cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 3 Mitotic Synchrony in the Plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum and Mitotic Synchronization by Coalescence of Microplasmodia

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the mitotic synchrony in the plasmodia of P. polycephalum . The plasmodium of P. polycephalum has a bright yellow color, which is caused by numerous yellow pigment granules. When a plasmodium is subjected to slow desiccation, it forms internal walls and is eventually converted into a brittle layer of mostly multinucleate spherules called a “sclerotium”. The sclerotium is relatively resistant to changes in temperature, light, and dryness and can survive in a dormant state for years. The sclerotia are revitalized when exposed to humidity. For preparing large surface plasmodia, suspensions of microplasmodia are concentrated by centrifugation and allowed to coalesce on filter paper. Prompt and even coalescence is the main prerequisite for obtaining optimal mitotic synchrony within, as well as between, plasmodia. For this purpose, two factors are of prime importance—namely, (1) the type of agitation, and (2) the age of the microplasmodial culture. When the microplasmodia are grown in 500-ml flasks, an alternating agitation of 100 strokes per minute with amplitude of 4 cm is optimal for subsequent coalescence. The degree of mitotic synchrony during the first, second, and third postfusion mitosis is such that there is no need to establish a synchronization index.
Parabolic Potential Theory: Basic Facts

The potential theory based on the Laplace operator, developed in the preceding chapters, will be called classical potential theory below. The potential theory based on the heat operator \( \dot{\Delta } \) and its adjoint \( \mathop{\Delta }\limits^{*} \), called parabolic potential theory, will be developed in Chapters XV to XIX. Concepts that are parabolic counterparts of classical concepts will be distinguished by dots or asterisks, depending on whether the concepts are related to \( \dot{\Delta } \) or to \( \mathop{\Delta }\limits^{*} \). Just as the domains of classical potential theory are subsets of ℝ N , the domains of parabolic potential theory are subsets of “space time” \( {{\mathbb{R}}^{{N + 1}}} \), which we denote in this context by \( {{\dot{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}} \). Here \( N \geqslant 1 \), and the case N = 1 is not exceptional. A point \( \dot{\xi } = (\xi ,s) \) of \( {{\dot{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}} \) has space coordinate ξ in ℝ N and time coordinate s = ord \( \dot{\xi } \) (the ordinate of \( \dot{\xi } \)), a point of ℝ. The point \( \dot{\eta }:(\eta ,t) \) will be said to be [strictly] below \( \dot{\xi }:(\xi ,s) \) if \( t \leqslant s\left[ {t 0} \right\}{\text{ }}\left[ {\left\{ {{\text{ord}}\dot{\xi } < 0} \right\}} \right] \) and the abscissa hyperplane is the set \( \left\{ {{\text{ord}}\dot{\xi } = 0} \right\} \). The boundary of a subset of \( {{\dot{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}} \) relative to the one-point compactification of \( {{\dot{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}} \) will be called the Euclidean boundary, and boundary will mean this boundary unless a different one is specified.
Lessons Learned From Google Glass: Telemedical Spark or Unfulfilled Promise?

Importance. Wearable devices such as Google Glass could potentially be used in the health care setting to expand access and improve quality of care. Objective. This study aims to assess the demogra...
Tako-Tsubo–Like Left Ventricular Dysfunction

To the Editor: We read with great interest the recent Images in Cardiovascular Medicine article by Girod et al1 regarding a case with tako-tsubo –like transient left ventricular dysfunction. In their article, the authors well described a case of this rather unusual disorder and also provided an impressive picture of a tako-tsubo (octopus catcher). Although the exact mechanism for this entity has yet to be …
Biochemical and immunologic characterization of cotton bract extract and its effect on in vitro cyclic AMP production. I: Field-dried bract

Cotton bract has been proposed as a probable byssinogenic agent. Mill workers are exposed to bract which has weathered in the field, but it is not known whether biologic effects of bract are due to intrinsic plant compound(s) or to contamination occurring during field weathering. Exposure of mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) to green bract extract (GBE) lowered basal cyclic AMP levels. Concomitant exposure of MNL to GBE plus agonist altered MNL cyclic AMP levels in a dose-dependent fashion. Differences between immunologic and pharmacologic test results of GBE and field-dried bract extract were mainly quantitative, suggesting the bioactive agent(s) in cotton bract is intrinsic to the plant.
A new protease required for cell-cycle progression in yeast

In eukaryotes, protein function can be modulated by ligation to ubiquitin or to ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubl proteins)1,2,3. The vertebrate Ubl protein SUMO-1 is only 18% identical to ubiquitin but is 48% identical to the yeast protein Smt3. Both SUMO-1 and Smt3 are ligated to cellular proteins, and protein conjugation to SUMO-1/Smt3 is involved in many physiological processes3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. It remained unknown, however, whether deconjugation of SUMO-1/Smt3 from proteins is also essential. Here we describe a yeast Ubl-specific protease, Ulp1, which cleaves proteins from Smt3 and SUMO-1 but not from ubiquitin. Ulp1 is unrelated to any known deubiquitinating enzyme but shows distant similarity to certain viral proteases, indicating the existence of a widely conserved protease fold. Proteins related to Ulp1 are present in many organisms, including several human pathogens. The pattern of Smt3-coupled proteins in yeast changes markedly throughout the cell cycle, and specific conjugates accumulate in ulp1 mutants. Ulp1 has several functions, including an essential role in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle.
Compliance by state-subsidized and self-pay orthodontic patients

