cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stem cell regulation by the Hippo pathway.

Abstract Background The Hippo pathway coordinates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, and has emerged as a major regulator of organ development and regeneration. Central to the mammalian Hippo pathway is the action of the transcriptional regulators TAZ (also known as WWTR1) and YAP, which are controlled by a kinase cascade that is sensitive to mechanosensory and cell polarity cues. Scope of Review We review recent studies focused on the Hippo pathway in embryonic and somatic stem cell renewal and differentiation. Major Conclusions Accurate control of TAZ and YAP is crucial for the self-renewal of stem cells and in guiding distinct cell fate decisions. In vivo studies have implicated YAP as a key regulator of tissue-specific progenitor cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. Misappropriate activation of nuclear TAZ and YAP transcriptional activity drives tissue overgrowth and is implicated in cancer stem cell-like properties that promote tumor initiation. General Significance Understanding the activity and regulation of Hippo pathway effectors will offer insight into human pathologies that evolve from the deregulation of stem cell populations. Given the roles of the Hippo pathway in directing cell fate and tissue regeneration, the discernment of Hippo pathway regulatory cues will be essential for the advancement of regenerative medicine. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells.
Myocardial revascularization in a sickle-cell trait patient

A 56-year-old man with confirmed sickle-cell trait AS underwent successful triple-vessel myocardial revascularization with internal mammary artery and vein conduits. Variations in routine technique included limitation in hypothermia (32 degrees C), avoidance of intraoperative autologous salvage, hypoxia, severe anemia (< 25% hematocrit), acidosis and postoperative reinfusion of mediastinal drainage.
Effect of CRL-1343 and HSA-157, non-ionic detergents on the bilayer and hexagonal phase transition temperature

Abstract In recently developed non-ionic surfactants called CRL-1343 and HSA-157 (Polyoxyethylene esters of C18 fatty acid, the second compound differs from the first, in having an ester linkage instead of ether link. The second compound, has a hydroxy fatty acid rather than a plain fatty acid component) with low toxicity in vivo, and an ability to reverse the multidrug resistance in human epidermoid carcinoma cells in vitro. The compounds were shown to affect the bilayer and hexagonal phase transition in liposomes. The bilayer phase transition temperature of liposomes composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and encapsulated self quenched doxorubicin, was found to be 40°C, as measured by fluorescence assay. The phase transition measured by this method was found to be in good agreement with the phase transition measured by other techniques such as differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Addition of the non-ionic detergent HSA-157 to these liposomes, at a concentration of 400 nmol, lowered the transition temperature to 30°C, while adding CRL-1343 to the same control liposomes at concentration of 10 nmol lowered the transition temperature to 28°C. The hexagonal phase transition temperature of N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4yl) phophatidylethanolamine (NBD-PE) labeled egg PE, was found to be 40°C as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy, and which is in good agreement with DSC measurements. Addition of HSA-157 to the liposomes at the same concentration used before, increased the phase transition temperature to 45°C, while adding CRL-1343 to the same control liposomes at the same concentration used before, increase the hexagonal transition temperature to 50°C. Our results provide an improved knowledge to understand the mechanism of the newly developed non-ionic surfactant in reversing the MDR, and suggest that those surfactants affect the permeability of membranes, by changing their phase transition behavior.
Retrograde horseradish peroxidase transport in motor axons after Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the tibial nerve in rats

We have recently demonstrated that the number of small sensory neurons of the A-delta- and C-fiber group in lumbar dorsal root ganglia labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is selectively decreased 7 days after Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the tibial nerve in the rat. In contrast, the number of large diameter sensory neurons was not affected by laser application. In an attempt to clarify the fate of motoneurons after laser irradiation of their peripheral axons, the numbers of lumbar motoneurons retrogradely labeled with HRP 7 days after Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the tibial nerve have been determined in rats. Our results show that the number of HRP-labeled motoneurons in lumbar segments L6 to L3 is not altered to a significant extent after laser irradiation of their peripheral axons (laser-treated side, 767 +/- 10 cells vs control side, 808 +/- 19; n = 5, mean +/- SEM). In addition, no difference was detected in the mean value or the distribution of soma cross-sectional areas of labeled motoneurons on the laser-treated side and the control side. Specifically, the numbers of HRP-labeled small diameter motoneurons, which are presumably gamma in type and have a conduction velocity similar to sensory neurons of the A-delta group, were not affected by laser application. Possible mechanisms of the differential vulnerability of sensory neurons as compared to motoneurons of similar size are discussed.
A new species of the genus Anelpistina (Insecta: Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae) from Peru

A new species that is closely related to Anelpistina weyrauchi (Wygodzinsky, 1959), which is also found in Peru, is described. Both South American species are distinct from North American congeners by the presence of several characters shared with species of the genera Cubacubana and Prosthecina, indicating a probable early division within the Anelpistina clade.
Agitation in nursing home residents: The role of gender and social context

