cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pneumocystis Cell Wall β-Glucans Induce Dendritic Cell Costimulatory Molecule Expression and Inflammatory Activation through a Fas-Fas Ligand Mechanism

Respiratory failure during Pneumocystis pneumonia is mainly a consequence of exaggerated inflammatory responses to the organism. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent APCs in the lung and are key to the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. However, their participation in the inflammatory response directed against Pneumocystis infection has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we studied the role of Pneumocystis carinii , as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae , cell wall-derived β-glucans, in DC costimulatory molecule expression. We further studied the impact of β-glucans on subsequent T cell activation. Because cytokine secretion by DCs has recently been shown to be regulated by Fas ligand (FasL), its role in β-glucan activation of DCs was also investigated. β-Glucan-induced DC activation occurred in part through dectin-1 receptors. We demonstrated that DC activation by β-glucans elicits T cell activation and polarization into a Th1 patterned response, but with the conspicuous absence of IL-12. These observations differed from LPS-driven T cell polarization, suggesting that β-glucans and LPS signal DC activation through different mechanisms. We additionally determined that IL-1β and TNF-α secretion by β-glucan-stimulated DCs was partially regulated by Fas-FasL. This suggests that dysregulation of FasL could further enhance exuberant and prolonged cytokine production by DCs following DC-T cell interactions, further promoting lung inflammation typical of Pneumocystis pneumonia.
Sequentially Updated Discharge Model for Optimizing Hospital Resource Use and Surgical Patients' Satisfaction.

Background The ability to estimate cardiac surgical patients' length of stay (LOS) and discharge to a continuing care facility (nonhome discharge) may allow earlier discharge planning and optimal use of limited hospital resources. We developed a sequentially updated tool for postoperative discharge planning. Methods Using preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative day (POD) 2 and POD 4 variables, we created and validated a model to predict early discharge (less than 4 days), standard discharge (5 to 8 days), delayed discharge (9 to 14 days), late discharge (more than 15 days), and nonhome discharge. Results When predicting LOS, model accuracy using preoperative variables alone had a C-statistic of 0.80, but improved with sequential addition of intraoperative and POD 2 (0.87) and POD 4 variables (0.89). At 48 hours, the strongest predictors of longer LOS were higher preoperative creatinine, elevated blood urea nitrogen, lower postoperative albumin, atrial fibrillation, and longer intensive care unit stay. On POD 4, the strongest predictors were red blood cell transfusion, lower postoperative albumin, white blood cell transfusion, longer intensive care unit stay, and readmission to the intensive care unit. For nonhome discharge, however, preoperative variables alone produced a highly predictive model (C-statistic 0.88), and sequential addition of intraoperative and POD 2 (C-statistic 0.91) and POD 4 data (C-statistic 0.90) did not significantly improve it. Conclusions This sequentially updated model of postoperative LOS can be used by the discharge planning team to identify both patients imminently ready for discharge and patients with a high likelihood of nonhome discharge, with the goals of decreasing unnecessary hospital days, managing patients' expectations, and engaging patients early in the discharge process.
The Genealogy of Genealogy: Foucault’s 1970-1971 Course on The Will to Know

As a thinker, Michel Foucault was fond of discontinuities and ruptures. He once joked that his entry in the Petit Larousse dictionary read: “Foucault: A philosopher who founds his theory of history on discontinuity.”2 Yet Foucault was not only a student of ruptures; he was also a practitioner. Indeed, his intellectual career is characterized by at least two major breaks, when he succumbed to new interests, retooled his methodology, and tackled a fresh set of theoretical questions. Between 1969 and 1975, Foucault traded in the philosophical project he called “archaeology”—which endeavors to trace the contours of possible knowledge at specific historical periods through an examination of shifting discourses and “historical a prioris”—for what he called “genealogy,” which chronicles the ways in which successive power configurations govern bodies and populations, create forms of subjectivity, and weave themselves inextricably into systems of knowledge. Between 1977 and 1984—in the very middle of writing his history of sexuality—genealogy, in turn, gave way to an exploration of the historical construction of individuality, which he alternately dubbed “techniques of the self” or the “hermeneutics of the subject.”3 Shortly before his death, Foucault expressed no regrets about this penchant for philosophical self-reinvention: “There are times in life,” he mused, “when the
NOTE ON SOME EXPERIMENTAL STEEPING TREATMENTS OF MALTING BARLEY

In an attempt to improve the germination of certain stubborn samples of barley, various substances have been incorporated in experimental steeps. Addition of certain concentrations of nitrous acid, formaldehyde, sodium carbonate or potassium bromate resulted in improved germination, while addition of papain depressed germination. These results are consistent with the view that inhibition is due, in part at least, to intermediates of protein degradation.
Involvement of microtubules in the isoproterenol-induced ‘down’-regulation of myocardial β-adrenergic receptors

