cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-cell intracellular pH measurements reveal cell-cycle linked pH dynamics

ABSTRACT Transient changes in intracellular pH (pHi) have been shown to regulate normal cell behaviors like migration and cell-cycle progression, while dysregulated pHi dynamics are a hallmark of cancer. However, little is known about how pHi heterogeneity and dynamics influence population-level measurements or single-cell behaviors. Here, we present and characterize single-cell pHi heterogeneity distributions in both normal and cancer cells and measure dynamic pHi increases in single cells in response to growth factor signaling. Next, we measure pHi dynamics in single cells during cell cycle progression. We determined that single-cell pHi is significantly decreased at the G1/S boundary, increases from S phase to the G2/M transition, rapidly acidifies during mitosis, and recovers in daughter cells. This sinusoidal pattern of pHi dynamics was linked to cell cycle timing regardless of synchronization method. This work confirms prior work at the population level and reveals distinct advantages of single-cell pHi measurements in capturing pHi heterogeneity across a population and dynamics within single cells. SUMMARY Spear et al., characterizes an approach for measuring single-cell intracellular pH (pHi) and monitors both single-cell pHi responses to key extracellular signaling cues and pHi dynamics during cell cycle progression. By tracking pHi in single cells, Spear et al. confirms prior work at the population level showing an increase in pHi at the G2/M transition. However, these single-cell pHi measurements reveal new features of pHi dynamics during cell cycle progression, including significantly decreased pHi at the G1/S boundary and rapid acidification during mitosis.
The RAG1 Ubiquitin Ligase Domain Enhances Assembly and Selection of T Cell Receptor Genes to Restrain the Autoimmune Hazard of Generating T Cell Receptor Diversity

RAG1/RAG2 (RAG) endonuclease-mediated assembly of diverse lymphocyte antigen receptor genes by V(D)J recombination is critical for the development and immune function of T and B cells. However, this process creates highly self-reactive cells that must be negatively selected to suppress autoimmunity. The RAG1 protein contains a ubiquitin ligase domain that stabilizes RAG1 and stimulates RAG endonuclease activity in vitro. We report that mice with a mutation that inactivates the RAG1 ubiquitin ligase in vitro exhibit decreased assembly of T cell receptor (TCR) b and a genes in thymocytes and impaired thymocyte developmental transitions that require assembly of these genes and signaling by their proteins. The mice also exhibit a combined phenotype of: 1) decreased expression of TCR signaling proteins in thymocytes, 2) less efficient positive selection of conventional ab T cells and iNKT cells, 3) impaired negative selection of highly self-reactive thymocytes, and 4) CD4+ ab T cells with elevated autoimmune potential. Our findings demonstrate that the RAG1 ubiquitin ligase domain functions in vivo to stimulate efficiencies of TCRb and TCR a gene assembly and ab TCR selection, thereby establishing replete ab TCR diversity and ab T cell lineages while restraining the inherent autoimmune hazard of creating diverse antigen specificities.
Asta-Ja Framework: A Peaceful Approach to Food, Water, Climate, and Environmental Security Coupled with Sustainable Economic Development and Social Inclusion in Nepal

Sustainable conservation, development, and utilization of natural and human resources is necessary for accelerated economic growth and fast-paced socio-economic transformation of Nepal. Asta-Ja Framework, which is a theoretically grounded grassroots based peaceful and self-reliant planning and development approach, offers practical strategies for sustainable conservation and development of natural and human resources enhancing food, water, climate, and environmental security, accelerated economic growth, and socio-economic transformation of Nepal. Asta-Ja includes interconnected eight resources in Nepali letter, Ja, – Jal (water), Jamin (land), Jungle (forest), Jadibuti (medicinal and aromatic plants), Janashakti (manpower), Janawar (animal), Jarajuri (crop plants) and Jalabayu (climate). Asta-Ja Framework is a unifying framework for planning and resources development and has a strong footing on science, business, and eastern philosophy. While providing practical guidelines for achieving food, water, climate and environmental security, this article presents Nepal Vision 2040, which is developed considering challenges that Nepal is currently facing and its available Asta-Ja resources, envisioning that Nepal’s economic development reaching at the par of developed nations by 2040. Key strategic sectors identified in Nepal Vision 2040 include smallholder mixed-farming system, agro-jadibuti industrialization, protection of drinking water sources, climate change adaptation, environmental pollution control, conservation of natural resources, infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, alleviation of inequalities, and good governance. This article demonstrates strategies for addressing social discrimination and inequalities through the process of Asta-Ja community capacity-building and self-reliant development. Ecological balance of Asta-Ja resources is necessary for sustainable natural resources, economic development, and community resiliency. The Government of Nepal is suggested to adopt Asta-Ja Framework as its national planning and development framework for sustainable economic growth and fast-paced socio-economic transformation of the country.
Performance of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores compared with legacy metrics in evaluating outcomes after surgical treatment for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum

Background Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores have not previously been used to measure long-term outcomes in operatively treated capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) patients. The aims of our study were to (1) assess patients’ long-term outcomes using PROMIS scores, (2) compare the performance of PROMIS with other validated elbow legacy metrics, and (3) evaluate ceiling and floor effects in these outcome measures in patients undergoing surgical treatment for capitellar OCD. Methods We evaluated demographic characteristics, procedure details, preoperative PROMIS scores, and associated sports information in surgically treated pediatric capitellar OCD patients. An online survey was sent to the study participants, including the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) shoulder and elbow score, the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, and the Liverpool Elbow Score patient-answered questionnaire, as well as the Mobility, Pain Interference, and Upper Extremity questionnaires from the PROMIS pediatrics bank. Correlations were evaluated between outcome measures. Ceiling and floor effects were evaluated for each outcome measure. Results Completed surveys were obtained for 57 patients (59 elbows). The mean patient age at surgery was 14 years (range, 10-18 years). The mean follow-up time was 6 years (standard deviation, 5 years; range, 1-18 years). The mean PROMIS Mobility score improved from 41.2 preoperatively to 55.2 postoperatively (P 0.54, P Conclusion There is a strong correlation between PROMIS scores and legacy measures evaluating outcomes after surgical management of capitellar OCD. However, large ceiling and floor effects were present in all measures, likely owing to the favorable clinical results. The KJOC score was limited the least by ceiling and floor effects.
A Dual-Modal Approach Using Electromyography and Sonomyography Improves Prediction of Dynamic Ankle Movement: A Case Study

For decades, surface electromyography (sEMG) has been a popular non-invasive bio-sensing technology for predicting human joint motion. However, cross-talk, interference from adjacent muscles, and its inability to measure deeply located muscles limit its performance in predicting joint motion. Recently, ultrasound (US) imaging has been proposed as an alternative non-invasive technology to predict joint movement due to its high signal-to-noise ratio, direct visualization of targeted tissue, and ability to access deep-seated muscles. This paper proposes a dual-modal approach that combines US imaging and sEMG for predicting volitional dynamic ankle dorsiflexion movement. Three feature sets: 1) a uni-modal set with four sEMG features, 2) a uni-modal set with four US imaging features, and 3) a dual-modal set with four dominant sEMG and US imaging features, together with measured ankle dorsiflexion angles, were used to train multiple machine learning regression models. The experimental results from a seated posture and five walking trials at different speeds, ranging from 0.50 m/s to 1.50 m/s, showed that the dual-modal set significantly reduced the prediction root mean square errors (RMSEs). Compared to the uni-modal sEMG feature set, the dual-modal set reduced RMSEs by up to 47.84% for the seated posture and up to 77.72% for the walking trials. Similarly, when compared to the US imaging feature set, the dual-modal set reduced RMSEs by up to 53.95% for the seated posture and up to 58.39% for the walking trials. The findings show that potentially the dual-modal sensing approach can be used as a superior sensing modality to predict human intent of a continuous motion and implemented for volitional control of clinical rehabilitative and assistive devices.
Strategies for improving endothelial cell adhesion to blood-contacting medical devices.

The endothelium is a critical mediator of homeostasis on blood-contacting surfaces in the body, serving as a selective barrier to regulate processes such as clotting, immune cell adhesion, and cellular response to fluid shear stress. Implantable cardiovascular devices including stents, vascular grafts, heart valves, and left ventricular assist devices are in direct contact with circulating blood and carry a high risk for platelet activation and thrombosis without a stable endothelial cell (EC) monolayer. Development of a healthy endothelium on the blood-contacting surface of these devices would help ameliorate risks associated with thrombus formation and eliminate the need for long-term anti-platelet or anti-coagulation therapy. Although ECs have been seeded onto or recruited to these blood-contacting surfaces, most ECs are lost upon exposure to shear stress due to circulating blood. Many investigators have attempted to generate a stable EC monolayer by improving EC adhesion using surface modifications, material coatings, nanofiber topology, and modifications to the cells. Despite some success with enhanced EC retention in vitro and in animal models, no studies to date have proven efficacious for routinely creating a stable endothelium in the clinical setting. This review summarizes past and present techniques directed at improving the adhesion of ECs to blood-contacting devices.
A Comparison of Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Viral RNAs Synthesized Early in Productive Infection with Adenovirus 2

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that during the early phase of infection with adenoviruses, prior to the onset of viral DNA synthesis, a limited portion of the genome is expressed as cytoplasmic mRNA. The genome sites coding for the adenovirus 2 mRNAs have been determined by hybridization of viral RNA with specific viral DNA fragments. The segments of the genome coding for individual viral mRNA species shows the set of viral DNA fragments produced by cleavage with endo R.Eco R1. It reviews that to compare the nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs transcribed from early genes, nuclear RNA was prepared from cultures labeled with (3H) uridine, and cytoplasmic RNA was obtained from cultures incubated in the presence of 32P. The nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs were mixed and subjected to electrophoresis in gels containing 98% formamide. The RNA from each gel slice was eluted and then hybridized to specific DNA fragments. This procedure allows a direct comparison of the size distribution of nuclear and cytoplasmic viral RNAs transcribed from specific genes.
Efferocytosis autophagy crosstalk in alveolar macrophages exposed to cigarette smoking (151.7)

