cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyrosilviculture: Combining prescribed fire with gap-based silviculture in mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada

We used a prescribed fire study to demonstrate the concept of pyrosilviculture, defined here as (i) using prescribed fire to meet management objectives or (ii) altering nonfire silvicultural treatm...
Infectious Disease Hospital Preparedness: Lessons Learned From the 2019 Measles Outbreak.

Objective This paper: (1) explores the real and perceived threats to Emergency Departments (EDs) in addressing infectious disease cases in the US, like measles, and (2) identifies priorities for protecting employees, patients, and others stakeholders through hospital preparedness while streamlining processes and managing costs. Methods A case study approach was used to describe the events that triggered an infectious disease emergency response in 1 ED in the southeast. Development of the case study was informed by emergency preparedness literature on Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program processes. Results Hospital staff and administrators identified a number of factors that either positively contributed to disease containment or exacerbated conditions for disease transmission. Successes included early recognition of the potential threat, development of a multidisciplinary taskforce, and implementation of a pre-incident response plan. Challenges comprised of patient flow in crisis response, lab turnaround time, and employee records. Conclusions The threat of exposure challenged daily operations and raised situational awareness among administrators and providers to issues that might arise during an infectious disease exposure. Recording emergency preparedness successes, remediating challenges, and sharing information with others may help minimize the threat of communicable diseases within hospital settings in the future.
Integrating the Care of Immigrant and Refugee Children in a Patient-Centered Medical Home: A Resident-Led Advocacy Project

Background: About four in ten refugees entering the US each year are young children and adolescents (Fig 1). These young refugees may have experienced disrupted early lives, high violence exposure and further adverse experiences in settlement countries. 80 to 90% of refugee children have been exposed to harsh conditions, including long-term hunger and violence. Such hardships initiate a trajectory that puts refugee children at increased risk of malnutrition and chronic health problems after resettlement. Moreover, immigrant children are more likely to live below the federal poverty level than non-immigrant children. They are …
Review of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) are galvanic electrochemical flow systems that convert chemical energy from methanol and oxygen directly to electrical energy. This direct conversion avoids the limitations of the Carnot cycle that constrains the performance of engines and gives DMFCs a higher theoretical efficiency. DMFCs were first investigated in the 1950’s and research on these systems had a renaissance in the 1990’s with the advent of Nafion® use for fuel cell applications.1–3 DMFCs are akin to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) with the main difference being that DMFCs oxidize methanol (1) on the anode to produce protons while PEMFCs oxidize hydrogen (2) to produce protons: $$ CH_3 OH + H_2 O \to CO_2 + 6H^ + + 6e^ - (E^\circ = 0.02V vs. SHE) $$ (1) $$ 3 H_2 \to 6H^ + + 6e^ - (E^\circ = 0.00V vs. SHE) $$ (2) Both DMFCs and PEMFCs reduce oxygen on the cathode according to (3): $$ \frac{3} {2}O_2 + 6H^ + + 6e^ - \to 3 H_2 O (E^\circ = 1.23V vs. SHE) $$ (3) This makes the over all, $$ CH_3 OH + \frac{3} {2}O_2 \to CO_2 + 3 H_2 O (E^\circ _{cell} = 1.21V vs. SHE) $$ (4) $$ 2 H_2 + O_2 \to 2 H_2 O (E^\circ _{cell} = 1.23V vs. SHE) $$ (5) The theoretical potentials of both reactions are nearly equal and looking at logistical issues appears to give DMFCs many advantages over PEMFCs and lithium ion batteries.
Effect of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy on Brain Iron, Copper, and Zinc in Alzheimer's Disease

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a vascular lesion associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) present in up to 95% of AD patients and produces MRI-detectable microbleeds in many of these patients. It is possible that CAA-related microbleeding is a source of pathological iron in the AD brain. Because the homeostasis of copper, iron, and zinc are so intimately linked, we determined whether CAA contributes to changes in the brain levels of these metals. We obtained brain tissue from AD patients with severe CAA to compare to AD patients without evidence of vascular amyloid-β. Patients with severe CAA had significantly higher non-heme iron levels. Histologically, iron was deposited in the walls of large CAA-affected vessels. Zinc levels were significantly elevated in grey matter in both the CAA and non-CAA AD tissue, but no vascular staining was noted in CAA cases. Copper levels were decreased in both CAA and non-CAA AD tissues and copper was found to be prominently deposited on the vasculature in CAA. Together, these findings demonstrate that CAA is a significant variable affecting transition metals in AD.
Increased Proteolysis in HIV-Infected Children † 436

SIGNIFICANCE Children with HIV infection often have difficulty maintaining normal weight and decrease weight rapidly when acutely ill. Past studies of adults have suggested that HIV infection is assciated with both increased protein catabolism and that protease inhibitor therapy improves lean body mass(LBM). We hypothesized that HIV-infected children have high rates of proteolysis which decrease following treatment with protease inhibitor therapy.
Continuous Flow Oxidation of Alcohols and Aldehydes Utilizing Bleach and Catalytic Tetrabutylammonium Bromide

We report a method for the oxidation of a range of alcohols and aldehydes utilizing a simple flow system of alcohols in EtOAc with a stream of 12.5% NaOCl and catalytic Bu4NBr. Secondary alcohols a...
Conformation of protein-polysaccharide complex from bovine nasal septum.

