cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycerol phosphorylcholine (GPC) and serine ethanolamine phosphodiester (SEP): evolutionary mirrored metabolites and their potential metabolic roles

Water-soluble phosphodiesters (WSPDE) are a prominent feature of many 31P-NMR spectra; however, their role has remained somewhat of a mystery. What has been missed in almost all previous studies is the fact that two classes of WSPDE exist in vertebrates: those in mammals and those in the other (reptile-avian) line. The first is represented by glycerol phosphorylcholine and the second by serine ethanolamine phosphodiester. A further examination of the literature suggests a common role for all WSPDE as lysophospholipase inhibitors and therefore net sparers of phospholipids by decreasing phospholipid metabolic throughput.
Numerical modeling of PZT nonlinear electromechanical behavior

Lead, Zirconate, Titanate ceramics undergo polarization switching under electric fields, resulting in polarization hysteresis and strain butterfly loops. In addition, compressive stress inputs lead to ferroelastic 90 degree(s) polarization switching which interacts with the ferroelectric switching under the combined electric fields and stress inputs. In this paper, the phenomenological scalar Preisach model is modified consistent with the above physical phenomena to simulate the polarization and strain loops under the combined electric field and stress inputs. The hysterons that are used in the classical Preisach model are modified to take into account the effect of stress inputs and the effect of polarization switching. Simulations are carried out and the model is suggested as a simulation tool for nonlinear transformations occurring in materials.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interaction of sodium decyl sulfate with poly(L‐ornithine) and poly(L‐lysine) in aqueous solution

The binding isotherms of sodium decyl sulfate to poly(L-ornithine), poly(D,L-ornithine), and poly(L-lysine) at neutral pH were determined potentiometrically. The nature of a highly cooperative binding in all three cases suggests a micelle-like clustering of the surfactant ions onto the polypeptide side groups. The hydrophobic interaction between the nonpolar groups overshadows the coulombic interaction between the charged groups. The titration curves can be interpreted well by the Zimm–Bragg theory. The average cluster size of bound surfactant ions is sufficiently large to promote the β-structure of (L-Lys)n even at a very low binding ratio of surfactant to polypeptide residue, whereas the onset of the helical structure for (L-Orn)n begins after about 7 surfactant ions are bound to two turns of the helix. The CD results are consistent with this explanation.
The probing behavior of the summer-form pear psylla

Stylet insertion sites on the leaf surface and leaf cell types fed upon by nymphs and adults of the pear psylla, Psylla pyricola Foerster (Homoptera: Psyllidae) were identified using histological techniques and electronic monitoring of probing and feeding activities. Neither the nymphs nor the adult ingested predominantly from the phloem of Pyrus communis cv. ‘Bartlett’. We showed that the pear psylla ingests from all leaf cell types, but that xylem, phloem and bundle sheath cells are more acceptable for ingestion than non-vascular tissues. The possible sensory mechanisms underlying selection of stylet insertion sites on the leaf surface and acceptance of various cell types for ingestion are discussed. Resume Comportement de piqure chez la forme estivale du psylle du poirier Les lieux d'insertion des stylets sur la surface de la feuille et les types cellulaires consommes par les larves et les adultes de Psylla pyricola Foerster ont ete precises par etude histologique et par enregistrement electronique du comportement de piqure et d'alimentation. Ni les larves, ni les adultes n'ont absorbe de preference le phloeme de Pyrus communis de la variete ‘Bartlett’. Nous avons constate que le psylle du poirier ingere le contenu de tous les types cellulaires, mais que le xyleme, le phloeme et autre cellules des faisceaux libero-ligneux etaient preferes aux tissus non vasculaires. La discussion a porte sur les mechanismes sensoriels eventuellement responsables de la selection des lieux d'insertion des stylets a la surface de la feuille et l'acceptation des differents types cellulaires lors de l'ingestion.
Optimization of fiber orientations near a hole for increased load-carrying capacity of composite laminates

In this paper, a procedure for optimizing the fiber orientations near a hole in a single layer of multilayer composite laminates for increased strength is presented. A symmetric six-layer [(C-0)/+45/-45]s laminate with central hole is considered. Within the ±45° layers, the fiber orientations are fixed. The C-0 layer is divided into two fields: a small near field around the hole and a relatively large far field away from the hole. In the far field, the fiber orientations are fixed at 0°, and in the near field, the fiber orientations are assumed to have continuous distribution represented by piecewise bilinear interpolation functions. The Tsai–Wu-criterion-based failure load magnitudes of [(C-0)/+45/-45]s and [C-0]6 designs are maximized by iteratively alternating between a gradient-based search and a genetic algorithm. The results show that the load-carrying capacity of composite laminates with hole can be greatly increased through the optimization of continuous fiber orientation distribution within a small area around the hole in the C-0 layer, and the optimum fiber orientation distribution pattern in the C-0 layer is similar to that of the corresponding principal stress orientation distribution. The [(C-0)/+45/-45]s design is only a few percent weaker than the [C-0]6 design, which is important for carrying off-design loadings.
Exposure to extreme hypercapnia under laboratory conditions does not impact righting and covering behavior of juveniles of the common sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

