cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method for measuring the microbiological activity of tetrahydrofolic acid and other labile reduced folic acid derivatives.

Abstract A procedure is described for the microbiological determination of tetrahydrofolic acid. The method is applicable to its measurement in complex reaction mixtures under conditions in which spectrophotometric methods are unsuitable. Because of its instability, routine microbiological assay is not feasible for tetrahydrofolic acid. However, by modifying the assay procedure and protecting with ascorbate, the activity may be measured satisfactorily. Its stability properties and its activity for P. cerevisiae, S. faecalis, and L. casei are reported. The activity of tetrahydrofolic acid relative to citrovorum factor for P. cerevisiae varies with concentration, temperature of incubation, and initial pH of the medium.
Pregabalin action at a model synapse: Binding to presynaptic calcium channel α2-δ subunit reduces neurotransmission in mice

Pregabalin, ((S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, also known as (S)-3-isobutyl GABA, Lyricatrade mark) is approved for treatment of certain types of peripheral neuropathic pain and as an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures of epilepsy both the EU and the USA and also for generalized anxiety disorder in the EU. Though pregabalin binds selectively to the alpha(2)-delta (alpha(2)-delta) auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, the cellular details of pregabalin action are unclear. The high density of alpha(2)-delta in skeletal muscle fibers raises the question of whether pregabalin alters excitation-contraction coupling. We used the mouse soleus neuromuscular junction from mice containing an artificially mutated alpha(2)-delta Type 1 protein (R217A) as a model to examine the effect of pregabalin. Pregabalin reduced nerve-evoked muscle contractions by 16% at a clinically relevant concentration of 10 muM in wildtype mice. When acetylcholine receptors were blocked with curare, pregabalin had no effect on contraction from direct stimulation of muscle, suggesting a lack of drug effects on contraction coupling. Our data are consistent with pregabalin having no effect on striated muscle L-type calcium channel function. However, in mice expressing mutant (R217A) alpha(2)-delta Type 1, there was no significant effect of pregabalin on nerve-evoked muscle contraction. We propose that pregabalin reduces presynaptic neurotransmitter release without altering postsynaptic receptors or contraction coupling and that these effects require high affinity binding to alpha(2)-delta Type 1 auxiliary subunit of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels.
EFFICACY OF ADENOIDECTOMY FOR RECURRENT OTITIS MEDIA: RESULTS FROM PARALLEL RANDOM AND NONRANDOM TRIALS

We defined 218 children at high risk for otitis media (OM) in that each had received myringotomy with tympanostomy-tube placement (M & T) and, subsequent to tube extrusion, had developed recurrent acute or secretory OM. 102 children were assigned to an adenoidectomy or control group randomly, and 116 according to parental preference, and all were followed closely. Standardized antimicrobial regimens were used for new episodes of OM, as were specified criteria for repeat MST for persistent middle-ear effusion. Each ear of each subject on each follow-up day was categorized as with or without tube, and with or without OM. Preliminary results in the random trial in subjects largely completing full years of follow-up were as follows: In the nonrandom trial, results also tended to favor surgical subjects, but the differences were not statistically significant.
Infrared detectors for space applications

Abstract Two of the main requirements for space situational awareness are to locate and identify dim and/or distant objects. At the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate, we are investigating how nanostructured metal surfaces can produce plasmon-enhanced fields to address the first function. We are also investigating quantum interference effects in semiconductor quantum dots inside photonic crystal cavities to address the amplification of weak signals. To address the second function of identification of space objects, we are investigating a wavelength-tunable detector scheme that involves a coupled double quantum well structure with a thin middle barrier between the two wells. The photocurrent from this structure will be swept out with a lateral bias. In order to eliminate the diffraction loss of incident photons by a surface grating structure for the z-polarization required in normal quantum well infrared photodetector structures, we will grow an array of self-organized quantum dots buried in one of the quantum wells of a symmetric double quantum well structure. In this paper, we will first describe the requirements for detectors in space, then we will describe our work in the above topics, and finally we will briefly mention our forays into other areas of quantum-structured detectors for use in space.
Structure-function studies of [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins

The ability to overexpress [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins inEscherichia coli has opened up exciting research opportunities. High-resolution x-ray structures have been determined for the wild-type ferredoxins produced by the vegetative and heterocyst forms ofAnabaena strain 7120 (in their oxidized states), and these have been compared to structural information derived from multidimensional, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The electron delocalization in these proteins in their oxidized and reduced states has been studied by1H,2H,13C, and15N NMR spectroscopy. Site-directed mutagenesis has been used to prepare variants of these ferredoxins. Mutants (over 50) of the vegetative ferredoxin have been designed to explore questions about cluster assembly and stabilization and to determine which residues are important for recognition and electron transfer to the redox partnerAnabaena ferredoxin reductase. The results have shown that serine can replace cysteine at each of the four cluster attachment sites and still support cluster assembly. Electron transfer has been demonstrated with three of the four mutants. Although these mutants are less stable than the wild-type ferredoxin, it has been possible to determine the x-ray structure of one (C49S) and to characterize all four by EPR and NMR. Mutagenesis has identified residues 65 and 94 of the vegetative ferredoxin as crucial to interaction with the reductase. Three-dimensional models have been obtained by x-ray diffraction analysis for several additional mutants: T48S, A50V, E94K (four orders of magnitude less active than wild type in functional assays), and A43S/A45S/T48S/A50N (quadruple mutant).
Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature and Production Conditions on Switchgrass Biochar for Use as a Soil Amendment

