cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isovolumetric regulation of rat glial cells during development and correction of hypo-osmolality

Abstract Rat C6 glioma cells undergo regulatory volume decrease (RVD) following sudden exposure to hypo-osmolality, but little or no regulatory volume increase (RVI) is observed when cells cultured in hypo-osmotic media are suddenly returned to isoosmolality. Because C6 glioma cells would rarely be exposed to sudden large changes in osmolality in vivo, we examined the ability of these cells to maintain their volume, termed ‘isovolumetric regulation’, when exposed to gradual changes in osmolality. When osmolality was gradually reduced by reduction of NaCl concentration from 300 to 250 mOsmol/kg at a rate of 0.4 mOsmol/kg/min or less cells were able to maintain their volume, while at higher rates, the cells swelled. Cells which were cultured in hypo-osmotic (200 mOsmol/kg) media for 3 days exhibited isovolumetric regulation at rates of osmolality increase of 0.5 mOsmol/kg/min or less over the range of 200–250 mOsmol/kg. We conclude that rat C6 glioma cells can sensitively regulate their volume over the osmolality range of pathophysiologic interest at rates of osmolality change which are faster than those generally seen in clinical conditions.
Residual Sulfite After Dechlorination of Water

The kinetics of dechlorination show that chlorinated organic amines are not completely dechlorinated during typical contact times. Analytical techniques for measuring residual sulfite must maintain pH neutrality in order to represent the actual extent of dechlorination and must allow for rapid and convenient operation near the sampling site in order to minimize errors due to air oxidation during the procedure. A portable, analog circuitry-based instrument using constant current coulometry with amperometric end point detection was developed and evaluated, laboratory and field operation of the instrument showed an analytical range of 0.015-to-25.0 mg sulfite/1. Relative standard deviation was typically 1–2%.
Sap flux-scaled transpiration by tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) before, during and after episodic defoliation by the saltcedar leaf beetle (Diorhabda carinulata)

The release of the saltcedar beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) has resulted in the periodic defoliation of tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) along more than 1000 river km in the upper Colorado River Basin and is expected to spread along many other river reaches throughout the upper basin, and possibly into the lower Colorado River Basin. Identifying the impacts of these release programs on tamarisk water use and subsequent water cycling in arid riparian systems are largely unknown, due in part to the difficulty of measuring water fluxes in these systems. We used lab-calibrated, modified heat-dissipation sap flux sensors to monitor tamarisk water use (n = 20 trees) before, during and after defoliation by the saltcedar leaf beetle during the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons (May–October) in southeastern Utah. We incorporated a simple model that related mean stem sap flux density (Js) with atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (vpd) before the onset of defoliation in 2008. The model was used to calculate differences between predicted Js and Js measured throughout the two growing seasons. Episodic defoliation resulted in a 16% reduction in mean annual rates of Js in both 2008 and 2009, with decreases occurring only during the periods in which the trees were defoliated (about 6–8 weeks per growing season). In other words, rates of Js rebounded to values predicted by the model when the trees produced new leaves after defoliation. Sap flux data were scaled to stand water use by constructing a tamarisk-specific allometric equation to relate conducting sapwood area to stem diameter, and by measuring the size distribution of stems within the stand. Total water use in both years was 0.224 m, representing a reduction of about 0.04 m yr−1. Results showed that repeated defoliation/refoliation cycles did not result in a progressive decrease in either leaf production or water use over the duration of the study. This investigation improves ground-based estimates of tamarisk water use, and will support future efforts to characterize impacts of the beetle on basin-wide hydrologic processes.
Coexisting and clonally identical classic hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma.

We report a case of concurrent nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), nodular sclerosis subtype in an otherwise healthy 24 year-old male with a strong family history of cHL. The patient was found to have a parotid mass, which was diagnosed as NLPHL, and a thymic mass diagnosed as cHL, nodular sclerosis subtype concurrently. The lesion in the parotid showed features typical of NLPHL by morphology and immunophenotype. The LP cells were positive for PAX5, CD20, Oct2, weakly positive for CD30, and negative for CD15. The thymic lesion, diagnosed as cHL, nodular sclerosis subtype, showed prominent bands of fibrosis and HRS and lacunar cells positive for CD30 and CD15. These cells were variably positive for CD20 and negative for Oct2. PAX5 was weakly positive. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies by PCR were performed on microdissected HRS and LP cells and shown to have identically sized peaks. NLPHL and cHL are two distinct diseases and are almost never seen concurrently. We present a case in which PCR analysis indicated that the tumor cells of these two distinct entities were clonally identical.
Effect of excimer laser radiant exposure on uniformity of ablated corneal surface

