cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global well-posedness for the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation with initial data lying in Lp-based Sobolev spaces

In this paper, we continue our study [B. Dodson, A. Soffer, and T. Spencer, J. Stat. Phys. 180, 910 (2020)] of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS) with bounded initial data which do not vanish at infinity. Local well-posedness on R was proved for real analytic data. Here, we prove global well-posedness for the 1D NLS with initial data lying in Lp for any 2 < p < ∞, provided that the initial data are sufficiently smooth. We do not use the complete integrability of the cubic NLS.
Racial Disparities of E-Cigarette Use Among US Youths: 2014‒2019.

Objectives. To evaluate disparities in youth e-cigarette use patterns and flavor use by race/ethnicity over time. Methods. We used data from the US 2014–2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to...
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and transnational hybrid governance in Ecuador’s palm oil industry

Abstract The expansion of Latin America’s palm oil frontier has spurred an explosion of interest in the social and environmental impacts of palm oil production. Researchers have been particularly focused on the effectiveness of global sustainability certification standards in addressing induced vulnerabilities. Only a small fraction of this research, however, analyzes how the local institutionalization of global standards has shaped national and sub-national structures of environmental governance, or regional conceptualizations of authority. It also fails to examine how the entrenchment of global standards has reworked local social relations inhering within formal and informal palm oil governing arrangements. To address these gaps, this paper draws on the case of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Ecuador to answer the following research questions: 1) How does the local introduction and institutionalization of RSPO standards (re)shape national and sub-national environmental governance structures and relations? 2) How do RSPO standards reconfigure long-standing notions of power and authority? Drawing on extended fieldwork, the paper finds that the introduction of RSPO standards has prompted three major shifts in domestic palm oil governance. These shifts are: 1) technicalization of community-company relations, 2) hybridization of governance coalitions 3) regionalization of governance efforts. Taken together, these transformations point to an emerging transnational hybrid governance regime that blends public laws with private guidelines to reach national and international sustainability objectives. The regime has enabled the emergence of new palm governance authorities in the sector yet at the same time, it has reinscribed the uneven power relations of palm oil governance. The study concludes that future research and policy efforts must go beyond simply evaluating RSPO standards in local spaces, and instead aim to improve the social relations that exist within agro-commodity chains in order to make the governance of sustainable palm oil more socially-inclusive and just.
Toward New Aesthetic Horizons: The Case for a Pragmatist-Hermeneutic Approach to Art Music

The sociological study of classical music has largely focused on the music’s centrality in the reproduction of class distinction, and the structural determinants of legitimacy. Rooted in the influential cultural analyses of Pierre Bourdieu, and his critique of Immanuel Kant’s work on aesthetics and judgment, existing sociologies of art music largely revolve around elite consumption and the formation of eighteenth and nineteenth century cultural tastes. Accounts of the practice of contemporary art music production remain understudied in the sociological literature. The purpose of this article is to make the case that pragmatism and hermeneutics are crucial elements of a sociology of art music that centers action, interaction, and interpretation at the individual and collective levels of analysis. Drawing on basic principles from each, I propose a pragmatist-hermeneutic approach to the sociological study of art music that seeks to illuminate how contemporary art music practice organizes the field of classical music in the twenty-first century American context.
Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Bacillus subtilis Infected with Bacteriophage β22

Abstract Changes in the synthesis of host and phage nucleic acid after infection of Bacillus subtilis with virulent bacteriophage β22 were analyzed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA)-DNA hybridization. Host DNA replication continued during the first third of the 55-min latent period and then ceased at approximately the time replication of the phage genome was initiated. Host-specific RNA was synthesized concurrently with phage RNA during the first half of the latent period but was repressed late in the infection. For much of the latent period, the population of phage-specific RNA changed continually as new species were transcribed and earlier species were repressed; detectable changes ceased coincidentally with the appearance of intracellular phage. Control over transcription of phage DNA was to some degree an intrinsic property of the interaction of B. subtilis DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the phage genome, since only the early species of phage RNA were synthesized in vitro by B. subtilis polymerase and pure β22 DNA. In vitro transcription of late functions was demonstrated by using the endogenous RNA polymerase activity of the nucleoprotein complex (nuclear fraction) from infected cells.
Identification of a Vesicular Pool of Calcium Channels in the Bag Cell Neurons of Aplysia californica