Abstract The number of cardiac β-adrenergic receptors identified by [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding decreases in a concentration-dependent manner during prolonged administration of isoproterenol. Loss of membrane β-receptors is paralleled by the appearance of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding activity in the cytosol. This redistribution of receptors is prevented by colchicine and vinblastine but not lumicolchicine. Cardiac receptor desensitization is, therefore, dependent on microtubules and may be influenced by agents interfering with tubulin polymerization.
REPSA: General combinatorial approach for identifying preferred ligand–DNA binding sequences

Most DNA-binding ligands, ranging from protein transcription factors to small molecule antineoplastic agents, recognize duplex DNA with some degree of sequence specificity. Determining this binding specificity is important for biochemists, molecular biologists, and medicinal chemists. Some information can be obtained through the study of defined DNA sequences, but a full picture of a ligand's binding specificity can only be obtained through combinatorial means, whereby vast libraries of sequences are screened. Several combinatorial methods have been developed for the study of ligand-DNA interactions, all of which require the physical separation of ligand-bound DNA from uncomplexed DNA before amplification by PCR. Here, we describe the novel combinatorial method Restriction Endonuclease Protection Selection and Amplification (REPSA). REPSA selects for ligand-bound DNAs through their inhibition of an enzymatic process-cleavage by a type IIS restriction endonuclease-which inactivates templates for subsequent PCR amplification. We have used REPSA to identify the preferred binding sites of oligonucleotides, proteins, and small molecules on duplex DNA. Unlike conventional combinatorial methods, REPSA is amenable to the study of mixtures of native ligands with relatively unknown identities and properties. Thus, REPSA is a powerful, versatile, general method for the combinatorial determination of ligand-binding specificity and a functional means of ligand discovery.
Remarks on calculating the pion-nucleus first-order optical potential

Abstract It is shown that the factorization approximation should not be used in any serious theoretical effort to calculate the first order optical potential for low energy π -nucleus scattering. In contrast to earlier work, the required off-shell π N t matrix for non-zero total momentum is consistently evaluated using relativistic particle quantum mechanics.
Multimedia magic: moving beyond text

Multimedia technology has transformed the way students communicate, learn, and socialize. No longer solely consumers of multimedia, students are multimedia producers, editors, presenters, reviewers, tutors, and mashup creators. Faculty expectations regarding class assignments have also risen, including improved presentation skills, greater collaborative efforts, and more diverse representations of learning. In this paper, we describe how, in response to these needs, the University of Delaware opened the Student Multimedia Design Center (SMDC) in February 2007. The SMDC is the first centrally located UD facility that provides students with access to multimedia one-stop service. With over 70 workstations and a wide variety of software and equipment, students have all the tools they need to create multimedia in one location.
Propagation of Equatorially Trapped Waves on a Sloping Thermocline

Abstract The WKBJ method and a multiple-scale expansion technique are used to study equatorially trapped waves propagating on a zonally sloping themocline. Assuming that variations of the main thermocline depth (MTD) are slow (the change of the MTD over one wavelength is smaller than the wave amplitude), wave reflections can be neglected and the amplitudes of equatorially trapped waves can be derived by using the energy conservation law. It is found that the wavelengths and amplitudes of free waves are significantly modified by the MTD variations. While propagating eastward in an ocean basin (where the MTD is shallower), Kelvin waves shrink meridionally and zonally but their amplitudes increase to preserve wave energy; short Rossby waves behave in the opposite way. The wavelength of westward-propagating long Rossby waves becomes longer when they propagate into the deeper western ocean. The response of a Yanai wave to the changing thermocline depends on the sign of phase speed. A simple numerical method is...
Uncertainty-based quantitative assessment of sustainability for higher education institutions

Evaluation of sustainability in various facets of life is gaining increasing importance. Traditionally, different multi-criteria decision-making methods have been used for sustainability assessment. “Sustainability” can be a qualitative concept, and as such several researchers have attempted fuzzy logic for the quantitative assessment of sustainability. This paper outlines a new evaluation model based on fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making. The model is tested for sustainability assessment of higher education institutions (HEIs). It is based on a driving force–pressure–state–exposure–effect–action (DPSEEA) framework and is called uncertainty-based DPSEEA-Sustainability index Model (uD-SiM). The uD-SiM is a causality-based model in which the sustainability index is an outcome of nonlinear impacts of sustainability indicators in different stages of DPSEEA. The percent contribution of driving forces on the sustainability index of HEI is investigated using sensitivity analysis. The study reveals that education in sustainability and global and local research trends are the major driving forces for achieving sustainability in HEI, followed by financial and economic growth rate, social equity, energy requirements rate, and institutional enhancement, in descending order. The results of uD-SiM were found to be more realistic and rational than our earlier proposed approach, D-SiM.
EMPLOYEES' EXPECTANCY PERCEPTIONS AS EXPLANATORY VARIABLES FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING

Sumw?y.-Employees' perceptual expectancies as an explanatory framework for the effectiveness of participation in decision making were investigated in a large public utility organization. The results supported the hypothesis that the effectiveness of participation in decision making is mediated by employees' perceptual expectancies of the effort-performance and the performance-outcome relationships (n = 383). The results also suggested that the types of employees' perceptual expectancies may have different mediating effects depending on the criteria selected. Studies concerning participation in decision making by individuals generally have focussed on the relationships between participation in decision making and employees' satisfaction and performance. A number of the previous studies on participation in decision making have shown that employees' participation is positively associated with performance and job satisfaction under a variety of organizational situations. Vroom, for example, has stated that, "when the entire pattern of results is considered, we find substantial basis for the belief that participation in decision making increases productivity" (1964, p. 226). What needs further exploration, however, is why participation in decision making may be effective. Mitchell (1973) offered an explanation on this issue. Using the expectancy theory of work motivation (e.g., Vroom, 1964; Lawler, 1973), Mitchell argued that, when employees are allowed to participate in the decision-making process, they will likely perceive the effort-performance (Expectancy 1) relationship more readily and dearly. Further, through participation "the individual should know fairly well which behaviors are likely to be rewarded and which are not" (Expectancy 2) (Mitchell, 1973, p. 674). Therefore, according to Mitchell, it is not "participation" per le that influences satisfaction and performance, but the positive effects of participation in decision making are mediated by the employees' expectancies. That is, an increase in clarity and magnitude of employees' expectancies (Expectancy 1 and Expectancy 2) through participation in decision making is associated with employees' satisfaction and performance. While a number of other theorists also have suggested similar explanations for the participation in decision-making process (i.e., Haythorn, 1958; Ritchie & Miles, 1970; Vroorn, 1959), this explanation has not been subjected to an empirical test in ongoing organizations.
2008 Special Issue: Powered ankle-foot prosthesis to assist level-ground and stair-descent gaits

The human ankle varies impedance and delivers net positive work during the stance period of walking. In contrast, commercially available ankle-foot prostheses are passive during stance, causing many clinical problems for transtibial amputees, including non-symmetric gait patterns, higher gait metabolism, and poorer shock absorption. In this investigation, we develop and evaluate a myoelectric-driven, finite state controller for a powered ankle-foot prosthesis that modulates both impedance and power output during stance. The system employs both sensory inputs measured local to the external prosthesis, and myoelectric inputs measured from residual limb muscles. Using local prosthetic sensing, we first develop two finite state controllers to produce biomimetic movement patterns for level-ground and stair-descent gaits. We then employ myoelectric signals as control commands to manage the transition between these finite state controllers. To transition from level-ground to stairs, the amputee flexes the gastrocnemius muscle, triggering the prosthetic ankle to plantar flex at terminal swing, and initiating the stair-descent state machine algorithm. To transition back to level-ground walking, the amputee flexes the tibialis anterior muscle, triggering the ankle to remain dorsiflexed at terminal swing, and initiating the level-ground state machine algorithm. As a preliminary evaluation of clinical efficacy, we test the device on a transtibial amputee with both the proposed controller and a conventional passive-elastic control. We find that the amputee can robustly transition between the finite state controllers through direct muscle activation, allowing rapid transitioning from level-ground to stair walking patterns. Additionally, we find that the proposed finite state controllers result in a more biomimetic ankle response, producing net propulsive work during level-ground walking and greater shock absorption during stair descent. The results of this study highlight the potential of prosthetic leg controllers that exploit neural signals to trigger terrain-appropriate, local prosthetic leg behaviors.
Stimulation of growth hormone secretion by human pancreatic growth-hormone-releasing factor and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in anaesthetized chickens.

Sodium pentobarbitone anaesthesia depressed the concentration of growth hormone (GH) in the plasma of young (6 weeks of age) and old (22–30 weeks of age) domestic fowl. In both cases the concentration was reduced (P < 0.05) within 10 min and had declined (P < 0.001) to stable low levels (<5 ng/ml) within 50 min. The intravenous administration of synthetic human pancreatic growth-hormone-releasing factor (hpGRF) (10μg/kg) (2 × 10−9 mol/kg) increased (P < 0.01) the GH concentration in both the young and old birds. This effect was observed irrespective of whether the birds were conscious or anaesthetized. The magnitude of the response in conscious young birds (164 ng/ml) was, however, greater (P < 0.01) than that in anaesthetized chicks (64 ng/ml). The response in anaesthetized adult fowl (18.8 ng/ml) was also less (P < 0.05) than that in their conscious counterparts (42.8 ng/ml). The GH response in conscious and anaesthetized 6-week-old birds to hpGRF was greater (P < 0.01) than that in the corresponding adult birds. Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) (10 μg/kg (2.8 × 10−8 mol/kg); iv) also provoked (P < 0.01) GH secretion in conscious and anaesthetized young birds and in anaesthetized (but not conscious) adults. Anaesthesia blunted (P < 0.01) the GH response to TRH in the immature cockerels, although the response was greater (P < 0.05) than that in anesthetized adults. In those birds which responded to TRH stimulation, the GH responses induced were greater (P < 0.05) than those evoked by the same dose (μg/kg) of hpGRF, but were less when expressed on a molar basis. These results suggest that TRH and hpGRF stimulate GH secretion via different pituitary receptors. Anaesthesia may suppress GH secretion by blocking the endogenous release of stimulatory and inhibitory hypophysiotrophic GH-releasing hormones.
Pulmonary mechanics and energetics in preterm infants who had respiratory distress syndrome treated with synthetic surfactant

