cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii excretion of glycolytic products is associated with acidification of the parasitophorous vacuole during parasite egress

The Toxoplasma gondii lytic cycle is a repetition of host cell invasion, replication, egress, and re-invasion into the next host cell. While the molecular players involved in egress have been studied in greater detail in recent years, the signals and pathways for triggering egress from the host cell have not been fully elucidated. A perforin-like protein, PLP1, has been shown to be necessary for permeabilizing the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane or exit from the host cell. In vitro studies indicated that PLP1 is most active in acidic conditions, and indirect evidence using superecliptic pHluorin indicated that the PV pH drops prior to parasite egress. Using ratiometric pHluorin, a GFP variant that responds to changes in pH with changes in its bimodal excitation spectrum peaks, allowed us to directly measure the pH in the PV prior to and during egress by live-imaging microscopy. A statistically significant change was observed in PV pH during egress in both wild-type RH and {Delta}plp1 vacuoles compared to DMSO-treated vacuoles. Interestingly, if parasites are chemically paralyzed, a pH drop is still observed in RH but not in {Delta}plp1 tachyzoites. This indicates that the pH drop is dependent on the presence of PLP1 or motility. Efforts to determine transporters, exchangers, or pumps that could contribute to the drop in PV pH identified two formate-nitrite transporters (FNTs). Auxin-induced conditional knockdown and knockouts of FNT1 and FNT2 reduced the levels of lactate and pyruvate released by the parasites and lead an abatement of vacuolar acidification. While additional transporters and molecules are undoubtedly involved, we provide evidence of a definitive reduction in vacuolar pH associated with induced and natural egress and characterize two transporters that contribute to the acidification. Author SummaryToxoplasma gondii is a single celled intracellular parasite that infects many different animals, and it is thought to infect up to one third of the human population. This parasite must rupture out of its replicative compartment and the host cell to spread from one cell to another. Previous studies indicated that a decrease in pH occurs within the replicative compartment near the time of parasite exit from host cells, an event termed egress. However, it remained unknown whether the decrease in pH is directly tied to egress and, if so, what is responsible for the decrease in pH. Here we used a fluorescent reporter protein to directly measure pH within the replicative compartment during parasite egress. We found that pH decreases immediately prior to parasite egress and that this decrease is linked to parasite disruption of membranes. We also identified a family of transporters that release acidic products from parasite use of glucose for energy as contributing to the decrease in pH during egress. Our findings provide new insight that connects parasite glucose metabolism to acidification of its replicative compartment during egress from infected cells.
Chapter 17. Aldose Reductase Inhibitors as a New Approach to the Treatment of Diabetic Complications

Publisher Summary Several excellent reviews of the recent advances in the understanding of the biochemical events contributing to the pathophysiology of diabetic complications have focused upon aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors. The biological rationale and chemical progress toward design of AR inhibitors constitute the major discussion of this chapter. Diabetes mellitus (DM) that consists of an absolute (Type I or insulin dependent, IDDM) or relative (Type II or non-insulin-dependent, NIDDM) lack of insulin is a disease of increasing incidence. Diabetics also have a three or four times greater chance of developing peripheral arterial disease and a five times greater chance than the general population of developing gangrenes that leads to amputation. Recently, theories and data have been emerging that implicate aldose reductase (AR), increased flux through the polyol pathway due to hyperglycemia, and accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. Because of the high Km of AR for glucose, it is hypothesized that under normoglycemic conditions there is very little flux through the polyol pathway. On the other hand, under conditions of hyperglycemia, as in diabetes, the flux through this pathway can be considerable and the products of the pathway, sorbitol and fructose, are slowly metabolized and not freely diffusible through the cell plasma membrane, and thus tend to accumulate in the tissues. The chapter in its early phase discusses the extensive biological data based on this agent as a probe for the role of AR inhibition in the treatment of diabetic complications. Significant differences in susceptibility of AR enzymes to inhibition have been observed by the researchers. No trends can be predicted other than that in general human placental AR (HPAR) is less susceptible to inhibition than other AR enzymes.
Rapid Quantitative Method for Bound Water Determination in Aqueous Systems Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry

The percent of “bound” water in an aqueous system is obtained from the isothermal dehydration curve. The “free” water peak in the sample curve is related empirically on a weight basis to the evaporation curve of distilled water. The method is sensitive and precise. The water binding of the sodium form of a soy protein isolate at higher concentrations was larger than that of sodium caseinate. Sodium tripolyphosphate imparted higher water binding properties to foods than did sodium chloride. It was further shown that there was no correlation between water binding and water activity as measured in food model systems.
DNA sequence localization in metaphase and interphase cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the in situ hybridization techniques used for labeling specific sequences in chromatin fixed to slides and in suspension and discusses the procedures used to label probes with biotin, digoxigenin, and aminoacetylfluorene (AAF). The simplest and most reproducible means of labeling DNA sequence probes is by nick translation. The chapter describes the techniques for one-color fluorescent detection of these probe labels along with the techniques used for the simultaneous detection of two probes (AAF and biotin or digoxigenin, and biotin) using two different fluorochromes. DNA can be chemically modified with AAF through a chemical reaction at the C-8 carbon of guanine by the carcinogen N -acetoxy-2- aminoacetylfluorene ( N -A-AAF). The AAF and biotin procedures are adapted to label nuclei in suspension for the quantitation of bound probe by flow cytometry or for analysis of nuclear organization by optical sectioning or confocal microscopy. The chapter reviews the procedure followed for suspension labeling. The procedures for DNA sequence localization in interphase and metaphase cells described in the chapter have a number of research applications.
Loose Coupling of Failure Explanarion and Repair: Using Learning Goals to Sequence Learning Models

Because learning methods (i.e., knowledge repairs) can negatively interact, the arbitrary ordering of knowledge repairs can lead to worse system performance than no learning at all. Therefore, the problem of choosing appropriate learning methods given a performance failure is a significant problem for learning systems. Traditional case-based reasoners index learning or repair methods by specific failure characteristics so that once a failure is detected, a learning method can be brought to bear. Such tight coupling can be contrasted to a loose coupling in which the interaction between failure explanation and learning is mediated by the presence of learning goals generated by the learner. In an empirical study, the Meta-AQUA implementation performed significantly better under the guidance of learning goals (loose coupling) than under a condition in which learning goals were ablated (tight coupling). The conclusion is that unless repair interactions are known not to exist, a loose coupling is necessary for effective learning.
Gras-Type Conjectures for Function Fields

Based on results obtained in (15), we construct groups of special S-units for function fields of characteristic p> 0, and show that they satisfy Gras-type conjectures. We use these results in order to give a new proof of Chinburg's 3-conjecture on the Galois module structure of the group ofS-units, for cyclic extensions of prime degree of function fields.
Thymosin β4 enhances repair by organizing connective tissue and preventing the appearance of myofibroblasts

Incisional wounds in rats treated locally with thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) healed with minimal scaring and without loss in wound breaking strength. Treated wounds were significantly narrower in width. Polarized light microscopy treated wounds had superior organized collagen fibers, displaying a red birefringence, which is consistent with mature connective tissue. Control incisions had randomly organized collagen fibers, displaying green birefringence that is consistent with immature connective tissue. Immunohistology treated wounds had few myofibroblasts and fibroblasts with alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA) stained stress fibers. Polyvinyl alcohol sponge implants placed in subcutaneous pockets received either carrier or 100 microg of Tbeta4 on days 2, 3, and 4. On day 14, treated implants revealed longer, thicker collagen fiber bundles with intense yellow-red birefringence by polarized light microscopy. In controls, fine, thin collagen fiber bundles were arranged in random arrays with predominantly green birefringence. Controls contained mostly myofibroblasts, while few myofibroblasts appeared in Tbeta4 treated implants. Electron microscopy confirmed both cell types and the degree of collagen fiber bundle organization. Our results demonstrate that Tbeta4 treated wounds appear to mature earlier and heal with minimal scaring.
Qualitative Assessment of Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Observer Variability on CT and MR Images

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several studies have been undertaken to validate quantitative methods of evaluating cervical spinal stenosis. This study was performed to assess the degree of interobserver and intraobserver agreement in the qualitative evaluation of cervical spinal stenosis on CT myelograms and MR images. METHODS: Cervical MR images and CT myelograms of 38 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Six neuroradiologists with various backgrounds and training independently assessed the level, degree, and cause of stenosis on either MR images or CT myelograms. Unknown to the evaluators, 16 of the patients were evaluated twice to determine intraobserver variability. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement among the radiologists with regard to level, degree, and cause of stenosis on CT myelograms showed κ values of 0.50, 0.26, and 0.32, respectively, and on MR images showed κ values of 0.60, 0.31, and 0.22, respectively. Intraobserver agreement with regard to level, degree, and cause of stenosis on CT myelograms showed mean κ values of 0.69, 0.41, and 0.55, respectively, and on MR images showed mean κ values of 0.80, 0.37, and 0.40, respectively. CONCLUSION: MR imaging and CT myelographic evaluation of cervical spinal stenosis by using current qualitative methods results in significant variation in image interpretation.
Mechanisms of blood flow during CPR

Animal studies suggest that there are two mechanisms for blood flow during CPR: manipulation of intrathoracic pressure and/or direct cardiac-vascular compression. These mechanisms are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may coexist during different phases of prolonged resuscitation. Data in man, however, are inconclusive. Several studies suggest that intrathoracic pressure manipulation is a potent mechanism for blood flow during CPR in man. Other observations support the likelihood of cardiac-vascular compression. In addition, there is a lack of consensus on the best parameter(s) to use in studying the mechanism of flow. Despite these limitations, the better understanding of the physiology of CPR has led, in turn, to the development of more focused mechanical and pharmacological strategies to improve vital organ perfusion during resuscitation.
Administrative and Leadership Challenges in Building a New Era of Breast Centers