We investigated the relationship among gender of resident, staff social interaction, and agitation in 46 (31 male and 15 female) nursing home residents with clinically significant agitation. Direct observations were conducted of resident behaviors and environmental contextual events using a computer-assisted, real-time observational system. The system recorded frequency, duration, and temporal sequencing of events. Results show that female residents displayed almost three times the amount of agitation as male residents (35% vs. 13% of total observation time, respectively), although men in the study were more likely to receive psychoactive drugs for their agitation. Staff spent similar amounts of time verbally interacting and touching male and female residents. Sequential analyses were conducted to examine the likelihood of staff verbal and touch interactions both preceding and following resident agitation using Bakeman and Quera's (1995) SDIS-GSEQ program. Results suggest that staff touch and verbal interaction elicit agitation in a significant proportion of residents. Once agitation occurs, staff were likely to respond by interacting verbally, but not physically, with the resident.
Optimization of ancillary services for system security: Sequential vs. simultaneous LMP calculation

A linear optimization problem is formulated to enable the independent system operator (ISO) to make least cost decisions for purchasing ancillary services. The ISO is responsible for adjusting the schedules resulting from the market clearing process to eliminate congestion [M. Gibescu and C.C. Liu, 1998]. Both the sequential and the simultaneous DC formulations for congestion management and ancillary services selection are optimized and compared as to their optimality. In a simultaneous approach the complex interplay of dynamic interactions which truly represents the actual operation is taken into consideration. Hence the combined optimization is more practical from the point of actual operation of the power system. It is shown in the results that optimality is achieved by simultaneously handling congestion and ancillary services. Load sensitivity studies are done at each of the load buses to see the system impact and predict the LMP at each load bus. A locational marginal price (LMP) simulator based on a generalized n-layer feed forward artificial neural network (ANN) which uses an error-backpropogation algorithm (LMS minimization) is developed to incorporate the inherent uncertainties in the market environment, load forecasting and other factors. It can also serve as a useful tool when there are missing inputs.
Game-theoretic probability

In 1939, the French mathematician Jean Ville demonstrated the inadequacy of Richard von Mises's frequency theory of probability. For von Mises, a sequence of 0s and 1s was random if the frequency of 1s converged to one-half on (1) the sequence as a whole and (2) any reasonably chosen subsequence. Convergence on subsequences is needed, he said, to keep a gambler from beating the odds by choosing when to bet. Ville pointed out that more is needed. The gambler can also vary the amount he bets and the side on which he bets. Since 2001, Vladimir and Vovk and I have sought to revive Ville's idea of basing probability on game theory. In this talk, I explain how the game-theoretic approach leads to a new understanding of classical probability and finance and a new method of prediction. I also discuss why Ville's ideas were forgotten by statisticians and philosophers for 60 years. Because he wrote in French? Because he was a prisoner of war? Because of his bohemian lifestyle? Because he spent too much time teaching and consulting to pay for it? Because he was a dilettante? Or was he just too far ahead of his time?
ASAP: an AS-Aware Peer-Relay Protocol for High Quality VoIP

Peer-to-peer (P2P) technology has been successfully applied in Internet telephony or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), such as the Skype system, where P2P is used for both searching clients and relaying voice packets. Selecting one or multiple suitable peers to relay voice packets is a critical factor for the quality, scalability and cost of a VoIP system. In this paper, we first present two sets of intensive Internet measurement results to confirm the benefits gained by peer relays in VoIP, and to investigate the performance of the Skype system. We obtain the following results: (1) many relay peer selections are suboptimal; (2) the waiting time to select a relay node can be quite long; and (3) there are a large number of unnecessary probes, resulting in heavy network traffic to limit scalability of the VoIP system. Our further analysis shows that two main reasons cause these problems. First, the peer selections do not take Autonomous System (AS) topology into consideration, and second, the complex communication relationships among peers are not well utilized. Motivated by our measurements and analysis, we propose an AS-aware peer-relay protocol called ASAP. Our objective is to significantly improve VoIP quality and system scalability with low overhead. Our intensive evaluation by trace-driven simulation shows ASAP is highly effective and easy to implement on the Internet for building large and scalable VoIP systems.
Intertroop relations of chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

Intertroop relations among four troops of the chacma baboon population on the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, southern Transvaal, South Africa, were studied for 18 months using radiotelemetry. Encounters between troops occurred only rarely and were relatively nonantagonistic in character. Dominance among the four troops was difficult to identify by means of behavior although differences in range quality among the four were marked. The way in which intertroop relations affected the fitness of members of each of the troops was, therefore, unclear. Transfer of individuals from one troop to another was easily accomplished by both males and females and probably negated the effects of differential range quality on individual reproductive fitness.
Strategic Challenger Entry in a Federal System: The Role of Economic and Political Conditions in State Legislative Competition