Changes in the carbonate chemistry (increased pCO2, decreased pH, and decreased carbonate saturation state) of seawater can impact the growth and physiology of echinoids and therefore, it is possible that their behavior may also be negatively affected. We investigated the impact of extreme hypercapnia on righting activity and covering response in juvenile Lytechinus variegatus (avg. diameter = 20 mm) raised in artificial seawater. Sea urchins collected from Eagle Harbor in Saint Joseph Bay, Florida (29°N, 85°W), were exposed to high pCO2 conditions, (pCO2 = 1738 ± 25.00 μatm, and pHNBS = 7.7 ± 0.002) for three months under subsatiation conditions. Righting activity (time to right to 90° position from inversion) was evaluated every three weeks and was not significantly different between treatments (repeated measures ANOVA, F = 0.84896, df = 1, 22, and p = 0.36684). At the end of the study, covering behavior (% surface area of the test covered with acrylic beads) was also not significantly different from th...
Regulation of Ovarian Cell Growth through the Local Production of Transforming Growth Factor-α by Theca Cells

The rapid proliferation of a tissue often requires the local production of a specific growth factor. The ovarian follicle is a rapidly growing tissue which contains two primary somatic cell types, granulosa cells and theca cells. Theca cells and granulosa cells were isolated from bovine ovaries and cultured to assess the possible local production of a growth factor within the ovarian follicle. Serum-free conditioned medium from theca cells, but not from granulosa cells, was found to contain a component that specifically bound to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Therefore, theca cells appear to produce an EGF-like substance as a potential regulator of follicle cell growth. This result provides physiological significance to the previous observation that granulosa cells contain EGF receptors and respond to EGF to increase cell proliferation. Transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) is a protein that is structurally and functionally related to EGF and binds to the EGF receptor. Using a molecular probe t...
Biologic root-end closure on a traumatized and surgically resected maxillary central incisor: an alternative method of treatment.

A 23-year-old female presented with a history of trauma to the maxillary right central incisor at age 7 which had been treated using conventional endodontic techniques. At 12 years of age the root of the incisor was resected and the periapical area curetted. The maxillary right central incisor was successfully treated using Frank's apexification technique and subsequently obturated with gutta percha using lateral condensation. The results suggest that biologic root-end closure (apexification) can be achieved on teeth that have been previously subjected to periapical surgery.
Biaxial Mechanical Testing of Single Annulus Fibrosus Layers

The intervertebral disc (IVD), consisting of the inner nucleus pulposus and the outer annulus fibrosus, is subjected to multiaxial stress in vivo. The disc undergoes degenerative changes that account for impairment and disability in middle-aged and older individuals.4 In addition to age-related degeneration, the intervertebral disc is subject to the development of lesions due to partial displacement or rupture of the annulus fibrosus. Such occurrences, typically resulting from physical trauma, can yield disabling effects from impingement on spinal nerve structures. A greater understanding of the IVD and how it functions mechanically is crucial in prevention and repair of debilitating spinal disorders.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Satisfaction with low back pain care.

Abstract Background By using a unique, prospective study of occupational back pain claims, we examined health-care satisfaction by provider type and its effect on return to work. Purpose We estimated satisfaction differentials by provider type, decomposing overall satisfaction into two components: bedside manner and effectiveness of care. We also examined how health-care satisfaction affects the duration of jobless claims. Study design The Arizona State University Healthy Back Study (HBS) is a prospective study of work-related back pain; 1,831 workers completed a baseline interview, with follow-up interviews at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. The HBS merged demographic and claim characteristics from the workers' compensation claim files with self-reported severity measures, measures of satisfaction, and postonset employment from worker interviews. Outcome measures Overall and detailed satisfaction with treatment and workers' compensation claim duration. Methods We performed a nonparametric descriptive analysis of satisfaction by provider type and used multivariate regressions to decompose overall satisfaction into component parts. The duration analysis links differentials in health care satisfaction to differences in claim durations. Results Workers treated by surgeons, chiropractors (DCs), or physical therapists are more satisfied with their health care than those treated by MDs. Workers are more concerned with the effectiveness of care than with the bedside manner of their provider. A one standard deviation improvement in satisfaction with the health-care provider reduces claim duration by about 25%. Conclusions Satisfaction with health care has a significant impact on jobless spells and varies significantly between provider types.
The eggs may be teaching the chickens.

