cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single and Multilevel Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Adjacent to L5-S1 ALIF (Lumbar Hybrid): 6 Years of Follow-up.

ABSTRACT Background Single and multilevel lumbar arthroplasty has had excellent results, but the L5-S1 level frequently has pathology that precludes arthroplasty. This study evaluated clinical outcomes and sagittal range of motion (ROM) of operated levels and adjacent motion segments in single- and multiple-level ProDisc-L above a simultaneous L5-S1 fusion (hybrid) after a 2- to 6-year follow-up. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 46 patients underwent simultaneous lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) at one to three levels and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L5-S1. Twenty-three patients had L5-S1 ALIF + L4-5 TDR, 19 patients had L5-S1 ALIF + two-level TDR, and 4 patients had L5-S1 ALIF + three-level TDR. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scores (VAS) of patient satisfaction (VAS-S) and pain (VAS-P) were recorded. Sagittal motion on pre- and postoperative lumbar radiographs at each operative segment and adjacent segment was acquired. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually for 24 to 72 months postoperatively. Results For clinical results, there were no differences among the groups for age, gender, body mass index, tobacco use, or worker9s compensation status. At 2–6 years postoperation, all patients had significant reductions in ODI and VAS scores. For radiographic results, at the nonsurgical level adjacent to the TDR + ALIF constructs, the mean preoperative ROM was 9.40 ± 1.80° compared with 10.50 ± 2.25° postoperatively. The mean preoperative ROM at levels undergoing TDR was 10.4 ± 2.71° versus 12.6 ± 2.25° postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in ROM at each prosthetic motion segment between patients receiving one-, two-, or three-level TDR. The mean preoperative ROM at the L5-S1 segment to undergo fusion was 2.4 ± 2.44°, with all patients having a postoperative ROM of 0.00°. Conclusions Multilevel TDR above an L5-S1 ALIF (hybrid procedure) preserves ROM at the individual TDR levels and does not reduce the fusion rate of the L5-S1 fused level. Most significantly, the nonoperative adjacent level maintains its preoperative ROM at 2–6 years postoperatively.
The impact of Medicaid expansion on emergency department wait times.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the impact of Medicaid expansion on emergency department (ED) wait times. DATA SOURCES We used 2012-2017 hospital-level secondary data from the CMS Hospital Compare data warehouse. STUDY DESIGN We used a state-level difference-in-differences approach to identify the impact of Medicaid expansion on four measures of ED wait times: time before being seen by a provider; time before being sent home after being seen by a provider; boarding time spent in the ED waiting to be discharged to an inpatient room; and the percentage of patients who left without being seen. We compared outcomes in states that expanded Medicaid with those in states that did not expand Medicaid. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Our sample included all US acute care hospitals with EDs in states that did not ever expand Medicaid or that fully expanded Medicaid in January of 2014. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Medicaid expansion was associated with a 3.1-min increase (SE: 0.994, baseline mean: 30.8 min) in the time spent waiting to see an ED provider, a relative increase of 10%. Patients who were eventually sent home after being seen by a provider experienced a 7.5-min increase (SE: 1.8, baseline mean 142.1 min) in wait time. Boarding time rose by 3.8 min (SE 1.9, baseline mean 111.4 min). The percentage of patients who left without being seen rose by 0.3 percentage points (SE: 0.09, baseline mean 2.0), a relative increase of 15.3%. CONCLUSIONS This study provides multistate evidence that Medicaid expansion increased ED wait times for patients, indicating that ED crowding may have worsened post-expansion. Future work should aim to uncover the mechanisms through which insurance expansion increased ED wait times to provide policy direction.
Oxidative Stress and the Unfolded Protein Response in the Liver

Several liver and biliary diseases are characterized by oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, both of which can lead to inflammation, disruption of hormone signaling, and cell death. Endoplasmic reticulum stress results from the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the lumen and is linked to the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling pathway that reduces global protein synthesis and upregulates folding and degradation machinery. Protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen can also generate reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress can influence the UPR. In this chapter, the interactions between the endoplasmic reticulum, UPR, and oxidative stress will be discussed with special emphasis placed on these events in the liver.
Effect of environment and order of testing on performance of a motor task.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of environment and order of administration on the performance of an overarm throw. The subjects (N = 96) for the study were University of Wisconsin freshman and sophomore women who voluntarily took a series of five proficiency tests in physical education. The proficiency test of interest in this study was a measure of the velocity of the overarm throw. The overarm throw was administered in two environments, a laboratory and a gymnasium. These environments differed in two respects: (a) the gymnasium was larger, in space as well as in ceiling height; (b) the distance over which the ball could be thrown varied, with a 15-ft distance used in the laboratory and a 33-ft distance used in the gymnasium. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of five testing orders. A 5 (order) × 2 (environments) × 4 (trials) analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The average velocity of the throw in the gymnasium was significantly higher than the averag...
Individualized Foreign Language Instruction: New Myths and Old Realities.

