cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
chinmo Mutant fly testis stem cells switching sex farewell to maleness

Maintaining cellular identity is crucial for homeostasis, and sexual fates of vertebrate testis and ovary cells require continual reinforcement. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Ma et al. (2014) provide insights into stem cell fate maintenance in Drosophila, finding that the JAK/STAT target chinmo prevents transformation of testis somatic stem cells into their ovarian counterparts.
Noble gases in vent water from the Juan de Fuca Ridge

Abstract Hydrothermal vent fluids collected with the DSRV Alvin from the southern limb of the Juan de Fuca Ridge are chemically unique, having chloride concentrations ~2 times ambient seawater. The same fluids contain noble gases in relative abundances like 2°C air-saturated seawater, the expected recharge composition. However, the absolute noble gas abundances are depleted by ~30% relative to seawater. The combination of very high chloride and moderately depleted noble gases appears to require the formation of a Cl-rich, gas-free brine by phase separation. This brine is mixed with recharge seawater at temperatures in excess of ~340°C and, therefore, deep in the hydrothermal system.
Alterations in immune function following head injury in children.

Objective To investigate cellular and humoral immunity in children immediately after severe head injury and during the early recovery period. Design Prospective, observational study with factorial design. Setting Pediatric ICU of a university teaching hospital. Patients Fifteen children (median age 9.6 yrs, range 1.7 to 18) with head injury and Glasgow Coma Score of Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Skin testing with seven standard antigens was performed and blood samples were obtained for the following measurements: total lymphocyte count and subsets; proliferative response to phytohemag-glutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen; and immunoglobulin concentrations on days 1, 7, and 14 and 3 months after injury. The effect of patient plasma on phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferative responses of normal donor lymphocytes was also assessed at these times. Anergy was present in 71% of patients on day 1, 54% of patients on day 7, 31% of patients on day 14, and 18% of patients at 3 months. Total, helper, and suppressor T-cell counts were decreased on day 1, and the T-cell response to phytohemagglutinin was decreased on days 1, 7, and 14 compared with values at 3 months. B-cell counts were increased on day 1, followed by an increase in serum immunoglobulin concentrations 1 to 2 wks later. The B-cell response to pokeweed mitogen was unchanged over the 3-month study period. The phytohemagglutinin responses of normal donor lymphocytes were decreased when incubated with patient plasma obtained on day 7 after injury. Conclusions Severe head injury in children is associated with depressed cell-mediated immunity. Plasma immunosuppressive factors may contribute to T-cell dysfunction.
Use of water ‘softening and conditioning systems’ significantly increases the risk of periodontitis: smoking considerations

Background: The role of water in the etiology of periodontal disease is poorly understood. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the association amongst water softness, risk for periodontitis, and smoking status. Methods: We examined the association between use of water ‘softening and conditioning systems’ and the risk for periodontal disease in smokers and non-smokers, using adult participants (18+ years), from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data. Zero to 33 per cent (0–33%) of sites with periodontal attachment loss ≥ 3 mm was considered a healthy periodontium, and > 33% of sites with periodontal attachment loss ≥ 3 mm was defined as periodontitis. Soft water users were divided into ‘yes’ or ‘no’ using the question, ‘Does your home have a “softening or conditioning system?”.’ Smoking subjects were divided into groups as follows: current smokers (had smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoked), former smokers (had smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, not currently smoking), or never smokers (had not smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime). Data was analyzed by univariate analyses using SPSS®. The 5% level of statistical significance was adopted throughout. Results: Subjects that answered the question ‘yes’ to soft water use had a significantly higher risk of periodontitis (p < 0.05), adjusting for confounders. When mineral intake from foods was added to the model, the significance of periodontitis risk remained the same for the non-smoking, soft water-using subjects, whereas for the smoking, soft water-using subjects the risk for periodontitis increased significantly (p < 0.05) in most cases. Conclusions: Thus, use of water ‘softening and conditioning systems’ significantly increased the risk for periodontitis, and smoking increased this risk.
Localization of Brachyury (T) in embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during mouse gastrulation.

Abstract T-box gene family members have important roles during murine embryogenesis, gastrulation, and organogenesis. Although relatively little is known about how T-box genes are regulated, published gene expression studies have revealed dynamic and specific patterns in both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues of the mouse conceptus. Mutant alleles of the T-box gene Brachyury (T) have identified roles in formation of mesoderm and its derivatives, such as somites and the allantois. However, given the cell autonomous nature of T gene activity and conflicting results of gene expression studies, it has been difficult to attribute a primary function to T in normal allantoic development. We report localization of T protein by sectional immunohistochemistry in both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during mouse gastrulation, emphasizing T localization within the allantois. T was detected in all previously reported sites within the conceptus, including the primitive streak and its derivatives, nascent embryonic mesoderm, the node and notochord, as well as notochord-associated endoderm and posterior neurectoderm. In addition, we have clarified T within the allantois, where it was first detected in the proximal midline of the late allantoic bud (∼7.5 days postcoitum, dpc) and persisted within an expanded midline domain until 6-somite pairs (s; ∼8.5 dpc). Lastly, we have discovered several novel T sites, including the developing heart, visceral endoderm, extraembryonic ectoderm, and its derivative, chorionic ectoderm. Together, these data provide a unified picture of T in the mammalian conceptus, and demonstrate T’s presence in unrelated cell types and tissues in highly dynamic spatiotemporal patterns in both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues.
Multiple Runs Distributions: Recurrences and Critical Values

