cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracellular sodium in proximal tubules of diabetic rats. Role of glucose.

Intracellular sodium in proximal tubules of diabetic rats. Role of glucose. Renal hypertrophy is a common consequence of diabetes mellitus that precedes and possibly accounts for the increased glomerular filtration rate. We have postulated that the glucose-mediated increase in the intracellular concentration of sodium [Na] i initiates the chain of events leading to the increase in cell size and eventually cell number. Experiments were conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats made diabetic by the intravenous injection of 45 mg/kg body wt of streptozo-tocin dissolved in a 5mM citrate buffer solution. Control animals were injected with the vehicle alone. Ninety-six hours and 11 weeks later, measurements of [Na] i were done by NMR spectroscopy on suspensions of proximal tubules, using dysprosium tripolyphosphate as an extracellular shift reagent. At 96 hours after the induction of the diabetes, there was a 60% increase in [Na] i compared to control (P i was observed during the subsequent 11 weeks of observation. Addition of ouabain (1.0mM) resulted in a fourfold increase in [Na] i in tubules from control animals, and a 2.5-fold increase in tubules from 96-hour diabetic rats. Ouabain-inhibitable Na + -K + -ATPase activity was substantially higher in the renal tubules of diabetic rats, the increase being proportional to that of [Na] i . In order to ascertain the effect of hyperglycemia on [Na] i proximal tubules prepared from kidneys of normal and diabetic rats were exposed to low (5mM) and high (25mM) concentration of glucose in the media. The rise in glucose concentration resulted in a 52 increase (P i in proximal tubules of non-diabetic animals, whereas the increase was only 11% (P > 0.2) in the 96-hour diabetics, and 5% (P > 0.2) in 11-week diabetic rats. Based on these findings, it is reasonable to propose that the rise in [Na] i observed in the proximal tubules of diabetic rats is due to increased filtered load of glucose that stimulates the entry of glucose and Na + into renal cells. The relationship between the rise in [Na] i and cell growth remains speculative, although an association between these events has been documented consistently in the literature.
DNA segments of the IncX plasmid R485 determining replication and incompatibility with plasmid R6K

The expression of incompatibility properties between the IncX plasmids R6K and R485 of Escherichia coli was examined. For small autonomously replicating derivatives of both plasmid elements, the requirements for incompatibility expression include a functional R485 replicon and an active R6K beta-origin region. Functional R6K alpha and gamma origins are not directly involved in incompatibility expression between R6K and R485. A trans-acting replication system was constructed for plasmid R485. It consists of a 3.2-(kb) DNA fragment of R485 that specifies a product(s) in trans which supports replication from an R485 origin plasmid. A minimal R485 origin region of 591 bp was derived utilizing this trans-acting replication system and the nucleotide sequence of this origin region determined. The most striking feature of the sequence is the presence of six tandem 22-bp nucleotide sequence direct repeats.
ON THE LIMITATIONS AND PROMISE OF QUANTUM THEORY FOR COMPREHENSION OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE AND CONSCIOUSNESS

. I present a partially historical discussion of the basis of the quantum theory in nonmathematical terms using human knowledge and consciousness as an underlying theme. I show that the philosophical position in both classical and quantum theory is the experimental and mathematical philosophy of Isaac Newton. Because almost all the systems we deal with are multicomponent, we must consider the limitations and openness imposed by thermodynamics on our claims in both classical and quantum treatments. Here the reality of measurement stands in the way of any simple picture but also provides the basis for considerations of free will. Particular care is taken with the concepts of quantum measurement, entanglement, and decoherence because of their importance in the discussion.
Transparent carbon nanotube sheets as 3-D charge collectors in organic solar cells

Abstract Strong transparent multiwall carbon nanotube (t-CNT) sheets [M. Zhang, S. Fang, A.A. Zakhidov, S.B. Lee, A.E. Aliev, C.D. Williams, K.R. Atkinson, R.H. Baughman, Science 309 (2005) 1215] can be used as effective anodes in organic photovoltaic cells (OPV) [A.D. Pasquier, H.E. Unalan, A. Kanwal, S. Miller, M. Chhiwalla, Appl. Phys. Lett. 87 (2005) 203511]. We prove here that t-CNT plays an essential role as three-dimensional (3-D) hole-collecting network with extended interface connectivity to photoactive layer of bulk heterojunction OPV. Although, the sheet resistance of as-prepared t-CNT is higher than that of ITO, we demonstrate that combining 3-D t-CNT network with planar ITO leads to twice increased photocurrent. So even in unoptimized OPV, a short circuit current density of 11 mA/cm 2 is obtained, which is a significant increase, compared to only ∼5.5 mA/cm 2 of photocurrent in sole ITO device, and in sole t-CNT case, increasing the overall efficiency to ∼2%. This enhancement is due to a combined effect of an enhanced hole collection by 3-D t-CNT and improved transport via planar ITO part. Flexible OPVs on plastic substrates also show enhanced performance with hybrid t-CNT–ITO anodes.
Use of CroFab® antivenin in the management of a very young pediatric copperhead envenomation