Biochars form recalcitrant carbon and increase water and nutrient retention in soils; however, the magnitude is contingent upon production conditions and thermo-chemical conversion processes. Herein we aim at (i) characterizing switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)-biochar morphology, (ii) estimating water-holding capacity under increasing ratios of char: soil; and, (iii) determining nutrient profile variation as a function of pyrolysis conversion methodologies (i.e. continuous, auger pyrolysis system versus batch pyrolysis systems) for terminal use as a soil amendment. Auger system chars produced at 600°C had the greatest lignin portion by weight among the biochars produced from the continuous system. On the other hand, a batch pyrolysis system (400 °C – 3h) yielded biochar with 73.10% lignin (12 fold increases), indicating higher recalcitrance, whereas lower production temperatures (400 °C) yielded greater hemicellulose (i.e. greater mineralization promoting substrate). Under both pyrolysis methods, increasing biochar soil application rates resulted in linear decreases in bulk density (g cm-3). Increases in auger-char (400 °C) applications increased soil water-holding capacities; however, application rates of >2 Mt ha-1 are required. Pyrolysis batch chars did not influence water-holding abilities (P>0.05). Biochar macro and micronutrients increased, as the pyrolysis temperature increased in the auger system from 400 to 600 °C, and the residence time increased in the batch pyrolysis system from 1 to 3 h. Conversely, nitrogen levels tended to decrease under the two previously mentioned conditions. Consequently, not all chars are inherently equal, in that varying operation systems, residence times, and production conditions greatly affect uses as a soil amendment and overall rate of efficacy.
Defects in noble gas crystals

Direct measurements of thermal vacancy formation parameters, carried out for the whole family of noble gas crystals from xenon to the various solid heliums, reveal interesting patterns. A case study of vacancy measurements on solid neon by Schoknecht, not previously published, illustrates the conceptual advantages and experimental challenges of the direct X-ray and length method. Vacancy measurements on all noble gas solids together with related measurements of self-diffusion are systematically reviewed, the results are correlated, and comparisons are made to atomic and to bulk crystal properties. Interstitials and clusters are also mentioned. The relative importance of quantum effects and of multibody interactions is shown for point defects in each of the noble gas crystals.
Gametogenesis in Yeast Is Regulated by a Transcriptional Cascade Dependent on Ndt80

Abstract Gametogenesis requires the successful coordination of two key processes, meiotic nuclear division and gamete morphogenesis. A central regulatory step in progression through gametogenesis occurs at the pachytene stage of meiotic prophase. We find that Ndt80 functions at pachytene of yeast gametogenesis (sporulation) to activate transcription of a set of genes required for both meiotic division (e.g., B-type cyclins) and gamete formation (e.g., SPS1 ). Ectopic synthesis of Ndt80 in vegetative cells induces transcription of these genes, and recombinant Ndt80 protein binds to a conserved sequence in their upstream region. Transcription of NDT80 itself is dependent on Ime1, which activates expression of early sporulation genes. Transcription of the Ndt80-regulated gene CLB1 is mediated by the checkpoint gene RAD17 . Thus, Ndt80 is a pivotal component of a transcriptional cascade programming yeast gametogenesis and may also be a target of meiotic checkpoint control.
1763 RHINOMANOMETRY AND NASAL AIRWAY RESISTANCE (Rn) MEASUREMENTS IN NORMAL AND PREALLERGIC CHILDREN

Rhinomanometry is used primarily to measure nasal airflow (V), transnasal driving pressure ( P) and Rn in adults and gives an objective quantification for the common symptom of nasal congestion. This study compares the usefulness of 3 rhinomanometric methods and Rn measurements in non-atopic children (negative allergy skin tests) and preallergic children (positive skin tests, no allergic symptoms). Rn was determined at a low airflow (V) and at the recommended reference of -1.5 cm H2O P and pressure ( P). Anterior rhinomanometry (AR), posterior rhinomanometry (PR) and forced oscillatory rhinomanometry (FOR) were done in 9 pre-allergic and 9 age-and-sex matched normal children (7–15 yrs.). Tne V and P measurements were obtained for 2–4 hours. Most children had 1–3 additional times performing rhinomanometry. Mean total Rn ranged from .214 to 9.84 cm H2O/1/see at the low reference and 1.50–20.55 at the 1.5 reference. All 18 children could perform AR whereas only 10 could reliably do PR and 9-FOR. At the low reference, the preallergic children had higher unilateral Rn compared to the normal children (p .10). At the 1.5 reference, the preallergic children had higher total Rn using the AR and FOR methods (p<.10 and p<.05) in addition to the difference in unilateral Rn. AR is the best suited method of rhinomanometry to use in children. Preallergic children exhibit subtle differences in Rn which precede the appearance of symptoms and changes in the nasal mucosa. Rhinomanometry may assist the physician in differentiating allergic children from normal children.
Microvascular quantification based on contour-scanning photoacoustic microscopy

