cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Anti-initial Transcribed Sequence, a Portable Sequence That Impedes Promoter Escape, Requires ς70 for Function *

The anti-sequence, a portable element extending from +1 to +15 of the transcript, is sufficient to prevent promoter escape from a variety of strong ς70 promoters. We show here that this sequence does not function with even the strongest ς32 promoter. Moreover, a particular class of substitutions in ς70 that disrupt interaction between Region 2.2 of ς70 and a coiled-coiled motif in the β′-subunit of RNA polymerase antagonizes the function of the anti-element. This same group of mutants prevents λQ-mediated anti-termination at the λPR′ promoter. At this promoter, interaction of ς70 with the non-template strand of the initial transcribed sequence (ITS) is required to promote the pause prerequisite for anti-termination. These mutants prevent pausing because they are defective in this recognition event. By analogy, we suggest that interaction of ς70 with the non-template strand of the anti-ITS is required for function of this portable element, thus explaining why neither ς32 nor the Region 2.2 ς70 mutants mediate anti-function. Support for the analogy with the λPR′ promoter comes from preliminary experiments suggesting that the anti-ITS, like the λPR′ITS, is bipartite.
Extraordinary room-temperature photoluminescence in triangular WS2 monolayers.

Individual monolayers of metal dichalcogenides are atomically thin two-dimensional crystals with attractive physical properties different from those of their bulk counterparts. Here we describe the direct synthesis of WS2 monolayers with triangular morphologies and strong room-temperature photoluminescence (PL). The Raman response as well as the luminescence as a function of the number of S–W–S layers is also reported. The PL weakens with increasing number of layers due to a transition from direct band gap in a monolayer to indirect gap in multilayers. The edges of WS2 monolayers exhibit PL signals with extraordinary intensity, around 25 times stronger than that at the platelet’s center. The structure and chemical composition of the platelet edges appear to be critical for PL enhancement.
Secondary osteoporosis and the risk of distal forearm fractures in men and women

Abstract Secondary osteoporosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hip and spine fractures, but relatively little is known about the potential impact of secondary osteoporosis and fall-related disorders on the risk of distal forearm fractures. To address this issue, we conducted a population-based, nested case-control study comparing 496 Rochester, Minnesota, residents with an initial distal forearm fracture to an equal number of age- and gender-matched controls. Potential risk factors were assessed by review of each subject’s complete (inpatient and outpatient) medical records in the community (median duration >30 years) and analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Although history of diabetes mellitus in women (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–0.75) and long-term anticonvulsant use in both genders (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.26–10) were independently associated with fracture risk in a multivariate analysis, the conditions linked with secondary osteoporosis had, in aggregate, no statistically significant association with distal forearm fractures. Fall-related conditions altogether were associated with a borderline increase in risk (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.98–1.91) and might have accounted for 19% of forearm fracture occurrence in the community. Among women (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.20–6.19), but not men, a history of prior osteoporotic fracture was also associated with an increase in distal forearm fractures. These factors do not appear to account for the discrepancy in forearm fracture incidence in women when compared with men.
Communication Scheduling and Buslet Synthesis for Low-Interconnect HLS Designs

Current nanoscale designs are highly interconnect dominated, taking about 70% of the chip area. Interconnects also consume significant dynamic power, and about 60% of signal delays. It is thus important to be able to synthesize much lower interconnect-complexity designs than are possible with current high-level synthesis (HLS) tools and algorithms. Towards that end, we have developed the new paradigms of: a) flexibly-structured buslets that connect a few "neighborhood" functional units (FUs) instead of dedicated interconnect between pairs of FUs, thereby sharing interconnects among a number of FU pairs that need to communicate; b) communication scheduling (followed by standard operation scheduling) in which communication between FUs are scheduled at appropriate times to minimize the number of buslets needed, subject to buslet cardinality constraints (for the purpose of upper bounding signal delay). Using a force-directed technique for communication and operation scheduling, and a chronological algorithm that simultaneously performs communication-to-buslet, FU-connections-to-buslets and operation-to-FU binding, we obtain significant wirelength (WL) reduction in the range of 35--71% in our designs compared to conventional FDS-based designs with dedicated-interconnects between communicating FU pairs.
TU‐G‐108‐01: Prediction in Clinical Response to Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose: A tumor control probability (TCP) model incorporating a generalized linear‐quadratic (gLQ) model was investigated to predict clinical outcome after radiation therapy for patients. The clinical utility of the model incorporating the following individually measured radiobiology parameters: intrinsic radiosensitivity, proliferation and number of clonogenic cells, was evaluated. The hypothesis in the study was that the incorporation of individually measured tumor parameters into the TCP model would increase its reliability in predicting treatment outcome compared with the use of average population derived data. Methods: 46 patients with head and neck tumors were included and most of them received both external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy (as published in Acta Oncologica, 2009; 48:584–590). Primary tumor size was drawn from case records and pre‐treatment CT scans or MRI using two or three dimensional measurements to calculate tumor volume. Surviving fraction after 2 Gy (SF2), reflecting intrinsic radiosensitivity, was estimated by a soft‐agar clonogenic assay (as published in Int J Radiat Oncol Bio Phys, 2000; 46:13–19). Eighteen patients receiving external beam treatment alone were used to perform statistical analyses. Local control was determined by follow‐up records. Results: SF2 correlated significantly with tumor response (p=0.04, Mann‐Whitney test), but initial tumor volume did not (p=0.6). Eight of the 18 patients had a >95% calculated tumor control probability and none developed a local recurrence, yielding a negative predictive value of 100%, compared with 67% for population‐derived data. There was a statistically significant difference in local control levels between the patient group with >95% vs. <5% predicted probability of local control (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results suggest that incorporation of measured biological data within a TCP radiobiological model would improve its ability to predict radiation therapy outcome.
Akt phosphorylates Connexin43 on Ser373, a "mode-1" binding site for 14-3-3.

