cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and properties of a NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase from Clostridium SB4.

Abstract The purification of a NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase from lysine-fermenting Clostridium SB4 is described. The enzyme, purified 250-fold with a 40% yield, was found to be homogenous by gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation criteria. Sedimentation analysis gave a s° 20,w value of 11.7 and a molecular weight of 275 000. The sedimentation rate is invariant over a concentration range from 50 μg to 5 mg of protein per ml, in contrast to beef liver glutamate dehydrogenase. The enzyme, although isolated from an anaerobic organism is not sensitive to oxygen. It is stable to storage under various conditions, especially in highly dilute solutions. Amino acid composition, gel filtration behavior, substrate specificity towards various α-keto acids, pH optima and kinetic parameters of the enzymatic reaction were determined and compared with corresponding properties of glutamate dehydrogenases from other sources. Initial velocity measurements result in linar double-reciprocal plots and indicate a sequential order of substrate addition, different from that of other glutamate dehydrogenases. Low Michaelis constants for ammonia and a- ketoglutarate , high coenzyme and substrate specificity, lack of sensitivity towards purine nucleotides and high stability suggest the use of the enzyme for analytical determinations of ammonia and a- ketoglutarate . The function of the enzyme in lysine fermentation is discussed.
Feeding readiness behaviors and feeding efficiency in response to ATVV intervention

A prospective clinical random design was used to assess the effects of prefeeding auditory, tactile, visual and vestibular (ATVV) intervention on the behavioral state, frequency of feeding readiness behaviors, and oral feeding efficiency in 22 stable, premature infants. Experimental infants (group E) received 15 minutes of ATVV intervention immediately prior to their first 3 oral feedings, while the controls received normal nursery care. FRBs and behavioral states were recorded and later scored via videotape. Feeding efficiency was determined by feeding volume and feeding duration. Group E infants were more alert after the intervention (P .0001) and showed more FRBS during the intervention for 5 of the 8 behaviors (P .05). A trend toward decreased feeding time was noted for group E infants. The present findings support the use of ATVV intervention prior to feeding as a means of modulating behavioral states and increasing the frequency of FRBs.
Lowering the symmetry of difunctionalized coordination compounds via nucleophilic aromatic substitutions

Abstract RuII-coordinated 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline undergoes nucleophilic aromatic substitutions with simple nucleophiles (e.g. thiolate) to give the disubstituted products in high yields. When a fluorenyl anion is used, a mono-substituted product is exclusively obtained. The highly acidic nature of this mono-substituted complex results in deprotonation under the reaction conditions and deactivation toward a second substitution reaction. A complex of lower symmetry that can be further functionalized using other transformations is obtained.
The Berry phase in molecular physics

The geometric phase of quantum mechanics is introduced, and its physical effects are then studied in the context of molecular physics. By performing the most general Born–Oppenheimer procedure, we show how gauge groups appear in the study of molecules. This method is then applied to the doubly degenerate Λ-levels of a diatomic molecule. The resulting dynamics for the slow angular motion of the dumbbell is equivalent to that of a Dirac monopole.
On the structure of generalized Hamiltonian groups

We consider the characteristic subgroup CS(G), generated by the nonnormal cyclic subgroups of the group G. A group G is called a generalized Dedekind group if \(CS(G)\neq G\), and those among them with nontrivial CS(G) are called generalized Hamiltonian groups. Such groups are torsion groups of nilpotency class two. The commutator subgroup is cyclic of p-power or two times p-power order and always contained in CS(G). The quotient G/CS(G) is a locally cyclic p-group. We give an example of an infinite generalized Hamiltonian p-group with G/CS(G) locally cyclic.
Eikonal Approximation Method for Small-angle Light Scattering

Abstract The usefulness of eikonal approximation method in determining light scattering is examined. The eikonal formula Q ext and the intensity of the scattered wave at small angles are obtained in simple analytical forms for scattering from a spherical particle. The numerical results are compared with the exact values from a Mie calculation. It is pointed out that the eikonal method works for a rather wide range of Mie sizes and refractive indices, if n 2 − 1 is replaced by 2(n − 1). With this modification it is concluded that the eikonal method is a useful and powerful technique for studying light scattering through smog and cloud for example.
Viral protein synthesis in Barley protoplasts inoculated with native and fractionated brome mosaic virus RNA

When barley protoplasts were inoculated with brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNAs 1 and 2, there was a pronounced synthesis of the 110,000- and 100,000-dalton virally coded proteins. In contrast, there was no detectable synthesis of any viral proteins following inoculation with RNA 3 alone or RNA 4 alone. When RNAs 1 and 2 were recombined with RNA 3 in the inoculum, the profile of proteins synthesized was identical to that following inoculation with similar quantities of unfractionated BMV RNA; i.e., the 35,000-dalton virally coded protein and coat protein were synthesized in addition to the two high-molecular-weight viral polypeptides. RNAs 1 and 2 were shown not to be selectively bound (in preference to RNAs 3 or 4); hence, these data reveal that one or both of these RNAs encode proteins involved in early events of infection, perhaps replication.
Evaluation of Innovative Ink Feed Systems for the Flexographic and Gravure Printing Industries

