve. Conclusions Distal fascicular damage or partial rootlet avulsion is a mechanism of injury in some traumatic oculomotor nerve palsies. Gradient- echo T2* -weighted magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive method to detect hemorrhagic changes associated with shearing injury.
Jack fracturing technique of stress measurement

Jack Fracturing Technique of Stress Measurement This paper suggests a new approach for determining the initial state of stress in rock masses by strain relief measurements without overcoring. The method involves impressing friction-strain gauges on two opposite quadrants of a borehole wall, then uniaxially loading the other two quadrants with a self-equilibrating pair of forces of sufficient magnitude for initiating and propagating fractures of depth adequate to relieve strain. The initial tangential strains on the borehole wall are relieved by the creation of an open axial fracture and measured by the impressed friction gauges. Strain relief by borehole jack-fracturing was studied with finiteelement analysis and also by simple consideration of boundary conditions and external tractions. The dependence of the initial state of stress on the strain-relief measurements at different orientations is obtained by employing the classical theory of elasticity. The instrumentation unique to the method, a borehole-loading device and a friction-strain-gauge module, were tested in the laboratory, and the results summarized. Field-stress measurements made in a sandstone quarry for the magnitude and orientation of the stresses are in good agreement with those obtained by an independent overcoming technique. Work is progressing to compare results with a number of controlled cases.
Microwave backscatter over Greenland: changing with time

Changes in the Greenland ice sheet are considered important indicators of global climate change. These changes can be monitored using space-borne scatterometers which provide frequent coverage of the entire ice sheet. This paper provides a general overview of backscatter measurements over Greenland and the distinguishing attributes of the data sets over the different snow facies including temporal signatures. Seasat-A scatterometer (1978), NSCAT (1996-1997), SeaWinds (1999-present), and ERS AMI (1992-2000) scatterometer data are analyzed to evaluate the long term changes in the ice sheet. An increase in backscatter is observed in the dry snow zone near the dry snow zone/percolation zone boundary. A simple algorithm is applied to determine the length and extent of the melt for the summer of 1999 as observed by SeaWinds and ERS. A comparison between the two sensors shows similar results with the apparent differences attributed to the higher temporal resolution of SeaWinds and the difference in frequencies between the two instruments.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Self-Assembling Amphiphilic Siderophores from Marine Bacteria

Most aerobic bacteria secrete siderophores to facilitate iron acquisition. Two families of siderophores were isolated from strains belonging to two different genera of marine bacteria. The aquachelins, from Halomonas aquamarina strain DS40M3, and the marinobactins, from Marinobacter sp. strains DS40M6 and DS40M8, each contain a unique peptidic head group that coordinates iron(III) and an appendage of one of a series of fatty acid moieties. These siderophores have low critical micelle concentrations (CMCs). In the absence of iron, the marinobactins are present as micelles at concentrations exceeding their CMC; upon addition of iron(III), the micelles undergo a spontaneous phase change to form vesicles. These observations suggest that unique iron acquisition mechanisms may have evolved in marine bacteria.
Coupling of the Orientations of Liquid Crystals to Electrical Double Layers Formed by the Dissociation of Surface-Immobilized Salts

We report the orientations of thermotropic liquid crystals to be coupled through dipolar interactions to the electric fields of electrical double layers that form upon contact of the liquid crystal...
Nitric oxide mediates dendritic cell apoptosis by downregulating inhibitors of apoptosis proteins and upregulating effector caspase activity.