Connexin43 (Cx43) is a membrane-spanning protein that forms channels that bridge the gap between adjacent cells and this allows for the intercellular exchange of information. Cx43 is regulated by phosphorylation and by interacting proteins. “Mode-1” interaction with 14-3-3 requires phosphorylation of Ser373 on Cx43 (). Akt phosphorylates and targets a number of proteins to interactions with 14-3-3. Here we demonstrate that Akt phosphorylates Cx43 on Ser373 and Ser369; antibodies recognizing Akt-phosphorylated sites or phospho-Ser “mode-1” 14-3-3-binding sites recognize a protein from EGF-treated cells that migrates as Cx43, and GST-14-3-3 binds to Cx43 phosphorylated endogenously in EGF-treated cells. Confocal microscopy supports the co-localization of Cx43 with Akt and with 14-3-3 at the outer edges of gap junctional plaques. These data suggest that Akt could target Cx43 to an interaction with 14-3-3 that may play a role in the forward trafficking of Cx43 multimers and/or their incorporation into existin...
Fibronectin and collagen of cultured skin fibroblasts in diabetes mellitus

Summary The incorporation of [14C]proline and [14C]glycine into total protein, collagen and fibronectin was investigated in cultures of human skin fibroblasts obtained from normal individuals and from patients with Type I, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Proteins from the media and cell layer were separated using polyacrylamide SDS gel electrophoresis. Cells derived from diabetics incorporated more radioactivity into total protein, collagen, and fibronectin. The radioactivity in collagen increased more than fibronectin, producing a lower fibronectin to collagen ratio in diabetic fibroblasts. With increasing passage in culture, cell lines from normal and diabetic individuals showed an increased fibronectin to collagen ratio in media. This ratio increased more in cell lines from normals than from diabetics. This study provides additional evidence for altered production of intercellular matrix by cultured fibroblasts in diabetes mellitus.
1 alpha, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 nuclear receptors in pituitary

Specific binding of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) was found in nuclear and cytosol fractions of the bovine pituitary. For nuclear binding. the dissociation constant was 0.1 namomole per liter, and maximum binding was 104 femtomoles per milligram of protein. In competition studies, 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) was 300 times weaker than 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). The existence of high-affinity sites supports a physiologic role for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in the pituitary.
Understanding the impact of laptop power saving options on user satisfaction using physiological sensors

Several techniques are available to save power consumption in laptop computers. However, their effect on user satisfaction has not been well studied. We analyze how user satisfaction is affected by these techniques and show that, within a fixed power budget, some techniques cause more dissatisfaction than others. Second, we study the use of physiological sensors and show that the sensor readings are stable across times when no technique is applied, whereas they show statistically significant changes when power-saving techniques are employed. Finally, we demonstrate a prediction mechanism using these sensors that predicts user satisfaction with over 80% accuracy.
DNA-fork displacement rates in cultured mammalian cells with mutations in ribonucleotide reductase

DNA-replication fork displacement rates were measured in mouse S49 lymphosarcoma cell lines and in derivatives of those cell lines. One of the derivatives lacks dCMP deaminase activity and two others bear defined mutations in ribonucleotide reductase. We also examined a revertant cell line that was selected from one of the ribonucleotide reductase mutants and has regained normal ribonucleotide reductase activity. Our results show a correlation between decreased fork-displacement rates and alterations in ribonucleotide reductase, suggesting a possible involvement of this enzyme in the replication apparatus.
31P NMR of alkaline phosphatase

Summary Phosphate bound to E. coli alkaline phosphatase gives 31 P-NMR peaks at −3.5 and −8.5 ppm from phosphoric acid. A shift of −8.5 ppm cannot be correlated with any phosphorylated amino acid analogue. It is ascribed to a strained phosphoserine at the active site, with implications for catalysis. The two peaks trade intensity as the pH is varied, and at pH>6.5 only the upfield one is observed. In the cadmium enzyme the downfield peak is observed even at pH 7, which parallels the Cd-enzyme's failure to dephosphorylate at this pH. Enzyme-bound phosphate cannot be detected in the cobalt enzyme, implying that the phosphate binds close to the paramagnetic ions; a maximum P-Co distance of 3.3 A is estimated.
Sentinel lymph node mapping of the colon and stomach using lymphoseek in a pig model.