Introduction Medicaid is a needs-based program in the United States that subsidizes medical and dental care for minors. The purpose of this study was to test for compliance differences between self-pay and Medicaid-supported patients. Methods Medicaid patient records (n = 88) were perused retrospectively for characteristics that distract from an orthodontist's workflow (missed appointments, broken brackets, treatment duration, and so on) and compared with a sample (n = 145) of self-pay patients from the same teaching clinic. Differences in treatment difficulty were adjusted by subject selection and statistically (analysis of covariance). Results Medicaid patients were younger (mean age, 14.1 vs 14.9 years) and significantly more likely to be dismissed from treatment (19% vs 4%), generally for noncompliance. Broken brackets and missed appointments were more common in the Medicaid sample. There was no difference in the number of appointments in those completing treatment, but treatment duration was significantly longer for the Medicaid patients who completed treatment (29 vs 25 months). Commute distance and estimated driving time were significantly shorter for the Medicaid-assisted group. Conclusions Greater difficulty in managing Medicaid patients may partly explain why they are underserved. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the causes of the differences.
Solar and Wind Resource Assessments for Afghanistan and Pakistan

The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has recently completed the production of high-resolution wind and solar energy resource maps and related data products for Afghanistan and Pakistan. The resource data have been incorporated into a geospatial toolkit (GsT), which allows the user to manipulate the resource information along with country-specific geospatial information such as highway networks, power facilities, transmission corridors, protected land areas, etc. The toolkit allows users to then transfer resource data for specific locations into NREL’s micropower optimization model known as HOMER.
Differential state quantization of high order Gauss-Markov process

Analyzes a differential technique of tracking and quantizing a continuous time Gauss-Markov process using the process and its derivatives. By using fine quantization approximations the author derives expressions for the time-average smoothed error. Analytical bounds are derived on the overall smoothed error and it is confirmed that the differential scheme outperforms vector quantization of the scalar process, state component quantization, and state vector quantization. It is shown that when the overall rate R in bits per second is high, the optimal smoothed error varies as 1/R/sup 3/ for the differential scheme. This is better than the performance of DPCM and a modified vector DPCM, analyzed under the same framework. For both these schemes the asymptotic variation of the smoothed error is 1/R/sup 2/ at rate R. For differential state quantisation, the resulting optimal size of the vector quantizers are small and can be used in practice. >
Preparation and structure of a solid-state hypervalent-iodine polymer containing iodine and oxygen atoms in fused 12-atom hexagonal rings.

The treatment of dilute aqueous solutions of [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene with aqueous Mg(ClO4)2 produced thin elongated-hexagonal plates exhibiting a supramolecular structure in which tetra-μ-ox...
Wild-type p53 reactivation by small-molecule Minnelide™ in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Summary Objectives The incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to increase, particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cases. The inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene promotes a chain of molecular events, including cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance. Reactivation of wild-type p53 function is an intriguing therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel compound derived from diterpene triepoxide (Minnelide™) can reactivate wild-type p53 function in HPV-positive HNSCC. Materials and methods For all of our in vitro experiments, we used 2 HPV-positive HNSCC cell lines, University of Michigan squamous cell carcinoma (UM-SCC) 47 and 93-VU-147, and 2 HPV-positive human cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa and CaSki. Cells were treated with different concentrations of triptolide and analyzed for p53 activation. Mice bearing UM-SCC 47 subcutaneous xenografts and HPV-positive patient-derived tumor xenografts were treated with Minnelide and evaluated for tumor growth and p53 activation. Results In HPV-positive HNSCC, Minnelide reactivated p53 by suppressing E6 oncoprotein. Activation of apoptosis followed, both in vitro and in vivo. In 2 preclinical HNSCC animal models (a subcutaneous xenograft model and a patient-derived tumor xenograft model), Minnelide reactivated p53 function and significantly decreased tumor progression and tumor volume. Conclusion Triptolide and Minnelide caused cell death in vitro and in vivo in HPV-positive HNSCC by reactivating wild-type p53 and thus inducing apoptosis. In addition, in 2 HPV-positive HNSCC animal models, Minnelide decreased tumor progression and induced apoptosis.
Altered expression of γ2L and γ2S GABAA receptor subunits in the aging rat brain