Abstract Background. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the amplification of the immune response by promoting antigen presentation, T-lymphocyte proliferation, and proinflammatory cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) production. We have previously shown that the exogenous NO donor, s-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine, promotes DC apoptosis by disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potential, which induces cytochrome-C release and activates caspase 3. To further elucidate the signaling pathway, we examined the expression of cellular inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (cIAPs) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage (PARP), a terminal event in the apoptotic cascade. Methods. DC2.4 were exposed to 250 μmol/L s-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine for various intervals. Apoptosis and necrosis were measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling assay or flow cytometry with Annexin V and propidium iodide. DC2.4 were cultured with the pan-caspase inhibitor, ZVAD (100 μmol/L). cIAP, pro-caspases, and PARP expression or activation was measured by Western blot. Caspase enzyme activity was confirmed with the use of specific substrates. Results. NO-induced DC apoptosis correlated with the downregulation of cIAP expression. Caspase 3 and 6 were upregulated by SNAP and significantly inhibited by ZVAD. Maximal PARP cleavage occurred at 8 hours and coincided with the downregulation of cIAP and peak caspase 3 and near maximal caspase 6 activity. Conclusions. NO-induced DC apoptosis is associated with the downregulation of cIAP expression, which facilitates caspase cascade activation and subsequent PARP cleavage. (Surgery 2001;130:326-32.)
Evidence for Highly Dispersive Primary Charge Separation Kinetics and Gross Heterogeneity in the Isolated PS II Reaction Center of Green Plants

Despite the availability of an X-ray structure and many spectroscopic studies, important issues related to structural heterogeneity, excitonic structure, primary charge separation (CS), and excitation energy transfer dynamics of the isolated reaction center (RC) of photosystem II (PS II) remain unresolved. The issues addressed here include (1) whether the primary CS kinetics at low temperatures are highly dispersive (due to structural heterogeneity), as proposed by Prokhorenko and Holzwarth (J. Phys. Chem. B 2000, 104, 11563), and (2) the nature of the weak lowest-energy Qy absorption band at ∼684 nm that appears as a shoulder on the intense primary electron donor band (P680). Results of low-temperature nonphotochemical hole burning (NPHB) and triplet bottleneck hole burning (TBHB) spectroscopic experiments (including effects of pressure and external electric (Stark) fields) are presented for the RC from spinach with one of the two peripheral chlorophylls removed. Both NPHB and TBHB are observed with exci...
Ultra-high-speed operation of Josephson tunneling devices

Switching times of large Josephson devices have been measured. We report gate switching times of 85 ps and array cycle times of an elementary memory cell of 550 ps. Although these times are expected to be smaller in more realistic miniaturized devices, they represent to our knowledge, the shortest times for such circuits ever reported in any technology.
Dynamic Mechanical and Impact Property Correlation of Nanoclay and Graphite Platelet Reinforced Vinyl Ester Nanocomposites

An experimental investigation was carried out to correlate the impact response of nanocomposites with the dynamic, inherent damping, and glass transition properties of Derakane 411-350 vinyl ester thermoset reinforced with 1.25 and 2.5 wt% Cloisite 30B nanoclay and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP).Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to obtain the visco-elastic properties such as storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E''), glass transition temperature (Tg) and loss factor (Tan δ). Low velocity impact tests were performed at an approximate strain rate of 15 s-1 on notched and un-notched Charpy samples using a drop-tower impact test system. Storage modulus was observed to increase with increasing nano reinforcements (max 40% for graphite platelet/vinyl ester nanocomposite). Loss factor also showed a significant increase of 80% with the addition of nanoclay, and 125% with graphite platelet. Glass transition temperature and loss modulus of nanoclay and graphite platelet reinforced nanocomposites al...
Stimulated desorption from CO chemisorbed on Cr(110)

Abstract Electron stimulated desorption (ESD) experiments using a time-of-flight pulse counting method are reported for molecular CO chemisorbed on the Cr(110) surface at 90 K. Consistent with previous qualitative observations, negligible CO + and O + desorption signals were measured from the α 1 CO overlayer which saturates at 1 4 monolayer. For θ CO > 0.25, a terminally-bonded (α 2 CO) binding mode is populated in addition to the existing ∝ 1 CO binding mode and the ion yield increases sharply. For α 2 CO, both O + and CO + ions are observed; the CO + ions desorb with characteristically lower kinetic energies than O + ions. Near saturation coverages of CO(ads), an observed decrease in the O + yield is attributed to adsorbate-adsorbate interactions which reduce the ion desorption probability, as seen in ESD studies of terminally-bonded CO on other metals. These results are considered in the context of two possible models proposed for the α 1 CO binding state and related ESD observations for CO chemisorbed on Fe(001) and potassium-promoted Ru(001).
Observation of polymerlike phase separation of protein-surfactant complexes in solution.

