cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simple apparatus for polarization sensing of analytes

We describe a simple device for fluorescence sensing based on an unexpansive light source, a dual photocell and a Watson bridge. The emission is detected from two fluorescent samples, one of which changes intensity in response to the analyte. The emission from these two samples is observed through two orthogonally oriented polarizers and an analyzer polarizer. The latter polarizer is rotated to yield equal intensities from both sides of the dual photocell, as determined by a zero voltage from the Watson bridge. Using this device, we are able to measure fluorescein concentration to an accuracy near 2% at 1 ?M fluorescein, and pH values accurate to ±0.02 pH units. We also use this approach with a UV hand lamp and a glucose-sensitive protein to measure glucose concentrations near 2 ?M to an accuracy of ±0.1 ?M. This approach requires only simple electronics, which can be battery powered. Additionally, the method is generic, and can be applied with any fluorescent sample that displays a change in intensity. one can imagine this approach being used to develop portable point-of-care clinical devices.
Fatigue crack propagation and cyclic deformation at a crack tip

The fatigue crack propagation relation da/dN = f(R) Delta K squared can be derived with three assumptions: small-scale yielding, material homogeneity, and that crack tip stresses and strains are not strongly affected by plate thickness. The function f(R) is a constant at a given stress ratio, R. The effects of plate thickness and stress ratio on crack tip deformation and fatigue crack growth in 2024-T351 aluminum alloy were studied. High Delta K level in a thin specimen causes crack tip necking. Necking is more pronounced at high stress ratio. Necking causes high maximum strain near a crack tip and fast crack growth rate.
Levels of membrane marker enzyme activity in normal and RNA and DNA virus-transformed fibroblasts

Abstract Activities of 5′-nucleotidase, a plasma membrane marker enzyme; esterase, a rough endoplasmic reticulum marker enzyme; and UDPase, a smooth endoplasmic reticulum marker enzyme, were measured in 3T3, RSV-3T3, MSV-3T3 and PY-3T3 cells. 5′-Nucleotidase and esterase activities were significantly elevated in the oncogenic virus-transformed cell lines compared to the 3T3 cells on a per mg protein basis. Activity of UDPase was slightly elevated in the oncogenic virus-transformed cells.
Measurements of cell wall mechanical properties using optically trapped fluorescent microspheres

Information on plasma membrane (PM) and cell wall mechanical properties is important for many biophysical applications, especially for those, which involve cells, undergoing significant mechanical stress (red blood cells, outer hair cells, fibrocytes, etc.). Optical tweezers is frequently used to study PM mechanics, particularly by pulling long PM tethers. One of the limitations on using optical tweezers to study cell wall mechanics is associated with transillumination technique of the trapped object position sensing, which prevents accurate mechanical testing in the proximity to the cell. In this work we use an optical tweezers in conjunction with a position-sensing system, which spectrally separates signals from the trapped fluorescent microsphere and imaging background. We have used this setup to study mechanics of the cell wall and PM separated from the underlying cytoskeleton on human embryonic kidney cells. We measured the force exerted by the cell on the trapped microsphere as a function of the cell wall displacement during the process of tether formation, and as a function of time during the process of tether growth and relaxation. Tethering force - cell wall displacement profiles have shown a behavior, implying that tether formation process starts with elastic deformation of the intact cell wall, followed by the plastic deformations and sliding of the PM over the underlying cytoskeleton, and ends with the local separation of a PM. Tethering force - cell wall displacement profiles have been used to estimate tether formation force, stiffness parameter of the cell wall and the works of tether formation, elastic and plastic deformations of the cell wall, related to the mechanical properties of a composite cell wall and cell wall - plasma membrane association strength. Temporal steady-state and relaxation tethering force profiles have been similar to the ones measured using transillumination position sensing, however average force values have been smaller in our case, due to the methodological differences. Our results demonstrate that measurements of cell wall and PM mechanical properties using optically-trapped fluorescent microspheres presents a versatile technology for studying of the cellular mechanics, especially effective in the proximity of the trapped microsphere to the cell.
Peritonitis associated with exit site and tunnel infections

Abstract We reviewed all episodes of peritonitis associated with exit site and/or tunnel infection (n = 87; rate, 0.1/yr; 13% of all peritonitis episodes) occurring from 1979 to 1995. The exit site or tunnel infection was diagnosed at the time or shortly after the patient presented with peritonitis in 66% of the episodes. In the other one third the exit site or tunnel infection was diagnosed a median of 40 days prior to the development of peritonitis. Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 52% of episodes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the next most common organism. In 63 (72%) of the episodes the catheter was removed to resolve the infection at a median of 8 days (range, 0 to 226 days) from the onset of peritonitis. Catheter removal after 5 days was predominately for refractory peritonitis (n = 23; median time to removal, 8 days) or relapsing peritonitis (n = 11; median time to catheter removal, 103 days). Patients with relapsing peritonitis suffered two to four episodes prior to removal of the catheter. Patients with peritonitis associated with tunnel infection were more likely to lose their catheter than patients with peritonitis associated with exit site infection (86% v 58%), while Staphylococcus epidermidis infections were less likely to result in catheter loss compared with all other organisms (15% v 82%). After a protocol to reduce S aureus catheter infections was implemented in 1990, the rate of catheter-related peritonitis decreased from 0.14/yr to 0.05/yr due to a decrease in S aureus episodes. We conclude that peritonitis episodes associated with a tunnel infection infrequently resolve without catheter removal. Delayed catheter removal in such circumstances often results in refractory or relapsing peritonitis. Therefore, catheter removal should be done promptly. Antibiotic prophylaxis for S aureus can reduce catheter-related peritonitis.
Microbiology of Textile Fibres VII. Growth of Mildew Organisms in Raw Cotton at 25° C. and Relative Humidities of 70 to 95 percent

