cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific TSC22 domain transcripts are hypertonically induced and alternatively spliced to protect mouse kidney cells during osmotic stress

We recently cloned a novel osmotic stress transcription factor 1 (OSTF1) from gills of euryhaline tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and demonstrated that acute hyperosmotic stress transiently increases OSTF1 mRNA and protein abundance [Fiol DF, Kultz D (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA102, 927–932]. In this study, a genome-wide search was conducted to identify nine distinct mouse transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-stimulated clone 22 domain (TSC22D) transcripts, including glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), that are orthologs of OSTF1. These nine TSC22D transcripts are encoded at four loci on chromosomes 14 (TSC22D1, two splice variants), 3 (TSC22D2, four splice variants), X (TSC22D3, two splice variants), and 5 (TSC22D4). All nine mouse TSC22D transcripts are expressed in renal cortex, medulla and papilla, and in the mIMCD3 cell line. The two TSC22D3 transcripts (including GILZ) are upregulated by aldosterone but not by hyperosmolality in mIMCD3 cells. In contrast, TSC22D4 is stably upregulated by hyperosmolality in mIMCD3 cells and increased in renal papilla compared with cortex. Moreover, all four TSC22D2 transcripts are transiently upregulated by hyperosmolality and resemble tilapia OSTF1 in this regard. All TSC22D2 transcripts depend on hypertonicity as the signal for their upregulation and are unresponsive to increases in cell-permeable osmolytes. mRNA stabilization is the mechanism for TSC22D2 upregulation by hyperosmolality. Overexpression of TSC22D2–4 in mIMCD3 cells confers protection towards osmotic stress, as evidenced by a 2.7-fold increase in cell survival after 3 days at 600 mOsmol·kg−1. Based on variable responsiveness to aldosterone and hyperosmolality in kidney cells we conclude that mouse TSC22D genes have diverse physiological functions. TSC22D2 and TSC22D4 are involved in adaptation of renal cells to hypertonicity suggesting that they represent important elements of osmosensory signal transduction in mouse kidney cells.
Shacking Up or Shelling Out: Income Taxes, Marriage, and Cohabitation

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the income tax penalty associated with marriage contributes to the decision of a couple to live together as a married vs. a cohabiting couple. In this paper, we use household data from the Panel Study on Income Dynamics to estimate the impact of various factors, including the federal individual income tax, on a couple's decision to marry instead of cohabit. We find that the initial decision to form either a cohabiting or a married union is only marginally affected by the income tax consequences of one form of union vs. another, and other factors play a more important role. However, for those already living together as a cohabiting couple, the decision to make the transition from a cohabiting to a married couple is significantly affected by the tax consequences of such a move. Here, an increase in the income tax at legal marriage, or an increase in the marginal tax rate with marriage, has a statistically significant and negative impact on the probability of transition from cohabitation to legal marriage. However, the magnitude of the tax impact is generally small, and several other variables are more important determinants.
Biosynthetic elongation of isolated teichuronic acid polymers via glucosyl- and N-acetylmannosaminuronosyltransferases from solubilized cytoplasmic membrane fragments of Micrococcus luteus.

Abstract Cytoplasmic membrane fragments of Micrococcus luteus catalyze in vitro biosynthesis of teichuronic acid from uridine diphosphate D-glucose (UDP-glucose), uridine diphosphate N-acetyl-D-mannosaminuronic acid (UDP-ManNAcA), and uridine diphosphate N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Membrane fragments solubilized with Thesit (dodecyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) can utilize UDP-glucose and UDP-ManNAcA to effect elongation of teichuronic acid isolated from native cell walls. When UDP-glucose is the only substrate supplied, the detergent-solubilized glucosyltransferase incorporates a single glucosyl residue onto each teichuronic acid acceptor. When both UDP-glucose and UDP-ManNAcA are supplied, the glucosyltransferase and the N-acetylmannosaminuronosyltransferase act cooperatively to elongate the teichuronic acid acceptor by multiple additions of the disaccharide repeat unit. As shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, low-molecular-weight fractions of teichuronic acid are converted to higher-molecular-weight polymers by the addition of as many as 17 disaccharide repeat units.
Getting to Know You: Occupational Health Researchers Investigate Employee Assistance Professionals' Approaches to Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is strongly associated with health problems, including cardiovascular disease. The occupational health field is developing partnerships with a variety of health professions to prevent and address job stress at the organizational level. A review of literature for and about employee assistance professionals was conducted to explore their perspectives on these issues. Results show high awareness regarding the health effects of job stress and a wide range of approaches to address this problem. EAPs appear to be a potential strong partner in efforts to prevent workplace stress, but face obstacles to intervening at the level of the work environment.
IL-10 Inhibits Cysteinyl Leukotriene-Induced Activation of Human Monocytes and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

The immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 plays an essential role in down-modulating adaptive and innate immune responses leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. In contrast, cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs), important proinflammatory mediators of cell trafficking and innate immune responses, are thought to enhance immune reactions in the pathogenesis of diseases, such as bronchial asthma, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the IL-10 regulatory role in cysLT-induced activation of human monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Herein we show that cysLT-induced activation and chemotaxis of human monocytes and monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells (iDC) are inhibited by IL-10 pretreatment. IL-10 down-regulated cysLT type 1 and 2 receptors' mRNA in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. cysLT-induced activation of monocytes and iDCs measured by intracellular calcium flux and immediate-early gene expression (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogen homolog B and early growth response-2) was potently decreased by IL-10 and by the cysLT antagonist MK571. Chemotaxis of monocytes and iDCs to increasing concentrations of leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)) was also inhibited by IL-10. LTD(4) enhanced iDC migration in response to CCL5. IL-10 selectively inhibited LTD(4)-induced chemotaxis without affecting migration to CCL5. These data indicate that cysLT-induced activation of human monocytes and dendritic cells may be specifically inhibited by IL-10, suggesting a direct link between the 5-lipoxygenase proinflammatory pathway and IL-10 regulatory mechanisms. Antileukotriene therapies may reproduce some regulatory mechanisms played by IL-10 in inflammatory processes.
Richard Hooker's Via Media Doctrine of Repentance

A distinctive via media form of Christian faith and practice emerged within the structures of the Elizabethan Settlement of religion. Roman Catholic opponents of the Settlement struggled throughout the reign of Elizabeth I (1558–1603) to undo it, while Protestant opponents persistently strove for further reform. The character of the Church of England and of what was in later years to be known as Anglicanism was largely shaped during this critical stage of its development in response to the external and internal pressures generated by these opposition parties.
Resorcinol as a reagent for zinc

Abstract The use of the zinc-ion-catalyzed autoxidation or hydrogen peroxide oxidation of resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) to determine zinc concentration has been examined. The nature of the reaction products involved, the conditions of reagent concentration, pH, and reaction time have been specified. The procedure will yield results with a relative average deviation of 10% over the concentration range of 0.9 ppm to approximately 8 ppm. It is an inexpensive and convenient reagent and procedure.
Targeted therapies of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)-The next frontiers

Abstract Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and are caused by activating KIT or PDGFRA mutations. GISTs can be successfully treated with the small molecule kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec ® , Novartis) with response rates of up to 85%. However, complete responses are rare, and most patients will develop imatinib resistance over time. Recent results have shown that although imatinib effectively stimulates apoptotic cell death in sensitive GIST cells, a considerable proportion of cells does not undergo apoptosis, but instead enters a state of quiescence. Quiescence is characterized by a reversible withdrawal from the cell division cycle, during which the cells remain alive and metabolically active. It is conceivable that quiescence not only plays a pivotal role in the emergence of residual disease but also in creating a pool of tumor cells that survive continuous small molecule therapy and may hence represent the “seeds” for the outgrowth of resistant clones. This review will summarize the current knowledge about GIST biology and treatment response to imatinib including the induction of cellular quiescence in GIST. In addition, we will highlight future strategies to design more effective treatment options to overcome these problems with an aim towards cure of this hitherto untreatable tumor entity.
Spectra of transient waves in elastic plates

Frequency spectra of transient Rayleigh–Lamb waves in a plate are evaluated by two methods, a direct numerical integration (FFT), and an asymptotic calculation of the theoretical responses. A simple formula is developed for the interference pattern of the spectra of two or more modes of progressing waves, which is then applied to interpret the complex frequency spectra of the waves in a plate over a wide range of frequency. These interpretive techniques may be applicable to source characterization of acoustic emission.
On approximation by sums of Chebyshev norms

A theory of sums of Chebyshev approximations is useful for the problem of simultaneous minimization of the absolute and relative errors of an approximation. In this paper some of the important properties of the Chebyshev alternation theory are studied from the point of view of extending them to sums of Chebyshev norms. Both positive and negative results are obtained. Specifically, it is shown that the sum of Chebyshev approximations with different weight functions is not a Chebyshev approximation.
Tracking control of rigid-link electrically – driven robot manipulators

This paper illustrates a simple, hand-crafted approach which can be used to design tracking controllers for rigid-link electrically-driven (RLED) robot manipulators. The control methodology is intuitively simple since it is based on concepts readily identified by most control engineers. To illustrate the approach, we develop a corrective tracking controller for the RLED robot dynamics which yields global exponential stability for the link tracking error under the assumption of exact model knowledge. To compensate for the uncertainties in the rigid-link electrically-driven robot model, we then design a corrective robust tracking controller which yields global uniform ultimate bounded stability of the link tracking error. The proposed controller is robust with regard to parametric uncertainties and additive bounded disturbances while correcting for the typically ignored electrical actuator dynamics.
Implant-associated primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with simultaneous involvement of bilateral breast capsules.