The argon fluoride (193 nm) excimer laser is being used to change the anterior corneal curvature for correction of refractive errors. Uniformity of the surface following laser ablation may play an important role in the rate of epithelial healing and amount and type of stromal scarring. To test the effect of radiant exposure (fluence) on surface smoothness, we ablated rabbit corneas with the 193 nm argon fluoride excimer laser at nine radiant exposures from 50 to 850 mJ/cm2. A total energy of 100 J/cm2 was used for each ablation at a frequency of 1 Hz. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated progressive improvement of surface smoothness with increasing radiant exposures. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated no consistent increase in thickness to the surface condensate (pseudomembrane) with increasing radiant exposure. Improvement in surface quality associated with increasing radiant exposures may result from a more uniform depth of ablation per pulse in the corneal lamellae that absorb laser wavelengths differently. Radiant exposures at levels where the depth of ablation is the same regardless of increasing energy densities achieve a more uniform surface because inhomogeneities in the beam and variation in energy from pulse to pulse do not affect the ablation rate.
An in vivo method for observing the microcirculation of the avian shell gland

Abstract 1. 1. An in vivo microscopy technique is described for observing the microcirculation in the shell gland of the anesthetized Japanese quail. 2. 2. The preparation allows visualization and quantitation of changes in luminal diameters of arterioles and venules in the intact shell gland.
Characterising electron butterfly pitch angle distributions in the magnetosphere through observations and simulations

Abstract. The Imaging Electron Spectrometer (IES) on the Polar satellite has measured the average characteristics of the equatorial electron pitch angle distributions (PADs) in the midnight sector as a function of radial distance out to the 9 RE apogee of the Polar satellite. Depressions in the observed fluxes of electrons occur with pitch angles around 90° in the equatorial zone, while the more field-aligned electrons remain largely unchanged. The orbital precessions of the satellite have allowed much of the inner equatorial magnetosphere to be observed. Statistically, butterfly PADs with different shapes are observed selectively in different regions, which can provide insight to their source and possible history. Electron paths of varied pitch angles were modelled using Runge-Kutta approximations of the Lorentz force in a Tsyganenko (T96) simulated magnetosphere. The resulting drift paths suggest that the process of magnetopause shadowing plays a significant role in the loss of these electrons. Case studies of the drifting patterns of electrons with varied pitch angles were simulated from Polar's orbit when a butterfly PAD was observed on 3 October 2002 at an altitude near 9 RE and on 12 September 2000 at an altitude near 6 RE. These two locations represent regions on each side of the boundary of stable trapping. The modelling effort strongly suggests that magnetopause shadowing does play a significant role in the loss of equatorially drifting electrons from the outer regions of the inner magnetosphere.
Estimating census undercount from school enrollment data: an application to the Soviet censuses of 1959 and 1970.

Enrollment data for primary schools in the Soviet Union serves as a standard to assess census age reporting of children and adolescents. Researchers have questioned the completeness of the 1959 and 1970 Soviet censuses for reasons that include birth registration data use. The authors use an independent standard to assess both underregistration and underenumeration; in this article they compare both the census count and registered births with primary school enrollment data. Soviet school enrollment data can successfully be used to estimate the school population since 1) they exist since 1950 2) entry age into first grade is uniform and 3) nearly full matriculation exists for the primary grades. Problems include difficulty in singling out individual cohorts grade repeaters and incomplete grade information on handicapped children. Cohort mortality estimates and model life tables when compared to numbers reported surviving from birth explain differences between birth registration and census figures. Difficulties include 1) incomplete or missing life tables and infant birth and death registrations and 2) lack of single-year age distributions. The 1959 census only slightly exceeds predictions but the 1970 census reports numbers surviving that exceed the expected numbers by 1.7-4.3%. More complete census enumeration in 1970 than in 1959 probably explain these results. Primary school enrollments (1960-1977) exceed the number expected from between 2.6 and 5.6% further indicating birth underrgistration. When they introduce census results the authors find their numbers only slightly fall short of expected numbers for primary school children in both censuses but miss 3-4% of adolescets over age 15 in the 1970 census. Preschool children may not be counted in the census because omigration or incomplete newborn registration. Adolescents and young adults may be missed because of migration difficulty in identifying 1-person households or the households incomplete reporting of non-family members. Usually school enrollment is more complete than census enumeration and the census is more complete than than birth registration which relies on citizen participation. To illustrate this point the authors project the number of 18 year-old males in the 1970s and 19880 using census data birth reistration and school enrollments to show the variance between the 3 data sets. They conclude that their method can be used in other populations with universal primary school enrollment and well-maintained statistics but not as well when migration is an important factor.
Effect of "wet nights" on daytime behavior during concurrent treatment of enuresis and conduct problems.