Alveolar macrophages (AM) apoptotic cell clearance function (efferocytosis) is dysregulated in COPD due to cigarette smoke (CS) exposure via production of ceramides and sphingosine (SHP). CS also alters the maturation of the autophagosomes (AP) blocking the autophagic flux. We hypothesized that impairment of both AP maturation and efferocytosis share an identical mechanism of cytoskeletal derangement linked to HDAC6 inactivation and sphingosine accumulation. AM obtained via bronchoalveolar lavage from human smoker and non-smoker donors or from Sprague Dawley rats exposed to CS (3 months) were subject to engulfment assays quantified by flow cytometry. HDAC6 was evaluated by real-time PCR or Western blot. Both CS and SPH significantly impaired efferocytosis in rat and human AM (50% and 80% inhibition; p<0.05, respectively). HDAC6 protein activity was markedly impaired by CS exposure. This effect was in part mediated by SPH production, since a ceramidase inhibitor, MAPP, restored both HDAC6 levels and improv...
Abelian point stabilizers in transitive permutation groups

In this note we prove that if the point stabilizer A in a transitive permutation group of degree m is abelian, then the exponent of A is less than m. This extends an earlier result of Andrea Lucchini, who proved this in the case where A is cyclic.
Inappropriate Angiogenic Response as a Novel Mechanism of Duodenal Ulceration and Impaired Healing

Background Despite recent advances and better understanding of the etiology and the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal ulcer diseases, e.g., duodenal ulcer, the molecular events leading to ulcer development, delayed healing, and recurrence remain poorly elucidated.
Enhancement of heat transfer using porous convection-to-radiation converter for laminar flow in a circular duct

Abstract The convection-to-radiation converter (CRC) made of porous ceramics has been proven to be an effective means in the enhancement of heat transfer in burners, combustors, industrial furnaces and high temperature plug flow systems. The paper proposes a novel application using this CRC technique in a partial bypass flow system for potential heat transfer enhancement. Hydrodynamically fully-developed and thermally developing laminar flow is assumed in a circular duct which is fitted with a porous core to enhance both convective and radiative transfer from a high-temperature gaseous medium to a heat-absorbing wall. The Navier-Stokes and modified Darcy equations are applied, respectively, to the flow field in a gas layer and porous core region. The radiation field is modeled by a two-dimensional S-type integral equation of transfer for its accuracy and efficiency in the numerical calculations. The effects of heat transfer augmentation using a porous CRC are investigated numerically for various flow and thermal parameters. Numerical solutions which include velocity profiles and flow characteristics of the CRC system as well as isotherm patterns, parameterization of the heat fluxes, mean bulk temperature and Nusselt number distributions along the flow direction are presented. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Asian emissions contribute to western U.S. air pollution

As Asian countries develop, they are emitting more ozone precursors that pollute surface-level air. Many studies have documented this pollution being carried by air currents to the western United States. To learn more about the mechanisms that transport air pollution across the ocean and determine the effects of Asian air pollution on air quality in the western United States, Lin et al. analyzed in situ and satellite measurements from May to June 2010 using a global high-resolution climate chemistry model. They quantified the contribution of Asian pollution to surface ozone levels in densely populated regions such as the Los Angeles area and rural areas such as national parks. They found that Asian pollution contributes as much as 20% of total ozone during springtime pollution episodes in western U.S. surface air.
Altered processing of Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein in response to neuronal degeneration

In the brains of individuals with Alzheimer disease, senile plaques containing aggregates of beta-amyloid peptide, derived from the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), are seen in association with degenerating nerve terminals. It is not known whether the degenerating nerve terminals cause the formation of these aggregates or whether beta-amyloid peptide in the aggregates causes nerve-terminal degeneration. In the present study of rat brain, degeneration either of local neurons or of nerve terminals caused decreased levels of a neuron-enriched isoform of APP, increased levels of a glia-enriched isoform of APP, and increased levels of potentially amyloidogenic, as well as nonamyloidogenic, COOH-terminal fragments of APP. Our results demonstrate that neuronal degeneration affects APP processing and suggest that it may contribute to amyloid formation in mammalian brain.
R-Meter Correction for Boxcar-ing and Receiver Noise in Incoherent Weather Radars

Abstract Conventional R-meter theory (which ignores boxcar-ing and receiver noise) is briefly reviewed. The R-meter reading of a noisless, boxcar-ed radar is derived and compared to that predicted by the conventional theory. It is shown that the level-crossing rate of boxcar-ed video does not depend solely on the Doppler spectral variance but also on other aspects of the Doppler spectral shape. For a given level-crossing rate the variance can, however, be bracketed within fairly tight bounds. The effect of receiver noise on the level crossing rate of boxcar-ed video is analyzed and a family of curves is derived which, to within an accuracy of ±5%, yield the (corrected) standard deviation of the Doppler spectrum from a knowledge of the R-meter reading and the signal-to-noise ratio. Although these curves were calculated for a linear receiver, they are also shown to be usable with a logarithmic i.f. amplifier if a small additional correction is applied.
Photodynamic therapy--1994: treatment of benign and malignant upper aerodigestive tract disease