Background: Lymphoseek is a radiopharmaceutical designed for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. The purpose of this study was to compare Lymphoseek colon and gastric pharmacokinetics with filtered [99mTc]sulfur colloid (fTcSC). Methods: Eight anesthetized pigs received an endoscopic injection of Lymphoseek or fTcSC in the stomach and colon. Scintigraphy was obtained of both administration sites at 15-minute intervals up to 3 hours after injection, after which all SLNs were identified by a handheld gamma probe through a laparotomy incision. Isosulfan blue was administered at the injection site 5 minutes before SLN mapping. The percentage of injected dose (%ID) was measured for all harvested nodes, and the clearance half-life (T c) was calculated for all injection sites. Results: The mean Lymphoseek clearance for colon (T c, 2.56 ± 1.04 hours) and gastric (T c, 3.83 ± 1.18 hours) injection sites was statistically faster (P = .030) compared with fTcSC (colon T c, 14.98 ± 3.41 hours; stomach T c, 14.52 ± 4.08 hours). After 3 hours, Lymphoseek exhibited a mean SLN %ID of 1.32% ± 1.71% in the colon and 2.04% ± 2.12% in the stomach; this was not statistically different from fTcSC (colon, .63% ± .39%; stomach, 2.35% ± 2.90%). SLN uptake of Lymphoseek was significantly different from second-echelon node %ID for the colon (P = .011) and gastric (P = .029) injection sites. All SLNs exceeded 10 times background, and there was no discordance between isosulfan blue and Lymphoseek or fTcSC. Conclusions: Three hours after colon stomach administration, Lymphoseek demonstrated rapid injection site clearance, detectable SLN uptake, and low second-echelon node uptake.
Three Questions to Ask Before You Embark on Gamification

What's the difference between game-based learning and gamification? When shall I use game-based learning and when shall I use gamification? Many instructional designers and instructors struggle in differentiating those two terms and debate on which learning strategy to choose. The article will reveal the answers to these questions and posit three questions for instructional designers and instructors to consider to help them make the decision.
Kinetics of Thiamin Degradation in Solutions under Ambient Storage Conditions

: Thiamin is being incorporated into a variety of nutritionally enhanced beverages. Although thiamin degradation during thermal processing has been extensively studied, minimal data exist regarding its stability in solution during ambient storage. This study collected kinetic data for thiamin degradation in solutions as a function of pH, buffer type, and buffer concentration at 25 °C. Thiamin was incorporated into sodium phosphate and citrate buffer solutions, each prepared at 0.02 and 0.1 M and pH 4, 5, 6, and 7. Experimental solutions were stored in an incubator at 25 °C. Thiamin concentrations were analyzed at 9 time points over a 42-wk period. Thiamin degradation data were modeled using pseudo-1st-order kinetics. Thiamin stability generally decreased as pH and buffer concentration increased in both phosphate and citrate buffers. In 0.1 M phosphate buffer, the time for a 10% loss of thiamin decreased from 79 wk at pH 4 to 3 wk at pH 7. At pH 6 and 7, thiamin stability was greater in citrate buffer than in phosphate buffer. However, at pH 4 and 5, thiamin stability was greater in phosphate buffer than citrate buffer. To optimize thiamin stability in low pH beverages, phosphate buffer would be more appropriate to use than citrate buffer, whereas citrate buffer should be used for better thiamin stability in high pH beverages.
Acute Migraine Therapy: New Drugs and New Approaches

The conceptual shift of our understanding of migraine from a vascular disorder to a brain disorder has dramatically altered the approach to the development of new medicines in the field. Current pharmacologic treatments of acute migraine consist of nonspecific and relatively specific agents. Migraine-specific drugs comprise two classes, the ergot alkaloid derivatives and the triptans, serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. The ergots, consisting of ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE), are the oldest specific antimigraine drugs available and are considered relatively safe and effective. Ergotamine has been used less extensively because of its adverse effects; DHE is better tolerated. The triptan era, beginning in the 1990s, was a period of considerable change, although these medicines retained vasoconstrictor actions. New methods of delivering older drugs include orally inhaled DHE and the transdermal formulation of sumatriptan, both currently under study. Novel medicines being developed are targeted at neural sites of action. Serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonists have proven effective in phase II studies and have no vascular actions. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists are another promising nonvasoconstrictor approach to treating acute migraine. Olcegepant (BIBN4096BS) and telcagepant (MK-0974) have been shown to be safe and effective in phase I, II, and (for telcagepant) phase III clinical trials. Other targets under investigation include glutamate (AMPA/kainate), TRPV1, prostanoid EP4, and nitric oxide synthase. With new neural targets and the potential for therapeutic advances, the next era of antimigraine medications is near.
Coupling Titania Nanotubes and Carbon Nanotubes To Create Photocatalytic Nanocomposites