Abstract The case study reported in this paper focuses on the relationship between bedwetting and misconduct after the implementation of behavior therapy for both problems. A 6 built1 2 -year-old girl was treated for enuresis and subsequently for conduct problems (lying, aggressiveness). After both bedwetting and misconduct displayed substantial and stable improvement, it was found that occasional nightly relapses in bedwetting were strongly associated with the occurence of misconduct the following day. Implications of this finding are discussed.
The derivation of endpoint and distance effects in linear orderings from frequency information

Both endpoint and distance effects have been observed in the protocols of subjects learning linear orderings. It is suggested that these could be produced by subjects learning the frequency with which words occur as the greater member of a pair or relationship. In two experiments when subjects learned verbal discrimination lists constructed from a five term linear ordering, both effects were obtained. The pattern of errors appeared to be essentially the same on Trial 1 as it was on all trials, and did not differ as a function of whether or not the subjects were informed about the linear ordering. Furthermore, the end of the order, which was most difficult, varied in accordance with frequency predictions. A modification of the original frequency analysis was made to include the learning of the frequency with which words occur as the lesser member of a pair or relationship.
Sweating the small stuff: how different types of hassles result in the experience of stress

The current study examines the level of stress caused by different types of daily hassles. Using an open-ended response format, participants (n = 164) described hassles that they were currently experiencing in their lives, and then rated their hassles on dimensions of perceived control, negative emotions, importance, as well as the overall amount of stress that they associated with each hassle. Reported hassles were coded into one of four types (interpersonal, intrapersonal, school/work, everyday living), and relationships between control, negative emotions and importance on stress by type of hassle were examined. Results indicate that for all types of hassles, the amount of negative emotions that a hassle evokes is the strongest predictor of stress. In addition, hassles' importance significantly predicts stress for intrapersonal hassles, school/work hassles and everyday living hassles. Perceived control, however, only predicts stress due to everyday living hassles. Gender differences in the experience of different types of hassles were also found, with female participants reporting a greater number of interpersonal hassles and associating interpersonal hassles with more negative emotions than males. This study extends the literature on hassles by describing the conditions under which different types of everyday events become stressful. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations of positive and negative life changes with well-being in young and middle-aged adult cancer survivors.

Both positive and negative changes are commonly reported by cancer survivors, and both may impact quality of life. Yet few studies have directly compared the associations of positive and negative changes across multiple life domains with multiple aspects of well-being. This study examined positive and negative changes and their conjoint relation to a range of well-being indices. We used correlational and regression analyses of data from 237 young to middle aged (X = 45.3 years) cancer survivors, several years after treatment. Measures included demographic and medical variables, medical post-cancer positive and negative changes on multiple life domains, and a range of positive and negative adjustment indices. Demographic factors, especially income, related to both positive and negative outcomes. On average, participants reported no change on most life domains, although modest amounts of both positive and negative changes were reported. Negative change, rather than positive change, was closely associated wi...
Israeli immigrants in the United States: The question of community

Despite their possession of many social advantages such as high levels of education, familiarity with Western, urban culture, Caucasian appearance, relative economic security and ties to an established, co-ethnic community, much literature on Israeli immigrants in the U.S. depicts them as plagued by social and psychological alienation to the extent that they are incapable of creating viable ethnic communities. This paper uses field work and photography collected within the Israeli immigrant population of Los Angeles to critically examine the assertion that Israeli immigrants in the U.S. are much less organized than would be predicted by recent theories on immigrant adaptation and community formation. Based on this research, we argue that while Israelis are ambivalent about their presence in the U.S., they have created a variety of communal activities involving entrepreneurship, religion, culture, politics and leisure.
Platelet-activating factor receptor modulates respiratory adaptation to long-term intermittent hypoxia in mice.

During hypoxia, release of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and activation of its cognate receptor (PAFR) regulate neural transmission and are required for full expression of peak hypoxic ventilato...
Who Will Pay for Public Access to Research Data

On 22 February, the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a memo calling for public access for publications and data resulting from federally sponsored research grants ( 1 ). The memo directed federal agencies with more than $100 million R&D expenditures to “develop a plan to support increased public access to the results of research funded by the Federal Government.” Perhaps even more succinctly, a subsequent New York Times opinion page sported the headline “We Paid for the Research, So Let's See It” ( 2 ). So who pays for data infrastructure?
Comparison of methods for assessing abdominal adipose tissue from magnetic resonance images.