Abstract The light fraction of protein-polysaccharide complex (PPL) from bovine nasal septum has an estimated molecular weight of about 1.8 x 106 after disaggregation. It behaves as a polyelectrolyte in water and contracts in the presence of salts. Disulfide and salt linkages between molecules are absent. Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of PPL suggest a protein core lacking any secondary structure.
Preparation of Bacterial RNA

Procedures for isolating RNA from bacteria involve disruption of the cells, followed by steps to separate the RNA from contaminating DNA and protein. Lysis strategies differ in the protocols presented in this unit, including chemical degradation of gram-negative cell walls using sucrose/detergent or lysozyme, and sonication to break open gram-positive cell walls. Combinations of enzymatic degradation, organic extraction, and alcohol or salt precipitation are employed in the procedures to isolate the RNA from other cellular components, and various inhibitors of ribonuclease activity (diethylpyrocarbonate, vanadyl-ribonucleoside complex, and aurintricarboxylic acid) are described. If extremely high-quality RNA is required (e.g., for gene expression studies), instructions are provided for CsCl step-gradient centrifugation to remove all traces of contaminating DNA.
Discrete simulation applied to Mars lander

NASA plans for a sophisticated Mars lander mission during the 1973 opportunity present a rigorous deceleration system design problem due to uncertainties in the environment in which the retardation must be effected. Selection of design characteristics such as ballistic coefficient, aeroshell diameter, parachute size and deployment altitude, and propulsion thrust level and initiation altitude is critical, for if a “worst case” design philosophy is adopted for all parameters, weight is not available to perform an interesting science mission. To establish a proper design, a certain risk with respect to environment must be accepted; this paper discusses a digital simulation tool as it has been applied to parameter trades to specify retardation design.
Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood presenting with reticulocytosis and erythroid hyperplasia in the bone marrow.

Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) is a benign condition, occasionally preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, affecting infants and children between 1 month and 6 years of age. At presentation, it is characterized by anemia, which may be quite severe, reticulocytopenia, and absent or markedly decreased erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Spontaneous resolution occurs in two to eight weeks without therapy. With the exception of pallor, there are no abnormal physical findings.1-3 It has recently been demonstrated that serum and IgG specimens obtained at the time of diagnosis in four patients with TEC uniformly suppressed erythroid colony development from CFU-E whereas one patient had a serum inhibitor of erythropoiesis; thus, a transient immune suppression phenomenon is implicated as a possible factor in the development of anemia.4
Blocking neutrophil integrin activation prevents ischemia–reperfusion injury

Neutrophil recruitment, mediated by β2 integrins, combats pyogenic infections but also plays a key role in ischemia–reperfusion injury and other inflammatory disorders. Talin induces allosteric rearrangements in integrins that increase affinity for ligands (activation). Talin also links integrins to actin and other proteins that enable formation of adhesions. Structural studies have identified a talin1 mutant (L325R) that perturbs activation without impairing talin’s capacity to link integrins to actin and other proteins. Here, we found that mice engineered to express only talin1(L325R) in myeloid cells were protected from renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. Dissection of neutrophil function in vitro and in vivo revealed that talin1(L325R) neutrophils had markedly impaired chemokine-induced, β2 integrin–mediated arrest, spreading, and migration. Surprisingly, talin1(L325R) neutrophils exhibited normal selectin-induced, β2 integrin–mediated slow rolling, in sharp contrast to the defective slow rolling of neutrophils lacking talin1 or expressing a talin1 mutant (W359A) that blocks talin interaction with integrins. These studies reveal the importance of talin-mediated activation of integrins for renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. They further show that neutrophil arrest requires talin recruitment to and activation of integrins. However, although neutrophil slow rolling requires talin recruitment to integrins, talin-mediated integrin activation is dispensable.
Capillary Dropout in Diabetic Retinopathy

Capillary dropout is a critical process in diabetic retinopathy, resulting in ischemia, release of angiogenic growth factors, and sight-threatening retinal neovascularization. It is essential to gain a greater understanding of this process in order to develop improved treatments for diabetic retinopathy. This chapter will review the organization, structure, and cellular composition of retinal capillaries. The histopathologic and clinical manifestations of capillary dropout in diabetic retinopathy will be discussed. Methods for detecting capillary dropout and experimental models for studying this phenomenon will be presented. Potential mechanisms for capillary dropout as well as contributory biochemical pathways will be discussed. Finally, the clinical consequences of capillary dropout will be summarized, highlighting the critical importance of this process in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.
Aberrant promoter methylation and silencing of the RASSF1A gene in pediatric tumors and cell lines.

