cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression and properties of porcine trachea UDP-galnac: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase.

A UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetyl-galactosaminyl transferase which catalyses the transfer of GalNAc from UDP-GalNAc to serine and threonine residues in mucin polypeptide chains was purified to homogeneity from swine trachea epithelium (Mendicino J, Sangadala S: Mol Cell Biochem 185: 135–145, 1998). Peptides obtained by proteolysis of the purified enzyme were isolated, sequenced and used to prepare degenerate oligonucleotide primers. Amplified segments of a gene encoding GalNAc transferase were synthesised using the primers and a swine trachea epithelial cDNA library. Selected cDNA fragments were then used to screen the cDNA library, and a clone containing an open reading frame encoding 559 amino acids was isolated. The predicted amino acid sequence contains type II transmembrane region, three potential N-glycosylation sites as well as all of the isolated peptide sequences. The nucleotide sequence and predicted primary protein structure of the transferase were very similar to those of type T-1 GalNAc transferases. The isolated clone was transiently expressed in COS 7 cells and the recombinant enzyme, which contained an N-terminal hexa-histidine tag, was purified to homogeneity and its enzymatic properties were examined. The V max of the recombinant enzyme, 2.08 μmol/(min mg), was nearly the same as the native enzyme, 2.12 μmol/(min mg), when assayed with partially deglycosylated mucins as glycosyl acceptors. Both enzymes showed much higher activities when assayed with peptides prepared by limited acid hydrolysis of incompletely deglycosylated Cowper's gland, swine, and human respiratory mucins and tryptic peptides isolated from deglycosylated mucin polypeptide chains. However, as noted earlier (Mendicino J, Sangadala S: Mol Cell Biochem 185: 135–145, 1998), these enzymes showed very little activity with completely deglycosylated mucin polypeptide chains. When completely deglycosylated polypeptide chains were partially glycosylated by incubation with microsome preparations they were again good glycosyl acceptors for the T1-GalNAc transferases isolated from swine trachea. These results show for the first time that multiple isoforms of GalNAc transferases acting in sequence may be required for the complete O-glycosylation of mucin polypeptide chains, and those acting on the nacent polypeptide chain synthesize intermediates which can serve as glycosyl acceptors for other isoforms of the enzyme (Mol Cell Biochem 266: 117–126, 2004)
Neural-networks-based sensor validation and recovery methodology for advanced aircraft engines

Within the context of preventive health maintenance in complex engineering systems, novel sensor fault detection methodologies are developed for an aircraft auxiliary power unit. Promising results at operational and sensor failure conditions are obtained for temperature and pressure sensors. In the methodology proposed, first covariance and noise analyses of sensor data are performed. Next, auto- associative and hetero-associative neural networks for sensor validation are designed and trained. These neural networks are used together to provide validation for pressure and temperature sensors. The last step consists of development of detection and identification logic for sensor faults. In spite o high noise levels, the methodology is shown to be very robust. More than 90% correct sensor failure detection is achieved when noise on the order of noise inherently present in sensor readings is added.
Technology for the Handicapped: Selection and Evaluation of Aids and Devices for the Visually Impaired

Citations are presented to recent sources, both books and articles, dealing with the problems of providing library services to the disabled, especially to the visually impaired, and to sources which describe technological equipment in detail. Also suggested are ways to identify libraries which use the equipment, in order to obtain evaluative information.
Near-infrared phosphorescent polymeric nanomicelles: efficient optical probes for tumor imaging and detection.

We report a formulation of near-infrared (near-IR) phosphorescent polymeric nanomicelles and their use for in vivo high-contrast optical imaging, targeting, and detection of tumors in small animals. Near-IR phosphorescent molecules of Pt(II)−tetraphenyltetranaphthoporphyrin (Pt(TPNP)) were found to maintain their near-IR phosphorescence properties when encapsulated into phospholipid nanomicelles. The prepared phosphorescent micelles are of ∼100 nm size and are highly stable in aqueous suspensions. A large spectral separation between the Pt(TPNP) absorption, with a peak at ∼700 nm, and its phosphorescence emission, with a peak at ∼900 nm, allows a dramatic decrease in the level of background autofluorescence and scattered excitation light in the near-IR spectral range, where the signal from the phosphorescent probe is observed. In vivo animal imaging with subcutaneously xenografted tumor-bearing mice has resulted in high contrast optical images, indicating highly specific accumulation of the phosphorescent...
Editorial: Breakthroughs in Photonics 2012