Protein solution at appropriate pH and ionic strength has been shown to phase separate upon addition of suitable amount of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). We determine a series of cloud-point curves for bovine serum albumin-SDS complexes in aqueous solutions at different pH. Small angle neutron-scattering and light-scattering studies give strong evidence that these denatured proteins in solution are multicomponent polymerlike objects. We show that the generalized Flory-Huggins theory for polydisperse polymers can describe the cloud-point curves satisfactorily.
Cross-listing effect on information environment of foreign firms: ADR type and country characteristics

Abstract We examine sources of improvement in the information environment of foreign firms that cross-listed in the United States as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) between 1995 and 2005. We analyze changes in the number and dispersion of analyst recommendations on foreign firms following their cross-listing. We find increases in analyst coverage intensity across all four types of ADR programs, especially among firms that were listed on organized exchanges (the listing effect), and those that adopted capital raising ADR programs (the financing effect). Our results suggest that the listing effect is more persistent than the financing effect. On the other hand, reductions in recommendation dispersion are observed mainly for firms that choose non-capital raising ADRs and those from emerging markets. Overall, improvements in information environment are more profound among foreign firms originating from countries with greater information asymmetry, namely, countries with weaker legal tradition and rule of law, and countries that are less familiar to U.S. investors.
SODIUM AND MANGANESE HOMOGENEITY IN CHONDRITIC METEORITES.

Na and Mn homogeneity in chondritic meteorites, discussing accretion processes, metamorphisms, weathering effects and specimens size
Fibronectin contributes to pathological cardiac hypertrophy but not physiological growth

Ability of the heart to undergo pathological or physiological hypertrophy upon increased wall stress is critical for long-term compensatory function in response to increased workload demand. While substantial information has been published on the nature of the fundamental molecular signaling involved in hypertrophy, the role of extracellular matrix protein Fibronectin (Fn) in hypertrophic signaling is unclear. The objective of the study was to delineate the role of Fn during pressure overload-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy and physiological growth prompted by exercise. Genetic conditional ablation of Fn in adulthood blunts cardiomyocyte hypertrophy upon pressure overload via attenuated activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Loss of Fn delays development of heart failure and improves survival. In contrast, genetic deletion of Fn has no impact on physiological cardiac growth induced by voluntary wheel running. Down-regulation of the transcription factor c/EBPβ (Ccaat-enhanced binding protein β), which is essential for induction of the physiological growth program, is unaffected by Fn deletion. Nuclear NFAT translocation is triggered by Fn in conjunction with up-regulation of the fetal gene program and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in vitro. Furthermore, activation of the physiological gene program induced by insulin stimulation in vitro is attenuated by Fn, whereas insulin had no impact on Fn-induced pathological growth program. Fn contributes to pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo via NFAT activation. Fn is dispensable for physiological growth in vivo, and Fn attenuates the activation of the physiological growth program in vitro.
Aristolochic acid-induced apoptosis and G2 cell cycle arrest depends on ROS generation and MAP kinases activation

Ingestion of aristolochic acids (AAs) contained in herbal remedies results in a renal disease and, frequently, urothelial malignancy. The genotoxicity of AA in renal cells, including mutagenic DNA adducts formation, is well documented. However, the mechanisms of AA-induced tubular atrophy and renal fibrosis are largely unknown. To better elucidate some aspects of this process, we studied cell cycle distribution and cell survival of renal epithelial cells treated with AAI at low and high doses. A low dose of AA induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase via activation of DNA damage checkpoint pathway ATM–Chk2–p53–p21. DNA damage signaling pathway is activated more likely via increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by AA treatment then via DNA damage induced directly by AA. Higher AA concentration induced cell death partly via apoptosis. Since mitogen-activated protein kinases play an important role in cell survival, death and cell cycle progression, we assayed their function in AA-treated renal tubular epithelial cells. ERK1/2 and p38 but not JNK were activated in cells treated with AA. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 as well as suppression of ROS generation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine resulted in the partial relief of cells from G2/M checkpoint and a decline of apoptosis level. Cell cycle arrest may be a mechanism for DNA repair, cell survival and reprogramming of epithelial cells to the fibroblast type. An apoptosis of renal epithelial cells at higher AA dose might be necessary to provide space for newly reprogrammed fibrotic cells.
Egg White Catalase: 2. Active Component