Pulmonary mechanics and energetics were determined in 32 neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, who were randomly assigned to receive treatment with an exogenous synthetic surfactant, Exosurf Neonatal, or air placebo. Pulmonary mechanics were measured before and 2 hours after surfactant ( n =13) or air placebo ( n =19) treatment, then longitudinally at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, and again at 7, 14, and 28 days of age. There were no significant differences in the values for pulmonary mechanics or energetics 2 hours after the first dose of surfactant. Improvement in pulmonary mechanics was apparent 24 hours after surfactant treatment, when dynamic compliance was 36% greater than in the placebo group ( p
Assessement of current health of hard disk drives

After investigating several of different degradation signatures that can potentially characterize aging and failure of computer hard disk drives (HDDs), we identified that reported uncorrect, hardware ECC recovered and read write rate parameters can provide good degradation signature for assessing the condition and remaining useful life of HDDs. Using these signatures as inputs, we develop a neural network model to assess the current health of a HDD. We collected extensive data by conducting experiments on 13 HDDs in an accelerated degradation mode. Experiments on 13 HDDs generated several hundreds of data points during their operating life. We used two thirds of these data points for computing the neural network parameters and the rest for evaluating the accuracy of model predictions. The results indicate that the trained neural network is able to assess the health of a HDD correctly 88 times out of 100 instances.
Purification of pituitary gonadotropin from urine of normal men.

Human pituitary gonadotropin (HPG) from urine of normal men was purified in three successive steps. HPG was extracted from urine with kaolin, eluted with ammonium hydroxide, and precipitated with acetone. The acetone precipitate was extracted with 10 per cent ammonium acetate in 70 per cent ethanol. Impurities of this extract were removed by adsorption on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. The partial purification of HPG achieved by these three steps was of the order of 50-fold. The partially purified material had the same biologic characteristics as the initial extract, as determined by the method of biologic fingerprint and by three assay systems: the ovarian-weight method in intact rats, the augmentation reaction with chorionic gonadotropin, and the ventral-prostate method in hypophysectomized rats.
Electromagnetic mass differences

Abstract In Cottingham's approach to electromagnetic masses ( δm ) one encounters the problem of unknown subtractions in the fixed mass dispersion relations for the virtual Compton scattering amplitude. We avoid this problem and express δm in terms of measurable quantities, assuming knowledge of light-cone singularities of the electro-magnetic current commutator.
Correlation functions and hydrodynamic equations

Abstract A general relationship between correlation functions of equilibrium fluctuations and the macroscopic regression laws is established via two alternative methods. The first one employs Onsager's assumption and the second is based on Kubo's formalism. It is shown possible to derive the whole matrix of the macroscopic equations, which are assumed linear, from correlation functions. This is demonstrated by the derivation of the linearized hydrodynamic equations for a one-component fluid. These equations together with correlation function expressions for the transport coefficients of viscosity and heat conductivity are derived using a minimum of assumptions.
Experimental Chronic Gastric Ulcer Due to Ischemia in Rats

Ligation of the left gastric and right gastroepiploic arteries and veins resulted in chronic gastric ulcer formation in the rat. Linear mucosal corpus hemorrhages appeared within 8 hr of ligation. By 2 days large corpus hemorrhagic erosions were present. A single, large ulcer involving nearly the entire corpus was present at 3–5 days. In the ulcerated area the mucosa and muscularis mucosae were destroyed, thick granulation tissue filled the submucosa and the muscularis propria was severely damaged. Progressive healing occurred thereafter and 75% of the ulcers healed completely grossly in 2–8 weeks. Histologic studies showed that healing and mucosal regeneration occurred by the outgrowth of a layer of cells from the adjacent intact epithelium extending over the surface of the ulcer. Invaginations from this covering layer of cells formed a glandular mucosa composed of mucous cells. Later parietal and chief cells appeared, and eventually (6 months) a normal corpus-type mucosa covered the entire corpus. With time smooth-muscle fibers appeared in the outer half of the dense submucosal granulation tissue and eventually a normal muscularis mucosae, submucosa, and muscularis propria were present (6–12 months). These studies show that: (1) ischemia can give rise to chronic gastric ulcer, and (2) all elements of the gastric wall, including the mucosa, the muscularis mucosae, and the muscularis propria can fully regenerate.
Fate of Benzene in a Stratified Lake Receiving Contaminated Groundwater Discharges from a Superfund Site

Predicting the fate of benzene in aquatic environments, and estimating corresponding human exposures, is critically dependent on knowledge of this carcinogen's biodegradation rate under the site-specific conditions. We used three approaches for quantifying this key fate process: (1) short-term (hours) observations of benzene loss in laboratory incubations of representative water samples, (2) whole-lake benzene mass balance studies, and (3) modeling of the temporal evolution of benzene vertical profiles in the lake. Our field site, the Halls Brook Holding Area (HBHA), continuously receives benzene input (about 20 μM or 1.5 ppm) into its anoxic hypolimnion via discharge of saline groundwater from an adjacent Superfund site (Industri-Plex in Eastern Massachusetts.) Using summertime, lake water samples in the laboratory, we found benzene was degraded in three metalimnion samples at rates between 1 and 2.5 d-1. An epilimnion sample yielded a similar result, but no degradation was observed in another epilimnio...
A proposed framework for feature‐level geospatial data sharing: a case study for transportation network data