Over a third of state legislators do not face challengers when seeking reelection. Existing analyses of state legislative contestation almost exclusively focus on the stable institutional features surrounding elections and ignore conditions that change between elections. I remedy this oversight by investigating how political contexts influence challenger entry. State legislators—particularly members of the governor's party—more often face opposition during weak state economies, but the president's copartisans are even more likely to receive a challenger when the president is unpopular. My findings suggest that both national- and state-level political conditions have an important impact on challengers' entry strategies.
Rapamycin-mediated inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin in skeletal muscle cells reduces glucose utilization and increases fatty acid oxidation

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in cell growth and metabolism. mTOR has been postulated as a nutrient sensor, but its role in the regulation of fatty acid and glucose metabolism is poorly understood. For the first time, we show that mTOR inhibition in skeletal muscle cells has pronounced effects on intermediary metabolism. Rapamycin, a uniquely specific mTOR inhibitor with clinical applications, increased fatty acid oxidation by 60% accompanied by increased activities of carnitine palmitoyltransferases I and II, the former believed to be the primary intracellular regulatory enzyme of the fatty acid oxidation pathway. Furthermore, glucose transport capacity, glycogen synthesis, and glycolysis were reduced by approximately 40% under the same conditions. In addition, in the presence of rapamycin, hyperinsulinemic conditions (100 nmol/L insulin, 24 hours) were unable to suppress fatty acid oxidation in L6 myotubes. Rapamycin treatment also decreased baseline phosphorylation of mTOR residues S2448 and S2481 by 30% and almost completely abolished p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation. These results show that rapamycin causes a metabolic shift from glucose utilization to fatty acid oxidation in model muscle cells in the presence of nutrient abundance and underline the importance of mTOR as a key regulator in glucose and lipid metabolism.
Physiological mechanisms of seasonal and rapid cold‐hardening in insects

Insects have evolved a number of physiological mechanisms for coping with the detrimental effects of low temperature. As autumn progresses, insects use environmental signals such as shortening day lengths and gradually decreasing temperatures to trigger seasonal cold-hardening adaptations. These mechanisms include dramatic changes in biochemistry, cell function and gene expression that permit improved cell function and viability at low temperature. Insects are also capable of enhancing cold tolerance on a much shorter time scale, in a process called rapid cold-hardening (RCH). Rapid cold-hardening allows insects to improve cold tolerance almost instantaneously (i.e. within minutes to hours) to cope with sudden cold snaps and regularly-occurring diurnal drops in temperature. Initially, it was assumed that RCH would share many of the same basic mechanisms as seasonal cold-hardening, albeit on a shorter time scale. Although there is some evidence supporting this, recent work has called into question some of the original hypotheses concerning the mechanisms of RCH. Also, some mechanisms important for seasonal cold-hardening, such as up-regulation of stress proteins, are unlikely to function at the temperatures and time scales at which RCH occurs. In the present review, the current understanding of the physiological mechanisms governing both seasonal cold-hardening and RCH are summarized. A synthesis of the current literature suggests that these two forms of cold-hardening may be more mechanistically distinct than originally anticipated.
Structural Analyses of Sum1-1p-dependent Transcriptionally Silent Chromatin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, transcriptional silencing of the cryptic mating loci HML and HMR is established by the combined actions of cis-acting silencers and trans-acting proteins, including Sir2p, Sir3p and Sir4p. The Sir proteins serve as an integral part of a special silent chromatin at the HM loci. Deletion of any of the SIR2-SIR4 genes leads to a complete loss of silencing. However, the SUM1-1 mutation can restore silencing at the HM loci. Recently, it has been shown that Sum1-1p is directed to the silencers and internal regions of the HM loci, and interacts with the Hst1p histone deacetylase that is a paralog of the Sir2p histone deacetylase. Like Sir-dependent silent chromatin, Sum1-1p-dependent chromatin is hypoacetylated. These suggest that Sum1-1p and Hst1p play roles similar to those of the Sir proteins in promoting transcriptional silencing. Here, we examine whether Sum1-1p-dependent chromatin is similar to Sir-dependent silent chromatin, which is characterized by densely and precisely positioned nucleosomes. We demonstrate that Sum1-1p-dependent primary chromatin structure at HMR largely resembles, but is not identical with, Sir-dependent silent chromatin, whereas Sum1-1p-dependent HML chromatin largely resembles, but is not identical with, derepressed chromatin found in a sir- background. This correlates with the previous finding that SUM1-1 restores silencing more efficiently at HMR than at HML. We show also that DNA in Sum1-1p-dependent silent chromatin assumes a distinct topology. Moreover, we present evidence indicating that Sum1-1p can increase the stability of Sir-dependent silent chromatin, thereby providing an explanation for the finding that SUM1-1 enhances HML/HMR silencing in a SIR+ background.
The Effect of Capital Risk on Optimal Saving Decisions