Breakthroughs in Photonics is a Special Issue of the IEEE Photonics Journal that brings a compilation of short reviews describing significant accomplishments in selected areas of Photonics within the last year. Breakthroughs in Photonics 2012 contains 14 invited comprehensive, refereed reviews written by experts that cover progress in the areas of Coherent Photon Sources; Photonics materials and engineered photonic structures; Ultrafast, attosecond, high field, and short wavelength photonics; Nano-photonics; Photovoltaics; Biophotonics; Sensors; Imaging and Visualization; Integrated Photonic Systems; and Quantum Computing. The selection of the topics and invited contributions is carried out by the IEEE Photonics Journal Editorial Board. The articles in this focus issue highlight the increasingly dominant role of photonics in unraveling fundamental science and, at the same time, enabling applications in, for example, sensing and visualization, nanofabrication, photovoltaics, fiber optics, and quantum photonics. The adoption of article numbers versus page numbers by the IEEE Photonics Journal in 2013 enables, for the first time, publication of each article from Breakthroughs in Photonics 2012 independently in IEEE Xplore, providing more visibility to authors and enhanced readership.
Doping of Poly(cyclophosphazene−benzoquinone) Films with Polyiodide

Polyiodide is inserted into poly(cyclophosphazene-benzoquinone) (PPBQ) film from solution or vapor phase as a result of a charge-transfer interaction between the quinone oxygen and iodine. The incorporation of the polyiodide into the PPBQ film enhanced ion (or electron) transport in the film. Characterization of the PPBQ film before and after polyiodide doping with X-ray photoelectron, UV/vis and Raman spectroscopy indicates that the doping mechanism is governed by the formation of a charge-transfer complex. Raman spectra of PPBQ films suggest that polyiodide interacts with the oxygen atoms in the P-O-C linkage, where the phosphorus atom is part of the phosphazene trimer and the carbon atom is part of the aromatic ring. This is the first direct evidence for the bonding arrangement of iodine in a poly(cyclophosphazene) system. 28 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab.
Improved string reconstruction over insertion-deletion channels

Consider a binary string x of length n transmitted m times over a memoryless channel that randomly inserts, deletes and flips bits. We consider the problem of reconstructing x from the collection of m binary strings received at the output of the channel. We present an algorithm for this problem and show that, as n tends to infinity, for almost all transmitted strings, the algorithm is guaranteed to reconstruct the transmitted string with probability 1 - o(1), if the channel's flip probability p qi,qd = O(1/log n), and m = θ(log n). Our algorithm improves on [1] which applies to channels that only delete, and on [2] where qi,qd = O(1/(log n)2). We also show that to reconstruct most strings reliably over any channel with a constant flip probability m = Ω(log n) transmissions are necessary, and therefore our algorithm is efficient in this sense.
New Priorities for Future Biomedical Innovations

Since 1900, life expectancy at birth has increased by an unprecedented 30 years in the United States and other developed countries. Before World War II, most of the gains resulted from improvements in nonmedical factors: nutrition, sanitation, housing, and public health measures. Since World War II, however, biomedical innovations (new drugs, devices, and procedures) have been the primary source of increases in longevity. These innovations have also been the most important reason why health care expenditures have grown 2.8% per year more rapidly than the rest of the economy over the past 30 years.1 Will the future simply be a . . .
Effects of β-Adrenergic Blocking Therapy on Left Ventricular Diastolic Relaxation Properties in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background—The hemodynamic mechanism for the improvement in left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic pressure in cardiomyopathy patients treated with β-adrenergic blocking agents is controversial. We hypothesized that the salutary effect of this kind of therapy on LV end-diastolic pressure would be indicative of an improvement in late, passive diastolic relaxation properties. Methods and Results—We studied 14 cardiomyopathy patients in normal sinus rhythm with no arteriographic evidence of coronary artery disease and an LV ejection fraction of ≤40% by radionuclide angiography both before and after 6 months of metoprolol therapy with simultaneous micromanometry and biplane cineventriculography. Four comparable patients who were not treated with metoprolol were studied in a similar fashion and served as control subjects. In those receiving metoprolol, LV end-diastolic pressure decreased (P=0.001). The isovolumic relaxation index, τln, shortened (P=0.03). In a similar fashion, the LV chamber stiffness constant, κ, ...
Surfactant-induced effects on turbulent swirling flows

We employ digital particle imaging velocimetry (DPIV) to investigate the influence of a drag reducing cationic surfactant additive, cetyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride (CTAC), on turbulent swirling flows generated in a cylindrical vessel either by a rotating disk or a rotating disk fitted with vertical flat blades. The largest concentration of CTAC used in this study (0.05 ≤ C ≤ 0.5 mmol/l) is an order of magnitude smaller than those used in experimental investigations of surfactant induced drag reduction in turbulent pipe/channel flows. Even for such dilute systems, a number of dramatic and intriguing effects are observed. In the case of disk-driven flow, it is shown that the surfactant has a non-monotonic influence on turbulence intensity: both radial and axial root mean square velocity fluctuations first increase with increasing surfactant concentration C, reach a maximum and decrease upon further increase in C. Moreover, the maximum intensity is attained at a concentration that is practically independent of the angular frequency Ω of the disk. For the flow driven by bladed impeller, the introduction of the surfactant leads to flow reversal at the impeller plane for low concentrations. Enhancement in the radial and azimuthal mean velocities is also observed. For relatively larger concentrations (=0.5 mmol/l), a mean flow field that consists of multiple transient mixing pockets emerges as Ω exceeds a critical value. Plausible mechanisms are proposed to explain these observations.
A new rapid, regiospecific synthesis of 15-(p-[123I]iodophenyl)pentadecanoic acid

