cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Renal Glutamine Metabolism During Metabolic Acidosis

Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in the blood, is synthesized in multiple organs and is catabolized in a different set of tissues. As a result of its rapid turnover, plasma glutamine functions as an important nutrient, as a nontoxic carrier of ammonium ions, and as a precursor for the biosynthesis of most nitrogen containing compounds. In addition, many cancer cells exhibit an essential requirement for glutamine, which they largely convert to lactate by the pathway of glutaminolysis. The catabolism of glutamine is initiated by a mitochondrial glutaminase that is expressed from either the GLS1 or GLS2 gene. Bis-2 [5-phenylacetamido-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] ethyl sulfide (BPTES), a potent allosteric uncompetitive inhibitor of the GLS1 gene product, has become an important lead compound for development of a novel class of effective cancer chemotherapeutic agents. In contrast to other tissues that consume glutamine, the kidney utilizes large amounts of glutamine only during metabolic acidosis. This requires acute and sustained activation of a pathway that involves deamidation and oxidative deamination of glutamine, the partial oxidation of the resulting α-ketoglutarate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, and the subsequent conversion of oxaloacetate to glucose. The resulting ammonium ions are excreted in the urine where they facilitate the excretion of acid, while the HCO3 - ions produced by this pathway are added to the blood to partially compensate the acidosis. The kidneys contain multiple mechanisms to sense the decrease in pH or HCO3 - ions that are characteristic of a metabolic acidosis. Activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) leads to increased transcription of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. However, the sustained increases in expression of the carboxykinase, glutaminase, and glutamate dehydrogenase are mediated by stabilization of their respective messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The latter response is mediated by the co-recruitment of human antigen R (HuR) and AU-binding factor 1 (AUF1) to highly conserved AU-sequences in the 3'-UTR of their mRNAs that function as pH-response elements. The combined transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms are novel paradigms for understanding how gene expression is regulated in response to changes in acid–base balance.
Structural Development of the Oat Plant

The anatomical structure and morphology of the oat plant (Avena sativa L.) have been reviewed previously by Hector (1936), Bonnett (1961a,b) and Coffman (1977). In addition, Bonnett published detailed accounts of oat panicle development (1937, 1961a,b). This work has been summarized by Esau in her book, Anatomy of Seed Plants, in 1977. It is not the purpose of the present authors to simply go over all this same material again in a repetitive fashion, but rather, to emphasize some of the more recent and previously overlooked work on structural development of the oat plant, with emphasis on the major cultivated species, A. sativa (see Stanton, 1955; Coffman, 1977 for descriptions of this species). The material presented here should be of use to oat breeders, agronomists, and plant physiologists.
Systematic Evaluation of Soluble Protein Expression Using a Fluorescent Unnatural Amino Acid Reveals No Reliable Predictors of Tolerability

Improvements in genetic code expansion have made preparing proteins with diverse functional groups almost routine. Nonetheless, unnatural amino acids (Uaas) pose theoretical burdens on protein solubility, and determinants of position-specific tolerability to Uaas remain underexplored. To broadly examine associations, we systematically assessed the effect of substituting the fluorescent Uaa, acridonylalanine, at more than 50 chemically, evolutionarily, and structurally diverse residues in two bacterial proteins: LexA and RecA. Surprisingly, properties that ostensibly contribute to Uaa tolerability-such as conservation, hydrophobicity, or accessibility-demonstrated no consistent correlations with resulting protein solubility. Instead, solubility is closely dependent on the location of the substitution within the overall tertiary structure, suggesting that intrinsic properties of protein domains, and not individual positions, are stronger determinants of Uaa tolerability. Consequently, those who seek to install Uaas in new target proteins should consider broadening, rather than narrowing, the types of residues screened for Uaa incorporation.
Protocol for Agrobacterium -Mediated Transformation and Transgenic Plant Production of Switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is one of the most important bioenergy crops for lignocellulose ethanol production. Molecular breeding provides a powerful tool to supplement conventional switchgrass breeding by introducing or editing genes of interest. In this chapter, we describe Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocols for lowland tetraploid switchgrass cultivar Alamo.
The application of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) biosensors

Electric cell substrate impedance sensing ECIS is a label free and non invasive technique for analyzing the activities and morphologies of cells The ECIS sensors are able to measure the impedance spectroscopy of cells attaching on the sensor substrates The cell activities and morphologies influence the measure impedance directly Traditional toxicity analysis has complicated processes compared to biosensor based analysis In this study the toxicity analysis was performed with biosensor based on ECIS technique The experimental results show that the ECIS sensor is able to quickly distinguish the toxic and non toxic substance
Enhanced microbial coalbed methane generation: A review of research, commercial activity, and remaining challenges