Abstract Most traditional applications of runs tests have entailed bivariate runs distributions. Extensions to more general runs tests for randomness have been hindered by the lack of exact critical values for distributions with more than two kinds of elements. Combinatorial recurrences that can be used to compute exact significance levels for small sample sizes are presented for runs distributions for ν ≥ 2 kinds of elements. Critical values for small sample sizes are tabled for ν = 2(1)6. More extensive tables are available from the author.
Intellectualizing about the moon-ghetto metaphor: A study of the current malaise of rational analysis of social problems

The title refers to the widely held view that advanced western societies (particularly the United States) have been vastly more successful in meeting certain kinds of objectives, than others, and that rectifying this imbalance is a high priority social objective. The paper is concerned with three intellectual traditions that have purported to explain the reasons for the problem, and to provide guidance for helping with the lot of the ghetto. One of these traditions views the problems in terms of inadequate policy machinery, and the resolution in terms of better analysis feeding into the policymaking process. A second views the problem in terms of organizational structure, and searches for a solution in terms of institutional reform or redesign. Still a third tradition sees the problem as stemming from the past allocation of scientific and technical talent, and proposes a solution in terms of a significant reallocation of research and development activity. It is apparent that these traditions of analysis, neither separately nor together, have been very successful in resolving social problems. The purpose of the essay is, through examination of the intellectual traditions and their interaction with the policymaking process, to try to illuminate the nature of their weaknesses and, if possible, to see what lessons can be learned regarding how to make analysis more useful, and map out some potentially fruitful directions for intellectual exploration.
Summarization of social activity over time: people, actions and concepts in dynamic networks

We present a framework for automatically summarizing social group activity over time. The problem is important in understanding large scale online social networks, which have diverse social interactions and exhibit temporal dynamics. In this work we construct summarization by extracting activity themes. We propose a novel unified temporal multi-graph framework for extracting activity themes over time. We use non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) approach to derive two interrelated latent spaces for users and concepts. Activity themes are extracted from the derived latent spaces to construct group activity summary. Experiments on real-world Flickr datasets demonstrate that our technique outperforms baseline algorithms such as LSI, and is additionally able to extract temporally representative activities to construct meaningful group activity summary.
The carbon nanotube-silicon heterojunction as infrared detector

Carbon nanotubes are a unique material that can be either metallic or semiconducting, usually with a small bandgap inversely proportional to tube diameter and with interesting optical properties. However, their general randomness in length, diameter, and chirality, and the challenges in aggregating sufficiently large quantities of precisely uniform nanotubes, render its applications in optical detection so far unattainable beyond simple absorptive coating. The highly-ordered carbon nanotube array, as grown by the non-lithographic methods described here, surmounts many of these obstacles while presenting a geometry that is useful for focal plane array applications. A nanoporous alumina template assists the nanotube growth, which proceeds by carbon vapor deposition in a technique that is compatible with integration on silicon. We report on the experimental treatment of one possible platform for applying carbon nanotubes in infrared detection: a heterojunction photodiode with silicon. The nanotube-silicon heterojunction has rectifying characteristics that are consistent with silicon doping type, nanotube work function, and silicon-nanotube bandgaps. We investigate this hybrid nanostructure with spectral photocurrent measurements in the near and mid-infrared regime in both cooled and uncooled modes of detection. Transient photocurrent analysis suggests that both pyroelectric and direct optoelectronic effects are sources of photoresponse. First-principle theoretical treatments of nanotube-silicon heterojunction detection imply that performance parameters such as D* could be greatly optimized in future generations of samples. We explore the suitability of this detector prototype for spaceborne applications where many known properties of carbon, such as chemical and mechanical durability as well as strong covalent bonding and therefore radiation hardness, merit its consideration.
Signaling by Higher Inositol Polyphosphates SYNTHESIS OF BISDIPHOSPHOINOSITOL TETRAKISPHOSPHATE (“InsP8”) IS SELECTIVELY ACTIVATED BY HYPEROSMOTIC STRESS

Evidence has accumulated that inositol pyrophosphates (diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-InsP5) and bisdiphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate ([PP]2-InsP4)) are intracellular signals that regulate many cellular processes including endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Yet, in contrast to the situation with all other second messengers, no one studying multicellular organisms has previously described a stimulus that acutely and specifically elevates cellular levels of PP-InsP5 or [PP]2-InsP4. We now show up to 25-fold elevations in [PP]2-InsP4 levels in animal cells. Importantly, this does not involve classical agonists. Instead, we show that this [PP]2-InsP4 response is a novel consequence of the activation of ERK1/2 and p38MAPalpha/beta kinases by hyperosmotic stress. JNK did not participate in regulating [PP]2-InsP4 levels. Identification of [PP]2-InsP4 as a sensor of hyperosmotic stress opens up a new area of research for studies into the cellular activities of higher inositol phosphates.
Catestatin: a multifunctional peptide from chromogranin A.