Aging-related alterations in both protein and mRNA expression of gamma 2S and gamma 2L subunits of the GABAA receptors have been observed in several brain areas of Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats. Subunit-specific antibodies to gamma 2S and gamma 2L as well as a riboprobe to the large intracellular loop of gamma 2, which recognizes both gamma 2S and gamma 2L mRNAs, in conjunction with computerized image analysis were used for quantitative immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. In addition, specific oligonucleotide probes to gamma 2S or gamma 2L mRNA were used for quantitative dot blot hybridization. A large increase in the number of heavily immunostained neurons with the anti-gamma 2L antibody was detected in the cerebral cortex (115%) of old rats. However, only a small (but significant) aging-related increase in the density of gamma 2L immunostaining (7%) was observed throughout the cerebral cortex whereas no significant aging-related change in gamma 2L mRNA was detected in this brain region. Contrary to gamma 2L, the gamma 2S immunostaining did not show aging-related increased number of heavily immunostained neurons in cerebral cortex. Moreover, the density of gamma 2S immunostaining and the expression of gamma 2S mRNA were significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex (9-24%). Important aging-related changes were also found in the cerebellum of old rats where the expression of both gamma 2S and gamma 2L peptides was significantly decreased (24% and 23% respectively). This decrease in gamma 2 protein expression was accompanied by decreased expression of gamma 2S (16-38%) and gamma 2L (24%) mRNAs. Nevertheless, the most important decrease of gamma 2S (48%) and gamma 2L protein (20%) was revealed in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. In addition, the expression of gamma 2S protein was increased (14%) whereas the expression of gamma 2L was decreased (13%) in the granule cell layer. Therefore, the relative expression of gamma 2S protein in both layers was reversed in old animals. The observed aging-related changes in the expression of GABAA receptor subunits might lead to altered GABAA receptor/benzodiazepine receptor subunit composition.
The impact of physical complaints, social environment, and psychological functioning on IBS patients' health perceptions: looking beyond GI symptom severity.

The Impact of Physical Complaints, Social Environment, and Psychological Functioning on IBS Patients’ Health Perceptions: Looking Beyond GI Symptom Severity
Side arm participation in lariat ether carboxylate-alkali metal cation complexes in solution

Abstract Lariat ether carboxylic acids of structure CECH2OCH2C6H4–2-CO2H with crown ether (CE) ring sizes of 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 are prepared and converted into alkali metal–lariat ether carboxylate complexes. Absorptions for the diastereotopic benzylic protons in the 1H NMR spectra of the complexes in CDCl3 are utilized to probe the extent of side arm interaction with the crown ether-complexed metal ion as a function of the crown ether ring size and identity of the alkali metal cation.
Spermic Acid Diester Derivatives as Pharmacological Carriers for Long-Term Controlled Nitric Oxide Delivery

Water-insoluble diazeniumdiolates with extended nitric oxide (NO) release half-lives were synthesized based on diesters of spermic acid. These diesters were prepared via Michael addition reactions from 1,4-diaminobutane and various acrylate esters. Synthesis and NO release profiles of dimethyl, diethyl,dibutyl, dihexyl, and dilauryl spermate diazeniumdiolates are reported.
Invariant imbedding and radiation dosimetry VI: absorbed dose of X and gamma rays in a target slab

Abstract In a series of preceding papers, we have solved with the aid of invariant imbedding technique a number of diffuse reflection and transmission problems for parallel rays incident on the top of the target slab. In this paper, again using the principles of invariant imbedding, we obtain the intensity of the internal radiation field due to rays which have suffered a finite number of scatterings during passage through the slab where energy-dependent and anisotropic scattering is assumed. Thus, the internal radiation field is expressed in terms of the finite order scattering and transmission functions, which have been determined in our preceding paper. It is then shown that the internal radiation field permits us to evaluate the required absorbed dose of x rays and gamma rays in a target slab.
Antithrombogenic properties of a nitric oxide-releasing dextran derivative: evaluation of platelet activation and whole blood clotting kinetics

Controlling platelet activation and clotting initiated by cardiovascular interventions remains a major challenge in clinical practice. In this work, the antithrombotic properties of a polysaccharide-based nitric oxide (NO)-releasing dextran derivative are presented. Total platelet adhesion, platelet morphology and whole blood clotting kinetics were used as indicators to evaluate the anticlotting properties of this material. With a total NO delivery of 0.203 ± 0.003 μmol, the NO-releasing dextran derivative (Dex–SNO) mixed with blood plasma demonstrated a significantly lower amount of platelet adhesion and activation onto a surface and reduced whole blood clotting kinetics. Nearly 75% reduction in platelet adhesion and a significant retention of platelet morphology were observed with blood plasma treated with Dex–SNO, suggesting this to be a potential antiplatelet therapeutic agent for preventing thrombosis that does not have an adverse effect on circulating platelets.
Secretogranin I/Chromogranin B Is a Heparin‐Binding Adhesive Protein