To study the molecular mechanism of calcium current modulation in the bag cell neurons of Aplysia californica, we have identified calcium channel subtypes expressed in these cells and analyzed their distribution using channel-specific antibodies. Using PCR to amplify reverse-transcribed RNA from bag cell clusters, we identified two classes of calcium channel alpha1 subunit. One, BCCa-I, belongs to the ABE subfamily of calcium channels, whereas the other, BCCa-II, belongs to the SCD subfamily. Antibodies generated against the bag cell calcium channels recognize membrane proteins of approximately 210 and 280 kDa on immunoblots. Both channels are expressed in the bag cell clusters as well as in other parts of the Aplysia nervous system. BCCa-II also localizes to glia and muscle. The subcellular distribution of the two channel types is strikingly different. Antibody staining of bag cell neurons in primary culture shows that BCCa-II is present on the plasma membrane, whereas BCCa-I has a punctate, intracellular distribution consistent with a vesicular localization. The BCCa-I-containing vesicles are found in bag cell neuron somata and growth cones and occasionally in neuritic hotspots. Their distribution is similar but not identical to that of LysoTracker Red, a marker for acidic organelles, but unlike that of dense-core vesicles containing egg-laying hormone. The vesicular channels may represent the protein kinase C-sensitive calcium channels of bag cell neurons that are believed to enhance hormonal release during electrical activity.
Distinguishing allelopathy from resource competition: the role of density

The broadest definition of allelopathy encompasses both stimulatory and inhibitory biochemical interactions among plants at all levels of complexity, including microorganisms (Molisch 1937). Over the years, it has been proposed that beyond the direct or indirect chemical effects of a plant on its neighbors, allelopathy may also affect community-level processes such as succession, nitrogen cycling and community dynamics (Muller, 1966; Rice, 1984; White, 1994; Wardle et al. 1998). Muller (1966, p. 332) summarizes allelopathy’s potential importance to plant communities:
Dominant negative mutants of human T-cell leukemia virus type I Rex and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev fail to multimerize in vivo.

Abstract Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Rex and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Rev are essential gene products required for the replication of these two pathogenic human retroviruses. Both Rex and Rev act at a posttranscriptional level by binding to highly structured RNA-response elements, the Rex-response element in HTLV-I and the Rev-response element in HIV-1. Using a sensitive in vivo assay of protein-protein interaction, we now demonstrate that the HTLV-I Rex and HIV-1 Rev proteins readily form homomultimeric complexes in the absence of their cognate RNA-response elements yet fail to form heteromultimeric complexes with each other. Dominant negative mutations have been identified in both the rex and rev genes which presumably specify a critical activation or effector domain in each of these viral transactivators. Surprisingly, these dominant negative mutants of Rex and Rev fail to interact in vivo. These findings raise the possibility that the binding of nonfunctional monomers rather than functional multimers underlies the transdominant phenotype of these Rex and Rev mutants. Further, it seems likely that the assembly of functional and stable multimers of Rex and Rev in vivo may depend not only on the intrinsic multimerization domains of these proteins but also on the binding of a bridging cellular cofactor to the related activation domains present in each viral transactivator.
Adenocarcinoid (mucinous carcinoid) of the appendix

Abstract Carcinoid tumors of the appendix are common incidental findings, but appendiceal tumors with histologic features of both carcinoids and adenocarcinomas are rare, and their biologic behavior is still unclear. We studied 10 such cases among 45 appendiceal tumors seen at Yale-New Haven Hospital between 1960 and 1982. The patients, ranging in age from 23 to 65 yr, were all clinically symptomatic [acute appendicitis (5); abdominal mass (5)]. Right colectomy was performed in 5 patients; the other 5 underwent appendectomy only. In 1 case, metastasis to a lymph node was detected; 2 patients had ovarian metastases, and 4 patients had cecal invasion. One of the 10 patients died of widely disseminated tumor, 2 are living with persistent disease, and 5 remained free of disease from 1 to 5 yr after initial surgery. Two cases were lost to follow-up. We conclude that the histology of these lesions is distinctive, enabling their differentiation from ordinary carcinoids. Because these lesions behave in a clinically more aggressive fashion than the usual appendiceal carcinoids, but are less virulent than adenocarcinoma, we support their classification as adenocarcinoids.
Extended abstract: Writing commons and open education resources/internships for STEM programs

This presentation reports on Writing Commons, an open-education resource for writing in science, technology, engineering, and math. Widely adopted and used by institutions such as Duke University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Ohio State University, Writing Commons exemplifies the power of peer production and authorship in the digital age. Additionally, Writing Commons is available to an international audience of readers from a variety of fields. The speakers will address the networking, educational, professional, and internship possibilities that are available through Writing Commons, its subsite, My Campus, and its associated textbooks that were developed for the University of South Florida's Professional Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology degree program.
Putting the Pieces Together: Lessons Learned for Future Reforms

This chapter summarizes the main lessons learned throughout the volume and highlights common needs with any large-scale reform along with common strategies.
Experimental induction of an abnormal ipsilateral visual field representation in the geniculocortical pathway of normally pigmented cats