While the past two decades demonstrated the growth from imaging centers to comprehensive breast centers, sometimes in a one-stop setting, to remain viable, patient-focused and attractive to payors, the breast center of the future will need to integrate emerging technologies in an Advanced Technology Breast Center setting where surgeons and radiologists work synergistically in a side-by-side practice environment in collaboration with other breast specialists. While clinical excellence has been a fundamental component of breast center development, the economics in health care have created a demand for administrative and executive leadership to play a more vital role in championing breast center development. This approach promotes a structured, interdisciplinary panel model to ensure a patient and family centered, high technology, compassionate high touch, and culturally competent breast program. The most critical message of this article is that, before a team engages in recruiting staff, developing programs, and establishing collaborative partnerships, administrative and financial leadership within organizations must conduct an assessment of the strategic presence, prioritization, and placement of the breast center on the organizational radar screen.
Direct muscle stimulation in acute quadriplegic myopathy

We have previously found that muscle is electrically inexcitable in severe acute quadriplegic myopathy (AQM). In contrast, muscle retains normal electrical excitability in peripheral neuropathy. To study the relationship between muscle electrical excitability and all types of flaccid weakness occurring in the intensive care unit, we identified 14 critically ill, weak patients and measured the amplitude of compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) obtained with direct muscle stimulation (dmCMAP) and with nerve stimulation (neCMAP). In 11 of 14 patients dmCMAP amplitudes were reduced and the ratio of the neCMAP amplitude to the dmCMAP amplitude (nerve/muscle ratio) was indicative of loss of muscle electrical excitability. In 2 other patients, the nerve/muscle ratio indicated neuropathy. Direct muscle stimulation may allow differentiation of AQM from neuropathy even in comatose or encephalopathic critically ill patients. AQM may be more common than has previously been appreciated.
Histamine sensitization of mice by Trichinella spiralis infection.

SummaryInfection of mice with T. spiralis larvae collected from infected muscle induce a state of histamine hypersensitivity in CFW mice. This hypersensitivity can be detected 14 days after oral infection with larvae, and coincides with the time when larvae from the adult female penetrate the intestinal wall and first appear in striated muscle. The LD50 of histamine for infected mice was 0.1785 mg, which is of the same order of magnitude as the LD50 in mice treated with histamine sensitizing factor of B. pertussis. The hypersensitivity induced by T. spiralis seems to be long lasting.
Kinetics of Droplet Growth in Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Polymer-Diluent Systems: Model Development

Abstract A new model is presented for describing the increase in average droplet size as a function of time for systems composed of diluent droplets in a polymer–diluent matrix phase. The new model describes the merging of any two droplets and accounts for the effect that two coalescing drops has on neighboring drops. In particular, as two drops coalesce, fluid is expelled from between them. This expelled fluid causes the movement of neighboring drops, which leads to further coalescence of drops. The model predicts a strong influence of the droplet growth rate on the volume fraction of the droplet phase, which corresponds with experimental observations. The model was found to be sensitive to the matrix phase viscosity and the single fitting parameter, and less sensitive to the interfacial tension and Hamaker constant.
Infrared spectroscopy of submonolayer N2 on NACL films

Abstract Isotherms of CO at 77 K and N 2 15 at 77 K and 84 K on annealed NaCl films are reported with an isosteric enthalpy of adsorption of −12.7 kJ/mole. Submonolayer infrared spectra are presented for nitrogen on annealed NaCl films which show sharp spectroscopic features attributed to adsorption of nitrogen on smooth surface faces and steps. An analysis of the adsorption isotherm with a Langmuir model of adsorption provides a consistent picture of the binding energy and all the low frequency vibrational motions of adsorbed nitrogen.
Bending stress enhancement in materials with limited shear resistance—part I. Slipping-layers model

Abstract Enhanced bending stresses in fiber composites that have a low longitudinal shear strength are studied theoretically. In Part I we investigate the response of a beam consisting of discrete layers which are coupled by friction. After presenting a general method of analysing such a beam, we give results for the specific case of three-point bending. The enhancement of the bending stresses is highlighted. Since the analysis of discretely layered beams is extremely time consuming, a much simplified theory is presented in Part II for an unlayered beam which is weak in longitudinal shear. The connection between the discretely layered beam and the shear-weak unlayered beam is demonstrated, and the simplified theory is used to infer the bending stress enhancement which is to be expected in practice.
Development of an Evidence-Based Policy for the Prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia by Building on Existing Systems