The following is an abridged version of an address delivered on April 22, 1972, at the Annual Convention of the Ontario Modern Language Teachers' Association. Let us begin with the myths surroundin...
Analysis and Pharmacological Targeting of Phospholipase C β Interactions with G Proteins

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C enzymes (PLC) catalyze hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate generating the second messengers diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate. Mammalian phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta (PLCbeta) activity is regulated by the alpha(q) family of G-protein alpha subunits and by Gbetagamma subunits. Regulation of PLCbeta enzymatic activity can be assayed by reconstituting purified G-protein subunits with purified PLCbeta in the presence of phospholipid vesicles containing the substrate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. This chapter describes methods for expression and purification of PLCbeta and Gbetagamma from insect cells, assay of G-protein-dependent regulation of PLC activity, and assessment of G-protein-PLC direct binding interactions. This combination of functional and direct binding analysis provides a powerful approach to characterizing PLC and G-protein interfaces, identifying inhibitors of this interaction, and potentially uncovering new modes of PLC regulation.
Masseeella narasimhanii, a new species of rust onFlueggea leucopyrus willd

Flueggea leucopyrus Willd, is a stiff thorny shrub with ovate-orbicular leaves and greenish white fruits, Some of these plants growing near Yashavantapur, Bangalore, were heavily rusted, and a detailed study undertaken by the writer proved it to be a new species of Masseeella. So far three species have been recorded for the genus, Masseeella Capparidis (Hobson) Diet., M. Flueggeo Syd. on Flueggea virosa Baill. in the Philippines, and M Breynke Thirumala-char. With the exception of Masseeella Capparidis for which only the telial stage is known, the other two species are auteecious eu-forms. Even so the Masseeella on Flueggea leucopyrus is also an autrecious co-form, with pycnia and mia developing in August -September, uredia and telia in the months of October to January.
Protein and fat metabolism in rats during repletion with total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

We investigated the effect of non-protein calorie source on the repletion by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) of protein-depleted rats. Rats were depleted by feeding them a protein free diet for 4 weeks. Control (non-depleted) and depleted rats were given one of three isocaloric, isonitrogenous TPN regi mens for 6 days. They differed in the proportion of non-protein calories given as glucose and fat: diet 1, 100% glucose; diet 2, 75% glucose, 25% fat; and diet 3, 100% fat. The liver, skeletal muscle and whole body protein synthesis and break down rates were measured by using (15N)glycineas a tracer. The fatty acid distri bution in the liver was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: (a) Omission of fat leads to a decrease in the fraction of linoleate in the liver, (b) Giving all the non-protein calories as a fat emulsion causes fatty acid accumulation in the liver and a significant increase in the liver protein fractional synthesis rate in the control rats and killed about half the depleted rats, (c) For TPN regimens 1 and 2 both the muscle and whole body synthesis rates were in creased during repletion, (d) Of the three TPN regimens, the second one which contained both fat and glucose was superior to the other two. J. Nutr. Ill: 154-165, 1981.
Pore Structure Analysis of American Coals

SUMMARY The pore structure of 19 American coals, representing a wide range of rank and geographic origin, has been studied via gas adsorption, mercury porosimetry, helium displacement and NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements. Nitrogen adsorption at 77 K was used to determine surface area in the pore range of r >≈lnm and carbon dioxide adsorption at 273 K was used to obtain the total surface area. Porosimetry results were complicated by inter-particle void filling, surface roughness/porosity and sample compression. By employing a range of particle sizes, information concerning the relative magnitude of these mechanisms was ascertained as a function of pressure. Spin-lattice relaxation measurements of water contained in saturated coal were used to find pore size distributions over a broad range of T 1 , the spin-lattice relaxation time. Good qualitative agreement was obtained between these measurements and gas adsorption/condensation results.
Adler, Leonore Loeb

Leonore Loeb Adler is professor emerita of psychology, and the founder and director of the Institute for Cross-Cultural and Cross-Ethnic Studies at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, New York. An active researcher, writer, and editor, she has been the author or editor of 18 books, and has written more than 70 chapters and articles, mostly in the area of cross-cultural psychology, but in several other areas, as well. Keywords: cross-cultural psychology; gender
CENTER: A System Architecture for Matching Design and Manufacturing

This paper presents CENTER, a new architecture for design for manufacturing. CENTER is based on a new methodology for matching product design with manufacturing processes. The power of CENTER derives from a new technique to analyze manufacturing data and use knowledge-based techniques to guide design simulations based on the result of the analysis. CENTER can be used to construct knowledgebased systems that would compliment the prevailing practice of exclusively relying on human-directed design simulations. We present two case studies: application of CENTER to a welding process and application of CENTER to VLSI manufacturing.
Dirac metal to topological metal transition at a structural phase change in Au 2 Pb and prediction of Z 2 topology for the superconductor

Three-dimensional Dirac semimetals (DSMs) are materials that have massless Dirac electrons and exhibit exotic physical properties. It has been suggested that structurally distorting a DSM can create a topological insulator but this has not yet been experimentally verified. Furthermore, Majorana fermions have been theoretically proposed to exist in materials that exhibit both superconductivity and topological surface states. Here we show that the cubic Laves phase ${\mathrm{Au}}_{2}\mathrm{Pb}$ has a bulk Dirac cone that is predicted to gap on cooling through a structural phase transition at 100 K. The low temperature phase can be assigned a ${\mathrm{Z}}_{2}=\ensuremath{-}1$ topological index, and this phase becomes superconducting below 1.2 K. These characteristics make ${\mathrm{Au}}_{2}\mathrm{Pb}$ a unique platform for studying the transition between bulk Dirac electrons and topological surface states as well as studying the interaction of superconductivity with topological surface states, combining many different properties of emergent materials---superconductivity, bulk Dirac electrons, and a topologically nontrivial ${\mathrm{Z}}_{2}$ invariant.
In vivo ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography using a Kerr-lens modelocked Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laser