A titania nanotube/single-wall carbon nanotube composite was prepared by a simple hydration dehydration process. These composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (UV–visible diffuse reflectance, Raman, photoluminescence, and EPR) as well as electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). SEM and TEM images indicated that single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were interwoven with the titania nanotubes. Raman spectra further confirmed the chemical interaction between the titania nanotube and the SWCNT in the composites. The photoactivity of these composites was tested by the photooxidation of acetaldehyde. The composites showed enhanced photoactivity under both visible and UV light in comparison with conventional titania (P25) and controls. The composite having a mass ratio of 1:50 (SWCNT/TiNT) showed the maximum photocatalytic activity for acetaldehyde decay under visible light. XPS and EPR spectra indicated the creation of Ti–O–C bonds between the titania nanotube and the SWCNTs du...
Synthesis of silver nanodisks using polystyrene mesospheres as templates

We report the synthesis of Ag nanodisk using polystyrene mesospheres as templates. TEM measurements show that the average disk thickness is 9.0 ± 1.0 nm and the diameter is 36 ± 8 nm. The particles...
Preferences for Individual Video Games as a Function of Their Emotional Effects on Players

Video games vary in terms of the emotional states they elicit from players. These differences in emotional reactions, in turn, help account for differential preferences of individual games. The three independent dimensions of pleasure-displeasure, arousal-nonarousal, and dominance-submissiveness were used to assess emotional impacts of individual games. In addition, a preference measure was constructed to evaluate attraction toward, versus avoidance of, specific games. In Study One, a group of subjects provided data on emotional responses to 22 common arcade video games and a different group rated their preferences for the same games. The emotional impact of video games was highly unpleasant, moderately arousing, and moderately dominance-inducing; thus, the predominant emotional response to these games was aggression, anger, or hostility. I n Study Two, subjects visiting a video game arcade were recruited and assigned to play two games each and to report their reactions to each game immediately after playing the game. Results showed that greater feelings of pleasure, and separately of arousal, while playing video games resulted in higher preferences for the games and that greater dominance (significant only for males) also led to higher preferences. It may be beneficial, therefore, to experiment with more arousing and more dominance-inducing game designs which are not necessarily unpleasant or which definitely yield high pleasure.
Radiology–pathology conference: primary adrenal lymphoma

We present a case of a 62-year-old man with a history of type II diabetes mellitus who presented to our emergency department with back pain and right upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with vomiting and weight loss. A computed tomographic scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a large adrenal mass, and subsequent biopsy showed primary adrenal lymphoma.
In search of new lights: getting the most from competing perspectives

Some 18 months ago, Wolff-Michael Roth approached me with the idea to have a special issue on conceptual change theory and sociocultural theories that might be complementary or alternative. He was writing an article that adopted a bottom-up approach to the learning of science, that is, an approach that addressed questions such as ‘‘What competencies allow students and interviewers alike to talk about conceptions?’’ ‘‘Under what conditions can researchers extract conceptions from interview materials?’’ and ‘‘What are the implications of the fact that interviewers and students talk about conceptions that researchers denote as ‘misconceptions’?’’ I readily agreed because I regarded the pervasive acceptance of conceptual change theory as an ideology that obscured some of the most important issues in science education. Providing a forum in which the status quo was analyzed alongside of sociocultural alternatives was appealing to me. For my professional life as a science educator, which began more than 40 years ago, I have experienced the steady rise of conceptual change theory as a theoretical framework for science education. I never fully embraced this framework even though I was primarily interested in teaching and learning of science, and learning to teach science. I carefully studied its tenets, considered how they might be applied, but never really saw any advantage in adopting its premises, largely because conceptual change theory did not address praxis or knowledgeability. Hence, neither teaching nor learning was adequately addressed in ways that shed light on the issues that my research sought to address. I have continuously searched for appropriate theoretical frameworks for my research in science education, being mindful of Max Van Manen’s (1990) advice that those seeking to shine fresh light on an issue first must find the light. In so doing I have been mindful that as theories illuminate landscapes in particular ways, they simultaneously obscure or fail to discern other potentially salient issues.
Encoding of jaw movements by central trigeminal neurons with cutaneous receptive fields

Neurons with orofacial cutaneous receptive fields that responded to jaw movements were recorded in the trigeminal subnucleus interpolaris of the cat. Movement-related neuronal activity was identified by imposing passive ramp and hold stretches of the jaw at four different rates. Thirty-nine neurons with hair (26), skin (9), or convergent (4) receptive fields were studied. Thalamic projection neurons were identified by antidromic stimulation of the ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus. The receptive fields of movement-related hair units included multiple hairs located mainly around the angle of the jaw and chin. The receptive fields of movement-related skin units were smaller than those of hair units and they were located primarily around the angle of the mouth. The convergent units had more than one receptive field that usually included hair or skin. All of the hair units were activated both during opening and closing jaw movements. They typically responded with short bursts of action potentials. Four units with skin receptive fields exhibited similar responses. The five skin units that did not show bursting activity included two that were active during both opening and closing of the jaw, two that were active only during opening, and one that was tonically active during maintained open position. All of the convergent units showed biphasic responses, and three responded with bursts. The maximum discharge rate, the mean discharge rate (mean bursting rate for units with bursting responses), and the total number of spikes per movement were measured. Statistical analysis was performed on these variables to assess functional properties of each unit. The results were used to classify units as velocity, speed, direction, or transient motion detectors. Thirty-three percent of the neurons were trigeminothalamic neurons.
Is APL a programming language or isn't it?

