cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histopathologic alterations in shell gland accompanying DDT-induced thinning of eggshell

Abstract Eggshell gland morphology was studied in control and DDT-treated (75 ppm) mallard ducks. Histopathologic alterations in DDT-treated ducks included oedema of villous projections, pyknosis of glandular epithelium and cytoplasmic vacuolation of lining epithelium. These alterations accompanied DDT-induced thinning of eggshells.
Cholinergic sprouting is blocked by repeated induction of electroconvulsive seizures, a manipulation that induces a persistent reactive state in astrocytes.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that some of the molecular and morphological changes that are characteristic of reactive astrocytes are induced following seizures. This discovery provides the means to experimentally modify the time course and extent of reactive changes in astrocytes following injury and so explore how these reactive changes modulate other events in the injured nervous system. The present study evaluates whether superinduction of a reactive state in astrocytes alters one form of postlesion synaptic reorganization (the sprouting of cholinergic projections in the dentate gyrus after destruction of the entorhinal cortex). Cholinergic sprouting after entorhinal cortex lesions was evaluated in control mice and in mice that experienced electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) from the day of surgery until 12 days postlesion. Animals were prepared for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry at 2,4,6,8,10,12, 14, and 30+ days postlesion. Quantitative densitometic analyses revealed that the increase in AChE staining that is indicative of cholinergic sprouting was essentially eliminated in the animals that experienced daily ECS. These results indicate that the induction of electroconvulsive seizures during the postinjury period disrupts at least one form of postlesion synaptic reorganization that would otherwise occur. This disruption of synaptic reorganization may be a consequence of the induction of a persistent reactive state in astrocytes.
Statistical properties of quasi-range in small samples from a gamma density

The statistical properties of quasi-ranges in small samples from a gamma density are the objects of study in this paper.The methods of computing the "Coefficient MatrixnA(j,k), which plays a major role for computing moments and quantiles from such a density using high speed digital computers, are presented. Limited tables of central and non-central moments as well as tables of quantile values, are given. More extensive tables can be easily constructed by using the methods described here when the need arises. Also, a table of values for kurtosis and skewness is presented.
Retrograde Control of Synaptic Transmission by Postsynaptic CaMKII at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction

Retrograde signaling plays an important role in synaptic homeostasis, growth, and plasticity. A retrograde signal at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of Drosophila controls the homeostasis of neurotransmitter release. Here, we show that this retrograde signal is regulated by the postsynaptic activity of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Reducing CaMKII activity in muscles enhances the signal and increases neurotransmitter release, while constitutive activation of CaMKII in muscles inhibits the signal and decreases neurotransmitter release. Postsynaptic inhibition of CaMKII increases the number of presynaptic, vesicle-associated T bars at the active zones. Consistently, we show that glutamate receptor mutants also have a higher number of T bars; this increase is suppressed by postsynaptic activation of CaMKII. Furthermore, we demonstrate that presynaptic BMP receptor wishful thinking is required for the retrograde signal to function. Our results indicate that CaMKII plays a key role in the retrograde control of homeostasis of synaptic transmission at the NMJ of Drosophila.
Lowering Crystallization Temperatures by Seeding in Structurally Diphasic Al2O3-MgO Xerogels

Thermal reactions in 93% Al2O3-7% MgO and 95.8% Al2O3-4.2% MgO gels seeded with α-Al2O3, MgAl2O4, α-Fe2O3, and SiO2, sols were investigated by differential thermal analysis to determine the extent of nucleation catalysis of solid-state reactions. Seeding with α-Al2O3 lowered the α-Al2O3 crystallization temperature in these xerogels by 100° to 150°C. Spinel seeds have much less effect on the γ-α transition, and α-Fe2O3 and SiO2 seeds do not affect it significantly. Isostructural seeding of gels may therefore permit lower ceramic processing temperatures.
Sensitivity of Three-Dimensional Trajectories to the Spatial and Temporal Densities of the Wind Field