Summary form only given. Over the past few years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been extensively evaluated as a possible diagnostic tool in a variety of medical fields, demonstrating its feasibility as a high speed, non-invasive, high resolution in vivo and in situ imaging modality with the possibility of being easily implemented into different medical diagnostic instruments; e.g., catheters, microscopes, as well as ophthalmoscopes. We demonstrate an ultrahigh, subcellular level resolution OCT system for in vivo and in vitro imaging. It uses a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser that emits pulses as short as 5.5 fs with bandwidths up to 350 nm centred at 800 nm with an average power of up to 150 mW, due to broadband controlled dispersion and high reflectivity enabled by low-dispersion prisms and special designed double chirped mirrors. The output spectrum can be shaped by changing the prisms insertions (P1, P2) or by alteration of the prism separation. Appropriate single mode fibers, special broad bandwidth, wavelength flattened 3 dB fiber coupler, as well as special achromatic and catadioptric objectives are used to maintain this ultrabroad bandwidth to achieve subcellular level resolution.
A Simple Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-Based Strategy That Can Distinguish the Internal Genes of Human H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1 Influenza A Viruses

A simple molecular technique for rapid genotyping was developed to monitor the internal gene composition of currently circulating influenza A viruses. Sequence information from recent H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1 human virus isolates was used to identify conserved regions within each internal gene, and gene-specific PCR primers capable of amplifying all three virus subtypes were designed. Subtyping was based on subtype-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns within the amplified regions. The strategy was tested in a blinded fashion using 10 control viruses of each subtype (total, 30) and was found to be very effective. Once standardized, the genotyping method was used to identify the origin of the internal genes of 51 influenza A viruses isolated from humans in Hong Kong during and immediately following the 1997–1998 H5N1 outbreak. No avian-human or H1-H3 reassortants were detected. Less than 2% (6 of 486) of the RFLP analyses were inconclusive; all were due to point mutations within a restriction site. The technique was also used to characterize the internal genes of two avian H9N2 viruses isolated from children in Hong Kong during 1999.
Distinct mechanisms of plasma LDL lowering by dietary fiber in the guinea pig: specific effects of pectin, guar gum, and psyllium.

Pectin (PE), guar gum (GG), and psyllium (PSY) lower plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations in guinea pigs with different orders of magnitude by inducing defined alterations in hepatic cholesterol homeostasis (Fernandez et al. 1994. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 59: 869-879; 61: 127-134 and 1995. J. Lipid Res. 36: 1128-1138). To further explore specific mechanisms responsible for the differences in plasma and hepatic cholesterol lowering, the effects of these fibers were evaluated on cholesterol absorption, hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity, the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid synthesis, and in vivo LDL transport to target specific primary and secondary mechanisms accounting for the observed responses. Fibers were fed with physiological (0.04%), low cholesterol (LC), or pharmacological high cholesterol (HC) (0.25%) levels to assess whether cholesterol intake influences plasma LDL lowering mechanisms. Intake of PE, GG, or PSY with LC or HC diets lowered plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations (P
Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Switching in Skeletal Muscles in an A8V-Troponin C Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Knock-In Mouse Model

Missense mutations in the TNNC1 gene encoding cardiac and slow skeletal troponin C (c/ssTnC) are associated with phenotypic outcomes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Since the impact of HCM c/ssTnC mutations during skeletal muscle development and function is unknown, we addressed whether changes in the myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms can occur outside of the heart. We hypothesized that the ratio of MHC I to MHC II in various skeletal muscles change due to an HCM-associated c/ssTnC A8V mutation in a knock-in homozygous mouse (KI-TnC-A8V+/+). The distribution of MHC I/II isoforms in diaphragm (D), soleus (S), tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and quadriceps (Q) isolated from 3- and 9-month (mo) old male WT and KI-TnC-A8V+/+ mice were analyzed by glycerol SDS-PAGE. The muscle/body weight ratio (M/BW) and running capacity were also measured. At 3 mo, MHC isoform switching was observed in D (increased MHCIIb), S (decreased MHCIIa, increased MHCI) and EDL (increased MHCIIa/x, decreased MHCIIb) of KI-TnC-A8V+/+ compared to WT. TA M/BW is increased in 3- and 9-mo KI-TnC-A8V+/+ mice compared to WT at the same age. Pairwise comparison of M/BW from 3- vs 9-mo KI-TnC-A8V+/+ mice showed a significant decrease for TA and Q and an increase for EDL, and no change for any WT muscles. In running tests, KI-TnC-A8V+/+ mice had a lower capacity to run distances compared to WT (281 vs 413 meters). Thus, changes in MHC isoforms in the skeletal muscles of mice expressing c/ssTnC A8V are associated with reduced exercise endurance, suggesting that skeletal muscle remodeling may contribute to the development of HCM phenotype. Future studies will examine MHC isoforms at 9 mo and Ca2+-activated myofibrilar Mg2+-ATPase rates from skeletal muscles in KI-TnC-A8V+/+ mice.
Clostridium botulinum type E outgrowth and toxin production in vacuum-skin packaged shrimp