Abstract Coalbed methane (CBM) makes up a significant portion of the world’s natural gas resources. The discovery that approximately 20% of natural gas is microbial in origin has led to interest in microbially enhanced CBM (MECoM), which involves stimulating microorganisms to produce additional CBM from existing production wells. This paper reviews current laboratory and field research on understanding processes and reservoir conditions which are essential for microbial CBM generation, the progress of efforts to stimulate microbial methane generation in coal beds, and key remaining knowledge gaps. Research has been primarily focused on identifying microbial communities present in areas of CBM generation and attempting to determine their function, in-situ reservoir conditions that are most favorable for microbial CBM generation, and geochemical indicators of metabolic pathways of methanogenesis (i.e., acetoclastic or hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis). Meanwhile, researchers at universities, government agencies, and companies have focused on four primary MECoM strategies: 1) microbial stimulation (i.e., addition of nutrients to stimulate native microbes); 2) microbial augmentation (i.e., addition of microbes not native to or abundant in the reservoir of interest); 3) physically increasing microbial access to coal and distribution of amendments; and 4) chemically increasing the bioavailability of coal organics. Most companies interested in MECoM have pursued microbial stimulation: Luca Technologies, Inc., successfully completed a pilot scale field test of their stimulation strategy, while two others, Ciris Energy and Next Fuel, Inc., have undertaken smaller scale field tests. Several key knowledge gaps remain that need to be addressed before MECoM strategies can be implemented commercially. Little is known about the bacterial community responsible for coal biodegradation and how these microorganisms may be stimulated to enhance microbial methanogenesis. In addition, research is needed to understand what fraction of coal is available for biodegradation, and methods need to be developed to determine the extent of in-situ coal biodegradation by MECoM processes for monitoring changes to coal quality. Questions also remain about how well field-scale pilot tests will scale to commercial production, how often amendments will need to be added to maintain new methane generation, and how well MECoM strategies transfer between coal basins with different formation water geochemistries and coal ranks. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be key in determining the feasibility and commercial viability of MECoM technology.
C–C coupling of CH activated polar vinyl monomers by a pentaruthenium cluster complex

Abstract Reactions of Ru5(CO)15(μ5-C), 1 with the polar vinyl monomers (PVM), methyl acrylate, vinyl acetate and N,N-dimethylacrylamide proceed by cluster opening additions accompanied by CH activation in the vinyl group of the PVM to yield olefin-activated complexes such as Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)14[η2-O CO(Me)CH CH](μ-H), 2, Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)14[η2-(MeCO2)C CH2](μ-H), 3 and Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)14[η2-O C(NMe2)CH CH](μ-H), 6. In this work we have investigated the nature of the addition and coupling/cross-coupling of a second PVM to the CH activated PVM in the complexes 2, 3, and 6. The products consist of C–C coupled diolefin complexes that have been transformed into η3-allyl ligands by shifts of the hydrogen atoms in the C–C coupled ligands. Nine new complexes of Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13[η3-1-anti, 3-anti-(MeO)C O–C3H3-η1-O C(OMe)CH2](μ-H), 8; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13[η3-1-anti, 3-syn-(MeO2C)CH2C3H3–CH2-η1-O C(OMe)](μ-H), 9; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)12[μ-η3-O C(OMe)CH CH][η2-CH CHCO2Me](μ-H), 10; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13[η3-1-syn, 3-anti-(MeO2C)C3H3-η1-O C(OMe)CH2](μ-H), 11; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13[η3-1-syn, 3-anti-Me2NC O–C3H3-η1-O=CNMe2CH2](μ-H), 12; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13[η3-1-anti, 3-syn-(Me2N)C(=O)–C3H3–CH2-η1-O C(NMe2)](μ-H), 13; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)12[μ-η3-O C(NMe2)CH CH][η2-CH CHCO2Me](μ-H), 14; Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)13[η3-1-anti, 3-syn-MeO2CCH2C3H3-η1-O C(NMe2)](μ-H), 15, and Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)12[μ-η2-(MeO2C)CH CH][η3-CH2 CHOC(=O)Me)](μ-H), 16 have been obtained and structurally characterized. Three of these complexes (10, 14 and 16) contain uncoupled olefin ligands.
Not just users: mapping the range of user roles in open development games projects

Open video game development systems provide a useful model for designing an engaging user experience (UX) research project. While UX research has typically framed people simultaneously as research subjects and users of a technology, some work has also problematized each of these categorizations. For instance, UX practitioners have questioned the framing of people as generic users, and participatory design has repositioned participants as co-owners of the results of research. This article offers a complimentary perspective by applying the concept of user roles to the activity of participation in open development. Open development, which is the prolonged process where incomplete games are publicly released and iterated on based on player feedback, is fundamentally a UX research process. In open development projects, user-participants adopt a variety of roles, including acting as consumers, players, bug reporters, player support services, community moderators, reviewers, developer advocates, playtesters, quality assurance testers, content creators, and ideators. This paper builds definitions for the user-participant roles and offers examples from the online forums for an open development game. Finally, it argues that we can design communications systems to support these roles.
Competition of individual domain folding with inter-domain interaction in WW domain engineered repeat proteins.