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Research Triangle Institute, working under a cooperative agreement, have investigated source reduction technologies available to the gravure and flexographic segments of the printing industry. This research focused on investigating ink feed systems and pollution prevention technologies that can be used with these systems. Ink feed systems move ink from an ink sump to a printing cylinder and are located at each printing station on a press. These systems are a component of the overall ink handling process used in printing facilities. Other ink handling processes include ink mixing operations, the transport of the ink to the press, and the actual printing operation where ink is transferred from the printing cylinder to the substrate. This paper provides background information on flexography and gravure. In addition, the paper describes the ink handling process (including traditional ink feed systems) used in these industry segments. Finally, the paper details several innovative ink feed systems that are available and describes the benefits of using these technologies.
A comparison of Web 2.0 tools in a doctoral course

Abstract Adult, professional students in a doctoral-level course used Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, and online discussions to develop answers to six “Big Questions” related to higher education finance and also produced a research paper that used original data or the research literature to improve understanding of a specific topic. At the close of the course, students were asked to provide examples of learning for each question and each tool, and to evaluate the tools used. Bloom's Digital Taxonomy was used to evaluate levels of learning. Results indicated that the level of learning mirrored that of the Big Question or was at higher levels when students used new tools. Wikis generated objections from students who did not care for group work, although others found it a good collaborative tool. Blogs were more acceptable, but online discussions were preferred because of the interaction and sharing among students. Research papers allowed students to learn material of their own interest and to do so in depth.
Administration of digit span on the wechsler and binet: Differences that matter

The Digit Span subtest from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children was administered to 48 children. Half of the children were administred the test under the Wechsler procedures (last digit dropped in inflection), and the other half were administered the test under the Stanford-Binet procedures (uniform emphasis on all digits). Ss under the Wechsler procedure repeated significantly more digits in both the forward and backward conditions than did Ss under the Stanford-Binet procedures. It is suggested that for maximal use of normative data, examiners should be careful to administer these tests by the procedures under which they were standardized.
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE TEXAS HORNED LIZARD, PHRYNOSOMA CORNUTUM (PHRYNOSOMATIDAE), IN SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO

Abstract Colorado Division of Wildlife currently considers the Texas horned lizard a species of special concern. From May 1995 to October 1997, Texas horned lizards were captured or collected during the active season from 6 counties in Colorado to document abundance and distribution of the species. We captured or collected 290 Texas horned lizards (170 alive and 120 dead on road). In Colorado, average snoutvent length (SVL) for adult males was not significantly different from females; the largest male and female lizards measured 84.9 mm SVL and 90.4 mm SVL, respectively. The sex ratio of adult males to adult females is 1M:1.4F. Results of distribution and habitat analysis indicated that the Texas horned lizard in Colorado is locally common in arid shortgrass and sand-sage prairie lacking ground litter. Activity of the Texas horned lizard in Colorado is diurnal in spring and fall and bimodal (almost crepuscular) in the summer. Texas horned lizards in Colorado apparently breed in May and June, and hatchling...
USE OF NEPHELINE SYENITE IN SANITARY PORCELAIN

By introducing nepheline syenite in sanitary porcelain in reduced amounts to replace potash feldspar, a longer vitrification range is afforded which results in less warpage. Ware fluxed with nepheline syenite has a steel-like ring, the pitch being higher than the regular ware. An electrical machine for producing pure tones was used to classify the various pitches. An oscillograph was used to determine decrement or tone decay. Nepheline syenite, ground to near pottery-grade fineness, was air-separated into coarse, medium, and fine divisions. When used in a porcelain body, the fine division afforded a longer vitrification range, lower warpage, and increased mechanical strength. The sound properties of these bodies are classified. Photomicrographs of body structures are included.
Replication of the genomic RNA of a positive-strand RNA animal virus from negative-sense transcripts