Accurate quantification of microvasculature remains of interest in fundamental pathophysiological studies and clinical trials. Current photoacoustic microscopy can noninvasively quantify properties of the microvasculature, including vessel density and diameter, with a high spatial resolution. However, the depth range of focus (i.e., focal zone) of optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) is often insufficient to encompass the depth variations of features of interest—such as blood vessels—due to uneven tissue surfaces. Thus, time-consuming image acquisitions at multiple different focal planes are required to maintain the region of interest in the focal zone. We have developed continuous three-dimensional motorized contour-scanning OR-PAM, which enables real-time adjustment of the focal plane to track the vessels’ profile. We have experimentally demonstrated that contour scanning improves the signal-to-noise ratio of conventional OR-PAM by as much as 41% and shortens the image acquisition time by 3.2 times. Moreover, contour-scanning OR-PAM more accurately quantifies vessel density and diameter, and has been applied to studying tumors with uneven surfaces.
Analysis of total oil and fatty acids composition by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy in edible nuts

Near Infrared (NIR) Reflectance spectroscopy has established itself as an important tool in quantifying water and oil present in various food materials. It is rapid and nondestructive, easier to use, and does not require processing the samples with corrosive chemicals that would render them non-edible. Earlier, the samples had to be ground into powder form before making any measurements. With the development of new soft ware packages, NIR techniques could now be used in the analysis of intact grain and nuts. While most of the commercial instruments presently available work well with small grain size materials such as wheat and corn, the method present here is suitable for large kernel size products such as shelled or in-shell peanuts. Absorbance spectra were collected from 400 nm to 2500 nm using a NIR instrument. Average values of total oil contents (TOC) of peanut samples were determined by standard extraction methods, and fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography. Partial least square (PLS) analysis was performed on the calibration set of absorption spectra, and models were developed for prediction of total oil and fatty acids. The best model was selected based on the coefficient of determination (R 2 ), Standard error of prediction (SEP) and residual percent deviation (RPD) values. Peanut samples analyzed showed RPD values greater than 5.0 for both absorbance and reflectance models and thus could be used for quality control and analysis. Ability to rapidly and nondestructively measure the TOC, and analyze the fatty acid composition, will be immensely useful in peanut varietal improvement as well as in the grading process of grain and nuts.
Marketing implementation in small and midsized industrial firms: An exploratory study

Abstract Forty managers from small and midsized industrial firms describe their experiences with implementing marketing strategies. The process appears to involve an almost certain deviation from original plans and requires a continual stream of adaptive decisions and actions. Managers also describe the specific actions they take, and the tactics they use to gain cooperation from others in order to implement plans and accomplish market objectives.
Specific Heat of Nickel near the Curie Temperature

Using an ac calorimetric method, the specific heat ${C}_{p}(T)$ of pure single-crystalline Ni has been measured over a temperature range of 100 K centered at the Curie point (\ensuremath{\sim} 631 K). The experimental method permits continuous observation of ${C}_{p}$ vs $T$ with a temperature resolution of \ensuremath{\sim} 0.01 K using very small specimens (\ensuremath{\sim} 7.8 mg). Special attention has been devoted to the determination of the analytical form of the magnetic contribution to ${C}_{p}(T)$. The effect of applied fields up to 240 Oe has also been studied. At zero field, the data fit a standard power-law expression over the range $\ensuremath{-}3.2\ensuremath{\le}{log}_{10}|\frac{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}{{T}_{c}}|\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{-}1.6$, with exponents $\ensuremath{\alpha}={\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}=\ensuremath{-}0.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$. The data obtained with applied field follow the scaling relations calculated by Griffiths from the magnetic equation of state. The observed rounding of the specific-heat curve at its maximum is discussed and some experimental factors which influence the degree of the observed rounding are described.
A model of students' combinatorial thinking

a b s t r a c t Combinatorial topics have become increasingly prevalent in K-12 and undergraduate curricula, yet research on combinatorics education indicates that students face difficulties when solving counting problems. The research community has not yet addressed students’ ways of thinking at a level that facilitates deeper understanding of how students conceptualize counting problems. To this end, a model of students’ combinatorial thinking was empirically and theoretically developed; it represents a conceptual analysis of students’ thinking related to counting and has been refined through analyzing students’ counting activity. In this paper, the model is presented, and relationships between formulas/expressions, counting processes, and sets of outcomes are elaborated. Additionally, the usefulness and potential explanatory power of the model are demonstrated through examining data both from a study the author conducted, and from existing literature on combinatorics education.
Deoxycholate-induced colitis is markedly attenuated in Nos2 knockout mice in association with modulation of gene expression profiles.