Aberrant promoter methylation of tumor suppressor genes has not been fully investigated in pediatric tumors. Therefore, we examined the methylation status of nine genes (p16INK4A, MGMT, GSTP1, RASSF1A, APC, DAPK, RARβ, CDH1 and CDH13) in 175 primary pediatric tumors and 23 tumor cell lines using methylation-specific PCR. We studied the major forms of pediatric tumors – Wilms' tumor, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, retinoblastoma and acute leukemia. The most frequently methylated gene in both primary tumors and cell lines was RASSF1A (40, 86%, respectively). However, the rates of RASSF1A methylation in individual tumor types varied from 0 to 88%. RASSF1A methylation was tumor specific and was absent in adjacent non-malignant tissues. Methylation of the other genes was relatively rare in tumors and non-malignant tissues (less than 5%). Neuroblastoma patients with methylation of RASSF1A were significantly older than patients without methylation (P=0.008). There was no relationship between methylation status and other clinico-pathologic parameters. We treated six cell lines lacking RASSF1A mRNA with 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine to examine the relationship between methylation and transcriptional silencing. In five of six cell lines, restoration of RASSF1A mRNA was confirmed by RT–PCR. Our findings indicate that aberrant promoter methylation of RASSF1A may contribute to the pathogenesis of many different forms of pediatric tumors.
Accelerated Publication: A resist for electric imprint lithography

An electrically curable resist has been developed that can make electric imprint lithography (EIL) a reality. The resist is composed of a diaryliodonium salt photo acid generator and a cycloaliphatic epoxy monomer. Its polymerization takes place when an electric potential is applied between a conductive imprint mold and a substrate which sandwich the resist. A proof-of-concept pattern transfer by EIL with a micron-scale resolution has been demonstrated.
A study of the microstructure and hydration characteristics of tricalcium silicate in the presence of calcium chloride

The morphological and hydration characteristics of tricalcium silicate treated with 0, 2 and 5 per cent calcium chloride were followed by employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), and X-ray diffraction techniques. The water: solid ratios used were either 0.5 or 0.3. In terms of Ca(OH)2 estimation CaCl2 accelerated hydration, except with 5 per cent CaCl2 at a 0.3 w/s ratio. The maximum amount of Ca(OH)2 and calcium silicate hydrate was formed at 2 per cent CaCl2 and a w/s ratio of 0.5. Except at very early times, the rate of reaction was slower at 0.3 w/s with or without CaCl2 compared with the corresponding samples at 0.5 w/s.
Polymerase chain reaction for the rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid shunt or ventriculostomy infections.

TOP OBJECTIVE: Infection after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts or ventriculostomies is a common complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful molecular technique that allows rapid and precise amplification of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and has proven a powerful tool in the detection of a wide variety of clinically important infectious diseases. We analyzed specimens of CSF derived from ventriculoperitoneal shunts or external ventricular drains by using both conventional cultures and PCR and report herein our preliminary results. METHODS: We selected 86 CSF samples from adult patients who underwent either shunt tap or routine surveillance cultures of their ventriculostomy. These specimens were chosen from a larger group of 300 specimens that were routinely collected (many serially) in our clinical practice. They were chosen because clinical suspicion of infection was increased because of either patient signs and symptoms (fever, stiff neck, lethargy, worsening neurological examination) or preliminary laboratory analysis of CSF data (increased white blood cell count, increased protein level, decreased glucose). We considered this subgroup optimal to efficiently initiate our investigation of the correlation of PCR and culture results. CSF was increased by using standard culture techniques and by using PCR. Samples of CSF that were to undergo PCR had DNA extracted, purified, and amplified for 16S rRNA using primers 16S-Forward and 16S-Reverse of conserved sequence regions of all bacteria. DNA was PCR-amplified for 30 cycles. One microliter of the first PCR product was subjected to nested PCR using primers specific for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Samples were also subjected to PCR amplification for specific detection of Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using specific primers for 16S rRNA Propionibacterium, nuclease gene of Staphylococcus, and Mec gene of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Intracellular levels of adenosine triphosphate in hamster trachea organ cultures exposed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae cells or membranes.

The amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hamster trachea organ cultures was determined with a technique based on light emission from a luciferin/luciferase/ATP reaction. The amount of ATP, expressed as ng per mg dry weight, was consistent in tracheal explants prepared from various animals and changed negligibly when explants were cultivated in vitro for several days. The amount of ATP was related directly to cellular activity and integrity in the epithelium since inactivation by heat or freeze-thaw rapidly depleted measurable ATP, and ciliary activity and ATP content were related directly. When tracheal explants were infected with 105 to 107 CFU of virulentMycoplasma pneumoniae cells, both ciliary activity and ATP content in the tissue dropped dramatically after approximately 5 to 8 days (up to 85% and 60% decreases, respectively). Exposure of explants to 50 to 200 μg per ml of purifiedM. pneumoniae membranes also caused significant decreases in ciliary activity and ATP. When explants were infected with attenuated or nonvirulent mycoplasmas, ciliary activity was only slightly decreased, while ATP values often rose slightly. The technology associated with the determination of ATP levels in tracheal explants should prove useful as a new, objective, analytical approach to cell viability in organ cultures.
Voltage Across the Target Cell Membrane is a Strong Regulator of Fusion of Virus Containing Class II or Class III Proteins