The triazene derivative of 15-(p-aminophenyl)pentadecanoic acid, 1-[4-(15-oxopentadecanoyl)phenyl]-3,3-(1,5-pentanediyl)triazene, has been sythesized as a new substrate which is readily converted to 15-(p-iodophenyl)-pentadecanoic acid (IPP). Iodine-123-labeled IPP is prepared in ∼30% yield in less than 30 min by reaction of the triazene with no-carrier added H123I, obtained by decay of123Xe. This rapid, regiospecific synthesis represents as improved method for the preparation of [123I]IPP.
Theoretical adherence to family centered practice: Are strengths-based principles illustrated in families' descriptions of child welfare services?

Abstract Family Centered Practice (FCP) represents a set of theoretical principles developed to guide child welfare services. Although extensive research exists regarding outcomes of such services, few studies have examined theoretical adherence or the degree to which services are implemented according to practice principles. The aim of this study was to examine theoretical adherence to FCP by analyzing families' perceptions of services. Specifically, qualitative secondary data analysis was conducted examining in-depth interviews with 44 service recipients to determine whether the principles of FCP were illustrated in families' descriptions of child welfare services. Findings suggest families' perceptions of services were inconsistently illustrative of FCP. These findings imply more attention may be needed to assess and improve implementation of child welfare services. Training and supervision may be needed to increase the adherence to theoretical principles. Finally, more research is needed that examines integrity and specifically, theoretical adherence to strengths-based practice principles.
NEW COMBINATIONS IN CROCICREAS FR. EMEND. S. E. CARPENTER (DISCOMYCETES, HELOTIALES)

Thirty-seven combinations are made forCrocicreas in anticipation of their uses in other publications.
IMPROVEMENTS IN CHILD HYGIENE.

to make a record of each person buried in a cemetery and these records should be available for inspection by agents of the State Board of Health at any time they so desire. In our state the law requires that the State Board of Health may require reports at any time from sextons or other cemetery keepers to this department. Another possible means of securing death returns which may be previously unregistered is that of requiring casketmakers to return the sale of caskets within the given community, and that these be checked against the death certificates returned. Both of these means while of relative value, are not in any way to be expected to check many failures to return death records. Perhaps the greatest means of all is the constant education of the public to the value of the registration of births and deaths and with the special emphasis upon that of births. We have found that by means of motion pictures, newspaper editorials and lectures that we reach a great many people. A vast majority of the persons directly interested in their children may be reached through the Parent-Teacher Association and through the individual women's clubs. In those states which are largely rural, you will also secure publicity through the Grange. Finally, frequent reference to registration should be made in the bulletins of your department, so that the physicians and others concerned will be constantly reminded of their duty in this matter.
Age-dependent changes in long-term seizure susceptibility and behavior after hypoxia in rats.

Summary: We showed that hypoxia is acutely epileptogenic in immature but not in adult rats. In the present study, we evaluated whether hypoxia results in an in-crease in long-term seizure susceptibility to flurothyl and whether this is associated with impaired performance on behavioral tests. We also determined whether these long-term outcomes are dependent on age at time of O2, deprivation. Long Evans hooded rats were rendered hypoxic on either postnatal day (P)5, P10, or P60. Sixty to 75 days after hypoxia, rats were tested for performance in water maze, open field, and handling tests and for seizure susceptibility to flurothyl. Hypoxia at P10 significantly in-creased seizure susceptibility to fluorothyl, whereas hypoxia at P5 and P60 induced no long-term changes in seizure threshold. At P10, greater seizure severity during hypoxia and more prolonged exposure to hypoxia significantly increased long-term seizure susceptibility. This long-term change in seizure susceptibility appeared to be dissociated from any long-term neurobehavioral consequences, because only animals rendered hypoxic as adults (P60) had impaired behavioral performance. The results suggest that hypoxia-induced seizures can alter long-term seizure susceptibility and that this long-term effect is dependent on age and on severity of seizure activity at the time of previous hypoxia.
Scanning Mobility CCN Analysis—A Method for Fast Measurements of Size-Resolved CCN Distributions and Activation Kinetics

We present Scanning Mobility CCN Analysis (SMCA) as a novel method for obtaining rapid measurements of size-resolved cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) distributions and activation kinetics. SMCA involves sampling the monodisperse outlet stream of a Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) operated in scanning voltage mode concurrently with CCN and condensation particle counters. By applying the same inversion algorithm as used for obtaining size distributions with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), CCN concentration and activated droplet size are obtained as a function of mobility size over the timescale of an SMPS scan (typically 60–120 s). Methods to account for multiple charging, particle non-sphericity, and limited counting statistics are presented. SMCA is demonstrated using commercial SMPS and CFSTGC instruments with the manufacturer-provided control software. The method is evaluated for activation of both laboratory aerosol and ambient aerosol obtained during the 2004 NEAQS-ITCT2k4 field campaign...
Renal vasodilation in response to coronary artery ligation in the dog.