Abstract White and brown shrimp (Penaeus spp.), harvested from the Georgia coast, were inoculated with log 3-4 spores of a mixed pool of four strains of Clostridium botulinum type E (Beluga, Minnesota, G21-5, and 070). Oxygen barrier film was used to vacuum-skin package the shrimp. Packaged shrimp was stored at either 4°C or 10°C. Storage at 10°C was used to simulate temperature abuse. Anaerobes were enumerated by Most Probable Number method using TPYGT broth incubated in anaerobic jars. Clostridium botulinum toxin production was evaluated using the mouse bioassay. After six days at 10°C, botulinum toxin was detected in the packaged shrimp, but the shrimp was noticeably spoiled at this point. No botulinum toxin was detected in the packaged shrimp stored at 4°C for 21 days, although spoilage was noted after 6 days.
The Creativity and Job Satisfaction of Artists in Organizations

Although the creativity of artists is often studied, typically these artists work alone. The primary objective of this investigation was to examine artists employed in a large organization. Collaboration is required in organizations, and it may be that only particular artists succeeded in those settings. With this in mind, the Adjective Check List (ACL) was administered to 35 artists from a large organization specializing in creative products. Background data (e.g., birth order and education) were also collected. Seven scales extracted from each ACL and both personality and background were tested as predictors of the job satisfaction of the organizational artists. Another objective of this investigation was to assess the artists' views about the organization, using a measure of the Climate for Creative Productivity. The final objective was to compare artists' views of “an ideally or maximally creative visual artist” (based on a second administration of the ACL). Results indicated that job satisfaction cou...
Free-air CO2 enrichment effects on the energy balance and evapotranspiration of sorghum

Abstract Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) likely will affect future water requirements of most plants, including agricultural crops. This research quantifies such effects on the energy balance and evapotranspiration (ET) of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, a C 4 grain crop) using a residual energy balance approach. During the summer and autumn of 1998 and 1999, sorghum was grown under free-air CO 2 enrichment (FACE) conditions near Maricopa, Arizona. Latent heat flux ( λ ET) was determined by subtracting soil heat flux ( G 0 ) and sensible heat flux ( H ) from net radiation ( R n ) values in both Control CO 2 plots (about 370 μmol mol −1 ) and FACE plots (Control + 200 μmol mol −1 ). R n was observed using net radiometers. G 0 was measured with soil heat flux plates at a depth of 10 mm, then corrected for heat storage above the plates. H was determined using measurements of air temperature from aspirated psychrometers, leaf temperature from infrared thermometers, and wind data from a three-cup anemometer. Both FACE and Control plots were divided into semicircular halves to allow a well-watered (Wet) treatment and a drought-stressed (Dry) treatment. This allowed comparisons of the FACE effect on ET in normal and water-stressed conditions. Under Wet conditions, FACE decreased λ ET by 13.8±1.8% in 1998, and 11.8±1.9% in 1999. Drought-stress resulted in a reduction in λ ET of 8.5±3.7% for the FACE treatments in 1998, but an increase in λ ET of 10.5±5.1% in 1999. When soil water was readily available, midday canopy temperatures in the FACE plots were increased by 1.47±0.09 °C in 1998, and 1.85±0.20 °C in 1999, indicative of increased stomatal resistance due to CO 2 enrichment. These data suggest that soil water availability is a determining factor for the FACE effect. Water use efficiency (WUE) increased about 28% due to elevated CO 2 under Wet conditions due to a savings of water for about the same growth, whereas under Dry conditions it increased about 16% due to much greater relative growth on only a slightly higher amount of water.
The effect of acute and chronic naloxone administration on motor activation in the rat

Abstract The acute and chronic effects of naloxone on motor activity was studied in rats. No difference in motor activity was noted between naloxone-treated (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) and saline-treated rats on the first day of testing. By contrast, naloxone, in all three doses tested, blocked the increase in motor activation noted in saline-treated animals upon repeated testing. These data may suggest that endogenous opioid systems may play a role in behavioral activation and adaptation and provide further support to the proposed involvement of endogenous ligands for the opiate receptor in emotional reactivity.
Blockade of Ca2+ dependent rat atrial slow action potentials by adenosine and lanthanum.