Simultaneous electrophysiological voltage clamp and confocal microscopy were used to investigate the dependence of fusion on the voltage across the membrane of the target cell for class II and class III fusion proteins. Cells expressing the fusion protein of Semliki Forest Virus or Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus, both class II, or Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, class III, fused to target cells that were voltage-clamped to a trans-negative potential. Fusion did not occur for positive potentials. This pattern also held for fusion of pseudotyped virions to cells. These virions contained one of the three types of fusion proteins and a fluorescent lipid in the envelopes, and GFP within their core, allowing both hemifusion and fusion to be monitored after acidification of the external medium. Fusion of the pseudovirions exhibited the same voltage-dependence as found for cell-cell fusion. Hemifusion occurred for either voltage polarity at physiological temperature, but the kinetics of hemifusion depended on polarity and lipid dye transfer from virus to cell was aborted for positive, but not for negative potentials. The latter strongly indicates that hemifused membranes separate back into two distinct membranes for positive potentials, accounting for the block of fusion for this polarity. Creating hemifusion at low temperature allowed the hemifusion stage to be captured and studied. Fluorescent lipid dye clearly left the virus and content mixing was subsequently observed for trans-negative potentials, showing that hemifusion is a functional intermediate of fusion in this system. Voltage may be an important driving force for infection by all viruses that utilize class II and III proteins. Supported by NIH GM 27367.
Biological applications of ultrafast laser methods

It becomes increasingly evident that pulsed laser methods will contribute greatly to understanding fundamental processes in biological systems. It is now possible to perform many types of electronic and vibrational spectroscopy on the femtosecond timescale. Such measurements provide new knowledge of molecular and protein motion, transient structures and of primary photoprocesses. —Research on understanding dynamical and structural properties involved in reactions of heme proteins with ligands will be reviewed with emphasis on the interplay between advances in laser methods and the gradual refinement of our picture of the operation of these proteins.
Serial ANCA titers: useful tool for prevention of relapses in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Serial ANCA titers: Useful tool for prevention of relapses in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Background The value of measuring serial antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) titers in guiding therapy among patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis is controversial. Methods We measured serial titers of proteinase 3 (PR3)- and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA by antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in 48 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis who were followed up during remission at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1990 through 2000 (mean follow-up, 46.2 months). We retrospectively assessed disease activity by Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS). Results We found 21 episodes of fourfold or greater ANCA titer rises in 17 patients who were in complete remission (BVAS = 0). Among eight patients who had 10 such titer rises and were not given increased immunosuppression, (group I), all suffered relapses after each episode (mean interval, 5.8 months), whereas among 11 patients, each with one titer rise, who received preemptive increased immunosuppression, (group II), only two relapses occurred, at 3 and 6 months. The difference in the cumulative incidence of relapses in a 1-year period between the two groups was 82% ( P = 0.0002). Changes in ANCA titers were also used to help guide therapy in the other 31 patients in the study; patients with slight titer rises often received incremental increases in immunosuppression, whereas those with falling titers received incremental decreases. The overall outcome in the entire group was favorable; 46 patients were alive at the end of the study; two died of unrelated diseases. Conclusion Serial measurements of PR3- and MPO-ANCA titers in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis during remission can help predict relapses, and preemptive increases in immunosuppression following fourfold titer rises reduces the risk of relapses. Moreover, adjustment of immunosuppression based on lesser titer changes appears to result in a favorable outcome.
Analysis of variable flow doppler hemodialysis access flow measurements and comparison with ultrasound dilution

Abstract The variable flow (VF) Doppler method determines access blood flow from the pump speed-induced change in Doppler signal between the arterial and venous needles. This study evaluated 35 patients in two analyses to assess VF Doppler measurement reproducibility (54 paired measurements) and compared VF Doppler and ultrasound dilution flow measurements (24 paired measurements). VF Doppler measurement variations were 4% for access flow less than 800 mL/min (n = 17), 6% for access flow of 801 to 1,600 mL/min (n = 22), and 11% for access flow greater than 1,600 mL/min (n = 15). The mean measurement coefficient of variation was 7% for VF Doppler compared with 5% for ultrasound dilution. Correlation coefficients ( r ) between VF Doppler and ultrasound dilution access flow measurements were 0.79 (n = 24; P P P r = 0.99; P 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Existence and anatomic distribution of double parathyroid adenoma.