From 1983 to 1994 Phase II and III clinical studies at Henry Ford Hospital demonstrated complete or partial responses in 46 of 47 patients treated with hematoporphyrin-derivative photodynamic therapy (HPD-PDT) for a variety of benign and malignant upper aerodigestive tract disease: (1) superficial `condemned mucosa' or `field cancerization' of the oral cavity; (2) stage III/IV head and neck cancer; (3) mucocutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma of the upper aerodigestive tract; (4) recurrent laryngotracheal papillomatosis; (5) severe dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in situ in Barrett's esophagus; (6) partial or completely obstructing terminal esophageal cancer. HPD-PDT produced complete responses in 19 patients (follow up 6 months to 8 years) with `field cancerization' (CIS, T1) of the oral cavity and larynx (6), adenocarcinoma in situ in Barrett's esophagus (2), mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma (9), obstructing esophageal carcinoma (1), and stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx (1). PDT treatment protocols, results, complications, and application as adjunct or primary oncologic therapy for head and neck disease are reviewed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A molecular/continuum thermodynamic model of hydration

We propose an integrated molecular/continuum thermodynamic model for calculating electrostatic contributions to the free energy of hydration that is based on a correlation function expansion of the free energy. The model uses explicit water simulation results for simple monatomic and diatomic solutes to calculate lower order correlations in this expansion and systematically corrects for higher order correlations using the continuum description of hydration. The model is applied to calculating free energies of charging the tetramethylammonium (TMA) ion and idealized TMA-like solutes in water. We find that the effects of water structure on ion hydration are embodied in the lower order correlations and, thus, are accounted for by the explicit water simulation results. In addition, continuum corrections for higher order correlations are found to be independent of the Born radii chosen for oppositely charged ions. Thus, the model reduces the reliance of the continuum description on parametrization of the Born ...
Sister Chromatid Cohesion at the Centromere: Confrontation between Kinases and Phosphatases?

Accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis requires that the cohesin complex be protected at the centromere by the Shugoshin/MEI-S332 protein family. Recent studies show that Sgo directly binds the phosphatase PP2A, tethering it to the centromere where it can protect cohesin subunits from phosphorylation, and that localization of Sgo/MEI-S332 itself is regulated by phosphorylation.
Develop and Deliver Essential Information Literacy Programs

There is an explosion of talk about crucial, new literacies for the 21st Century, for example critical thinking, problem-solving, media literacy, technology literacy, digital literacy, visual literacy. The other day, there was even an article about "gaming literacy!" How does one make sense of it all? The common factor in all these literacies is "information" - information seeking, information use, information processing, information presentation, and information evaluation. And, these "information" elements come together in information literacy: the ability to engage in effective and efficient information problem-solving. Information literacy is the overarching and unifying literacy, and all libraries have a unique and essential role to play in delivering meaningful information literacy programs to people of all ages. In this keynote paper and address, Professor and Dean Emeritus Mike Eisenberg will define the concept and structure of library-based information literacy programs and offer strategies for developing and implementing information literacy programs that are comprehensive(reaching all users), predictable (consistent over time), and accountable(measured and reported).
Bladder filling and voiding affect umbrella cell tight junction organization and function.

Epithelial cells are continuously exposed to mechanical forces including shear stress and stretch, although the effect these forces have on tight junction (TJ) organization and function are poorly ...
Current-density, current-density commutation relations and the VVP couplings

Abstract Using a limiting procedure due to Bjorken, we relate the VVP couplings to the current density-current density commutators. We then find that the Gell-Mann, Sharp and Wagner pole model is valid only in the algebra of fields, whereas in the algebra of currents the VVP couplings are momentum-dependent.
Differential effects of sucrose, glucose and fructose during somatic embryogenesis in asparagus

Summary The effects of different carbohydrates (CHO) were studied during somatic embryogenesis in Asparagus officinalis L. When 1.5 mg · L -1 2,4-D + 0.3 mg · L -1 2ip and 2-6 % glucose, sucrose, or fructose were used in induction media, the average number of embryos was 1286, 719 and 515 g -1 callus, respectively relative to CHO type. On a low-auxin subculture medium, 0.08 mg × L -1 NAA + 0.2 mg · L -1 2ip, the average number of somatic embryos was 38, 310 and 262 for glucose, sucrose, and fructose, respectively. In general, glucose promoted root growth, fructose promoted shoots, and sucrose promoted both shoot and root growth. The CHO concentration was also important to maturation and germination. Average germination rate over CHO concentrations of 2 % and 5 % was 1.8 and 7.4 plantlets g -1 of callus, respectively. The combination of 5 % sucrose in embryo induction medium and 5 % fructose in subculture medium gave the highest germination rate; 10.2 plantlets g-' of callus.
Insights into the role of nucleotide-dependent conformational change in nitrogenase catalysis: Structural characterization of the nitrogenase Fe protein Leu127 deletion variant with bound MgATP.