I. Introduction, 653. — II. Preferences for sure and risky consumption bundles, 654. — III. Saving under certainty and under capital risk, 659. — IV. Comparison with the literature, 665.
A continuous-wave hybrid AlGaInAs-silicon evanescent laser

We report a novel laser architecture, the hybrid silicon evanescent laser (SEL), that utilizes offset AlGaInAs quantum wells (QWs) bonded to a silicon waveguide. The silicon waveguide is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator wafer using a complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible process, and is subsequently bonded with the AlGaInAs QW structure using low temperature O2 plasma-assisted wafer bonding. The optical mode in the SEL is predominantly confined in the passive silicon waveguide and evanescently couples into the III-V active region providing optical gain. The SEL lases continuous wave (CW) at 1568 nm with a threshold of 23 mW. The maximum temperature for CW operation is 60degC. The maximum single-sided fiber-coupled CW output power at room temperature is 4.5 mW
WO3–α-Fe2O3 composite photoelectrodes with low onset potential for solar water oxidation

The physical and photoelectrochemical properties of a composite oxide photoelectrode comprised of α-Fe2O3 and WO3 crystals is investigated. The composite films exhibit a water oxidation photocurrent onset potential as low as 0.43 V vs. RHE, a value considerably lower than that of pure α-Fe2O3 photoanodes prepared in comparable synthesis conditions. This result represents one of the lowest onset potentials measured for hematite-based PEC water oxidation systems. Compositional analysis by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy indicates the composition of the films differs between the surfaces and bulk, with tungsten found to be concentrated in the surface region. Post-reaction Raman spectroscopy characterization demonstrates that water interacts with surface WO3 crystals, an event that is associated with the formation of a hydrated form of the oxide.
Space-Charge Transport Limits in Periodic Channels

It has been empirically observed in both experiments and particle-in-cell simulations that space-charge-dominated beams suffer strong emittance growth and particle losses in alternating gradient quadrupole transport channels when the undepressed phase advance σ 0 increases beyond about 85° per lattice period. Although this criteria has been used extensively in practical designs of intense beam transport lattices, no theory exists that explains the limit. We propose a mechanism for the transport limit resulting from classes of halo particle resonances near the core of the beam that allow near-edge particles to rapidly increase in oscillation amplitude when the space-charge intensity and the flutter of the matched beam envelope are both sufficiently large. Due to a finite beam edge and/or perturbations, this mechanism can result in dramatic halo-driven increases in statistical beam phase space area, lost particles, and degraded transport. A core-particle model for a uniform density elliptical beam in a periodic focusing lattice is applied to parametrically analyze this process.
Activity reductions in perirhinal cortex predict conceptual priming and familiarity-based recognition.

Although it is well established that regions in the medial temporal lobes are critical for explicit memory, recent work has suggested that one medial temporal lobe subregion – the perirhinal cortex (PRC) – may also support conceptual priming, a form of implicit memory. Here, we sought to investigate whether activity reductions in PRC, previously linked to familiarity-based recognition, might also support conceptual implicit memory retrieval. Using a free association priming task, the current study tested the prediction that PRC indexes conceptual priming independent of contributions from perceptual and response repetition. Participants first completed an incidental semantic encoding task outside of the MRI scanner. Next, they were scanned during performance of a free association priming task, followed by a recognition memory test. Results indicated successful conceptual priming was associated with decreased PRC activity, and that an overlapping region within the PRC also exhibited activity reductions that covaried with familiarity during the recognition memory test. Our results demonstrate that the PRC contributes to both conceptual priming and familiarity-based recognition, which may reflect a common role of this region in implicit and explicit memory retrieval.
Impact of Booster Chlorination on Chlorine Decay and THM Production: Simulated Analysis

The effect of conventional and booster chlorination on chlorine residuals and trihalomethane (THM) formation in drinking water distribution systems was modeled using the EPANET hydraulic modeling software. The model results suggest that booster chlorination may allow utilities to meet disinfection goals better by carrying chlorine residuals to remote points in the distribution system while lowering the total mass of chlorine applied to the system. The model results suggest that booster chlorination may provide the greatest advantages to points in the distribution system located near storage tanks by providing a more consistent chlorine residual and possibly reducing THM formation. A new version of the EPANET model, the EPANET Multispecies model, was also used to compare chlorine decay due to reactions in the bulk fluid and reactions occurring at the pipe wall. The results suggest that chlorine decay due to wall reactions can be very significant at remote points in the distribution system. Additionally, if THMs are assumed to form primarily through reactions in the bulk fluid, use of the new EPANET Multispecies software allows for calculation of THM formation based solely on chlorine reactions in the bulk fluid rather than on overall chlorine decay.
Tapti Fault in central India: A serious seismic hazard