1. As measured by means of bacterial counts on nutrient agar plates, there was no increase in the number of molds in a single series of samples incubated at relaat relative humidities of 70 to 95% ...
Electronic technology and rehabilitiation: A computerized simulation game for youthful offenders

Summary Advantages to the use of the personal computer for simulation gaming are presented in this article. One therapeutic simulation game in particular, BUSTED, is discussed in detail. BUSTED was designed to reduce antisocial behavior in youthful offenders. Making choices and receiving the consequences of these decisions form the primary educational method for achieving this goal. This article details how BUSTED is played. Conclusions about the impact of BUSTED have not been reached. However, an extensive evaluation program has been planned to provide information regarding its effectiveness. A preliminary evaluation done in two high school classrooms yielded positive results.
Linear AlGaAs/GaAs waveguide modulator at lambda = 1.32μm utilizing lateral mode interference

Optical modulators based on electrooptically-induced lateral mode interference in multimode AlGaAs/GaAs waveguides at lambda = 1.32 micron are investigated for high-frequency linear applications. The key design issue is achieving higher slope efficiency while maintaining significant linearity improvements over sinusoidal interference-based modulator designs. We report experimental results which demonstrate indirectly a reduction in intermodulation distortion of 48 dB compared to an ideal Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Endocrine function in dogs after ablation of the area postrema.

Possible neuroendocrine functions of the area postrema have been investigated by studying adrenal cortical, adrenal medullary, thyroid and gonadal function and carbohydrate metabolism in 13 dogs in which this region was surgically ablated. Normal unoperated animals and five dogs in which the area had sustained only minor damage served as controls. Adrenal cortical function, as measured by the output of 17-hydroxycorticoids in the adrenal vein and by adrenal weight and histological findings, was normal. Also normal were thyroid function (uptake of radioactive iodine, thyroid weight and histological findings) and testicular morphology. Secretion of catechol amines from the adrenal medulla after surgical trauma was not affected by the lesions. The fall in blood pressure following hemorrhage was slightly greater in the animals with lesions, but epinephrine and nor-epinephrine secretion in response to this stimulus were not abnormal.
Studies of the photoexcited states of the fullerenes, C60 and C70

The spectra of C60 and C70 were examined using low-temperature photoluminescence and quasi-elastic light scattering spectroscopy. A detailed vibronic analysis of the lowest triplet and singlet excited states of C70 is obtained. The lowest triplet state is identified as a 3E1′ state and the vibronic structure consists primarily of Herzberg-Teller active e2′ modes. The intensity of the electronic origin is comparable to the vibronically induced intensity and is extraordinarily solvent sensitive. The spectrum of monosubstituted C60 is shown to be qualitatively similar to that of C60 in polar or strongly complexing solvents. The principal effect of solvent interaction or substitution is to induce dipole intensity in the orbitally forbidden electronic origins of the luminescent states of C60 and C70. The Rayleigh scattering of fullerene solutions illustrates that solute aggregation occurs easily and that aggregate nucleation is strongly affected by surfaces in contact with the solution.
The nonequivalence of tariffs, import quotas, and voluntary export restraints

Abstract This paper compares the equilibrium levels of prices, imports, production and consumption under a tariff, an import quota, and a voluntary export restraint when each trade restriction is set so as to lead to the same quantity of imports. Competitive, domestic production monopoly, import monopoly, and export monopoly cases are examined. Voluntary export restraints are shown to have different effects than import quotas or tariffs, especially when some potential exporters remain outside the agreements.
The diminishing marginal value of happy people

Thomas Hurka has recently proposed a utilitarian theory which would effect a compromise between Average and Total utilitarianism, the better to deal with issues in population ethics. This Compromise theory would incorporate the principle that the value which an extra happy person contributes to a possible world is a decreasing function of the total population of that world: that happy people are of diminishing marginal value. In spite of its initial plausibility I argue against this principle. I show that the Compromise theory is actually no improvement over the two original versions of utilitarianism; in particular, it is subject to almost all the objections which are fatal to Average utilitarianism, and more besides. And I attempt to dispell the appearance that intuition supports the Compromise theory as against Total utilitarianism, by arguing that the latter's “Repugnant Conclusion,” when properly understood, is not intuitively unacceptable. Total utilitarianism remains a plausible ethical theory, while both the Average and the Compromise theories should be definitely rejected.
Cellular requirements for tumor-specific immunity elicited by heat shock proteins: Tumor rejection antigen gp96 primes CD8+ T cells in vivo