Background: Double parathyroid adenomas occur in 2% to 15% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases, but the very existence of double adenomas has been controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical significance and anatomic distribution of parathyroid double adenomas. Study Design: Mono-institutional retrospective study of the medical records of 183 unselected consecutive patients who underwent intervention for primary hyperparathyroidism between 1996 and 2003. Results: A total of 14 (7.65%) patients were found to have double parathyroid adenomas. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured in every case. Two enlarged parathyroid glands were identified in four possible configurations: two both superior, one both inferior, two both right, three both left, two right superior and left inferior, and three left superior and right inferior. There was a preferential crossed bilateral distribution of double adenomas. In all patients, intraoperative PTH levels dropped by at least 50% from baseline after removal of both abnormal parathyroid glands. In this series, no patient developed persistent hypoparathyroidism or had recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries or neck hematoma. All patients remained normocalcemic 9 to 96 months postoperatively. One patient had persistently elevated PTH values with normal serum calcium levels. Conclusion: The drop in intraoperative PTH levels and maintenance of normocalcemia postoperatively confirm previous reports that double adenomas do exist and are not simply missed cases of four-gland hyperplasia. There was a preferential crossed bilateral distribution of double adenomas in this series.
Cartilage engineering from ovine umbilical cord blood mesenchymal progenitor cells.

We aimed to determine whether three-dimensional (3D) cartilage could be engineered from umbilical cord blood (CB) cells and compare it with both engineered fetal cartilage and native tissue. Ovine mesenchymal progenitor cells were isolated from CB samples (n = 4) harvested at 80–120 days of gestation by low-density fractionation, expanded, and seeded onto polyglycolic acid scaffolds. Constructs (n = 28) were maintained in a rotating bioreactor with serum-free medium supplemented with transforming growth factor-β1 for 4–12 weeks. Similar constructs seeded with fetal chondrocytes (n = 13) were cultured in parallel for 8 weeks. All specimens were analyzed and compared with native fetal cartilage samples (n = 10). Statistical analysis was by analysis of variance and Student's t-test (p < .01). At 12 weeks, CB constructs exhibited chondrogenic differentiation by both standard and matrix-specific staining. In the CB constructs, there was a significant time-dependent increase in extracellular matrix levels of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and type-II collagen (C-II) but not of elastin (EL). Fetal chondrocyte and CB constructs had similar GAG and C-II contents, but CB constructs had less EL. Compared with both hyaline and elastic native fetal cartilage, C-II and EL levels were, respectively, similar and lower in the CB constructs, which had correspondingly lower and similar GAG levels than native hyaline and elastic fetal cartilage. We conclude that CB mesenchymal progenitor cells can be successfully used for the engineering of 3D cartilaginous tissue in vitro, displaying select histological and functional properties of both native and engineered fetal cartilage. Cartilage engineered from CB may prove useful for the treatment of select congenital anomalies.
Protein Phosphatase 1 Is Targeted to Microtubules by the Microtubule-associated Protein Tau

Abstract Phosphorylation has been implicated in the regulation of microtubule (MT) stability and function by controlling the interactions between MTs and MT-associated proteins. We found previously that protein phosphatase inhibitors selectively break down stable MTs, suggesting that protein phosphatases may be involved in regulating MT stability. To identify the protein phosphatases involved, we examined purified calf brain MTs and found a protein phosphatase activity that copurified with MTs to constant stoichiometry. Western blot analysis and inhibitor profiles demonstrated that the MT-associated phosphatase was a type 1 protein phosphatase (PP1), which we named PP1MT. Recombinant PP1 catalytic subunit (PP1c) did not bind to MTs, whereas PP1MT did bind, suggesting the presence of proteins that target PP1 to MTs. By Sepharose CL-6B chromatography, the phosphatase activity of PP1MT eluted as a large protein complex of ∼400 kDa. High salt (2 m NaCl) treatment followed by CL-6B chromatography dissociated PP1MT into PP1c and the MT-targeting subunit(s). The MT-targeting subunit was shown to be the MT-associated protein tau by PP1 blot overlays and other assays. Also, recombinant tau reconstituted the binding of PP1c to MTs. These results identify PP1 as the first tau binding protein and suggest that tau is a novel PP1-targeting subunit.
Movements and depth/temperature distribution of the ectothermic Scombrid, Acanthocybium solandri (wahoo), in the western North Atlantic

Pop-up satellite archival tags were deployed onto four wahoo during 2006 in the western North Atlantic (~26.5°N, 79.3°W), providing movement, depth, and temperature data collected over a total of 198 days. Straight-line distances between tag deployment and pop-off positions ranged from 162.5 to 1,960.0 km. Wahoo spent >90 % of their time in water 90 % of their time in water between 17.5 and 27.5 °C. Three fish made regular trips to depths >200 m. All four fish had significantly different depth distributions between the dark and light periods (Kruskal–Wallace test, p < 0.001). The median mean depth for all fish combined was 29.7 m during the dark period (Q1 = 18.8 m, Q3 = 46.2 m) and 50.7 m during the light period (Q1 = 22.3 m, Q3 = 112.3 m). This research improves an otherwise poor understanding of wahoo movements and depth/temperature distributions and suggests potential interactions with other members of the pelagic fish community, many of which are commercially important and either fully or over-exploited.
Gastric myoelectrical activity in premature and term infants