Objective: To compare the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and analysis time of two methods for quantifying visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volumes from magnetic resonance (MR) images. Research Methods and Procedures: Ten subjects (BMI, 27.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2; 56 years of age ± 4 years) underwent MR imaging of the abdomen. Ten transverse T1-weighted images were selected from each scan and analyzed using two software packages that differ in principle. The first method, ANALYZE version 5.0, represents the manual threshold method, and the second, HIPPO version 1.3, is based on the fuzzy clustering approach. Inter-rater reliability for each method was assessed by comparing the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for VAT and SAT results from two evaluators, and intra-rater reliability for each method was assessed by comparing ICCs for VAT and SAT analyses performed 1 week apart by the same evaluator. The total time for analysis also was compared between methods. Results: The inter-rater reliability for VAT was greater with HIPPO than with ANALYZE (ICC = 0.996 vs. 0.828), whereas inter-rater reliability for SAT did not differ between methods (ICC = 0.975 and 0.987). The intra-rater reliability was equally high with HIPPO and ANALYZE for both VAT (ICC = 0.998 vs. 0.992) and SAT (ICC = 0.996 vs. 0.992). HIPPO required less than one-half as much analysis time as ANALYZE (15.9 ± 4.4 vs. 36.5 ± 8.2 minutes, p < 0.0001). Discussion: HIPPO software appears advantageous for the quantification of VAT from multislice MR images because inter-rater results are more reliable, and it is more time-efficient than less automated methods.
Nesting fidelity and molecular evidence for natal homing in the freshwater turtle, Graptemys kohnii

Numerous studies of sea turtle nesting ecology have revealed that females exhibit natal homing, whereby they imprint on the nesting area from which they hatch and subsequently return there to nest as adults. Because freshwater turtles comprise the majority of reptiles known to display environmental sex determination (ESD), the study of natal homing in this group may shed light on recent evolutionary models of sex allocation that are predicated on natal homing in reptiles with ESD. We examined natal homing in Graptemys kohnii, a freshwater turtle with ESD, using mitochondrial sequencing, microsatellite genotyping and mark and recapture of 290 nesting females. Females showed high fidelity to nesting areas, even after being transplanted several kilometres away. A Mantel test revealed significant genetic isolation by distance with respect to nesting locations (r=0.147; p<0.05), suggesting that related females nest in close proximity to one another. The patterns of fidelity and genotype distributions are consistent with homing at a scale that may affect population sex ratios.
Domain mappings for the numerical solution of partial differential equations

Independent variable transformations of partial differential equations are examined with regard to their use in numerical solutions. Systems of first order and second order partial differential equations in conservative and nonconservative form are considered. These general equations are transformed using generalized mapping functions and important computational features of the transformed equations are discussed. Examples of mappings which regularize domains are given involving various types of partial differential equations. These mappings are of particular importance in finite difference approximations because of the ease with which a mesh can be adapted to regions formed by co-ordinate lines.
Modeled connectivity of Acropora millepora populations from reefs of the Spratly Islands and the greater South China Sea

The Spratly Island archipelago is a remote network of coral reefs and islands in the South China Sea that is a likely source of coral larvae to the greater region, but about which little is known. Using a particle-tracking model driven by oceanographic data from the Coral Triangle region, we simulated both spring and fall spawning events of Acropora millepora, a common coral species, over a 46-yr period (1960–2005). Simulated population biology of A. millepora included the acquisition and loss of competency, settlement over appropriate benthic habitat, and mortality based on experimental data. The simulations aimed to provide insights into the connectivity of reefs within the Spratly Islands, the settlement of larvae on reefs of the greater South China Sea, and the potential dispersal range of reef organisms from the Spratly Islands. Results suggest that (1) the Spratly Islands may be a significant source of A. millepora larvae for the Palawan reefs (Philippines) and some of the most isolated reefs of the South China Sea; and (2) the relatively isolated western Spratly Islands have limited source reefs supplying them with larvae and fewer of their larvae successfully settling on other reefs. Examination of particle dispersal without biology (settlement and mortality) suggests that larval connectivity is possible throughout the South China Sea and into the Coral Triangle region. Strong differences in the spring versus fall larval connectivity and dispersal highlight the need for a greater understanding of spawning dynamics of the region. This study confirms that the Spratly Islands are likely an important source of larvae for the South China Sea and Coral Triangle region.
Dynamically Tunable Fano Metamaterials through the Coupling of Graphene Grating and Square Closed Ring Resonator

We present the numerical studies of a novel hybrid graphene-metal Fano metamaterial, which is composed of a graphene grating (graphene ribbon array) and a square closed ring resonator (SCRR) separated by a dielectric substrate. The destructive interference between the narrow and broad electrical dipolar surface plasmons induced respectively on the surface of the graphene ribbon and the SCRR leads to the classical analog of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). By decreasing the thickness of the substrate spacer (enhancing the coupling between the two components), a double EIT system could be achieved. More importantly, the transparency windows in the hybrid structures can be actively controlled by varying the applied gate voltage on the graphene ribbon. Large effective group index and small loss within the transparency windows suggest the promising slow-light applications.
The effect of length of ureteral resection on benign ureterointestinal stricture rate in ileal conduit or ileal neobladder urinary diversion following radical cystectomy.