The effects of different [Ca2+]0 in the presence of variable [Na+]0 (100 to 37 mM) on the slow action potentials were studied in isolated rat atria in the presence of 25 mM K+ plus 10−6 M isoproterenol. Two modes of electrical stimulation were used, sustained stimulation at 0.5 Hz (“steady-state” mode), and stimulation by a single stimulus after rest periods of 2 to 5 min (“1st response” mode). With the first type of stimulation, and for [Ca2+]0 between 0.5 and 10 mM and [Na+]0 between 100 and 65 mM, the slow action potential overshoot increased linearly with the logarithm of the [Ca2+]0 (28.4 mV per 10-fold change in [Ca2+]0). However, elevation of [Ca2+]0 above 10 mM caused depression of the overshoot. This overshoot depression by high [Ca2+]0 was accentuated if [Na+]0 was decreased to 37 mM. With the “1st response” mode of stimulation, the overshoot — log [Ca2+]0 relationship was linear within a wider [Ca2+]0 range (0.5 to 25 mM), and was less sensitive to further decreases in [Na+]0. It is suggested that rat atria slow action potentials are generated by selective influx of Ca2+ but not Na+, and that the depression of amplitudes observed a high [Ca2+]0 and low [Na+]0 is due to a decrease in the Na2+ exchange mechanism which results in a higher [Ca2+]i, and not to a decrease in the inward Na+ current. Adenosine produced a parallel downward displacement of the overshoot to log [Ca2+]0 relationship. This adenosine effect was concentration dependent, independent of [Ca2+]0 and the frequency of stimulation. In contrast, the effects of 0.4 mM La3+ were dependent on the [Ca2+]0 and on the frequency of stimulation. Adenosine also produced a downward shift of the relationship between maximal rate of rise of the slow action potential and membrane resting potential in such a manner that its effects cannot be attributed to changes in inactivation potential of the slow channels. Hence, adenosine and La3+ depress the slow Ca2+ action potentials by two different mechanisms. Adenosine may act by 1) decreasing the number of functional slow channels, 2) decreasing the conductance of the individual channels, or 3) altering the kinetic properties of these channels. La3+ may act by competing with Ca2+ for membrane binding sites. These membrane binding sites appear to be characterized by frequency dependence.
Noninvasive Approach For Quantitative Analysis Of Energy Metabolism And Mitochondrial Anomalies In Living Cells

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2) as key metabolic cofactors in energy metabolism in eukaryotic cells. As a result, there has been recent resurgence in using these intrinsic cofactors as natural probes for diagnostic purposes in cancer, diabetes, apoptosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we used autofluorescence dynamics assay to quantify the concentration and enzyme binding of intrinsic NADH and FAD in living cells. In these studies, cancer (Hs578T) and normal (Hs578Bst) breast cells are used as model systems to examine the sensitivity of the proposed assay to cell pathology. Our non-invasive, quantitative assay includes multiphoton microscopy and spectroscopy of NADH and FAD. Two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging of cellular autofluorescence, in a calibrated microscope, is used to construct NADH and FAD concentration images in live cells. In addition, time-resolved associated anisotropy of cellular autofluorescence provides direct quantification of the molar fractions of free and enzyme-bound cofactors in both normal and transformed cells. Targeted inhibition of complex IV of the electron transport chain in Hs578Bst, using KCN, confirm the sensitivity of cellular autofluorescence to changes in the respiratory state activities. Comparative studies of the binding kinetics of NADH with mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase in solution mimic our findings in living cells. This fluorescence dynamics assay on natural coenzymes (i.e., without the need for exogenous fluorescence dyes) is applicable to other metabolic and signaling pathways in live cells, which contrasts with conventional biochemical techniques that require cell destruction.
Cationic lysine uptake by System R+ and zwitterionic lysine uptake by System B in brush border membrane vesicles from larval Manduca sexta midgut

Abstract Lysine uptake was studied at pH 7.4 and 10.0 by rapid filtration methods in brush border membrane vesicles from fifth instax larvae of a model insect, the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta(Lepidoptera, sphingidae). At both pH values the uptake was mediated by K+ coupled symport. The uptake rate increased between pH 5.5 and 10, especially so in the alkaline range. The total lysine uptake could be divided into two components based upon lysine's ionic form as a function of pH. Lysine uptake at pH 7.4 was strongly cis-inhibited by arginine but at pH 10 was cis-inhibited and trans-stimulated by many neutral amino acids, e.g. leucine, but not by arginine. Lysine uptake by the arginine-inhibitable component paralleled the titration curve of cationic lysine whereas uptake by the leucine-inhibitable component paralleled that of zwitterionic lysine. Evidently, the brush border membrane contains at least two separate, K+-dependent amino acid symporters (co-transporters) that mediate lysine uptake. A cationic amino acid: K+ symporter selects cationic lysine and arginine but not histidine and other amino acids. One or more zwitterionic amino acid: K+ symporters select zwitterionic lysine, possibly arginine, histidine and neutral amino acids. Based upon these substrate repertoires, the zwitterionic symporters are B-type systems whereas the cationic symporter is identical with System R+, which partially resembles System y+. Arginine uptake in vivo is likely to be mediated mainly by System R+ whereas lysine uptake is likely to be mediated by System B-type symporters.
Prenatal exposure to benzo(a)pyrene impairs later-life cortical neuronal function