was pleased to be tapped by Walter Merrill to deliver Ithe 2012 J. Kent Trinkle Lecture on Education honoring Dr Trinkle’s dedication to student education [1]. Many of our specialty’s most respected advocates for teaching have shared this unique Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) platform begun in 1993 and named for Kent in 1999 [2]. Kent was an early contributor to emerging lung transplantation in the 1980s, and I benefitted by his work and his critique of my own youthful endeavors. He chose a personal, informal, and highly entertaining delivery of his STSA presentation on education titled, “In Celebration of STSA Training Programs, 1995: University of Texas Health Science Center.” [2] Three raw Trinkle “isms” remain modern lumens from his message. “If you can’t get your jollies from your residents’ accomplishments, get out of the business.” He was all in with giving early and continuous operative experience. He was perhaps politically incorrect by today’s standards, but he left no room for a confused message by stating, “Surgery is like sex, a lot of fun, but not a spectator sport!” He followed on about the need for an out-ofoperating room education as well. “A book, a knife, and patient don’t make a training program.” He was contemporary and supportive of my own message relative to the requirement for more training time. “Two years is like putting 10 pounds of manure in a 5 pound sack.” His students and faculty loved him because he cared. At the 1994 meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, he commented on my paper “Anastomotic Pitfalls in Lung Transplantation” [3]. He told me, “It takes a lot of courage to discuss complications, but we learn from them.” He went on to have some fun with me as well, pointing out his relative lack of experience with similar disastrous problems in his own large series of patients. I have built my words with a remembrance of him. I will also attempt to define the importance of mentors who have fueled my own career and whose encouraging style is required today. I will share my belief that our best teachers carry a posture of creativity, embrace a bias toward action, and have an ability to see situations in and outside the operating room as a student. With our president’s request, I will discuss the evolving training program at Maryland begun with my reboot in 2001, when I was permitted to begin anew with lessons learned. Lastly,
Molecular-dynamics study of atomic motions in water

Using a flexible version of a rigid-molecule model of water we have analyzed the velocity autocorrelation functions to investigate the effect of the liquid milieu on the high-frequency internal modes of molecular motion. The calculations have been made at 1 g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ and at 250, 325, and 375 K. Good agreement with experimentally determined pair correlations has also been found.
EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF POLYMER COMPOSITES ON THE STABILITY OF SHELLS

Problems of the stability of RM have not been adequately studied. Solutions have only been found for plane reinforced layers (RL) with respect to rigidity of the elastic medium when under the action of an increasing internal compressive load [ 1-3] and the prolonged action of an inner stable reinforcement [4]. The temperature-time dependence of the properties of the PM is a distinctive characteristic of the set problem. In this case the physical and mechanical characteristics of the RM remain unchanged. The shell thickness was assumed to be compiled from thin closed annular RL's and an interlayer of the PM; for them it is valid to use the hypothesis of direct normals. In such a formulation the equation for a neutral equilibrium of the i-th RL added to by interactive stresses has the form: El( #W 2 d3w+ 1 dw ~ I daw 1 dw.) d~M M Pv dp~ -~g-95+ R 2 dy 3 -R-Y-~9 / +N~ d~-t R ~ dy +.d--~- ~- +-~-+-~+--~-y =0, (I) where M, py, Pz are the moment, the tangential and the radial interactive stress of the PM and RL during flexure of the latter. They are determined from a consideration of the combined bending of the PM interlayer and the RL. Although the thickness of the PM interlayer is small, the additional stresses which arise are rather large [3]. Therefore this problem was solved on the basis of a two-dimensional stressed state of the PM interlayer. It Was assumed that the physical and mechanical characteristics of the PM interlayer for fixed values of the time t and temperature T can be determined from the relationship Q(t, T) =Q0+ (Qi-Qo)r(t, T), (2) where Qo, Q1 are the values of the characteristics at the initial moment and after the phase transition; r(t, T) is a function determined on the basis of experiment. We assume that the rate of transition to a flexural equilibrium state is considerably greater than the rate of the theological processes and consequently the effect of the latter is negligible. The radius of curvature of the PM interlayer and a half-wave length of the RL during loss of stability are very greatcompared with its thickness. This makes it possible to consider the planar problem, in which the functional conditions of concertedness of movement at the contact boundary of the layers and the periodicity of the derived solutions for a circular coordinate are limiting ones:
Automatic stepping in the pontomedullary stage of central herniation

Article abstract—Both spontaneous and reflexive movements may occur during the final stages of herniation and following brain death. We describe spontaneous, rhythmic (0.2 to 0.5 Hz), alternating flexion of the hip, knee, and ankle in two patients during the pontomedullary phase of central herniation following a massive hemispheric infarct. Automatic stepping is likely a spinal automatism generated within the spinal locomotion center and regulated by both ascending and descending brainstem tracts. Clinicians and family members of neurologically devastated patients should be aware that this and other movements can occur during the late stages of central herniation preceding and following brain death.
THE POLITICAL ECOLOGY OF THE COPAL TRADE IN THE TANZANIAN COASTAL HINTERLAND, c . 1820–1905