Nos2 knockout mice were compared to wild-type mice for susceptibility to colitis in response to a diet supplemented with deoxycholate, a bile acid increased in the colon of individuals on a high-fat diet. Wild-type mice fed a fat-related diet, supplemented with 0.2% DOC, develop colonic inflammation associated with increases in nitrosative stress, proliferation, oxidative DNA/RNA damage, and angiogenesis, as well as altered expression of numerous genes. However, Nos2 knockout mice fed a diet supplemented with deoxycholate were resistant to these alterations. In particular, 35 genes were identified whose expression was significantly altered at the mRNA level in deoxycholate-fed Nos2(+/+) mice but not in deoxycholate-fed Nos2(–/–) mice. Some of these alterations in NOS2-dependent gene expression correspond to those reported in human inflammatory bowel disease. Overall, our results indicate that NOS2 expression is necessary for the development of deoxycholate-induced colitis in mice, a unique dietary-related model of colitis.
Frequency Estimation in Optical Coherence Tomography Using Adaptive Notch Filter

We present a novel frequency estimation technique for Doppler optical coherence tomography using an adaptive notch filter. The images of an intralipid conduit using this technique have shown good noise robustness and fine resolution.
Cytologic screening after hysterectomy for benign disease

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the effectiveness of vaginal cytology tests after hysterectomy for benign disease. STUDY DESIGN: We studied a 10-year retrospective cohort of patients after hysterectomy ( n = 697 women, 9074 woman years). Patients were excluded if they had any type of invasive gynecologic malignancy. The main outcome variable was development of a vaginal cytologic abnormality, evaluated with Kaplan-Meier estimates and proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: We found 33 abnormal cytology results; most were of little clinical significance except for two biopsy-proven dysplasia cases. When we controlled for age, the risk was 4.67 for patients with a history of a cervical cytologic abnormality (95% confidence interval 2.1 to 10.6). We needed 633 tests to detect one true positive case of vaginal dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The low incidence of vaginal dysplasia and carcinoma, combined with the high false-positive rate, supports decreasing the number of screening tests performed for these low-risk patients.
Dependence of forward deuteron photodisintegration on the D state

Abstract The cross section for forward produced protons in deuteron photodisintegration is shown to be moderately sensitive to the % D state of the deuteron. A 4.58% D state model has about half the discrepancy from experiment of a 7.53% model.
Supersymmetric Dimensional Regularization via Dimensional Reduction

We introduce a modified form of dimensional regularization which manifestly preserves gauge invariance, unitarity, and global supersymmetry. The prescription is that the action which results from analytic continuation to lower dimensions is that found by dimensional reduction. We also consider its application to supergravity.
Monetary policy in Japan: Internal or external targets?

Abstract The comparative economic performance of the United States and Japan during the period of flexible exchange rates has been one of the most extensively studied topics in international economics. The conduct of monetary policy in Japan is studied to see if there are policy-, as opposed to purely structural, based reasons for the differences in economic performance. Our central results is that Japanese monetary policy since 1973 has served to accomodate inflation. We also present evidence, although not as compelling, that Japanese monetary policy has, in addition, stabilized the real exchange rate.
A critical review on use of polymer microgels for conformance control purposes

Abstract Context Polymer microgels are submicron-to-micron size, water-dispersible particles that are formed through use of a crosslinking agent. Their permeability reduction capabilities, when triggered, enable the strategic plugging of high-permeability channels so as to divert flooding fluid to the relatively unswept adjacent low-permeability zones. This improves macroscopic sweep efficiency, increasing hydrocarbon production and decreasing associated water production. Polymer microgel flooding thus serves to provide in-depth conformance control, distinguishing it from conventional polymer floods that offer primarily mobility control benefits. Objective This paper provides a literature review on the use of polymer microgel technology for conformance control purposes. Method Polymer microgel flooding is first introduced, and the motivation for their use over conventional polymer flooding is outlined. This is followed by a discussion on the characterization of polymer microgels as well as some theories on how they act as conformance control agents. In addition, an extensive survey of four different types of polymer microgels (Colloidal Dispersion Gels, Preformed Particle Gels, Temperature-Sensitive Microgels, and pH-Sensitive Polymer Microgels) is provided. Attention is mainly given to the microgel characteristics, laboratory observations, and field applications. The rheology and plugging mechanism of the different polymer microgels are also discussed in some detail. Conclusion Polymer microgel flooding is gaining popularity as a means of conformance control. Despite uncertainty around the precise mechanism by which microgels divert flow, numerous lab and field applications have demonstrated this technology׳s ability to improve sweep efficiency and enhance oil recovery.
Regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses by MAP kinase phosphatase 5