SUMMARY 1. The effects of coronary artery ligation on renal vascular resistance were determined with and without pretreatment with methylprednisolone succinate or atropine in anaesthetized dogs. 2. With coronary artery ligation alone renal blood flow is maintained constant in spite of a reduction in arterial blood pressure, indicating renal vasodilatation. 3. Pretreatment with methylprednisolone succinate prevents the fall in arterial blood pressure. 4. After pretreatment with atropine, renal blood flow falls in response to the reduction in arterial blood pressure, suggesting inhibition of cholinergic renal vasodilatation.
LIVER CATALASE ACTIVITY IN PARABIOTIC RATS, ONE OF WHICH IS THYROIDECTOMIZED1

THE fact that liver catalase activity is reduced in tumor-bearing animals has led to many investigations, but the meaning of this change has not yet been elucidated (Greenstein 1954). Because it seemed important to know more about what factors operate in regulating catalase activity in non-tumor-bearing animals, we have investigated further the role of endocrine factors. Liver catalase activity is lowered by adrenalectomy and by castration of male mice (Adams 1952). On the other hand, an increase in catalase activity of the liver has been reported after hypophysectomy (Gaebler and Mathies 1951). In our previous experiments we found an increase in liver catalase activity after thyroidectomy in rats and after thiouracil administration in rats and mice (Zeckwer, Berwick, Lucke 1954). The present experiments were carried out to see if the method of parabiosis would give a clue as to the mechanism by which hypothyroidism results in an increase in catalase activity.
Relation between optical breakdown field and stokes spectral broadening

Abstract The process which limits the diameter of self focal spots must also limit the Stokes self phase modulated spectral width. A simple analysis is consistent with data for nsec pulses in organic liquids.
Optical properties of titanium dioxide in the rutile structure.

We present first-principles calculations for the optical properties of titanium dioxide in the rutile structure. The electronic band structure has been calculated self-consistently within the local-density approximation using {ital ab} {ital initio} pseudopotentials and a plane-wave basis. Optical properties are determined from the imaginary part of the dielectric function and compared to experiment. Although our local-density calculation underestimates the band gap, our results show that the optical properties for this early-transition-metal oxide are in surprisingly good agreement with experiment away from the fundamental absorption edge. We attribute this good agreement to the ability of the local-density approximation to yield accurate matrix elements between occupied and empty states.
Dasatinib (BMS-35482) interacts synergistically with docetaxel, gemcitabine, topotecan, and doxorubicin in ovarian cancer cells with high SRC pathway activation and protein expression.

PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the activity of dasatinib in combination with docetaxel, gemcitabine, topotecan, and doxorubicin in ovarian cancer cells. METHODS Cells with previously determined SRC pathway and protein expression (SRC pathway/SRC protein IGROV1, both high; SKOV3, both low) were treated with dasatinib in combination with the cytotoxic agents. SRC and paxillin protein expression were determined pretreatment and posttreatment. Dose-response curves were constructed, and the combination index (CI) for drug interaction was calculated. RESULTS In the IGROV1 cells, dasatinib alone reduced phospho-SRC/total SRC 71% and p-paxillin/t-paxillin ratios 77%. Phospho-SRC (3%-33%; P = 0.002 to 0.04) and p-paxicillin (6%-19%; P = 0.01 to 0.05) levels were significantly reduced with dasatinib in combination with each cytotoxic agent. The combination of dasatinib and docetaxel, gemcitabine, or topotecan had a synergistic antiproliferative effect (CI, 0.49-0.68), whereas dasatinib combined with doxorubicin had an additive effect (CI, 1.08).In SKOV3 cells, dasatinib resulted in less pronounced reductions of phospho-SRC/total SRC (49%) and p-paxillin/t-paxillin (62%). Phospho-SRC (18%; P < 0.001) and p-paxillin levels (18%; P = 0.001; 9%; P = 0.007) were significantly decreased when dasatinib was combined with docetaxel and topotecan (p-paxillin only). Furthermore, dasatinib combined with the cytotoxics in the SKOV3 cells produced an antagonistic interaction on the proliferation of these cells (CI, 1.49-2.27). CONCLUSIONS Dasatinib in combination with relapse chemotherapeutic agents seems to interact in a synergistic or additive manner in cells with high SRC pathway activation and protein expression. Further evaluation of dasatinib in combination with chemotherapy in ovarian cancer animal models and exploration of the use of biomarkers to direct therapy are warranted.
Randomized Controlled Trial Evidence That Estrogen Replacement Therapy Reduces the Progression of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Healthy Postmenopausal Women Without Preexisting Cardiovascular Disease