Between 1830 and 1880 copal was the major trade commodity from mainland Tanzania apart from ivory. Unlike ivory, copal was a product of a distinct environment, the lowland forests of the East African coastal hinterland. This region's copal was the best in the world for making high-value carriage varnish. It therefore found a ready market in the West, especially New England, whose traders brought cotton textiles to trade with East Africans for copal. The monopolization by hinterland polities of the copal–cloth trade nexus enabled them to consolidate politically as a sub-entrepot of the Zanzibar commercial state. After 1880 a global demand for wild rubber, a product of far more diverse landscapes, posed a threat to the copal economy, and in part ushered in German colonialism. New colonial tax, labor and conservationist policies spelled the decline of the copal economy and its communities as they lost access to the coastal forests.
Probability summation of acuity in the human infant

Abstract Raw data from two studies of monocular and binocular acuity development were used to determine whether a binocular acuity advantage as a function of age is predicted by probability summation and whether these predictions accurately describe the course of binocular acuity development. Two decision rules for the combination of the outputs of right eye and left eye “channels” were evaluated, the decision-threshold rule and the integration rule. Both decision rules predicted a binocular acuity advantage for infants and children aged 0–60 months. However, both rules failed to adequately describe the normal course of monocular and binocular acuity development. No binocular acuity advantage was found prior to 6 months of age while, after 6 months of age, binocular acuity was superior to monocular acuity by 0.12 log unit (0.4 octave). The absence of binocular acuity superiority prior to 6 months of age is consistent with suggestions by other authors that the immature human visual system combines information from the two eyes nonselectively.
Roost selection by western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) in burned and unburned piñon–juniper woodlands of southwestern Colorado

Abstract All 16 species of bats known to occur in western Colorado are found at Mesa Verde National Park (MVNP) in the southwestern United States. Since 1996, wildfires have burned more than 70% of MVNP (>15,000 ha), potentially altering food and roosting resources for bats. During the summers of 2006–2007, we investigated roost use by reproductive female western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis). We located 33 bat roosts in rock crevices and 1 in a juniper snag. All but 2 of the roosts were in unburned habitat. Bats roosted alone or in small groups (≤3 individuals) and switched roosts frequently (1–7 roosts per bat, median = 1.5 roosts per bat, SE = 0.5 roosts per bat). We compared occupied roosts with randomly selected unoccupied crevices and used an information theoretic approach to determine which variables were most important in determining roost use at microhabitat and landscape scales. At the microhabitat scale, maternity roosts were higher above the ground and deeper than random, unoccupied rock c...
Underground Nuclear Explosions: Tectonic Utility and Dangers

The tectonic strain energy released by several underground nuclear explosions has been calculated through an analysis of seismic surface waves. The proportionally great amount of energy released in certain events suggests the possible uses for, as well as the hazards of, underground testing.
A Bayesian Framework for Probabilistic Seasonal Drought Forecasting

Seasonal drought forecasting is presented within a multivariate probabilistic framework. The standardized streamflow index (SSI) is used to characterize hydrologic droughts with different severities across the Gunnison River basin in the upper Colorado River basin. Since streamflow, and subsequently hydrologic droughts, are autocorrelated variables in time, this study presents a multivariate probabilistic approach using copula functions to perform drought forecasting within a Bayesian framework. The spring flow (April‐June) is considered as the forecast variable and found to have the highest correlations with the previous winter (January‐March) and fall (October‐December). Incorporating copula functions into the Bayesian framework, two different forecast models are established to estimate the hydrologic drought of spring given either the previous winter (first-order conditional model) or previous winter and fall (second-order conditional model). Conditional probability density functions (PDFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) are generated to characterize the significant probabilistic features of spring droughts. According to forecasts, the spring drought is more sensitive to the winter status than the fall status, which approves the results of prior correlation analysis. The 90% predictive bound of the spring-flow forecast indicates the efficiency of the proposed model in estimating the spring droughts. The proposed model is compared with the conventional forecast model, the ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP), and it is found that their forecasts are generally in agreement with each other. However, the forecast uncertainty of the new method is more reliable than the ESP method. The new probabilistic forecast model can provide insights to water resources managers and stakeholders to facilitate the decision making and developing drought mitigation plans.
Cyclin D1 as a target for the proliferative effects of PTH and PTHrP in early osteoblastic cells