In the normally pigmented neonatal cat, many ganglion cells in temporal retina project to the contralateral dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) and medial interlaminar nucleus (MIN). Most of these cells are eliminated during postnatal development. If one optic tract is sectioned at birth, much of this exuberant projection from the contralateral temporal retina is stabilized (Leventhal et al., 1988b). To determine how the abnormal projection from the contralateral temporal retina is accommodated in the central visual pathways, neuronal activity was recorded in the visual thalamus and cortex of adult cats whose optic tracts were sectioned as neonates. The recordings showed that up to 20 degrees of the ipsilateral hemifield is represented in the LGNd and MIN. Recordings from areas 17 and 18 of the intact visual cortex showed that up to 20 degrees of the ipsilateral visual field is also represented and that the ipsilateral representation is organized as in a Boston Siamese cat (Hubel and Wiesel, 1971; Shatz, 1977; Cooper and Blasdel, 1980) or a heterozygous albino cat (Leventhal et al., 1985b). The extent of the ipsilateral visual field representation was greater in area 18 than in area 17; the extent of the ipsilateral hemifield representation in areas 17 and 18 varied with elevation, increasing with distance from the horizontal meridian. The receptive fields of cells in the LGNd and visual cortex subserving contralateral temporal retina were abnormally large. Otherwise, their receptive field properties seemed normal. In the same animals studied physiologically, HRP was injected into the ipsilateral hemifield representation in the LGNd and MIN of the intact hemisphere. The topographic distribution of the alpha and beta cells, respectively, labeled by these injections correlated with the elevation-related changes in the ipsilateral visual field representation in areas 18 and 17. Our results indicate that the retinotopic organization of the mature geniculocortical pathway reflects the abnormal pattern of central projections of ganglion cells in neonatally optic tract sectioned cats. Thus, if they do not die, retinal ganglion cells normally eliminated during development are capable of making seemingly normal, functional connections. The finding that an albino-like representation of the ipsilateral hemifield can be induced in the visual cortex of normally pigmented cats suggests that the well- documented defects in the geniculocortical pathways of albinos are secondary to the initial misrouting of ganglion cells at the optic chiasm (Kliot and Shatz, 1985) and not a result of albinism per se.
Role of thiopentone infusion for management of intractable status epilepicus in pediatric patients

Intractable status epilepticus not responding to conventional pharmacotherapy is a medical emergency. Deeper suppression of cortical activity, documented electrocerebral silence and titrable length of time during which such electrocerebral silence can be maintained all make thiopentone the ideal drug for initial management of status epilepticus [1,2]. A long-lasting anti-epileptic drug regimen can be established during thiopentone-induced burst suppression, which can then be tapered and discontinued with minimal chances of recurrence.
Fluorescence microscopy methods for yeast.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews and provides detailed protocols for the application of immunofluorescence and other fluorescence-microscopic procedures to yeast. These procedures play a role that is separate from but equal to the role of electron microscopy. Although in some situations the greater resolving power of the electron microscope is clearly essential to obtain the needed structural information, in other situations the necessary information can be obtained more easily, more reliably, or both, by light (including fluorescence) microscopy. The potential advantages of light-microscopic approaches derive from the facts (1) that they can be applied to lightly processed or living cells, (2) that much larger numbers of cells can be examined than by electron microscopy (note especially the great labor involved in visualizing the structure of whole cells by serial-section methods), and (3) that some structures have simply been easier to see by light microscopy than by electron microscopy. The methods are also effective with other yeasts such as Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Candida albicans .
Experience with an industry-driven capstone course on game programming: extended abstract

Game programming classes have been offered at the University of North Texas continuously since 1993. The classes are project based, and feature collaborative coursework with art majors in UNT's School of Visual Arts. We discuss the design that enables them to simultaneously provide both training for students intending employment in the game industry, and a capstone experience for general computer science undergraduates.
Invasive species as a new food source: does a nudibranch predator prefer eating an invasive bryozoan?

Membranipora membranacea is an invasive bryozoan that was first found in the Gulf of Maine in 1987 and within two years became the dominant organism living on kelps. Membranipora may have become dominant so quickly because it had little competition in a relatively unoccupied niche; however, lack of predation has also probably played a major role. Where Membranipora is native, there is usually a specialist nudibranch predator that keeps the population in check. For example, in European populations, the nudibranch Polycera quadrilineata prefers Membranipora while Onchidoris muricata is known to prefer another bryozoan, Electra pilosa. Electra, Membranipora, and Onchidoris are all now found in the Gulf of Maine while Polycera is not. We tested whether Onchidoris would (1) eat Membranipora at all, (2) eat Membranipora and Electra at different rates, and (3) show a preference for eating Membranipora or Electra when given a choice. We found that Onchidoris does eat Membranipora, and it generally eats Membranipora faster than Electra. However, when given a choice, Onchidoris prefers Electra. Onchidoris typically reproduces in the spring and grows over the fall and winter, but has recently been found reproducing in the winter in New Hampshire. Although it does not survive the winter as well as Electra, Membranipora is the dominant organism living on many macroalgae in the late summer and fall. Thus, the large Membranipora food source now available in the summer and fall may allow Onchidoris to reproduce earlier.
Neuromuscular blocking agents in the emergency department