Introduction Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) associated with breast implants is a rare and usually indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder first described by Keech and Creech in 1997. Currently, > 100 occurrences have been reported worldwide, with approximately 60 cases described in the literature. The incidence of this disease is estimated at 0.1 to 0.3 per 100,000 women with breast implants per year. Most patients have unilateral breast involvement by ALCL, with only rare cases having bilateral involvement, and 1 reported patient in whom subsequent bilateral axillary lymph node metastases developed. In 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration recognized the possible association of ALCL with breast prostheses.
Corrosion Characteristics of Soldered Sideseam Tinplate and Welded Sideseam ECCS Plate Cans Using Organic Acid Model Systems

A model system of six organic acids and water was prepared using two pH ranges and two nitrate levels and packed in soldered sideseam tinplate and welded sideseam enameled cans. Can vacuum, Fe and Pb content were determined after 8-months storage at room temperature and at 38°C. The ECCS plate cans had lower can vacuums and lower solution Fe content than the tinplate cans. Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) was an aggressive corrosive agent in both can types. Water, PGA and malic acid solutions contained the highest concentrations of Pb.
Pulse modification by low pass filters.

Calcul des effets induits par un filtre de frequences passe bas sur l'amplitude et la forme d'une impulsion courte. On etudie la possibilite d'appliquer ces resultats pour etudier la localisation de la bande d'absorption dans le domaine temps a la place du domaine frequence
Underwater motion and physiological sensing using UHF doppler radar

The feasibility of Doppler radar measurement of physiological data from fish is demonstrated with a simple radar system. Detected motion includes body movement (locomotion), fin movement and other signals, such as gill movement. A video reference provides verification of the measured quantities for body and fin motion. The technology demonstrated in this experiment is expected to form the basis for systems that accurately sense gill and heart motion from moving fish in their natural environment.
A Daily Soil Temperature Dataset and Soil Temperature Climatology of the Contiguous United States

Abstract Although affected by atmospheric circulations, variations in soil temperature result primarily from the radiation and sensible and latent heat exchanges at the surface and heat transfer in the soils of different thermal properties. Thus, soil temperature and its variation at various depths are unique parameters that are useful in understanding both the surface energy processes and regional environmental and climatic conditions. Yet, despite the importance, long-term quality data of soil temperatures are not available for the United States. The goal of this study is to fill this data gap and to develop a soil temperature dataset from the historical data of U.S. cooperative stations. Cooperative station soil temperatures at various depths from 1967 to 2002 are collected and examined by a set of quality checks, and erroneous data of extended periods are estimated using methods constructed in this study. After the quality control, the data are used to describe the climatic soil temperature as well as...
Consequences of Work-Related Emotions: Analysis of a Cross-Section of Public Service Workers

In this article we investigate the influence of emotional labor on job satisfaction and burnout across a range of public service occupations. While prior studies in this genre have primarily focused on human services, occupations in this analysis range from routine clerical interactions to emotionally intense first-responder jobs. Despite this range, structural equation modeling shows that (a) emotion work increases job satisfaction as well as burnout; (b) emotive skills lead to an upsurge in job satisfaction and are inversely associated with burnout; and (c) the deleterious effect of emotional labor mainly occurs not with its performance, per se, but when workers must fake their feelings. It is this circumstance that produces an elevated risk of burnout.
PGE2 Reduces MMP-14 and Increases Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Cardiac Fibroblasts

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is elevated during cardiac injury and we have previously shown that mice lacking the PGE2 EP4 receptor display dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with increased expression of the membrane type matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-14. We thus hypothesized that PGE2 regulates expression of MMP-14 and also affects fibroblast migration. Primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts (NVFs) were used to test the effects of PGE2. Gene and protein expression was assessed by real time RT-PCR and Western blot, MMP activity was determined by zymography and migration of NVF was assessed by motility in a transwell system. PGE2 reduced expression of MMP-14 and these effects were antagonized by an EP4 antagonist. An EP4 agonist mimicked the effect of PGE2. PGE2 also increased mRNA and protein levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of MMP activation. However, PGE2-stimulation of PAI-1 was mediated by the EP1/EP3 receptor and not EP4. Migration of NVF was assessed by motility in a transwell system. Treatment of NVFs with PGE2 reduced the number of cells migrating toward 10% FCS. Treatment with the EP2 agonist also reduced migration but did not affect MMP-14 expression or PAI-1. Our results suggest that PGE2 utilizes different receptors and mechanisms to ultimately decrease MMP expression and NVF migration.
Use of Non-Conservative Properties of Sea Water to Physical Oceanographical Problems*

IN applying the eddy diffusion equation to the non-conservative properties of sea water (as distinguished from the conservative properties, the concentrations of which change only as a result of physical processes) a knowledge of the time rates of change in their concentrations (as a result of the biological activity in the water mass) is required. Thus, the form of the equation expressing the effect of vertical turbulence alone on a non-conservative property, such as oxygen, would be:
On the preservation off constraints in pole expansions for integrable partial differential equations