Abstract In 1997, we identified a novel peptide, catestatin (CST: bovine chromogranin A [CHGA]344–364: RSMRLSFRARGYGFRGPGLQL; human CHGA352–372: SSMKLSFRARGYGFRGPGPQL), which is a potent inhibitor of nicotinic-cholinergic-stimulated catecholamine secretion. CST shows characteristic inhibitory effects on nicotinic cationic (Na+, Ca2+) signal transduction, which are specific to the neuronal nicotinic receptor. Utilizing systematic polymorphism discovery at the human CHGA locus we discovered three human variants of CST: G364S, P370L, and R374Q that showed differential potencies towards the inhibition of catecholamine secretion. In humans, CHGA is elevated and its processing to CST is diminished in hypertension. Diminished CST is observed not only in hypertensive individuals but also in the early-normotensive offspring of patients with hypertension, suggesting that an early deficiency of CST might play a pathogenic role in the subsequent development of the disease. Consistent with human findings, prevention of endogenous CST expression by targeted ablation (knockout) of the mouse Chga locus (Chga-KO) resulted in severe hypertension that can be “rescued” specifically by replacement of the CST peptide. CST acts directly on the heart to inhibit the inotropic and lusitropic properties of the rodent heart and also acts as a potent vasodilator in rats and humans. While the G364S CST variant caused profound changes in human autonomic activity and seemed to reduce the risk of developing hypertension, CST replacement rescued Chga-KO mice from dampened baroreflex sensitivity. In addition, CST has been shown to induce chemotaxis and acts as an antimicrobial as well as an antimalarial peptide. The present review summarizes these multiple actions of CST.
Pharmacological antagonism of tyrosine kinases and MAP kinase in brainstem blocks taste aversion learning in mice

Although c-Fos induction in the brainstem is a reliable correlate of taste aversion learning and appears necessary for the encoding of the unconditioned stimulus, little is known about the intracellular signaling pathways in the brainstem that regulate c-Fos expression during taste aversion learning. Infusion of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and the MAP kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 into the fourth ventricle of mice potently blocks acquisition of a learned taste aversion. The unconditioned stimulus LiCl produces a rapid and robust phosphorylation of MAP kinase, as revealed by immunohistochemistry with an antibody specific to the dually phosphorylated active form of MAP kinase. This immunoreactivity is localized to the same region of the intermediate nucleus tractus solitarius in which we have shown large increases in c-Fos immunoreactive cells, suggesting that in at least a subset of these cells, MAP kinase activation may lead to c-fos induction.
Association of tsetse control with health and productivity of cattle in the Didessa Valley, western Ethiopia

Abstract A total of 854 cattle, equivalent to 1099 animal-years, were monitored over a period of 2 calendar years (June 1990–June 1992) in four villages in the Didessa Valley (western Ethiopia) to assess possible associations between the tsetse control program and the health and productivity of local zebu cattle kept under traditional management. The four villages had different levels of trypanosomosis prevalence. The initial and final cattle population compositions showed that male adult cattle accounted for the highest proportion in all villages as they were kept primarily for draught power. Standardized mortality rates differed among villages. The risks of cattle dying in the tsetse unprotected villages ranged from 4 to 9 times higher than in the tsetse protected village (Meti ). Recorded calving rates were 81% for the single protected village and 64% for the highest of the unprotected villages. The: estimated offtake rates were in opposite directions: a positive 16% in Meti (tsetse protected village ) versus a negative 18% in the nearest tsetse unprotected village to Meti. Thus, there are strong suggestions that the tsetse control has affected the health and productivity of cattle in the valley.
Developmental Clustering of Ion Channels at and near the Node of Ranvier

Abstract Voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels are localized to distinct subcellular domains in mammalian myelinated nerve fibers. Specifically, Na+ channels are clustered in high densities at nodes of Ranvier, while K+ channels are found in juxtaparanodal zones just beyond regions of axoglial contact where sequential layers of the myelin sheath terminate. Specific targeting, clustering, and maintenance of these channels in their respective domains are essential to achieve high conduction velocities of action potential propagation. The cellular, molecular, and developmental mechanisms that exist to achieve this neuronal specialization are discussed and reviewed. Current evidence points to a prominent role in channel clustering played by myelinating glial cells, and sites of axoglial contact in particular.
Hyperammonemia following intravenous valproate loading.