Regions where the continental lithosphere is slowly deforming may be perceived as stable because they are far away from active plate boundaries, but these regions can and do experience large earthquakes. The lithosphere is relatively cool and thick in these areas, so earthquakes can propagate deeper than in more active regions and have large magnitudes. Because these earthquakes are rare, however, surrounding populations may not be well prepared and thus face significant hazard. Therefore, it is important for these slowly deforming regions to be well characterized.
A PERFUSING SOLUTION FOR THE LOBSTER (HOMARUS) HEART AND THE EFFECTS OF ITS CONSTITUENT IONS ON THE HEART

1. All inorganic perfusing solution for the heart of the lobster Homarus americanus, to allow prolonged normal beating (20 hours or more) must agree closely with the inorganic composition of the serum, which varies differentially with that of the environmental sea water. 2. All of the chief inorganic ions of the serum are necessary—Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, and SO4; the critical numbers of the ions being 100, 3, 5, 2–3, 116, and 1–2 respectively. Absence of Mg and SO4 will be tolerated for several hours. 3. The pH of the solution must agree with that of the serum within 0.2. 4. The osmotic pressure of the solution must agree with that of the serum within 15 per cent. 5. Beating of the heart will continue for several hours on improperly balanced solutions but changes in frequency, tone, or amplitude will occur. Hearts adapted to such solutions will show different responses to physical and chemical stimuli of the solution than those perfused on properly balanced solutions. 6. Arrest in systole is caused by isotonic NaCl, KCl, LiCl, and urea, and arrest in diastole by isotonic CaCl2, MgCl2, NaBr, NaI, MgSO4, and glucose. 7. Lithium cannot replace sodium; neither can bromide or iodide replace chloride ions.
Timing analysis of industrial real-time systems

We describe a formal method for modelling real-time systems and a procedure to compute the model's timing characteristics automatically. We present algorithms that compute exact bounds on the delay between two specified events. We also describe an algorithm to count the minimum and maximum number of times an event occurs between a given starting condition and an ending condition. These algorithms are based on symbolic model checking techniques which have been successfully used to find bugs in several industrial designs. Such techniques can be used to search exhaustively state spaces with up to 10/sup 30/ states. To illustrate the usefulness of our method, we describe the timing analysis for a patient monitoring system with more than 10/sup 13/ states. We also present the timing analysis and verification for an aircraft controller. The sizes of the examples we verify demonstrate that our tool can be applied to realistic industrial designs.
Mexican-American Heroin Addicts

Next to Blacks, Mexican-Americans are the largest ethnic minority group among the visible opioid addict population in the United States. Although commonly grouped together with Puerto Ricans and other Spanish-speaking peoples under the rubric "Hispanic," Mexican-Americans have a unique culture and ethnohistory. In this report we review the clinical and research literature and present new data from studies of Mexican-American opioid users in San Antonio. Mexican-American addicts tend to use fewer classes of illicit drugs and are less likely to use stimulants and psychedelics than Whites or Blacks. Onset of daily opioid use occurs at an early age, typically around 20, yet first voluntary admission to treatment usually occurs later than it does for other ethnic groups. Mexican-American addicts tend to be arrested more frequently and spend significantly more years in correctional institutions, but there is also evidence that they spend more time voluntarily abstinent and employed during their careers. The duration of the career is prolonged, however, and typically exceeds 20 years. Mexican-Americans prefer individual to group treatment, and are especially unlikely to participate in traditional therapeutic communities and group psychotherapies. The Mexican-American client is the least likely to complete treatment without adverse termination. The literature seems unanimous in calling for more treatment of Mexican-American addicts by Mexican-American therapists, but we found little empirical outcome data which demonstrated that ethnic matching of therapist and client brings better results.
Exploiting decentralized channel state information for random access

We study the use of channel state information (CSI) for random access in fading channels. Traditionally, random access protocols have been designed by assuming simple models for the physical layer where all users are symmetric, and there is no notion of channel state. We introduce a reception model that takes into account the channel states of various users. Under the assumption that each user has access to its CSI, we propose a variant of Slotted ALOHA protocol for medium access control, where the transmission probability is allowed to be a function of the CSI. The function is called the transmission control. Assuming the finite user infinite buffer model we derive expressions for the maximum stable throughput of the system. We introduce the notion of asymptotic stable throughput (AST) that is the maximum stable throughput as the number of users goes to infinity. We consider two types of transmission control, namely, population-independent transmission control (PITC), where the transmission control is not a function of the size of the network and population-dependent transmission control (PDTC), where the transmission control is a function of the size of the network. We obtain expressions for the AST achievable with PITC. For PDTC, we introduce a particular transmission control that can potentially lead to significant gains in AST. For both PITC and PDTC, we show that the effect of transmission control is equivalent to changing the probability distribution of the channel state. The theory is then applied to code-division multiple-access (CDMA) networks with linear minimum mean-square error (LMMSE) receivers and matched filters (MF) to illustrate the effectiveness of using channel state. It is shown that through the use of channel state, with arbitrarily small power, it is possible to achieve an AST that is lower-bounded by the spreading gain of the network. This result has implications for the reachback problem in large sensor networks.
Open-channel structures of the human glycine receptor α1 full-length transmembrane domain.