Abstract For partial differential equations which are completely integrable, there are associated systems which describe the motions of the poles of rational solutions. These typically include constraints which are not obviously sreserved by the dynamics. A new geometric interpretation of the constraints is given which leads to the immediate desired conclusion that these constraints are preserved. This idea is applied to the KdV equation and to an integrable variant of the Boussinesq system, which is equivalent to the non-linear Schrodinger system.
Delooping totalization of a multiplicative operad

The paper shows that under some conditions the totalization of a cosimplicial space obtained from a multiplicative operad is a double loop space of the space of derived morphisms from the associative operad to the operad itself.
The Soviet Union, the arms trade and the third world

(1982). The Soviet Union, the arms trade and the third world. Soviet Studies: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 377-396.
Regulation of urea biosynthesis in the slug, limax flavus linné

Abstract 1. 1. Factors affecting 14 C-bicarbonate incorporation into urea in active and fasting slugs, Limax flavus , were investigated. 2. 2. Since a high percentage of the foodstuffs catabolized during fasting was protein, and since fasting slugs synthesized urea faster than active animals, increased substrate availability from protein breakdown was assumed to account for the greater incorporation rates. 3. 3. Enzyme activities of glutamine synthetase and the urea cycle enzymes were not altered with fasting. 4. 4. Injections of urea cycle intermediates (ammonia, ornithine, aspartic acid and arginine) all accelerated urea production, while no response was detected for glutamine and glutamic acid. 5. 5. Apparent K m s of the enzymes studies are within the physiological range of metabolite concentrations and therefore allow for sensitive response to changing substrate concentrations. 6. 6. That the slug, L. flavus , produced ample quantities of urea during both active feeding and starvation and does not have an active urease suggests that slugs differ considerably from many other gastropods in their nitrogen catabolism.
Health care expenditure containment in the United States: strategies at the state and local level.

Abstract The current status of state and local strategies to contain health care expenditures in the United States is described. These strategies are classified as predominantly regulatory, competitive or voluntary. The actions of two major groups of purchasers of care—state government programs for the indigent and private employers—in support of expenditure containment strategies are discussed as well. The large number of approaches to expenditure containment currently being attempted, and their diverse character, are hypothesized to be a result not only of increased health care inflation and the concern it causes purchasers of care, but also of fundamental changes in the health care industry in the United States which have realigned traditional provider interest groups.
Twinning, slip and catastrophic flow in niobium

Abstract Mechanical tests were carried out in tension and compression on single and poylcrystalline niobium. The orientation dependence of the mechanical properties at 77°K was studied, and the behaviour was found to be highly anisotropic. Crystals with axes near [011] deformed by profuse twinning in compression, while under tensile loading these crystals yielded by slip at much higher stresses. Similar behaviour was observed at 78°K in polycrystalline niobium containing a strong [011] recrystallisation texture. Crystals oriented near [111] underwent catastrophic, localised flow when tested in tension; the plane of shear was found to be near (011) and the shear direction near [100]. It is deduced that this behaviour was caused by the motion of dislocations with an a[100] Burgers vector, and is a consequence of the elastic properties of niobium. Crystals with axes near [001 ] deformed entirely by slip. Observations of slip lines on the crystals are described, and it appears that both {110} and {112} are preferred slip planes in niobium at 80°K. There is evidence that slip on {112} planes in the sense of the direction appropriate for twin formation occurs at lower stresses than slip in the opposite sense.
Category accessibility effects in a simulated exemplar-based memory

Abstract A quantitative model of long-term memory is applied, in the form of a computer simulation, in an attempt to reproduce several known properties of social priming or category accessibility effects. This exemplar-only model, developed by Hintzman, involves the storage and retrieval of specific experiences, without any representation of abstract schemas, constructs, or prototypes. It successfully reproduces several basic findings concerning effects of priming on category accessibility, including the cumulative impact of several primes, the greater influence of priming with behavior descriptions versus trait labels, and the over-time change in the relative impact of frequent versus recent priming. The simulation not only accurately reproduces current findings, but also makes new predictions that can be empirically tested. the simulation is useful in evaluating the extent to which a simple model of the storage of specific experiences can account for these effects. Conversely, it may also permit identification of points at which such an account is inadequate and requires supplementation by other processes.
Opiate analgesics contribute to the development of post-injury immunosuppression.