Abstract Objectives To assess the effect of the length of the ureter resected and other clinical variables on ureterointestinal anastomotic (UIA) stricture rate following radical cystectomy and ileal segment urinary diversion. Methods and materials We identified 519 consecutive patients who underwent cystectomy and ileal conduit or ileal orthotopic neobladder diversion from January 2007 to August 2012. The length of the ureter resected was defined as the length of the ureter in the cystectomy specimen plus the length of the distal ureter submitted for pathologic analysis. The primary end point was the risk of UIA stricture formation, assessed by Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results A total of 463 patients met the inclusion criteria with complete data. Median follow-up was 459 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 211–927). Median time to stricture formation was 235 (IQR: 134–352) and 232 days (IQR: 132–351) on the right and the left ureter, respectively. Overall stricture rate per ureter was 5.9% on the right vs. 10.0% on the left (P = 0.03). There was no difference in demographic, operative, or perioperative variables between patients with and without UIA strictures. On multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, anastomosis technique (running vs. interrupted), and length of ureter resected, only a Clavien complication≥III (hazard ratio = 2.11, 1.01–4.40) and urine leak (hazard ratio = 3.37, 1.08–10.46) significantly predicted for left- and right-sided stricture formation, respectively. The length of the ureter resected did not predict UIA stricture formation on either side. Conclusions The etiology of benign UIA strictures following ileal urinary diversion is likely multifactorial. Our data suggest that a complicated postoperative course and urine leak are risk factors for UIA stricture formation. The length of the distal ureter resected did not significantly affect stricture rate.
The Detection of Earnings Manipulation

Presented are a profile of a sample of earnings manipulators, their distinguishing characteristics, and a suggested model for detecting manipulation. The model's variables are designed to capture either the financial statement distortions that can result from manipulation or preconditions that might prompt companies to engage in such activity. The results suggest a systematic relationship between the probability of manipulation and some financial statement variables. This evidence is consistent with the usefulness of accounting data in detecting manipulation and assessing the reliability of reported earnings. The model identifies approximately half of the companies involved in earnings manipulation prior to public discovery. Because companies that are discovered manipulating earnings see their stocks plummet in value, the model can be a useful screening device for investment professionals. The screening results, however, require determination of whether the distortions in the financial statement numbers r...
Design and implementation of a prototype hybrid simulation environment

A prototype coupling a process simulator, like SUPREM4, to external process and equipment models, such as Advanced Vacuum Processors (AVPs), has been investigated and implemented. A MOS transistor was simulated using the hybrid simulation prototype. A combination of process simulators and AVP equipment models were used in the simulations. The modified process flow utilizes process simulators like SUPREM4 and SAMPLE, together with AVP equipment models for plasma-assisted deposition and etch of polysilicon. It is concluded that the prototype demonstrates the feasibility of a mixed equipment model-process simulator environment.
Enhancing Label Readability for Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals by Elderly Consumers

The most common information source for over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals is the container label. Most OTC labels contain so much text that the print must be substantially reduced in size to fit the available surface area. As a consequence, people with vision problems, such as the elderly, have difficulty reading the print. Some OTC drugs are being marketed in containers with easy-open caps to facilitate access (but at the same time, reduce child resistance). The increased surface area afforded by the cap design could be used to enhance the labeling. An experiment compared elders' (mean age of 75) evaluations to different label variants. Experimental bottles contained additional labeling attached to the cap that reiterated and extended some of the most important warnings and instructions. The additional labeling of the experimental bottles had print that was larger than the existing back label, and among them, differed in background color. These bottles were compared to two control conditions (one wit...
Weight, Nutrition, Lifestyle Factors and Risk for Osteoporosis

Abstract This study used data from a recent cross-sectional study of 72 white postmenopausal women who were designated either osteo-porotic or non-osteoporotic based on bone mineral density (BMD) scores from the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan. Relationships between BMD, body weight, nutrient intake and lifestyle factors were explored. Osteoporotic women reported being slender/small-boned in stature, house confined, taking vitamin D supplementation, and had a lower dietary calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium intake relative to non-osteoporotic women. An increase of 10 lbs. of body weight revealed a protective effect of 29%. Weight appeared to be a protective factor for osteoporosis.
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (sds) activation of the 20s proteasome in rat liver