Abstract THERE is current interest in using egg white (EW) enzymes to test the efficiency of EW pasteurization (Henderson and Robinson, 1969; and Donovan et al., 1970). Catalase or the catalase like activity of EW has been considered for such use. Earlier workers (Loew, 1901; Winternitz and Rogers, 1910; Pennington and Robertson, 1912; Lineweaver et al., 1948; and Lloyd and Harriman, 1957) assumed that catalase was a component of EW. Baker and Manwell (1962) have raised doubt about its being present in EW. They observed results indicating catalase activity after separating EW proteins by starch gel electrophoresis. The activity, however, was located on regions of electrophoretograms commonly associated with the EW proteins ovalbumin and conalbumin. They did not expect a protein the size of catalase to migrate with ovalbumin. In addition, a qualitative test for iron indicated that iron was present in those portions of the gel and it was assumed…
The Experience of Substituting for a Colleague

This episode is about substituting for a colleague, an experience that most faculty encounter periodically. The situation arose because one of my colleagues had to miss a day to deliver a paper at ...
Cholinergic regulation of the phosphoinositide second messenger system in the guinea pig organ of Corti

The effect of cholinergic agents on the phosphoinositide second messenger system was investigated in the cochlea of the adult guinea pig in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, phospholipids were labeled with [32p]-orthophosphate by perilymphatic perfusion and their hydrolysis assayed in 'chase' experiments with non-radioactive orthophosphate. Carbachol (i mM) reduced the content of 3zP-labeled phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in the organ of Corti from 31% to 21% of total 32p-lipids, indicating stimulated hydrolysis. The pharmacology of this effect was studied in detail in vitro via the release of inositol phosphates from phosphoinositides ore-labeled with 3H-inositol. Release was increased 2-fold by 1 mM carbachol, 1.6-fold by 1 mM muscarine, but was unaffected by dimethylphenylpiperazinium; the stimulation was blocked by 1 #M atropine but not mecamylamine. These responses indicate the coupling of phosphoinositides to a muscarinic receptor. Furthermore, stimulated inositoi phosphate release was higher in the base of the organ of Corti than in the apex which correlates with the increased cholinergic efferent innervation of outer hair cells in the basal region. These results suggest that muscarinic-stimulated inositol phosphate release occurs at the level of the outer hair cell and thus may have an important modulatory role in auditory transduction.
Treatment of cocaine abuse with buprenorphine.

Intravenous cocaine abuse has become a major public health problem among methadone-maintained patients, as the rate of cocaine-positive urines in these patients has increased severalfold over the last 10 years (Kaul and Davidow 198 1; Chambers et al. 1972; Kosten, Rounsaville, Kleber, 1987). Because these patients tend to use cocaine intravenously and to share needles, they may also spread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS (Kosten, Rounsaville, Kleber 1987). Several pharmacological treatments such as desipramine, bromoc~ptine, or amantadine have been added to standard methadone maintenance in order to decrease cocaine craving and use with as yet uncertain efficacy (Dackis and Gold 1985; Kosten, Schumann , Wright, 1988; Kosten, Schumann, Wright, Gamey, Gawin 1987; Morgan et al. 1988; Kosten, in press). An alternative approach is to use a different maintenance agent for treating the primary opioid addiction. A rationale for this approach is that many opioid abusers report a somewhat dysphoric experience when using cocaine by itself. but they find that mixing an opioid agonist such as methadone or heroin with the cocaine-a “speedball”-is quite pleasant and reinforcing (Kosten, Rounsaville, Kleber 1987). An alternative maintenance treatment that
Familial Mediterranean Fever: The Genetics of Inflammation

When a patient complains of episodic fever accompanied by unexplained arthritis, peritonitis, pleurisy, or skin rash, this disorder should be considered. The disease- related gene codes for a prote...
Perceptions of Occupational Prestige: Differences between African American and White College Students.