Background Immune dysfunction and post-injury infections are complications associated with thermal injury. Opiates, the analgesic of choice for the treatment of post-burn pain, can also induce similar immune complications. However, the impact of therapeutic opiates on post-burn immune dysfunction is unknown. Materials and Methods C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a small 6.25% total body surface area (TBSA) burn or sham procedure. The mice were left untreated or treated with morphine sulfate by subcutaneous implantation of an Alzet pump that administered morphine sulfate at a rate of 2 mg/kg body weight/day. Plasma, splenocytes and splenic macrophages were isolated for in vitro analysis 1, 4, or 7 days later. Results Neither burn injury nor morphine treatment alone significantly altered splenic T-cell proliferation at 1, 4, or 7 days post-injury/treatment. In contrast, morphine treatment of injured mice suppressed splenic T-cell proliferation at 4 and 7 days post-injury/treatment. The suppressed proliferation of T-cells correlated with increased levels of the nitric oxide and an immunosuppressive Th-2 type phenotype. In contrast morphine treatment did not accentuate the suppressed T-cell proliferative responses associated with larger injuries covering 12.5% and 25% TBSA. Splenic macrophage function was unaffected with the exception that LPS-induced nitric oxide production was elevated in the injured mice treated with morphine. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that those mice treated with a clinically relevant dose of morphine sulfate after an “immunologically insignificant” burn displayed immunosuppression and a Th-2 cytokine profile. Thus, the therapeutic administration of exogenous opiates appears to contribute to the development of post-burn immune dysfunction.
Immunomodulation in female B6C3F1 mice following treatment with Chai-Ling-Tang, a formula consisting of twelve herbs

Chai-Ling-Tang (CLT) is a traditional Chinese herbal decoction consisting of twelve different herbs, and it has been used to treat a number of immune related disorders. However, the mechanism for its clinical effectiveness was not fully understood. In this study, CLT’s effect on the immune system of female B6C3F1 mice was evaluated by examining the IgM antibody forming cell (AFC) response; natural killer (NK) cell activity; the expression of splenocyte surface markers; concanavalin (Con) A and anti-CD3 antibody-mediated T-lymphocyte proliferation; lipopolysaccharide-mediated-B cell proliferation, and the host resistances to the Listeria monocytogenes bacterial infection and B16F10 melanoma. The results from these studies suggest that the administration of CLT at doses between 400 and 800 mg/kg/day by gavage for 28 days modulates the immune response in female B6C3F1 mice by increasing the number, percentage, and activity of NK cells, both Con A and anti-CD3 antibody-mediated T-cell proliferation, the number of neutrophils, and the host resistance to L. monocytogenes infection. On the other hand, B cell activity was decreased at the 800 mg/kg dose level. In conclusion, CLT produced an enhancement of host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection possibly through modulating the function of neutrophils, T cells and NK cells in female B6C3F1 mice using a T regulatory cell-related mechanism.
Bibliography on Q technique and its methodology.

More than 580 references on Q technique and its methodology are grouped in the following categories: [1] History, Principles, Controversies, and Evaluation; [2] Factor Analysis and Related Statisti...
Transcription of the early region of bacteriophage T7: Characterization of the in vivo transcripts

Abstract Twelve transcription products synthesized at early times in infection by bacteriophage T7 have been identified in ultraviolet-irradiated host cells. Their molecular weights range from 1.05 to 0.02 million and the sum is such that all twelve species can potentially fit within the early region without overlaps. The locations of the four largest transcripts were mapped by means of well characterized deletion mutations. All species appear to be metabolically stable, with their molar amounts thus reflecting the rate at which the separate sections of the early T7 DNA are transcribed. In general, the early RNAs are not present in equal molar amounts, ruling out their origin by post-transcriptional cleavage of a single precursor molecule transcribed from the entire early region. Equally important, their relative molar amounts do not fall on a 5′ to 3′ gradient corresponding to their position along the early region of T7 DNA, ruling out their origin from a single RNA polymerase binding site and successive termination and reinitiation events. Since it could be concluded that at least two different early promoters must exist, it is possible that a separate promoter exists for each different transcript. The ability to correlate a specific early phage T7 protein with a monocistronic transcript of its gene has led to the conclusion that the rate at which proteins are synthesized during phage T7 infection is mainly dependent on the efficiency of initiation sites for RNA synthesis. Although early T7 RNA is resistant to degradation, it is also known to be functionally unstable, and the existence of several low molecular weight transcripts suggests, as one possibility, that the primary transcription products have been inactivated by cleavage at or near the ribosome binding site.
Glucose administration combined with photodynamic therapy of cancer improves therapeutic efficacy.

The results of this study suggest that glucose administration is simple and well tolerated, and combined with PDT produces a larger percentage of animals cured than using PDT alone. Furthermore, the results indicate that this approach requires lower amounts of light and might enable dosage reduction of photosensitizer for optimal response, with minimal side effects, to the treatment of cancer. 0 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gene Mutation, Quantitative Mutagenesis, and Mutagen Screening in Mammalian Cells: Study with the CHO/HGPRT System

We have employed CHO cells to develop and define a set of stringent conditions for studying mutation induction to TG resistance. Several lines of evidence support the CHO/HGPRT system as a specific-locus mutatational assay. The system permits quantification of mutation at the HGPRT locus induced by various physical and chemical mutagens. The quantitative nature of the system provides a basis for the study of structure-function relationships of various classes of chemical mutagens. The intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility of this system suggests its potential for screening environmental agents for mutagenic activity.
Wideband All-Order PMD Emulation via Ultrafast Pulse Shaping

A pulse shaper based polarization mode dispersion (PMD) emulator with the capability of generating arbitrary desired frequency-dependent PMD profiles is demonstrated. The PMD emulator provides a bandwidth of 8 nm at a spectral resolution of ~10 GHz. The pulse shaper acting as PMD emulator incorporates liquid crystal modulator arrays (LCM) with a total of 4 layers. The measured PMD vectors generated by the emulator are close to the desired (simulated) PMD vectors.
Abnormalities of serum electrolyte concentrations in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.