Electrogastrography is a non-invasive method for recording gastric myoelectrical activity. The aims of this study were to record gastric myoelectrical activity in newborn infants using electrogastrographic methods and to compare frequency distributions of postprandial electrogastrograms (EGGs) recorded after gavage feedings. Nineteen infants with gestational ages ranging from 28 weeks to term were studied. Group I subjects were studied only after formula feedings (n = 15) and were divided by age into subgroups A, B and C: A (term, n = 4), B (33–36 weeks, n = 4), and C (28–32 weeks, n = 7). Group II infants (32–34 weeks, n = 4) were studied before and after gavage feeding. The percentage of total EGG power was calculated for four frequency ranges: 1–2.4 cpm (bradygastria); 2.5–3.6 cpm (normal range); 3.7–9.9 cpm (tachygastria); and 10–15 cpm (duodenal/respiratory). Results showed no significant differences in postprandial EGG power in these frequency ranges among the Group I infants of different gestational ages. The power in these EGG frequency ranges did not change significantly after gavage feedings in the Group II infants. In conclusion: (a) EGGs may be recorded successfully from preterm and term infants, (b) postprandial gastric myoelectrical activity in all frequency bands is similar among groups of premature and term infants, and (c) gavage feedings in premature infants did not increase 3 cpm EGG activity.
A new method for net-shape forming of large, single-domain YBa2Cu3O6 + x

Abstract A new process has been developed for the net-shape fabrication of bulk, single-domain YBa2Cu3O6 + x (123) specimens. To date, transport critical currents in excess of 10 000 A cm−2 have been obtained. This process, designated the seeded preform (SPF) technique, involves the permeation of peritectic liquid through a preform of pressed Y2BaCuO5 (211) powder. The use of a single-crystal seed of Nd1 + xBa2 − xCu3Oy ensures that only a single 123 domain is nucleated during the subsequent transformation: liquid + 211 → 123. The SPF process enjoys several important advantages over the melt-texturing techniques which are currently available. In particular, it offers the potential of net-shape forming of bulk 123 samples with complex geometries, and circumvents problems such as sagging, and substrate reaction. Also unique to the SPF process is that it produces large, single domain 123, with essentially no encapsulated liquid phase. Finally, relative to conventional melt-texturing, there is a refinement of the size of the 211 inclusions in the final microstructure, and the particles are more uniformly distributed.
Depression, sleepiness, and disease severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine if a relationship exists between depression, disease severity, and sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study Design: Case control study. Methods: Fifty-three consecutive patients with suspected OSA were evaluated before treatment and compared with controls by using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and polysomnography. Results: OSA was associated with an increased risk of depression in the study group compared to the control group (odds ratio = 6.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.9-20.6, P = .002); depression was seen in 35% of OSA patients and 8% of controls (P < .001). There was a significant correlation between BDI and ESS scores (r = 0.342, P = .012). In addition, ESS was significantly associated (P = .039) with depression in a linear regression model that controlled for race, sex, age, and respiratory disturbance index (RDI). RDI and depression were weakly associated (P = .056) in this model, and there was no correlation found between BDI scores and OSA disease severity (RDI)(r = 0.446). Conclusions: Patients with OSA and daytime sleepiness are more likely to have depressive symptoms as compared with controls. OSA disease severity, as measured with the RDI score, is a weak predictor of BDI score, and no correlation was seen between the severity of OSA and BDI scores after controlling for other factors. However, there was a strong correlation between sleepiness (ESS) and disease severity (BDI). These data suggest that OSA patients with symptoms of excessive sleepiness have the highest risk of associated depressive symptoms and may benefit most from depression screening. Laryngoscope, 2010
Regulation of the Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Tumor Suppressor Protein, Merlin, by Adhesion and Growth Arrest Stimuli

The neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor suppressor gene is inactivated in the development of familial and sporadic schwannomas and meningiomas. The encoded protein, Merlin, is closely related to the Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin family of membrane/cytoskeletal linker proteins. Examination of Merlin in several cell lines revealed that the protein migrates as two distinct species near 70 kDa. Phosphatase treatment and orthophosphate labeling demonstrated that the species with decreased mobility is phosphorylated. Given Merlin's localization to cortical actin structures, we examined the effect of cell-cell contact or other forms of growth arrest on Merlin expression and post-translational modification. Under conditions of confluency or serum deprivation, the levels of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated Merlin species increased significantly. Cells arrested in G1 by other methods or other phases of the cell cycle did not show changes in Merlin levels. Furthermore, loss of adhesion resulted in a nearly complete dephosphorylation of Merlin, which was reversed upon re-plating of cells, suggesting Merlin phosphorylation may be responsive to cell spreading or changes in cell shape. Thus, the tumor suppressor function of Merlin may involve the regulation of cellular responses to cues such as cell-cell contact, growth factor microenvironment, or changes in cell shape.
Species-specific patterns of hyperostosis in marine teleost fishes