ISSUE: Evidence-based guidelines were well established for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). All major interventions were in place for patients requiring mechanical ventilation; however there was no set protocol or policy for grouping interventions for the care of the patient requiring mechanical ventilation. PROJECT: Critical Care Unit (CCU) Nursing Staff, CCU Physician Director, and Pulmonary Care Staff collaborated to develop a policy specific to the care of the ventilated patient including prevention measures for VAP. Performance improvement measures were also included in the policy to increase awareness of staff to expectations. Literature review was conducted; incorporating Institute for Healthcare Improvement “ventilator bundle.” Data collection continued by Pulmonary Care to assist in identification of VAP. A data collection tool was attached to each ventilator to make readily available when the ventilator was put into use. Once the ventilator was taken out of service, the form was sent to infection control. Additional cases were identified via traditional surveillance, Staff and Physicians reports. Mouth care protocols were outlined and a standard product selected, making all supplies readily available. We replaced non-covered oral suction devices with one with a resheathing cover. Staff education was conducted on proper mouth care. Laminated signs were implemented to place over the head of the bed to keep head elevated at least 30 degrees at all times. Staff was provided with immediate feedback when surveillance rounds were conducted for compliance with the IHI Bundle components by the use of a bulletin board with results posted as the rounds are conducted. RESULTS: There is one policy that includes all interventions for the prevention of VAP, allowing easier reference and review with staff. VAP rate decreased from 1.9/1000 ventilator days in 2004 to 0 in 2005. LESSONS LEARNED: Consolidation of expected interventions, process and outcomes measures into one document increases staff awareness and compliance resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Computing the Singular-Value Decomposition on the ILLIAC IV

In this paper, we study the computation of the singular value decomposition of a matrix on the ILLIAC IV computer. We describe the architecture of the machine and explain why the standard Golub-Reinsch algorithm is not applicable to this problem. We then present a one-sided orthogonalization method which makes very efficient use of the parallel computing abilities of the ILLIAC machine. Our method is shown to be Jacobi-like and numerically stable. Finally, a comparison of our method on the ILLIAC IV computer with the Golub-Reinsch algorithm on a conventional machine demonstrates the great potential of parallel computers in the important area of matrix computations. Key Words and Phrases: ILLIAC IV computer, singular value decomposition, Golub-Reinsch algorithm, Jacobi-like method, parallel matrix computations.
A 4-dimensional 1-LCC Shrinking Theorem

Abstract This paper contains several shrinking theorems for decompositions of 4 -dimensional manifolds. Let f :M→X be a closed, cell-like mapping of a 4-manifold M onto a metric space X and let Y be a closed subset of X such that X−Y is a 4 -manifold and Y is locally simply co-connected in X . The main result states that f can be approximated by homeomorphisms if Y is a 1-dimensional ANR. The techniques of the proof also show that f can be approximated by homeomorphisms in case Y is an arbitrary 0-dimensional closed subset. Combining the two results gives the same conclusion in case Y contains a closed, 0-dimensional subset C such that Y−C is a 1 -dimensional ANR. The construction in the paper also gives a proof of a taming theorem for 1 -dimensional ANRs.
Influence of the D-2 dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole on the odor detection performance of rats before and after spiperone administration

The influence of five doses of the D-2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/kg IP) on the odor detection performance of 21 adult male Long Evans rats was assessed using high precision olfactometry and a go/no-go operant task. Additionally, ten rats were pre-treated with the D-2 receptor antagonist spiperone (0.62 mg/kg IP) and their performance monitored following quinpirole administration. Treatments were administered every third day in a counterbalanced order, with the quinpirole injections occurring 15 min before, and the spiperone injections 35 min before, the 260-trial test sessions. Quinpirole injection resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in odor detection performance, as measured by the percentage of correct trials and by the non-parametric signal detection sensitivity index SI. Prior treatment with spiperone eliminated these effects. Dose-related influences of quinpirole on (a) the average latency to initiate a detection response (i.e., the S+ response latency), (b) the total session duration, and (c) the number of aborted trials were also eliminated or greatly attenuated by prior spiperone injection. These results suggest that D-2 receptors may be involved in the modulation of odor detection performance and related behaviors.
A Single Position in the Third Transmembrane Domains of the Human B1 and B2 Bradykinin Receptors Is Adjacent to and Discriminates between the C-terminal Residues of Subtype-selective Ligands

In order to identify agonist- and antagonist-binding epitopes in the human B1 and B2 bradykinin (BK) receptors, we exploited the ability of these receptors to discriminate between peptide ligands that differ only by the absence (B1) and presence (B2) of a C-terminal Arg. This was done by constructing chimeric proteins in which specific domains were exchanged between these receptors as recently described by us (Leeb, T., Mathis, S. A., and Leeb-Lundberg, L. M. F. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 311-317). The constructs were then expressed in HEK293 and A10 cells and assayed by radioligand binding and by agonist-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Substitution of the third transmembrane domain (TM-III) of the B1 receptor in the B2 receptor (B2(B1III)) dramatically reduced the affinities of B2-selective peptide ligands including both the agonist BK and the antagonist NPC17731. High affinity binding of both ligands to B2(B1III) was fully regained when one residue, Lys111, in TM-III of this chimera was replaced with the corresponding wild-type (WT) B2 receptor residue, Ser (B2(B1IIIS111)). Replacement of Ser111 with Lys in the WT B2 receptor decreased the affinities of BK and NPC17731 and increased the affinity of the B1-selective des-Arg10 analog of NPC17731, NPC18565. The results show that the C-terminal residue of peptide agonists and antagonists when bound to the B2 receptor is adjacent to Ser111 in the receptor. A Lys at this position, as is the case in the WT B1 receptor, provides a positive charge that repels the C-terminal Arg in B2-selective peptides and attracts the negative charge of the C terminus of B1-selective peptides, which lack the C-terminal Arg. Therefore, the residues at this one single position are crucial in determining the peptide selectivity of B1 and B2 BK receptors.
Bromotrifluoroacetone alkylates hemoglobin at cysteine β93