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are essential regulators in immune responses, and their activities are modulated by kinases and phosphatases. MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) is a family of dual-specificity phosphatases whose function is evolutionarily conserved. A number of mammalian MKPs have been identified so far, but their specific physiological functions in negative regulation of MAP kinases have not been genetically defined. Here we examine innate and adaptive immune responses in the absence of MKP5. JNK activity was selectively increased in Mkp5 (also known as Dusp10)-deficient mouse cells. Mkp5-deficient cells produced greatly enhanced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during innate immune responses and exhibited greater T-cell activation than their wild-type counterparts. However, Mkp5-deficient T cells proliferated poorly upon activation, which resulted in increased resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. By contrast, Mkp5-deficient CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector T cells produced significantly increased levels of cytokines compared with wild-type cells, which led to much more robust and rapidly fatal immune responses to secondary infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Therefore, MKP5 has a principal function in both innate and adaptive immune responses, and represents a novel target for therapeutic intervention of immune diseases.
Acoustic observations of finescale zooplankton distributions in the Oregon upwelling region

Abstract We collected data on two GLOBEC cruises to investigate the ubiquity and character of small and finescale phytoplankton and zooplankton vertical distributions in continental shelf waters. Coincident data from a four-frequency echosounding system (38, 120, 200, and 420 kHz), CTD, 150 kHz ADCP, and a suite of high-resolution bio-optical instruments were collected at three continental shelf stations off the coast of Oregon in June and August of 2000. Temporally and spatially coherent finescale features were identified in the acoustic record at all sites throughout the upper water column and the dominant characteristics were observed. There was evidence of an association between the vertical structure of horizontal velocity and the finescale structure seen in the acoustic data. These observations support the hypothesis that discrete, finescale vertical distributions of phytoplankton and zooplankton may be common in productive upwelling areas and indicate that additional concurrent physical and biological measurements, at appropriate temporal and spatial scales, must be made to further characterize the ecological significance of these finescale distributions.
Stem cells in the teleost retina: Persistent neurogenesis and injury-induced regeneration

The retina of the adult teleost fish is an important model for studying persistent and injury-induced neurogenesis in the vertebrate central nervous system. All neurons, with the exception of rod photoreceptors, are continually appended to the extant retina from an annulus of progenitors at the margin. Rod photoreceptors, in contrast, are added to differentiated retina only from a lineage of progenitors dedicated to making rods. Further, when the retina is lesioned, the lineage that produces only rods ceases this activity and regenerates retinal neurons of all types. The progenitors that supply neurons at the retinal margin and rod photoreceptors and regenerated neurons in the mature tissue originate from multipotent stem cells. Recent data suggest that the growth-associated neurogenic activity in the retina is regulated as part of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I axis. This paper reviews recent evidence for the presence of stem cells in the teleost retina and the molecular regulation of neurogenesis and presents a consensus cellular model that describes persistent and injury-induced neurogenesis in the retinas of teleost fish.
MAINSTREAM END-TIDAL CO2 MONITORING IN ELBW INFANTS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE. † 1434

Continuous non-invasive monitoring of PCO2 levels would allow for improved ventilator management and decreased iatrogenic blood loss in ELBW(< 1000 grams birthweight) newborn infants. To test the potential clinical utility of a mainstream end-tidal CO2 (E1CO2) monitor with a low deadspace adapter, paired E1CO2 and arterial CO2 (PaCO2) measurements were recorded in 16 infants with a mean birthweight of 740 ± 119 gm (± SD) during the first week of life. There were 158 E1CO2-PaCO2 pairs (range 3-30/subject). The correlation coefficient (r) = 0.83 (p <.001) and R2 = 0.68. By stepwise multiple regression analysis, birthweight, FiO2 and mean airway pressure made significant contributions to the correlation (r = 0.88, R2 = 0.78 for the multiple linear regression). The E1CO2 underestimated the PaCO2 value in 90% of sample pairs, with a difference of -7.0 ± 7.5 mm Hg. The 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for the predicted PaCO2 based on an E1CO2 reading was ± 14.2 mm Hg. While the correlation between E1CO2 and PaCO2 is good, the large 95%CI indicates that it cannot replace blood gases for assessing PCO2 in ELBW during the first week of life. It may, however, be a useful adjunct for monitoring PCO2 trends or in managing ventilatory settings. For example, an E1CO2 value of < 33 mm Hg detected 35% of the PaCO2 values of < 50 mm Hg, while having a false positive rate of 2.4%. Using frequent assessments of E1CO2 and reducing ventilator settings when the E1CO2 indicates that the PaCO2 is below a predefined safe level (e.g. E1CO2< 33, therefore PaCO2 < 50 mm Hg) could help reduce volutrauma.
Mechanisms through which high glucose concentration raises [Ca2+]i in renal proximal tubular cells