Abstract In the present work, determination of the structure of the nitrogenase Leu 127 deletion variant Fe protein with MgATP bound is presented, along with density functional theory calculations, to provide insights into the roles of MgATP in the nitrogenase reaction mechanism. Comparison of the MgATP-bound structure of this Fe protein to the nucleotide-free form indicates that the binding of MgATP does not alter the overall structure of the variant significantly with only small differences in the conformation of amino acids in direct contact with the two bound MgATP molecules being seen. The earlier observation of splitting of the [4Fe–4S] cluster into two [2Fe–2S] clusters was observed to be unaltered upon binding MgATP. Density functional theory was used to probe the assignment of ligands to the two [2Fe–2S] rhombs. The Mg 2+ environment in the MgATP-bound structure of the Leu127 deletion Fe protein is similar to that observed for the Fe protein in the nitrogenase Fe protein: MoFe protein complex stabilized by MgADP and tetrafluoroaluminate suggesting that large scale conformational change implicated for the Fe protein may not be mediated by changes in the Mg 2+ coordination. The results presented here indicated that MgATP may enhance the stability of an open conformation and prohibit intersubunit interactions, which have been implicated in promoting nucleotide hydrolysis. This could be critical to the tight control of MgATP hydrolysis observed within the nitrogenase complex and may be important for maintaining unidirectional electron flow toward substrate reduction.
One-hundred-km-scale basins on Enceladus: Evidence for an active ice shell

Stereo-derived topographic mapping of 50% of Enceladus reveals at least 6 large-scale, ovoid depressions (basins) 90-175 km across and 800-to-1500 m deep and uncorrelated with geologic boundaries. Their shape and scale are inconsistent with impact, geoid deflection, or with dynamically supported topography. Isostatic thinning of Enceladus ice shell associated with upwellings (and tidally-driven ice melting) can plausibly account for the basins. Thinning implies upwarping of the base of the shell of 10-20 km beneath the depressions, depending on total shell thickness; loss of near-surface porosity due to enhanced heat flow may also contribute to basin lows. Alternatively, the basins may overly cold, inactive, and hence denser ice, but thermal isostasy alone requires thermal expansion more consistent with clathrate hydrate than water ice. In contrast to the basins, the south polar depression (SPD) is larger (~350 wide) and shallower (~0.4-to-0.8 km deep) and correlates with the area of tectonic deformation and active resurfacing. The SPD also differs in that the floor is relatively flat (i.e., conforms roughly to the global triaxial shape, or geoid) with broad, gently sloping flanks. The relative flatness across the SPD suggests that it is in or near isostatic equilibrium, and underlain by denser material, supporting the polar sea hypothesis of Collins and Goodman. Near flatness is also predicted by a crustal spreading origin for the "tiger stripes (McKinnon and Barr 2007, Barr 2008); the extraordinary, high CIRS heat flows imply half-spreading rates in excess of 10 cm/yr, a very young surface age (~250,000 yr), and a rather thin lithosphere (hence modest thermal topography). Topographic rises in places along the outer margin of the SPD correlate with parallel ridges and deformation along the edge of the resurfaced terrain, consistent with a compressional, imbricate thrust origin for these ridges, driven by the spreading.
THE EFFECTS OF SEA WATER ON THE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF METAL-FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE

Metal-fiber reinforced concrete is a structural material with several unique advantages for offshore applications. This paper describes a series of exposure tests undertaken to evaluate the suitability of metal-fiber reinforced concrete for marine applications. Corrosion exposure tests and freeze-thaw tests are discussed. (Copyright (c) 1978, Offshore Technology Conference.)
Bioeffects induced by exposure to microwaves are mitigated by superposition of ELF noise.

We have previously demonstrated that microwave fields, amplitude modulated (AM) by an extremely low-frequency (ELF) sine wave, can induce a nearly twofold enhancement in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in L929 cells at SAR levels of the order of 2.5 W/kg. Similar, although less pronounced, effects were also observed from exposure to a typical digital cellular phone test signal of the same power level, burst modulated at 50 Hz. We have also shown that ODC enhancement in L929 cells produced by exposure to ELF fields can be inhibited by superposition of ELF noise. In the present study, we explore the possibility that similar inhibition techniques can be used to suppress the microwave response. We concurrently exposed L929 cells to 60 Hz AM microwave fields or a 50 Hz burst-modulated DAMPS (Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System) digital cellular phone field at levels known to produce ODC enhancement, together with band-limited 30–100 Hz ELF noise with root mean square amplitude of up to 10 μT. All exposures were carried out for 8 h, which was previously found to yield the peak microwave response. In both cases, the ODC enhancement was found to decrease exponentially as a function of the noise root mean square amplitude. With 60 Hz AM microwaves, complete inhibition was obtained with noise levels at or above 2 μT. With the DAMPS digital cellular phone signal, complete inhibition occurred with noise levels at or above 5 μT. These results suggest a possible practical means to inhibit biological effects from exposure to both ELF and microwave fields. Bioelectromagnetics 18:422–430, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SEMMLER-WOLF REARRANGEMENT OF 19-NORTESTOSTERONE OXIME

(1990). IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SEMMLER-WOLF REARRANGEMENT OF 19-NORTESTOSTERONE OXIME. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 501-506.
Children's responses to meaningful pictures varying in diversity: exploration time vs. preference.