Engineered repeat proteins have proven to be a fertile ground for studying the competition between folding, misfolding and transient aggregation of tethered protein domains. We examine the interplay between folding and inter-domain interactions of engineered FiP35 WW domain repeat proteins with n = 1 through 5 repeats. We characterize protein expression, thermal and guanidium melts, as well as laser T-jump kinetics. All experimental data is fitted by a global fitting model with two states per domain (U, N), plus a third state M to account for non-native states due to domain interactions present in all but the monomer. A detailed structural model is provided by coarse-grained simulated annealing using the AWSEM Hamiltonian. Tethered FiP35 WW domains with n = 2 and 3 domains are just slightly less stable than the monomer. The n = 4 oligomer is yet less stable, its expression yield is much lower than the monomer's, and depends on the purification tag used. The n = 5 plasmid did not express at all, indicating the sudden onset of aggregation past n = 4. Thus, tethered FiP35 has a critical nucleus size for inter-domain aggregation of n ≈ 4. According to our simulations, misfolded structures become increasingly prevalent as one proceeds from monomer to pentamer, with extended inter-domain beta sheets appearing first, then multi-sheet ‘intramolecular amyloid’ structures, and finally novel motifs containing alpha helices. We discuss the implications of our results for oligomeric aggregate formation and structure, transient aggregation of proteins whilst folding, as well as for protein evolution that starts with repeat proteins.
Fast 3-D Inhomogeneous Radiative Transfer Model Using a Planar-Stratified Forward Algorithm and Horizontal Perturbation Series

A horizontally inhomogeneous unified microwave radiative transfer (HI-UMRT) model is presented to study the 3-D effects of the horizontal inhomogeneous clouds on the computed microwave radiances and facilitate satellite radiance assimilation over the horizontally inhomogeneous all-weather conditions. HI-UMRT provides a coupled two-Stokes parameter numerical radiance solution of the 3-D radiative transfer (RT) equation by embedding the existing 1-D UMRT algorithm into an iterative perturbation scheme. The horizontal derivatives in the radiances of the lower perturbation order are treated as the source functions of the azimuthal harmonic perturbation RT equations that are readily solved using the planar-stratified 1-D UMRT algorithm. The horizontal radiance derivative is estimated by central differencing. A perturbation source-function analysis shows that the increase in computing time for the 3-D HI-UMRT model relative to the 1-D UMRT model is moderate, since: 1) the computationally efficient UMRT engine is applied only to the perturbation equations with nontrivial solutions and 2) the layer parameters for the 1-D solution are reused for all higher perturbation orders. Numerical simulations using HI-UMRT based on 3-D cloud profiles simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting numerical weather model illustrate the convergence of the iterative perturbation series. An intercomparison of the top-of-atmosphere brightness temperature images for HI-UMRT versus the change planar-stratifiedslant path UMRT model illustrates the considerable impact of cloud horizontal inhomogeneities on the computed upwelling microwave radiances.
Ruptured Heterotopic Pregnancy Following Spontaneous Conception

Heterotopic pregnancy following natural conception cycles is a rare event, estimated at one in 30,000 pregnancies. This infrequent phenomenon leads to significant morbidity and potential mortality if not promptly diagnosed. We present the case of a 29-year-old with no identifiable risk factors who presented with hemoperitoneum and hypotension. The patient had a visualized intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and a marked amount of free fluid on transvaginal ultrasound. At the time of diagnostic laparoscopy, a ruptured left tubal pregnancy was identified. This case highlights that diagnosis of an IUP does not exclude a simultaneous heterotopic pregnancy even in patients for whom no identifiable risks factors can be found. Similarly, diagnosis of an IUP should not lead to delay in treatment of hemoperitoneum. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2020;9(3):70-72 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo673
Ecological correlates of gene family size in a pine-feeding sawfly genome and across Hymenoptera

A central goal in evolutionary biology is to determine the predictability of adaptive genetic changes. Despite many documented cases of convergent evolution at individual loci, little is known about the repeatability of gene family expansions and contractions. To address this void, we examined gene family evolution in the redheaded pine sawfly Neodiprion lecontei, a non-eusocial hymenopteran and exemplar of a pine-specialized lineage evolved from angiosperm-feeding ancestors. After assembling and annotating a draft genome, we manually annotated multiple gene families with chemosensory, detoxification, or immunity functions and characterized their genomic distributions and evolutionary history. Our results suggest that expansions of bitter gustatory receptor (GR), clan 3 cytochrome P450 (CYP3), and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) subfamilies may have contributed to pine adaptation. By contrast, there was no evidence of recent gene family contraction via pseudogenization. Next, we compared the number of genes in these same families across insect taxa that vary in diet, dietary specialization, and social behavior. In Hymenoptera, herbivory was associated with small GR and olfactory receptor (OR) families, eusociality was associated with large OR and small AMP families, and--unlike investigations in more closely related taxa--ecological specialization was not related to gene family size. Overall, our results suggest that gene families that mediate ecological interactions may expand and contract predictably in response to particular selection pressures, however, the ecological drivers and temporal pace of gene gain and loss likely varies considerably across gene families.
In-Situ Synthesis of Multilayer Graphene on Tin Film via Localized Heating of Amorphous Carbon Using an Electrothermal Cantilever Nanoprobe