Mechanisms through which high glucose concentration raises [Ca 2+ ]i in renal proximal tubular cells. Background The basal levels of cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ]i) of renal proximal tubular cells of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes are elevated. It is possible that this phenomenon is mediated by the hyperglycemia, which may cause both increased calcium influx into and/or decreased calcium efflux out of these cells. Methods We examined whether high glucose concentration in vitro causes acute rise in [Ca 2+ ]i of freshly isolated renal proximal tubular cells and explored the pathways that are involved in such an event. Results There were dose and time dependent increments in [Ca 2+ ]i of renal proximal tubular cells exposed to high concentrations of glucose. A similar effect was observed with equimolar concentrations of mannitol or choline chloride but not urea. A substantial part of the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i was inhibited when the media contained verapamil, nifedipine, amlodipine or ryanodine and when the cells were placed in a calcium free media. Inhibitors of G protein(s) (GDP β S or pertussis toxin), inhibitors of cAMP-protein kinase A pathway (RpcAMP or H-89), inhibitors of protein kinase C (staurosporine or calphostin) and inhibitor of Na + -H + exchanger (HOE 694) blocked the rise in a dose dependent manner. High glucose concentration also caused a decrease in ATP content of these cells and a reduction in the V max of their Ca 2+ ATPase. Conclusions The results are consistent with the formulation that the osmotic activity (cell shrinkage) of the high glucose concentration may activate a stretch receptor with subsequent stimulation of various cellular pathways including G protein(s), cAMP-protein kinase A and phospholipase C systems and calcium channels. Activation of these cellular pathways permits both calcium influx into renal tubular cells and mobilization of calcium from their intracellular stores. Further, a decrease in calcium efflux secondary to the reduction in the V max of Ca 2+ ATPase may occur. It is possible that the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i is critical for the stimulation of the events that lead to restoration of cell volume to normal.
Changes in plasma, tissue, and urinary nitrogen metabolites due to an inflammatory challenge.

Studies were undertaken to define the changes in protein metabolism that result from stimulation of the immune system by noninfectious inflammatory agents. Chicks were injected with inflammatory agents and metabolite concentrations were determined between 4 and 48 hr postchallenge. Inflammatory agents resulted in a generalized decrease in the concentration of plasma nitrogen metabolites, including ammonia, uric acid, urea, and several amino acids. Escherichia coli and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) injections induced changes in the concentrations of tissue-free amino acids at 16 hr postchallenge. After E. coli injections, free amino acid con- centrations were increased by 175% in muscle and decreased by approximately 25% in liver, spleen, and bursa. A SRBC challenge resulted in similar decreases in free amino acid concentrations in the spleen and bursa as did E. coli; however, muscle and liver free amino acid concentrations were mostly unchanged. Urinary ammonia was increased, urinary uric acid was decreased, and urinary amino acids were not affected by E. coli injection. These findings indicate that stimulation of the immune system by noninfectious inflammatory agents induces tissue-specific changes in nitrogen metabolism. Changes in amino acid pool sizes in various tissues suggest alterations in rates of protein synthesis or degradation. The immune system is dependent upon protein synthesis and, therefore, amino acids for the turnover of existing proteins and the synthesis of new proteins involved in an im- mune response. Nucleotides are required for the RNA and DNA synthesis which accom- panies cell division. The nitrogen requirement for an optimal immune response and the ho- meostatic mechanisms which come into play to meet these demands have received little attention. It is possible that changes in protein me- tabolism, which occur when the immune sys- tem is stimulated, are homeostatic in nature and serve to meet the new demands of the cells involved in the immune response. In- fection-induced changes in the protein me- tabolism of muscle and liver have been ex- amined and suggest that sizable changes occur. For example, infection results in decreased protein synthesis in muscle (1) and an increase in the utilization of amino acids in liver for synthesis of acute phase plasma globulins (2, 3). In studies which have examined infection, the metabolic changes due to stimulation of
A sex difference in location-based inhibition-of-return

Abstract The hunter–gatherer theory of spatial sex differences provides an organizing framework for why men (i.e., hunters) are generally superior on spatial tasks related to orienting in space (e.g., map reading, throwing accuracy) while women (i.e., gatherers) are superior on spatial tasks related to objects and their locations. Location-based inhibition-of-return (IOR) has been thought to facilitate foraging by orienting attention towards novel locations compared to recently inspected ones. From the evolutionary perspective of the hunter–gatherer theory, if IOR facilitates successful foraging then women might be expected to exhibit greater location-based IOR than men. Two experiments tested this hypothesis by measuring location-based IOR using 1 cpd and 12 cpd Gabor targets appearing either left/right (Exp. 1) or above/below (Exp. 2) fixation. Both experiments found evidence of greater IOR for women than men and greater IOR to the higher compared to the lower spatial frequency target. The results are discussed in terms of the hunter–gatherer theory, location- and object-based attention, and recent evidence of magnocellular and parvocellular influences on location-based IOR ( Brown & Guenther, 2012 ).
The nsP3 Macro Domain is Important for Sindbis Virus Replication in Neurons and Neurovirulence in Mice

Sindbis virus (SINV), the prototype alphavirus, contains a macro domain in the highly conserved N-terminal region of nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). However, the biological role of the macro domain is unclear. Mutations of amino acids 10 and 24 from asparagine to alanine in the ADP-ribose binding region of the macro domain impaired SINV replication and viral RNA synthesis particularly in neurons, but did not alter binding of poly(ADP-ribose). Mutation at position 10 had the greatest effect and caused nsP3 instability in neurons, decreased SINV-induced death of mature, but not immature neurons, and attenuated virulence in 2 week-old, but not 5 day-old mice. A compensatory mutation at amino acid 31 in the macro domain of nsP3, as well as reversion of mutated amino acid 10, occurred during replication of double mutant SINV in vitro and in vivo. The nsP3 macro domain is important for SINV replication and age-dependent susceptibility to encephalomyelitis.
Paired-Tone Stimuli Reveal Reductions and Alterations in Temporal Processing in Inferior Colliculus Neurons of Aged Animals