: The major heparin-binding protein secreted by PC12 cells was purified from conditioned medium. Amino-terminal sequencing of the purified protein identified it as secretogranin I/chromogranin B (SgI/ChmB). The protein showed the same electrophoretic mobility and biochemical characteristics as previously reported for SgI/ChmB and could be purified in high yield using a simple procedure. In vitro experiments demonstrated that SgI/ChmB effectively promoted cell-substratum adhesion of NIH 3T3 and PC12 cells and supported neurite outgrowth in primary hippocampal neurons. Thus, SgI/ChmB may be a new member of the family of heparin-binding extracellular matrix proteins that mediate cell adhesion and support neurite outgrowth.
Molecular cloning of pituitary glycoprotein α-subunit and follicle stimulating hormone and chorionic gonadotropin β-subunits from New World squirrel monkey and owl monkey

The goal of this study was to characterize the gonadotropins expressed in pituitary glands of the New World squirrel monkey (Saimiri sp.) and owl monkey (Aotus sp.). The various subunits were amplified from total RNA from squirrel monkey and owl monkey pituitary glands by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the deduced amino acid sequences compared to those of other species. Mature squirrel monkey and owl monkey glycoprotein hormone α-polypeptides (96 amino acids in length) were determined to be 80% homologous to the human sequence. The sequences of mature β subunits of follicle stimulating hormone (FSHβ) from squirrel monkey and owl monkey (111 amino acids in length) are 92% homologous to human FSHβ. New World primate glycoprotein hormone α-polypeptides and FSHβ subunits showed conservation of all cysteine residues and consensus N-linked glycosylation sites. Attempts to amplify the β-subunit of luteinizing hormone from squirrel monkey and owl monkey pituitary glands were unsuccessful. Rather, the β-subunit of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) was amplified from pituitaries of both New World primates. Squirrel monkey and owl monkey CGβ are 143 and 144 amino acids in length and 77% homologous with human CGβ. The greatest divergence is in the C terminus, where all four sites for O-linked glycosylation in human CGβ, responsible for delayed metabolic clearance, are predicted to be absent in New World primate CGβs. It is likely that CG secreted from pituitary of New World primates exhibits a relatively short half-life compared to human CG.
Intense Coherent Cherenkov Radiation Due to the Interaction of a Relativistic Electron Beam with a Slow-Wave Structure

Extremely high-power microwave emission is generated when a pulsed relativistic electron beam propagates down the axis of a corrugated-wall wave guide. The radiation occurs at a frequency such that the phase velocities of the negative-energy space charge wave on the beam and a low-order TM mode in the wave guide are equal. Power levels of 500 MW are generated. The conversion efficiency of electron energy into electromagnetic energy radiation is 17%.
Stress relaxation after steady shearing: Applications and empirical representation

The measurement of stresss relaxation following steady-state shearing is particularly useful in the terminal relaxation zone, where the rheological properties are molecular weight dependent. This paper contains a description of the method as applied to molten polymers, and an empirical function found to be useful for fitting the data. Three examples are given to demonstrate some direct and simple applications. First, the decrease of viscosity with increasing shear rate may be estimated by simply replotting the experimental data. Second, extrapolation of calculated viscosities to very high shear rates is shown to lead to a possible explanation for melt fracture. Third, the true Newtonian viscosity can be estimated from measurements conducted at a nonzero shear rate.
The longitudinal effects of fenfluramine-phentermine use.

The use of previous anorectic medications and the combined use of the anorectic medications fenfluramine and phentermine (Fen-Phen) have been associated with varying degrees of valvular regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. More recent reports have suggested a lower incidence of both than was previously reported. Comparisons of patients with similar body mass index (BMI) have been missing as well as information regarding chamber dimensions and pressures. Using transthoracic 2D, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography, 57 men and women (30 Fen-Phen and 27 BMI-matched individuals/BMIMCG) were studied to determine their chamber dimensions, wall motion, diastolic function, valvular abnormalities, left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs), and pulmonary artery pressures (pAPs). The 30 Fen-Phen subjects were studied shortly after discontinuing the medications and again 6 to 12 months later. The results in these subjects were then compared with the valvular findings of 660 randomly selected cardiac patients w...
A skewed-momenta method to efficiently generate conformational-transition trajectories.

We present a novel computational method, the skewed-momenta method (Skew’M), which applies a bias to the Maxwell distribution of initial momenta used to generate ensembles of trajectories. As a result, conformational transitions are accentuated and kinetic properties are calculated more effectively. The connection to the related puddle jumping method is discussed. A reweighting scheme permits the exact calculation of kinetic properties. Applications are presented for the rapid calculation of rate constants for molecular isomerization, and for the efficient reconstruction of free-energy profiles using a straightforward modification of the Jarzynski identity.
Grasping deformable planar objects: Squeeze, stick/slip analysis, and energy-based optimalities