Background: The sensitivity and specificity of the sodium to potassium ratio (Na:K ratio) as a cutoff for recommendation of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test in dogs suspected of having hypoadrenocorticism (HA) is unknown. Additionally, abnormalities in plasma ionized calcium (iCa2+) and ionized magnesium (iMg2+) concentrations and venous pH of dogs with HA are incompletely documented. Objectives: To define the sensitivity and specificity of the Na:K ratio as a diagnostic aid for HA in dogs and to examine for associations between venous pH and the Na:K ratio, iCa2+ concentration, or iMg2+ concentration in dogs with HA. Animals: Seventy-six dogs with HA and 200 dogs randomly selected from the general hospital population. Methods: Retrospective study. Dogs were included in the study if results of an ACTH stimulation test confirmed a diagnosis of HA, the dog had a serum sodium concentration below the reference range or a serum potassium concentration above the reference range, and the dog was treated with mineralocorticoids. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to determine optimal cutoffs of sensitivity and specificity for the Na:K ratio in diagnosing HA. Results: Use of Na:K ratios of 27 or 28 classified 95% of dogs correctly as diseased or not diseased. The sensitivity of a Na:K ratio of 28 was 93% (CI, 85–98%) and that of 27 was 89% (CI, 80–95%). The specificity of a Na:K ratio of 28 was 96% (CI, 92 98%) and that of 27 was 97% (CI, 93–99%). The sensitivity and specificity of a Na:K ratio of 24 were 79% (95% CI, 67–86%) and 100% (98% CI, 97%–100%), respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Na:K ratios of 27 or 28 identify the highest percentage of dogs with suspected mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid deficiency correctly. In dogs with a Na:K ratio of 24 or less, the likelihood of confirming a diagnosis of HA with an ACTH stimulation test is high.
A Two-Tiered Transcription Regulation Mechanism that Protects Germ Cell Identity

In the November issue of Developmental Cell, Schaner and colleagues (2003) describe remarkable versatility in how the embryonic germ lineage blocks differentiation: in early C. elegans germ cell precursors transcription is silenced but chromatin remains open, and then after lineage restriction a conserved inhibitory chromatin architecture appears.
Longitudinal evaluation of the luteal phase and its transition into the follicular phase.

The precise patterns of LH, FSH, and PRL secretion and their correlation with estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) secretion during the entire luteal phase have not been elucidated. To analyze in detail the secretory patterns of these hormones we performed 29 consecutive studies in 5 healthy, regularly menstruating women throughout their luteal phase [days 0 (ovulation), 2, 6, 10, and 14] and subsequent early follicular phase (day 2F). During each study plasma LH, FSH, PRL, E2, and P were measured at 10-min intervals for 6 h. Both plasma LH concentrations and LH pulse frequency declined from days 0 to 10 and increased thereafter, whereas LH pulse amplitude continued to decline throughout the luteal and early follicular phases. Plasma FSH concentrations followed a pattern similar to that of LH; however, there was a larger increase in the FSH level on days 14 and 2F. Plasma PRL levels declined initially on day 2 and again on day 14. Regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between LH concentratio...
Efficient gene identification and targeted gene disruption in the wheat blotch fungus Mycosphaerella graminicola using TAGKO.

TAGKO (transposon-arrayed gene knockout) is a highly efficient method for gene discovery and gene function assignment in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea. Here, we report the application of genome-wide TAGKO to the wheat blotch fungus Mycosphaerella graminicola, including the successful development of electroporation-based transformation for this fungus. A M. graminicola genomic cosmid library was constructed and a pool of 250 cosmid clones was mutagenized by in vitro transposition. Sequence analysis identified 5,110 unique insertion events in the M. graminicola genome. Eleven transposon-tagged cosmid clones (TAGKO clones) were chosen and transformed into the wild-type strain by electroporation. Ten TAGKO clones out of 11 produced gene-specific mutants at a targeting frequency of 15–28%, significantly higher than that of conventional gene-disruption constructs. The remaining clone failed to produce viable mutants, thereby providing indirect evidence for the identification of an essential gene.
On Transnational Curriculum: Symbols, Languages, and Arrangements in an Educational Space.