The use of crotalid Fab antivenin (CroFab) in the treatment of snake envenomations in the pediatric population is still an underexplored area. There are very limited data to confirm the efficacy and safety of dosing children the same as adults and even less information available to evaluate this antivenin use in copperhead snake bites in children. We report the first use of crotalid Fab antivenin in an adult dose for a copperhead snake envenomation in a 2-year-old child. She had rapid resolution of symptoms with no adverse effects. The report serves to increase the literature supporting the current dosing recommendations of crotalid Fab antivenin in very young pediatric patients evidenced by its effectiveness in this patient.
Decline in bilateral orchiectomy for prostate cancer in Olmsted county, Minnesota, 1956-2000.

Objective To assess long-term secular trends in the utilization of bilateral compared with unilateral orchiectomy in the community. Patients and Methods This population-based descriptive study reviewed medical records of all Olmsted County, Minnesota, men undergoing orchiectomy between 1956 and 2000. Results Over the 45-year study period, 381 Olmsted County men had a first unilateral orchiectomy, while 431 underwent bilateral orchiectomy (including 8 with a second unilateral orchiectomy). There was no change over time in the age-adjusted utilization of unilateral orchiectomy, which was performed for a wide range of indications, mostly cryptorchidism and testicular malignancy. Most bilateral procedures, on the other hand, were in elderly men for castration, and trends over time generally paralleled those reported for prostate cancer in this community. Conclusion The declining incidence of prostate cancer in recent years, combined with a shift to earlier stages and younger ages at diagnosis, and the development of pharmacological approaches to hormonal manipulation have led to a dramatic decline in the utilization of bilateral orchiectomy, while unilateral orchiectomy rates have remained unchanged.
Chemiresistive sensing of volatile organic compounds with films of surfactant-stabilized gold and gold-silver alloy nanoparticles.

Here we describe the chemiresistive sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with films of chemically synthesized ∼4 nm diameter Au and AuAg alloy nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by a surfactant, tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOABr). The chemiresistive sensing properties were measured over a concentration range of 100 to 0.04% saturation for methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), 2-propanol (IPA), and toluene (Tol) vapor analytes and compared directly to the chemiresistive sensing properties of films of 1.6 nm diameter hexanethiolate (C6S)-coated Au monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs). Films of TOABr-stabilized Au NPs exhibit the opposite response compared to those of C6S-coated Au MPCs. The details are unclear, but the mechanism likely involves changes in capacitive charging in the film or improved conductive pathways through the Au NPs upon incorporation of VOCs into the film for the former as opposed to the well-known change in electron hopping conductivity for the latter. This leads to a decrease in resist...
Fabricating custom provisional restorations for the ITI solid abutment system

This article describes a technique for the quick and accurate fabrication of custom acrylic resin provisional restorations for the ITI implant system. Materials and procedures common to fixed prosthodontics are used. The technique should necessitate no more chairtime than the fabrication of custom acrylic provisional restorations for conventional fixed prostheses.
Expression of caspase and BCL-2 apoptotic family members in mouse preimplantation embryos

Apoptosis, as determined by blastomere and DNA fragmentation, occurs in many preimplantation mouse embryos. To investigate which genes contribute to apoptosis in preimplantation embryos, we used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to assess mRNA levels for seven genes in the caspase family and seven genes in the BCL-2 family. All caspase mRNAs were detectable in oocytes, while expression in preimplantation embryos varied in a stage-specific manner. An assay for group II caspase enzymatic activity showed that although transcripts for these caspases could not be detected in zygotes, proteolytic activity could be detected in polar bodies, fragmented zygotes, and zygotes treated with staurosporine. This suggests that maternal caspases are inherited during oogenesis. Transcripts for some members of the BCL-2 family could be detected at every stage of preimplantation development. Transcripts for other members were rarely detected. When BCL-2 and BAX protein levels were assessed using immunofluorescence, both proteins were detected in zygotes and in blastocysts. When fragmented blastocysts were compared to normal blastocysts, levels of BCL-2 immunofluorescence tended to be lower in fragmented blastocysts. This result supports a model in which the ratio of BCL-2 to BAX is altered in apoptotic embryos.
Get a Grip! Handgrip Strength as a Health Screening Tool

Abstract—An individual’s handgrip strength (HGS), measured by a hand dynamometer, has shown significant correlations with clinical conditions such as malnutrition, type 2 diabetes, functional disability, and overall quality of life. Existing studies have indicated that HGS testing is a promising tool to screen for disease. This is of interest to resource-constrained areas because barriers to healthcare have created a large need for simple and effective medical screening devices. Inexpensive, ruggedized dynamometers to measure HGS already exist on the market. Despite these opportunities to use HGS as a screening tool, the literature on HGS is incomplete and not cohesive. This article provides a synthesis of the recognized relationships and correlations between HGS and diverse clinical conditions. Established statistically sound associations as well as compelling gaps in the knowledge base are discussed. Pathways to integrate HGS devices into the emerging Community Health Worker (CHW) infrastructure as a health screening and income-generating tool in developing countries are described. The goal of this article is to inform research and entrepreneurial initiatives that can collectively leverage handgrip dynamometers as effective and efficient health screening tools in low-resource contexts.
Effects of runway training on behavior in the T-maze