Abstract Purified preparations of 96-kDa heat shock proteins (gp96) have been previously shown to elicit tumor-specific immunity to the tumor from which gp96 is obtained but not to antigenically distinct chemically induced tumors. The cellular requirements of gp96-elicited immunity have been examined. It is observed that depletion of CD8+, but not CD4+, T cells in the priming phase abrogates the immunity elicited by gp96. The CD8+ T cells elicited by immunization with gp96 are active at least up to 5 weeks after immunization. Depletion of macrophages by treatment of mice with carrageenan during the priming phase also results in loss of gp96-elicited immunity. In the effector phase, all three compartments, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and macrophages, are required. Immunity elicited by whole irradiated tumor cells shows a different profile of cellular requirements. In contrast to immunization with gp96, depletion of CD4+, but not CD8+, T cells during priming with whole tumor cells abrogates tumor immunity. Further, ablation of macrophage function during priming or effector phases has no effect on tumor immunity elicited by whole cells. Our results suggest the existence of a macrophage-dependent and a macrophage-independent pathway of tumor immunity. Our observations also show that in spite of exogenous administration, vaccination with gp96 preparations elicits a CD8+ T-cell response in vivo, and it is therefore a useful method of vaccination against cancer and infectious diseases.
Needle aspiration of extrathoracic metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma.

Five patients with suspected metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma underwent needle aspiration of peripheral metastatic lesions instead of a diagnostic bronchoscopy. Aspirates were from the soft tissue of the proximal arm (three patients), an axillary mass (one patient), and a skin nodule (one patient). Two patients had non-small cell carcinoma, two had small cell carcinoma, and one patient had a nondiagnostic aspirate. The procedure had insignificant morbidity, was easy to perform, quickly established a diagnosis of metastatic disease, and obviated the need for a more invasive diagnostic procedure in four of the five patients. (Chest 1991; 100:726-28)
Fidelity of DNA synthesis catalyzed by human DNA polymerase α and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase: Effect of reaction pH

The accuracy of DNA synthesis catalyzed by the Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase and the 3'-->5' exonuclease-deficient Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I varies as a function of reaction pH (Eckert, K.A. and Kunkel, T.A. (1990) Nucleic Acids Res. 18, 3739-3744; Eckert, K.A. and Kunkel, T.A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 13462-13471). In the current study, we demonstrate that the fidelity of human DNA polymerase alpha increases 10-fold when the pH of the in vitro synthesis reaction is lowered from pH 8.6 to pH 6.1 (37 degrees C), as determined using a base substitution reversion assay to score polymerase errors within the lacZ alpha gene of bacteriophage M13mp2. Similarly, the base substitution fidelity of DNA-dependent DNA synthesis by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) was improved nine-fold at pH 6.5 relative to pH 8.0 (37 degrees C). A detailed comparison of HIV-1 RT error specificity at neutral and low pH in a lacZ alpha forward mutation assay revealed that low pH suppresses both mispairing-mediated and misalignment-mediated mutations; however, the characteristic HIV-1 RT pattern of mutational hotspots at homopolymeric sequences is retained at the lower pH. Consistent with the presumption that these mutations result, in part, from increased termination of DNA synthesis within the hotspot sequences relative to other homopolymeric sequences, the HIV-1 RT termination pattern during processive DNA synthesis is not altered by low pH. The HIV-1 RT results are in agreement with our previous hypothesis that the observed increase in polymerase fidelity at low pH results from a decreased efficiency of continuing DNA synthesis from premutational DNA intermediates.
Recent advances in laser spallation technique for measurement of interfacial strength in thin films and multilayers (Abstract Only)

Recent developments in the laser spallation technique to measure the tensile strength of thin film interfaces will be presented. In this technique, a laser-generated stress wave in the substrate pries off the coating deposited on its free surface. The interface strength is quantified by recording the free surface velocity of the coating using an interferometer. Examples from metal/ceramic, ceramic/oxide and polymer/semiconductor interface systems will be presented to demonstrate the ability of the technique to pick up strength changes resulting of interfacial adhesion. The sensitivity of the technique to pick up strength changes resulting from different processes and surface variables will be demonstrated. Potential application of the technique to measure the strength and reliability of interfaces in geometrically heterogeneous multilayer ICs and electronic substrate structures will also be discussed.
Stress management training and relaxation imagery in the treatment of essential hypertension