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are utilized frequently in the emergency department (ED). We begin with a brief history of neuromuscular blockade, then review the indications and guidelines for its use in the emergency department setting. The relevant agents will be discussed focusing on dosage, side effects, and adverse reactions. Special attention will be paid to succinylcholine, the drug most commonly employed in the ED setting, followed by a summary of the nondepolarizing agents currently available, in particular the four shorter-acting agents that are most appropriate for administration in the ED.
A proposed mode of action of antitumor platinum compounds based upon studies with cis-dichloro-([G-3H]dipyridine)platinum(II)

Abstract The neutral, square-planar platinum complex cis -dichloro(dipyridine)platinum (II) ( cis -PPC), which is a structural analog of cis -dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) ( cis -PtII) and possesses similar antitumor and antimitotic properties, was synthesized using [G- 3 H]pyridine and used to determine certain characteristics of its interactions with selected living and non-living systems. Cis -dichloro([G- 3 H]dipyridine)platinum(II) ( cis -PPC- 3 H) associates with intact Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in vitro at 2° and 37° and resists dissociation by washing with saline or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as well as solubilization in alkali followed by reprecipitation with TCA. Dialysis experiments showed that cis -PPC- 3 H associates avidly with calf thymus DNA, high molecular weight yeast RNA, and bacterial and yeast transfer RNA, but not with bovine serum albumin, dextran, or purified erythrocyte membranes. Dialysis of the platinum-nucleic acid complexes in distilled water or NaCl results in loss of a portion of the original radioactivity. The platinum-DNA bond is also resistant to dissociation by solubilization in alkali followed by TCA precipitation. The homopolymers, polyadenylate and polycytidylate, bind cis -PPC- 3 H to the same extent as RNA on a weight basis; polyguanylate and polyuridylate bind the platinum complex to a greater extent than does RNA. Similar to nitrogen mustard (HN 2 ), bonding of cis -PPC- 3 H to DNA in vitro is inhibited by NaCl; however, prior alkylation of the DNA with HN 2 does not influence its subsequent bonding with cis -PPC- 3 H. It was proposed that the antitumor and antimitotic action of the square-planar platinum complex depends upon the dissociation of one or both chlorine atoms from the platinum atom. The resulting cationic, aquated species subsequently forms a bond with nucleic acid, and does so with a possibly greater affinity for guanylate and uridylate. The site of establishment of this bond(s) is probably dissimilar to that of the HN 2 -nucleic acid bond.
A castability study of nonprecious ceramometal alloys

W ith the increased use of nonprecious metals for ceramometal restorations, many new alloys have been developed. Manufacturers’ instructions for casting the alloys can be confusing, particularly where burnout temperature is concerned. Burnout temperatures in the range of 1,500” to 1,800” F have been recommended for investments used with nickel-base alloys. This study investigated the effect of burnout temperature on the castability of some nickel-base alloy systems and the effect of burnout temperature on the roughness of castings. Both beryllium and nonberyllium alloy systems were analyzed. The problems associated with casting base metal as an alternative to noble metal in ceramometal alloys have been considered by several authors.‘-9 Early studies compared the newer base metal alloys and their handling properties with those of noble metals by the use of techniques developed for noble alloys. Often the results of the studies were disappointing; they suggested that the new alloys were not acceptable for clinical use. Complete castings could not be made, and many did not fit.’ Some reports suggest that the alloys available are acceptable, and that newer techniques, materials, and equipment matched with the alloys could show results that equal or surpass those obtainable with noble alloys.*. 3 Recent studies varied mold designs while others varied combinations of investments and casting conditions to determine optimal conditions for the use of base metal alloys5-’ The term “metal mold equilibrium,” as defined by Preston and Berger: signifies the goal of the latter group of investigations. They attempted to find
Repair of Oxidized Iron-Sulfur Clusters in Escherichia coli