Summary Background: Valproic acid (VPA) has been associated with hyperammonemia with and without encephalopathy. We report the frequent but transient nature of hyperammonemia following intravenous (IV) administration of loading doses of VPA. Methods: Forty participants received a VPA loading dose (20 or 30 mg/kg) at 6 or 10 mg/kg/min. All participants were monitored for signs of systemic and local intolerance. Serum VPA level, ammonia, complete blood count, bilirubin, transaminases, pancreatic enzymes, and level of consciousness were obtained at baseline, 1 and 24 h after administration. Changes in ammonia levels were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Asymptomatic hyperammonemia occurred in 30 of 40 participants at 1 h post-VPA infusion. Majority of the participants (66%) demonstrated decreasing ammonia concentrations at 24 h post-infusion. Multivariable repeated-measures analysis indicates the lack of influence of VPA dose (p = 0.8), VPA levels (p > 0.24, all time points), infusion rate (p = 0.41) and gender (0.68) on ammonia levels across time. Age (p = 0.015), time since dosing (p = 0.017) and co-therapy with enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (p = 0.035) were significant predictors of changes in ammonia levels. Conclusions: Hyperammonemia is a frequent but transient finding following intravenous administration of loading doses of VPA. Hyperammonemia was not associated with alteration in consciousness or hepatic transaminases. Published by Elsevier B.V.
The mosh pit experience: Emergency medical care for concert injuries

Abstract Effective planning is essential for medical personnel preparing to provide emergency care at mass gatherings. At large concerts where audience members participate in “moshing,” crowd surfing, and stage diving, there may be a potential for a dramatic increase in injuries requiring medical attention. Injuries seen at emergency medical stations at 3 concerts, all with large mosh pits, over 4 event days were recorded and evaluated. Each event day had over 60,000 attendees. A total of 1,542 medical incidents (82.9 per 10,000) were reported over the 4 event days. There were 37% (466 patients, 25.1 per 10,000) of incidents related to moshing activity. Hospital transport was required for 2.5% (39 patients, 2.1 per 10,000) of medical visits with 74% (29 patients, 1.5 per 10,000) of those transported being for mosh pit-related injuries. When planning emergency medical care for such concerts with mosh pits, the potential for an increase in the number of medical incidents and injuries requiring medical attention and hospital transport should be taken into account for efficient medical coverage.
Interleukin-1β Induces Interleukin-lα Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in Primary Cultures of Leydig Cells*

Previously, we have reported that interleukin-1 (IL-1) can modulate Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Recently, IL-1-like material has been shown to be present in the testis; however, the cellular source of this material remains unclear. In the present study we found that human recombinant IL-1β (1–100 ml/ng) caused dose-dependent increases in IL-1α mRNA expression in Leydig cells. Similar to that reported in other tissues, IL-1α mRNA from Leydig cells is mainly 2.2 kilobases. IL-1α mRNA expression in Leydig cells was detectable as early as 2 h after the addition of IL-1β (10 ng/ml) and persisted for up to 24 h. Lipopolysaccharide also stimulated IL-1α mRNA expression in these cells, but phorbol ester had no effect. Our results indicate that Leydig cells are a potential source of IL-1, which has both autocrine and paracrine effects. (Endocrinology 129: 2862–2866, 1991)
Discussing prognosis in an oncology setting: initial evaluation of a communication skills training module.

Objective: Although cancer patients from Western countries have high needs for prognostic information, the frequency of such discussions in oncology consultations is variable. Prognosis is a difficult discussion area for both physicians and patients. Physician focused Communication Skills Training (CST) has been suggested as a means to aid these discussions. We developed and tested a CST module about discussing prognosis. Training consisted of didactic teaching, exemplary video and role-play sessions. The study aim was to develop the module and evaluate the effectiveness of the training. Method: One hundred and forty-two clinicians from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the New York City area voluntarily participated in the training module over a two-year period. The module was based on current literature and followed the Comskil model previously utilized for other doctor–patient CSTs. Participants completed pre and post surveys to evaluate their own confidence as well as the helpfulness of the module. Results: Based on a retrospective pre–post measure, participants reported an increase in their confidence about discussing prognosis (t141=−9.331, p<0.001). At least 92% of participants reported their satisfaction with components of the module by either agreeing or strongly agreeing with 5/6 different statements included in their evaluation forms. Conclusions: This short training program demonstrated success in improving physician confidence to discuss prognosis and self-efficacy. This result, coupled with the participant's intent to utilize new skills in clinical encounters, suggests that this is a useful module. Future research will target changes in patient outcomes as a result of the physician training. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Core structure of screw dislocations in body-centred cubic metals: relation to symmetry and interatomic bonding