To the Editor: Two articles have appeared in Circulation 1,2 that have cited the Estrogen in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis Trial (EPAT)3 as supportive evidence that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has no benefit on atherosclerosis in women with established cardiovascular disease (CVD). Citation of EPAT as supportive evidence for such a statement is incorrect on 2 major grounds, as follows: (1) EPAT was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-year, serial arterial imaging trial conducted in healthy postmenopausal women without preexisting …
Microbial community structure and abundance in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of a tomato cropping system that includes cover crops

a b s t r a c t Understanding microbial responses to crop rotation and legacy of cropping history can assist in determin- ing how land use management impacts microbially mediated soil processes. In the literature, one finds mixed results when attempting to determine the major environmental and biological controls on soil microbial structure and functionality. The objectives of this research were to: (1) Qualitatively and quan- titatively measure seasonal and antecedent soil management effects on the soil microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of a subsequent tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum) and (2) Determine phy- lum scale differences between the rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial community as influenced by the antecedent hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), cereal rye (Secale cereale), or black plastic mulch treatments. In this report, we use terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the 16s rDNA gene to character- ize changes in microbial community structure in soil samples from a field replicated tomato production system experiment at USDA-ARS Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, USA. We found season of the year had the strongest influence on the soil microbial community structure of some of the major microbial phyla. Although we monitored just a few of the major microbial phyla (four Eubacteria and Archaea), we found that the effects of the tomato plant on the structural composition of these phyla in the rhizosphere differed dependent on the antecedent cover crop. Increased understanding of how agricultural factors influence the soil microbial community structure under field conditions is critical information for farmers and land managers to make decisions when targeting soil ecosystem services that are microbially driven. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Trans-synaptic regulation of gene expression.

Neurotransmitters regulate gene expression through second messenger cascades that transmit the signal from the plasma membrane to the nucleus of the postsynaptic cell. Ca2+ and cAMP are two of the second messengers that regulate gene expression in response to neurotransmitters. The Ca2+ and cAMP signals induce expression of a class of genes, termed immediate early genes, within minutes of neurotransmitter receptor activation. Many of these genes encode transcription factors that regulate the expression of late response genes. The results of recent experiments have elucidated mechanisms by which neurotransmitter-induced Ca2+ and CAMP signals regulate immediate early gene expression.
Role of PKC and Tyrosine Kinase in Ethanol-Mediated Inhibition of LPS-Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Abstract Ethanol increases human and animal susceptibility to opportunistic lung infections in part by suppression of endotoxin (LPS) and bacteria-mediated upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in alveolar macrophages (AM). LPS and cytokine-induced NOS mRNA are dependent on NF-kappaB/Rel (NFκB) and Activator Protein-1 (AP-1), which are regulated in turn by protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase-dependent phosphorylation. ETOH does not directly inhibit NFκB or AP-1, in vivo, but rather inhibits LPS-induced activation of the MEKK/MAP kinase system and inhibition of inhibitory protein IκBα required for formation of AP-1 and NFκB, respectively, in AM. Both transcription factors are involved iNOS mRNA transcription. LPS-induced upregulation of MEKK/MAP tyrosine kinase upregulates NADPH oxidase activity and oxygen free radical formation required for activation of NFκB and AP-1 and phosphorylation of IκBα. LPS downregulates endogenous calcium-sensitive PKC isozymes (PKCδ), which repress iNOS mRNA expression. ETOH inhibits LPS-induced upregulation of iNOS mRNA by preventing its ability to decrease PKCδ and upregulate tyrosine kinase-mediated phosphorylation. This effect of ETOH is prevented by inhibitors of PKC and tyrosine kinase. The data support the hypothesis that ETOH inhibits LPS-induced upregulation of iNOS mRNA by interfering with the phosphorylation processes involved in activation of the nuclear transcription factors NFκB and AP-1.
The line integral approach to radarclinometry

Advances over previous work in radarclinometry (Wildey, 1984 and 1986) are proposed, including incorporation of a more exact treatment of the dependence on terrain orientation of the solid angle of integration of the microwave specific energy comprising individual pixel power, and the integration of the theory in the cross-ground-range direction. The local curvature hypothesis, making possible formulation of the theory in terms of a line integral, is expanded to include the possibilities of local cylindricity, local biaxial ellipsoidal hyperbolicity, and least-squares local sphericity. It is suggested that the banding noted in topographic maps which are produced on the basis of variation in the proportioning between curvature assumptions may be due to the lack of radiometric calibration.
Serotonin binding sites of human blood platelets.