Abstract The site of alkylation of hemoglobin by bromotrifluoroacetone has been determined by peptide mapping, using a stable radioactive label for the trifluoroacetonyl function. This study and 1H and 19F-nmr experiments confirm the site of modification to be the β93 cysteine found in the βT10 tryptic peptide fragment of the modified hemoglobin.
The Progression of a Novel Liposome-Based Delivery Vehicle Toward in vivo Drug Delivery

The primary aim of nanoscale drug delivery is to increase the efficacy of drug treatment by both lowering injected dose and reducing drug exposure to healthy tissue. Currently, liposomes are commonly used as carriers in industrial formulations for the treatment of cancer, but still suffer from drug retention and targeting issues. Previous work has established the vesosome, a large lipid bilayer enclosing multiple smaller liposomes, as an alternative to the liposome that offers improved retention and functionality. However, to be able to compare the relative effectiveness of the vesosome to the liposome, it is necessary to advance the vesosome to in vivo testing. We have developed a method to functionalize the vesosome for biocompatibility and examined the in vivo lifetime and biodistribution and initial results are a proof-of-concept that the vesosome can be used as a nanoscale drug carrier. To improve upon the vesosome, the formulation and synthesis have been modified to improve product purity, maintain half-life and introduce active targeting capacity. Continuing work focuses on using the new formulation of the vesosome to quantify its in vivo behavior and compare it to the vesicle.
Baseline inaccuracy rates for the comparison of cervical biopsy to loop electrosurgical excision histopathologic diagnoses.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the baseline inaccuracies in histopathologic diagnosis between colposcopically directed cervical biopsies and loop electrosurgical excision procedure specimens. Study Design: A retrospective review was made of cervical biopsies and loop electrosurgical excision procedure pairs (n = 448) that were performed at the University of Arizona between 1992 and 2000. Agreement was assessed by κ statistics and Spearman ρ coefficients. Subgroup analysis was performed (n = 139) to assess pairs with significant inaccuracy between biopsy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure, when these were performed within 28 days of each other. Results: Eighty-one percent agreement was found between cervical biopsy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure histopathologic diagnoses, when compared to within 1 degree (κ, 0.73; P Conclusion: Even when colposcopically directed cervical biopsy correlates strongly with loop electrosurgical excision procedure histopathologic diagnosis, there is a definable percentage of patients for whom there is a discrepancy between these 2 diagnoses. This discrepancy represents an inherent inaccuracy of the diagnostic testing modality and should not be interpreted as progression or regression of disease. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:349-52.)
The anatomy of the rabbit aqueous outflow pathway

. The morphology of the filtration angle and pathway of aqueous outflow was studied in 10 pigmented rabbits using light and electron microscopic techniques. The following conclusions were arrived at: 1. Numerous pectinate ligaments were found to cross the rabbit filtration angle. However, large spaces between these ligaments allows aqueous access to the peripheral portion of the angle and then to the trabeculum. The drainage of aqueous filtered through the meshwork is served by a plexus of 1 to 4 channels, which contain giant vacuoles along their internal and external walls. 2. A single layer of endothelial cells was found covering all meridians of the entire trabeculum from the termination of the cornea to the filtration angle recess. This layer, here termed the trabecular endothelial layer, is a continuation of the corneal endothelium, and it is accompanied by the posterior limiting lamina (Descemet's membrane) for its full length. 3. The aqueous passes through the trabecular endothelial layer by an intracellular route that possibly requires energy. 4. The presence of the trabecular endothelial layer in the rabbit may explain the variation that is known to exist between human and rabbit in responses to pharmaceutical agents. The physiology of the rabbit trabecular endothelial layer needs to be investigated to determine the suitability of this species as an animal model for the human glaucomatous conditions caused by the presence of such a layer.
Unusual declining phase of solar cycle 23: Weak semi-annual variations of auroral hemispheric power and geomagnetic activity