Two experimental groups (E1 and E2) were first trained in a runway before being transferred to a T-maze in which they received the same number of acquisition trials as a control group (C), which had no prior runway training. Group E2 differed from Group E1 in that it received extinction trials in the runway before being transferred to the T-maze. None of the three groups received any pretraining in either apparatus. It was found that Group E2 made significantly more correct choices in the T-maze than either Group El or Group C. Similarly, Group E1 was superior to Group C. These results, in conjunction with other similar findings, point to the importance of investigating runway training as a potent independent variable having marked effects upon T-maze behavior.
A dipeptidyl aminopeptidase-like protein remodels gating charge dynamics in Kv4.2 channels.

Dipeptidyl aminopeptidase–like proteins (DPLPs) interact with Kv4 channels and thereby induce a profound remodeling of activation and inactivation gating. DPLPs are constitutive components of the neuronal Kv4 channel complex, and recent observations have suggested the critical functional role of the single transmembrane segment of these proteins (Zagha, E., A. Ozaita, S.Y. Chang, M.S. Nadal, U. Lin, M.J. Saganich, T. McCormack, K.O. Akinsanya, S.Y. Qi, and B. Rudy. 2005. J. Biol. Chem. 280:18853–18861). However, the underlying mechanism of action is unknown. We hypothesized that a unique interaction between the Kv4.2 channel and a DPLP found in brain (DPPX-S) may remodel the channel's voltage-sensing domain. To test this hypothesis, we implemented a robust experimental system to measure Kv4.2 gating currents and study gating charge dynamics in the absence and presence of DPPX-S. The results demonstrated that coexpression of Kv4.2 and DPPX-S causes a −26 mV parallel shift in the gating charge-voltage (Q-V) relationship. This shift is associated with faster outward movements of the gating charge over a broad range of relevant membrane potentials and accelerated gating charge return upon repolarization. In sharp contrast, DPPX-S had no effect on gating charge movements of the Shaker B Kv channel. We propose that DPPX-S destabilizes resting and intermediate states in the voltage-dependent activation pathway, which promotes the outward gating charge movement. The remodeling of gating charge dynamics may involve specific protein–protein interactions of the DPPX-S's transmembrane segment with the voltage-sensing and pore domains of the Kv4.2 channel. This mechanism may determine the characteristic fast operation of neuronal Kv4 channels in the subthreshold range of membrane potentials.
Effects of the photoacid generator type on the imaging and thermal decomposition properties of photodefinable, thermally sacrificial poly(propylene carbonate) materials

Photosensitive, thermally sacrificial polymer systems consisting of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and a photoacid generator (PAG) were studied for use in the fabrication of buried microchannel systems such as microfluidic devices. Because the fabrication of microchannels was affected by the performance of these materials, changes in the imaging properties were monitored upon the variation of the PAG used in the system. Thin films of PPC loaded with a PAG were spin-cast onto silicon wafers, exposed to UV light to selectively generate acid, and placed on a hotplate to decompose the exposed regions. Properties such as the contrast, sensitivity, and amount of residue remaining after decomposition varied significantly, depending on the PAG used. The use of a metal-free, ionic methide PAG gave the best performance for formulating a chemically amplified, photosensitive, sacrificial polymer system based on PPC. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 266–271, 2006
NOTE ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE CALIFORNIA TEST OF PERSONALITY TO FAKING

which could be used in school situations. As an indication of how the results of such tests can be misleading, the class (N = 40) was divided in half. The first group was asked to take the test as if they were maladjusted, the second, to take the test as if they were adjusted. The total scores for the "maladjusted group ranged from 3 to 36, with a mean of 16.6 and an SD of 8.9; those for the "adjusted group ranged from 171 to 179, with a mean of 174.7 and an SD of 2.4. In terms of percentile ranking, the highest score in the "maladjusted" group did not exceed the 1st percentile, and the lowest score for the "adjusted group did not fall below the 98th percentile. A t test of the difference between means yielded a value of 73.53, which is significant beyond the 1% level. Despite the fact that the manual (2) says the item intent is disguised, we conclude that the intent is easily judged by the age group for whom the test is constructed.
BARON: A general purpose global optimization software package

The Branch-And-Reduce Optimization Navigator (BARON) is a computational system for facilitating the solution of nonconvex optimization problems to global optimality. We provide a brief description of the algorithms used by the software, describe the types of problems that can be currently solved and summarize our recent computational experience. BARON is available by anonymous ftp from aristotle. me. uiuc. edu.
Retroviral mediated gene transfer in megakaryocytic cell lines.