Abstract The present study examined perceptions of occupational prestige among university students. One hundred and twenty-four African American and 174 White students rated the prestige levels of 36 occupations evenly sampled from the six RIASEC types and three levels of prestige. Results indicated that there was a significant difference in perception of occupational prestige. African Americans reported more prestige for R, S, E, and C occupations than did Whites. For African Americans there was a positive relation between endorsement of the centrality of African American identity and prestige ratings R, A, S, and E. These results suggest that perceptions of prestige vary across and within ethnicity and also provide additional insight into how prestige might influence African American students' occupational selection.
Characterization of lanthana/alumina composite oxides

Abstract The La2O3/Al2O3 composite oxides were characterized in terms of their point of zero charge (pzc) and surface area. A model, describing lanthana dispersed as hemispherical clusters, was used to analyze the results. The model parameters calculated from experimental results are in general agreement with those obtained by X-ray diffraction results. The model was used to estimate the surface area of the individual components, lanthana and alumina, in the composite oxide. As the lanthana weight loading increases, the surface area of the lanthana dispersed in a La2O3/Al2O3 composite oxide increases and reaches a plateau at 8% La2O3 loading. The total BET surface area of the composite oxide decreases sharply as the lanthana loading increases above 8%. The surface area considerations suggest that the optimum lanthana loading (maximum in supported lanthana surface area per gram of composite oxide used) in a composite oxide is ∼ 8%.
A simulator for batch and semi-conductors processes☆

Abstract The design of BOSS, a dynamic simulator for batch oriented processes, is presented. The key features of the simulator are: a modular structure which allows incorporation of dynamic models of individual processing steps, a methodology for processing discontinuities in the time history of the system, provisions for accommodating multiple product processing routes, and logic for allowing dynamic route/equipment assignment. The simulator employs an equation oriented approach and uses the LSODAR integrator and the Harwell sparse equation solving routines.
Manipulating Slot Machine Preference in Problem Gamblers through Contextual Control.

Pathological and nonpathological gamblers completed a task that assessed preference among 2 concurrently available slot machines. Subsequent assessments of choice were conducted after various attempts to transfer contextual functions associated with irrelevant characteristics of the slot machines. Results indicated that the nonproblem gambling group, but not the problem gambling group, increased their responding toward the slot initially trained as greater than following the initial training procedure, then decreased their responding toward that slot following the reversal phase.
Release of norepinephrine-3H and serotonin-3H evoked from brain slices by electrical-field stimulation-calcium dependency and the effects of lithium, ouabain and tetrodotoxin.

Abstract Slices of mammalian brain accumulate tritiated norepinephrine or serotonin when incubated in a medium with these compounds. Mild electrical stimulation of short duration induces a striking increase in the release of exogenous-labeled amine. Electrically stimulated release of norepinephrine- 3 H, but not of serotonin- 3 H, is calcium dependent. Stimulation-induced release of both monoamines is significantly diminished by the addition of ouabain, lithium or tetrodotoxin to the perfusing medium. Elevated calcium concentration prevents lithium-induced inhibition of norepinephrine- 3 H release but has no effect on lithium inhibition of evoked release of serotonin- 3 H. Enhanced calcium levels did not reverse ouabain-induced inhibition of release of either monoamine.
Layout-aware scientific computing: A case study using the MILC code

Abstract Nowadays, high performance computers have more cores and nodes than ever before. Computation is spread out among them, leading to more communication cost than before. For this reason, communication can easily become the bottleneck of a system and limit its scalability. The layout of an application on a computer is the key factor to preserve communication locality and reduce its cost. In this paper, we propose a straightforward model to optimize the layout for scientific applications by minimizing inter-node communication cost. The model takes into account the latency and bandwidth of the network and associates them with the dominant layout variables of the application. We take the MILC code as an example and analyze its communication patterns. According to our experimental results, the model developed for the MILC code achieved a satisfactory accuracy for predicting the performance, leading to up to 31% performance improvement.
Data-driven simulation of complex multidimensional time series