The occurrence of swollen or hyperostotic bones in skeletal preparations, preserved museum material or whole fresh specimens of marine teleost fishes was identified in 92 species belonging to 22 families. Patterns of hyperostotic skeletal growth were typically consistent and often species-specific in all individuals larger than a certain size. The taxonomic distribution of hyperostosis in diverse phylogenetic groups suggests that it has arisen independently many times. Selected bones from two species of the family Carangidae, horse-eye jack Caranx latus Agassiz and crevalle jack Caranx hippos (Linnaeus), were examined in detail by light and electron microscopy. Nonhyperostotic bone contained osteoid-producing osteoblasts, resorbing osteoclasts, occasional osteocytes, and a rich vascular network, all characteristics of cellular bone. Thus, these fishes have a spatial juxtaposition of cellular and acellular bone tissues in adjacent and often serially homologous bone sites. The functional significance of hyperostosis is unknown, but it is a predictable manifestation of bone growth and development for the many taxa in which it occurs.
ICAM-4 lands on the erythroblast island

Comment on Lee et al, page [2064][1] Targeted disruption of ICAM-4 in mice alters the integrity of erythroblast islands, the microenvironmental niches in marrow where erythroid precursors mature while attached to central macrophage cells. Half a century ago, researchers recognized that all
Natural variation and current reference for specific conductivity and major ions in wadeable streams of the conterminous USA

AbstractVariation in specific conductivity and major ions in streams must be understood to assess the effects of changes in ionic strength and salinity on stream biota. I compiled data for randomly selected sites from surveys conducted from 1985 to 2009 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I followed EPA methods to estimate reference values for specific conductivity (60 ecoregions) and each major ion (34 ecoregions) as the 25th percentile of values in 1st- to 4th-order streams in Level III ecoregions with data from ≥25 sites (85 ecoregions). The 25th percentiles of specific conductivity were <200 μS/cm for most eastern and western montane ecoregions, except those dominated by limestone or calcareous till. Arid western ecoregions had higher specific conductivities. Ca2+ was generally the most abundant cation followed by Mg2+, Na+, and K+. HCO3– was generally the most abundant anion followed by SO42– and Cl–. Ecoregions where SO42– or Cl– concentrations were greater than HCO3– concentration have...
Partial purification of a farnesyl diphosphate synthase from whole-body Manduca sexta

Abstract Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPP synthase) is a ubiquitous enzyme that is required for the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes, dolichols ubiquinones, and prenylated proteins in insects. We report on the partial purification and characterization of an FPP synthase, obtained from whole-body preparations of the lepidopteran insect, Manduca sexta . The larval enzyme was separated from isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) isomerase, phosphatase, and GGPP synthase by preparative isoelectric focusing, and was further purified by DEAE Sepharose, hydroxyapatite, and size exclusion chromatography. Whole-body M. sexta FPP synthase has a native molecular weight of 60.5±3.5 kDa and consists of two subunits of 28.5±0.5 kDa. As seen with other prenyltransferases, the enzyme has an absolute requirement for divalent cation and both Mn 2+ and Mg 2+ stimulated activity, although the former was inhibitory at higher concentrations. Insect FPP synthase catalyzes the condensation of IPP ( K m =2.9±1.2 μM) with both dimethylallyl diphosphate and geranyl diphosphate ( K m =0.8±0.4 μM). The enzyme requires the presence of detergent, glycerol, and non-specific protein–protein interactions for stability and maximum catalytic activity.
Are Adolescent Theft, Vandalism, and Assault Due To the Same Causal Processes?

Many attempts have been made to uncover the general causes of “delinquent behavior.” Some claim that the search for causes must be limited to specific kinds of delinquent activities. But this paper...
The effects of mood, gender, and ad context on type of elaboration and product evaluation

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of mood, gender, and ad context in relation to item-specific and relational elaboration, product evaluation, and purchase intention. Specifically, mood, gender, and ad context were posited to interact. The findings supported hypotheses predicting that mood interacted with gender to influence the type of elaboration. The findings also demonstrated that mood, gender, and ad context interacted to influence product evaluation and purchase intention. Furthermore, the findings showed that mood did not override gender predisposition of elaboration. Instead, mood acted to enhance elaboration that is predisposed by gender. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed regarding how women and men in different mood states process information in different ad contexts.
Combining reverse osmosis and pulsed electrical current electrodialysis for improved recovery of dissolved organic matter from seawater

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the oceans is one of the largest dynamic reservoirs of carbon on earth, comparable in size to the atmospheric reservoir of carbon (as CO2) in the atmosphere, or to the amount of carbon in all terrestrial and aquatic biota. The concerted efforts of earth scientists, atmospheric scientists, and biologists who study global biogeochemical cycles and the earth's climate have yielded a rather detailed understanding of carbon in the atmosphere and in biota. Marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) is far less well characterized, principally because it exists as a highly diluted mixture of perhaps millions of organic compounds in a highly saline aqueous solution. Prior to 2007, only around of marine DOM was typically recovered from seawater for research purposes, regardless of the method of isolation. In 2007, reverse osmosis (RO) and electrodialysis (ED) were coupled to achieve recoveries of 64% – 93% of marine DOM. The level of residual sal ts in the concentrated samples, however, still precluded the characterization of marine DOM by solid-state NMR, mass spectrometry, or even elemental analysis. This paper describes a major improvement to the RO/ED method, in which pulsed electrodialysis is used (at sea) to reach roughly 100-fold greater removal of salts compared to not pulsed ED while maintaining comparable recoveries of DOM.
LIX. A revision of the fundamental laws of matter and energy