In this paper, direct and localized synthesis of high-quality multilayer graphene (MLG) on a Tin (Sn) film at a low temperature (250 °C) using an electrothermal cantilever nanoprobe is reported. Using metal-induced solid-phase crystallization technique, the carbon atoms in the amorphous carbon layer dissolved in the molten Sn as the catalyst metal and segregate on the Sn film during the localized annealing by the nanoprobe and then graphitize during the cooling process. The I D /I G and I G /I 2D ratio of the synthesized MLG were obtained as 0.54 and 1.70, respectively, demonstrating the formation of high-quality MLG on Sn.
OPOSSUM: Desk-Top Schema Management through Customizable Visualization

Several recent trends have changed the usage and users of schemas beyond those of a database administrator’s tool for describing database contents. Distribution of computing power to the desk-top and increasing needs for data management have broadened the base of schema users to include people who are not database experts. The advent of graphical user interfaces has brought schemas into use as templates for a variety of database operations such as query specification and browsing. Such changes demand advanced schema management techniques, primarily schema visualization, in order to support productive interaction between increasingly novice users and increasingly complex schemas. In this paper, we present OPOSSUM, a flexible, customizable, and extensible schema management system. Working within the established paradigm of schema editing through direct manipulation, OPOSSUM employs several novel techniques to offer the following capabilities: enhancement of schema visualizations with user-specific information; exploration of schemas through choice of visual representations; and creation of new visual representation styles when existing ones prove unsatisfactory. We discuss the architecture of the system and the methodology that guided its development, and illustrate its most important features through examples of how it has been used. OPOSSUM is operational and is in use by three groups of experimental scientists on the University of Wisconsin campus as a tool for experiment and database design.
FREIGHT, GATEWAYS AND MEGA-URBAN REGIONS: THE LOGISTICAL INTEGRATION OF THE BOSTWASH CORRIDOR1: FREIGHT, GATEWAYS AND MEGA-URBAN REGIONS

The geography of freight transportation evolves at various scales, but it is increasingly acknowledged that freight flows occurring at the local level are a result of global and regional economic processes. Internationally, distribution networks have expanded, namely through the division of production, manufacturing and consumption. This has been accompanied by a growth of the quantity of freight being shipped as well as by a complication of supply and distribution chains. Most of the geography of freight at this scale is derived from strategic considerations where issues such as production and subcontracting planning and the choice of hubs and routes are considered for implementing global supply chains. Locally, many activities concerned with freight distribution have been modified with new transport terminals and distribution centres in response to growing consumption as well as from the imperatives of fragmented supply chains. From their traditional location around central areas with prevalent port and rail linkages, transport terminals and distribution centres have shifted to peripheral locations where road and airport linkages are more prevalent. The geography of freight at this scale is mainly derived from operational considerations aimed at servicing the requirements of local distribution with well-known strategies such as just-in-time and door-to-door. This paper is concerned about the intermediate, or regional, scale of freight transportation with a specific emphasis on one of the largest urban region in the world; the Boston–Washington corridor (Bostwash). Transport corridors and urban regions represent the geographical scale of freight distribution where global and local distribution systems interact. They are the dominant spheres of production and consumption of freight distribution. Conceptual and empirical evidence to analyse the relationships between the geography of transport terminals, regional freight distribution and urban corridors is provided.
Increased resistance of the gastric mucosal barrier to barrier breakers in the rat.

Abstract The effects of two exposures of the gastric mucosa to either 10 mM taurocholic acid (TcA) or 20% ethanol, both in 150 mM HCl, on transmucosal potential difference (PD) and net /luxes of H+, Na+, and K+ ions have been tested in the rat. The interval between exposures was 30 min. The results demonstrated that the first exposure of the gastric mucosa, either to TcA or to ethanol, reduced the net fluxes of H+, Na+, K+ and the change in transmucosal PD induced by the second exposure, indicating an increased resistance of the mucosa to the barrier breaking effects of TcA or ethanol.
Tracer analysis of methanogenesis in salt marsh soils.

Differences in paths of carbon flow have been found in soils of the tall (TS) and short (SS) Spartina alterniflora marshes of Sapelo Island, Ga. Gaseous end products of [U-14C]glucose metabolism were 14CO2 and 14CH4 in the SS region and primarily 14CO2 in the TS region. Sulfate concentration did not demonstrably affect glucose catabolism or the distribution of end products in either zone. [U-14C]acetate was converted to 14CO2 and 14CH4 in the SS soils and almost exclusively to 14CO2 in the TS soils. Sulfate concentration did not affect acetate metabolism in the SS soils; however, a noticeable effect of sulfate dilution was seen in TS soils. Sulfate dilution in TS samples resulted in increased methane formation. Total glucose and acetate metabolism were similar in TS and SS soils despite differences in end products. A microbial community characterized by fermentative/sulfate-reducing processes has developed in TS soils as opposed to the fermentative/methanogenic/sulfate-reducing community found in SS soils.
Combining Approaches to Information Retrieval