It is a matter of both pride and concern to APL programmers that APL appears to develop in ways different from all other programming languages. This talk will attempt to answer why this is so. Comparisons will be made between the directions of APL development and those of the ALGOL family and LISP.
ZIP8 Zinc Transporter: Indispensable Role for Both Multiple-Organ Organogenesis and Hematopoiesis In Utero

Previously this laboratory characterized Slc39a8-encoded ZIP8 as a Zn2+/(HCO3–)2 symporter; yet, the overall physiological importance of ZIP8 at the whole-organism level remains unclear. Herein we describe the phenotype of the hypomorphic Slc39a8(neo/neo) mouse which has retained the neomycin-resistance gene in intron 3, hence causing significantly decreased ZIP8 mRNA and protein levels in embryo, fetus, placenta, yolk sac, and several tissues of neonates. The Slc39a8(neo) allele is associated with diminished zinc and iron uptake in mouse fetal fibroblast and liver-derived cultures; consequently, Slc39a8(neo/neo) newborns exhibit diminished zinc and iron levels in several tissues. Slc39a8(neo/neo) homozygotes from gestational day(GD)-11.5 onward are pale, growth-stunted, and die between GD18.5 and 48 h postnatally. Defects include: severely hypoplastic spleen; hypoplasia of liver, kidney, lung, and lower limbs. Histologically, Slc39a8(neo/neo) neonates show decreased numbers of hematopoietic islands in yolk sac and liver. Low hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell count, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity confirmed severe anemia. Flow cytometry of fetal liver cells revealed the erythroid series strikingly affected in the hypomorph. Zinc-dependent 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, required for heme synthesis, was not different between Slc39a8(+/+) and Slc39a8(neo/neo) offspring. To demonstrate further that the mouse phenotype is due to ZIP8 deficiency, we bred Slc39a8(+/neo) with BAC-transgenic BTZIP8-3 line (carrying three extra copies of the Slc39a8 allele); this cross generated viable Slc39a8(neo/neo)_BTZIP8-3(+/+) pups showing none of the above-mentioned congenital defects–proving Slc39a8(neo/neo) causes the described phenotype. Our study demonstrates that ZIP8-mediated zinc transport plays an unappreciated critical role during in utero and neonatal growth, organ morphogenesis, and hematopoiesis.
Formation of the physicochemical mechanics of materials as a new direction of science

We analyze the development of investigations and scientific results in the field of physicochemical mechanics of materials, which plays the role of contemporary scientific direction in materials science. The main stages of development of this direction in the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences are considered and the role of H. V. Karpenko in the formation and development of this branch of science is described. We also synthesize the most important scientific results, illustrate some their practical applications, and formulate urgent problems of the future investigations.
Vertical distribution of kelp zoospores

Abstract Cie D.K. and Edwards M.S. 2011. Vertical distribution of kelp zoospores. Phycologia 50: 340–350. DOI: 10.2216/10-48.1 The widely accepted theory of kelp propagule dispersal is that reproductive zoospores are released near the benthos and passively dispersed horizontally via advective and diffusive transport. However, it is possible that these zoospores can also be dispersed vertically away from the benthos and into greater unidirectional flow, thus increasing their dispersal potential. To investigate this, we developed a vertical spore profiler to collect settled zoospores at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 m above the substrate within and adjacent to the Point Loma Kelp Forest, California. Concurrently, we deployed a Nortek Aquadopp™ acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) to measure current velocities at different depths within and outside of the forest. Our results indicate that kelp zoospores are vertically dispersed throughout the water column, reaching at least 10 m off the benthos, but that zoospore d...
EFFECT OF PALMITOYLCARNITINE ON THE PASSIVE ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF ISOLATED GUINEA PIG VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES

Abstract The effects of palmitoylcarnitine (PC) on the passive electrical properties of isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes were studied using conventional microelectrode techniques. The amphiphile depolarized the cell membrane, and at low concentration (10 −6 M), increased the input resistance (R in ) from 12.4 to 17.9 MΩ and the time constant ( τ m ) from 1.38 to 2.20 ms. A higher concentration of PC (10 −5 M) decreased R in to 8.5 MΩ and τ m to 1.14 ms. No significant change was observed in the membrane capacitance and in the capacitative membrane area. The results suggest that PC incorporates into the cell membrane and in low concentration, it increases the membrane resistance, while its high concentration increases the membrane permeability probably by causing serious damages in the membrane structure.
Controlled and Extended Release of a Model Protein from a Microsphere-Hydrogel Drug Delivery System