This article introduces a new framework for resampling general time series data. The approach, inspired by computer agent flocking algorithms, can be used to generate inputs to complex simulation models or for generating pseudo-replications of expensive simulation outputs. The method has the flexibility to enable replicated sensitivity analysis for trace-driven simulation, which is critical for risk assessment. The article includes two simple implementations to illustrate the approach. These implementations are applied to nonstationary and state-dependent multivariate time series. Examples using emergency department data are presented.
Does Bd and Bs mixing require the existence of a fourth generation

Abstract Recent data from ARGUS gives an unexpectedly large B d mixing. Combined with a previous limit on B d , B s mixing from MARK II, it appears that while B d mixing is sizeable, B s mixing may be non-maximal. This may contradict the three-generation standard model. We discuss the implications of this possibility on the existence of a fourth generation. More reliable information can come from a study of B mixing at the (5S) and is therefore strongly urged.
Rare earth ions in a hexagonal field III

Energy levels, eigenfunctions and magnetic moments of rare earth ions in a crystal field of hexagonal symmetry have been obtained using a Hamiltonian of the form, H = μBgJ · H +B40O40 + B60(O60 + 778 O66). Results are presented for all J values appearing in the rare earth series and for values of the parameters covering the situations in which the crystal field interaction is dominant, in which the interaction with the magnetic field is dominant and in which the two interactions are comparable in magnitude.
MELD accurately predicts mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis

Assessing severity of disease in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is useful for predicting mortality, guiding treatment decisions, and stratifying patients for therapeutic trials. The traditional disease-specific prognostic model used for this purpose is the Maddrey discriminant function (DF). The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) is a more recently developed scoring system that has been validated as an independent predictor of patient survival in candidates for liver transplantation. The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of MELD to predict mortality in patients with AH. A retrospective cohort study of 73 patients diagnosed with AH between 1995 and 2001 was performed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. MELD was the only independent predictor of mortality in patients with AH. MELD was comparable to DF in predicting 30-day mortality (c-statistic and 95% CI: 0.83 [0.71-0.96] and 0.74 [0.62-0.87] for MELD and DF, respectively, not significant) and 90-day mortality (c-statistic and 95% CI: 0.86 [0.77-0.96] and 0.83 [0.74-0.92] for MELD and DF, respectively, not significant). A MELD score of 21 had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 75% in predicting 90-day mortality in AH. In conclusion, MELD is useful for predicting 30-day and 90-day mortality in patients with AH and maintains some practical and statistical advantages over DF in predicting mortality rate in these patients. MELD is a useful clinical tool for gauging mortality and guiding treatment decisions in patients with AH, particularly those complicated by ascites and/or encephalopathy.
Monte Melkonian: Armenian revolutionary leader

In 1979 Mustafa Rejai and Kay Phillips published a study of 64 revolutionary leaders in which they attempted to locate commonalities that would strengthen our understanding of the factors that motivate such individuals to spearhead revolutionary efforts. The data found certain revealing areas. This study, by placing the revolutionary Monte Melkonian in the context of this data seeks to do the following: (1) validate, in a small way, Rejai's and Phillips’ study, and (2) more clearly understand Melkonian, a third generation Armenian‐American who died in battle after becoming the military commander of an entire region of Nagorno‐Karabakh.
A Switcher ASIC Design for Use in a Charge-Pump Detector

The objective of this paper is to describe a Switcher ASIC with 64 high voltage output channels. Each channel provides two high voltage control pulses with maximum amplitudes of 32 V. The high voltage level shifter was designed with a current mirror switching circuit that has a readily adjustable switching speed, unlike conventional switching circuits. The logic control circuit uses a forward and reverse chain of Flip-Flops along with other combinational logic gates to generate bidirection sequential control pulses with adjustable pulsewidth and polarity. The layout was carefully designed to achieve a 14 μ m width for the last stage transistors' drain path based on the 50 μm output channel pitch set up. At least a 200 mA current driving capability was obtained for each channel. The design was fabricated using TSMC's 180 nm CMOS HV technology. The paper further discusses the critical design steps including chip architecture, layout, simulation and bench test. The final experimental results demonstrate that the Switcher ASIC meets requirements and the rising time could reach 480 ns with a 1 nF capacitive load at 15 V pulse amplitude. With this load, the total power consumption of the chip was measured to be approximately 4 mW when the input clock period was 42.2 μs. In addition to use in a charge-pump detector, the ASIC can be used to control the charge accumulation and readout in other detectors, such as X-ray pump probe detectors (XPP).
Effects of nitrous oxide on coronary perfusion after coronary air embolism