Abstract This investigation extends the study of children's response to stimulus complexity to meaningful pictorial material. The primary purpose was to compare the functions relating complexity to two different response variables: voluntary looking time vs. preference, considered as measures of an information-extraction as opposed to an aesthetic mode of response, respectively. A further interest was in possible age differences in each of these functions. The 192 subjects taken from Grades 1 to 8 were presented with two sets of stimuli: one taken from scenes of the physical environment scaled for diversity, the other representing constellations of postage stamps, varying from all identical to all different. In the case of the Environment set, the results gave support to the hypothesis that the two response measures relate differentially to diversity, with looking times increasing monotonically with diversity, whereas preference peaked in the middle of the diversity scale, falling off irregularly to either side; for the Stamp set the difference between the two functions emerged in attenuated form. Age differences for these functions were relatively slight, for the most part. The results are discussed in relation to theories (e.g., Dember and Earl's) postulating increases with experience in preference for complexity.
Memory for Duration: Role of Hippocampus and Medial Prefrontal Cortex

In this task rats had to learn that a three-dimensional object stimulus (a rectangle) that was visible for 2 s would result in a positive (go) reinforcement for one object (a ball) and no reinforcement (no go) for a different object (a bottle). However, if the rectangle stimulus was visible for 8 s then there would be no reinforcement for the ball (no go), but a reinforcement for the bottle (go). After rats learned this conditional discrimination by responding differentially in terms of latency to approach the object, they received large (dorsal and ventral) lesions of the hippocampus, lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex (anterior cingulate and precentral cortex), lesions of the cortex dorsal to the dorsal hippocampus, or served as sham-operated controls. Following recovery from surgery they were retested. The results indicate that there were major impairments following hippocampal lesions, in contrast to cortical control and medial prefrontal cortex lesions, as indicated by smaller latency differences between positive and negative trials on postsurgery tests. In order to ensure that the deficits observed with hippocampal lesions were not due to a discrimination problem, new rats were trained in an object (gray cylinder) duration discrimination task. In this go/no go procedure, the rats were reinforced for a 2-s exposure (duration) of the gray cylinder, but not a 10-s duration, or vice versa. The results indicate that after hippocampal lesions, there was an initial deficit followed by complete recovery. There were no significant changes for the medial prefrontal, cortical control, or sham-operated animals. It appears that the hippocampus, but not the medial prefrontal cortex, is actively involved in representing in short-term memory temporal attribute information based on the use of markers for the beginning and end of the presence (duration) of a stimulus (object).
Determination of Thorium-230 in CCRMP Reference Samples by Alpha Spectroscopy

Thorium-230 concentrations have been determined in 11 CCRMP (Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project) reference rock and ore samples using alpha spectroscopy following a chemical separation of the thorium. Literature data are available for only one of these 11 reference samples.
Studies on the inhibition of gluconeogenesis by oxalate

Abstract Oxalate was shown to enter isolated rat hepatocytes and to inhibit gluconeogenesis from lactate, pyruvate, and alanine, but not from glutamine, proline, propionate or dihydroxyacetone. Oxalate apparently acts by inhibiting pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1). It is known to inhibit the isolated enzyme, and inhibition of gluconeogenesis was much greater in a bicarbonate-deficient medium where pyruvate carboxylase activity limits the overall rate of the pathway. A slight inhibition of gluconeogenesis from asparagine was observed, suggesting that oxalate may also inhibit gluconeogenesis at another site. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ does not contribute to the inhibition of gluconeogenesis. Compared to oxalate, other Ca2+ chelators have little effect upon gluconeogenesis. Also, oxalate inhibits gluconeogenesis effectively both in low Ca2+ medium and in medium containing 2.6 mM Ca2+. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ also appears to be of little importance, since oxalate does not block the glycogenolytic effects of epinephrine, vasopressin, and angiotensin which are thought to act via Ca2+ as the second messenger. The inhibition of gluconeogenesis could conceivably contribute to the toxic actions of oxalate and to the hypoglycemic action of dichloroacetate, a compound that is metabolized to oxalate. However, oxalate did not cause hypoglycemia in the suckling rat, a model in vivo system very dependent upon gluconeogenesis for maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. Thus, inhibition of gluconeogenesis is probably of little importance in oxalate toxicity and the hypoglycemic effects of dichloroacetate.
Glucocorticoid induction of β-adrenergic receptors in the DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cell line involves synthesis of new receptor