Robotic grasping of deformable objects is difficult and under-researched, not simply due to the high computational cost of modeling. More fundamentally, several issues arise with the deformation of an object being grasped: a changing wrench space, growing finger contact areas, and pointwise varying contact modes inside these areas. Consequently, contact constraints needed for deformable modeling are hardly established at the beginning of the grasping operation. This paper presents a grasping strategy that squeezes the object with two fingers under specified displacements rather than forces. A 'stable' squeeze minimizes the potential energy for the same amount of squeezing, while a 'pure' squeeze ensures that the object undergoes no rigid body motion as it deforms. Assuming linear elasticity, a finite element analysis guarantees equilibrium and the uniqueness of deformation during a squeeze action. An event-driven algorithm tracks the contact regions as well as the modes of contact in their interiors under Coulomb friction, which in turn serve as the needed constraints for deformation update. Grasp quality is characterized as the amount of work performed by the grasping fingers in resisting a known push by some adversary finger. Simulation and multiple experiments have been conducted to validate the results over solid and ring-like 2D objects.
Assessment of mitral annular dynamics during diastole by Doppler tissue imaging: Comparison with mitral Doppler inflow in subjects without heart disease and in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

The purpose of this study was to determine the normal pattern and magnitude of mitral annular velocities in diastole by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and to assess whether this is altered in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. Mitral annulus velocities were measured by DTI. Peak and time-velocity integral were measured from the DTI tracings and the timing of the velocities in relation to electrocardiogram. DTI was compared with M-mode echo of the annulus and mitral inflow Doppler velocities. Integrated annular velocities by DTI correlated with the annular displacement. Early diastolic velocities decreased with age and in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. In the hypertrophy group, early diastolic velocities were significantly lower than normal even after correcting for age. Patients with left ventricular hypertrophy also showed a delay in peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (5.5 ± 21 msec after the E wave). In conclusion, mitral annular velocity in diastole is readily recorded by DTI. The magnitude and the pattern of these velocities are significantly altered by age and by left ventricular hypertrophy. This method provides a new insight into diastolic filling events and may prove useful in detecting abnormal diastolic function.
Predictors of Relapse Following Treatment of Trichotillomania.

Objective This study sought to identify predictors of relapse in a behavior therapy trial for trichotillomania (TTM), or hair-pulling disorder. Relapse is common after treatment for TTM, and only a few studies have examined what might predict relapse.
Knowledge acquisition for multi-channel electroencephalogram interpretation

Knowledge-based systems for the automated interpretation of electrophysiological data require: (1) domain-dependent knowledge as used by, say, a cardiologist, and (2) digital signal processing knowledge. Typically, a knowledge engineer is used to encode the rules of thumb used by the domain expert, but it is more desirable that the domain expert directly enters his/her knowledge into the system. This is even more so in our application domain, where the knowledge of two experts needs to be extracted and encoded. A knowledge representation scheme and acquisition tool is presented here that makes it possible to actively involve the domain expert(s) in the encoding of the domain knowledge. The system has been evaluated on a well-defined problem taken from the area of automated EEG analysis. The results obtained indicate that the approach is especially useful in coding and handling complex spatio-temporal relationships.
Selective scanning tunneling microscope-induced light emission from self-assembled monolayer-covered Au surfaces

We have studied the scanning tunneling microscope-induced light emission from Au surfaces in air. The effect of adsorbates on the light emission was investigated. Atmospheric contaminants appear as nonemissive clusters in the luminescence images. Preliminary results suggest that UV/ozone exposure partially reverses the effect of atmospheric contamination. Self-assembled monolayer chemisorption was also studied. The presence of an octadecylthiol (ODT) monolayer on the Au surface decreases the light emission intensity by one order of magnitude. Selective inhibition of luminescence is demonstrated using a microcontact printed pattern of ODT.
Selecting and implementing a patron‐driven resource reservation system

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe criteria for selecting and processes for implementing a self‐service online resource reservation using the University of Virginia (U.Va.) Library as a case study.Design/methodology/approach – The paper chronicles the identified needs, selection criteria, and deployment strategy undertaken by a U.Va. Library task force in early to mid‐2010 along with the unexpected pitfalls and policy implications uncovered by the process.Findings – The U.Va. Library selected and rolled out a product meeting a variety of public service needs, EMS Enterprise, in the summer/fall of 2010, with lessons learned about the intricacies of IT infrastructure, public service policies and procedures, and the varied resource reservation needs of the library's libraries and labs.Originality/value – The paper demonstrates how the addition of a self‐scheduling reservation system has helped fill a long‐awaited need and adds value to the U.Va. Library's Services.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 induces gene expression primarily through Ras-independent signal transduction pathways.