Abstract Prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants, such as benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] has been shown to impair brain development. The overarching hypothesis of our work is that glutamate receptor subunit expression is crucial for cortical evoked responses and that prenatal B(a)P exposure modulates the temporal developmental expression of glutamatergic receptor subunits in the somatosensory cortex. To characterize prenatal B(a)P exposure on the development of cortical function, pregnant Long Evans rats were exposed to low-level B(a)P (300 μg/kg BW) by oral gavage on gestational days 14–17. At this exposure dose, there was no significant effect of B(a)P on (1) the number of pups born per litter, (2) the pre-weaning growth curves and (3) initial and final brain to body weight ratios. Control and B(a)P-exposed offspring were profiled for B(a)P metabolites in plasma and whole brain during the pre-weaning period. No detectable levels of metabolites were found in the control offspring. However, a time-dependent decrease in total metabolite concentration was observed in B(a)P-exposed offspring. On PND100–120, cerebrocortical mRNA expression was determined for the glutamatergic NMDA receptor subunit (NR2B) in control and B(a)P-exposed offspring. Neural activity was also recorded from neurons in primary somatic sensory (barrel) cortex. Semiquantitative PCR from B(a)P-exposed offspring revealed a significant 50% reduction in NR2B mRNA expression in B(a)P-exposed offspring relative to controls. Recordings from B(a)P-exposed offspring revealed that N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent neuronal activity in barrel cortex evoked by whisker stimulation was also significantly reduced (70%) as compared to controls. Analysis showed that the greatest deficit in cortical neuronal responses occurred in the shorter latency epochs from 5 to 20 ms post-stimulus. The results suggest that in utero exposure to benzo(a)pyrene results in diminished mRNA expression of the NMDA NR2B receptor subunit to result in late life deficits in cortical neuronal activity in the offspring. The findings from this study lead to a strong prediction that in utero exposure to benzo(a)pyrene at a time when synapses are first formed and adjusted in strength by activity in the sensory pathways will produce a strong negative effect on brain function in offspring progeny.
ENHANCED SOMATIC EMBRYO PRODUCTION BY CONDITIONED MEDIA IN CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES OF DAUCUS CAROTA

The addition of conditioned media extracted from 8 day old embryo culture accelerated growth and production of torpedo embryos and plantlets in cell suspension cultures ofDaucus carota. The production of late-stage embryos was increased a maximum threefold (up to 1500 embryos/ml) compared with that of control culture, when spent medium was added during inoculation.
Influence of the trench corner design on edge termination of UMOS power devices

Abstract In this article, the voltage blocking capability of UMOS power devices is experimentally demonstrated to be limited by the onset of a premature breakdown at the corners of the trench located at the device periphery. With the aid of numerical simulations performed in cylindrical co-ordinates, it is shown for the first time that a race-track shape of the trench gate fingers alleviates the electric fields at the trench corners and maximizes the UMOS voltage blocking capability. In addition, it is also shown that the breakdown voltage at the trench corners can be made to exceed the UMOS unit cell breakdown voltage by using a deep p diffusion around the trenches located at the device periphery.
Morphometric Analysis of the Human Infant Brain: Effects of Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Periventricular Leukomalacia

Absolute and relative growth of cerebral structures was assessed morphometrically in 34 neurologically normal live-born infants surviving up to 1 year of age, 20 infants with fatal intraventricular hemorrhage, and 4 with periventricular leukomalacia. In the normal brain, cerebral cortex grew 25% faster than white matter throughout infancy. Thus, to achieve the normal adult size and 1:1 ratio of cortex to white matter, white matter must continue to grow for several years after cessation of cortical growth. Brains with intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia manifested accelerated growth of gray-matter structures compared with controls. In addition, brains with periventricular leukomalacia had markedly depressed rates of white-matter growth compared with controls of similar age, whereas brains with intraventricular hemorrhage had disproportionate hydrocephalus. The findings suggest that (1) gray-matter growth is accelerated in premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, perhaps reflecting perinatal stress; (2) periventricular leukomalacia is associated with impaired growth of white matter during a critical period; and (3) sequential quantitative assessment of ventricular size following intraventricular hemorrhage may assist in early recognition of progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
FKBP5 variation is associated with the acute and chronic effects of nicotine

Stress and hormones released in response to stress influence the effects of nicotine and the severity of nicotine withdrawal. Here, we systematically examine the contribution of a stress response gene, FKBP5, to the acute and chronic behavioral effects of nicotine in smokers. Subjects were European- and African-American (EA and AA) heavy smokers who participated in an intravenous (IV) nicotine administration study (total n=169). FKBP5 rs3800373 genotype was analyzed for association to several outcomes, including nicotine withdrawal and the acute subjective, heart rate (HR), blood pressure and plasma cortisol responses to IV nicotine. Nicotine withdrawal was also examined in relation to rs3800373 allele frequencies in an independent cohort of EA and AA current smokers (n=3821). For a subset of laboratory subjects FKBP5 mRNA (n=48) expression was explored for an association to the same outcomes. The rs3800373 minor allele was associated with less severe nicotine withdrawal in laboratory subjects and the independent cohort of smokers. The rs3800373 minor allele was also associated with lower subjective ratings of negative drug effects in response to IV nicotine. Low FKBP5 mRNA expression was associated lower cortisol levels, lower subjective ratings of negative drug effects and a blunted HR response to nicotine. Stress hormone regulation via FKBP5 warrants further investigation as a potential contributor to the effects of nicotine withdrawal, which occurs commonly, and has an important role in the maintenance of smoking behavior and relapse following a quit attempt.
An engineering graphics curriculum model with multidisciplinary implications

This paper reports on a funded project to develop a conceptual model for an engineering graphics curriculum. The analysis lead to a framework that defined the body of knowledge appropriate for engineering graphics and and a model useful for multidisciplinary applications. It is based on the premise that computer tools available for design and research in visualization and creativity play important but not controlling roles in many visually based disciplines.
Accumulation of cystine auxotrophic thymocytes accompanying type C viral leukemogenesis in the mouse.