It is postulated that the energy and momentum of a beam of radiation are due to a mass moving with the velocity of light. From this postulate alone it is shown that the mass of a body depends upon ...
Associations between Local Retinal Thickness and Function in Early Diabetes

PURPOSE. To investigate, using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), potential spatial associations between local neuroretinal function and local retinal thickness in patients with diabetes. METHODS. Forty-five patients without retinopathy (10 with Type 1 diabetes; 35 with Type 2 diabetes; 49.9 6 10.9 years old) and 29 age-similar controls (47.0 6 12.8 years old) were studied. N1P1 amplitude (AMP) and P1 implicit time (IT) of mfERGs within the central approximately 208 diameter were compared to spatially corresponding full retinal thickness measurements acquired by Stratus OCT3. AMP and IT were converted to Zscores and retinal thickness was converted to percentile values. Local abnormalities were defined as P 0.023. Subject group differences were examined using t-tests. Retinal thickness was compared to mfERGs to determine spatial associations. RESULTS. Average retinal thicknesses were similar for all subject groups. The Type 1 group and controls had similar IT and AMP. The Type 2 group had reduced AMP and longer IT than the controls and the Type 1 group (P < 0.001). Local associations between retinal thickness and mfERGs were not significant within any subject group or individuals, even for abnormal locations (P ‡ 0.09). Abnormalities in most measures were greater in the patient groups than in the controls (P < 0.008) except retinal thinning in the Type 1 group. CONCLUSIONS. Local neuroretinal function is not associated with full retinal thickness measured locally in patients with diabetes and no retinopathy, even in abnormal locations. Full retinal thickness measured locally by OCT is not a surrogate for mfERGs in early diabetes. Neuroretinal function in Type 2 diabetes is worse than in Type 1 diabetes and controls. Fewer subjects in the Type 1 group could be a potential limitation. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:6122‐6128) DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10293
The chemical-shift anisotropy mechanism in 77Se spin-lattice relaxation. Measurement of 77Se T1 at several magnetic fields

Abstract The 77Se spin-lattice relaxation time of several selones (selenoketones) and diphenyldiselenide were studied as a function of temperature at three different magnetic fields. The chemical-shift anisotropy (CSA) relaxation mechanism was found to be very significant at higher magnetic fields (5.8 and 7 T), two orders of magnitude more so for 77Se in a CSe double bond than 77Se in single bonds. For the former, the CSA mechanism completely dominates at B0 = 7 T. T1 due to spin-rotation and CSA were deduced and the magnitude of the CSA of the molecules studied was estimated.
A Technique for Measuring the Vocabulary Burden of Textbooks

(1931). A Technique for Measuring the Vocabulary Burden of Textbooks. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 127-134.
The order—disorder transition in solid H2 for very low ortho H2 concentrations

Abstract Experimental NMR spectra from single crystals of para H2 containing ortho H2 impurity concentrations of less than 3 × 10-3, are compared with the theoretical predictions of a “motional narrowing” model in order to deduce values of the transition probability per unit time (or inverse correlation time) between the rotational levels of the molecule. Based on the change of correlation time with temperature, it is concluded that the system undergoes a phase transition below 0.18 K.
Clay−Organosiloxane Hybrids: A Route to Cross-Linked Clay Particles and Clay Monoliths

Reaction of bis(trimethoxysilyl)hexane, (CH3O)3Si(CH2)6Si(OCH3)3, and the protonated salt of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, (C2H5O)3Si(CH2)3NH3+Cl-, with different clay aqueous colloidal dispersions produces a network of clay platelets cross-linked on their edges by the corresponding organosiloxanes. In the case of the α,ω-bridging organosiloxane, where the surface modification of the clay by the silane proceeds on its outer surfaces, cross-linking results in a gel network that extends to the whole volume of the initial aqueous dispersion. Drying of this gel and grinding of the as-formed, relatively hard specimens affords fine hybrid powders consisting of cross-linked clay particles that inherit the swelling, intercalation, and ion-exchange properties of the starting clay. Controlling both the composition of the initial suspension (clay type, solvent, and concentration) and the drying process, enables the fabrication of monolithic clay hybrids. In the case of the protonated aminosiloxane, the surface modif...
Bulgaria's non-profit sector: the search for form, purpose, and legitimacy

Bulgaria, like other East European nations since the collapse of communism, has moved rapidly to form private, self-directed non-profit and voluntary organisations. Like those nations too, Bulgaria faces a number of challenges in its pursuit of forming a strong non-profit sector. Chief among those challenges are establishing a sound legal foundation, defining the social purposes and functions of the non-profit sector, and establishing the legitimacy of these organisations in the minds of the Bulgarian people. These three challenges are analysed in the essay, following an overview of the current make-up and characteristics of the emerging non-profit sector.