Coronary air embolism (CAE) can occur after heart surgery whenever air is present in the left heart or proximal aorta. When CAE occurs, its sequelae can range from electrocardiographic changes of ischemia to severe myocardial dysfunction and cardiac arrest. Since N2O has been shown to have detrimental effects in the presence of coronary obstructions, as well as the tendency to enlarge air emboli, the authors tested the hypotheses that N2O would enhance the deleterious effects of CAE, and that discontinuing N2O at the time of CAE would minimize those effects. The effects of ventilation with and without N2O on the cardiac insult due to left anterior descending CAE (0.02 ml.kg-1) were studied in 27 swine. Global cardiovascular changes that occurred after CAE included decreases in cardiac output, systemic arterial and coronary perfusion pressure, and LV dP/dt, as well as increases in LVEDP. These parameters returned towards baseline over time when N2O was discontinued at the time of CAE. Maintenance of N2O in the inspired gas after CAE occurred was uniformly fatal within 2-4 min in this model. Regional myocardial ischemia was significantly greater in animals receiving N2O, as documented by: 1) a greater incidence of elevations of epicardial ST-segments exceeding 3 mm from baseline in embolized and non-embolized coronary artery distributions, 2) a greater incidence of dysrhythmias (greater than 6 PVCs.min-1), 3) longer duration of depression of coronary blood flow, 4) longer duration of post-ischemic coronary hyperemia, and 5) larger decreases with less recovery over time of regional myocardial lactate extraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Physicians’ Perceptions of Autonomy And Satisfaction In California

This study compares levels of satisfaction and autonomy among California physicians using data from a 1991 survey of physicians and a 1996 survey of California physicians. The surveys measured physicians' perceived freedom to undertake eight common activities that may be threatened by marketplace changes, satisfaction with current practice, and inclination to attend medical school again. Young physicians in 1996 were significantly less likely to report that they were able to spend enough time on the eight identified patient-care activities. They also were significantly less satisfied with their current practice and less likely to say that they would go to medical school again. Satisfaction also declined for older physicians between 1991 and 1996.
Bimodal distribution of mechanical properties on plasma sprayed nanostructured partially stabilized zirconia

The mechanical behavior of nanostructured partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) coatings was evaluated via Knoop microhardness. The distribution of the microhardness values of the feedstock particles and coatings under a 10 g load were analyzed via Weibull statistics. The percentage of non-molten material was determined using scanning electron microcopy and image analysis. It was observed that the nanostructured coatings present a bimodal distribution in their Weibull plots, indicating the presence of two phases which are described as molten and non-molten. The presence of the bimodal distribution in the mechanical properties allows the prediction of microhardness values of these nanostructured coatings.
Ultra-sensitive NIR-spectrometer based on frequency up-conversion detector

We developed a spectrometer for signals at single photon levels in the near infrared (NIR) region based on a tunable up-conversion detector. This detector uses a 5-cm periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide to convert NIR photons to a shorter wavelength that are then detected by a silicon avalanche photodiode. The sensitivity of this spectrometer is -126 dBm, which is three orders-of-magnitude higher than any commercial optical spectrum analyzer in this wavelength range. Additionally, we use two PPLN waveguides to implement a polarization-independent up-conversion spectrometer, and use it to study a fiber-based quantum communication system.
Fas Bim boom

New findings by Hughes et al. (2008), Hutcheson et al. (2008), and Weant et al. (2008) highlight the roles of apoptosis regulators Bim and Fas in the contraction phase of T cell responses and reveal consequences of failure of this process.