The [4Fe-4S]2+ clusters of dehydratases are rapidly damaged by univalent oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and peroxynitrite. The loss of an electron destabilizes the cluster, causing it to release its catalytic iron atom and converting the cluster initially to an inactive [3Fe-4S]1+ form. Continued exposure to oxidants in vitro leads to further iron release. Experiments have shown that these clusters are repaired in vivo. We sought to determine whether repair is mediated by either the Isc or Suf cluster-assembly systems that have been identified in Escherichia coli. We found that all the proteins encoded by the isc operon were critical for de novo assembly, but most of these were unnecessary for cluster repair. IscS, a cysteine desulfurase, appeared to be an exception: although iscS mutants repaired damaged clusters, they did so substantially more slowly than did wild-type cells. Because sulfur mobilization should be required only if clusters degrade beyond the [3Fe-4S]1+ state, we used whole cell EPR to visualize the fate of oxidized enzymes in vivo. Fumarase A was overproduced. Brief exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide resulted in the appearance of the characteristic [3Fe-4S]1+ signal of the oxidized enzyme. When hydrogen peroxide was then scavenged, the enzyme activity reappeared within minutes, in concert with the disappearance of the EPR signal. Thus it is unclear why IscS is required for efficient repair. The iscS mutants grew poorly, allowing the possibility that metabolic defects indirectly slow the repair process. Our data did indicate that damaged clusters decompose beyond the [3Fe-4S]1+ state in vivo when stress is prolonged. Under the conditions of our experiments, mutants that lacked other repair candidates—Suf proteins, glutathione, and NADPH: ferredoxin reductase—all repaired clusters at normal rates. We conclude that the mechanism of cluster repair is distinct from that of de novo assembly and that this is true because mild oxidative stress does not degrade clusters in vivo to the point of presenting an apoenzyme to the de novo cluster-assembly systems.
Childhood disruptiveness and anxiousness impact the relationship between childhood adversity and later suicide attempt.

Question: What influence do childhood anxiousness and disruptiveness have on the association between childhood adversity and later suicide attempts, and do mental disorders modify these associations? People: Two groups were selected from 4488 participating children: a random selection of 2000 children forming a representative subsample, and a disruptive subsample comprising 1017 children showing disruptive behaviours. Setting: Nursery schools, Quebec, Canada; recruitment 1986-1988. Risk factors: Childhood anxiousness and disruptiveness assessed using the Social Behavior Questionnaire, and childhood adversity (sexual or physical abuse) assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaire and Revised Conflict Tactics Scales. Potential moderators of externalising disorders (ADHD, oppositional-defiant disorder, conduct disorder) and internalising disorders (mood disorder and anxiety disorder) were assessed using the diagnostic interview schedule for children (DISC; DSM-III-R). Participants were assessed annually at age 6-12 years. Outcomes: Suicide attempt (SA) status, assessed once during mid-adolescence (mean age 15.7 years) using the DISC, and again in young adulthood (mean age 21.4 years) using the Suicidal Intent Scale. Family.... Language: en
Identifying Highly Conserved and Unique Structural Elements in Myosin VI

Myosin VI possesses multiple unique features and is the only myosin known to move toward the (−)-end of actin filaments. This study used sequence and structure analyses to identify residues that are specific for myosin VI. Comparing the amino acids within myosin VI as well as between myosin VI and other myosins, we identified a series of myosin VI residues in the head region that are not only highly conserved in myosin VI, but whose amino acids are also distinct from those of other myosins. The majority of these myosin VI-specific residues have never been examined or speculated for their functional roles in myosin VI. Many of these residues locate in or adjacent to the converter domain. Among these residues, M701, P444, and F763 were revealed as unique for myosin VI. To further identify the mechanistic roles of these residues, we computationally mutated these three residues and examined their effects on conformational equilibrium using molecular dynamics simulation. We found that within a short 50-ns simulation, the conformational equilibria of mutated M701 and F763 were significantly deviated from the original states, indicating their important roles in linking the converter domain and the motor domain in the prestroke structure, potentially critical for the special rotation angle of myosin VI.
The effects of sub-contact nitrogen doping on silicon carbide photoconductive semiconductor switches

Forming non-rectifying (ohmic) contacts to wide band gap semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) requires a heavily doped subsurface layer to reduce the Schottky barrier height and allow efficient electron injection. Nitrogen, a common n-type dopant in SiC, was incorporated into a SiC sample using a laser enhanced diffusion process in which an impurity is incorporated into the semiconductor to very high surface concentrations (> 1020 cm−3) and very shallow depths (< 200 nm) with the use of a pulsed 266 nm laser. This paper evaluates the effects of nitrogen introduced through laser enhanced diffusion on the contact formation and the efficiency of silicon carbide photoconductive switches at low and high injection levels under different biasing conditions. Nine lateral switches were fabricated on a high-purity semi-insulating 4H-SiC sample; three with no sub-contact doping, three with sub-contact doping on only one contact, and three with sub-contact doping on both contacts. Results are presented for tests under pulsed laser illumination with sub-contact doping on only the anode, only the cathode, neither, and on both of the contacts.
Diffusional water permeability of red cells. Independence on osmolality.

Abstract The osmotic permeability coefficient ( L p ) for human red cells has been reported to depend on the osmolality of the suspending solution. These results are also consistent with the view that the value of L p depends on flow rectification. In this report an NMR method is used to measure the dependence of water exchange times at constant cell volume on osmolality. Our results indicate that the diffusion water permeability is constant over a large range of osmolality (300–1000 mosM) produced by the permeable solutes urea, methanol, ethanol, and glycerol. The results support the view that the apparent dependence of L p on osmolality is due to flow rectification.
Localization of clathrin light-chain sequences mediating heavy-chain binding and coated vesicle diversity.