Current data sharing in the Internet environment is supported using metadata at the file level. This approach has three fundamental shortcomings. First, sharing data from different sources with different semantics, data models, and acquisition methods usually requires data conversion and/or integration like data conflation. This can be tedious and error‐prone. Second, data updated from one source cannot be automatically propagated to other related data or applications. Finally, data sharing at the file level makes it difficult to provide feature‐level data for searching, accessing, and exchanging in real time over the Internet. This paper addresses these three issues by proposing a standards‐based framework for sharing geospatial data in the transportation application domain. The proposed framework uses a standard data model—geospatial data model proposed by the Geospatial One‐Stop initiative to harmonize the semantics and data models without the use of data integration methods. It uses Geography Markup L...
Comparison of advanced turboprop installation on swept and unswept supercritical wings at transonic speeds

A series of wind-tunnel investigations were conducted to determine the aerodynamic interference associated with the over wing and under wing installation of a turboprop nacelle on 20 deg swept and unswept supercritical wings. The purpose of the investigations was to increase the understanding of the flow interactions involved with the nacelle turboprop integration and to obtain experimental data for the verification of computational prediction techniques. The models were tested in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.50 to 0.80 and at angles-of-attack from 0 to 5 deg. In addition, data at several propeller pitch angles and advance ratio settings were obtained. This paper which presents only the results of the over-the-wing nacelle installations shows that wing sweep had considerable influence on the installation interference. Large scale flow separation was observed on the swept wing at M = 0.8. Less severe effects were observed at M = 0.7 on the swept wing and for both M = 0.7 and 0.8 on the unswept wing.
Intravital imaging of amyloid plaques in a transgenic mouse model using optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy

We report optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) for in vivo imaging of amyloid plaques in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Validation using conventional fluorescence microscopy and multiphoton microscopy shows that OR-PAM has sufficient sensitivity and spatial resolution to identify amyloid plaques in living brains. In addition, with dual-wavelength OR-PAM, the three-dimensional morphology of amyloid plaques and the surrounding microvasculature are imaged simultaneously through a cranial window without angiographic contrast agents. OR-PAM, capable of providing both exogenous molecular contrast and endogenous hemoglobin contrast, has the potential to serve as a new technology for in vivo microscopic observations of cerebral plaque deposits.
Presidential Address: Presented 2000 August 28, Chicago, Illinois, USA The eucrite/Vesta story

— Many lines of evidence indicate that meteorites are derived from the asteroid belt but, in general, identifying any meteorite class with a particular asteroid has been problematical. One exception is asteroid 4 Vesta, where a strong case can be made that it is the ultimate source of the howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) family of basaltic achondrites. Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra first suggested a connection between Vesta and the basaltic achondrites. Experimental petrology demonstrated that the eucrites (the relatively unaltered and unmixed basaltic achondrites) were the product of approximately a 10% melt. Studies of siderophile element partitioning suggested that this melt was the residue of an asteroidal-scale magma ocean. Mass balance considerations point to a parent body that had its surface excavated, but remains intact. Modern telescopic spectroscopy has identified kilometer-scale “Vestoids” between Vesta and the 3:1 orbit-orbit resonance with Jupiter. Dynamical simulations of impact into Vesta demonstrate the plausibility of ejecting relatively unshocked material at velocities consistent with these astronomical observations. Hubble Space Telescope images show a 460 km diameter impact basin at the south pole of Vesta. It seems that nature has provided multiple free sample return missions to a unique asteroid. Major challenges are to establish the geologic context of the HED meteorites on the surface of Vesta and to connect the remaining meteorites to specific asteroids.
[3H]Acetylcholine and [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine release from rat midbrain slices and the effects of calcium and phenobarbital

The K-stimulated release of [3H]ACh from rat midbrain slices prelabeled by incubation with [3H]choline was dependent on extracellular Ca. Phenobarbital inhibited the K-stimulated [3H]ACh release and the IC50 was equal to that found for K-stimulated endogenous ACh release. These results support the suggestion that barbiturates primarily inhibit the Ca-dependent stimulated release of ACh and affect ACh synthesis only indirectly. K-Stimulated release of [3H]5-HT was also inhibited by removing Ca from the medium or by adding phenobarbital which further supports the effects of barbiturates on the depolarization-induced release process. Fluoxetine, an inhibitor of 5-HT uptake, increased the amount of [3H]5-HT found in the medium but did not fully block the uptake of [3H]5-HT in this slice preparation.
Tips and Tricks for Deep Jejunal Enteral Access: Modifying Techniques to Maximize Success