Abstract The possible use of formaldehyde-fixed platelets to characterize and enumerate the specific receptor sites for 5-hydroxytryptamine was investigated. Equilibrium, pH-dependent capacity and specificity of 5-hydroxytryptamine binding by formaldehyde-fixed platelets were demonstrated. Analysis of binding data revealed two different sites: (i) high affinity with low capacity, and (ii) low affinity with high capacity. The results of binding studies using nonfixed control platelets were comparable with those of formaldehyde-fixed platelets. The versatility of formaldehyde fixation for studies of surface receptors was also shown by demonstrating nearly equal binding affinity for PGE 1 in control and formaldehyde-treated platelets. Our results indicate that formaldehyde fixation is a useful tool for the study of membrane receptor sites especially when active transport of the ligand such as serotonin is a problem.
Glass, Rubber, and Nylon: How to Make A Mouth Aspirator On A Budget For Handling Adult Mosquitoes

Abstract A mouth aspirator with a bent glass tip was designed for adult mosquito collection and transportation. This aspirator has been utilized for mosquito laboratory and operational research in New Jersey for >60 years. We provide schematics and instruction for construction of this inexpensive and simple mouth aspirator, which offers improved maneuverability of handling adult mosquitoes from rearing cages in the laboratory and field application cages.
Acquisition of Pseudonoise Codes in FH Systems

Acquisition schemes for acquiring pseudonoise (PN) signals in a frequency hopping (FH), spread spectrum (SS) system are presented. For the purpose of acquiring the PN code the received signal is modeled by an autoregressive (AR) process. The parameters of the AR process are determined by identifying a related set of parameters called the partial correlation coefficients. The power spectrum of the received signal and hence the PN code is estimated from the identified AR parameters. The high accuracy of the estimated PN codes permits the use of a simple error correcting logic to accelerate the acquisition process.
Ontogeny of a flood plain

The ontogeny of five flood-plain segments is described for a period of 18 yr following a major flood in 1978 on the Powder River in southeastern Montana. The flood plains developed on relatively elevated sand and gravel deposits left within the channel by the 1978 flood. In cross section, the flood plains resemble benches with well-developed natural levees. Flood-plain growth occurred as sediment was draped onto preexisting surfaces in layers of sand and mud a few centimeters to decimeters thick, resulting in some lateral, but mostly vertical accretion. Annual and biannual measurements indicated that, as the flood-plain segments grew upward, the annual rate of vertical accretion decreased as the partial duration recurrence interval for the threshold or bankfull discharge increased from 0.16 to 1.3 yr. It is clear that a constant recurrence interval for overbank flow cannot be meaningfully assigned to this type of flood-plain ontogeny. These flood plains did not grow on migrating point bars, and vertical accretion at least initially occurred within the channel, rather than across the valley flat during extensive overbank flows. Sediments of these flood plains define narrow, elongated stratigraphic units that border the active channel and onlap older flood-plain deposits. These characteristics are considerably different from those of many facies models for meandering river deposits. Facies similar to those described in this paper are likely to be preserved, thereby providing important evidence in the geologic record for episodes of periodic channel expansion by ancient rivers.
Rock Type and Channel Gradient Structure Salmonid Populations in the Oregon Coast Range

Abstract The study objective was to investigate the response of salmonid populations to disturbance in Oregon Coast Range streams in two rock types, basalt and sandstone. Salmonid abundance was estimated in a total of 30 km of channel in 10 Oregon Coast Range streams with similar basin areas (14–20 km2). These basins had a range of disturbance caused by timber harvest, fire, and salvage logging. Mean channel gradient in sandstone was 0.012 m/m, and pools were the dominant habitat type. Mean channel gradient in basalt (0.025 m/m) was twice that in sandstone, and riffles were the dominant habitat type. Mean percentages by length of pools, glides, and riffles were 47, 33, and 20%, respectively, in sandstone, compared with 24, 27, and 50% in basalt. Channel gradient and channel morphology appeared to account for the observed differences in salmonid abundance, which reflected the known preference of juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch for pools. Coho salmon predominated in sandstone streams, whereas stee...
THE ALGEBRAIC ENTROPY OF THE SPECIAL LINEAR CHARACTER AUTOMORPHISMS OF A FREE GROUP ON TWO GENERATORS

In this note, we establish a connection between the dynamical de- gree, or algebraic entropy of a certain class of polynomial automorphisms of R 3 , and the maximum topological entropy of the action when restricted to compact invariant subvarieties. Indeed, when there is no cancellation of lead- ing terms in the successive iterates of the polynomial automorphism, the two quantities are equal. In general, however, the algebraic entropy overestimates the topological entropy. These polynomial automorphisms arise as extensions of mapping class actions of a punctured torus S on the relative SU(2)-character varieties of S embedded inR 3 . It is known that the topological entropy of these mapping class actions is maximized on the relative character variety comprised of reducible characters (those whose boundary holonomy is 2). Here we cal- culate the algebraic entropy of the induced polynomial automorphisms on the character varieties and show that it too solely depends on the topology of S.
LIGHT-METAL HYDRIDES AS POSSIBLE HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS

Light-metal hydrides, such as LiBeH3, have a valence-electron density similar to that assumed for metallic hydrogen. If metallic hydrides in this class can be found, they may exhibit the high superconducting temperatures that have been predicted for metallic hydrogen.
Regulation by Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 of Inflammation and T Cells in CNS Diseases