At least four distinct forms of clathrin light chains are found in mammalian cells1–5. This molecular variability derives from tissue-specific patterns of expression of LCa and LCb genes6. Sequence analysis shows an overall homology of 60% between LCa and LCb and the presence of brain-specific insertion sequences. These findings suggest that the different light chains have both shared and specialized functions6. To address this question we have used a panel of monoclonal antibodies to identify two structurally and functionally distinct regions in the clathrin light-chain sequences. One region (residues 158–208) is exposed in native clathrin structures (triskelions7,8 and coated vesicles) and includes the brain-specific insertion sequences. The second region (residues 93–157), which is cryptic in native clathrin structures, is involved in binding the clathrin heavy chain and contains the region of strongest homology with intermediate filament proteins6.
Preinjury statin use is associated with improved in-hospital survival in elderly trauma patients.

Background: Recent evidence demonstrates improved survival for septic and bacteremic patients receiving 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Victims of severe traumatic injury share similar inflammatory cascades to those seen in septic patients. We hypothesized that elderly (aged ≥ 65 years) trauma patients might derive a similar outcome benefit from preinjury statin use. Methods: Using the National Study on the Costs and Outcomes of Trauma database (collected from 69 hospitals) we conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of the effects of preinjury statin use on in-hospital mortality. Elderly patients were identified as having suffered moderate-to-severe traumatic injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale score ≥ 3). All hospital deaths and a sample of patients discharged alive were included for study. Multivariable analysis was performed including statin use, sex, age, comorbidities (myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal disease), smoking, β-blocker use, New Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, cerebral midline shift, trauma center treatment, shock, and infection. Results: A total of 1,224 elderly patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis of these patients, 21.1% were on statin therapy at the time of injury. Preinjury statin treatment was associated with a 67% reduction in the multivariable adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (compared with statin nonusers; odds ratio, 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.92, p = 0.04). When stratified by the absence and presence of cardiovascular comorbidities, multivariable adjusted odds for statin use were 0.30 (95% CI: 0.10-0.91, p = 0.03) and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.72-2.72, p = 0.31), respectively. Conclusion: Preinjury statin use in elderly patients is associated with a significant survival benefit after major trauma, but only in patients without preexisting cardiovascular disease.
TBL Oversight for Continuous Quality Improvement and Acceptance

We report on use of an oversight group to support implementation of Team-Based Learning™ in medical curricula. New methods are usually adopted using development sessions led by outside experts and sending individuals to other institutions or conferences. This may be insufficient to achieve establishment of the pedagogy and develop faculty expertise.
GLP-1: a novel zinc finger protein required in somatic cells of the gonad for germ cell development.

Mouse gonadal development is regulated by a variety of transcription factors. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel nuclear zinc finger protein called GATA like protein-1 (GLP-1), which is expressed at high levels in the somatic cells of the developing gonads, including Leydig cells in the testes and granulosa cells in the ovaries. Biochemical analysis of GLP-1 shows that it acts as a transcriptional repressor of GATA factor function. To determine the necessity of GLP-1 in gonadal development, a null allele in mice was generated by replacing all of the coding exons with the bacterial lacZ gene. GLP-1 lacZ null mice are viable with no detectable defects in visceral organ development; however, both males and females are completely infertile. Loss of GLP-1 leads to defective sperm development in males with a marked reduction in mature spermatids observed as early as postnatal week 1. In females, loss of GLP-1 leads to a severe block in germ cell development as early as E17.5. Together, these data identify GLP-1 as a critical nuclear repressor in somatic cells of the gonad that is required for germ cell development, and highlight the importance of somatic-germ cell interactions in the regulation of this critical process.
A New Class Of All-Reflective Optical Systems

A number of all-reflective large-aperture optical arrangements are described. These configurations form a group of systems whose optical surface figures can be monitored from the effective centers of curvature of the mirror elements. Design specifications are presented for the basic two-mirror f/3 system. Image size versus field angle data indicates that field performance is approximately one-half as good as the refractive corrector Schmidt of equivalent f/no. Geometrical ray trace results for a point source at infinity show an on-axis rms image diameter of 1.5x10-7 radians for the two-mirror system. Practical difficulties of most of the optical arrangements depicted are the close physical proximity of the uncorrected and corrected foci, as well as the large departures of the aspheric corrector surfaces from a reference sphere. These problems are reduced by slowing down the system f/no. But unfortunately they do not disappear completely.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Candida albicans adherence to endothelial cells.