Endoscopic insertion of enteral feeding tubes is a major advance in the delivery of nutrition therapy. Since the first report of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 1980 (Gauderer et al. J Pediatr Surg. 15:872–5, 1980), insertion techniques and equipment have been refined and improved. Despite this progress, deep jejunal enteral access remains a difficult procedure, and many endoscopists do not have experience with the techniques of nasojejunal (NJ) placement, percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEGJ), or direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) (Shike and Latkany, Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am. 8:569–80, 1998). The difference between an exasperating experience and a rewarding procedure lies in mastering the “tips and tricks” that make insertion easy. While the basic techniques are described elsewhere (McClave and Chang 2011), we review several universal basic principles to enhance deep jejunal access, which should promote a more efficient and successful procedure.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: structural design and applications

The structural properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles are reviewed. Different strategies for the introduction of functional groups are considered. Based on the architectural features of the material, the functionalization at defined regions of the particles is described, along with the properties emerging from the corresponding site-specific modifications of their chemistry. Many applications derived from the unique architecture and chemistry of these nanostructured composite materials are shown.
Consistency and adaptation in apraxia of speech.

Abstract Five subjects demonstrating apraxia of speech and Porch Index of Communicative Ability scores of 13.0 or higher on subsets V, VI, VII, and X read a simple 100-word paragraph five times in succession. The results indicated that as a group the subjects made consistent word errors and demonstrated a significant adaptation effect.
Relationships of ordinal position and family size to psychosocial measures of delinquents.

First-born, middle-born, and last-born white male delinquents in small and large families (N=72) were compared on 21 variables. Seven of the 21 variables showed some effect of either ordinal position, family size, or their interaction: reading achievement, Quay's unsocialized-psychopathic behavior classification, staff predictions of institutional adjustment, family intactness, Gough's socialization scale, future-events test “never” responses, and Rosenberg's self esteem scale. The pattern of results suggested that firstborns and delinquents from smaller families were better socialized or had better socialization resources than lastborns and those from larger families.
Mg2+ mediates the cell-substratum interaction of Arg-Gly-Asp-dependent HeLa cell collagen receptors.

Three HeLa cell surface collagen receptors of apparent molecular mass 10258, 87, and 3833 kDa were eluted from gelatin-Sepharose with salt gradients or Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptides. To understand how the collagen receptors are involved in HeLa cell spreading on collagen we investigated the effects of divalent cations and Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptides on adhesion to gelatin, since HeLa cells behave similarly on both native type I collagen and gelatin substrata and also whether Arg-Gly-Asp-containing substata would substitute for gelatin in facilitating cell spreading. Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-containing peptides in solution inhibited HeLa cell spreading onto gelatin and promoted only partial HeLa cell spreading when bound to tissue culture plastic. Both partial spreading of HeLa cells on the Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser substatum and full spreading on gelatin was dependent on Mg2+, but not on Ca2+. Binding of the 10258-, 87-, and 3833-kDa collagen receptors to gelatin-Sepharose was increased fourfold in the presence of Mg2+, and subsequent elution of the collagen receptors and a 45-kDa collagen-binding protein not thought to be involved in HeLa cell spreading was achieved with EDTA. In contrast, affinity chromatography on Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Sepharose eluted predominantly the 45-kDa collagen-binding protein and the 3833-kDa collagen receptor. In summary, the Mg2+-dependent interaction of the collagen receptors with the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence in collagen appears to be essential for the initial events in HeLa cell spreading but is not sufficient for full cell spreading.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of bipyridine and phenanthroline complexes of osmium

Donnees sur l'electrochimiluminescence observee lors du transfert d'electrons dans le cas de complexes d'osmium: Os(bpy) 3 2+ , Os(bpy)-diphos 2+ , Os(bpy) 2 dpp-ene 2+ , Os(bpy)(CH 3 CN) 2 2+ , Os(bpy)(DMSO) 2 2+ , Os(bpy)dpae 2+ , Os(phen) 3 2+ , Os(phen) 2 diphos 2+ , Os(phen)dpp-ene 2+ et Os(phen) 2 dpae 2+ avec bpy=bipyridine-2,2', phen=phenanthroline-1,10, diphos=bis-diphenyl-1,2 phosphinoethane, dpp-en=cis-bis-diphenylphosphinoethylene et dpae=bis-diphenylarsinoethane
On the non-power density expansion of transport coefficients

Abstract The arguments of Kawasaki, Oppenheim, Sengers and others, leading to logarithmic terms in the density expansion of a transport coefficient of an imperfect gas is critically reviewed. The explicit perturbational calculation for a quantum gas does not verify such terms.
Plasmolysis and recovery of different cell types in cryoprotected shoot tips of Mentha X piperita.