The combination of different text representations and search strategies has become a standard technique for improving the effectiveness of information retrieval. combination, for example, has been studied extensively in the TREC evaluations and is the basis of the “meta-search” engines used on the Web. This paper examines the development of this technique, including both experimental results and the retrieval models that have been proposed as formal frameworks for combination. We show that combining approaches for information retrieval can be modeled as combining the outputs of multiple classifiers based on one or more representations, and that this simple model can provide explanations for many of the experimental results. We also show that this view of combination is very similar to the inference net model, and that a new approach to retrieval based on language models supports combination and can be integrated with the inference net model.
Dust and Atomic Gas in Post-AGB Envelopes

Post-asymptotic giant branch objects (post-AGBs) represent the phase of intermediate mass star (0.8–8 M⊙) evolution between the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and the planetary nebula (PN) phases of evolution. This phase is sometimes called the proto-planetary nebula (PPN) phase (Kwok 1993). Intermediate mass stars evolve into white dwarf (WD) stars after the PN phase of evolution (Iben & Renzini 1983); (Blocker & Schonberner 1991). A post-AGB envelope is the circumstellar nebula created by the stellar mass loss on the AGB. Thus, post-AGB objects consist of a central star of spectral type K-B, surrounded by a circumstellar envelope that is coasting into the interstellar medium.
Removal of stable tyrosine radical D+ affects the structure or redox properties of tyrosine Z in manganese-depleted photosystem II particles from Synechocystis 6803

Photosystem II contains two redox-active tyrosines, D and Z. To understand the function of the dark stable tyrosine radical, D+, we have characterized two site-directed mutations at the D tyrosine residue in the transformable cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, through the use of purified photosystem II particles (Noren, G. H., Boerner, R. J., and Barry, B. A. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 3943-3950). In manganese-depleted mutant particles, a light-induced EPR signal is observed. This signal contains a stable component, due to a chlorophyll radical, and an unstable component. The lineshape of the unstable, oxidized component, which we call M+, is obtained by subtraction; it has a lineshape different from tyrosine Z+/D+ and a g value of 2.004. Up to one M+ spin per reaction center can be photooxidized. The characteristic light-induced EPR signal ascribed to Z+ is not detected; under the same conditions, Z+ is detected in control preparations. The M+ radical lineshape is similar to the light-induced photosystem II radical identified in a site-directed mutant in the D1 polypeptide (YF161D1) (Noren, G. H., and Barry, B. A. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 3335-3342). Optical measurements on manganese-depleted photosystem II particles from control and D2 mutant preparations show that charge recombination kinetics between Q-A and an oxidized redox-active component are similar, to within a factor of two, in all three preparations. We conclude that lack of the stable tyrosine D+ alters the structure or redox properties of tyrosine Z in manganese-depleted preparations.
Thymineless Mutagenesis in Escherichia coli

To clarify the relationship between thymineless death and thymineless mutagenesis, the induction of arginine revertants of Escherichia coli TAU-bar by thymine starvation was examined in physiological terms. Induced revertants were detectable both on minimal medium lacking arginine and minimal medium supplemented with 1 μg of arginine per ml. Substantial thymineless mutagenesis occurred during the period before the onset of thymineless death. Mutagenesis and loss of viability were observed upon incubation in medium lacking thymine and arginine, and both were inhibited upon incubation in medium lacking thymine and uracil. Mutagenesis also occurred during thymine starvation at 25 C, where there was relatively little loss of viability. At 37 C thymineless mutagenesis did not require complete thymine starvation, and the induction of revertants appeared to be initiated at the same suboptimal thymine concentration at which lethality was first detectable. Mutagenesis was found not to occur preferentially at the growing point of deoxyribonucleic acid replication. These results suggest that thymineless mutagenesis does not involve simply errors in base pairing due to the absence of thymine. The data also suggest that the induction of mutations and thymineless death are due to the same primary event but that mutagenesis is the more sensitive response.
Tobramycin in Ophthalmology

Selman Waksman's laboratory at Rutgers University discovered the first aminoglycoside antibiotic, streptomycin, in 1943. Other aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin and tobramycin, soon followed. Tobramycin is compatible with most intravenous fluids and tear substitutes, but it is incompatible with heparin and some beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins. Due to tobramycin's broad spectrum of activity, it has proven useful in controlling both superficial and deep infections of the eye and ocular adnexa (i.e., blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis). However, since tobramycin has been associated with neuromuscular blockade, as well as possessing ototoxic and nephrotoxic effects, care must be taken to minimize toxicity by monitoring patients undergoing systemic tobramycin therapy.
Visual half-field differences in the recognition of bilaterally presented single letters and vertically spelled words.