Elevated markers of neuroinflammation have been found to be associated with many psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as mood disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Since neuroinflammation is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of these diseases and to impair responses to therapeutic interventions and recovery, it is important to identify mechanisms that regulate neuroinflammation and potential targets for controlling neuroinflammation. Recent findings have demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is an important regulator of both the innate and adaptive immune systems' contributions to inflammation. Studies of the innate immune system have shown that inhibitors of GSK3 profoundly alter the repertoire of cytokines that are produced both by peripheral and central cells, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, inhibitors of GSK3 promote tolerance to inflammatory stimuli, reducing inflammatory cytokine production upon repeated exposure. Studies of the adaptive immune system have shown that GSK3 regulates the production of cytokines by T cells and the differentiation of T cells to subtypes, particularly Th17 cells. Regulation of transcription factors by GSK3 appears to play a prominent role in its regulation of immune responses, including of NF-κB, cyclic AMP response element binding protein, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3. Invivo studies have shown that GSK3 inhibitors ameliorate clinical symptoms of both peripheral and central inflammatory diseases, particularly experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the animal model of MS. Therefore, the development and application of GSK3 inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic strategy to reduce neuroinflammation associated with many central nervous system diseases.
Wavelet functions to estimate velocity in spatiotemporal signals

This paper establishes a framework to estimate velocity from spatiotemporal signals using the wavelet transform and multiresolution techniques. Initial theory is derived with the assumption that the spatiotemporal signal can be represented by a polynomial of order M. Wavelet functions are derived for polynomials of different degree from which the velocity can be estimated as the ratio of two of the four components of a two dimensional (2-D) wavelet transform of the signal. We have characterized two classes of wavelet and scaling functions: one with nonuniform support and another with symmetry and uniform support. For a wavelet function of order M, the velocity estimates are exact if the signal can be represented by a polynomial of the same order or less. In many cases, the velocity error is very low, even when there is no match. We also present the error estimates for three different signals: a polynomial of degree four, a sinusoid (polynomial of degree infinity), and a function with analytical value for the velocity. The paper also demonstrates how error in the velocity estimates can be reduced by using multiresolution techniques. Even though results are presented using one-dimensional (1-D) signals, the extension to higher dimensions (images) is straightforward and uses the same wavelet functions derived in this paper.
Regularising an adaptation algorithm for tongue shape models

Realistic data-driven models of the tongue shape can be obtained by learning a nonlinear mapping from tongue landmarks to full contours, trained on a dataset of thousands of contours. Semiautomatic contour extraction from ultrasound takes a lot of time and effort from an expert, so practically it is preferable to adapt a reference model given just a few contours from the new speaker. However, adaptation with very few contours is unreliable and prone to overfitting. We study several forms of regularisation to constrain the adaptation, and determine the optimal amount of regularisation by leave-one-out cross-validation. Our results show that good accuracy models can be found reliably with no user intervention.
Detection of chi-square fluctuating targets in arbitrary clutter

In a recent paper, general expressions were derived for the density and cumulative probability functions of the amplitude of a linear matched-filter output given a nonfluctuating target in a clutter-limited environment. These expressions were based on the clutter amplitude density function. The results are extended to calculate the cumulative probability function of the output of a linear matched filter used to detect a chi-square fluctuating target in a clutter-limited environment. The resulting method is applied to a common radar clutter model, and experimental sonar data.
miR 16 modulates human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell phenotype

Introduction: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is progressive fatal disease characterized by excessive proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) and obliteration of small pulmonary arteries, leading to severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. Objective: Serotonin mediates hPASMCs proliferation through serotonin transporter (SERT). Recently micro RNAs have been shown to be involved in pathogenesis of PAH. miR16 targets SERT and Cyclin D1.Our previous results show that miR-16 was down regulated in hypoxic PAH mice. We hypothesize that over expression of miR16 can alter PAH phenotype. In the present study, we investigated the phenotypic consequences of overexpression of miR16 in hPASMCs in vitro. Methods: hPASMCs were commercially obtained and cultured according to manufacturer instructions. Cells were transfected with plasmid containing miR16 expressing or control vector by electroporation. Post transfection, cells were treated with different concentrations of serotonin and qPCR, immunoblot was performed to assess the effects of miR-16 on PAH phenotypic markers. Results: hPASMCs transfected with miR16 decreased the expression levels of cyclin D1, SERT when compared to controls. In addition, proliferation markers such as proliferating nuclear cell antigen (PCNA), calponin a phenotypic marker was significantly suppressed in miR16 over expressed hPASMCs. Conclusions: miR-16 over expression down regulates SERT and CyclinD1 levels. Most importantly miR-16 modulates hPASMCs phenotype which is a major hallmark in PAH, implicating a potential therapeutic role in PAH. This work was supported by RO1HL105932NIH, AHA09SDG2260957.
Population Ancestry and Genetic Risk for Diabetes and Kidney, Cardiovascular, and Bone Disease: Modifiable Environmental Factors May Produce the Cures