Abstract Studies of RNA replication among the positive-strand RNA animal viruses have been hindered by the apparent inability of their RNA-dependent RNA polymerases to initiate replication on the corresponding negative-sense RNAs. However, here I report that in the case of the nodavirus flock house virus (FHV), which has a bipartite positive-sense RNA genome, the viral RNA replicase can replicate a negative-sense transcript of the genome segment that encodes the viral capsid proteins. For this work, the FHV replication cycle was experimentally reconstructed in baby hamster kidney cells that were transfected with specialized transcription plasmids designed to direct the synthesis of RNAs which corresponded closely to the two genome segments of FHV. The RNA replicase encoded by the larger genome segment could utilize either the positive or the negative strand of the smaller segment as a template, and it catalyzed RNA replication to produce similar RNA products in the two situations. Surprisingly, studies of the nucleotide sequences that were required for replication showed that the 3' end of the negative-strand RNA contained only a minimal cis-acting signal. The success of these experiments will facilitate further studies of the cis- and trans-acting factors involved in the recognition and replication of negative-sense RNA in this system.
HORIZONTAL 'SOLVENT-FREE' LIPID BIMOLECULAR MEMBRANES WITH TWO-SIDED ACCESS CAN BE FORMED AND FACILITATE ION CHANNEL RECONSTITUTION

We present here an easily used method and apparatus for formation of horizontal 'solvent-free' lipid bilayer membranes affording two-sided access. These horizontal bilayers allow direct delivery of submicroliter volumes of samples onto the membrane upper surface increasing the efficacy of reconstitution by several orders of magnitude, as demonstrated using Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin. Also, they permit creation of locally high and transient transbilayer osmotic gradients to initiate fusion of ion-channel containing liposomes with planar membrane, which, following fusion, leaves the membrane and channel in essentially symmetric bathing solutions. This method is especially advantageous for cases where thickness of the membrane, absence of hydrocarbon solvent, or presence of differing lipid compositions in the two monolayers is critical.
The effect of μ, δ, ϰ and ε opioid receptor agonists on heart rate and blood pressure of the pithed rat

Opioid peptides and opioid receptors are found in the hearts of various species. Opioid peptides were also shown to modulate norepinephrine inducing changes in atrial rate, in vitro. Since we have recently shown a predominance of kappa and delta receptors in the rat atria, we found it of interest to study the role of highly selective opioid agonists on spontaneous and sympathetically stimulated heart rate. The pithed, artificially ventillated rat was used in these studies. D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin (DADL), was used as an delta-agonist, D-Ala2-MePhe4-Gly-ol5-enkephalin (DAGO) as a highly selective mu-agonist; Dynorphin A (1-17) as a kappa-agonist and beta-endorphin (beta-END) as a mixed epsilon-delta-mu agonist. Naloxone was used as an opiate antagonist. None of the above opioid peptides changed the basal blood pressure and heart rate at 1-100 nmol/kg except Dyn A-(1-17) which produced a brief depressor response (-15 +/- 2 mmHg, p less than 0.01). Stimulation of the spinal cord (50 v, 1 msec, 1 Hz, 30 sec) produced consistant pressor and cardiac accelerating responses. None of the opioid peptides studied blocked or enhanced the increase in blood pressure or heart rate produced by spinal cord stimulation. The depressor effect of the high dose of Dyn A-(1-17) was not blocked by naloxone. These results suggest that mu, delta or kappa opioid receptors in the rat heart have no role in the regulation of basal or sympathetically driven heart rate. Our data also suggest no role for these opioid receptors in modulation of basal arterial tone or norepinephrine-induced arteriolar constriction.
The Implication of Wife's Occupational Attainment for Husband's Class Identification*

Drawing upon research indicating that the subjective class identifications of working wives are to a considerable extent the result of their own occupational attainments, this study seeks to determine if husbands of working wives also derive perceptions of status from their wives' occupational attainments. Regression analysis is conducted on a subset of husbands of working wives in three General Social Surveys gathered from 1973 to 1975. A husband's level of subjective class identification is unaffected by the occupational achievements of his working wife. If husbands and wives derive perceptions of status from different sources, then they may not perceive themselves as sharing the same level of status in society. It has often been assumed that all members of a nuclear family share the same status in the community. Barber (1956:73-76) defends this assumption on the bases that it facilitates family solidarity, the socialization of children, and interaction with outsiders. According to Barber, if family solidarity is to be maintained, family members must share the same prestige and degree of social privilege because mutual identification is strongest and conflict is least among equals. Parents who share equal social positions are also expected to socialize their children more effectively. Children derive attitudes, values, and ways of behaving from parents, who, in turn, are influenced by their own social class position. If both parents occupy the same class position, they will share common values to pass on to their children. Treating the family as a single unit also facilitates interaction with outsiders. Relationships would become strained if others treated the wife as their social equal but rejected the husband, or vice versa. Consequently, viewing family members as status equals reduces conflict for the family both internally and externally. The key variable used to rank families has been the occupational achievements of husbands. As Barber (1961:3-4) defines it:
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 ICP27-Dependent Activation of NF-κB