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) are widely expressed in many tissues and cell types, and the temporal expression of these receptors and their ligands play important roles in the control of development. There are four FGFR family members, FGFR-1–4, and understanding the ability of these receptors to transduce signals is central to understanding how they function in controlling differentiation and development. We have utilized signal transduction by FGF-1 in PC12 cells to compare the ability of FGFR-1 and FGFR-3 to elicit the neuronal phenotype. In PC12 cells FGFR-1 is much more potent in the induction of neurite outgrowth than FGFR-3. This correlated with the ability of FGFR-1 to induce robust and sustained activation of the Ras-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. In contrast, FGFR-3 could not induce strong sustained Ras-dependent signals. In this study, we analyzed the ability of FGFR-3 to induce the expression of sodium channels, peripherin, and Thy-1 in PC12 cells because all three of these proteins are known to be induced via Ras-independent pathways. We determined that FGFR-3 was capable of inducing several Ras-independent gene expression pathways important to the neuronal phenotype to a level equivalent of that induced by FGFR-1. Thus, FGFR-3 elicits phenotypic changes primarily though activation of Ras-independent pathways in the absence of robust Ras-dependent signals.
Mass Spectrometric Mapping and Sequencing of N-Linked Oligosaccharides Derived from Submicrogram Amounts of Glycoproteins

Very small quantities of glycoproteins were directly processed on a MALDI sampling plate prior to their mass spectrometric investigations. The on-plate digestion with N-glycanase released effectively the corresponding oligosaccharides in very short times, irrespective of their molecular mass. The following treatment with an array of exoglycosidase enzymes enables sequencing and a linkage-form determination in analysis times that are considerably shorter than achieved previously: the entire structural determination on a glycoprotein can be completed in one day, with a minimum substrate consumption. Ribonuclease B, bovine fetuin, human α1-acid glycoprotein, and the diamine oxidase (from porcine kidney) have been used to illustrate different aspects of the on-plate sample treatment/MALDI mass spectrometry.
Target identification for stripmap- and spotlight-mode SARs using physics-based signatures

A physics-based target detection theory is developed for spotlight-mode operation of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The target return and clutter return models are constructed from electromagnetic scattering theory. A polar-format Fourier-transform processor for spotlight-mode SAR images with adjustable processing durations, and a Neyman-Pearson optimum whitening-filter processor for single-component targets are considered. Detection performance for these spotlight-mode SAR processors are compared with those for corresponding stripmap- mode SAR processors. Target detection theory for multi- component targets is also developed. For two conditions -- unknown component phases, and unknown component phases with uncertain component positions -- we develop likelihood-based detectors and numerically evaluate the associated receiver operating characteristics.
GABAmimetic drugs in hyperkinetic involuntary movement disorders and their effects on mental status

GABAmimetic drugs are effective in the treatment of hyperkinetic involuntary motor disorders like tardive dyskinesia. Several therapeutic pharmacologic strategies have been identified, including direct-acting agonists, reuptake blockers, and degradation inhibitors. This pharmacologic response, in addition to providing clinical efficacy data, has led to the speculation that GABA is pathophysiologically involved in tardive dyskinesia. The most potent GABAmimetic compounds have psychotomimetic effects, but some of the weaker GABA agonists are clinically effective for dyskinesias without severe cognitive side effects. Thus, GABA agonists are likely to be available soon as practical treatments for tardive dyskinesia.
Emotion metaphors and emotional labor in science teaching

An understanding of the importance of metaphors and beliefs in the development of teachers' practical knowledge has already been explored in science education research. However, the significance of emotion metaphors and the consequences of emotional labor as part of being a science teacher have been little addressed. This study describes the findings from a 3-year ethnographic case study of an elementary-school teacher who participated in a research project investigating the role of teacher emotion in science teaching and student learning. This research demonstrates how the performance of emotional labor is an important aspect of reality in science teaching. The teacher in this study is willing to do the emotional labor that involves some suffering because the emotional rewards are gratifying. A perspective on emotion in science education may focus, at least in part, on the functions of emotion in creating inspiring emotional cultures in science teaching and learning. Recognizing that teachers and students are agents in constructing such cultures, educators, teachers, and administrators are more likely to grasp the complexities and possibilities of emotional labor in the context of science education. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed88:301–324, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/.sce10116
Effects of amino acid loading on lens amino acids, cations and water.

Abstract In hypotonic medium the tendency of the lens and single cells to swell is countered by another process so that the initial isotonic volume is regained. This process has been termed “volume regulation” and is characterized by an adjustment in the level of intra-cellular solute to the extracellular level by a change in the content of potassium plus anion. This phenomena is not observed in the lenses of galactose fed rats in which swelling results from the accumulation of polyols. As a means of obtaining additional information lenses were loaded with amino acids to increase the level of intralenticular solute. With loading the level of amino acids in the lens increased by 30 and 20 mEq per liter in 305 and 185 mosmol media, respectively. This accumulation was offset by an equivalent loss of potassium and accompanying antion. In an hypotonic medium the content of potassium and accompanying anion is reduced over a period of 2–3 days so that the original lens volume is reestablished. Thus amino acid loading provides an additional model for studying “volume regulation”. During osmotic equilibration there is a temporary depression in 86 Rb and hence potassium influx. This was not anticipated on the basis of reports on single cells. A temporary increase in estimated potassium efflux was not demonstrated. The amino acid content of lenses is less when lenses are incubated in a hypotonic rather than an isotonic medium. This may act as a contributing factor in “volume regulation” as it does in marine animals. In organ culture glutamic acid does not enter the lens, however, glutamine is permeable. Amino acids are essential for maintaining a normal water and cation balance in the lens.
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors and the Potential for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