PTHrP induced a proliferative cyclin D1 activation in low-density osteoblastic cells. The process was PKA and MAPK dependent and involved both AP-1 and CRE sites. In ectopic ossicles generated from implanted bone marrow stromal cells, PTH upregulated cyclin D1 after acute or intermittent anabolic treatment. These data suggest a positive role of PTH and PTHrP in the cell cycle of early osteoblasts. Introduction: The mechanisms underlying the actions of PTH and its related protein (PTHrP) in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and bone remodeling remain unclear. The action of PTH or PTHrP on the cell cycle during osteoblast proliferation was studied. Materials and Methods: Mouse calvarial MC3T3-E1 clone 4 cells were synchronized by serum starvation and induced with 100 nM PTHrP for 2–24 h under defined low serum conditions. Western blot, real-time PCR, EMSAs, and promoter/luciferase assays were performed to evaluate cyclin D1 expression. Pharmacological inhibitors were used to determine the relevant signaling pathways. Ectopic ossicles generated from implanted bone marrow stromal cells were treated with acute (a single 8- or 12-h injection) or intermittent anabolic PTH treatment for 7 days, and RNA and histologic analysis were performed. Results: PTHrP upregulated cyclin D1 and CDK1 and decreased p27 expression. Cyclin D1 promoter/luciferase assays showed that the PTHrP regulation involved both activator protein-1 (AP-1) and cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CRE) sites. AP-1 and CRE double mutants completely abolished the PTHrP effect of cyclin D1 transcription. Upregulation of cyclin D1 was found to be protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) dependent in proliferating MC3T3-E1 cells. In vivo expression of cyclin D1 in ectopic ossicles was upregulated after a single 12-h PTH injection or intermittent anabolic PTH treatment for 7 days in early developing ossicles. Conclusions: These data indicate that PTH and PTHrP induce cyclin D1 expression in early osteoblastic cells and their action is developmental stage specific.
Cell protective mechanism of valproic acid in lethal hemorrhagic shock

Background We have demonstrated that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, can improve animal survival after hemorrhagic shock and protect neurons from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. This study investigated whether VPA treatment works through the β-catenin survival pathways. Methods Wistar-Kyoto rats underwent hemorrhagic shock (60% blood loss) followed by treatment with or without VPA (300 mg/kg). Brains were harvested after 1, 6, and 24 hours and analyzed for acetylated histone-H3 at lysine-9 (Ac-H3K9), acetylated and total β-catenin, and Bcl-2 by Western blot. In addition, primary neurons dissociated from E18 rat embryos were exposed to hypoxia (0.5% O 2 ) for 16 hours with or without VPA (1 mmol/L) and analyzed using confocal microscopy. Results After treatment of hemorrhaged animals with VPA, acetylated β-catenin was found in both the cytosol and nucleus, along with Ac-H3K9. Bcl-2 transcript increased after 1 hour followed by an increase in Bcl-2 protein at 6 hours. Confocal imaging demonstrated that after VPA treatment, β-catenin translocated into the nucleus and colocalized with Ac-H3K9. Conclusion VPA treatment acetylates H3K9 and β-catenin and enhances translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus, where it colocalizes with Ac-H3K9 and stimulates the transcription of survival gene bcl-2. This finding suggests that VPA protects cells after severe insult through the β-catenin survival pathway.
A flagellar calmodulin gene of Naegleria, coexpressed during differentiation with flagellar tubulin genes, shares DNA, RNA, and encoded protein sequence elements.

Two calmodulins are synthesized during differentiation of Naegleria gruberi from amoebae to flagellates; one remains in the cell body and the other becomes localized in the flagella. The single, intronless, expressed gene for flagellar calmodulin has been cloned and sequenced. The encoded protein is a typical calmodulin with four putative calcium-binding domains, but it has an amino-terminal extension of 10 divergent amino acids preceding conserved calmodulin residue 4. The transcripts encoding flagellar calmodulin and flagellate cell body calmodulin are clearly divergent. Expression of the flagellar calmodulin gene is differentiation-specific; its mRNA appears and then disappears concurrently with those encoding flagellar α- and β-tubulin. Three provocative sequence elements are shared among these unrelated coexpressed genes: (i) a palindromic DNA sequence element is found in duplicate or triplicate upstream to each transcribed region; (ii) a perfect 12-nucleotide match is found near the AUG start codon of flagellar calmodulin and α-tubulin; and (iii) the novel amino-terminal extension of flagellar calmodulin contains a 5-amino-acid element similar to the amino terminus of flagellar α-tubulin. These shared sequence elements are proposed to have roles in differentiation, possibly in regulation of transcription, mRNA stability, and localization of these proteins to flagella.
Phase Transfer Pd(O) Catalyzed Polymerization Reactions. 2. Thermal Characterization of Liquid Crystalline 1,2-(4,4′-Dialkoxyaryl)acetylene Derivatives

Abstract A homologous series of 1,2-(4,4′-di-n-alkoxyphenyl)acetylenes with n = 1,3-12 was prepared by a one pot phase transfer Pd(O)/Cu(I) catalyzed three step coupling of an aryl halide with 2-methyl-3-butyn- 2-ol, followed by deprotection of the carbinol group and finally a second coupling with either the same or another aryl halide. The lower members of this series with n = 1-3 are crystalline. In addition to a nematic phase, the compounds with from four to eight methylenic units in the alkoxy substituents present crystalline polymorphism due to the proximity of the crystallization temperatures and the low rates of crystallization. Therefore, under the nonequilibrium conditions at which the compounds were analyzed, these immiscible crystalline phases coexist. The higher homologs of n = 10-12 display an unusual enantiotropic smectic C phase directly below a nematic phase. These compounds also exhibit an additional monotropic smectic phase, possibly smectic B, below the smectic C phase. Methyl branches ...
Selectin ligand expression regulates the initial vascular interactions of colon carcinoma cells : The roles of CD44V and alternative sialofucosylated selectin ligands