The present study compared the effectiveness of three procedures in the treatment of 34 individuals with essential hypertension: (1) stress management training plus relaxation imagery, which consisted of an adaptation of existing stress management techniques in conjunction with extensive relaxation training using relaxation imagery; (2) relaxation imagery alone; and (3) weekly blood pressure checks. The relaxation imagery technique involved visualization of a relaxing image along with concentration on suggestions of relaxation, heaviness, and warmth. Treatment was individualized and lasted 8 weeks. Results indicated stress management plus relaxation imagery and relaxation imagery alone were significantly more effective than blood pressure checks in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressures during treatment and in maintaining diastolic blood pressure reductions during follow-up. However, no significant differences were found between the two treatment procedures. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Photochemical loss of dinitrogen from cyclopentadienylcobalt 1,4-diaryltetraazadienes

Abstract Irradiation of the thermally stable metallotetraazadiene complexes [(η5-C5H5)Co(RN4R)] (R = C6H5, C6F5) with visible or low-energy UV light, produces an unusual transformation to the diimine complexes [(η5-C5H5)Co(HNC6X4NC6X5)] X = H (IVa), F (IVb). Disappearance quantum yields for both reactions are wavelength-dependent (IIIa → IVa: Φ366 = 2.4 × 10−4; Φ313 = 26 × 10−4; IIIb → IVb: Φ366 = 9.8 × 10−4; Φ313 = 45 × 10−4). Crossover experiments are consistent with an intramolecular rearrangement.
Effects of peeling on the surface structure of the Avena coleoptile: Implications for hormone research.

Coleoptiles of oats (Avena sativa L.) are often peeled in order to observe hormone-enhanced acidification of the external medium. It is shown by means of the scanning electron microscope that peeling largely removes a single layer of cells, the epidermis with its cuticle. Strips of intact and damaged epidermal cells remain, but most of the newly exposed surface is composed of cortical cells. The cortical face is relatively intact, except that some cells appear punctured and some are broken when a vascular bundle is pulled out with the epidermis. The surface of the cortex is covered by a thin “film” which is partially digested by 2% pectinase. The pectinase pretreatment also inhibits indoleacetic-acid- and fusicoccin-enhanced acidification. Thus, although peeling could be involved in proton extrusion, physical damage to the coleoptile cells per se does not seem to be the major stimulus leading to hormone-enhanced acidification.
Exploring the Service Location Strategies Behind Super Bowl Venue Selection

ABSTRACT The Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), is held once a year in a specific location. This location/host city is chosen by the NFL according to specific standards and criteria that are used to ensure a suitable site for the event. A handful of locations have been chosen repeatedly to host the event due to their environment and the venues' ability to meet the ideals set forth by the NFL. The location strategy utilized by the NFL to choose the Super Bowl site takes into account the structure of the stadium as well as the ability of the surrounding city to accommodate the audience. Location strategy is crucial since the event attracts the largest annual television audiences in the U.S., making it the ideal candidate for location analysis using the strategic leverage of reputation via the Resource-based View of the firm.
High-order multipole excitation of a bound electron.

The nonlinear resonant response of a bound electron to a time-varying spatially inhomogeneous electric field was studied experimentally. By use of the artificial atom ``geonium'' (an electron bound in a Penning trap), we observed up to ninth-order multipole (pentacosiododecapole) coherent excitation of the electron's magnetron motion, and up to third-order (octupole) excitation of the cyclotron motion. Also, by applying two fields simultaneously, we have observed coherent stimulated Raman excitation of the electron's motion.
Foucault, modernity, and the cultural study of science

A generation after the publication of Foucault's early works, the history of science remains among the most conservative of the human sciences. As a discipline, it often pays lip service to new theoretical approaches to "history" and "science," yet still looks back lasciviously to internalist models of an objective science, rising and maturing during "the Enlightenment." Any attempt to assess the significance of Foucault's work both for and within the history of science thus encounters a crucial difficulty from the start. As in other fields, Foucault is treated either as an icon, more invoked than studied seriously, or as a Rorschach test: for historians, to ignore his work is to fortify trenches abandoned by colleagues in other disciplines; to cite him is still to be accused of status seeking in the up-tempo fields of literary and cultural theory.
Analysis of Stress Distributions Under Lightweight Wheeled Vehicles

Abstract In recent years, the need for reliable modeling tools for lightweight robotic systems deployed on various terrains has spurred research efforts into development of vehicle terrain interaction (VTI) models. This paper presents an analysis of rigid wheels – dry sand interaction and compares experimental results with predictions from established terramechanics theory. A novel experimental setup, based on sensing elements placed on the wheel surface, allows inference of normal and tangential stress at the wheel-terrain interface. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis is used to study the soil kinematics under the wheel. The analysis of stress profiles shows that stress patterns under lightweight vehicle wheels conform reasonably well to established terramechanics theory developed for heavy vehicles. For the wheel under investigation, the stress distribution had minor variation along wheel width for low slip conditions. The wheel model proposed by Wong and Reece was analyzed in light of the stress and soil kinematics measurements available. It was found that, by appropriately characterizing the model coefficients c 1 and c 2 , and understanding the physical meaning of the shear modulus k x , it is possible to obtain torque, drawbar force, and sinkage predictions within 11% (full scale error) of experimental data.
Li2B12H12·7NH3: a new ammine complex for ammonia storage or indirect hydrogen storage