AbstractBackground: Clinical development programs of investigational antidiabetic agents now include evaluation of cardiovascular (CV) risk as a major research focus. Recently, several compounds in a new class of antihyperglycemic therapy have reached the final stages of development. Treatment with inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporters 2 (SGLT2) leads to urinary excretion of glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and is associated with clinically significant reductions in blood glucose levels. The glucosuria-based mechanism of this class has the potential to induce weight loss through reduced caloric availability, and, in addition, may affect blood pressure (BP) via osmotic diuresis or other as yet incompletely characterized mechanisms. Methods: Searches of the PubMed database were conducted for published studies evaluating the use of SGLT2 inhibitors that reported data on CV risk factors (eg, weight, BP, lipid levels) or CV events. Searches for presentations at recent major diab...
Epitaxial growth on MgO on (001) surfaces of silver single-crystal film substrates☆

The epitaxial growth of evaporated MgO films (<25–4000 A) on smooth (001) surfaces of silver single-crystal film substrates at a temperature inthe range 25°–200°C has been studied by reflection high energy electron diffraction. At substrate temperatures below 150°C, MgO is oriented with its (111) plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. The (111) orientation is fibrous. At 150°C a major fraction of the deposit is oriented in parallel and at 200°C only the parallel orientation is observed. The deposit initially grows as oriented three-dimensional nuclei. As the film thickness increases to 500 A, randomly oriented MgO is simultaneously formed at the surface. With further increase in thickness the degree of epitaxial orientation decreases and at 1000 A a small amount of one- degree (111) orientation appears at the surface. At 4000 A the surface orientation becomes one-degree (111); the (111) orientation is interpreted as a final growth orientation.
Pharmacist-Led Workshops to Enhance Pharmacotherapy Knowledge for Medical Students

Background: Graduating medical students have reported concern regarding inadequate training in pharmacotherapy. Teaching by clinical pharmacists may improve medical students’ pharmacotherapy knowledge. Purpose: To assess the impact of pharmacist led workshops on 4th year medical students’ knowledge of pharmacotherapy and satisfaction. Methods: Senior medical students enrolled in intensive care unit rotations at a US medical school were randomized to an intervention of pharmacist led case-based workshops or a control group without an explicit pharmacotherapy curriculum. Intervention group students attended four weekly 1-hour workshops that covered topics in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions and toxicity. A multiple-choice test of clinical vignettes assessed students’ knowledge of pharmacotherapy. An end of clerkship survey assessed student satisfaction with teaching. Results: Of 176 medical students eligible, 148 agreed to participate and were randomized to the intervention (n = 63) or ...
Multiple Signaling Pathways of Human Interleukin-8 Receptor A INDEPENDENT REGULATION BY PHOSPHORYLATION

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) receptor A (CXCR1) couples to a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein to mediate phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) activation and cellular responses. Responses to CXCR1 are attenuated by prior exposure of neutrophils to either IL-8, a cleavage product of the fifth component of complement (C5a) or n-formylated peptides (formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine, fMLP). To characterize the role of receptor phosphorylation in the regulation of the CXCR1, a phosphorylation-deficient mutant, M2CXCR1, was constructed. This receptor, stably expressed in RBL-2H3 cells, coupled more efficiently to G protein and stimulated enhanced phosphoinositide hydrolysis, cAMP production, exocytosis, and phospholipase D activation, and was resistant to IL-8-induced receptor internalization. The rate and total amount of ligand stimulated actin polymerization remained unchanged, but interestingly, chemotaxis was decreased by ∼30% compared with the wild type receptor. To study the role of receptor phosphorylation in cross-desensitization of chemoattractant receptors, M2CXCR1 was coexpressed with cDNAs encoding receptors for either fMLP (FR), C5a (C5aR), or platelet-activating factor (PAFR). Both C5aR and PAFR were cross-phosphorylated upon M2CXCR1 activation, resulting in attenuated guanosine 5′-3′-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPγS) binding in membranes. In contrast, FR and M2CXCR1 were resistant to cross-phosphorylation and cross-inhibition of GTPγS binding by other receptors. Despite the resistance of M2CXCR1 to cross-phosphorylation and receptor/G protein uncoupling, its susceptibility to cross-desensitization of its Ca2+ response by fMLP and C5a, was equivalent to CXCR1. Regardless of the enhancement in certain receptor functions in M2CXCR1 compared with the wild type CXCR1, the mutated receptors mediated equivalent PLCβ3 phosphorylation and cross-desensitization of Ca2+ mobilization by FR, C5aR, and PAFR. The results herein indicate that phosphorylation of CXCR1 regulates some, but not all of the receptors functions. While receptor phosphorylation inhibits G protein turnover, PLC activation, Ca2+ mobilization and secretion, it is required for normal chemotaxis and receptor internalization. Since phosphorylation of CXCR1 had no effect on its ability to induce phosphorylation of PLCβ3 or to mediate class-desensitization, these activities may be mediated by independently regulated pathways.
Nonexistence of conformally flat slices of the Kerr spacetime