There have been no reports, to date, of successful introduction of foreign DNA into committed megakaryocyte precursor cells. We have successfully infected two megakaryocytic cell lines, one a committed cell line (CHRF-288-11) and the other a bipotential cell line (K562), with a retroviral vector containing the bacteriallacZ gene and a neomycin resistance marker. Modification of standard protocols was required for successful infection of the committed megakaryocyte cell line. Presence of thelacZ transgene was demonstrated at the molecular level by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and its expression at the mRNA level by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Presence of the bacterialβ-galactosidase was demonstrated by both immunofluorescence and enzyme activity. Treatment of the CHRF-288-11 infected cells with phorbol esters, which induces megakaryocytic differentiation, increases expression of thelacZ transgene. The staining pattern of thelacZ reaction product was perinuclear and punctate in the CHRF-288-11 cells, whereas it was uniform throughout the cytoplasm of the K562 cells, suggesting different sorting mechanisms for bacterialβ-galactosidase in these two cell types. Overall, these results demonstrate the feasibility and provide a method for infecting cultured megakaryocytic cell lines with retroviral of vectors such that a molecular analysis of megakaryocyte differentiation can be accomplished.
Development of Controls for Dynamic Operation of Carbonate Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Hybrid Systems

Hybrid fuel cell/gas turbine (FC/GT) systems have been shown through experiment and simulation to be highly efficient technologies with low emissions. Maintaining efficient, low emission, and safe operation, whether during disturbances or regular operational transients, is a challenge to both understand and address. Some likely disturbances can arise from changes in ambient temperature, fuel flow variations induced by supply pressure disturbances, fuel composition variability, and power demand fluctuations. To gain insight into the dynamic operation of such cycles and address operating challenges, dynamic modeling tools have been developed at two different laboratories. In this paper these models are used to simulate the dynamic operation of an integrated MCFC/GT hybrid system and to subsequently develop and test control strategies for the hybrid power plant. Two control strategies are developed and tested for their ability to control the system during various perturbations. Predicted fuel cell operating temperature, fuel utilization, fuel cell and GT power, shaft speed, compressor mass flow and temperatures throughout the FC/GT system are presented for the controlled response to a fuel cell voltage increase in order to show the effect of a load decrease.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
THE RELATIONSHIP OF MEDICAL EVENTS TO DEVELOPMENT IN A GROUP OF PRETERM INFANTS

It has long been known that the occurrence of perinatal complications shows an association with fetal and neonatal mortality. The infant who survives such events is presumed to be at risk for later development disability. Prior to this report no work had been done to show whether a quantitative relationship between the number of perinatal complications and outcome actually existed. This study involved the use of a 41 item Obstetric Complications Scale (OCS) and a 10 item Postnatal Complications Scale (PCS) to see if such a correlation could be shown. 135 preterm infants with variable frequencies of prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal complications were enrolled. All had Resell examinations at 9 and 24 months and a Bayley examination at 18 months. Ages were corrected for prematurity. For the whole group there was no correlation between the OCS/PCS and the tests at 9, 18, 24 months. Infants with low developmental scores were not more inclined to have higher rates of perinatal complications. 5 who were found later to have cerebral palsy had very poor OCS/PCS scores but could not be distinguished in the newborn period from a larger group with equally low perinatal scores but normal later development. This study shows the difficulties associated with trying to predict disability from data acquired solely in the perinatal period. The need to continue evaluation during infancy can not be stressed enough.
The effects of maternal verbal aggression on the adult child's future romantic relationships

A review of the verbal aggression literature and findings of past studies reveals the importance of further inquiry into this construct. Verbal aggression has been studied by communication scholars for it's impact on interpersonal relationships. This paper is especially concerned with maternal verbal aggression and its effects on the adult‐children's romantic relationships later in life. Solidarity, emotional support, and relationship quality are introduced as relational outcomes and are used to evaluate the effects of maternal verbal aggression on relationships. Results of this study indicate that individuals who report receiving higher amounts of verbal aggression report lower levels of relationship solidarity and perceive their partners as less emotionally supportive. These findings are consistent with previous research by Vissing, Straus, Gelles, and Harrop (1991) which indicate that individuals who receive verbally aggressive messages from parents have difficulty forming and maintaining interpersonal...
GROWTH HORMONE, INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 AND THE AGING BRAIN

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 regulate the development and function of cells throughout the body. Several clinical diseases that result in a decline in physical and mental functions are marked by mutations that disrupt GH or IGF-1 signaling. During the lifespan there is a robust decrease in both GH and IGF-1. Because GH and IGF-1 are master regulators of cellular function, impaired GH and IGF-1 signaling in aging/disease states leads to significant alterations in tissue structure and function, especially within the brain. This review is intended to highlight the effects of the GH and IGF-1 on neuronal structure, function, and plasticity. Furthermore, we address several potential mechanisms through which the age-related reductions in GH and IGF-1 affect cognition. Together, the studies reviewed here highlight the importance of maintaining GH and IGF-1 signaling in order to sustain proper brain function throughout the lifespan.
The effect of acetaldehyde on mitochondrial function