The ability of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to activate NF-κB has been well documented. Beginning at 3 to 5 h postinfection, HSV-1 induces a robust and persistent nuclear translocation of an NF-κB-dependent (p50/p65 heterodimer) DNA binding activity, as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Activation requires virus binding and entry, as well as de novo infected-cell protein synthesis, and is accompanied by loss of both IκBα and IκBβ. In this study, we identified loss of IκBα as a marker of NF-κB activation, and infection with mutants with individual immediate-early (IE) regulatory proteins deleted indicated that ICP27 was necessary for IκBα loss. Analysis of both N-terminal and C-terminal mutants of ICP27 identified the region from amino acids 21 to 63 as being necessary for IκBα loss. Additional experiments with mutant viruses with combinations of IE genes deleted revealed that the ICP27-dependent mechanism of NF-κB activation may be augmented by functional ICP4. We also analyzed two additional markers for NF-κB activation, phosphorylation of the p65 subunit on Ser276 and Ser536. Phosphorylation of both serines was induced upon HSV infection and required functional ICP4 and ICP27. Pharmacological inhibitor studies revealed that both IκBα and Ser276 phosphorylation were dependent on Jun N-terminal protein kinase activity, while Ser536 phosphorylation was not affected during inhibitor treatment. These results demonstrate that there are several layers of regulation of NF-κB activation during HSV infection, highlighting the important role that NF-κB may play in infection.
Stable and utility-maximizing scheduling for stochastic processing networks

Stochastic Processing Networks (SPNs) model manufacturing, communication, and service systems. In such a network, service activities require parts and resources to produce other parts. Because service activities compete for resources, a scheduling problem arises. This paper proposes a deficit maximum weight (DMW) algorithm to achieve throughput optimality and maximize the net utility of the production. It overcomes the instability problem of Maximum-Weight Scheduling in SPNs.
ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERING BY CATERPILLARS INCREASES INSECT HERBIVORE DIVERSITY ON WHITE OAK

By creating or modifying habitats used by other organisms, physical eco- system engineers can influence local patterns of biological diversity. However, there have been very few empirical studies quantifying engineering effects in different biological systems. In this study, we examined the effect of shelter-building caterpillars on the species richness and guild structure of leaf-chewing herbivores occupying individual white oak (Quercus alba) saplings. For each of two years, we disrupted leaf-tie formation on 93 white oak saplings during a three-week period in early summer that coincided with the peak in leaf-tie construction by the most common leaf-tying caterpillar, Pseudotelphusa sp. (Ge- lechiidae). We then created artificial leaf ties on 62 of these saplings by clipping together adjacent pairs of leaves (10% of the foliage) on each tree. For 31 of these trees, we also placed a single Pseudotelphusa caterpillar into each artificial tie to examine possible non- engineering effects associated with the caterpillar in addition to its shelter-building activity. One month later, removal of leaf ties had reduced the average density of leaf ties present on a tree by 61% (1999) and 54% (2000). This effect persisted throughout the season, indicating that no species assumed the engineering role of Pseudotelphusa sp. once it was removed. The decrease in shelter availability significantly decreased mean cumulative spe- cies richness of leaf-chewing insects by 38% (1999) and 14% (2000) compared to the two artificial tie treatments (with and without caterpillars initially), which did not differ from one another. Herbivore community composition also differed significantly between the removal and artificial tie treatments in both years, due to increased species richness of leaf- tying caterpillars (1999 and 2000), sawflies (1999 only), and beetles (2000 only) on trees with artificial ties. By creating leaf shelters early in the season, Pseudotelphusa sp. cat- erpillars have large and persistent effects on seasonal patterns of herbivore recruitment to and/or retention by white oak trees.
Working memory and inattentional blindness

Individual differences in working memory predict many aspects of cognitive performance, especially for tasks that demand focused attention. One negative consequence of focused attention is inattentional blindness, the failure to notice unexpected objects when attention is engaged elsewhere. Yet, the relationship between individual differences in working memory and inattentional blindness is unclear; some studies have found that higher working memory capacity is associated with greater noticing, but others have found no direct association. Given the theoretical and practical significance of such individual differences, more definitive tests are needed. In two studies with large samples, we tested the relationship between multiple working memory measures and inattentional blindness. Individual differences in working memory predicted the ability to perform an attention-demanding tracking task, but did not predict the likelihood of noticing an unexpected object present during the task. We discuss the reasons why we might not expect such individual differences in noticing and why other studies may have found them.
The effect of thymidine on the duration of G1 in Chinese hamster cells.