In extended ocular drug delivery applications, it is necessary to exert control over the release characteristics of the drug. Design considerations must be made to limit the initial burst (IB) and ensure complete release of drug from the drug delivery system (DDS). In this study, ovalbumin was used as a model protein to explore the effects on release of polymer formulation and fabrication technique in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. Furthermore, the effect on release of suspending these microspheres in an injectable, thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel was determined. To characterize release, ovalbumin was radiolabeled with iodine-125. Regardless of polymer formulation or fabrication technique, pulsatile release was achieved with a second burst occurring after ~70 days for microspheres alone. Suspending PLGA 75:25 microspheres within hydrogel reduced the IB by ~75%, delayed the second burst by 28 days, and extended release out to ~200 days with steadier, consistent release throughout compared to microspheres alone. The combined microsphere-hydrogel DDS remains injectable through small-gauge needles and may have many applications, namely ocular drug delivery to the posterior segment.
One-dimensional domains in systems with long-range inhibition

Abstract We investigate a standard model-sharing characteristic properties with the Van der Pol oscillator for electrical generators and the FitzHugh-Nagumo system. We study the effect of a long ranging inhibitor and discuss the behaviour of solutions at short and large length scales. The main result is the existence of two inhomogeneous solutions—the smaller one is always a saddle corresponding to a critical nucleus; the larger one appears stable for overcritical coupling.
Regulation of sucrase and lactase in developing rats: Role of nuclear factors that bind to two gene regulatory elements

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sucrase-isomaltase and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase expressions change remarkably during postnatal development in rats. The aim of this study was to explore the role of transacting nuclear proteins, proteins that bind to the SIF1 cis-regulatory element of the sucrase-isomaltase gene and to the CE-LPH1 cis-regulatory element of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene, in this regulation. METHODS: Enzyme activity, Northern analysis, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to study the relationship of these nuclear proteins to sucrase-isomaltase and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene expression in rats during development. RESULTS: A rapidly migrating low-molecular- weight SIF1-binding protein was found in suckling animals without sucrase-isomaltase messenger RNA (mRNA), and a higher-molecular-weight- binding protein was found in older animals with expression of sucrase- isomaltase mRNA. Supershift experiments and Western analysis showed that neither protein is Cdx-2, the only previously described SIF1- binding protein. CE-LPH1-binding protein was found only in adult animals (with low lactase activity), and there was no relationship between enzymatic activity and levels of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: SIF1-binding proteins may regulate sucrase- isomaltase expression during postnatal development, but CE-LPH1-binding proteins do not seem to regulate lactase-phlorizin hydrolase expression during this period. (Gastroenterology 1997 Mar;112(3):803-12)
Wetting-Induced Settlement of Compacted-Fill Embankments

Many highway embankments experience problematic settlements. Compression of soil under the self-weight of the embankment generally occurs during construction, but postconstruction, wetting-induced collapse can result in more long-term settlement problems, depending on climate and movement of the wetting front. A study undertaken to examine settlement associated with unsaturated soil embankments included centrifuge modeling of compacted silt embankments, laboratory testing of the embankment soil, and data interpretation with the focus on settlement prediction. A silty soil was selected to facilitate the measurement of matric suction using tensiometers. Three model embankments were constructed and tested in the Army Corps of Engineers Centrifuge Research Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Embankments 20 m high were simulated using centrifugal acceleration of 165 g. Embankments were constructed to achieve a relative compaction of 90 or 95 percent based on standard effort and moisture content between 2 and 5 p...
The future of technological forecasting

Introduction Better methods of forecasting and planning for the future are needed now as never before. At all levels of government we in the United States badly need-and currently lack-clearer and more quantitative answers to a number of generic questions pertaining to technological progress. Equally, the managers of private sector firms, large and small, also often face the need to make decisions for which they lack the necessary knowledge. One of the most critical decisions faced by managers. and more often muffed than made well, is the timing of a switch from an old established technology to a newer and more promising, but still risky, one. Examples of other kinds of questions for which we need better methods of forecasting include the following:
Lunar mascon evidence from Apollo orbits

Abstract Apollo VIII tracking data have been analyzed to obtain new evidence for a mascon in the neighborhood of Sinus Aestuum. Data from elliptical and nearly circular lunar orbits of Apollo VIII can be interpreted in terms of a mascon in this region at a depth of approximately 100 km which has a mass on the order of 5 × 10−6 lunar masses and gives rise to a gravitational anomaly at the lunar surface of roughly 250 mgals.
Transfer during unlubricated sliding wear of selected metal systems