In this paper we discuss both the crystallographic aspects that govern the general features of the cores of ⟨111⟩ screw dislocations in bcc metals and the role of interatomic bonding that is specific to given materials. This analysis is carried out by comparing the results of two atomistic calculations of dislocations in molybdenum, one performed using many-body central force potentials and the other bond-order potentials that include the angular dependence of interatomic interactions. In both cases the core spreads into three {110} planes of the [111] zone but in one case it is unique and invariant with respect to the ⟨101⟩ type diad, a symmetry operation of the bcc lattice, and in the second case two distinct configurations exist that are related by the diad operation. Which of the structures is found depends on interatomic interactions and it is shown that the γ surface for {110} planes can be used to predict the type of the core spreading. We then demonstrate that both core structures may lead to very...
Democracy's Myopia: The Search for Correction Aids

That democracy, and in particular the currently dominant form of democracy, liberal democracy, has difficulty dealing with long-term challenges, has been widely recognised. This is problematic for a wide range of policy areas, but perhaps most markedly so in the environmental area. Governments have adopted a range of cognitive, policy and institutional means to ‘bring in the future’, but the effectiveness and implications for democracy of these are questionable. This article discusses the limitations of some of these tools, and puts forward some ideas by which the myopia of liberal-democratic systems might be diminished.
Mutual coherence function determination from a double point source propagating through a transversely and longitudinally inhomogeneous aero-optic turbulence layer.

The mutual coherence function (MCF) that results when a double point source illuminates a transversely and longitudinally inhomogeneous turbulence layer is considered. The analysis was carried out by (1) decomposition of the free-space MCF from the double point source into four separate interference terms, (2) calculation of the MCF that resulted from each of these terms when the optical wave that arose from these terms propagated through the inhomogeneous turbulence layer, and (3) addition of the solutions together to form the overall MCF solution of the optical system. The analysis was carried out in a transverse center–difference coordinate system. Two of the four terms were shown to vary rapidly in the center coordinate variables, and the other two were shown to vary rapidly in the difference coordinate variables. Because two of the terms showed rapid interference effects in the center coordinate variable and the other two in the difference coordinate variable, two different spatial–spectral algorithms were developed in the paper to analyze the MCF's that arose from each of the two types of rapid interference variation. The spatial–spectral MCF equations that arose from the analysis were solved numerically by the Lax–Wendroff finite-difference method. Several numerical plots of the center and difference interference MCF's that resulted when a double point source was incident upon a transversely inhomogeneous aero-optic layer were given. Plots of the variation of the interference MCF's with angular separation of the double point source are shown.
A note on the finite differencing of the linearized primitive equations' lower boundary condition

This note examines the accuracy of finite difference solutions of the midlatitude primitive equations and the quasi-geostrophic equation. First order accurate forward differencing of the equations' lower boundary condition is shown to poorly simulate the radiating wave response to midlatitude heating. Forward differencing always exaggerates the magnitude of the radiating response. For a realistic heating height scale and for a reasonable mesh size this exaggeration is on the order of 50 percent. Central differencing of the lower boundary condition gives an error of only about 3 percent.
Structural and biophysical studies of PCSK9 and its mutants linked to familial hypercholesterolemia

Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) lowers the abundance of surface low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor through an undefined mechanism. The structure of human PCSK9 shows the subtilisin-like catalytic site blocked by the prodomain in a noncovalent complex and inaccessible to exogenous ligands, and that the C-terminal domain has a novel fold. Biosensor studies show that PCSK9 binds the extracellular domain of LDL receptor with K(d) = 170 nM at the neutral pH of plasma, but with a K(d) as low as 1 nM at the acidic pH of endosomes. The D374Y gain-of-function mutant, associated with hypercholesterolemia and early-onset cardiovascular disease, binds the receptor 25 times more tightly than wild-type PCSK9 at neutral pH and remains exclusively in a high-affinity complex at the acidic pH. PCSK9 may diminish LDL receptors by a mechanism that requires direct binding but not necessarily receptor proteolysis.
Glutamine supplementation fails to affect muscle protein kinetics in critically ill patients.

Background: In vitro work suggests that glutamine availability may be an important factor in controlling the rate of muscle protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to determine if enteral administration of glutamine affects muscle protein metabolism in critically ill patients. Methods: Six postsurgical patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation for pneumonia (age, 51 ± 12 years, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] 22 ± 6, mean ± SEM) and 6 normal healthy volunteers (age, 33 ± 4 years) underwent evaluation of whole body and muscle protein metabolism using an 8-hour infusion of d 5 -phenylalanine, 5 15 N glutamine, and d 3 -alanine with serial blood sampling from the femoral artery and vein and biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle. Metabolic measurements were obtained while subjects received Peptamen enterally (Basal Period) and with glutamine supplementation (24 g/3 h; Glutamine Period). Results: Glutamine concentration in muscle was significantly less in the critically ill patients. Glutamine supplementation increased the arterial plasma concentration of glutamine, yet with no demonstratable effect on muscle glutamine concentration or on the rate of muscle protein synthesis in either volunteers or patients. Furthermore, muscle glutamine kinetics (incorporation into muscle, release from muscle, and rate of de novo glutamine synthesis in muscle) were not affected by glutamine supplementation in the critically ill patients. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in these kinetic parameters with glutamine supplementation within the muscle of healthy subjects. Metabolism of alanine was unaffected by administration of glutamine in either group. Conclusions: Enteral glutamine supplementation to critically ill patients fails to alter muscle glutamine metabolism or muscle protein synthesis. This suggests a possible restriction in transport of glutamine into muscle of critically ill patients.
Nut consumption and risk of hypertension in US male physicians