superiority was much lower than obtained in earlier experiments using horizontally spelled words as stimuli. Data from this aggregate of experiments were discussed in terms of compatibility with the view that reading habits play at least some role in producing right-field superiority with horizontal words. It was suggested that reading habits are not fundamental to the results and that all the data can be encompassed within a lateral dominance and visual maskingtemporal registration sequence model in which the temporal patterning of inputs from differing retinal locations plays a major role in producing left-right differences for horizontally displayed words. Words exposed for durations shorter than che minimum latency of eye movements are reported much more readily from the right visual field (RVF) than from the left visual field (LVF) (McKeever, 1971; McKeever & Huling, 1970a, 1970b, 1971a, 1971b). The RVF superiority in these experiments was not only significant at the group level but virtually omnipresent at the individual level as well. Although superior RVF word recognition has been reported by others (Mishkin & Forgays, 1952; Forgays, 1953; Goodglass & Barton, 1963; Barton, Goodglass, & Shai, 1965) none, apparently, obtained such consistency of effect. However, only two of these experiments (Mishkin & Forgays, 1952; Forgays, 1953) used words spelled in the conventional manner and both also employed relatively long exposures and uncontrolled fixation, conditions which do not favor clear-cut results. The other invescigators used vertically spelled words to overcome "scanning cendencies" they felc might reflect reading habits rather than the asymmetrical functioning of the cerebral hemispheres, which was the factor they wished to study. Ic is possible, then, that che powerful effect obcained in the McKeever and the McKeever and Huling experiments might be partially or wholly dependent on the horizontal sequentiality of .the stimulus elements they employed. The present experiment assessed chis possibility by utilizing vertically spelled words and single letters as stimuli, in an experimental sicuation as similar as possible to that typifying previous horizontal word studies. If horizontal sequenciality of stimulus elements is not a major determinant of the RVF superiority found previously, then equally powerful and pervasive RVF superiority should obtain.
Sulfone routes to sterically hindered 7-cis isomers of vitamin a. New geometric isomers of vitamin a and carotenoids 10.

A study examining the possible use of the C13 + C7 and the C15 + C5 routes with an intermediate C20-sulfone to the hindered 7-cis isomers of vitamin A showed that the latter route is useful for preparation of the 7-cis and the 7-cis,13-cis isomers.
Temporal factors affecting localization of neural crest cells in the chicken embryo

Abstract To test the hypothesis that predetermined cells migrate from the crest in a specific order—the first to leave localizing distally as enteric pigment cells or sympathetic elements—tritiated thymidine-labeled neural crest from which many cells had already emigrated was grafted into an unlabeled, young host environment. Radioautographs revealed that the cells which remained in the crest at the time of grafting were capable of giving rise to the full range of distal and proximal crest derivatives. This hypothesis was therefore discarded. The alternatives (1) that predetermined cells leave the crest in random order and localize specifically, or (2) that pluripotent cells respond to changes in the environment through which they move could be distinguished with the converse set of grafting operations. When newly condensed neural crest was grafted into progressively older hosts, distal migration of labeled cells was progressively attenuated. This suggests that, at least in part, a changing embryonic environment affects the extent of migration of neural crest cells. It is proposed that the ultimate expression of a developmental trait by pluripotent crest cells might be related simply to the degree of dispersion of these cells within other embryonic tissues, and this in turn, is probably effected by the extrinsic limitation of crest cell migration, and specific developmental alterations in cellular adhesive properties.
Productive Play Game Culture From the Bottom Up

In this article, the author argues against the assertion, originating with “canonical” game studies texts such as Homo Ludens and Man, Play, and Games, that inherent in the definition of games is t...
Nitriloxide, XVII1) Untersuchungen zum Mechanismus der Bildung von Fulminursäure aus Knallsäure†

Die Bildung der Fulminursaure (2, 2-Nitromalonamidnitril) aus Quecksilberfulminat durchlauft folgende Stufen: 1. Hydrolyse zu Knallsaure (1); 2. Dimerisation von 1 zu (Hydroxyimino)acetonitriloxid (23); 3. Anlagerung von 1 an 23 zu 3-(Hydroxyiminomethyl)furazan-2-oxid (12, Furoxanaldoxim); 4. Umlagerung von 12 zu 4-Nitro-Δ4-isoxazolin-5-imin (13, Prafulminursaure); 5. Ringoffnung von 13 zu 2. Ein seit langem bekanntes Nebenprodukt der spontanen Polymerisation von 1 ebenso wie die als “2-Nitromalonaldoximnitril” (9) beschriebene Verbindung wurden als 12 erkannt. Die in der Literatur als 13 formulierte Verbindung (“ γ-Fulminursaure”) ist in Wirklichkeit 3-Carbamoyl-Δ2-1,2,4-oxadiazolin-5-on (18), was durch eine neue eindeutige Synthese bestatigt wurde. Die isolierbaren Verbindungen 12 und 13 wandeln sich unter den Reaktionsbedingungen glatt in 2 um. Nitrile Oxides, XVII1) – Investigation of the Mechanism of the Formation of Fulminuric Acid from Fulminic Acid**) The formation of fulminuric acid (2, 2-nitromalonamidenitrile) from mercuric fulminate proceeds via the following steps: 1. hydrolysis to fulminic acid (1); 2. dimerization of 1 to (hydroxyimino)acetonitrile oxide (23); 3. addition of 1 and 23 to 3-(hydroxyiminomethyl)-furazan 2-oxide (12); 4. rearrangement of 12 to 4-nitro-Δ4-isoxazolin-5-imine (13); 5. ring opening of 13 to 2. A long known by-product of the spontaneous polymerization of 1 as well as the so-called “2-nitromalonaldoximenitrile” have been identified as 12. The compound recorded in literature as “γ-fulminuric acid” (13) is really 3-carbamoyl-Δ2-1,2,4-oxadiazolin-5-one (18), as confirmed by an independent and unambiguous synthesis. The isolable intermediates 12 and 13 are easily transformed into 2 under the existing reaction conditions.
Surface modification of SERS substrates with plasma-polymerized trimethylsilane nanocoating