The peptidase activity of the 20S proteasome (multicatalytic protease complex) was examined in the 100,000g supernatant fraction prepared from rat liver tissue. Fluorogenic substrates for three proteasome peptidase activities were selected on the basis of (i) observation of an accelerated degradation in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and (ii) preferential degradation by the proteasome. Peptidase activities were assayed using an immunoprecipitation technique utilizing polyclonal antibodies raised against the purified rat proteasome. The ability to demonstrate SDS activation of the proteasome is shown to be dependent upon the choice of substrate. In addition, among the cytosolic peptidases, the property of SDS activation appears to be unique to the proteasome. SDS activation profiles were determined for each peptidase activity. Chymotrypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing activities exhibit a broad plateau of activation between 0.04 and 0.05% SDS. Trypsin-like activity exhibits a sharp peak of activation at an SDS concentration of 0.04%. The SDS activation profile can be altered by changing the protein (proteasome) concentration, i.e., increasing protein (proteasome) concentration of the reaction mixture produces a marked rightward shift of the activation profile. On the other hand, changing the substrate concentration does not alter the profile. In conclusion, a technique for measuring proteasome peptidase activity in the 100,000g supernatant has been described. This approach increases the ease of measurement of peptidase activity and provides data which may more closely reflect the in vivo activity of the proteasome.
A rate equation analysis for the frequency chirp to modulated power ratio of a semiconductor diode laser

An expression for the frequency chirp to modulated power ratio (CPR) is derived from a rate equation analysis of the small-signal, injection current modulation in a semiconductor diode laser. The model includes the effect of lateral carrier diffusion across the active region of the laser diode. The modulation frequency dependence of the CPR is flat from dc to a few hundred megahertz, beyond which it is proportional to the modulation frequency.
Mother/Daughter Agreement on the Eating Attitudes Test and the Eating Disorder Inventory

Adolescent self-reports on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) are used widely to assess eating disorder symptoms. However, no published study has examined ag...
A FINE STRUCTURAL STUDY OF CYTODIFFERENTIATION DURING CLEAVAGE, BLASTULA, AND GASTRULA STAGES OF FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS

The fine structure of cleavage, blastula, and gastrula stages of Fundulus heteroclitus was investigated. Cleavage blastomeres are relatively unspecialized, containing few or poorly developed organelles. Beginning in blastula stages, signs of differentiation were noted, including development of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and appearance of a primary nucleolus and polyribosomes. More extensive structural specializations occur in gastrula stages, including further development of the endoplasmic reticulum and appearance of a granular component in the nucleolus. These changes are associated with cell differentiation and an increased capacity for protein synthesis, and may be preparatory to subsequent histogenesis. The periblast is a continuous syncytial cytoplasmic layer located between the blastodisc and yolk and is formed during late cleavage by incomplete division of the cytoplasm of the blastodisc. Cytoplasmic projections extend from the periblast (and from the basal region of cleavage blastomeres prior to formation of the periblast) into the yolk and function in uptake of yolk material in the absence of pinocytosis. Yolk material appears to be digested by the periblast and transferred into the segmentation cavity where it is available to the blastomeres. Protein granules, lipid droplets, glycogen, crystalline arrays, and multivesicular bodies are related to food storage and utilization by blastomeres. The yolk gel layer enclosing the yolk sphere was found to be a thin layer of cytoplasm continuous with the margin of the periblast and is renamed the yolk cytoplasmic layer.
Strategies for developing robust teamsmanship in the context of design education for product development: A progress report

A conceptual model that provides a framework for developing strategies to improve the performance of student teams has been developed. The model is dynamic and covers the time-dependent states that are essential for the proposed criterial of successful team-based design project experience for students. The states of design progress, team development, and knowledge acquisition can be moved to desired values at project conclusion by measurement and comparison with desired values. The main energy for moving the states is derived from the team efforts that are internally directed through the primary, single-loop feedback structure. Secondary energy is derived from coaches and instructors through interventions that are directed as part of an external secondary, or double-loop structure. Interventions include instruction in the whole process and specification of a design activity schedule. This aggressive activity schedule sets up an environment that provides tension for the team to move the states toward improved values. >
Epidermal expression of the alpha V beta 6 integrin activates transforming growth factor beta

Methods: 3T3 fibroblasts transfected with the TGFb responsive PAI-1 promoter linked to the luciferase reporter gene were embedded in a 3 dimensional collagen matrix and co-cultured either with second passage human neonatal keratinocytes (epid/derm) or without keratinocytes (dermis). At 6 days, the cultures were subjected to heat shock (43°C for 60 min) as an in vitro assay of a cutaneous burn wound. Luciferase activity was used as an indicator of TGFb activity. Expression of the aVb6 integrin in the epidermis was determined by Western blot analysis.
Verification and Validation Issues in Hypersonic Stability and Transition Prediction