Summary Background & aims Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and dietary factors may play an important role in its prevention. We sought to examine the association between nut consumption and incident hypertension. Methods Prospective cohort of 15,966 participants from the Physicians' Health Study I who were free of hypertension at baseline. Nut consumption was assessed using a simple abbreviated food questionnaire and hypertension was self-reported. We used Cox regression to estimate relative risks of hypertension according to nut consumption. Results During 237,585 person-years of follow up, 8423 new cases of hypertension occurred. Compared to subjects who did not consume nuts, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for hypertension were 0.97 (0.91–1.03), 0.98 (0.92–1.05), 0.96 (0.89–1.03), and 0.82 (0.71–0.94) for nut consumption of 1–2 times per month and 1, 2–6, and ≥7 times/week, respectively. In a secondary analysis stratified by body mass index, there was an inverse relation between nut intake and hypertension in lean subjects ( p for trend 0.0019) but not in overweight or obese subjects ( p for interaction 0.0037). Conclusion Our data suggest that nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of hypertension in US male physicians and that such relation may be influenced by adiposity.
Small-sample properties of maximum probability estimators

Abstract The theory of maximum probability estimation is predominantly asymptotic. In this paper it is shown that in many cases maximum probability estimators based on small samples are admissible for all practical purposes, in the sense that their expected gain function is arbitrarily close to the expected gain function of an admissible estimator.
Linear Estimation and the Analysis of Gamma Ray Pulse-Height Spectra

Gamma ray spectroscopy has become, during the past several years, a widely used technique for the assaying of a mixture of gamma-emitting radionuclides with minimum sample alteration. As a result, considerable savings in time and labor have been achieved due to the reduction of the number of samples requiring extensive radiochemical analysis. The purpose of this paper is to present an optimal method of estimating the amount of each radionuclide present in a mixture when certain conditions are satisfied.
"De novo" peptide sequencing by MALDI-quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry: a preliminary study.

Collision-induced dissociation of singly charged peptide ions produced by resonant excitation in a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) ion trap mass spectrometer yields relatively low complexity MS/MS spectra that exhibit highly preferential fragmentation, typically occurring adjacent to aspartyl, glutamyl, and prolyl residues. Although these spectra have proven to be of considerable utility for database-driven protein identification, they have generally been considered to contain insufficient information to be useful for extensive de novo sequencing. Here, we report a procedure for de novo sequencing of peptides that uses MS/MS data generated by an in-house assembled MALDI-quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometer (Krutchinsky, Kalkum, and Chait Anal. Chem.2001,73, 5066–5077). Peptide sequences of up 14 amino acid residues in length have been deduced from digests of proteins separated by SDS-PAGE. Key to the success of the current procedure is an ability to obtain MS/MS spectra with high signal-to-noise ratios and to efficiently detect relatively low abundance fragment ions that result from the less favorable fragmentation pathways. The high signal-to-noise ratio yields sufficiently accurate mass differences to allow unambiguous amino acid sequence assignments (with a few exceptions), and the efficient detection of low abundance fragment ions allows continuous reads through moderately long stretches of sequence. Finally, we show how the aforementioned preferential cleavage property of singly charged ions can be used to facilitate the de novo sequencing process.
A Molecular Phylogeny of the Octopoda (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) Evaluated in Light of Morphological Evidence

In this paper we examine the phylogenetic relationships of the Octopoda utilizing molecular sequence data from the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and compare results from analyses of molecular data with classifications and phylogenies based on previous morphological studies. Partial COI sequences (657 bp, excluding primers) were obtained from 28 species representing most of the diversity in the Order Octopoda, along with a sequence from the established sister taxon to the Octopoda, Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Our results exhibit a number of basic differences from inferences based on standard morphological data. We attempt to resolve these differences based on our confidence in various morphological features. An important finding is the failure of the molecular data to support the monophyly of the Octopodidae. This family contains over 90% of the species in the Suborder Incirrata and has always been difficult to define. Statistical tests constraining Octopodidae monophyly by use of parsimony and maximum-likelihood techniques suggest that all incirrates may be derived from octopodids.
The prepubertal ontogeny of galanin-like immunoreactivity in the male Meishan pig brain