[1] Seasonal variations of geomagnetic activity during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 (SC23-D, 2002―2007) have been studied using auroral hemispheric power (HP), solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) data and the Kp index. The well known semi-annual variations of geomagnetic activity, with peaks occurring during equinoxes, were virtually absent during SC23-D. This makes SC23-D markedly different from previous solar cycles which had clear semi-annual variations. In SC23-D, both Kp and HP had unusual peaks around the December solstice (in years 2003, 2004 and 2006) and August (in years 2004 and 2005), instead of at the equinoxes. These peaks appeared to be associated with solar wind/IMF and the consequent merging electric field peaks in the same periods. Furthermore, the absolute values and relative changes of the Kp index were much smaller in SC23-D than in other solar cycles. The very weak dynamic pressure and southward IMF in SC23-D might also limit the regular modulation effects that contribute to the occurrence of peaks in equinoxes.
Choline production from choline-containing phospholipids: a hypothetical role in Alzheimer's disease and aging.

Abstract 1. Deficits in certain long-axon cholinergic brain neurons have been demonstrated both in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT) and, to a lesser degree, in association with the cognitive and memory impairments sometimes seen with normal aging. Our studies support a hypothesis concerning the selective vulnerability of these neurons. 2. In our superfused brain slice system, acetylcholine (ACh) release was dependent on the concentration of exogenous choline, at rest and during electrical stimulation. 3. Decreases in intracellular levels of ACh and choline accounted for only a small fraction of the quantities of these compounds released into the superfusates, suggesting that some tissue pool of bound choline, such as the phospholipids (PL), might have liberated choline. 4. In choline-free medium, the release and tissue content of ACh were sustained: thus, choline released from the putative endogenous pool can be utilized for ACh synthesis. 5. We hypothesize that the use, by cholinergic neurons, of choline originating from the breakdown of membrane PL, may result in an impoverishment in certain PL. Since only cholinergic neurons use their membrane PL as a reservoir for their neurotransmitter's precursor, this relationship might explain the major deficits in long-axon cholinergic nerve terminals seen in SDAT and other age-related memory disorders.
Hemolymph characteristics of developing adult tobacco hornworms reared as larvae on tobacco leaf or synthetic diet.

Abstract 1. 1. Representative hemolymph samples were taken for each day between larval-pupal ecdysis and adult eclosion of Manduca sexta . 2. 2. Comparisons were made between insects which had been reared as larvae on tobacco leaf and those on synthetic diets. 3. 3. Values for the specific gravity of whole hemolymph and for the concentrations of protein, total solids and trehalose in hemolymph plasma decreased during development. 4. 4. Glucose levels remained fairly constant throughout development. 5. 5. Diet had little influence on the above parameters among individuals of the same age.
Effect of hot-electron stress on low frequency MOSFET noise

Hot-electron reliability problems are of great importance in small geometry n-channel field-effect transistors. Accumulation of negative charge within the gate insulator and creation of interface states represent the two dominant degradation mechanisms. Since MOSFET noise is ascribed to Si-SiO 2 interface states, one might reasonably expect this noise to increase after hot-electron stress. We verify this expectation and show how the noise increase depends on gate voltage during stress. MOSFET noise is important for analog circuit performance and, hence, consideration of the long-term stability of noise, as well as threshold voltage and transconductance, should be included in analog circuit/process design.
What is a basic factor and which factors are basic? Turtles all the way down

Abstract Criteria for a “basic factor” of personality include: (1) reliable identification of the dimension factor across methods, genders, ages; (2) at least moderate heritability; (3) identification of similar kinds of behavioral traits in non-human species; and (4) association of the trait biological trait markers. The conventional five factor model has not gone far beyond the first of these. An alternative five factor model has been developed from factor analyses of traits selected from psychobiological studies of personality; it includes the basic factors of sociability, neuroticism-anxiety, impulsive unsocialized sensation seeking, aggression-hostility and activity. Universal factors are likely to have biological bases. Personality traits must be studied at all biological levels from the behavioral to the genetic.
More Puzzles on the Northwest Coast

evaluation of fundamental aspects of Northwest Coast ethnography and interpretation. Verne Ray (1956:169) has indicated that some of the limitations in Boas' and Hunt's description of the Kwakiutl should be dealt with more forthrightly and openly by critics who seem to avoid this matter in print. As a matter of fact, Ray might well agree that the reticence of these critics has contributed as much to the confused ethnographic situation in this culture area as have any original distortions or omissions. With this possibility in mind, it seems essential to point out that a comparable situation exists with respect to Swanton's study of the Haida and the Tlingit. According to at least one distinguished expert, errors of some dimension occur in Swanton's descriptions. Perhaps these errors have been considered at length in the "cocktail room discussions" (ibid.) of the Northwest Coast specialists. In print, however, they have been handled with such delicacy as to leave the Northwest Coast beginner in a quandary regarding the exact status of Swanton's findings. If this silence was observed out of respect for the magnitude of Swanton's contributions in this area, it need not continue. Ray seems to imply that our field is now mature enough to handle revisions in the healthy arena of open controversy. Let us hope that we are now able to dispense with mistaken notions of the role of the scholar and gentleman when we
From Königsberg to Vienna: Coffa on the Rise of Modern Semantics