A middle-school classroom of English as a Second Language (ESL) for Somali and Vietnamese refugees is examined here. With Lefebvre's (1991) theory of the production of space and an additional help of postcolonial criticism (Fanon 1967; Willinsky 1998), this article first reviews how interplays among national flags, teaching and learning activities, and classroom arrangements served to nationalize a curriculum that “walls” (Marcuse and von Kempen 1995) these students in national margins. Second, to further critiques and practices, the author argues that an Other is critical in making a triad for becoming and the emergence of alternative transnationalism. More than defending differences in terms of originality, such transnationalism and the purpose of its pedagogy (Said 1994; Spivak 1997) reconceptualize the relations among culture, people, and place (Gupta and Ferguson 1992), and pursues more diverse trajectories of Becoming Others.
Effects of sulphur on noble metal automotive catalysts

Abstract The small amount of sulfur, ca. 300 ppm, in gasoline which is equivalent to ca. 20 ppm SO2 in exhaust, has multiple effects on the operation of automotive catalysts. These effects are not widely appreciated. Firstly, there are large differences in the capacity of different noble metals to chemisorb sulfur dioxide and secondly, the dispersion of the noble metal influences the activity in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide. The ability of the catalyst to oxidize SO2 determines the resistance to poisoning by residual amounts of lead in the fuel and whether the surface of the catalyst support will store sulfur, as sulfate, under oxidizing conditions. The surface sulfate groups on the support enhance the oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons, which is very desirable for the attainment of the stringent regulatory limits on hydrocarbon emissions. On the other hand, the stored sulfur can be emitted as a transient spike of hydrogen sulfide if the engine operating conditions shift momentarily to the rich side of the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio, which is an undesirable phenomenon. The presence of sulfur species in the exhaust influences the partitioning of the products of nitric oxide reduction between dinitrogen and ammonia strongly suppressing the latter. The optimization of the composition of the three-way catalyst has to take into account the effect of sulfur compounds present in the exhaust.
New chemical measurements with nonlinear spectroscopy

Multiresonant, nondegnerate, four wave mixing spectroscopy involves three simultaneous resonances that can be used to achieve spectral selectivity in chemical measurements. There are nonlinear analogs to the familiar Raman, infrared, absorption, and fluorescence. Unlike the familiar methods, the multiple resonances of the nonlinear methods can be used to dissect the spectra into the modes and sites that are responsible for the spectral structure.
An analysis of immobilized enzymatic reaction in a packed-bed reactor with enzyme denaturation

Abstract A general dispersion model is adopted in the present work for predicting the performance of a packed-bed reactor with pellicular immobilized enzyme catalysts. The effects of enzyme denaturation and substrate inhibition on the reactor performance are considered. A comparison of the numerical results for the present case with those for the previous quasisteady state case without enzyme denaturation reveals that the transient period for the latter case is rather short and the steady state model will be a good approximation for predicting the reactor performance. It is also observed that under many circumstances the reactor performance with conventional enzyme catalysts is better than that with pellicular ones.
Application of modified atmospheres in farm grain storage bins

Abstract The use of a modified atmosphere for fumigation of circular, corrugated steel farm grain storage bins was investigated. The bins were 4.6 m diameter and filled to a depth of 1.5 m with wheat. Details of the concentration histories during purge with the modified atmosphere are given, and data on the effect of gas flow rate during maintenance is also provided. Comparisons were made between bins with and without drying floors, as well as between bins which were unsealed, those which were well-sealed, and those which were sealed by using a plastic film over the grain surface. It was found that satisfactory concentrations could be achieved using purge rates which produce superficial linear velocities above 30 cm/hr. At these rates, the gas volume required to purge the air from the grain is equivalent to the space occupied by the grain bulk (and its interstitial space). After purging, the concentrations may be successfully maintained by a gas rate producing a velocity of 3 cm/hr if a surface covering is used. A surface covering reduced gas maintenance requirements by a factor of 10 compared to that for a ventilated overhead space and by a factor of 2 compared to completely sealing the overhead space.
Multiple ionization and the charge state evolution of ions exposed to electron impact

Abstract Charge state abundances of atoms exposed to an electron flux for a time t are calculated from experimental cross sections by considering either electron impact single ionization only or by including multiple ionization. When multiple ionization is neglected Xeq+ ion abundances (q = 0,1,…,6) for an electron energy of 700 eV are off by a factor of up to 2 both in peak size and in time necessary to reach the peak value.
Measurement of Cell Volume Loss in the Liquid Region Preceding an Advancing Phase Change Interfacea

: It is well understood that the solidification of a solution results in a redistribution of solute in the liquid zone. For the freezing of suspensions of cells it is anticipated that accumulation of solute in the region leading a growing ice phase will cause an osmotic response in cells before the ice phase reaches the cells. To measure this phenomenon in a specific algal species, the volume changes in Chlorococcum texanum during freezing were studied using directional solidification cryomicroscopy. The relative cell volume was tracked continuously as a function of temperature and position as cells encountered the moving phase front. The loss of cell volume was measured in the liquid region containing concentrated solute ahead of the growing solid phase.
Gender differences in depression and response to psychotropic medication.