Glycine receptors play a major role in mediating fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord and brain stem, yet their high-resolution structures remain unsolved. We determined open-channel structures of the full-length transmembrane domain (TMD) of the human glycine receptor α1-subunit (hGlyR-α1) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electron micrographs. hGlyR-α1 TMD spontaneously forms pentameric Cl(-)-conducting channels, with structures sharing overall topology observed in crystal structures of homologous bacterial and nematode pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). However, the mammalian hGlyR-α1 structures present several distinctive features, including a shorter, pore-lining TM2 helix with helical unwinding near the C-terminal end, a TM3 helical kink at A288 that partially overlaps with the homologous ivermectin-binding site in GluCl, and a highly dynamic segment between S267(15') of TM2 and A288 that likely affects allosteric modulations of channel function. Our structures provide additional templates for identifying potential drug targets in GlyRs and other mammalian pLGICs.
The role of water availability in seasonal growth of Bazzania trilobata on boulders in an eastern hemlock stand

Abstract Bryophyte growth is most often cited as being primarily water-limited; however, experimental manipulation of water availability in the field has not previously been employed to test this hypothesis. Here we follow the growth responses of a leafy liverwort, Bazzania trilobata, to field water addition treatments. Our study system was an eastern hemlock stand located in the lower Hubbard Brook Valley in northern New Hampshire where Bazzania forms pure colonies over boulders. The experimental design accounted for effects of boulder treatment (control, water addition or water plus nitrogen), aspect (north- or south-facing), position (top, east or west side of a boulder) and liverwort stem density. To follow growth responses of Bazzania, we tracked changes in biomass gain, stem elongation and branching over 86 days. Environmental measurements for the evaluation period and supplemental physiological data for Bazzania were also taken. An increase in water availability did not evoke a straightforward incr...
Structural Characterization of Solids

In principle, a solid is characterized absolutely if one can list all the atoms or ions present, their spatial distribution, and the bonds holding them together. The dynamics of the atoms, and even possibly the electrons, might be added to this list. The goal of structural characterization is, in fact, no more than the description of the three-dimensional arrangements of the atoms (and electrons) in a solid. In so doing, it spans the range from the grossest features (such as the external morphology and cracks visible to the naked eye) down to the finest detail of atomic arrangement (such as the omission of single ions from their expected location in a periodic array).
Effect of cognitive load on tactor location identification in zero-g

A wearable haptic interface has been developed to impart vibrotactile information to its user with the goal of improving situation awareness. The effectiveness of the haptic interface has been evaluated in three experiments aboard the NASA KC-135A reduced gravity aircraft. During the third flight, subjects identified the locations of tactors embedded in the haptic display in a microgravity environment. We report our results on how cognitive load affects one's ability to identify the locations of vibrotactile stimulations in the altered-gravity environment. Cognitive load was manipulated by requiring subjects to be strapped to the floor of the KC-135 (low cognitive-load condition) or allowing them to float freely in microgravity (high cognitive-load condition). It was found that tactor-location identification was more accurate in the low cognitive-load condition than in the high cognitive-load condition. Our results have implications for the design of multimodal user interfaces in general.
Native FMO-reaction center supercomplex in green sulfur bacteria: an electron microscopy study

Chlorobaculum tepidum is a representative of green sulfur bacteria, a group of anoxygenic photoautotrophs that employ chlorosomes as the main light-harvesting structures. Chlorosomes are coupled to a ferredoxin-reducing reaction center by means of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) protein. While the biochemical properties and physical functioning of all the individual components of this photosynthetic machinery are quite well understood, the native architecture of the photosynthetic supercomplexes is not. Here we report observations of membrane-bound FMO and the analysis of the respective FMO-reaction center complex. We propose the existence of a supercomplex formed by two reaction centers and four FMO trimers based on the single-particle analysis of the complexes attached to native membrane. Moreover, the structure of the photosynthetic unit comprising the chlorosome with the associated pool of RC-FMO supercomplexes is proposed.
Supervising with due diligence for electrical safety

A company can achieve an effective Electrical Safety Program when all components of the safety program meet or exceeds the Occupational Health and Safety Act's and National Fire Protection Association 70E's requirements. As part of the requirements, employees must receive safety training and demonstrate those safety skills for the tasks they are expected to perform. This requirement applies to everyone including supervisors. Supervisors, acting as agents of their company, play a critical role in the success of their company's electrical safety program. Electrical supervisors must know and understand the hazards their employees may face and the proper safety procedures to employ for the protection of the employees. Supervisors must possess this knowledge and skills in order to supervise with due diligence for electrical safety. This paper will explore the safety tasks and offer suggested skills and/or competencies that should be performed by supervisors for due diligence supervision and safety success.
Emulsion of Aqueous-Based Nonspherical Droplets in Aqueous Solutions by Single-Chain Surfactants: Templated Assembly by Nonamphiphilic Lyotropic Liquid Crystals in Water