A new ammine complex, Li2B12H12·7NH3, that can reversibly release all the NH3 at below 200 °C and reabsorb NH3 at room temperature and 0.5 bar was synthesized and investigated for reversible ammonia storage or indirect hydrogen storage.
The role of retinoblastoma-associated proteins 46 and 48 in estrogen receptor α mediated gene expression

The differential recruitment of coregulatory proteins to the DNA-bound estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a critical role in mediating estrogen-responsive gene expression. We previously isolated and identified retinoblastoma-associated proteins 46 (RbAp46) and 48 (RbAp48), which are associated with chromatin remodeling, histone deacetylation, and transcription repression, as proteins associated with the DNA-bound ERα. We now demonstrate that RbAp46 and RbAp48 interact with ERα in vitro and in vivo, associate with ERα at endogenous, estrogen-responsive genes, and alter expression of endogenous, ERα-activated and -repressed genes in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Our findings reveal that RbAp48 limits expression of estrogen-responsive genes and that RbAp46 modulates estrogen responsiveness in a gene-specific manner. The ability of RbAp46 and RbAp48 to interact with ERα and influence its activity reveals yet another role for these multifunctional proteins in regulating gene expression.
Further Studies on the Nature of Postsynaptic Dopamine Uptake and Metabolism in Rat Striatum: Sodium Dependency and Investigation of a Possible Role for Carrier‐Mediated Uptake into Serotonin Neurons

The nature of postsynaptic sites involved in the uptake and metabolism of striatal 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine, DA) was investigated. The accumulation of [3H]DA (10(-7) M) into slices of rat striatum was found to be greatly dependent (greater than 99%) on the presence of sodium ion in the incubation medium. However, the formation of the [3H]dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and [3H]homovanillic acid (HVA) was only partially reduced in the absence of sodium (DOPAC, 27% of control; HVA, 47% of control). Inhibition of carrier-mediated DA neuronal uptake with nomifensine (10(-5) M) significantly decreased DA accumulation (18% of control) and [3H]DOPAC formation (62% of control), but enhanced [3H]HVA production (143% of control). Inhibition of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) neuronal uptake system with fluoxetine (10(-6) M) or selective 5-HT neuronal lesions with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) had no effect on [3H]DOPAC or [3H]HVA formed from [3H]DA in the presence or absence of nomifensine. These results demonstrate that the uptake and subsequent metabolism of striatal DA to DOPAC and HVA is only partially dependent on carrier-mediated uptake mechanism(s) requiring sodium ion. These data support our previous findings suggesting a significant role for synaptic glial cell deamination and O-methylation of striatal DA. Further, experiments with fluoxetine or 5,7-DHT suggest that 5-HT neurons do not significantly contribute in the synaptic uptake and metabolism of striatal DA.
Precise Hyperon Masses

Nine independent measurements have been performed on hyperons produced in ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ capture, and a set of precise hyperon mass measurements has been obtained. The following mass values are reported (in MeV): ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}}=1189.64\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.11$, ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}}=1192.41\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14$, ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\ensuremath{-}}}=1197.43\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.11$, ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}}=1115.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07$; ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}}=76.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.28$, ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\ensuremath{-}}}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}}=7.89\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12$, ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\ensuremath{-}}}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}}=4.99\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12$.
Decoupling nucleosome recognition from DNA binding dramatically alters the properties of the Chd1 chromatin remodeler