Abstract The oxidation of ethanol by the liver produces acetaldehyde, which is a highly reactive compound. Low concentrations of acetaldehyde inhibited mitochondrial respiration with glutamate, β-hydroxybutyrate, or α-ketoglutarate as substrates, but not with succinate or ascorbate. High concentrations led to respiratory inhibition with all substrates. Inhibition of succinate- and ascorbate-linked oxidation by acetaldehyde correlates with the inhibition of the activities of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase. A site more sensitive to acetaldehyde appears to be localized prior to the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase segment of the respiratory chain. Acetaldehyde inhibits energy production by the mitochondria, as evidenced by its inhibition of respiratory control, oxidative phosphorylation, the rate of phosphorylation, and the ATP- 32 P exchange reaction. Energy utilization is also inhibited, in view of the decrease in both substrate- and ATP-supported Ca 2+ uptake, and the reduction in Ca 2+ -stimulated oxygen uptake and ATPase activity. The malate-aspartate, α-glycerophosphate, and fatty acid shuttles for the transfer of reducing equivalents, and oxidation by mitochondria, were highly sensitive to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde also inhibited the uptake of anions which participate in the shuttles. The inhibition of the shuttles is apparently caused by interference with NAD + -dependent state 3 respiration and anion entry and efflux. Ethanol (6–80 m m ) had no significant effect on oxygen consumption, anion uptake, or mitochondrial energy production and utilization. The data suggest that acetaldehyde may be implicated in some of the toxic effects caused by chronic ethanol consumption.
Measurement of Neutron-Deuteron Polarization at 35 MeV

The neutron polarization asymmetry in neutron-deuteron scattering has been measured from 44.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (c.m.) neutron angle. The results display quantitatively the same structure as proton-deuteron polarization data, but discrepancies appear for angles corresponding to those near the minimum of the differential cross section. In this region the polarization is considerably more negative than in the proton-deuteron case, and both are more negative than current theoretical predictions.
Induced crystallization of large free ice crystals in slowly flowing brine

Abstract A new crystallization phenomenon of ice from brine is described. Within a relatively narrow range of subcooled brine temperatures, large, plate-like free ice crystals of up to several inches in length were formed in the bulk of slowly traversing brine simultaneously with the growth of dendritic ice on a cold surface. System conditions under which the said phenomenon would occur were determined for brines containing 1,700 to 30,000 ppm sodium chloride and traversing at 0.009 ft/sec. The salt concentration of melted samples of ice produced in this manner, with and without brine removal treatment is given.
Mice infer probabilistic models for timing

Animals learn both whether and when a reward will occur. Neural models of timing posit that animals learn the mean time until reward perturbed by a fixed relative uncertainty. Nonetheless, animals can learn to perform actions for reward even in highly variable natural environments. Optimal inference in the presence of variable information requires probabilistic models, yet it is unclear whether animals can infer such models for reward timing. Here, we develop a behavioral paradigm in which optimal performance required knowledge of the distribution from which reward delays were chosen. We found that mice were able to accurately adjust their behavior to the SD of the reward delay distribution. Importantly, mice were able to flexibly adjust the amount of prior information used for inference according to the moment-by-moment demands of the task. The ability to infer probabilistic models for timing may allow mice to adapt to complex and dynamic natural environments.
A convenient synthesis of p-nitrophenyl 2-deoxy-2-(thio-acetamido)-β-d-glucopyranoside, -galactopyranoside, and their 1-thio analogs as inhibitors of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucosidase

Abstract The acetamido group of p -nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- d -glucopyranoside, -β- d -galactopyranoside, and their 1-thio analogs was modified by replacement of the amide-carbonyl oxygen atom with sulfur by treatment of their fully acetylated derivatives with phosphorus pentasulfide in pyridine. The resulting p -nitrophenyl 2-deoxy-2-thioacetamido-β- d -hexopyranoside triacetates were O -deacetylated with catalytic amounts of sodium methoxide in methanol to obtain p -nitrophenyl 2-deoxy-2-thioacetamido-β- d -glucopyranoside, -β- d -galactopyranoside, and their 1-thio analogs. These derivatives inhibited 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- d -glucosidase from Turbatrix aceti to various extents. Also obtained in significant yields in the aforementioned reaction with phosphorus pentasulfide in pyridine were the two hitherto unreported thiazolines, namely, 2-methyl(2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-α- d -glucopyrano)[2′,1′:4,5]-2-thiazoline and 2-methyl(2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-α- d -galactopyrano)[2′,1′:4,5]-2-thiazoline.
Influence of the carbohydrate moiety on the growth inhibitory activity and adhesiveness of 3T3 cell plasma membranes