Abstract Mechanisms of adherence to vascular endothelial cells by microorganisms on a molecular level can be elucidated by using monoclonal antibodies, purified cell wall constituents, and receptor analogues. Since these agents are expensive and available in limited quantities, a microsystem for probing adherence mechanisms to these cells has become essential. We studied techniques to accurately quantify the adherence of L-[35S]methionine-labeled Candida albicans to human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a 96-well microtiter plate system while avoiding specific problems related to Candida coadherence and avid binding to plastic. The endothelial cells were grown on a collagen matrix in individually detachable mircrowells enabling the determination of the number of adherent organisms from radioactive counts of the entire well. This procedure has the critically important advantage of obviating the need to remove adherent Candida from the wells. Expressing adherence to endothelial cell monolayers as the percentage of total organisms added to each well significantly decreases the variability of the assay.
Effects of Moist-Chamber and McCarey-Kaufman Medium Storage on the Metabolic Status of the Cornea: A 31P-Magnetic Resonance Analysis

The rate of change in concentration of corneal phosphatic metabolites of cat corneas stored in moist chamber and McCarey-Kaufman (M-K) medium was determined in order to provide a basis for prediction of the corneal metabolic status at a given storage time. Perchloric acid corneal extracts were examined by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance after storage at 4 °C of whole globes under moist-chamber conditions up to 48 h and of excised corneas in M-K medium up to 168 h. A significant decline in the corneal concentrations of ATP and a significant increase in inorganic phosphate occurred for both storage methods; however, depending on the metabolite, the rate of decline or increase was significantly greater for the moist-chamber-stored corneas. The phosphorylated sugars significantly increased and the glycerophosphodiesters significantly decreased in the moist-chamber-stored corneas, whereas both metabolites remained unchanged in the M-K-medium-stored corneas. There was no significant change in the dinucleotides and nucleoside diphospho-sugars during the time course fot both storage methods. A threefold greater rate of decline was noted in the tissue energy modulus for the moist-chamber-stored corneas than for the M-K-medium-stored corneas (-0.0465 vs. -0.0121 modulus values/h). M-K medium was significantly more effective in the maintenance of high-energy phosphatic metabolites. The mathematical model for these rate determinations provides a basis for prediction of the corneal metabolic status at a given time in moist-chamber or M-K medium storage.
Measurement and application of contaminant optical constants

Contamination degrading effects on optical surfaces, discussing application to real time monitors data analysis
Estimates of Aboveground Biomass from Texture Analysis of Landsat Imagery

Maps of forest biomass are important tools for managing natural resources and reporting terrestrial carbon stocks. Using the San Juan National Forest in Southwest Colorado as a case study, we evaluate regional biomass maps created using physical variables, spectral vegetation indices, and image textural analysis on Landsat TM imagery. We investigate eight gray level co-occurrence matrix based texture measures (mean, variance, homogeneity, contrast, dissimilarity, entropy, second moment and correlation) on four window sizes (3 × 3, 5 × 5, 7 × 7, 9 × 9) at four offsets ([1,0], [1,1], [0,1], [1,−1]) on four Landsat TM bands (2, 3, 4, and 5). The map with the highest prediction quality was created using three texture metrics calculated from Landsat Band 2 on a 3 × 3 window and an offset of [0,1]: entropy, mean and correlation; and one physical variable: slope. The correlation of predicted versus observed biomass values for our texture-based biomass map is r = 0.86, the Root Mean Square Error is 45.6 Mg∙ha−1, and the Coefficient of Variation of the Root Mean Square Error is 0.31. We find that models including image texture variables are more strongly correlated with biomass than models using only physical and spectral variables. Additionally, we suggest that the use of texture appears to better capture the magnitude and direction of biomass change following disturbance compared to spectral approaches. The biomass mapping methods we present here are widely applicable throughout the US, as they are based on publically available datasets and utilize relatively simple analytical routines.
Sildenafil citrate, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor: urologic and cardiovascular implications.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs in varying degrees in an estimated 20 to 30 million American men and is associated with adverse effects on quality of life; particularly personal well-being, family and social interrelationships. Research into ED has focused primarily on the physiologic mechanisms of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation, and penile erection as the end result of smooth muscle relaxation. These processes are mediated by cholinergic, nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC, e.g., nitric oxide), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and potentially calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) containing nerves. Release of nitric oxide following sexual stimulation from non-adrenergic, non cholinergic nerves and vascular endothelium activates guanylyl cyclase and induces intracellular cGMP synthesis. In turn, cGMP results in lowering intracellular concentrations, inhibits contractility of the penile smooth muscle, and induces an erectile response. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) is the predominant enzyme responsible for cGMP hydrolysis in trabecular smooth muscle. Activation of PDE 5 terminates NO-induced, cGMP-mediated smooth muscle relaxation, and subsequent penile flaccidity. Sildenafil citrate is a potent PDE type 5 reversible and selective inhibitor which blocks cGMP hydrolysis effectively. FDA approval of sildenafil citrate as the first oral agent for ED in males has resulted in significant interest. We discuss the clinical and pharmacologic properties of sildenafil citrate as well as the urologic and cardiac implications.
121 Effects of iodixanol during rat epididymal sperm cryopreservation