Abstract Initialization and forecast fields from the National Weather Service's (NWS) Nested Grid Model (NOM) were archived on the 90 km calculational grid at 2-hour intervals out to 12 hours twice per day, for the 3-month period of January–March 1987. The resulting time series of meteorological data were used to determine the sensitivity of calculated trajectories to changes in temporal and spatial density of meteorological data during a wide range of synoptic conditions. Trajectories were started from 63 evenly spaced locations, twice per day, for a duration of 4 days each over the 74-day period. The 9324 separate trajectories were computed using the meteorological data at 90, 180, and 360 km grid spacing and at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 12-hour time intervals. Calculated trajectories were compared with the base “truth” case of 2-hour data on the 90 km grid. Trajectories were most sensitive to changes in temporal resolution when the grid resolution was 90 and 180 km. Trajectories computed on the coarser 360 km gr...
Concepts in the definition of an enterprise development process

Integrated Product Development - IPD - is an enterprise-wide process used by IBM to develop technology products including hardware, software, and services. IPD has been in use at IBM for over a decade and has been very effective at increasing efficiency and reducing costs across the whole product life cycle. Within IBM Software Group, IPD at the top level is defined informally through natural-language documents, ad hoc diagrams, and a database of well-defined deliverables. Some key concepts in the SWG IPD definition include a clear statement of the principles on which the process is based, widespread references to business goals, frequent use of governance-oriented formulations, a clearly defined structure for the high levels of the process, a relative lack of concern about lower levels of the process structure, and an emphasis on the characterization of participant roles. The relative lack of formal and semantic rigor in the SWG IPD definition might seem to open the door to a number of problems in process specification and execution. However, this seems to have allowed the process definers to focus on those aspects of the process that are most important and to present those in a natural way. In the context of an organization that is dedicated to the success of the process, this has been an effective approach.
Vertical mixing rates in fjords determined using radon and salinity as tracers

Excess radon profiles were measured in several Washington State and British Columbia fjords. Generally, exponential profiels were observed during periods of bottom water stagnation. Values of the vertical eddy diffusivity were estimated from the exponential excess radon profiles and from salinity changes in the stagnant bottom water. These values ranged from 0.16 to 36 cm2 s−1 among fjords and the variation could be explained by different inputs of tidal energy into vertical mixing for the different fjords. Excess radon was also observed in surface water of several fjords. The source of this excess radon was the freshwater runoff entering the fjords. Values of the vertical eddy diffusivity were estimated for the near surface water of Narrows Inlet from these profiles to be 0.32 to 0.47 cm2 s−1 across the freshwater-saltwater interface and 0.9 to 3.1 cm2 s−1 between 5 and 35 m depth.
Use and Misuse of Serum Troponin Assays in Pediatric Practice

Cardiac troponin (cTn) is instrumental in screening and diagnosing myocardial ischemia in adults. However, the role of cTn screening in the pediatric population is less clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current clinical practice, diagnostic and prognostic value, and resource utilization associated with cTn assays in the pediatric population. A multicenter, retrospective review of all cTn assays performed on patients aged ≤18 years from January 2003 to December 2010 in the Intermountain Healthcare system was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, location, presenting symptoms, provisional and discharge diagnoses, additional tests, clinical outcomes (hospitalization days, ventilation, and death), and patient charges. During the study period, cTn assays were performed on 3,497 pediatric patients. The most common presenting diagnoses were chest pain (40%), trauma (11%), and poisoning or drug overdose (9%). Irrespective of diagnosis, elevated cTn was associated with an increased rate of hospitalization, ventilation, and death. Overall, 12% of patients had elevated cTn. Of the patients with chest pain, 4% had elevated cTn, 53% of whom were diagnosed with myopericarditis. In the myopericarditis group, 66% presented with fever, and 98% had abnormal electrocardiographic findings. For patients presenting with chest pain, approximately $162,000 was spent per positive result. In conclusion, cTn screening has strong prognostic value in pediatric patients, even in noncardiac diagnoses such as trauma or drug overdose. However, cTn screening in pediatric patients with chest pain provides minimal benefits and is associated with increased resource utilization, unless patients have constitutional symptoms, such as fever and/or electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Voice Quality in Laryngotracheal Stenosis Impact of Dilation and Level of Stenosis

Objective:To assess the impact of suspension microlaryngoscopy with balloon dilation on voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) in laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS).Methods:Retrospective chart review o...
Deferring the Adaptation Effect