The generation time of a Chinese hamster cell line was varied by the use of different lots of sera in the culture media. Analysis of the division waves following thymidine synchronization showed that lengthening of the generation time was a result of an increase in duration of the G1 phase and that thymidine treatment reduced the duration of G1 back to its minimum value.
Consistent selectivity estimation via maximum entropy

Cost-based query optimizers need to estimate the selectivity of conjunctive predicates when comparing alternative query execution plans. To this end, advanced optimizers use multivariate statistics to improve information about the joint distribution of attribute values in a table. The joint distribution for all columns is almost always too large to store completely, and the resulting use of partial distribution information raises the possibility that multiple, non-equivalent selectivity estimates may be available for a given predicate. Current optimizers use cumbersome ad hoc methods to ensure that selectivities are estimated in a consistent manner. These methods ignore valuable information and tend to bias the optimizer toward query plans for which the least information is available, often yielding poor results. In this paper we present a novel method for consistent selectivity estimation based on the principle of maximum entropy (ME). Our method exploits all available information and avoids the bias problem. In the absence of detailed knowledge, the ME approach reduces to standard uniformity and independence assumptions. Experiments with our prototype implementation in DB2 UDB show that use of the ME approach can improve the optimizer’s cardinality estimates by orders of magnitude, resulting in better plan quality and significantly reduced query execution times. For almost all queries, these improvements are obtained while adding only tens of milliseconds to the overall time required for query optimization.
Functional interplay between the cell cycle and cell phenotypes

Cell cycle distribution of adherent cells is typically assessed using flow cytometry, which precludes the measurements of many cell properties and their cycle phase in the same environment. Here we develop and validate a microscopy system to quantitatively analyze the cell-cycle phase of thousands of adherent cells and their associated cell properties simultaneously. This assay demonstrates that population-averaged cell phenotypes can be written as a linear combination of cell-cycle fractions and phase-dependent phenotypes. By perturbing the cell cycle through inhibition of cell-cycle regulators or changing nuclear morphology by depletion of structural proteins, our results reveal that cell cycle regulators and structural proteins can significantly interfere with each other's prima facie functions. This study introduces a high-throughput method to simultaneously measure the cell cycle and phenotypes at single-cell resolution, which reveals a complex functional interplay between the cell cycle and cell phenotypes.
Model adaptive image restoration

A new model adaptive method is proposed for restoration of blurred and noise corrupted images. This approach exploits information available from observed data to choose the appropriate optimization criterion and produce an approximate maximum likelihood solution. The generalized p-Gaussian family of probability distributions is used to model a wide range of observed noise classes. Distribution shape parameters are estimated from the image, and the resulting maximum likelihood optimization problem is solved. A fast iterative algorithm for this method is presented and analyzed. Experimental results indicate that this method outperforms the least squares method by taking advantage of the non-Gaussian characteristics of the noise data. >
Homeless, Helpless and Hospitalised: The Travails of a Chinese Refugee:

Objective: To report the case of a Chinese refugee who presented with a brief reactive psychosis in the presence of significant stressors. Clinical picture: A 30-year-old Chinese refugee, who fled alleged torture and persecution in China, presented with an acute, severe, paranoid psychosis. Treatment and outcome: This patient's psychosis was exacerbated by involuntary hospitalisation and treatment. The withdrawal of restrictive measures, cessation of medications and attention to his social needs led to an improvement in his condition.Conclusions: Involuntary treatment of a brief reactive psychosis in those who have been previously tortured may exacerbate the psychosis. Withdrawal of restrictions and advocacy for the patient may generate a therapeutic alliance with a positive outcome.
Information sharing, connected learning, and a professional wrestling fan community

Research on information sharing practices of online fan communities is nascent. This paper seeks to describe information sharing in a professional wrestling fan community, focusing on the practice of youth. It also seeks to explore how information sharing effects this connected learning environment. This study finds that information sharing practices are tied to the social nature of the community fostering social ties. They also function as a means for people to stay current on new information, and help members of the community develop a more nuanced expertise in their interest.
SWELLING STRESS AND HYDROSTATIC COMPRESSIBILITY OF GROUND CORN AND ITS CONSTITUENTS

Swelling stresses and hydrostatic compressibilities of ground whole corn, endosperm and germ were determined by using the theory of swelling stresses in gels. The ground corn and its constituents were considered as gels. The magnitude of swelling stresses in the ground corn materials was in order of several thousand pounds per square inch at low equilibrium moisture contents, when subjected to increased vapor pressure. The hydrostatic compressibility for ground whole corn, endosperm and germ increased with an increase of moisture content.
Emerging disease issues and fungal pathogens associated with HIV infection.