Single-chain surfactants usually emulsify and stabilize oily substances into droplets in an aqueous solution. Here, we report a coassembly system, in which single types of anionic or non-ionic surfactants emulsify a class of water-soluble nonamphiphilic organic salts with fused aromatic rings in aqueous solutions. The nonamphiphilic organic salts are in turn promoted to form droplets of water-based liquid crystals (chromonic liquid crystals) encapsulated by single-chain surfactants. The droplets, stabilized against coalescence by encapsulated in a layer (or layers) of single chain surfactants, are of both nonspherical tactoid (elongated ellipsoid with pointy ends) and spherical shapes. The tactoids have an average long axis of ∼9 μm and a short axis of ∼3.5 μm with the liquid crystal aligning parallel to the droplet surface. The spherical droplets are 5–10 μm in diameter and have the liquid crystal aligning perpendicular to the droplet surface and a point defect in the center. Cationic and zwitterionic su...
Prolonged extracorporeal oxygenation for acute post-traumatic respiratory failure (shock-lung syndrome). Use of the Bramson membrane lung.

Abstract A 24-year-old man sustained subadventitial transection of the thoracic aorta and multiple orthopedic injuries resulting from blunt trauma. The aortic injury was repaired. Because respirato...
Abstract B26: Lack of cyclin D1 kinase activity leads to reduced levels of ErbB2-induced senescence and activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in the mammary gland

Proper orchestration of the Oncogene‐induced Senescence (OIS) checkpoint relies upon the activation of the ARF‐p53 and/or the p16 INK4a‐pRB tumor suppressor pathways. Overexpression of cyclin D1, as observed in a large proportion of human breast cancers, is believed to confer proliferative advantage through pRb inactivation. The aim of the current study is to assess the role of cyclin D1‐associated kinase activity during ErbB2‐induced senescence in the mammary epithelium using a kinase‐deficient cyclin D1 knock‐in mouse (cyclin D1KE/KE) as a model. The effect of cyclin D1WT/WT or cyclin D1KE/KE on MMTV‐ErbB2‐induced senescence was analyzed in mammary glands of double‐transgenic animals. Surprisingly, we observed that cyclin D1KE/KE/MMTV‐ErbB2 mammary glands fail to upregulate markers of cellular senescence when compared to preneoplastic cyclin D1WT/WT/ MMTV‐ErbB2 mammary glands. These findings correlated with high levels of proliferation and increased cellularity per duct section despite the fact that the cyclin D1KE/KE/MMTV‐ErbB2 mammary epithelial cells do not progress to tumor formation. Moreover, this ectopic proliferation was not accompanied by phosphorylation at Ser780 of pRb, suggesting that other D‐cyclins were unable to compensate for the lack of cyclin D1‐associated kinase activity. Interestingly, failure to implement the senescence program in mutant mammary epithelium was accompanied by an activation of the Wnt signaling pathway that led to stabilization of beta‐catenin in mutant mammary epithelial cells, an observation that others have found to correlate with senescence bypass in MEFs. In addition, induction of senescence in cyclin D1WT/WT/ MMTV‐ErbB2 mammary glands did not lead to the accumulation of the gene products encoded by the INK4a/ARF locus. Instead, p18 INK4c expression was increased in D1WT/WT/ MMTV‐ErbB2 mammary glands above the basal levels observed in cyclin D1WT/WT mammary tissue that did not express MMTV‐ErbB2. A comparable induction was not observed in cyclin D1KE/KE/ MMTV‐ErbB2 mammary glands. Taken together, our results suggest a dual role for cyclin D1‐associated kinase activity in ErbB2‐induced senescence and tumor formation. Cyclin D1 kinase activity is necessary for the full transformation of ErbB2‐expressing cells, but it may also play an active role in the cascade that leads ErbB2‐overexpressing cells to senesce such that cells that are kinase‐deficient can still proliferate due to Wnt signaling activation. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):B26.
Large-scale detection of metals with a small set of fluorescent DNA-like chemosensors.