Shortly before he died Alberto Coffa said he was writing “a very grumpy book.” It has turned out to be grumpy indeed, but also funny and deep and wonderful. When he began his work nearly 20 years ago he chose what must have seemed the most unpromising topic imaginable: the history of the a priori, both in the nineteenth century and especially among the logical positivists in the decade following 1925. In the early 1970s it was risky for a promising young philosopher of science to concentrate on historical topics. The nineteenth century was, with a few notable exceptions, terra incognita to analytically inclined philosophers. The positivists were pariahs. And many philosophers were convinced that there was no such thing as the a priori to be studied. Times have changed a bit, but this book still covers new territory. And though I cannot accept all of his conclusions, Coffa has much to teach, perhaps especially to those who would have found the whole investigation unpromising.
Using the Cayley transform and finite elements to solve linear time dependent problems

In this paper the approach of using the Cayley transformation to evaluate the solutionof a linear parabolic equation is coupled with standard finite-element methods. The potential advantage of this approach is that the solution at a fixed time is written in terms of a linear combination of solutions obtained by solving a time-independent problem where the coefficients in the linear combination are functions of time. In comparison with standard discretization methods this approach requires fewer ''pseudotime steps'', i.e., fewer terms in the linear combination of solutions, to obtain the solution at a fixed time.
Echocardiographic findings of patients with retinal ischemia or embolism.

Background and purpose A potential source of emboli is not detected in more than 50% of patients with retinal arterial occlusive events. Echocardiographic studies are not always included in the diagnostic workup of these patients. The authors studied the diagnostic yield of transthoracic (TTE) and/or transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography in identifying potential sources of emboli in patients with retinal ischemia or embolism. Methods In a prospective study, 73 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed retinal ischemia or embolism received a standardized diagnostic workup including retinal photography, echocardiography, and imaging studies of the internal carotid arteries. TTE was performed in 83.6% of patients, TEE was performed in 5.5% of patients, and both TTE and TEE were performed in 11.0% of patients. Ophthalmological diagnoses consisted of amaurosis fugax (n = 28), asymptomatic cholesterol embolism to the retina (n = 34), and branch or central retinal artery occlusion (n = 11). Results Echocardiography identified a potential cardiac or proximal aortic source for embolism in 16 of 73 (21.9%) patients, including 8 who also had either atrial fibrillation or internal carotid artery stenosis of more than 50% on the side of interest. Thus, 8 of 73 (11.0%) patients had lesions detected only by echocardiography. The most commonly identified lesions were proximal aortic plaque of more than 4 mm thickness (n = 7, 9.6%) and left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30% (n = 6, 8.2%). TEE was particularly helpful in identifying prominent aortic plaques. Conclusion Echocardiography frequently identifies lesions of the heart or aortic arch that can act as potential sources for retinal ischemia or embolism. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of these findings.
Proposed Design Provisions for a Seamless Bridge System: Cases of Flexible and Jointed Pavements

AbstractExpansion devices are one of the main causes for high maintenance costs in bridges. In this paper, a seamless bridge system is presented that results in bridges with long service lives by eliminating the joints over the bridge length, approach slab, and a segment of the roadway. The idea of a seamless system was originally developed in Australia for use with continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP). In this system, bridge movements are dissipated in the transition zone located at the bridge ends beyond the bridge abutments. Thermal compression forces are transferred partly to base soil and partly to the CRCP, and the thermal contractions are handled by opening and closing microcracks in the transition zone. Crack width and spacing are important parameters in the design of seamless bridge systems. This paper presents the modification to the Australian seamless system so that it could be extended to U.S. practice, where most pavements are either jointed plain concrete or flexible. Analyses ...
Using the iPad in a Sport Education Season

(2012). Using the iPad in a Sport Education Season. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 83, No. 1, pp. 39-45.
Exercise acutely increases high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lipoprotein lipase activity in trained and untrained men.

We studied the effects of a single exercise session on lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and on postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPLA) and hepatic triglyceride hydrolase activities (HTGLA) in 11 trained (T) and ten untrained (UT) men. Subjects exercised on a bicycle ergometer at 80% of their maximal heart rate for one (UT) or two hours (T). Blood samples were drawn 24 hours before and at ten minutes and 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. Values were analyzed before and after adjustment for estimated changes in plasma volume (PV). High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased 2 ± 4 mg/dL in T (P < 0.05) and 1 ± 2 mg/dL in UT subjects beginning 48 hours after exercise. This increase was magnified by adjusting for the 5% to 8% postexercise expansion of PV. The increase in HDL in the T subjects was produced by increases in the HDL2-C subfraction (+3 ± 4 mg/dL, P < 0.05) whereas HDL3 increased in the UT men (+2 ± 3 mg/dL, P < 0.05). LPLA did not change in either subject group when estimated PV changes were ignored but increased 11% (P < 0.05) at 24 hours after exercise when PV was considered. HTGLA was 11% below baseline in the UT men 24 to 72 hours after exercise (P < 0.05) but showed no change in either subject group after adjustment for PV. These results demonstrate that exercise acutely increases HDL levels by raising the HDL2 subfraction in T and the HDL3 subfraction in UT men. Exercise also acutely increases LPLA, but changes in lipase activities may be obscured by concomitant changes in PV. The magnitude of acute changes in lipid, lipoprotein, and lipase values were insufficient to account for the larger differences in these parameters generally noted between T and UT subjects.
Aging alters hepatic expression of insulin receptor and c-jun mRNA in the mouse.