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates were modified by depositing a nanometer-thick polymer coating on top of SERS-active surface. This thin hydrophobic nanocoating, achieved by low temperature plasma polymerization of trimethylsilane, was found to reduce surface energy of SERS substrate and in turn help relieve the analyte spreading on the surface of SERS substrates. Detection of melamine molecules with these surface-modified SERS substrates showed that this plasma nanocoating improved, not significantly though, SERS sensitivity in comparison with unmodified SERS substrates. It is believed that the increased hydrophobicity induced by this plasma nanocoating had two folds of beneficial effects on SERS sensitivity. First, the as-produced hydrophobic surface gave rise to preconcentration effect due to the reduced contact area between analyte molecules and the substrate surface. Second, the decreased surface energy of SERS substrates was helpful in placing analyte molecules in SERS hot spots. These two combined gains were deemed to outweigh the loss of SERS sensitivity caused by enlarged distance between metal surface and analyte molecules.
Nutrition and apoptosis

The objective of this review is to summarize information about the role of apoptosis in mediating the effects of nutritional interventions which prolong life span, suppress autoimmune diseases, and decrease tumorigenesis. Nutritional interventions such as calorie restriction (CR) likely postpone the accumulation of damaging effects that accompany ad libitum (AL) food intake and aging. However, the beneficial effects of CR or other nutritional interventions may not be limited to progressive, slowly accumulating events, but may also include important effects during growth and development. An example of the latter would include modulation of the selection and editing processes occurring in the thymus during maturation of the immune system. Regulation of apoptosis may be particularly relevant to these developmental processes, though decreased apoptosis also plays a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and age-related events such as tumorigenesis. Therefore, we will review the evidence that increased apoptosis mediates the effect of CR (and/or supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids), suppresses tumors, ameliorates autoimmune diseases, and prolongs life span.
The predictive validity of peer assessment in law enforcement: a 6 year follow-up

This study examined the relations between peer assessment and long-term law enforcement/job performance. Sixty-nine law enforcement cadets completed peer rankings of likelihood of success in job performance. These peer rankings were significantly correlated with supervisor ratings, as well as absenteeism and retention, after 1 year of employment. In the present study, both subjective and objective job performance data were collected from a variety of employing job performance agencies after 6 years of employment. Peer rankings were still significantly correlated (r=.40, p Language: en
Corn Stunt Vector Leafhopper Attractancy to and Oviposition Preference for Hybrid Dent Corn. II. Graminella nigrifrons

Tests were conducted to determine if corn hybrids known to be susceptible to corn stunt virus are more attractive to or preferred for oviposition by Graminella nigrifrons (Forbes) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) over apparently resistant hybrids. On the basis of leafhopper counts and rate of egg deposition, susceptible hybrids in general were not preferred over hybrids exhibiting resistance when the leafhoppers were given a choice of hybrids in a field cage. Further, no significant differences in egg laying were obtained when females were confined on individual hybrids and not given a choice of oviposition sites.
ULTRAVIOLET MICROBEAM IRRADIATION OF VESICLE-LIKE BODIES IN AGRANULAR INTERPHASE CELLS CULTURED FROM TRITURUS VIRIDESCENS.

In flattened cells cultured from the heart of Triturus viridescens, cytoplasmic vesicles possessing a decreased refractive index were observed in the vicinity of the nucleus. The vesicles displayed a bubbling phenomenon when viewed by dark medium phase contrast microscopy and recorded by time lapse photography. Usual fat stains failed to reveal the vesicles in fixed preparations. DaFano's and Aoyama's methods employing silver imparted a brown-yellow color to the vesicles, but because the cell nucleus also stained the same color, no identification could be advanced. Heterochromatic microbeams of ultraviolet light focused into the vesicular complex caused swelling and fusion of the vesicles, followed by regression in size until they could no longer be seen. Cytoplasmic irradiation adjacent to and at relatively great distances from the vesicles failed to evoke this reaction from the vesicles. An interesting side effect was recorded in the nucleus: a diminished granularity of the chromatin. This effect was likened to previously recorded cytoplasmic irradiation effects; that of nuclear pyknosis in eosinophils, and spindle destruction in early mitotic cells. Irradiation of fat droplets caused none of these effects. Further studies are aimed at defining the nature of these vesicles, with emphasis on the vesicles being pinocytotic vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi vesicles.
Role of secondary metabolites in establishment of the mutualistic partnership between Xenorhabdus nematophila and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae.