Temporal processing deficits in the central auditory system of aged subjects are apparent from animal and human studies but could be due to peripheral hearing loss. Sequential paired tone stimuli reveal age-related changes in temporal processing properties of neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC). A greater proportion of CIC neurons exhibit suppression of excitability following pure tone stimulation in 20 month old ("aged") compared with 3–6 month "young" Long Evans rats. The duration (time constant of exponential curve fit to recovery of excitability) of suppression is also increased in aged compared with young rats, with more neurons exhibiting suppression with time constants over 100 ms. The time course of post-stimulatory suppression is not dependent on the duration or intensity of preceding stimuli and is not correlated with either initial magnitude of suppression or best frequency of IC neurons. Although the increase in unit thresholds is greater for high-frequency units in old animals, the largest post-stimulatory suppression changes occur in neurons with best frequencies of less than 10 kHz. Since the increase in duration of post-stimulatory suppression is not correlated with peripheral hearing loss, the difference is likely attributed to central auditory neuron changes in aging. In addition, the proportion of IC neurons exhibiting other temporal patterns of excitability (post-stimulatory facilitation and delayed-maximum excitability) is reduced in aged animals. Therefore, temporal processing of acoustic information is significantly altered in aged animals. The greater post-stimulatory suppression of excitability, reduced facilitation, and delayed facilitation is expected to reduce and alter the encoded information passing from the brainstem through the IC to higher structures. These changes correlate with reduced speech understanding in noise, elevated thresholds in noisy conditions, and reduced temporal processing capabilities in the elderly.
Effects of varying concentrations of insulin upon protein synthesis in isolated fat cells.

Incorporation of 14C-amino acids by isolated epididymal adipose tissue cells into cell protein was determined. Rate of incorporation was proportional to duration of incubation. Fat cells demonstrated statistically significant increased incorporation of amino acids into protein at physiological levels of insulin, the dose response curve being 10–800 μU/ml. Insulin increased amino acid incorporation into fat cell protein in the absence of glucose. (Endocrinology 81: 386, 1967)
The threshold hypothesis: evidence from less developed Latin American countries, 1950 to 1980.

Historical research among European countries finds large differences in the level of social, economic or demographic development among countries, or regions within countries at the time marital fertility rates began their decline from traditional high levels. This research tests a threshold hypothesis which holds that fertility will decline from traditional high levels if threshold levels of life expectancy and literacy are surpassed. Using a pooled regression analysis of 1950, 1960, 1970 and 1980 crude births rates (CBRs) in 20 less developed Latin American countries, in conjunction with 10-year lagged measures of social, economic and family planning program development, analyses reveal statistically significant effects of passing Beaver’s (1975) threshold levels of 1950 literacy, or 1950 life expectancy, that are independent of levels of lagged literacy (or lagged life expectancy), economic and family planning program development, as well as measures that control period effects .
From Database to Citation

A ccuracy of attribution is essential for researchers in the scientific community, yet errors may occur in over 5% of the references ([1][1]). EndNote 4.0 gives authors seamless control over the citation process from electronic database to final citation. This reduces the likelihood of human error
Effect of long-term restriction of protein intake, from gestation onward, on free-choice consumption of ethanol by rats.

Abstract Long-term (including gestational and lactational) restriction of protein (8% of diet) significantly lowered the absolute and relative consumption of 6% ethanol (EtOH) in a two-bottle, free-choice (H 2 O vs EtOH) situation during a 76-day test period. This difference in response between rats fed the low protein diet and those fed an isocaloric normal protein (24%) diet became non-significant in two subsequent 100-day test periods. Statistical analysis of observations on individual performance indicated that regularity, cyclicity, and duration of drinking in each animal was random over all three time intervals for both groups. The early, significantly lower EtOH consumption by the protein-restricted group may be due to a paucity of EtOH-metabolizing enzymes in brain and liver, thereby prolonging the CNS effects of lower doses of EtOH consumed. The disappearance of this difference in subsequent test periods may reflect either a behavioral or metabolic adaptation in the developing protein-deficient rat.
Forkhead box A2 transcription factor is expressed in all types of neuroendocrine lung tumors