Successful cryopreservation of plant shoot tips is dependent upon effective desiccation through osmotic or physical processes. Microscopy techniques were used to determine the extent of cellular damage and plasmolysis that occurs in peppermint (Mentha × piperita) shoot tips during the process of cryopreservation, using the cryoprotectant plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) (30% glycerol, 15% dimethyl sulfoxide, 15% ethylene glycol, 0.4 M sucrose) prior to liquid-nitrogen exposure. The meristem cells were the smallest and least plasmolyzed cell type of the shoot tips, while the large, older leaf and lower cortex cells were the most damaged. When treated with cryoprotectant solutions, meristem cells exhibited concave plasmolysis, suggesting that this cell type has a highly viscous protoplasm, and protoplasts have many cell wall attachment sites. Shoot tip cells were most severely plasmolyzed after PVS2 treatment, liquid-nitrogen exposure, and warming in 1.2 M sucrose. Successful recovery may be dependent upon surviving the plasmolytic conditions induced by warming and diluting treated shoot tips in 1.2 M sucrose solutions. In peppermint shoot tips, clumps of young meristem or young leaf cells survive the cryopreservation process and regenerate plants containing many shoots. Cryoprotective treatments that favor survival of small, meristematic cells and young leaf cells are most likely to produce high survival rates after liquid-nitrogen exposure.
Animal model: Chromosomal fragile site expression in dogs: I. Breed specific differences

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from clinically normal Doberman pinscher and boxer dogs were cultured for folate-sensitive and, in preliminary studies, aphidicolin-inducible fragile site expression. Both autosomal and X chromosomal fragile sites were observed in canine cells cultured under folate/thymidine depletion and in cells cultured in medium containing aphidicolin. Results from the three dogs evaluated for both folate-sensitive and aphidicolin-inducible fragile site expression showed that the frequency of fragile site expression was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in cells cultured in medium containing aphidicolin than in cells cultured in folate/thymidine-depleted medium. Cells from the boxer dog expressed a high percentage (66.67%) of aphidicolin-inducible fragile sites in contrast to the Doberman pinscher dog in which only 21.10% of the lymphocytes expressed aphidicolin-inducible fragile sites. The frequencies of spontaneous and folate-sensitive fragile site expression did not vary significantly by breed of dog. Age of dog was significantly and positively correlated with frequency of folate-sensitive fragile site expression in dogs of the boxer breed, but not in dogs of the Doberman pinscher breed. The dog X chromosome expressed three folate-sensitive and aphidicolin-inducible fragile sites. The G-band location of these three fragile sites showed homology with three recognized constitutive common fragile sites on the human X chromosome: Xp22, Xq21, and Xq27.2. Two specific autosomal fragile sites were identified, one on the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 1 and one on the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 8. Other autosomal fragile sites were also apparent but could not be assigned reliably to specific chromosomes.
A Link between the Light and Gibberellin Signaling Cascades

In a recent issue of Cell, Salome Prat and colleagues describe the characterization of PHOR1, an armadillo-related protein involved in gibberellin signaling and also responsive to light.
NMR solution structure and DNA-binding model of the DNA-binding domain of competence protein A.

Abstract Competence protein A (ComA) is a response regulator protein involved in the development of genetic competence in the Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis , as well as the regulation of the production of degradative enzymes and antibiotic synthesis. ComA belongs to the NarL family of proteins, which are characterized by a C-terminal transcriptional activator domain that consists of a bundle of four helices, where the second and third helices (α8 and α9) form a helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain. Using NMR spectroscopy, the high-resolution 3D solution structure of the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of ComA (ComAC) has been determined. In addition, surface plasmon resonance and NMR protein–DNA titration experiments allowed for the analysis of the interaction of ComAC with its target DNA sequences. Combining the solution structure and biochemical data, a model of ComAC bound to the ComA recognition sequences on the srfA promoter has been developed. The model shows that for DNA binding, ComA uses the conserved helix-turn-helix motif present in other NarL family members. However, the model reveals also that ComA might use a slightly different part of the helix-turn-helix motif and there appears to be some associated domain re-orientation. These observations suggest a basis for DNA binding specificity within the NarL family.
Membrane fluidization increases low-affinity muscarinic receptor binding in brain: changes with aging.

Abstract Specific cholinergic muscarinic receptor binding was determined with L-[3H] quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) in homogenates from crude synaptosomal pellets prepared from mouse whole-brain homogenates. Specific total (high- and low-affinity) binding was determined in the absence of the agonist carbachol and low-affinity binding in its presence. These membrane preparations were fluidized by adding in vitro aliphatic alcohols ranging from ethanol to hexanol and by increasing the incubation temperatures. At 23°C hexanol (14.7 mM) nearly doubled the low-affinity binding in the presence of carbachol (0.32 mM) and decreased high-affinity binding by the same amount. This suggested a change of muscarinic receptors from high- to low-affinity conformation. Increase of incubation temperature from 24°C to 37°C nearly tripled low-affinity binding. Brain homogenates from female C57BL/6J mice, ages 6, 12, 18, and 30 months, showed a progressively lower stimulation by hexanol of low-affinity [3H]QNB binding in the presence of carbachol. We postulate that this diminished change with age of [3H]QNB-receptor binding in response to alcohols may be a result of increasing membrane rigidity with advancing age. Rigidity of membranes may link aging at the membrane level, synpatic receptors, and impaired learning behavior.
Seasonal variations in plasma vitellogenin and sex steroids in male and female Eastern Box Turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina.