We have shown that glucocorticoids induce the appearance of β2-adrenergic receptors in membranes of the ductus deferens smooth muscle cell line (DDT1 MF-2). A concomitant increase in isoproterenol stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the absence of exogenously applied GTP was observed as was a significantly increased (p < 0.05) sensitivity of the adenylate cyclase system to exogenously applied GTP. However, no significant difference in the maximal velocity of adenylate cyclase between control and steroid treatment was measurable in the presence of sodium fluoride. Induction of β2-adrenergic receptors in DDT1 MF-2 cells is correlated with the presence of steroid receptors (androgen and glucocorticoid) in the cells since estrogens and progesterones had no effect on receptor levels. Finally, utilizing dense amino acid labeling of cells to measure old versus newly synthesized receptor sites by a density shift method, we have documented that glucocorticoid induction of β2-adrenergic receptors involves synthesis of new receptor protein.
Impact of moving to 100Gbps on the cost per bit of a USA national network

40Gbps and 100Gbps line rate transport networks can take advantage of hybrid electrical/optical network architectures that employ selective sub-wavelength grooming and optical bypass to achieve better wavelength utilization and lower overall network costs.
Treatment of glutathione synthetase deficient fibroblasts by inhibiting γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity with serine and borate

Abstract Glutathione synthetase deficiency results in decreased cellular glutathione content and consequent overproduction of 5-oxoproline. L-serine in borate buffer inhibits γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, the major catabolic enzyme for glutathione. Treatment of glutathione synthetase deficient fibroblasts with 40mM serine and borate for 24 hours produced more than a 2-fold increase in cellular glutathione content. L-serine alone led to a smaller increase in glutathione level, and borate alone was without effect. On exposure to serine and borate, 5-oxoproline formation from L-glutamate was decreased to normal levels in glutathione synthetase deficient fibroblasts, presumably secondary to feedback inhibition of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase by the increased intracellular glutathione concentration. Cellular free amino acid content was generally unaffected by such exposure although increases were observed in serine and phosphoserine. This model system suggests that γ-glutamyl transpeptidase inhibition may be a rational approach to alleviating the effects of glutathione synthetase deficiency.
Toxicological profile of orally administered 1,6-hexane diamine in the rat

The industrial chemical 1,6-Hexane Diamine, or hexamethylenediamine (HMD), has an acute oral LD50 of 980 mg kg-1 in rats. Dietary administration of HMD to groups of rats for 3 months at dosages of 0, 50, 150, and 500 mg kg-1 resulted in a modest retardation in weight gain at the two higher test levels. No other obvious signs of toxicity or changes in the peripheral blood picture or selected clinical pathology parameters were found at any test level throughout the study. Evaluation of absolute and relative weights of 10 selected organs, as well as complete necropsies and microscopic evaluation of over 30 selected tissues and organs, revealed no changes considered related to treatment. The administration of HMD by gavage to pregnant rats at 0, 112, 184 and 300 mg kg-1 day-1 on days 6-15 of pregnancy (day 1 = day sperm detected) did not induce any teratogenic effects. Signs of maternal toxicity were observed only at 300 mg kg-1 day-1. Embryotoxicity was observed at both the 300 and 184 mg HMD kg-1 day-1 dosage levels. No treatment-related effects were observed at 112 mg HMD kg-1 day-1.
ASSESSMENT OF EXPECTANCY, A COMPONENT POSTULATED BY APPREHENSION ABOUT EVALUATION

Roscnberg (1767, p. 281) defined apprehension about evaluation as the subject's "active anxiety-toned concern, that he win a positive evaluation from the experimenter" because he expects the experiment to evaluate his emotional starus. Rosenberg (1969) has consistently demonstrated that, if one presents a cue suggcstlng that the experiment is investigating emotional stability the subject will behave In an emotionally stable manner. However, the definition and explanation of apprehension about evaluation also includes an anxiety component and a component, expectancy, which also have to be verified to validate the concept of apprehension about evaluation. This study attempted to assess whether subjects do approach experiments with the expectation that their emotional status will be evaluated. Three classes in introductory psychology (n = 158) were asked to complete an open-ended question which asked them to state what they thought psychological experiments investigated. One class was asked to complete this question at the beginning of the semester before any subject had participated in any experiments. The second class completed the question during the middle of the semester and the third class completed it at the end of the semester. In this way the effect of experimental experience upon expectations could be assessed. Two coders independently read all completed questions and identified categories which would represent most of the expectations. These two coders then collaborated and agreed upon five categories, including a category for apprehension about evaluation, to represent the expectations. Three graduate students then placed each subject's expectation into one of the five categories (interraters' agreement was 70%, 74%, and 78%) and the responses were tabulated and converted to percentages. The relevant category for this study is the one for apprehension about evaluation. Regardless of the time of the semester in which the expectations were collected the maximum frequency of responses placed in the category for apprehension about evaluation by any judge was 12%. Such a finding strongly suggests that most subjects do not expect psychological experiments to evaluate their emotional stability and implies that the construct of apprehension about evaluation is not accurately elaborated.
Subgroup decomposition method in diffusion theory