An important advantage of pattern-based chemosensor sets is their potential to detect and differentiate a large number of analytes with only few sensors. Here we test this principle at a conceptual limit by analyzing a large set of metal ion analytes covering essentially the entire periodic table, employing fluorescent DNA-like chemosensors on solid support. A tetrameric “oligodeoxyfluoroside” (ODF) library of 6561 members containing metal-binding monomers was screened for strong responders to 57 metal ions in solution. Our results show that a set of 9 chemosensors could successfully discriminate the 57 species, including alkali, alkaline earth, post-transition, transition, and lanthanide metals. As few as 6 ODF chemosensors could detect and differentiate 50 metals at 100 μM; sensitivity for some metals was achieved at midnanomolar ranges. A blind test with 50 metals further confirmed the discriminating power of the ODFs.
Genetic Engineering and the World Trade System: Gender dimensions of biotechnology policy and trade

Gender issues in biotechnology policy and trade are rapidly emerging as some of the most interesting and challenging within these fields. Gender issues have been identified in three important areas impacted by biotechnology, namely agriculture, traditional knowledge, and health. The policy discussion on these matters is still in its early stages and more research will be needed in order to formulate approaches that adequately incorporate a gender perspective. Gendered aspects of biotechnology also raise concerns in international trade law, which have not yet been addressed in the current legal framework at any level, including the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) regime. This paper analyzes some of these trends and then proposes ways in which gender might be mainstreamed into biotechnology policy and trade in order to better suit the needs of women.
Properties and Applications of Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets

We introduce the concept of Pythagorean fuzzy subsets and discuss its relationship with intuitionistic fuzzy subsets. We focus on the negation and its relationship to the Pythagorean theorem. We describe some of the basic set operations on Pythagorean fuzzy subsets. We look at the relationship between Pythagorean membership grades and complex numbers. We consider the problem of multi-criteria decision making with satisfactions expressed as Pythagorean membership grades. We look at the use of the geometric mean and ordered weighted geometric (OWG) operator for aggregating criteria satisfaction. We provide a method for comparing alternatives whose degrees of satisfaction to the decision criteria are expressed as Pythagorean membership grades.
Composition and structure of cytoplasmic globules in leukemic lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes from a patient with lymphocytic leukemia were found to contain cytoplasmic globules. The globules varied in size, the largest appearing identical to Russell bodies. Histochemical staining was used to demonstrate the glycoprotein composition of these bodies. Electron microscopy revealed this material to be within dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. It is proposed that these globules are abnormal accumulations of glycoprotein which represent stages in the evolution of "Russell bodies." The generic description of these cytoplasmic globules would seem to be preferable to the continued use of eponyms.
Structure and mechanics of nonwovens

Abstract: Nonwovens are complex fiber assemblies whose mechanical properties depend on numerous and often random factors. This chapter first discusses nonwoven production processes and how they relate to key properties like ODF and mass uniformity. The second part focuses on the different approaches used to model the mechanical behavior of nonwovens.
Reestablishing the Fundamental Bases for Environmental Health

Using seismic disaster as a lens, this chapter provides a perspective on how traditional-yet-dynamic forms of resilience are tied to historically and geologically active landscapes transfigured in globally standardized ways by infrastructure. I illuminate emergency habitus — the dispositions and sensibilities that enable survival — by focusing on how social groups in suddenly disrupted, infrastructure-dense environments organize immediate action in relation to local topography. Focusing on coastal cities, I define the social topography of seismic events as hybrid, socially organized landscapes of action that emerge in the timeframe of a seismic event to provide basic, ready-made yet informal plans for safe evacuation. Social topography is a kind of practical knowledge, a locally-attuned method for navigating disordered environments and an important aspect of what Chileans call “seismic culture.”
Recent Critiques and Developments

Zen Buddhists have recently begun to reflect critically on traditional Zen in Japan and to give more explicit attention to ethics and the various problems confronting humanity. In part, this concern derives from the introduction of Marxism and other forms of Western thought after the Meiji Restoration (1868), the shock of World War II, and dialogue with Christianity.
Anti-Diabetes Mellitus Plants: Active Principles, Mechanisms of Action and Sustainable Utilization

The incidence and severity of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, presenting a significant burden to society both in economic terms and overall well-being. There is a growing demand for novel safe and effective medicines due to the limited efficacy and undesirable side effects of current conventional drugs. We now have a great opportunity to develop plant-based therapies for diabetes mellitus with superior efficacy and safety utilizing modern science and technology. Anti-Diabetes Mellitus Plants: Active Principles, Mechanisms of Action and Sustainable Utilization begins with a detailed introduction to diabetes mellitus including current treatments for this disease in conventional medicine. It provides an authoritative overview of available methods for studying the anti-diabetes mellitus activities of plant products. The book highlights the likely therapeutic superiority of scientifically developed combinations of anti-diabetes mellitus phytochemicals and polyherbal formulations. This unique reference covers the development of polyherbal formulations and conventional combination drugs with desired targets of action for diabetes mellitus patients. In this book, more than 300 anti-diabetes phytochemical compounds are extensively covered and updated with their pharmacological properties. It will serve as a valuable source of information for researchers, students, doctors, biotechnologists, diabetic patients, and other individuals wanting to learn more about plant-based treatments for diabetes mellitus.