Chromatin remodelers can either organize or disrupt nucleosomal arrays, yet the mechanisms specifying these opposing actions are not clear. Here, we show that the outcome of nucleosome sliding by Chd1 changes dramatically depending on how the chromatin remodeler is targeted to nucleosomes. Using a Chd1–streptavidin fusion remodeler, we found that targeting via biotinylated DNA resulted in directional sliding towards the recruitment site, whereas targeting via biotinylated histones produced a distribution of nucleosome positions. Remarkably, the fusion remodeler shifted nucleosomes with biotinylated histones up to 50 bp off the ends of DNA and was capable of reducing negative supercoiling of plasmids containing biotinylated chromatin, similar to remodelling characteristics observed for SWI/SNF-type remodelers. These data suggest that forming a stable attachment to nucleosomes via histones, and thus lacking sensitivity to extranucleosomal DNA, seems to be sufficient for allowing a chromatin remodeler to possess SWI/SNF-like disruptive properties.
Hindbrain GLP-1 receptor-mediated suppression of food intake requires a PI3K-dependent decrease in phosphorylation of membrane-bound Akt.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors (GLP-1R) expressed in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) are physiologically required for the control of feeding. Recently, NTS GLP-1R-mediated suppression of feeding was shown to occur via a rapid PKA-induced suppression of AMPK and activation of MAPK signaling. Unknown are the additional intracellular signaling pathways that account for the long-term hypophagic effects of GLP-1R activation. Because cAMP/PKA activity can promote PI3K/PIP3-dependent translocation of Akt to the plasma membrane, we hypothesize that hindbrain GLP-1R-mediated control of feeding involves a PI3K-Akt-dependent pathway. Importantly, the novel evidence presented here challenges the dogmatic view that PI3K phosphorylation results in an obligatory activation of Akt and instead supports a growing body of literature showing that activation of cAMP/PKA can inhibit Akt phosphorylation at the plasma membrane. Behavioral data show that inhibition of hindbrain PI3K activity by a fourth icv administration of LY-294002 (3.07 μg) attenuated the food intake- and body weight-suppressive effects of a fourth icv administration of the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (0.3 μg) in rats. Hindbrain administration of triciribine (10 μg), an inhibitor of PIP3-dependent translocation of Akt to the cell membrane, also attenuated the intake-suppressive effects of a fourth icv injection of exendin-4. Immunoblot analyses of ex vivo NTS tissue lysates and in vitro GLP-1R-expressing neurons (GT1–7) support the behavioral findings and show that GLP-1R activation decreases phosphorylation of Akt in a time-dependent fashion. Current data reveal the requirement of PI3K activation, PIP3-dependent translocation of Akt to the plasma membrane, and suppression in phosphorylation of membrane-bound Akt to mediate the food intake-suppressive effects of hindbrain GLP-1R activation.
B lymphocyte function in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Summary. B-enriched lymphocyte populations from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) were compared to B-enriched lymphocyte populations from normal age-matched controls for their ability to stimulate a proliferative response and to generate cytotoxic cells in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC). The proliferative responses of MLCs were less than normal when the stimulating cells originated from B cells of patients with CLL. The degree of stimulation provided by the B cells from the patients with CLL inversely correlated with the peripheral white cell count. Lymphocytes from patients providing a poor stimulatory signal in the MLC tended to have less‘Ia-like’antigen than lymphocytes giving a moderate level of stimulation. B lymphocytes from patients with CLL which stimulated poorly in the MLC also failed to generate specific cytotoxic cells even when provided with a normal proliferative trigger. These data suggest that B lymphocytes from cases of CLL with markedly elevated leucocyte counts may have a diminished concentration of both‘Ia-like’and serum defined antigens.
The Functional Relation between Alignment Accuracy and Vertical Separation of Alignment Marks

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional relation between alignment error (horizontal offset of two alignment marks) and the vertical separation distance of the alignment marks when the alignment is attempted. This relation was studied with four types of alignment marks and two extreme levels of ambient illumination. The vertical separations ranged from 0.050 to 3.2 in. A significant interaction was found between vertical separation distance and alignment mark design: designs which provided vernier cues were found to be the most effective at greater vertical separation distances. The relation between alignment error and vertical separation can be described by a third-order polynomial.
Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the most common source for active tuberculosis (TB), and its treatment remains an important cornerstone of global TB eradication. Although pregnancy may represent a unique time during which LTBI may be treated successfully, pregnancy and the postpartum period have been recognized as periods during which the risk of hepatitis from isoniazid (INH), the drug of choice for LTBI, may be increased. Thus, recommendations have suggested postponing treatment of LTBI until the postpartum period. Recent programs indicate that in properly designed surveillance programs, the risk of INH-induced hepatitis is low. Similar to other ongoing clinical encounters in which targeted LTBI screening and treatment may be accomplished, such as methadone and needle exchange clinics, antenatal clinics represent an opportunity to establish trust between clinician and patient for ongoing surveillance for complications and compliance. Furthermore, the addition of a newborn into the household where LTBI has been found poses new implications for eradication of TB. Prospective data collection on outcomes for such programs will be invaluable in assessing the efficacy of these efforts.
Heterologous Expression of Bacterial Epoxyalkane:Coenzyme M Transferase and Inducible Coenzyme M Biosynthesis in Xanthobacter Strain Py2 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous B276

Coenzyme M (CoM) (2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid) biosynthesis is shown to be coordinately regulated with the expression of the enzymes of alkene and epoxide metabolism in the propylene-oxidizing bacteria Xanthobacter strain Py2 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain B276. These results provide the first evidence for the involvement of CoM in propylene metabolism by R. rhodochrous and demonstrate for the first time the inducible nature of eubacterial CoM biosynthesis.
Network coding gain of cooperative diversity

Cooperative diversity allows a collection of radio terminals that relay signals for each other to emulate an antenna array and exploit spatial diversity in wireless fading channels. Analysis of performance in terms of information-theoretic outage probability leads to two key parameters for these systems, namely, network diversity order and network coding gain, corresponding to the slope and intercept, respectively, in a plot of log-outage versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in decibels (dB). This paper examines the network coding gains of various cooperative diversity protocols, studying the impact of transmission rate and network geometry on this important parameter. In particular, we observe that amplify-and-forward generally outperforms repetition decode-and-forward except when all the relays are much closer to the source than to the destination. Coding gains for amplify-and-forward relative to repetition decode-and-forward are determined and shown to match simulation results.
Modeling color properties of tiled displays