Abstract Certain continuous lymphoid and myeloid tumor cell lines of rodent origin are unable to grow in tissue culture in the absence of pre-formed L-cystine (CYS). In contrast, three NZB murine lymphoid cell lines obtained from NZB mice free of hematopoietic neoplasm can grow as well in cystine-deficient media containing L-cystathionine (CSN), the immediate precursor of CYS in the biosynthetic pathway, as in cystine sufficient medium. The former class of cells is, therefore, CYS auxotrophs (CYS − ) and the latter CYS protrophs (CYS + ). Compared to CYS − cells, the CYS − lines appear to be relatively deficient in the enzyme cystathionase, which catalyzes the cleavage of CSN to CYS and α -ketobutyrate. Using protein synthetic capacity as a criterion, normal thymocytes from mixed-bred Swiss mice behave like CYS prototrophs, while those from littermates bearing Moloney type C virus-induced thymic tumors behave like CYS auxotrophs. The former are also characterized by substantially higher levels of cystathionase than the latter. Extracts of thymocytes from tumor-free AKR mouse thymus are also characterized by higher levels of cystathionase activity than extracts of spontaneous AKR thymomas. Exogenous in vitro type C virus infection of a CYS + cell results in vigorous virus production but no concomitant reduction in cystathionase activity. Thus viral replication alone in any random lymphoid cell is not sufficient to alter the enzyme level. The data therefore suggests that CYS auxotrophy may closely accompany neoplastic transformation of certain hematopoietic cells in vivo, including that induced by certain "thymic" type C viruses.
METHYLPHENIDATE INCREASES SERUM GROWTH HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS

Serum growth hormone (GH) and cortisol concentrations were measuredin 12 healthy, young men following oral administration of methylphenidate(20 mgm) or a placebo. Methylphenidate elicited unequivocal GH elevationsin 9 of 12 subjects while only 2 subjects showed GH elevation following placebo, Cortisol concentrations were not affected by methylphenidate.
Evaluation of the gyro-viscous stress

Abstract The second-order stress is calculated for a collisionless plasma in the approximation of small gyration radius and low-frequency propagation nearly perpendicular to the magnetic field. Unlike previous derivations, higher order corrections to the distribution function are not required. Instead, higher moments of the Vlasov equation are utilized. This results in a considerable simplification of the derivation.
Incidence and clinical significance of ventricular fibrillation induced with single and double ventricular extrastimuli.

Abstract Of 718 patients evaluated for suspected or documented ventricular tachyarrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in 28 (incidence 3.9%) by single and double extrastimuli. Nine of the 28 patients had suspected but no clinically documented ventricular tachycardia (VT) or VF (group 1), 11 had documented VT (group 2) and 8 had out of hospital VF (group 3). In group 1, electropharmaco logic control was achieved in 8 patients with the initial agent tested; however, symptoms recurred in 6 patients. In 4 patients the drug was discontinued. After a follow-up of 26 ± 11 months in group 1, no patient had died. In only 2 of 19 patients in groups 2 and 3 were arrhythmias controlled with the initial agent; 15 patients had VT and 2 VF. Control with class I agents was achieved in 9 of 19 patients and none died until the drug regimen was changed empirically in 3 of these 9. Ten patients, all from groups 2 and 3, were treated empirically with amiodarone; 3 died. All patients died either suddenly or in VT. The mortality rate in groups 2 and 3 after a mean follow-up of 24 ± 9 months was 32% (p
Microbial community dynamics in replicate membrane bioreactors--natural reproducible fluctuations.

We operated 4 replicate membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in parallel to test if an acclimated seed inoculum would evolve similarly following even distribution into replicates. A cloning and sequencing library of 16S rRNA genes was obtained from the seed inoculum complemented with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP; n = 18 per reactor) analysis over the study period (n = 113 d) that targeted the 16S rRNA gene. The amoA functional gene was also monitored by T-RFLP. The T-RFLP results were analyzed by means of diversity indices, an adaptation of a moving window of similarity approach within each MBR, and non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMS) accompanied with multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP) to assess community interrelationships amongst MBRs. Based on the 16S rRNA microbial communities, the 4 MBRs initially diverged away from one another, followed by a convergence on Day 4. From thereon, the 16S rRNA-based communities evolved similarly throughout (average p-value = 0.49 from pair-wise MRPP). In contrast, the nitrifying communities did not undergo any discernable shift over time amongst MBRs according to T-RFLP analysis of amoA and revealed one cluster by NMS (average p-value = 0.83 from pair-wise MRPP). The study demonstrates that acclimated microbial communities evolve similarly over time in engineered systems when operational parameters are left unchanged.
Rapid method for construction of recombinant HSV gene transfer vectors