Variable rates of disease observed between members of different continental population groups may be mediated by inherited factors, environmental exposures, or their combination. This article provides evidence in support of differential allele frequency distributions that underlie the higher rates of nondiabetic kidney disease in the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis spectrum of disease and lower rates of coronary artery calcified atherosclerotic plaque and osteoporosis in populations of African ancestry. With recognition that these and other common complex diseases are affected by biological factors comes the realization that targeted manipulation of environmental exposures and pharmacologic treatments will have different effects based on genotype. The present era of precision medicine will couple one's genetic makeup with specific therapies to reduce rates of disease based on the presence of disease-specific alleles.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SHIFTING ARRIVAL DATE OF MIGRATORY BIRDS OVER A CENTURY IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

ABSTRACT Studies of the effects of climate change on migratory bird behavior have established that many species are shifting the average day of year of their arrival at nesting sites earlier. If migrating birds are adapted to arrive at the optimum stage in the growth season to maximize the availability of resources, then migration phenology shifts may result in arrival at nesting sites at selectively disadvantageous points in seasonal development of the nesting ecosystem. First arrival dates (FAD) are changing for many species, but we know little about shifts in the corresponding accumulated growing degree units (AGDU) of arrival date in association with increasing global temperatures. By transcribing field notes for migrant arrival times during the years of 1910–1950 in the region around Fargo, ND, we obtained a detailed and robust description of historical phenological patterns. Comparison of the arrival times of 83 of the same species in the same location over the past 10 years indicate that the majori...
Oxygen Transmission Rate of Packaging Films and Light Exposure Effects on the Color Stability of Vacuum‐Packaged Dry Salami

Color and nitrosoheme pigment stabilities of dry salami packaged in films differing in oxygen transmission rate (OTR) were studied. Product exposed to light for 8 wk had greater (p < 0.05) retention of redness properties (Judd-Hunter +a coordinates, a/b ratios, hue angles (Q and saturation (S) index values) and greater (p < 0.05) nitrosoheme pigment stability as the OTR of the packaging film decreased from 90 cc 02/m2/24 hr to ≤11 cc 02/m2/24hr. Redness properties and percent nitrosoheme pigment progressively decreased (P < 0.05) during light exposure. Significant redness fading occurred in light-exposed product when compared to dark-stored product. Oxygen transmission to the dry salami surface was a major factor in color loss, primarily if light energy was also present.
The kinetics of the absorption of phosgene into water and aqueous solutions

Pure phosgene gas was dissolved in short laminar jets of aqueous solution, and the results were interpreted with an unsteady state absorption-plus-reaction theory. Absorption rates of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into water in the same equipment support this interpretation. The solubility of phosgene in water at 25°C. has been estimated from the absorption rates as 0.069 g.mole/(liter) (atm.). The estimated heat of solution is 6,800 cal./g.mole. At 16° and 25°C. the effect of a chemical reaction between phosgene and water on the absorption rate in a jet appears to be almost negligible, but at 45°C. a first-order reaction rate constant of 75 sec.−1 can be derived from the absorption rates. From absorption measurements with short jets and sodium hydroxide solutions so strong that a pseudo-first-order reaction accompanied absorption, the reaction rate constant for the bimolecular reaction between dissolved phosgene and the hydroxyl ion was estimated. A value of 1.6 × 104 liters/(g. mole) (sec.) was obtained at 25°C. in 1-N sodium hydroxide; at 35°C. in the same solution the estimated value was 2.9 × 104. There appears to be a slight increase in the reaction-rate constant with the ionic strength of the solution.
"I should be doing more for my parent:" Chinese adult children's worry about performance in providing care for their oldest-old parents.

Background In China, as is the case in most of the world, family is the largest source of support for frail older adults. Confucian filial piety expectations hold children-in particular sons-responsible for the care of aging parents in China. During the course of caregiving, in addition to positive feelings, the caregiver may feel overwhelmed, entrapped, and worried about their performance, which can have negative health consequences. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine one dimension of caregiver burden "worry about performance" (WaP) and investigate whether variables inspired by Pearlin's Stress Process Model help to explain the variation of WaP, so that at-risk caregivers can be identified and supported. Methods Multiple regression was used to analyze CLHLS data from 895 Chinese adult children providing care for their oldest old parent in eight coastal provinces in China. WaP was measured by two items from the Zarit Burden Inventory. Independent variables representing concepts from Pearlin's Stress Process Model and control variables were included in the models. Results Compared to a model of control variables only, using independent variables inspired by Pearlin's Stress Process Model increased the ability to explain the variation in WaP by three fold to 14%. The following variables increased WaP: parent's IADL level, the amount of time spent caregiving, being a daughter, reporting an emotionally close relationship with the parent, sharing a residence with the parent. Conclusion Despite not being able to fully operationalize Pearlin's Model with this dataset, analyzing variables that represent concepts from the model was useful in increasing the ability to explain the variation in WaP. Results suggest that caregiver support directed at daughters may be particularly beneficial.