The concept of tiled displays can be successful only if such displays are made to look like a single display perceptually. The two issues that need to be solved to achieve this goal are geometric correction and color seamlessness of images spanning across tiles. Geometric correction algorithms borrow pin-hole camera models to model projector display geometry. In this paper, we introduce an abstract modeling function that describes the color seen by a viewer when displayed by a display device. Though this function can be used to model color displayed by any common display device, in this paper, we use it to model color in multi-projector display systems. We use the model to explain the reasons for dierent
Estimation of dynamic system parameters by neural networks

Identification of dynamic systems, operating under correlated noise, is conventionally performed by the generalized least squares algorithm. The Hopfield neural network has been used in connection with the generalized least squares technique to identify the system parameters. A theoretical comparison is made between the conventional generalized least squares and the neural-network-based generalized least squares techniques. This comparison is also supported by the simulated examples. It is shown that the Hopfield-based neural network can perform two fundamental steps of the generalized least squares algorithm in parallel fashion. These steps are the application of least squares routines. >
Novel technique to reduce the size of a Fontan Diabolo stent fenestration

Objectives: To develop an effective catheter technique to reduce the size of a Diabolo stent fenestration in the failing Fontan circulation. Background: Diabolo stent fenestration is employed by many centers in the treatment of the failing Fontan patient. With subsequent recovery, exercise tolerance may be impaired by significant desaturation secondary to the right to left shunt across the fenestration. Complete fenestration closure carries the risk of recurrence of the initial symptoms and, hence, reduction of the size of fenestration should be the preferred technique. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with failing Fontan circulations (16 early and 12 late) underwent Diabolo stent fenestration for relief of symptoms. Five of these patients remained very limited by severe desaturation even at rest, after complete recovery from symptoms. Further cardiac catheterization with crimping/reduction of the size of the waist of the stent was carried out using a technique whereby a snare catheter was placed over the waist of the stent aided by an arterio-venous guidewire loop and a balloon catheter placed within the stent. Results: All 5 patients had successful stent reduction with improvement in saturations, whilst still maintaining a small residual fenestration. No complications were encountered. Conclusion: This novel technique of reduction of a diabolo stent fenestration, in a failing Fontan circulation, offers the advantages of avoidance of implanting further devices in the circulation and the ability to redilate the stent should symptoms recur. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Is Phospholamban or Troponin I the “Prima Donna” in β-Adrenergic Induced Lusitropy?

See related articles, pages 377–386 In normal myocardium, acute β-adrenergic stimulation augments both systolic and diastolic performance via protein kinase A (PKA)–mediated phosphorylation of key proteins governing Ca2+ handling and the contractile machinery. Twenty-five years ago Kranias and Solaro identified troponin I (TnI) and phospholamban (PLN) as the 2 major cardiac proteins which were nearly simultaneously phosphorylated by β-adrenergic stimulation of the beating heart in synchrony with the agonist effect of augmenting contractility (inotropy) and rate of relaxation (lusitropy).1 Numerous subsequent studies have mechanistically examined the role of these proteins in inotropy and lusitropy. It is well established that enhanced Ca2+ availability during systole is the major, though perhaps not the only, driver of enhanced inotropy with β- adrenergic stimulation.2–4 The effect on Ca2+ dynamics is primarily mediated by phosphorylation of PLN, though increased ionic current through the L-type calcium channel contributes to Ca2+ loading. When PLN is phosphorylated by PKA, the “brake” imposed by PLN on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase is relieved, resulting in an increase in the activity of the latter that leads to a faster sequestration of Ca2+ into the SR, enhancing cardiac relaxation and re-loading the SR with Ca2+ to increase Ca2+ release in subsequent beats. Yet, PLN phosphorylation by PKA is not the sole mechanism implicated in enhancing relaxation. In particular, phosphorylation of TnI by PKA has long been proposed to have a role in diastole because it desensitizes the myofilament to Ca2+, increases the off rate of Ca …
Tying clinical research to patient care by use of an observational database

The proposition that some inherent logical incompetence attaches to an inference based on observational, as distinguished from experimental, evidence seems to have little to commend it beyond the great positiveness with which it is sometimes asserted.
Oral administration of Bacillus subtilis strain BSB3 can prevent heat stress-related adverse effects in rats.