Galanin (GAL) is a neuropeptide found in the mammalian brain and is involved in numerous functions including the control of feeding, growth and reproduction, and therefore may be an important peptide to study in agricultural species. We describe the immunohistochemical localization of GAL throughout prepubertal development in the Meishan pig, a Chinese breed known for its superior reproductive characteristics, but slow growth rate and abundant adipose tissue. Brains of animals from gestational day (g) 30, 50, 70, 90 and 110 and postnatal day (pn) 1, 10, 20 and 50 (duration of pregnancy averaged 114 days) were processed using a standard immunohistochemical technique utilizing a commercially available rabbit anti-porcine GAL antibody. Galanin-like immunoreactivity (GAL-IR) in cell bodies and fibers was evident in the brain at g30, primarily in the hypothalamus. Throughout prenatal development, cell bodies containing GAL-IR generally increased in number and distribution in the brain. During postnatal development, the number of cell bodies displaying GAL-IR decreased, particularly in hypothalamic areas. The distribution of GAL-IR in fibers became more widespread throughout gestational development, showing a pattern by pn1 that continued during later postnatal ages. The intensity of GAL-IR in fibers also increased throughout gestation. Some additional increases in immunoreactivity occurred postnatally, especially in the periventricular hypothalamus. The results of this study indicate that the distribution of GAL-IR in cell bodies and fibers in the Meishan pig brain was similar to that seen in other species, including the rat. These results support the hypothesis that GAL participates in the control of feeding, growth and reproduction in the pig.
Putting women and newborns to the HIV test: A case study of a public policy topos

This essay analyzes public health policy and biomedical arguments about mandatory prenatal and newborn HIV testing, focusing on the role of a special topos—the “scales topos”—in conceptually and rhetorically shaping the arguments of the debate. The essay argues that two overlapping versions of this dominant frame—one from public policy discourse and the other from legal/bioethical discourse—work together to support a web of reductive arguments that distorts issues surrounding testing and prematurely pushes the terms of the debate past careful deliberation to implementation. As a case study, this essay demonstrates how special topoi can function as restricting frames that oversimplify issues, block crucial lines of argument, and therefore help produce a range of harmful effects.
Impacts of the fall 2007 California wildfires on surface ozone: Integrating local observations with global model simulations

[1] This study quantifies the impact of the fires in California in fall 2007 on regional air quality and especially on surface ozone by analyzing surface observations of ozone concentrations together with global chemistry transport model simulations. The latter include a synthetic tracer providing information about the amount of ozone produced from the fires. It is shown that the global model is well suited for simulating the overall fire impact and a valuable tool for extracting information about the fire influence from the observations. A clear increase in observed ozone is found when the model predicts a strong impact of pollution from the fires, where measured afternoon 8-hour concentrations increased, on average, by about 10 ppb. The findings demonstrate that intense wildfire periods can significantly increase the frequency of ozone concentrations exceeding current U.S. health standards, and might cause violations also during photochemically less active seasons. The study also demonstrates the far-reaching impact of ozone production from the fires.
Enhancement of acyl coenzyme A:retinol acyltransferase in rat liver and mammary tumor tissue by retinyl acetate and its competitive inhibition by N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide.

Abstract Retinol esterification by microsomal acyl coenzyme A:retinol acyltransferase was quantified in rat mammary tumor and liver tissue. Acyltransferase activity in the livers of mammary tumor-bearing rats was 40% of that in normal animals. In response to daily oral doses of 2 mg retinyl acetate for 18–19 days, activity increased 2.8-fold in transplanted rat mammary tumors, 4.1-fold in the livers of tumor-bearing rats, and 1.5-fold in the livers of normal rats. The in vitro esterification of retinol was competitively inhibited by all- trans-N -(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (K j = 154 μ M ).
An instrument system for monitoring and sampling suspended sediment in the benthic boundary layer

Abstract An instrument system has been constructed that can monitor and sample suspended sediment distributions in the benthic boundary layer. It consists of miniature nephelometers and suspended sediment samplers placed within one meter of the seabed. The system is capable of continuously monitoring suspended sediment profiles at eight levels between 14 and 100 cm above the seabed and collecting suspended sediment samples at four levels (20, 50, 70 and 100 cm) at three times during a deployment period. The suspended sediment system is designed to fit onto the instrumented tripod GEOPROBE which contains four electromagnetic current meters, pressure sensor, bottom stereo camera, two temperature sensors, transmissometer, and a Savonius rotor current meter. Sensor operation, data recording, and sediment sampling events are synchronized. Thus detailed measurements of the near-bottom flow conditions are made concurrently with suspended sediment measurements. The combined system has been used in sediment transporting environments within San Francisco Bay, California, and Puget Sound, Washington.
The effect of certain processing variables on the form ii to form i phase transformation in polybutene‐1