Selectin-mediated binding of tumor cells to platelets, leukocytes, and vascular endothelium may regulate their hematogenous spread in the microvasculature. We recently reported that CD44 variant isoforms (CD44v) on LS174T colon carcinoma cells possess selectin binding activity. Here we extended those findings by showing that T84 and Colo205 colon carcinoma cells bind selectins via sialidase-sensitive O-linked glycans presented on CD44v, independent of heparan and chondroitin sulfate. To assess the functional role of CD44v in selectin-mediated binding, we quantified the adhesion to selectins of T84 cell subpopulations sorted based on their CD44 expression levels and stable LS174T cell lines generated using CD44 short hairpin RNA. High versus low CD44-expressing T84 cells tethered more efficiently to P- and L-selectin, but not E-selectin, and rolled more slowly on P- and E-selectin. Knocking down CD44 expression on LS174T cells inhibited binding to P-selectin and increased rolling velocities over P- and L-selectin relative to control-transfected cells, without affecting tethering and rolling on E-selectin, however. Blot rolling analysis revealed the presence of alternative sialylated glycoproteins with molecular masses of ∼170 and ∼130 kDa, which can mediate selectin binding in CD44-knockdown cells. Heparin diminishes the avidity of colon carcinoma cells for P- and L-selectin, which may compromise integrin-mediated firm adhesion to host cells and mitigate metastasis. Our finding that CD44v is a functional P-selectin ligand on colon carcinoma provides a novel perspective on the enhanced metastatic potential associated with tumor CD44v overexpression and the role of selectins in metastasis.
ATF4 is necessary and sufficient for ER stress-induced upregulation of REDD1 expression

In response to a variety of cell stresses, e.g. endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, expression of REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage responses) is transcriptionally upregulated. However, the mechanism through which ER stress acts to upregulate REDD1 expression is unknown. In the present study, REDD1 expression was found to be upregulated by ER stress in several cell lines. However, in MEF cells lacking the eIF2alpha kinase PERK, ER stress failed to upregulate REDD1 expression, demonstrating that phosphorylation of eIF2alpha was necessary for the effect. Moreover, ER stress led to upregulated expression of the transcription factor ATF4, but in MEF cells lacking ATF4, REDD1 mRNA expression was not increased by ER stress. In contrast, exogenous expression of ATF4 was sufficient to induce REDD1 expression. Overall, the results suggest that REDD1 expression is upregulated during ER stress through a mechanism involving activation of PERK, phosphorylation of eIF2alpha, and increased ATF4 expression.
Characterizing a Transverse Electromagnetic Cell with Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields for Biological Applications

The operating characteristics during a transient of a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) test cell coupled to a nanosecond electromagnetic pulse generator are described through experiment and simulations. The coupled system provides a uniform field in a large area for nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) effects studies on biological samples. Results show that the rise time and the fall time of the pulse during a transient are affected because of charging, discharging of the cell. The effects on rise and fall times are aggravated further due to the presence of samples in the cell.
Tunable surface plasmons of dielectric core-metal shell particles for dye sensitized solar cells

Our findings show that the extinction spectrum of core–shell type plasmonic particles can be effectively controlled by changing their geometric factor. This tuning capability allows the surface plasmons of the core–shell particles to be designed in such a way that the absorption of dye molecules is maximized in dye sensitized solar cells. When plasmonic particles with a metallic nanoshell and a dielectric core are incorporated into a TiO2 mesoporous photoelectrode, the optical cross section of dye sensitizers and the energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are increased. The enhanced photon–electron conversion is attributed to localized surface plasmons of the core–shell particles, which increase the absorption and scattering of incoming light in the photoelectrode.
Mantle downwelling beneath the Australian-Antarctic discordance zone: evidence from geoid height versus topography