Fungal diseases are increasing among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. Infections due to Candida and Cryptococcus are the most common. Although mucocutaneous candidiasis can be treated with oral antifungal agents, increasing evidence suggests that prolonged use of these drugs results in both clinical and microbiologic resistance. The optimal therapy for cryptococcal meningitis remains unresolved, although initial treatment with amphotericin B, followed by life-long maintenance therapy with fluconazole, appears promising. Most cases of histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and blastomycosis occur in regions where their causative organisms are endemic, and increasing data suggest that a significant proportion of disease is due to recent infection. Aspergillosis is increasing dramatically as an opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients, in part because of the increased incidence of neutropenia and corticosteroid use in these patients. Infection due to Penicillium marneffei is a rapidly growing problem among HIV-infected patients living in Southeast Asia. Although the advent of oral azole antifungal drugs has made primary prophylaxis against fungal diseases in HIV-infected patients feasible, many questions remain to be answered before the preventive use of antifungal drugs can be advocated. Over the last decade, the incidence of fungal infections has increased dramatically. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 epidemic accounts for a large share of this increase. This article is not a general guide to the diagnosis or treatment of fungal diseases but rather a review of emerging disease issues in regard to these infections among HIV-infected patients. The infections discussed include candidiasis; cryptococcosis; the endemic mycoses histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and blastomycosis; aspergillosis; and penicilliosis. In addition, the role of preventive therapy for fungal infections in HIV-infected patients is assessed. Fungal pathogens and their most common manifestations in HIV-infected patients are listed separately (Table).
Essential roles of Gα12/13 signaling in distinct cell behaviors driving zebrafish convergence and extension gastrulation movements

Gα12/13 have been implicated in numerous cellular processes, however, their roles in vertebrate gastrulation are largely unknown. Here, we show that during zebrafish gastrulation, suppression of both Gα12 and Gα13 signaling by overexpressing dominant negative proteins and application of antisense morpholino-modified oligonucleotide translation interference disrupted convergence and extension without changing embryonic patterning. Analyses of mesodermal cell behaviors revealed that Gα12/13 are required for cell elongation and efficient dorsalward migration during convergence independent of noncanonical Wnt signaling. Furthermore, Gα12/13 function cell-autonomously to mediate mediolateral cell elongation underlying intercalation during notochord extension, likely acting in parallel to noncanonical Wnt signaling. These findings provide the first evidence that Gα12 and Gα13 have overlapping and essential roles in distinct cell behaviors that drive vertebrate gastrulation.
Radial and Azimuthal Profiles of Two-Qubit/Rebit Hilbert-Schmidt Separability Probabilities and Related 3-D Visualization Analyses

Abstract Firstly, we reduce the long-standing problem of ascertaining the Hilbert-Schmidt probability thata generic pair of qubits is separable to that of determining the speci c nature of a one-dimensional(separability) function of the radial coordinate (r) of the unit ball in 15-dimensional Euclideanspace, and similarly for a generic pair of rebits, using the 9-dimensional unit ball. Separabilityprobabilities, could, then, be directly obtained by integrating the products of these functions(which we numerically estimate and plot) with jacobian factors of r m over r2[0;1], with m= 17for the two-rebit case, and m= 29 in the two-qubit instance. Secondly, we repeat the analyses,but for the replacement of ras the free variable, by the azimuthal angle ˚2[0;2ˇ]{with theassociated jacobian factors now being, trivially, unity. So, the separability probabilities, then,become simply the areas under the curves generated. For our analyses, we employ an interestingCholesky-decomposition parameterization of the 4 4 density matrices. Thirdly, in an exploratoryinvestigation, we examine the Hilbert-Schmidt separability probability question using the three-dimensional visualization (cube/tetrahedron/octahedron) of two qubits associated with Avron,Bisker and Kenneth, and Leinaas, Myrheim and Ovrum, among others. We nd{in its two-rebitcounterpart{that the Hilbert-Schmidt separability probability{the ratio of the measure assignedto the octahedron to that for the tetrahedron{is vanishingly small, in apparent conformity withobservations of Caves, Fuchs and Rungta regarding real quantum mechanics. However, the ratio ofthe measure assigned to entangled states to that for potential entanglement witnesses (representedby points in the cube) is small, ˇ0:005, but seemingly nite. We, then, begin an investigation ofthe full 15-dimensional two-qubit form of the question.
The Impact of Emergent Network Structure on Organizational Socialization

Network analysis allows researchers to study patterns of roles or social relationships within organizations, and is especially usefulfor examining the impacts of informal systems on organizational socialization. This article presents a study of the level of connections within networks based on information flow, affect, influence, and the exchange of goods or services. Controlling for belief system, congregation size, and size of community, researchers selected 44 protestant churches for the sample and administered questionnaires randomly to congregation members. Researchers used the resulting data to analyze the effects of the four types of networks on knowledge, desire for growth, personal development, attendance rates, and outreach. The findings indicate that informal systems greatly affect socialization, especially when network connections are based on information flow. The authors conclude that further research should address additional network characteristics that may influence organizational sociali...
Evidence for an Amoeba-Like Infectious Stage of Ichthyophonus sp. and Description of a Circulating Blood Stage: A Probable Mechanism for Dispersal Within the Fish Host