Abstract Background: In the United States, depression is approximately twice as common among women as among men, across all age groups. Objective: This review examines gender differences in the epidemiology and clinical presentation of depression, and explores whether women respond differently than men to antidepressant medications. Methods: This is a selective review focusing on current issues in the management of depression, with particular attention to gender differences in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. Results: Women are more likely than men to have atypical symptoms of depression (eg, hypersomnia, hyperphagia), to have comorbid anxiety disorders, and to attempt suicide. Women are also more likely to have seasonal affective disorder. Mood and anxiety symptoms that seem to be related to the menstrual cycle do not often represent genuine premenstrual dysphoria, but when premenstrual dysphoric disorder does occur, its impact on quality of life is similar to that of major depressive disorder. There is ongoing controversy about whether men and women respond equally well to antidepressant medications, and preliminary evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are more effective in the presence of estrogen. Depression affects about 10% of pregnant women. Antidepressant medication should be considered during pregnancy if depression is moderate or severe, or if withdrawal of maintenance medication is likely to result in recurrent depression. The potential benefits of using antidepressant medications in a pregnant or breastfeeding woman should be balanced against the potential risks to the newborn. Because of the risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome, SSRIs should be used at the lowest effective dose during the third trimester of pregnancy and should be tapered before delivery. Conclusions: Continuing research is needed to determine how gender influences the risk, clinical presentation, and response to treatment of depression. Exploration of sex differences in animals and humans should aid in efforts to treat depression as an organic disorder rather than a psychological maladaptation.
Domain-specific executive control and the revision of misinterpretations in sentence comprehension

Two individual differences experiments examined the relationship between executive control and the revision of misinterpretations in sentence comprehension. Garden-path sentences were used as they often lead to initial misinterpretations, necessitating revision during comprehension. In addition to garden-path revision, verbal and non-verbal executive controls were assessed by using the verbal and non-verbal version of the Stroop task. Experiment 1 showed that garden-path revision errors in a grammaticality judgement task correlated with verbal Stroop interference errors. Experiment 2 further showed that the time taken to revise the garden-path interpretation correlated with the time taken to resolve verbal Stroop interference, but not with the time taken to resolve non-verbal Stroop interference. Together, the results argue for a role of executive control, which is possibly domain-specific, in the revision of misinterpretations during sentence comprehension.
MEMBRANE POTENTIAL AND RESISTANCE CHANGES IN NG108-15 CELLS: AN IN VITRO MODEL TO STUDY MEMBRANE-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS

The objective of this work was to develop an in vitro model to screen possible antidotal treatments against membrane-active compounds. Toward this end, studies were conducted to examine changes in membrane potential and resistance induced by several test compounds, i.e., gramicidin D, ouabain, and minoxidil, in differentiated NG108-15 hybrid (mouse neuroblastoma X rat glioma) cells using intracellular electrodes and standard current clamp techniques. In general, changes observed were consistent with known actions of these compounds and their effects demonstrated in a number ofother systems.For example, the channel-forming ionophore gramicidin D produced severe membrane depolarization with markedly reduced resistance. Also, the Na+-K+ pump blocker ouabain produced membrane depolarization, and the potassium channel activator minoxidil produced membrane hyperpolarization. Neither ouabain nor minoxidil significantly altered input resistanceof theNG108-15 cells.Thenature of theobserved alterations combined wit...
Otrech health service for street youth

A voluntary health agency operated a clinic at a drop-in center for street youth. Six hundred nine youths were seen, with an average age of 16 years, 9 months. There were 2,086 diagnoses made during 1,895 visits. Respiratory, dermatologic, and gynecologic problems represented 56% of all diagnoses. Pregnancy tests accounted for 38% of all procedures, 50% of all medications dispensed were either oral antibiotics or decongestants, and 17% of the visits resulted in referrals. This chart review revealed that street youth seen at a drop-in center sought care for common medical problems. Problems related to substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases were seen much less frequently than anticipated. Elements critical to the success of this clinic included its on-site location, hours of operation when teenagers were using other services, close working relationships between clinic and center staffs, the capability to perform a few simple laboratory procedures, and an on-site pharmacy.
RabGEF1 is a negative regulator of mast cell activation and skin inflammation

Mast cell activation induced by aggregation of Fc epsilon RI receptors with immunoglobulin E and antigen is mediated through the activation of multiple protein kinase cascades. Here we report that the regulatory protein RabGEF1 bound to Ras and negatively regulated Ras activation and its 'downstream' effector pathways in Fc epsilon RI-dependent mast cell activation. RabGEF1-deficient mast cells showed enhanced degranulation and release of lipid mediators and cytokines in response to Fc epsilon RI aggregation. RabGEF1-deficient mice developed severe skin inflammation and had increased numbers of mast cells. Thus, RabGEF1 is a negative regulator of Fc epsilon RI-dependent mast cell activation, and a lack of RabGEF1 results in the development of skin inflammation in vivo.