Treatment of 3T3 cell plasma membranes with glycosidase enzymes decreased their ability to inhibit cell growth and also decreased their binding to 3T3 cells. This suggests that carbohydrate is required for complete function of inhibitory activity and that inhibition is associated with membrane adhesion.
Membranes, material transfer and enzymes☆

Abstract A linear three-compartment material transfer system was constructed. The terminal phases, α and β, of the model system were separated from a central compartment by cellophane membranes, and phase α was perfused at a constant rate with an aqueous solution of urea, maleic acid, lithium and potassium chlorides. Addition of urease to the central compartment initiated a spontaneous chemical reaction, the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea, and thereby provided the system with an Internal source of chemical energy. Thereafter, the system slowly evolved toward a nonequilibrium stationary state. The actual stationary state reached depended upon the perfusion rate, the composition of the perfusion fluid, the permeability of the membranes to the chemical species present in the system, and the activity of the enzyme preparation. If the composition of all phases at the time of the addition of urease were the same as that of the perfusion fluid, distributant ions moved through the membrane against their concentration gradients during the approach toward a stationary state. Distributant ions were selectively concentrated in one or the other of the terminal phases. It was found that the logarithm of the distributant ion selectivity ratio was a near linear function of the ammonia production rate of the system. A physical chemical analysis of the behavior of the system is attempted, and practical equations useful in the description of the behavior of such systems are derived.
Conformation of manganese(II)-nucleotide complexes bound to rabbit muscle creatine kinase: 13C NMR measurements using [2-13C]ATP and [2-13C]ADP.

Conformations of cation-nucleotide complexes bound to rabbit muscle creatine kinase were investigated by measuring paramagnetic effects on 13C spin relaxation in E.Mn[2-13C]ATP and E.Mn[2-13C]ADP at three different frequencies, viz., 50, 75, and 125 MHz, and as a function of temperature in the range of 7-35 degrees C (at 75 MHz). Arrhenius plots of the temperature dependencies of relaxation rates show a positive slope with low activation energies of 1.3 +/- 0.2 kcal/mol and 2.0 +/- 0.2 kcal/mol for E.Mn ATP and E.MnADP, respectively. The relaxation rates of both complexes show strong frequency dependence, indicating that these rates are not exchange limited. Analysis of the data yields Mn(II)-2C distances of 10.0 +/- 0.5 A for E.MnATP and 8.6 +/- 0.5 A for E.MnADP. These data were interpreted, along with previously published information, on the location of the cation with respect to the phosphate chain [Jarori, G. K., Ray, B.D., & Nageswara Rao, B. D. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 3487-3494], and on the adenosine conformation [Murali, N., Jarori, G. K., & Nageswara Rao, B. D. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 12941-12948] in these complexes. The Mn(II)-2C distances depend on the orientation of the phosphate chain relative to the adenosine moiety. Conformational searches were performed by varying the two torsion angles, phi 1 (C4'-C5'-O5'-P alpha), and phi 2 (C5'-O5'-P alpha-O alpha beta), along with CHARMm energy computations, in order to determine acceptable conformations compatible with the distances determined. The significant difference in the Mn(II)-2C distances in E.MnATP and E.MnADP is indicative of the structural alterations occurring at the active site as the enzyme turns over.
Electric Shocker Developments on Southeastern Trout Waters

Abstract The many problems involved in making fish collections and population surveys in trout streams of the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks led to an investigation of electro-fishing methods. These softwater streams have electrical resistivities ranging as high as 117,000 ohms cm3. Grounded electrode systems of conventional design proved ineffective in such waters. The Petty-type, alternate-polarity electrode system of original and modified design has been successfully tested in Park streams having resistivities of 32,000 to 117,000 ohms cm3. The addition of trailers to the electrode system has produced substantial improvements in the strength and range of the effective, electrical field in the water. The alternating current power sources for the electrodes include a gasoline-driven portable generator and a battery-powered backpack unit which produce 240 and 250 volts respectively.
Developing Predictive Molecular Maps of Human Disease through Community-based Modeling

The failure of biology to identify the molecular causes of disease has led to disappointment in the rate of development of new medicines. By combining the power of community-based modeling with broad access to large datasets on a platform that promotes reproducible analyses we can work towards more predictive molecular maps that can deliver better therapeutics.
Roles of the active site water, histidine 303, and phenylalanine 396 in the catalytic mechanism of the elongation condensing enzyme of Streptococcus pneumoniae