The Australian-Antar ctic discordance zone (AAD) is an anomalously deep and rough segment of the Southeast Indian Ridge between 120 ° and 128°E. A large, negative (deeper than predicted) depth anomaly is centered on the discordance, and a geoid low is evident upon removal of a low-order geoid model and the geoid height-age relation. We investigate two models that may explain these anomalies: a deficiency in ridge-axis magma supply that produces thin oceanic crust (i.e. shallow Airy compensation), and a downwelling and/or cooler mantle beneath the AAD that results in deeper convective-type compensation. To distinguish between these models, we have calculated the ratio of geoid height to topography from the slope of a best line fit by functional analysis (i.e. non-biased linear regression), a method that minimizes both geoid height and topography residuals. Geoid/topography ratios of 2.1 _+ 0.9 m/km for the entire study area (380-60 ° S, 105°-140 ° E), 2.3 _+ 1.8 m/km for a subset comprising crust _< 25 Ma, and 2.7 _+ 2.0 m/km for a smaller area centered on the AAD were obtained. These ratios are significantly larger than predicted for thin oceanic crust (0.4 m/km), and 2.7 m/kin is consistent with downwelling convection beneath young lithosphere. Average compensation depths of 27, 29, and 34 km, respectively, estimated from these ratios suggest a mantle structure that deepens towards the AAD. The deepest compensation (34 km) of the AAD is below the average depth of the base of the young lithosphere (- 30 kin), and a downwelling of asthenospheric material is implied. The observed geoid height-age slope over the discordance is unusually gradual at -0.133 m/m.y. We calculate that an upper mantle 170 °C cooler and 0.02 g/cm 3 denser than normal can explain the shallow slope. Unusually fast shear velocities in the upper 200 km of mantle beneath the discordance, and major-element geochemical trends consistent with small amounts of melting at shallow depths, provide strong evidence for cooler temperatures beneath the AAD.
Hydrologic landscape classification evaluates streamflow vulnerability to climate change in Oregon, USA

Classification can allow for evaluations of the hydrologic functions of landscapes and their responses to stressors. Here we demonstrate the use of a hydrologic landscape (HL) approach to evaluate vulnerability to potential future climate change at statewide and basin scales in the state of Oregon. The HL classification has five components: climate, seasonality, aquifer permeability, terrain, and soil permeability. We evaluate changes when the 1971–2000 HL climate indices are recalculated using 2041–2070 simulation results from the ECHAM (European Centre HAMburg) and PCM (Parallel Climate Model) climate models with the A2, A1b, and B1 emission scenarios. Changes in climate class were modest (4–18%) statewide. However, there were major changes in seasonality class for five of the six realizations (excluding PCM_B1): Oregon shifts from being 13% snow-dominated to 4–6% snow-dominated under these five realizations, representing a 56–68% reduction in snowmelt-dominated area. At the basin scale, simulated changes for the Siletz Basin, in Oregon's Coast Range, include a small switch from very wet to wet climate, with no change in seasonality. However, there is a modest increase in fall and winter water due to increased precipitation. For the Sandy Basin, on the western slope of the Cascades, HL climate class does not change, but there are major changes in seasonality, especially for areas with low aquifer permeability, which experiences a 100% loss of spring seasonality. This would reduce summer baseflow, but effects could potentially be mitigated by streamflow buffering effects provided by groundwater in the high aquifer permeability portions of the upper Sandy. The Middle Fork John Day Basin (MFJD), in northeastern Oregon, is snowmelt-dominated. The basin experiences a net loss of wet and moist climate area, along with an increase in dry climate area. The MFJD also experiences major shifts from spring to winter seasonality, representing a 20–60% reduction in snowmelt-dominated area. Altered seasonality and/or magnitude of seasonal streamflows could potentially affect survival, growth and reproduction of salmonids in these watersheds, with the greatest effects projected for the MFJD. A major strength of the HL approach is that results can be applied to similarly classified, ungaged basins. Information resulting from such evaluations can help inform management responses to climate change at regional and basin scales without requiring detailed modeling efforts.
An algorithm for the allocation of functional units from realistic RT component libraries

Existing algorithms in high-level synthesis (HLS) typically assume a direct mapping of hardware description language (HDL) operators to RT units. This assumption simplifies synthesis to generic RT components, but prevents effective use of complex databook components, custom designed cells, previously synthesized RT modules and RT module generators. We present an algorithm for allocation in HLS for reuse of existing RT-level components. This approach can be used to customize HLS tools to user-specific RT libraries. The experiments show improvements of 10-37% in area over conventional approaches. >
Visual exploration of time-series data with shape space projections

Time-series data is a common target for visual analytics, as they appear in a wide range of application domains. Typical tasks in analyzing time-series data include identifying cyclic behavior, outliers, trends, and periods of time that share distinctive shape characteristics. Many methods for visualizing time series data exist, generally mapping the data values to positions or colors. While each can be used to perform a subset of the above tasks, none to date is a complete solution. In this paper we present a novel approach to time-series data visualization, namely creating multivariate data records out of short subsequences of the data and then using multivariate visualization methods to display and explore the data in the resulting shape space. We borrow ideas from text analysis, where the use of N-grams is a common approach to decomposing and processing unstructured text. By mapping each temporal N-gram to a glyph, and then positioning the glyphs via PCA (basically a projection in shape space), many different kinds of patterns in the sequence can be readily identified. Interactive selection via brushing, in conjunction with linking to other visualizations, provides a wide range of tools for exploring the data. We validate the usefulness of this approach with examples from several application domains and tasks, comparing our methods with traditional time-series visualizations.
Photoinduced Reduction of PtIV within an Anti-Proliferative PtIV–Texaphyrin Conjugate