Forkhead box A2 (Foxa2) is a winged helix nuclear transcription protein that regulates the expression of genes that are critical to lung morphogenesis, differentiation, and function, including thyroid transcription factor-1, surfactant proteins, and Clara cell secretory protein. We examined the immunoreactivity of Foxa2 in paraffin sections of 75 lung tumors: 17 typical carcinoids, 2 atypical carcinoids, 4 large cell neuroendocrine (NE) carcinomas, 23 small cell carcinomas, 19 adenocarcinomas, 7 squamous cell carcinomas, and 3 (non-NE) large cell carcinomas, using a polyclonal rabbit Foxa2 antibody and a biotin-streptavidin detection system. In the adjacent lung, Foxa2 was detected in normal and hyperplastic type II cells. Foxa2 immunoreactivity was detected in 13 typical carcinoids (76%), 2 atypical carcinoids (100%), 2 large cell NE carcinomas (50%), 11 small cell carcinomas (48%), and 1 adenocarcinoma (5%). Squamous cell carcinomas and (non-NE) large cell carcinomas uniformly lacked Foxa2 staining. Expression of Foxa2 in the entire spectrum of NE lung tumors is another indication of differentiation shared by typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, large cell NE carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma.
SOG etch-back process induced surface roughness

SOG film surface roughness had been observed after SOG etch- back process. The etching recipes' total pressure and the CF 4 /CHF 3 etchant gas ratio had been identified to be the two dominant factors which will determine the degree of surface roughness after etch-back. The high total gas pressure and high gas ratio etch-back recipe can minimize the roughness. However, the high pressure and gas ratio trends will result in poor global planarization. In this study, the optimal SOG etch-back recipe had been determined based on the degree of SOG roughness and global planarization. The degree of roughness was measured by the Atomic Force Microscopy.
What about the univores? Musical dislikes and group-based identity construction among Americans with low levels of education

Abstract This study uses data on musical dislikes to provide evidence for Peterson's (1992) theory of low-status cultural exclusiveness. Following his description of cultural univores, I hypothesize that respondents with low levels of education will be more likely than other respondents to have group-based musical dislikes. Sixteen music genres evidenced greater group-based taste distinctions for those with low levels of education than for persons with high levels of education, and the two genres representing high culture produced no significant results (as expected). There is strong evidence that less educated Americans pattern their musical taste more around race, ethnicity, religious conservatism, and geographic region. The paper concludes with suggestions for further development of theory and research around the omnivore-univore pattern of taste.
Optimal weighted chebyshev-type quadrature formulas

A weighted quadrature formula is called of Chebyshev type if it has equal coefficients and real (but not necessarily distinct) nodes. Among such quadrature rules we construct an optimal one, i. e., one which has maximum algebraic degree of accuracy and minimum error when applied to the first power not exactly integrated. Optimal quadrature rules, typically, have multiple nodes. Their construction requires the complete solution of systems of algebraic equations involving generalized power sums. Numerical results are presented for the case of constant weight function on a finite interval, as well as for weight functions of the Hermite and Laguerre type on infinite intervals.
Diffraction phase microscopy for wafer inspection

We built a compact, common path, laser epi-illumination diffraction phase microscope (epi-DPM) for defect detection on a patterned semiconductor wafer. The wafer's underlying structure and buried defects with ∼ 100 nm size were measured.
Interpretation of well-block pressures in numerical reservoir simulation with nonsquare grid blocks and anisotropic permeability

An interpretation is given of well-block pressure for the case of nonsquare grid blocks. Based on numerical solutions for the single-phase five-spot problem, using various sizes of grids, a relationship is established for the effective well-block radius (where the actual flowing pressure equals the numerically calculated well-block pressure). This relationship is verified by a mathematical derivation for a single well in an infinite grid. Finally, the analysis is extended to include anisotropic permeability. 11 refs.
The Return of the Phoenix: The 1963 International Congress of Zoology and American Zoologists in the Twentieth Century

This paper examines the International Congress of Zoology held in Washington D.C. in 1963 as a portrait of American zoologists’ search for effective and rewarding relationships with both each other and the public. Organizers of the congress envisioned the congress as a last ditch effort to unify the disparate subdisciplines of zoology, overcome the barriers of specialization, and ward off the heady claims of more reductionist biologists. The problems zoologists faced as they worked to fulfill these ambitious goals illuminate some of the challenges faced by members of the naturalist tradition as they worked to establish disciplinary unity while seeking public support in the competitive world of twentieth century science.
Uncertainties associated with extrapolating L mode energy confinement to ITER and CIT

The authors apply a two-step tokamak regression procedure to L-mode confinement data. The resulting scaling expression for ?E: is similar to other published scaling expressions. Using the random coeffcient model, tokamak-to-tokamak variations are included in the estimate of the uncertainty. The uncertainty factor in the predicted confinement times is calculated to be 19% for ITER and 35% for CIT. The confinement uncertainties are dominated by the propagation of uncertainties arising from the tokamak-to-tokamak variation in scalings with q and n to the second-step regression and, for CIT, by the lack of high magnetic field, moderate size devices in the L-mode database.
A New Class of Polyphase Pulse Compression Codes and Techniques

A new class of symmetric radar pulse compression polyphase codes is introduced which is compatible with digital signal processing. These codes share many of the useful properties of the Frank polyphase code. In contrast with the Frank code, the new codes are not subject to mainlobe to sidelobe ratio degradation caused by bandlimiting prior to sampling and digital pulse compression. It is shown that bandlimiting the new codes prior to pulse compression acts as a waveform amplitude weighting which has the effect of increasing the mainlobe to sidelobe ratios.