Abstract A new method for solving the fine-group diffusion equation is developed by estimating the in-scattering and fission source terms with consistent coarse-group diffusion solutions iteratively. This is achieved by extending the subgroup decomposition (SGD) method to diffusion theory initially developed in neutron transport theory. Additionally, a new stabilizing scheme for on-the-fly cross section recondensation based on local fixed source calculations is developed in the subgroup decomposition framework. The method is derived in general geometry and tested in a 1D benchmark problem characteristic of boiling water reactors. It is shown that the SGD method reproduces the standard fine-group results with 3–4 times faster computational speed.
Molecular beam epitaxy of CuCl films on mica

Abstract Molecular beam epitaxy of pure CuCl films on mica was studied for various substrate temperatures (16–250 °C). Both the transmission Laue method and diffractometer methods were used to characterize the films. All films showed the [111] zinc blende texture but only those films prepared at about 150 °C showed excellent, though twinned, epitaxy.
Cardiac Tamponade: A Fatal Complication of Central Venous Catheterization

A case of acute pericardial tamponade occurred secondary to a central venous catheter; and 11 similar cases are reviewed from the literature. The tamponade in these cases is thought to be secondary to perforation of an intrapericardial structure by the central venous catheter. In 11 of the 12 patients a venous cutdown was performed using a long beveled polyethylene catheter. The correct diagnosis was made in only five instances prior to the patient's death, and in only a single case was pericardiocentesis performed early allowing for the patient's survival. Careful placement of the catheter tip outside of the heart, and the use of pliable nonbeveled silicone elastomer (Silastic) catheters are suggested as means of preventing this lethal complication of central venous catheterization.
Absorption and disposition characteristics of nitrofurantoin in dogs

This study reports the disposition kinetic properties of nitrofurantoin in dogs following single intravenous and oral administration of various formulations of nitrofurantoin. Also reported here is the effect of delaying gastric emptying by food and atropine on the absorption characteristics of nitrofurantoin. The drug absorption parameters calculated using a deconvolution computer program indicate that the rate and extent of enterohepatic recycling affects the elimination and absorption rate constants and thus confound the bioavailability calculations of nitrofurantoin, heretofore unrecognized in the literature. The plasma half-life following intravenous administration was 31 min (monoexponential equation) with little effect of enterohepatic recycling noted. Following oral administration, a biexponential equation with lag-time was used to fit the blood levels. The absorption half-lives were higher when nitrofurantoin was administered as a solid dosage form compared to a solution. The absorption half-lives following tablet administration ranged from 30 to 72 min and were not affected by food or atropine. The elimination half-lives following oral administration ranged from 19 to 87 min with significantly prolonged elimination when solid dosage forms were administered compared to solution. The extent of absorption ranged from 38 to 120 per cent. A direct correlation between the absorption and elimination half-lives was established, indicating that increased biliary recycling direct affects the apparent disposition half-life. The three brands of nitrofurantoin tested for bioavailability showed that the use of blood levels without appropriate corrections for biliary recycling are not suitable for bioavailability testing of nitrofurantoin. The use of urinary excretion data in evaluating nitrofurantoin bioavailability is also questioned in the study.
Characterization of Insulin-Degrading Activity of Intact and Subcellular Components of Human Fibroblasts*

We have studied insulin degrading activity (IDA) in cultured human fibroblasts and assessed the effect of various inhibitors of insulin processing on IDA. To evaluate the role of three enzymes of insulin degradation (neutral protease, microsomal glutathione insulin transhydrogenase, and lysosomal acid protease), we subfractionated homogenized fibroblasts into membrane (and nuclei) cytosol, mitochondria, microsomes, and lysosomes. Greater than 90% of IDA was found to be present in the cytosolar fraction containing neutral protease. IDA in intact fibroblasts was completely inhibited by 1 mm N-ethylmaleimide and partially by 0.5 mm dansylcadaverine (75%), 0.5 mm chloroquine (48%), 1 mg/ml bacitracin (32%) and Trasylol (30%). Lidocaine (5 mm) and glucagon (10−6 m) exhibited about 15% inhibition with minimal inhibition (7%) by nonsuppressible insulin-like activity. Study of similar inhibitors on subfractionated components indicated inhibition of cytosolar enzyme by Nethylmaleimide (100%), glucagon (30%), chlor...
Biology, potential for increase and prey consumption ofAmblyseius chilenensis (Dosse) [Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

The life history ofAmblyseius chilenensis was studied in a laboratory at 16.4, 25 and 32 °C. The rates of development, prey consumption and oviposition varied directly with temperature. From the life history data the intrinsic rates of increase were determined to be 0.112, 0.287 and 0.307 at 16.4, 25 and 32° respectively. The net reproductive rates were 12.73, 29.09, 17.82 and the mean generation times were 22.72, 11.74 and 9.38 days at 16.4, 25 and 32° respectively.
An Integrated Cost Model for the Joint Optimization of Process Control and Maintenance

Statistical process control and preventive maintenance have been treated separately by past research. This study presents an economic model that incorporates both process control and maintenance procedures, and simultaneously optimizes their design parameters. It is shown how a pure process-control policy and a pure preventive-maintenance policy constitute special cases of the general model. Numerical examples illustrate the application of the method and suggest that, under the Markovian deterioration assumption, in many cases a pure policy is economically justifiable.