In an effort to increase the stability and control the platinum reactivity of platinum-texaphyrin conjugates, two Pt(IV) conjugates were designed, synthesized, and studied for their ability to form DNA adducts. They were also tested for their anti-proliferative effects using wild-type and platinum-resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and 2780CP, respectively). In comparison to an analogous first-generation Pt(II) chimera, one of the new conjugates provided increased stability in aqueous environments. Using a combination of (1) H NMR spectroscopy and FAAS (flameless atomic-absorption spectrometry), it was found that the Pt(IV) center within this conjugate undergoes photoinduced reduction to Pt(II) upon exposure to glass-filtered daylight, resulting in an entity that binds DNA in a controlled manner. Under conditions in which the Pt(IV) complex is reduced to the corresponding Pt(II) species, these new conjugates demonstrated potent anti-proliferative activity in both test ovarian cancer cell lines.
A systematic study of the impedance boundary condition (EM scattering)

A numerical study of the impedance boundary condition has been carried out with the objective of evaluating its applicability to several representative, planar, two-dimensional (2D) inhomogeneous scatterers. Three basic classes of 2D structures are considered: an infinite-depth trough structure, a finite-depth trough structure, and a linearly tapered trough. These problems were solved using the method of moments in two ways. In the first, a surface integral equation (SIE) approach was used as a baseline and was considered to be a numerically rigorous solution. In the second, the 2D structure was reduced to a 1D structure having an equivalent surface impedance. Results obtained for the three structures are presented. >
Object Recognition Processes Can and Do Operate Before Figure–Ground Organization

ment in the two-parent family, American Psycholo gist, 44, 283-292 (1989). 11. J. Aldous, Ed., The impact of workplace family policies, journal of Family Issues, 17(4) (1990). 12. L.A. Gilbert, Men in Dual-Career Families: Current Realities and Future Prospects (Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, 1985); M.M. Ferr?e, The gender di vision of labor in two-earner marriages, journal of Family Issues, 12, 158-180 (1991). 13. J.H. Pleck, Working Wives/Working Hus bands (Sage, Beverly Hills, CA, 1985); L. Thomp son, Family work: Women's sense of fairness, jour nal of Family Issues, 12, 181-196(1991). 14. L.A. Gilbert, Sharing It All: The Rewards and Struggles of Two-Career Families (Plenum Press, New York, 1988); L. Thompson and A.J. Walker, Women and men in marriage, work, and parent hood, journal of Marriage and the Family, 51, 845 872 (1989). Recommended Reading
Neighbour-stranger discrimination by territorial male bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana): II. Perceptual basis

Some territorial animals discriminate among neighbours and strangers based on individual differences in acoustic signals. Male North American bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana, display this form of discrimination based on individual variation in advertisement calls. In this study, we investigated the acoustic basis of neighbour–stranger discrimination to determine how individual identity might be encoded by particular properties of bullfrog advertisement calls. We analysed patterns of within-male and between-male variability in 1078 bullfrog advertisement calls recorded from 27 territorial males. All call properties that we examined varied significantly among males. However, fundamental frequency and dominant frequency showed the lowest within-male variation and the highest repeatability between two recording sessions, and both properties were highly correlated with the first canonical root from discriminant function analyses, which typically accounted for 70–80% of the variability between males. We suggest that neighbour–stranger discrimination in bullfrogs is partially mediated by between-male differences in the spectral or fine temporal properties of advertisement calls.
Letter to the Editor-Fractional Container-Loads and Topological Groups

The problem treated is that of finding those probability distributions of fractional "tails" on the input volumes to a unitization facility during successive time periods that yield a time-invariant distribution of backlog levels. It is shown that this reduces to the determination which is carried out of all closed subgroups of the circle group.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome in Taiwan: analysis of epidemiological characteristics in 29 cases

Abstract Objectives. To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Methods. Between March 28 and June 30 '2003, 29 patients with probable SARS seen at Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, were analysed. Results. Presenting symptoms included fever (100%), cough (69.0%), chills or rigor (62.1%), and shortness of breath (41.4%). Mean days to defervescence were 6.8±2.9 days, but fever recurred in 15 patients (51.7%) at 10.9±3.4 days. Common laboratory features included lymphopenia (72.4%), thrombocytopenia (34.5%) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (93.1, 62.1, 44.8%, respectively). All patients except one had initial abnormal chest radiographs and 20 (69.0%) had radiological worsening at 7.5±2.6 days. Nine patients (31.0%) subsequently required mechanical ventilation with four deaths (13.8%). Most patients with clinical deterioration responded to pulse corticosteroid therapy (14 out of 17) but six complicated with nosocomial infections. The risk factors associated with severe disease were presence of diarrhoea, high peak LDH and CRP, high AST and creatine kinase on admission and high peak values. Conclusions. Prudent corticosteroid use, vigilant microbiological surveillance and appropriate antibiotics coverage are the key to successful treatment.