β-Ketoacyl-ACP synthases catalyze the condensation steps in fatty acid and polyketide synthesis and are targets for the development of novel antibiotics and anti-obesity and anti-cancer agents. The roles of the active site residues in Streptococcus pneumoniae FabF (β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase II; SpFabF) were investigated to clarify the mechanism for this enzyme superfamily. The nucleophilic cysteine of the active site triad was required for acyl-enzyme formation and the overall condensation activity. The two active site histidines in the elongation condensing enzyme have different electronic states and functions. His337 is essential for condensation activity, and its protonated Nϵ stabilizes the negative charge developed on the malonyl thioester carbonyl in the transition state. The Nϵ of His303 accelerated catalysis by deprotonating a structured active site water for nucleophilic attack on the C3 of malonate, releasing bicarbonate. Lys332 controls the electronic state of His303 and also plays a critical role in the positioning of His337. Phe396 functions as a gatekeeper that controls the order of substrate addition. These data assign specific roles for each active site residue and lead to a revised general mechanism for this important class of enzymes.
Unlearned Lessons From Letter From Birmingham Jail: The Work Begun, the Progress Made, and the Task Ahead

A major tenet of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s civil rights agenda involved dismantling legal segregation in the United States. King viewed social isolation of the races as a barrier to the American ideals of democracy, freedom, and equality. Despite many advances, racial isolation remains a feature of daily life in America, and the authors report the results of a study that illustrates how it supports and anneals segregation in the workplace. The authors draw from Letter From Birmingham Jail to gain insights into King's notions about segregation, our responsibility to diminish it, and whether the arguments put forth in it have relevance for contemporary business thought leaders.
Functional strategies drive community assembly of stream fishes along environmental gradients and across spatial scales

Trade-offs among functional traits produce multi-trait strategies that shape species’ interactions with the environment and drive the assembly of local communities from regional species pools. Stream fish communities vary along stream size gradients and among hierarchically structured habitat patches, but little is known about how the dispersion of strategies varies along environmental gradients and across spatial scales. We used null models to quantify the dispersion of reproductive life history, feeding, and locomotion strategies in communities sampled at three spatial scales in a prairie stream network in Kansas, USA. Strategies were generally underdispersed at all spatial scales, corroborating the longstanding notion of abiotic filtering in stream fish communities. We tested for variation in strategy dispersion along a gradient of stream size and between headwater streams draining different ecoregions. Reproductive life history strategies became increasingly underdispersed moving from downstream to upstream, suggesting that abiotic filtering is stronger in headwaters. This pattern was stronger among reaches compared to mesohabitats, supporting the premise that differences in hydrologic regime among reaches filter reproductive life history strategies. Feeding strategies became increasingly underdispersed moving from upstream to downstream, indicating that environmental filters associated with stream size affect the dispersion of feeding and reproductive life history in opposing ways. Weak differences in strategy dispersion were detected between ecoregions, suggesting that different abiotic filters or strategies drive community differences between ecoregions. Given the pervasiveness of multi-trait strategies in plant and animal communities, we conclude that the assessment of strategy dispersion offers a comprehensive approach for elucidating mechanisms of community assembly.
Insulin-like growth factor 2 and its enterocyte receptor are not required for adaptation in response to massive small bowel resection.

Purpose Enhanced structural features of resection-induced intestinal adaptation have been demonstrated following the administration of multiple different growth factors and peptides. Among these, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been considered to be significant. In this study, we employ mutant mouse strains to directly test the contribution of IGF2 and its enterocyte receptor (IGF1R) toward the adaptation response to massive small bowel resection (SBR).
Comments on the theory of phase-conjugated waves

Abstract It is shown by a simple example that an argument frequently given in the literature, regarding the correction of distortions by phase conjugation is incorrect. The example does not imply that wave distortions cannot be corrected under usual circumstances. Rather, it indicates that there is a limit beyond which correction cannot be attained by this technique; and also that the underlying theory is more complicated than is generally realized.
CMOS integrated avalanche photodiodes and frequency-mixing optical sensor front end for portable NIR spectroscopy instruments

This paper presents the design and measurement results of two avalanche photodiode structures (APDs) and a novel frequency-mixing transimpedance amplifier (TIA), which are key building blocks towards a monolithically integrated optical sensor front end for near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy applications. Two different APD structures are fabricated in an unmodified 0.18 \im CMOS process, one with a shallow trench isolation (STI) guard ring and the other with a P-well guard ring. The APDs are characterized in linear mode. The STI bounded APD demonstrates better performance and exhibits 3.78 A/W responsivity at a wavelength of 690 nm and bias voltage of 10.55 V. The frequency-mixing TIA (FM-TIA) employs a T-feedback network incorporating gate-controlled transistors for resistance modulation, enabling the simultaneous down-conversion and amplification of the high frequency modulated photodiode (PD) current. The TIA achieves 92dSΩ conversion gain with 0.5 V modulating voltage. The measured IIP 3 is 10.6/M. The amplifier together with the 50 Ω output buffer draws 23mA from a1.8V power supply.
Nutritional Analysis of Puget Sound Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana)