Abstract: Small amoeboid cells, believed to be the infectious stage of Ichthyophonus sp., were observed in the bolus (stomach contents) and tunica propria (stomach wall) of Pacific staghorn sculpins and rainbow trout shortly after they ingested Ichthyophonus sp.–infected tissues. By 24–48 hr post-exposure (PE) the parasite morphed from the classically reported multinucleate thick walled schizonts to 2 distinct cell types, i.e., a larger multinucleate amoeboid cell surrounded by a narrow translucent zone and a smaller spherical cell surrounded by a “halo” and resembling a small schizont. Both cell types also appeared in the tunica propria, indicating that they had recently penetrated the columnar epithelium of the stomach. No Ichthyophonus sp. pseudo-hyphae (“germination tubes”) were observed in the bolus or penetrating the stomach wall. Simultaneously, Ichthyophonus sp. was isolated in vitro from aortic blood, which was consistently positive from 6 to 144 hr PE, then only intermittently for the next 4 wk....
Performance and Characteristics of Recreational Master Runners: A 21-Year Retrospective Analysis

This study examined the change in 15K running performance for master runners over 21 years (1978–1998). Official times were collected for 60 male runners from the same running event. Trends in running performance were analyzed with several models (linear, polynomial, and segmented-line). A self-report questionnaire was used to quantify training and to characterize runners. Peak age of running performance was indirectly estimated at 33 years using a second-degree polynomial. The performance trend was also associated with an inflection point at age 41 directly estimated from a nonlinear, segmented, mixed-effects model (95% confidence interval: 38.77–42.44). After age 41, master runners ran nearly 1 min slower each year. Besides age, other parameters that influenced performance over time included type of training (interval training) and body weight. These data might be among the first to describe the trend in running performance for a group of master athletes, most of whom were noncompetitive runners.
Critical role of protein kinase C zeta in head and neck cancer growth and survival

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 3854 Radiation resistant head and neck tumors (squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, SCCHN) are often characterized by amplification of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Previous studies have shown that EGF signaling in epithelial-derived cells can be regulated by the atypical protein kinase C isoform PKCzeta. Immunoblotting analysis of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in four SCCHN tumor cell lines as well as normal adult human keratinocytes indicates that PKCs alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta are expressed. Immunohistochemical analysis of SCCHN tumors also reveals expression of PKCs alpha, delta and zeta. In contrast to other PKC isozymes, only the active, phosphorylated form of the atypical PKC isoform, PKCzeta, is expressed at comparably high levels in all four head and neck tumor cell lines and in tumor tissue. In two tumor cell lines, PKCzeta activity is necessary for EGF induced MAPK activation, and in all the cell lines PKCzeta is required for EGF-induced DNA synthesis. In addition, PKCzeta mediates activation of the survival factor Nuclear Factor kappa B signaling in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha in all four head and neck tumor cell lines. Inhibition of PKCzeta also promotes apoptosis in these cell lines. These results identify PKCzeta as an isoform that regulates key signaling pathways that lead to SCCHN growth and survival.
Multidecadal Regime Shifts in U.S. Streamflow, Precipitation, and Temperature at the End of the Twentieth Century

Abstract Intra- to multidecadal variation in annual streamflow, precipitation, and temperature over the continental United States are evaluated here through the calculation of Mann–Whitney U statistics over running-time windows of 6–30-yr duration. When this method is demonstrated on time series of nationally averaged annual precipitation and mean temperature during 1896–2001, it reveals that 8 of the 10 wettest years occurred during the last 29 yr of that 106-yr period, and 6 of the 10 warmest years during the last 16. Both of these results indicate highly significant departures from long-term stationarity in U.S. climate at the end of the twentieth century. The effects of increased wetness are primarily evident in the central and eastern United States, while evidence of warmth is found throughout the Rocky Mountain region and in the West. Analysis of annual streamflow records across the United States during 1939–98 shows broadly consistent effects. Initial evidence of the recent wet regime is most appar...
The effect of presented outcome order on patients' decisions concerning abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: As the field of medicine is often described as one that combines science and art, it must be noted that data are only considered influential if understood by the person or persons deciding whether or not to use such data. Thus, psychological principles that govern the use of data play almost as equal a role as the medical development of that data. This study applies the psychologically-derived concepts of framing effects to the field of medicine, in an attempt to determine whether risk order should be considered as a framing effect. Specifically, this study used a randomized double-blinded controlled study to determine whether the presented order of risks involved with an abdominal aortic aneurysm surgical repair significantly affected patients’ decisions as to whether or not they would hypothetically undergo the surgery. Methods: Participants (n = 90) were shown a video interaction between a doctor and a patient whereby the doctor explained to the patient that he had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and then detailed the surgical repair option along with the possible risks of the surgery. Participants were randomized to three different experimental conditions (A, B, and C) that differed solely on the order that participants saw the risks being outlined to the patient by the doctor. Participants in condition A (n = 30) saw the risks presented in a most grave to least grave order, participants in condition C (n = 30) saw the risks presented in a least grave to most grave order, and participants in condition B (n = 30) saw the risks presented in crescendo-decrescendo order of gravity. This study predicts that the more salient the grave risk(s), the less likely that participants would indicate that they would theoretically decide to undergo the surgery.
Performance of the CORDEX-Africa regional climate simulations in representing the hydrological cycle of the Niger River basin