Abstract Results of pin-on-disk sliding tests in vacuum, with copper, CuNi, nickel and molybdenum sliding against iron, indicate that initial transfer events involve discrete fragments. We propose that the process involved in the initial transfer events is a consequence of local shear instabilities which develop at large plastic strains. In copper samples the initial transfer elements are lamellar, with layer thickness equal to the cell thickness in the highly deformed base material adjacent to the sliding interface. Prolonged sliding gives rise to the formation of transfer layers or patches on the specimen surface. These layers or patches are composed of finely mixed material derived from the two sliding counterparts as well as scattered pieces of more recently transferred fragments. Typical wear debris particles are generated from the transfer layers or patches. Transfer tendencies for different materials combinations can be predicted from an adhesion point of view if geometrical effects are properly considered. Combining theoretical predictions of transfer tendencies and experimental observations of transfer and geometrical effects, one finds that for a pin-and-disk system the disk should be made of the material having the higher cohesive strength.
A Hybrid Sparse-Grid Approach for Nonlinear Filtering Problems Based on Adaptive-Domain of the Zakai Equation Approximations ∗

A hybrid finite difference algorithm for the Zakai equation is constructed to solve nonlinear filtering problems. The algorithm combines the splitting-up finite difference scheme and hierarchical sparse grid method to solve moderately high-dimensional nonlinear filtering problems. When applying hierarchical sparse-grid methods to approximate bell-shaped solutions in most applications of nonlinear filtering problems, we introduce a logarithmic approximation to reduce the approximation errors. Some space adaptive methods are also introduced to make the algorithm more efficient. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the performance and efficiency of our algorithm.
NMDA receptor regulation of cell death in the rat olfactory bulb.

Cell death is widespread in the developing nervous system and is under complex regulation by numerous intra- and intercellular mechanisms. Blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor has been shown to promote cell death in the developing brain (Ikonomidou et al., 1999), suggesting that afferent functional activation is an important regulator of cell survival. The olfactory bulb, the first central relay for olfactory information from the nose, is well suited for examining the role of afferent activity in neuronal development. Functional deprivation is easily performed by surgical blockade of airflow to one side of the nasal passage, which results in dramatic alterations in postnatal development of the bulb (Brunjes, 1994), including enhanced neuronal loss (Frazier and Brunjes, 1988; Najbauer and Leon, 1995). The present report examined the specific role of NMDA receptor activation in regulating cell survival within the rat bulb. Pharmacological blockade of receptors with the noncompetitive channel blocker MK-801 (3 x 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in profound increases in cell death within 24 h. Furthermore, in contrast to other regions, where the effects of receptor blockade were confined to the first 2 postnatal weeks (Ikonomidou et al., 1999), enhancement of cell death was seen in the deeper granule cell-containing regions of the bulb with injections as late as postnatal day 28. In addition, the effects of MK-801 were much more dramatic than those seen after unilateral naris closure, suggesting that NMDA receptor activation may mediate additional survival pathways in the bulb beyond that provided by first nerve input.
Derivate des D-Glucosamins, VII. Darstellung und Eigenschaften von 3.4.6-Tri-O-benzoyl-D-glucopyrano-[1.2:4′.5′]-oxazolidon-(2′)

3.4.6-Tri-O-benzoyl-D-glucopyrano-[1.2:4′.5′]-oxazolidon-(2′) entsteht aus α-Brom-3.4.6-tri-O-benzoyl-N-Cbo-D-glucosamin bei Gegenwart katalytischer Mengen von Hg(CN)2 in CHCl3. Bei Zusatz eines Alkohols konkurriert diese Reaktion mit der Bildung des entsprechenden β-Glykosids. Die Oxazolidon-ausbeuten sind hoher, wenn die Alkohole sterisch gehindert sind.
A highly conserved, 5' untranslated, inverted repeat sequence is ineffective in translational control of the α1(I) collagen gene

An inverted repeat sequence, extending from the 5' untranslated region of the first exon through the translation initiation codon, is highly conserved in the alpha 1(I), alpha 2(I) and alpha 1(III) collagen genes of mammals and birds. It has been suggested that this sequence functions in translational control of collagen gene expression. When the upstream axis of the dyad of symmetry was deleted, the efficiency of translation of transcripts from a human alpha 1(I) collagen-bovine growth hormone fusion gene was unchanged in either transiently or stably transfected cells. Furthermore, mRNA levels were not affected when the same deletion was transferred to a collagen-human growth hormone fusion gene in which the collagen sequence retained the first intron. Examination of human alpha 1(I) DNA, extending from the start of transcription to the start of translation, by the DNAse I protection procedure revealed evidence for protein binding to a sequence just upstream of the inverted repeat sequence but not to the inverted repeat itself. Our studies therefore indicate that this highly conserved DNA sequence does not function generally in translational or transcriptional control of type I procollagen synthesis.
Divisors of codes of Reed-Muller type