ABSTRACT Xenorhabdus nematophila engages in a mutualistic partnership with the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, which invades insects, migrates through the gut, and penetrates into the hemocoel (body cavity). We showed previously that during invasion of Manduca sexta, the gut microbe Staphylococcus saprophyticus appeared transiently in the hemocoel, while Enterococcus faecalis proliferated as X. nematophila became dominant. X. nematophila produces diverse secondary metabolites, including the major water-soluble antimicrobial xenocoumacin. Here, we study the role of X. nematophila antimicrobials in interspecies competition under biologically relevant conditions using strains lacking either xenocoumacin (ΔxcnKL strain), xenocoumacin and the newly discovered antibiotic F (ΔxcnKL:F strain), or all ngrA-derived secondary metabolites (ngrA strain). Competition experiments were performed in Grace9s insect medium, which is based on lepidopteran hemolymph. S. saprophyticus was eliminated when inoculated into growing cultures of either the ΔxcnKL strain or ΔxcnKL:F strain but grew in the presence of the ngrA strain, indicating that ngrA-derived antimicrobials, excluding xenocoumacin or antibiotic F, were required to eliminate the competitor. In contrast, S. saprophyticus was eliminated when coinjected into M. sexta with either the ΔxcnKL or ngrA strain, indicating that ngrA-derived antimicrobials were not required to eliminate the competitor in vivo. E. faecalis growth was facilitated when coinjected with either of the mutant strains. Furthermore, nematode reproduction in M. sexta naturally infected with infective juveniles colonized with the ngrA strain was markedly reduced relative to the level of reproduction when infective juveniles were colonized with the wild-type strain. These findings provide new insights into interspecies competition in a host environment and suggest that ngrA-derived compounds serve as signals for in vivo nematode reproduction.
The surgical treatment of bilateral vocal fold impairment

Bilateral vocal fold impairment is a potentially life threatening condition. The otolaryngologist must be able to quickly identify its etiology and select the appropriate surgical procedure to treat the airway obstruction while attempting to maintain phonation and deglutition. Multiple techniques, both endoscopic and open, are available to the surgeon in treating this clinical problem. Endoscopic procedures covered in this article are: arytenoidectomy; including laser and laser medical arytenoidectomy; suture lateralization; and partial posterior laser cordectomy or transverse cordotomy. Posterior lateral extralaryngeal arytenoidectomy and laryngeal reinnervaiton are discussed in regard to open techniques.
Lack of proconvulsant action of GABA depletion in substantia nigra in several seizure models.

Abstract The effect of intranigral application of a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis inhibitor, isoaniazid, was examined in 3 different rat seizure models. Bilateral intranigral infusion of isoniazid (150 μg) did not potentiate the effect of subcutaneous administration of a threshold dose (1.5 mg/kg) of the GABA antagonist bicuculline. Similarly, following pretreatment with intranigral isoniazid, neither severity nor latency to onset of seizures elicited by systemic injection of kainic acid (9 mg/kg) were modified. In addition, convulsive seizures evoked by the focal injection of bicuculline methiodide (40 ng) in an epileptogenic site within the deep prepiriform cortex (area tempestas) were not potentiated by intranigral isoniazid. These results were in sharp contrast to the marked potentiating effect of intranigral isoniazid (150 or 85 μg) on seizures induced by systemic administration of a subconvulsant dose of pilocarpine (150 mg/kg). In addition, we attempted to evoke a proconvulsant action from striatum. The striatum, origin of GABAergic projections to substantia nigra, is a region in which application of GABA antagonists have been found to be anticonvulsant in several seizure models. We therefore examined the effect of bilateral intrastriatal infusion of the GABA agonist, muscimol (5 ng) on the convulsant effect of threshold doses of systemically administered bicuculline (1.5 mg/kg). As was true with intranigral isoniazid, no proconvulsant effect was found using intrastriatal muscimol. Our data demonstrate that whereas striatonigral GABA circuitry can be activated by exogenous treatments so as to produce anticonvulsant actions in mose seizure models, suppression of this circuitry does no potentiate convulsant activity in many of the same models.
Interaction between the subunits of human erythrocyte spectrin using a fluorescence probe

Abstract Fluorescence labeling of spectrin subunits was performed with N -(1-anilinonaphthyl-4)maleimide (ANM) to study the interaction between α and β subunits. The fluorescence anisotropy of both ANMα and ANMβ increased linearly with the addition of nonfluorescent β or α subunit, and saturated at a protein ratio about 1, indicating that 1 mol α subunit binds to 1 mol β subunit with high affinity in vitro. Furthermore, this binding seemed to be reversible, because the anisotropy value decreased when an excess of nonfluorescent α was added to the ANMα/β mixture. The anisotropy of ANMα attained a maximum level within 1 min after addition of the same quantity of nonfluorescent β at 12°C, and the anisotropy of this mixture decreased rapidly when an excess of nonfluorescent α was added. These findings suggested that both the binding process of β to ANMα and the dissociation step of ANMα from the ANMα–β complex were quite rapid. The results obtained here imply that dynamic interaction between α and β subunits of spectrin should be taken into account in understanding the role of the spectrin molecule in the cytoskeletal mesh.
Thermal effects in cyclic operation of storage reservoirs

This paper addresses the long-term temperature and pressure variations of natural gas that is stored cyclically in underground reservoirs to avoid the formation of gas hydrates. A detailed examination of the well and near-well reservoir emphasizes the cumulative importance of the Joule-Thomson effect over many years.