Abstract The Eastern Box Turtle ( Terrapene carolina carolina ) is a widespread species that has recently experienced precipitous declines throughout its range. Although many studies have documented aspects of reproduction in box turtles, reproductive physiology of free-ranging animals is unknown and can be crucial in this species’ recovery. Over a two-year period, we measured reproductive parameters, (vitellogenin [Vtg], estradiol-17β [E2], and total testosterone [TT]), in plasma of 116 free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles across their active season. We found similar seasonal variations of Vtg and E2 within females. Mid-season, females showed a sharp peak in E2 that correlates with the putative beginning of the ovarian cycle. Individual females lacking these expected peaks of both Vtg and E2 suggest that some female T. c. carolina may not reproduce annually. Females typically expressed undetectable levels of TT, yet there was a small peak in TT early in the active season. Male Eastern Box Turtles exhibited a dual peak in TT. Elevated TT in males was significantly associated with observed sexual behaviors and smaller home ranges. Body condition had no effect on the concentration of TT or E2 in either sex. This is the first study to (1) document Vtg and sex steroid hormones in free-ranging animals of this genus, and (2) relate those metrics to individuals, the population, the purported annual cycle, and to other chelonian species.
Renal nerve stimulation for the treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope

Neurocardiogenic syncope is a common disorder resulting from a transient increase in vagal tone and central sympathetic withdrawal leading to varying degrees of vasodilation and bradycardia. Hence an effective treatment should address both the bradycardia and vasodilation. We hypothesized that, stimulation of the renal sympathetic nerves using high frequency stimulation in the renal vein will increase blood pressure through an increase in sympathetic output and therefore may be of use in treating neurocardiogenic syncope. Renal nerve stimulation was performed under Isoflurane anesthesia in 5 dogs and 1 baboon using a 4mm quadripolar catheter in unilateral renal vein using a Grass stimulator (square wave, 120V, 900pps, 30-200s). A consistent increase in arterial systolic BP [mean (SD) pre- vs peak-stimulation 103 (±27) vs. 122 (±41) mmHg] and diastolic BP [69 (±19) vs. 82 (±31) mmHg] was noted during stimulation. Median interquartile change in systolic BP was 11 (5-22) mmHg and 6 (-2-16) mmHg in diastolic BP. To conclude, renal nerve stimulation through the renal vein increased BP. Potential applications include treatment of vasodilatory component of neurocardiogenic syncope and confirmation of successful renal nerve ablation for the treatment of hypertension.
Microbial metabolism and detoxification of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Six strains of fungi grown on Sabouraud dextrose broth in the presence of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) were surveyed for their ability to metabolize DMBA. Experiments with [14C]DMBA indicated that the extent of formation of organic-soluble metabolites ranged from 6 to 28% after 5 days of incubation, depending on the organism tested. The yields of water-soluble metabolites also varied, and ranged from 1 to 33% after 5 days.Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 36112 andSyncephalastrum racemosum UT-70 exhibited the highest DMBA-metabolizing activity among the organisms surveyed.S. racemosum metabolized DMBA primarily to 7-hydroxymethyl-12-methylbenz[a]anthracene (7-OHM-12-MBA)_ and 7,12-dihydroxymethylbenz[a]anthracene (7,12-diOHMBA). Minor metabolites included 7-OHM-12-MBA-trans-5,6-, 8,9- and 10,11-dihydrodiols, and glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of phenolic derivatives of DMBA. In contrast, the major DMBA metabolites produced byC. elegans were water-soluble. The predominant organic-soluble metabolites produced byC. elegans included 7-OHM-12-MBA-trans-5,6-, 8,9- and 10,11-dihydrodiols. DMBA-trans-3,4-dihydrodiol was also detected. Circular dichroism spectral analysis revealed that the major enantiomer of the 7-OHM-12-MBA-trans-8,9-dihydrodiol formed by each organism has anS,S absolute configuration, while the major enantiomers of the 5,6-, 10,11- and 3,4-dihydrodiols had anR,R configuration. The mutagenic activity of extracts fromS. racemosum exposed to DMBA were determined inSalmonella typhimurium TA98. The mutagenicity of DMBA decreased by 36% over a period of 5 days as 33% of the compound was metabolized. Comparison of these results with previously reported results in mammalian systems suggests that there are similarities and differences between the fungal and mammalian oxidation of DMBA and that the overall balance of fungal metabolism is towards a detoxification rather than a bioactivation pathway.
Regional control and morbidity after superficial groin dissection in melanoma.

Background There is no consensus about the optimal extent of surgery for patients with melanoma metastases to inguinal nodes, and this is further complicated by variations in terminology for these dissections. In patients without clinical evidence of iliac metastases, we routinely perform a superficial groin dissection (SGD), which clears node-bearing tissue superficial to the fascia lata. We hypothesized that SGD provides regional tumor control comparable to published experience with deep groin dissection (DGD) and iliac and obturator dissection (IOD), but with less morbidity.