Abstract This paper describes how to compute the largest power of the prime p dividing all the word weights of codes in a class including the powers of the radicals of group algebras of p -groups over finite fields of characteristics p . In the group algebra case, the computation requires finding the optimal solution of a bin-packing problem. Standard algorithms provide it when the group is Abelian.
Performance Simulation Involving Correlated Part Characteristics

In the analysis of an electronic circuit containing component parts on which two or more measurements are made there is the need for treating correlated part characteristics. In a performance simulation analysis using a digital computer, one must generate the correlated variables with the appropriate correlations. A method for generating a set of normally distributed variables with a given correlation matrix is presented in this paper. The method is based on an algorithm used in the square root method for solving a system of linear equations. The procedure is applied to a linear amplifier, for which the h-parameters of the equivalent dc circuit analysis of the transistor are a good example of correlated part characteristics. The method has been written in FORTRAN and the computations could be performed on almost any digital computer.
A consensus endocrine profile for chronically stressed wild animals does not exist.

Abstract Given the connection between chronic stress and health, there has been a growing emphasis on identifying chronically stressed wild animals, especially in relation to anthropogenic disturbances. There is considerable confusion, however, in how to identify chronically stressed wild animals, but the most common assumption is that measures of glucocorticoid (GC) function will increase. In an attempt to determine an “endocrine profile” of a chronically stressed wild animal, this review collected papers from the literature that measured baseline GC, stress-induced GC, measures of integrated GC, negative feedback, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis sensitivity, and/or body weight in chronically stressed animals. The collected studies encompassed laboratory and field studies, numerous diverse species, and multiple techniques for inducing chronic stress. Each paper was ranked according to its relevance to wild animals and scored as to whether the measured response increased, decreased, or stayed the same after exposure to chronic stress. The analyses uncovered so much variation between studies that the literature does not support a generalized endocrine profile in how wild animals respond to chronic stress. The common predictions appear to be based almost entirely on theoretical models rather than empirical data. The three most important variables affecting GC responses were the stressors used to induce chronic stress, the potential for those stressors to induce habituation, and the taxon of the focal species. The best approach for identifying a chronically stressed population appears to be documentation of changes at multiple levels of GC regulation, but the direction of the change (increase or decrease) may be relatively unimportant compared to the fact that the response changes at all. The conclusion is that a consistent, predictable, endocrine response to chronic stress, regardless of the protocol used to induce chronic stress and the species under study, does not exist.
Dynamics of binary mixtures of plasmenylcholine/arachidonic acid and phosphatidylcholine/arachidonic acid - a study using fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy

Arachidonic acid is selectively released during signal transduction in many cell types. To examine the effects of physiologically relevant amounts of arachidonic acid on membrane bilayers, alterations in membrane dynamics induced by arachidonic acid were investigated utilizing fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We demonstrate that decreases in the fluorescence steady-state anisotropy of diphenylhexatriene are induced by incorporation of physiologically relevant amounts (i.e., 5 mol%) of arachidonic acid into either phosphatidylcholine or plasmenylcholine membrane bilayers. Furthermore, examination of the motional dynamics of the bis-allylic protons in arachidonic acid by analyses of their spin-spin relaxation times demonstrated that these protons are more restrained when arachidonic acid is present as a substitutional impurity in plasmenylcholine vesicles than in phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Collectively, these results demonstrate that arachidonic acid, when present in physiologically relevant mole fractions, can modify the molecular dynamics of biological membranes and that the motional dynamics of arachidonic acid in membrane bilayers is influenced by the type of covalent linkage present in the proximal portion of the sn-1 aliphatic chain in host bilayer matrices.
Conjugation in Hyalophysa chattoni Bradbury (Apostomatida): An adaptation to a symbiotic life cycle.

Abstract Hyalophysa chattoni, borne as an encysted phoront on a crustacean's exoskeleton, metamorphoses to the trophont during the host's premolt. After the molt within 15 min to 2 h conjugants with food vacuoles appear in the exuvium, swimming along with the trophonts. Starvation in other ciliates usually precedes conjugation, but food vacuoles in conjugants do not preclude starvation. Only after ingestion and dehydration of vacuoles ceases, does digestion of exuvial fluid begin. Conjugants resorb their feeding apparatus as they fuse. A single imperforate membrane from each partner forms the junction membrane. In a reproductive cyst conjugants divide synchronously, but now the junction membrane is interrupted by pores and channels. After the last division the daughters undergo meiosis – two meiotic divisions and one mitotic division yielding two prokarya as they simultaneously differentiate into tomites. After fertilization, pairs separate and the synkaryon divides once into a macronuclear anlage and a micronucleus. Exconjugants leave the cyst and seek a host. The parental macronucleus remains active until the phoront stage when the anlage develops. Owing to random association of micronuclei during meiosis, Hyalophysa's exconjugants are more genetically diverse than exconjugants from conventional patterns of conjugation.
The Integrate Radiance of Flashbulbs

The integrated radiance of several types of flashbulbs has been measured and compared with the maximum permissible exposure for published laser standards. At close distances several flashbulb types have integrated radiance values that exceed those allowed for lasers.