The development, validation, and introduction of physics-based approaches for stability and transition prediction will lead to smaller and more manageable uncertainties in the design of hypersonic vehicles. Through mechanism identification, verification, and validation activities for two- and three-dimensional geometries, the following have been learned in applying stability formulations: 1) Related to verification of the basic state, the acid test is to refine the basic state until the stability results do not change; 2) A good verification test for the stability formulation is to be sure the linear problem is correctly modeled; 3) In validation, it is very important to work on the same geometries computationally and experimentally and confirm them; for example, model alignment and freestream flow angularity are found to be important; 4) From verification studies on three-dimensional geometries, numerical errors, especially near the windward plane, can seed the stationary crossflow instability in the sup...
Antiatherogenic effects of L-arginine in the hypercholesterolemic rabbit.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic administration of L-arginine, the precursor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), normalizes endothelium-dependent relaxation and decreases atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic animals. Male rabbits were fed (a) normal rabbit chow; (b) 1% cholesterol diet; or (c) 1% cholesterol diet supplemented by 2.25% L-arginine HCl in drinking water. Arginine supplementation doubled plasma arginine levels without affecting serum cholesterol values. After 10 wk, the thoracic aorta was harvested for studies of vascular reactivity and histomorphometry. Endothelium-dependent relaxations (to acetylcholine and calcium ionophore A23187) were significantly impaired in thoracic aortae from animals fed a 1% cholesterol diet. By contrast, vessels from hypercholesterolemic animals receiving L-arginine supplementation exhibited significantly improved endothelium-dependent relaxations. Responses to norepinephrine or nitroglycerin were not affected by either dietary intervention. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a reduction in lesion surface area and intimal thickness in thoracic aortae from arginine-supplemented animals compared to those from untreated hypercholesterolemic rabbits. This is the first study to demonstrate that supplementation of dietary L-arginine, the EDRF precursor, improves endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. More importantly, we have shown that this improvement in EDRF activity is associated with a reduction in atherogenesis.
Impacts of a polyethylene silage pile underlay plastic with or without enhanced oxygen barrier (EOB) characteristics on preservation of whole crop maize silage, as well as a short investigation of peripheral deterioration on exposed silage faces.

Abstract Large silage piles, up to 15,000 t, common in some dairy areas, present challenges since their large surface area creates an enhanced potential for oxygen to penetrate the mass. Use of thin inner ( i.e. , between the silage and main plastic cover) plastic films with enhanced oxygen barrier (EOB) properties are recognized by some governmental agencies as a mitigation of silage deterioration even though underlay films are generally accepted to only potentially impact the outer 30–50 cm of the silage in a pile. In four large maize silage piles, underlay film with or without EOB properties had no impact on silage fermentation parameters indicative of spoilage in the outer 25.4 cm of the silage pile, or in the 25.4–50.8 cm depth below the surface of closed silage piles at ∼3 and at ∼6 months post pile building. In contrast, in a 5th pile, there was evidence of deterioration in the surface silage to a 25.4 cm depth immediately behind the exposed silage face, which was not impacted by type of underlay film. A final experiment in a 6th pile showed that surface spoilage occurred well behind the exposed silage face, and that it moved into the pile at a similar rate as silage was removed from the face. Results do not support use of a thin plastic underlay film with EOB properties, versus one without, since air ingress to the silage mass through the silage pile cover appeared minimally causative of silage deterioration, which was associated with the exposed face. Maize silage deterioration of exposed face silage would likely be minimized by increasing speed of exposed face movement, and/or use of weight lines directly behind the exposed face, as has been recommended by others.
Amiodarone toxicity mimicking metastatic lung disease and liver findings: The continuing diagnostic challenge

1304 Learning Objectives The most serious adverse reaction of amiodarone is pulmonary toxicity which may manifest as chronic interstitial pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary mass or nodules. The presence of foamy macrophages on biopsy confirms exposure to amiodarone but not necessarily prove causation. Most patients with AIPT respond well to drug withdrawal. The diagnosis is of exclusion. Multiple cardiac abnormalities, liver hyper density and pattern of lung lesions on PET-CT should alert the clinician for possible diagnosis of amiodarone toxicity without clinical information. Amiodarone induced pulmonary toxicity may typically present as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, patchy interstitial inflammation or nodular areas of densities with differential diagnosis on CT and PET-CT including neoplasm. The diagnosis largely relies on imaging. Presentation can be variable, as high CT attenuation nodular or mass-like lung densities with increased FDG uptake because of the presence of iodine-rich amiodarone in type II pneumocytes and may mimic neoplasm. Typically biopsies show foamy histiocytes with absence of malignant cells which confirms exposure to amiodarone but not necessarily prove causation. Most patients with AIPT respond well to the withdrawal of amiodarone and addition of corticosteroids. However, symptoms and radiological abnormalities may take months (2-12 months) to resolve completely owing to the long half life of the amiodarone metabolites. High uptake of FDG is similar to false positive PET scans occasionally reported in lipoid pneumonia as well as in other inflammatory or infectious lung disorders. The mechanisms involved in AIPT are not well defined. Hypotheses include direct dose related toxic reaction, membrane disrupting toxic drug-phospholipid complex accumulation and toxic oxygen species generation by amiodarone.
Solar Sail - Fresnel Zone Plate Lens for a Large Space Based Telescope