AbstractAims: To determine the efﬁcacy of Bacillus subtilis strain in prevention of heatstress-related complications in rats.Methods and Results: Male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 250–300 g weretreated by oral gavage with B. subtilis BSB3 strain or PBS twice a day for2 days. Half of the rats of each group were exposed to heat stress (45°C,relative humidity 55% for 25 min), while the remaining rats were placed atidentical conditions but at 25°C. Bacterial translocation, histological changes inthe intestine, cytokines proﬁle, serum lipopolysaccharide level (LPS), as well asvesiculation of erythrocytes were analysed and compared between groups.Adverse effects of heat stress (morphological changes in intestine, bacterialtranslocation, elevated levels of LPS and IL-10, increased vesiculation oferythrocytes) were observed only in rats not protected with B. subtilis strainand exposed to heat. All registered parameters in rats pretreated with bacilliand exposed to heat were similar to control groups.Conclusions: Bacillus subtilis BS3B strain was effective in the prevention ofcomplications related to heat stress in rats.Signiﬁcance and Impact of the Study: This work will contribute towardsbetter understanding of probiotics’ mechanisms of action and will bring newapproaches to characterize and use of beneﬁcial bacteria.IntroductionTemperature is one of the most challenging stressors,affecting human and animal health. Although humanshave the capability to withstand large variations in envi-ronmental temperatures, relatively small increases ininternal temperature can lead to injury and even death(Crandall and Gonzalez-Alonso 2010). Extreme heatstress can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, which pro-tects the internal environment of the body from bacteriaand bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) (Moseleyand Gisolﬁ 1993). Dysfunction of this protective barrierresults in increased intestinal permeability and diffusionof toxic bacterial components from the gut lumen to theblood (Lambert 2009). Gut microbiota plays key role inkeeping mucosal barrier function. There are strong evi-dences that stress compromises the intestinal microbiotaand as a result decreases the immune resistance of theorganism (Gruenwald et al. 2002). On the other hand,stability of gut microbiota determines the ability of theorganism to tolerate stress (Berg et al. 1999). Thus, bymodulating the intestinal microbiota, one might offer anovel and noninvasive therapeutic approach for promot-ing host well-being by prevention and treatment of theadverse effects of stress in the gut.Beneﬁcial probiotic bacteria have been shown toenhance gastrointestinal barrier function and dampeninﬂammation in several immune-mediated diseases suchas inﬂammatory bowel diseases or atopic disorders,thereby conferring a health beneﬁt on the host (Dai et al.2012; Gore et al. 2012; Khan et al. 2012; Quigley 2012).Mechanisms of probiotic action include restoration ofmicrobial homoeostasis in the intestine, interference withpathogenic bacteria to colonize the mucosa, beneﬁcial
Pulsed electric field effects on the germination rate of yellow nutsedge seeds

Pulsed electric field to treat seeds is an alternate method to the chemical treatment to control the weeds in the field. In this study yellow nutsedge seeds were subjected to series of repetitive pulsed electric field and the germination rate of the seeds after the treatment with respect to the non-treated seeds were studied. The seeds used in the experiment were air dried before they were exposed to repetitive pulsed electric fields. The pulse generator is built in-house, with an average pulse width of few microseconds and peak voltage of up-to25KV. In this study only the amplitude of the pulse and the repetition rate was used as the parameters on the germination rate of the seeds. The data obtained from the seeds, which are exposed to series of Pulsed Electric Fields resulted in the decrease in the percent seedling emergence for Yellow Nutsedge seeds in comparison to the non-exposed seeds. A replicated study and better understanding of this experiment may lead to a method for better non chemical weed control. This study intends to present the effects of pulsed electric fields on the seeds of yellow nutsedge and establish the feasibility to use such an approach for weed control, to decrease their germination rate in the field.
Internal configuration of prismatic lithium-ion cells at the onset of mechanically induced short circuit

Abstract The response of Li-ion cells to mechanically induced internal electrical shorts is an important safety performance metric design. We assume that the battery internal configuration at the onset of electrical short influences the subsequent response and can be used to gauge the safety risk. We subjected a series of prismatic Li-ion cells to lateral pinching using 0.25″, 0.5″, 1″, 2″ and 3″ diameter steel balls until the onset of internal short. The external aluminum enclosure froze the internal cell configuration at the onset of short and enabled us to cross-section the cells, and take the cross-section images. The images indicate that an internal electric short is preceded by extensive strain partitioning in the cells, fracturing and tearing of the current collectors, and cracking and slipping of the electrode layers with multiple fault lines across multiple layers. These observations are at odds with a common notion of homogeneous deformation across the layers and strain hardening of electrodes that eventually punch through the separator and short the cell. The faults are akin to tectonic movements of multiple layers that are characteristic of granular materials and bonded aggregates. The short circuits occur after extensive internal faulting, which implies significant stretching and tearing of separators.
Implementation of Parallel Dynamic Simulation on Shared-Memory vs. Distributed-Memory Environments

Abstract Power system dynamic simulation computes the system response to a sequence of large disturbance, such as sudden changes in generation or load, or a network short circuit followed by protective branch switching operation. It consists of a large set of differential and algebraic equations, which is computational intensive and challenging to solve using single-processor based dynamic simulation solution. High-performance computing (HPC) based parallel computing is a very promising technology to speed up the computation and facilitate the simulation process. This paper presents two different parallel implementations of power grid dynamic simulation using Open Multi-processing (OpenMP) on shared-memory platform, and Message Passing Interface (MPI) on distributed-memory clusters. The difference of the parallel simulation algorithms and architectures of the two HPC technologies are illustrated, and their performances for running parallel dynamic simulation are compared and demonstrated.