Samples of Nereocystis luetkeana, an edible brown algae, were collected from Puget Sound, Wash. The freeze-dried samples were analyzed for proximate and elemental composition and evaluated for protein quality by amino acid analysis and using Tetrahymena pyriformis W. The freeze-dried frond, stipe, and bulb of the algae showed similar composition; however, the frond had a protein content twice that found in the bulb and stipe and five times less crude fiber than the stipe. The proximate analysis of the frond was 15.3% protein, 1.3% crude fiber, 42.7% ash, 1.9% crude fat, and 38.8% carbohydrate (by difference). Based on neutron activation analysis, Nereocysti: contained appreciable quantities of sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron. The algae protein appeared to be of high quality based on growth of Tetrahymena pyriformis W. on a pepsin digest of the algae and on the amino acid profile and in vitro digestibility of the intact algae.
Supportive Care in Plastic Surgery for Congenital Absence of Vagina: A Case Presentation

Women with congenital absence of vagina should be identified at birth, but this is seldom the case. When the defect is discovered, complete physical and laboratory examinations should be carried out to determine the extent of the anomalous development of the Mullerian derivative. Comprehensive care includes providing the patient and her family with support and guidance to help them work through their feelings about the defect, which can have a profound psychological impact. Detailed preparation for surgery and postoperative management can minimize the trauma of hospitalization and provide the patient with a positive growth experience.
Vibrational density of states measurement of hydrogen trapped at dislocations in deformed PdH 0.0008

The vibrational density of states (DOS) of hydrogen trapped at dislocations in deformed PdH{sub 0.0008} has been measured at 4 and 295 K with incoherent inelastic neutron scattering. The vibrational DOS at 4 K exhibits features characteristic of the low-temperature {beta}-Pd hydride phase while the characteristic peak in the 295 K DOS corresponds to the solid-solution {alpha}-Pd phase. This is evidence of a {alpha}{yields}{beta} transition at low temperature within the distorted environment of dislocations.
Activation of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase by Phenylalanine Does Not Require Binding in the Active Site

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PheH), a liver enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of excess phenylalanine in the diet to tyrosine, is activated by phenylalanine. The lack of activity at low levels of phenylalanine has been attributed to the N-terminus of the protein’s regulatory domain acting as an inhibitory peptide by blocking substrate access to the active site. The location of the site at which phenylalanine binds to activate the enzyme is unknown, and both the active site in the catalytic domain and a separate site in the N-terminal regulatory domain have been proposed. Binding of catecholamines to the active-site iron was used to probe the accessibility of the active site. Removal of the regulatory domain increases the rate constants for association of several catecholamines with the wild-type enzyme by ∼2-fold. Binding of phenylalanine in the active site is effectively abolished by mutating the active-site residue Arg270 to lysine. The kcat/Kphe value is down 104 for the mutant enzyme, and the Km v...
Theory of transitions in dose dependence of radiation effects in structural alloys

Abstract During irradiation of structural materials many processes take place simultaneously. These range from the elementary production of point defects, point defect clusters, and transmutation products to more complex processes of large scale cavity and precipitate formation, and alterations in macroscopic properties. Behavior that can be defined as transient or steady-state with respect to irradiation dose can often be recognized within each process. Transitions from one type of dose dependence to another can be particularly important. These transitions may signal changes in governing physical processes or they may result in changes in the performance of the material in technological applications. Transitions in dose dependence of point defect concentrations, helium buildup and related transient phenomena in swelling, irradiation creep, and embrittlement are discussed, with particular reference to austenitic Fe-Ni-Cr alloys. Special attention is given to the concept, derivation, and usefulness of irradiation variable shifts based on a requirement of invariance in point defect absorption. It is found that the doses at which transitions in dose dependence take place for swelling and creep for example, can vary by many orders of magnitude, depending upon irradiation conditions and material. Transitions for different phenomena can also be widely separated in dose. Under certain conditions, transient behavior can be the dominant feature in microstructure and property changes.
Long-term correction of inhibitor-prone hemophilia B dogs treated with liver-directed AAV2-mediated factor IX gene therapy.

Preclinical studies and initial clinical trials have documented the feasibility of adenoassociated virus (AAV)–mediated gene therapy for hemophilia B. In an 8-year study, inhibitor-prone hemophilia B dogs (n = 2) treated with liver-directed AAV2 factor IX (FIX) gene therapy did not have a single bleed requiring FIX replacement, whereas dogs undergoing muscle-directed gene therapy (n = 3) had a bleed frequency similar to untreated FIX-deficient dogs. Coagulation tests (whole blood clotting time [WBCT], activated clotting time [ACT], and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]) have remained at the upper limits of the normal ranges in the 2 dogs that received liver-directed gene therapy. The FIX activity has remained stable between 4% and 10% in both liver-treated dogs, but is undetectable in the dogs undergoing muscle-directed gene transfer. Integration site analysis by linear amplification–mediated polymerase chain reaction (LAM-PCR) suggested the vector sequences have persisted predominantly in extrachromosomal form. Complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistries, bile acid profile, hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and liver biopsy were normal with no evidence for tumor formation. AAV-mediated liver-directed gene therapy corrected the hemophilia phenotype without toxicity or inhibitor development in the inhibitor-prone null mutation dogs for more than 8 years.