A Fresnel zone plate lens made with solar sail material could be used as the primary optic for a very large aperture telescope on deep space probes propelled by solar sails. The large aperture telescope capability could enable significant science on fly-by missions to the asteroids, Pluto, Kuiper belt or the tort cloud and could also enable meaningful interstellar fly-by missions for laser propelled sails. This type of lens may also have some potential for laser communications and as a solar concentrator. The techniques for fabrication of meter size and larger Fresnel phase plate optics are under development at LLNL, and we are extending this technology to amplitude zone plates made from sail materials. Corrector optics to greatly extend the bandwidth of these Fresnel optics will be demonstrated in the future. This novel telescope concept will require new understanding of the fabrication, deployment and control of gossamer space structures. It will also require new materials technology for fabricating these optics and understanding their long term stability in a space environment.
Influence of Estrogens on Total Serum Copper and Caeruloplasmin.

Summary1. Administration of estrogen as Estinyl (Ethinyl Estradiol) in doses ranging from 0.25-1.0 mg o. d. for 3 to 4 weeks markedly increased the serum total and “indirect” reacting copper or caeruloplasmin levels in 8 subjects with a variety of diseases. 2. Values obtained after 4 weeks on 1 mg Estinyl o. d. were considerably higher than in any previously reported conditions.
Comparative Physiology of Sweat.

SummaryA method for collection of sweat under a vapor barrier from animal foot pad is presented. The average electrolyte composition of sweat from the cat foot pad was found to be (in meq/1) sodium 171, chloride 144, and potassium 23.2.
Hazard of Dust Exposure on Health of Workers in Stone-processing Industries

[Objective] To sample and assess dust hazards in the stone-processing industries of Xiamen,to identify the main factors,and explore the economic,effective and feasible preventive measures.[Methods]The workers with dust exposure from 41 enterprises of stone-processing industries in Xiamen received occupational health examination,workplace health survey and the occupational health questionnaire investigation by random sampling method,as well as dust concentration monitoring in workplace air from March,2009 May,2010.[Results]A total of 400 workers (male 364,female 36)with dust exposure were investigated.The over standard rate of dust in stone-processing industries was 36.8%,Free SiO2 concentration over 10% which achieving standard of silica dust occupied 84%.The rate of lung abnormalities was 9.0%,with the increasing concentration of dust in workplace,the possibility of lung abnormalities occurrence showed upward tendency(χ2 =21.151,P0.01).The increasing proportion of free SiO2 to dust induced upward possibility of abnormal lung appearance among workers with dust exposure(χ2 =7.927,P0.05).66.25% of workers used dustproof articles (most were masks),33.75% occasionally used or did not use dustproof articles.The frequent use of personal protective articles could effectively reduce the abnormal rate of lung.The better evaluation of dustproof effect of protective articles led the fewer incidences of lung abnormalities.[Conclusion]The main dust in workplace of stone-processing industries in Xiamen was silicious dust,with high over standard rate.The rate of lung abnormalities is 9.0% under current exposure level,and it increases with increasing concentration of dust and free SiO2 and extending of service length.Wearing dust masks and taking dust control measures can significantly reduce the rate of lung abnormalities which indicates enhancing occupational health management and adopting dust control measures can reduce the harmful levels of dust to workers.
Growth mechanisms and their effects on the opto-electrical properties of CdS thin films prepared by chemical bath deposition

Abstract Chemically deposited CdS exhibits high sensitivity in the opto-electrical performance to the growth mechanisms. Hence it is of a great interest to study the effects of growth mechanisms on the opto-electrical performance in such films. Studies were carried out by the means of spectroscopic ellipsometry, and coupled with structural, optical, and electrical characterization. A range of bath temperatures (55 °C–95 °C) were used as the means to alter the growth mechanisms. Ion-by-ion process dominated deposition at lower bath temperatures throughout the length of the deposition. This mechanism produced films composed of single phase cubic crystals with corresponding opto-electrical properties inherent to such structures. Complex formations at higher bath temperatures supplement the sole ion-by-ion mechanisms with the cluster-by-cluster mechanism. This results in a mixed cubic/hexagonal structure, and deviation from stoichiometry. As a result, carrier concentrations and mobility increased nearly eight and four fold respectively. Resistivity decreased more than four times from 33.2 to 7.5 Ω cm. A noticeable decrease of, ~0.2 was observed in the refractive index and an increase of ~0.07 eV in the band gap is also reported. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirms deviation from stoichiometry in the cluster-by-cluster mechanisms, resulting in interstitially trapped Cd+2 and S−2 ions. The trapped ions act as donors in the film enhancing its electrical performance.