The water resources of the Niger River basin (NRB) in West Africa are crucial to support the socioeconomic development of nine countries. In this study, we compared and evaluated performances of simulations at 0.44° resolution of several regional climate models (RCMs) of the Coordinated Regional climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in reproducing the statistical properties of the hydrological cycle of the NRB in the current climate. To capture the large range of climatic zones in the region, analyses were conducted by spatially averaging the water balance components in four nested subbasins. Most RCMs overestimate (order of +10% to +400%, depending on model and subbasin) the mean annual difference between precipitation (P) and evaporation (E), whose observed value was assumed equal to the long-term discharge based on the mass conservation principle. This is due to a tendency to simulate larger mean annual P and a weak hydrological cycle in the E channel. Some exceptions appear in the humid most-upstream subbasin, where a few RCMs underestimate P. Overall, the representation of the water balance is mostly sensitive to the parameterized land surface and atmospheric processes of the nested RCMs, with less influence of the driving general circulation model. This finding is supported by further analyses on seasonal cycle and spatial variability of the water balance components and on model performances in reproducing observed climatology. Results of this work should be considered when RCMs are used directly or in impact studies to develop policies and plan investments aimed at ensuring water sustainability in the NRB.
Differential localization of glioblastoma subtype: implications on glioblastoma pathogenesis.

// Tyler C. Steed 1 , Jeffrey M. Treiber 1 , Kunal Patel 1,2 , Valya Ramakrishnan 1 , Alexander Merk 3 , Amanda R. Smith 3 , Bob S. Carter 1 , Anders M. Dale 4,5 , Lionel M. L. Chow 3 and Clark C. Chen 3 1 Center for Theoretical and Applied Neuro-Oncology, Division of Neurosurgery, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA 2 Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA 3 Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA 4 Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA 5 Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA Correspondence to: Clark C. Chen, email: // Keywords : glioblastoma, MR imaging, subventricular zone, subtypes, automatic tumor segmentation Received : February 23, 2016 Accepted : March 26, 2016 Published : April 01, 2016 Abstract Introduction: The subventricular zone (SVZ) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma. Whether molecular subtypes of glioblastoma arise from unique niches of the brain relative to the SVZ remains largely unknown. Here, we tested whether these subtypes of glioblastoma occupy distinct regions of the cerebrum and examined glioblastoma localization in relation to the SVZ. Methods: Pre-operative MR images from 217 glioblastoma patients from The Cancer Imaging Archive were segmented automatically into contrast enhancing (CE) tumor volumes using Iterative Probabilistic Voxel Labeling (IPVL). Probabilistic maps of tumor location were generated for each subtype and distances were calculated from the centroid of CE tumor volumes to the SVZ. Glioblastomas that arose in a Genetically Modified Murine Model (GEMM) model were also analyzed with regard to SVZ distance and molecular subtype. Results: Classical and mesenchymal glioblastomas were more diffusely distributed and located farther from the SVZ. In contrast, proneural and neural glioblastomas were more likely to be located in closer proximity to the SVZ. Moreover, in a GFAP-CreER ; Pten loxP/loxP ; Trp53 loxP/loxP ; Rb1 loxP/loxP ; Rbl1 -/- GEMM model of glioblastoma where tumor can spontaneously arise in different regions of the cerebrum, tumors that arose near the SVZ were more likely to be of proneural subtype ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Glioblastoma subtypes occupy different regions of the brain and vary in proximity to the SVZ. These findings harbor implications pertaining to the pathogenesis of glioblastoma subtypes.
Self Annealing Ion Implantation in thin Silicon Films

The self annealing phenomenon was studied utilizing 1 cm diameter, 1 µm thick, oriented silicon films. Previous results established the viability of the self annealing process for medium energy argon beams incident on similar targets {xc[1]}. In the current work, doubly aligned backscatter spectra were obtained to improve the sensitivity of the residual lattice damage measurements. In addition, some implantations were performed at elevated temperatures to independently determine the effect of the flux and the sample temperature on the self annealing process. The results showed strong correlations between the implantation flux, sample temperature and the residual lattice damage. Two distinct temperature regions were observed above and below 330 °C with corresponding activation energies of 1.5 eV and 0.1 eV.