Density and wide angle x-ray scattering techniques were used to study the form II to form I phase transformation in polybutene-1. The influence of deformation by cold rolling, orientation produced by melt processing (film blowing), and certain additives blended with the homopolymer on the phase transformation behavior were examined. A new technique based on a combination of wide angle X-ray diffraction and density measurements was devised to determine the relative fractions of form I, form II, and amorphous phases present. Small reductions in thickness by cold rolling cause a rapid partial transformation to form I followed by further transformation at enhanced rates. The enhancement of crystal transformation by cold rolling is primarily the result of the stresses or strains applied rather than the orientation produced. The introduction of molecular orientation by melt processing also enhances the rate of the form II to form I phase transformation, but it is rather less effective than small amounts of cold rolling which themselves produce comparatively little change in molecular orientation. The mechanical blending of polypropylene with polybutene-1 was found to accelerate the form II to form I phase transformation, while another additive (1-naphtylacetamide) known to be a good nucleating agent for crystallization of polybutene-1 did not increase the rate of phase transformation when added at concentration levels needed to nucleate crystallization from the melt.
Metrology qualification of EUV resists

The ASML extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) alpha demo tool is a 0.25NA fully functional lithography tool with a field size of 26×33 mm2, enabling process development for sub-40-nm technology. Two exposure tools are installed in two research centers. The main topic of this paper is the examination of the measured pattern roughness LER contributed by measurement (SEM), exposure (EUV exposure tool) and the resists itself. The authors also examined suspected metrology SEM challenges on different EUV resist types exposed by one of the EUV demo tools. Standard CD SEM tests, such as precision and shrinkage were performed in order to get best working conditions. As part of the research, special attention was given to expected electron - material interactions, such as resist's slimming, low contrast and contamination build up on both lines. LER was analyzed in order to determine separately the contribution effect of the exposure tool and the different resists. Additional comparison was performed on different CDs with different orientations and densities.
Colloid Mobilization from a Variably Saturated, Intact Soil Core

Colloids may transport contaminants through unsaturated soils to the groundwater, and colloid mobilization is associated with transient hydrological events and sustained, steady flow. We examined mechanisms of colloid mobilization from an intact, unsaturated soil core during relatively steady flow. We collected the core from a site where soils contain 26% clay and infiltration occurs only at capillary-pressure heads above −20 cm. We measured the colloid-mass flux during consecutive, 1.5-mo periods ( P 1, P 2, and P 3) distinguished by capillary-pressure heads (ΨB) of −18.5, −11.5, and −18.5 cm, respectively. Mean mass flux values were 0.0886, 0.197, and 0.171 mg h−1 for P 1, P 2, and P 3, respectively. Intervention analysis showed a significant increase in the mass flux of 0.079 mg h−1 as ΨB became less negative. Results indicate that the number of soil pores through which water flows has a greater influence on colloid mobilization than do shear forces associated with elevated pore water velocities. Thus, colloid mobilization most likely is affected by a diffusion-limited, colloid-supply mechanism dependent on the number of pores contributing to flow.
A NEW APICAL MICROTUBULE-ASSOCIATED ORGANELLE IN THE STERNAL GLAND OF ZOOTERMOPSIS NEVADENSIS (HAGEN), ISOPTERA.

The apical portion of the columnar cells of the sternal gland of the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen) has been examined with the electron microscope. The cell surface abutting the cuticle is thrown into ridges upon which stand microvilli. Sections show a network of smooth membrane-bound cisternae penetrating the interior of the microvilli. At the bottom of the crevasses between the ridges, an inpocketing of the cell membrane is often found. This is surrounded by a 40-mµ electron-opaque zone that is the insertion of a 22-mµ microtubular component of the cell cytoplasm. The pouch-like structures and their associated microtubules are considered to represent a new cell organelle.
Terminal Schwann cell structure is altered in diaphragm of mdx mice

The diaphragm muscle of the mdx mouse is a model system of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, since it completely lacks dystrophin and shows severe fiber necrosis and loss of specific muscle force by 4-6 weeks of age. Changes in neuromuscular junction structure also become apparent around 4 weeks including postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor declustering, loss of postsynaptic junctional folds, abnormally complex presynaptic nerve terminals, and muscle fiber denervation. Normally, terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) cap both nerve terminals and acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, and play a crucial role in regeneration of motor axons following muscle denervation by guiding axons to grow from innervated junctions to nearby denervated junctions. However, their role in restoring innervation in dystrophic muscle is unknown. We now show that TSCs fail to cap fully the neuromuscular junction in dystrophic muscle; TSCs extend processes, but the organization of these extensions is abnormal. TSC processes of dystrophic muscle do not form bridges from denervated fibers to nearby innervated endplates, but appear to be directed away from these endplates. Adequate signaling for TSC reactivity is present, since significant muscle fiber denervation and acetylcholine receptor declustering are present. Thus, significant structural denervation is present in the diaphragm of mdx mice and the ability of TSCs to form bridges between adjacent endplates to guide reinnervation of muscle fibers is impaired, possibly attenuating the ability of dystrophic muscle to recover from denervation and ultimately leading to muscle weakness.