Initial data for black hole collisions are commonly generated using the Bowen-York approach based on conformally flat 3-geometries. The standard (constant Boyer-Lindquist time) spatial slices of the Kerr spacetime are not conformally flat, so that use of the Bowen-York approach is limited in dealing with rotating holes. We investigate here whether there exist foliations of the Kerr spacetime that are conformally flat. We limit our considerations to foliations that are axisymmetric and that smoothly reduce in the Schwarzschild limit to slices of constant Schwarzschild time. With these restrictions, we show that no conformally flat slices can exist.
Sex pheromone components of the geometrid moths Lobophora nivigerata and Epirrhoe sperryi

3Z,6Z,9Z-Nonadecatriene (3Z,6Z,9Z-19:H; other abbreviations follow the same pattern) has been identified as a female sex pheromone component of the geometrid mothEpirrhoe sperryi (H.). 3Z,6Z,9Z-18:H and 6Z,9Z-19:H were also identified in pheromone gland extracts but had no apparent biological activity. 3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H was tentatively identified as a female sex pheromone component of a second geometrid species,Lobophora nivigerata (Wlk.). Attraction of male moths to this compound was strongly synergized by the addition of small amounts of 6Z,9Z-21:H to lures.
Thermal equation of state of tantalum

We have investigated the thermal equation of state of bcc tantalum from first principles using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) and mixed-basis pseudopotential methods for pressures up to 300 GPa and temperatures up to 10 000 K. The equation of state at zero temperature was computed using LAPW. For finite temperatures, mixed basis pseudopotential computations were performed for 54 atom supercells. The vibrational contributions were obtained by computing the partition function using the particle in a cell model, and the finite-temperature electronic-free energy was obtained from the LAPW band structures. We discuss the behavior of thermal equation of state parameters such as the Gr\"uneisen parameter $\ensuremath{\gamma},$ the thermal expansivity $\ensuremath{\alpha},$ and the Anderson-Gr\"uneisen parameter ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{T}$ as functions of pressure and temperature. The calculated Hugoniot shows excellent agreement with shock-wave experiments. An electronic topological transition was found at approximately 200 GPa.
Political Trials and the Pro Se Defendant in the Adversary System

The struggle for political power in American society frequently finds its way into the courtroom. Sometimes political trials result. This paper draws upon several such trials to analyze the goals and behavior of their participants, especially the defense. Often political defendants and their lawyers wish, for several reasons, to introduce ideological issues into the proceedings, creating a degree of conflict lacking in most ordinary criminal cases. As part of this strategy, many political defendants refuse to play the passive role expected of them in court. Those who act as their own attorneys may uniquely advance the goals of a political-legal defense. Ignorant of judicial procedure, their ability to depart from courtroom norms by speaking to political and moral issues is typically greater than that of most attorneys, who are bound by their obligations as officers of the court. The increased participation of these defendants in all aspects of the trial may also help to win sympathy from the jury.
Monitoring children's developmental progress using augmented toys and activity recognition

Previous research has established the connection between the way in which children interact with objects and the potential early identification of children with autism. Those findings motivate our own work to develop "smart toys," objects embedded with wireless sensors that are safe and enjoyable for very small children, that allow detailed interaction data to be easily recorded. These sensor-enabled toys provide opportunities for autism research by reducing the effort required to collect and analyze a child's interactions with objects. In the future, such toys may be a useful part of clinical and in-home assessment tools. In this paper, we discuss the design of a collection of smart toys that can be used to automatically characterize the way in which a child is playing. We use statistical models to provide objective, quantitative measures of object play interactions. We also developed a tool to view rich forms of annotated play data for later analysis. We report the results of recognition experiments on more than fifty play sessions conducted with adults and children as well as discuss the opportunities for using this approach to support video annotation and other applications.
Greenspace: Virtual reality interface for combine operator training

The complexity of operating a farm combine has increased dramatically in recent years with the introduction of features including automatic guidance, precision farming, and sophisticated implements with specialized controls. In this work, we describe the development of a virtual reality interface for use in operating a combine while harvesting virtual crops. Using the actual combine cab hardware for control input commands and operational displays, we provide a virtual farm that allows the operator to operate every aspect of the combine while using the true set of buttons, levers, and switches for a realistic driving experience. This simulator is designed primarily for operator training on the adjustment and operation of the machine controls, the use of automatic guidance systems, and interaction with the precision farming automation systems. However, the simulator is also applicable for engineering design development, where new control modes and hardware could be assessed in a virtual environment.
A new fish for the β2GPI hook: LPS!

In this issue of Blood , Agar and colleagues provide evidence that the plasma protein β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) changes conformation to a fish hook structure to bind to bacterial LPS via the protein's carboxyterminal domain, and that this binding promotes the clearance of LPS from the blood