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotrophic human pathogen that naturally persists in neurons in a latent state and carries a large number of viral functions which can be replaced by foreign genes to create a vector for gene therapy applications. In this report we describe a two-step method for insertion/deletion mutagenesis of HSV genes and the efficient insertion of transgenes into these locations in the viral genome. The first step is the insertion of a reporter gene (lacZ) cassette flanked by PacI restriction enzyme sites not otherwise found in the viral genome, using standard marker transfer procedures to interrupt a portion of the target HSV gene. The second step is substitution of the reporter gene with other foreign cDNAs by digestion of the vector DNA with PacI to remove the lacZ gene and subsequent repair of the vector genome by homologous recombination with a transgene expression plasmid. Potential recombinants indentified by a ‘clear plaque’ phenotype after X-gal staining arose at high frequency (80–100%). Of these, recombinants containing the transgene in place of the lacZ gene ranged from 19–65%. Insertion of the transgene expression construct into the viral genome eliminates the PacI sites, allowing this method to be used repeatedly for the sequential deletion of multiple HSV genes while inserting multiple transgenes. This procedure was repeated in succession to produce a vector carrying two independent expression cassettes at distinct viral loci.
Heterogeneity in apoptotic responses of microvascular endothelial cells to oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress contributes to disease and can alter endothelial cell (EC) function. EC from different vascular beds are heterogeneous in structure and function, thus we assessed the apoptotic responses of EC from lung and heart to oxidative stress. Since protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is activated by oxidative stress and is an important modulator of apoptosis, experiments assessed the level of apoptosis in fixed lung and heart sections of PKCδ wild-type (PKCδ+/+) and null (PKCδ−/−) mice housed under normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (∼95% O2). We noted a significantly greater number of TUNEL-positive cells in lungs of hyperoxic PKCδ+/+ mice, compared to matched hearts or normoxic organs. We found that 33% of apoptotic cells identified in hyperoxic lungs of PKCδ+/+ mice were EC, compared to 7% EC in hyperoxic hearts. We further noted that EC apoptosis was significantly reduced in lungs of PKCδ−/− hyperoxic mice, compared to lungs of PKCδ+/+ hyperoxic mice. In vitro, both hyperoxia and H2O2 promoted apoptosis in EC isolated from microvasculature of lung (LMVEC), but not from the heart (HMVEC). H2O2 treatment significantly increased p38 activity in LMVEC, but not in HMVEC. Inhibition of p38 attenuated H2O2-induced LMVEC apoptosis. Baseline expression of total PKCδ protein, as well as the caspase-mediated, catalytically active PKCδ cleavage fragment, was higher in LMVEC, compared to HMVEC. PKCδ inhibition significantly attenuated H2O2-induced LMVEC p38 activation. Conversely, overexpression of wild-type PKCδ or the catalytically active PKCδ cleavage product greatly increased H2O2-induced HMVEC caspase and p38 activation. We propose that enhanced susceptibility of lung EC to oxidant-induced apoptosis is due to increased PKCδ p38 signaling, and we describe a PKCδ-centric pathway which dictates the differential response of EC from distinct vascular beds to oxidative stress. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1899–1910, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystallography of the Tetragonal → Monoclinic Transformation in Zirconia

The tetragonal to monoclinic (t → m) transformation in zirconia occurs through two paths ; transformation along path I has two Bain strains that involve shearing of a rectangular face of the tetragonal unit cell, and shearing of the square base corresponds to path II. The monoclinic variants resulting from each of the three Bain strains can form 12 twins, and four of the twins corresponding to path II are neither of type I nor of type II. Habit planes do not exist for the transformation along path I, whereas transformation along path II has : (±0.8139, ±0.3898, -0.4309) t , (±0.6489, ±0.6271, -0.4309) t , (±0.7804, ±0.4530, -0.4309) t .
Comparison between oscillometric and intra-arterial blood pressure measurements in ill preterm and full-term neonates.

Abstract Conflicting data exist regarding the accuracy of the oscillometric method of blood pressure (BP) measurement in neonates. There is limited data regarding intra-arterial BP trends in neonates. We aimed to determine the accuracy of oscillometric BP measurements and to evaluate the BP distributions in ill neonates. A total of 1492 simultaneously obtained oscillometric and intra-arterial (umbilical arterial [UAC] or radial arterial) BP measurements were used for comparisons and 125,580 intra-arterial BP readings were used to the evaluate BP distribution. There was a statistically significant difference ( P
The Impact of Biased Inquiry Strategies on Performance Judgments

Abstract This experiment explores the attributional consequences of asking constraining performance-relevant questions-biased to elicit favorable or unfavorable remarks from the person being evaluated. After hearing the performer deliver a speech, all subjects played the role of questioner in a feedback interview purportedly designed to help the speechmaker improve future performance. Subjects asked biased questions that focused on either the positive or negative aspects of the speech and heard answers that were either congruent or incongruent with the biasing implications of their questions. Results showed that speech performance ratings were influenced by the direction of the performer′s self-evaluative comments, even when these comments were in line with, and thus potentially constrained by, the evaluator′s own behavior. Implications of biased inquiry strategies in organizational contexts where the evaluator is the source of constraint are discussed.