Abstract The clear association between species and life span suggests that aging, like development, is genetically orchestrated. To explore this hypothesis, the expression of mRNA for a number of transcription regulatory and signal transduction proteins was investigated during aging of B10.RIII, C57BL/10 and B10.BR mice. mRNA for glucocorticoid receptor, CCAAT and enhancer binding protein, transcription factor Sp1 and RNA polymerase Il elongation factor S-II were unchanged between 4 and 24 months of age in these mice. These factors are required for the normal transcription of many genes, perhaps explaining their steady rates of expression throughout life. Insulin-like growth factor I mRNA also remained unchanged. By contrast, mRNA for the insulin receptor and transcription factor c-jun changed significantly during aging. c-Jun mRNA decreased approximately 55% between 4 and 12 months of age and then increased by 24–25 months of age to levels approximately equal to those found in young mice. Insulin receptor mRNA increased approximately 30% by 24–25 months of age in all strains of mice. These results suggest that factors determining the steady state level of these mRNAs are altered in level or activity during aging. Assessing the causes and significance of these changes will require further study. However, our results demonstrate that alterations in the expression of specific regulatory genes occur during aging.
Dolphins may sense Earth's magnetism

Birds do it. Bees do it. Now, maybe, dolphins do it, too. In a paper presented at the AGU Spring Meeting in Toronto, Mike Fuller of the University of California, Santa Barbara, announced that he and co-workers J. Dunn, also of UCSB, and John Zoeger, of Los Angeles Harbor College, had found magnetic material in the heads of dolphins. The finding opens the possibility that dolphins will join the growing list of animals that react to the earth's magnetic field, a list that includes pigeons, honeybees, and bacteria. The researchers dissected the heads of five dolphins, which were supplied by the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History through a program in which animals that have died of natural causes are turned over to researchers. Tiny amounts of magnetic material were found in all but one of the dolphins; that one was too badly decomposed to dissect successfully, Fuller said.
A sodium requirement for mitogen-induced proliferation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes☆

Abstract Mitogen-stimulated DNA synthesis in human peripheral blood lymphocytes is dependent on extracellular Na. DNA synthesis was similarly inhibited in: 1. 1. Cells that were suspended in hypotonic media containing decreased extracellular Na. 2. 2. Cells that were suspended in media containing decreased Na and equimolar replacement with choline. 3. 3. Cells that were suspended in media containing decreased Na and equiosmolar replacement with mannitol. A decreased PHA-induced DNA synthesis was observed at day 3 even when lymphocytes were exposed to low Na for only the first 3 h and then returned to normal levels of Na. Our studies of protein synthesis indicate that the effect of lowered extracellular Na on DNA synthesis and cell division is not due to an initial inhibition of overall protein synthesis. These data suggest that reduced external Na has a significant effect on some specific early event(s) (⩽3 h) in lymphocyte mitogenesis.
Disposition of WR-1065 in the liver of tumor-bearing rats following regional vs systemic administration of amifostine

Purpose—Amifostine is a prodrug in which selectivity is largely determined by the preferential formation and uptake of its cytoprotective metabolite, WR-1065, in normal tissues as a result of differences in membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase activity. It was hypothesized that amifostine may be a good candidate for regional drug delivery to the liver because of its large hepatic extraction and total body clearance. Methods—Rat livers were implanted with Walker-256 tumors. The tumor-bearing rats received 15 min infusions of amifostine (200 mg/kg) via the portal vein or the femoral vein. WR-1065 concentrations in the blood, liver and tumor were measured at various times. Results—The WR-1065 tumor portal dosing AUC15−60 was 40% of systemic dosing, and tumor concentrations following portal dosing were one-fifth of that following systemic dosing. The portal dosing WR-1065 liver AUC15−60 was 60% higher than the values for systemic dosing. The liver/tumor concentration ratios of WR-1065 following portal dosing were up to 8-fold higher than the ratio following systemic administration. Unfortunately, systemic exposure to WR-1065 was greater following portal vs systemic amifostine. Conclusions—Amifostine may provide increased liver protection and decreased tumor protection from radio- or chemotherapy when administered by the portal vein. However, portal dosing also increases systemic exposure to WR-1065, which is associated with hypotension. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.