Sperm cryopreservation is an effective method of maintaining valuable strains for biomedical research. However, successful cryopreservation of rat spermatozoa remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine if OptiPrepTM (60% iodixanol in water) acts as a protectant during Sprague Dawley (SD) rat sperm cryopreservation. We first evaluated OptiPrepTM concentration effect on sperm motility 10 min and 3 h after freezing-thawing. Acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were also evaluated for frozen-thawed spermatozoa. In addition, the toxic effects of OptiPrepTM were tested via motility after 1 h or 3 h incubation with OptiPrepTM in fresh and chilled rat spermatozoa. The concentrations of OptiPrepTM used for these studies were 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% (v/v). There were no significant differences on motility among OptiPrepTM treatment groups in fresh and chilled rat spermatozoa. OptiPrepTM did not have toxic effect on SD rat spermatozoa. In frozen-thawed samples, 2% OptiPrepTM improved total motility at 10 min after thawing and progressive motility and average path velocity at 3 h after thawing (P Source of funding: This work was supported by the NIH National Center for Research Resources grants R21 RR025913-02 Conflict of interest: None declared. agcay@missouri.edu
Intercomparison between multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR) and sunphotometer aerosol optical thickness in dust source regions over China: implications for satellite aerosol retrievals and radiative forcing calculations

The multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR) aerosol optical thickness (AOT) product (τ MISR ) was compared with sunphotometer AOT (τ SP ) at Dunhuang (40.09°N, 94.41°E), located near the Takalamakan and Gobi dust source regions in China, during March–November 2000. This study is unique because AOT measurements from the ground are not routinely available at or near dust source regions. The τ MISR and τ SP are highly correlated, with linear correlation coefficients ( R ) ranging from 0.85 to 0.95 depending on the different comparison criteria used to assess the MISR retrievals. With one exception where τ MISR shows large differences (>0.3) when compared with τ SP during the passage of a dust front, all other collocated τ SP /τ MISR pairs are highly correlated with R > 0.9 and with root-mean-square error of 0.06 when retrieval conditions are favourable. Overall, τ MISR systemically over-estimate τ SP by 0.05, but they all fall within the predicted uncertainties (0.05 or 20% of τ SP , whichever is larger). Due to diurnal change of AOT, the difference between daily averaged τ SP values and τ MISR reported during MISR overpass time is about 0.09. We discuss the implications of these results for satellite aerosol retrievals and radiative forcing studies. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2004.00120.x
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENTS APPLIED TO GRAPE JELLY

Nine experimental lots of grape jelly were made with different amounts of pectin and dextrose or invert syrup replacements for sucrose. A commercial grape jelly was used as a reference. The jellies were evaluated for acceptability, appearance (color and sheen), flavor and texture (spreadability and mouth feel). The pH, percent soluble solids, percent sag, shear force required to puncture the gel, percent dextrose and gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) profiles of an extract-concentrate of the jellies were also determined. A computer program which calculates a contingency table for products and score levels was applied to the data to determine the intervals between scores and to feed back the data on a random basis to determine whether the panelists were showing true preference or their choices were approaching randomness. One can thus compare the evidence on experimental and simulated data and decide for himself whether he agrees with any chosen level of significance. Flavor and texture were almost equally correlated with acceptability. Although appearance was less well correlated, this was not because it was unimportant but because the range was less. The various multiple correlation coefficients were calculated. Greater differentiation between products was attained by using the percent sag and shear force measurements in combination with GLC peaks than by using GLC peaks alone. The products tested fell into three categories: the commercial product received the highest preference rating followed by the experimental products containing from 5–7g of pectin; the high pectin (8g) received the lowest preference rating.
Prenatal choline deficiency does not enhance hippocampal vulnerability after kainic acid-induced seizures in adulthood.

Abstract Choline is a vital nutrient needed during early development for both humans and rodents. Severe dietary choline deficiency during pregnancy leads to birth defects, while more limited deficiency during mid- to late pregnancy causes deficits in hippocampal plasticity in adult rodent offspring that are accompanied by cognitive deficits only when task demands are high. Because prenatal choline supplementation confers neuroprotection of the adult hippocampus against a variety of neural insults and aids memory, we hypothesized that prenatal choline deficiency may enhance vulnerability to neural injury. To examine this, adult offspring of rat dams either fed a control diet (CON) or one deficient in choline (DEF) during embryonic days 12–17 were given multiple injections (i.p.) of saline (control) or kainic acid to induce seizures and were euthanized 16 days later. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, DEF rats were not more susceptible to seizure induction and showed similar levels of seizure-induced hippocampal histopathology, GAD expression loss, upregulated hippocampal GFAP and growth factor expression, and increased dentate cell and neuronal proliferation as that seen in CON rats. Although prenatal choline deficiency compromises adult hippocampal plasticity in the intact brain, it does not appear to exacerbate the neuropathological response to seizures in the adult hippocampus at least shortly after excitotoxic injury.