Eight young adult stutterers participated in an adaptation series under neutral and alarm conditions. In the latter condition, fairly intense audiovisual stimulation was interposed between the firs...
Effect of elastic strain energy on self-organized pattern formation

This paper studies the growth of self-organized quantum dots in strained semiconductors in the Stranski-Krastanov growth mode using the kinetic Monte Carlo simulation method. The four nearest and four next nearest neighbours of each atom in the square lattice grid with a periodic boundary condition are considered in the calculation of the binding energy among atoms. The elastic strain energy is accurately evaluated by the rigorous point eigenstrain half-space Green's function and is incorporated for the first time into the kinetic Monte Carlo model. The set of relevant growth parameters such as growth temperature, surface coverage, flux rate, and growth interruption time, is investigated and optimal values are identified. It is shown clearly that when the long-range elastic strain energy is included in the simulation, uniform size and ordered spatial distribution can be achieved. Furthermore, the growth of stacked quantum dot layers is also simulated briefly and vertical alignment is observed that could l...
Yeast mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetase recognizes tRNA isoacceptors by distinct mechanisms and promotes CUN codon reassignment.

Abstract Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) ensure faithful translation of mRNA into protein by coupling an amino acid to a set of tRNAs with conserved anticodon sequences. Here, we show that in mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a single aaRS (MST1) recognizes and aminoacylates two natural tRNAs that contain anticodon loops of different size and sequence. Besides a regular with a threonine (Thr) anticodon, MST1 also recognizes an unusual , which contains an enlarged anticodon loop and an anticodon triplet that reassigns the CUN codons from leucine to threonine. Our data show that MST1 recognizes the anticodon loop in both tRNAs, but employs distinct recognition mechanisms. The size but not the sequence of the anticodon loop is critical for recognition, whereas the anticodon sequence is essential for aminoacylation of . The crystal structure of MST1 reveals that, while lacking the N-terminal editing domain, the enzyme closely resembles the bacterial threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS). A detailed structural comparison with Escherichia coli ThrRS, which is unable to aminoacylate , reveals differences in the anticodon-binding domain that probably allow recognition of the distinct anticodon loops. Finally, our mutational and modeling analyses identify the structural elements in MST1 (e.g., helix α11) that define tRNA selectivity. Thus, MTS1 exemplifies that a single aaRS can recognize completely divergent anticodon loops of natural isoacceptor tRNAs and that in doing so it facilitates the reassignment of the genetic code in yeast mitochondria.
The cDNA RPE1 and monoclonal antibody HMB-50 define gene products preferentially expressed in retinal pigment epithelium.

Abstract As a first step towards identifying genes expressed specifically in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), we generated a bovine RPE cDNA library. In preliminary characterization of this library, we isolated a clone, RPE1, that was identified as the bovine homologue of a human cDNA thought to encode the HMB-50 melanoma antigen. Sequence analysis suggests RPE1 encodes a membrane-anchored glycoprotein. In Northern blot analysis of RNA from bovine tissues, the 2·5 kb RPE1 transcript was detected only in the RPE. Southern blot analysis suggested the presence of a single bovine rpe 1 gene. In normal human eyes. HMB-50 immunoreactivity was also restricted to the RPE; no immunoreactivity was detected in other intraocular pigmented cells. Thus, RPE1 and HMB-50 define gene products preferentially expressed in the RPE at the RNA and protein levels, respectively.
In situ recovery of fermentation products

Abstract In situ recovery of fermentation products can increase the rate of product inhibited fermentations, reduce costs of waste-water treatment and minimize product degradation. Some methods of in situ recovery show more potential than others for the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals by fermentation.
Alternative Investments in the Institutional Portfolio

This study provides an update of an earlier analysis (Schneeweis and Spurgin, [1999]) of the risk and return benefits of various hedge funds and managed futures investments as stand-alone investments or as part of an investor9s diversified stock/bond portfolio. Both traditional Markowitz efficient frontiers with and without investment restrictions as well as the risk and return performance of portfolios constructed from adding alternative investments to established U.S. stock and bond portfolios are evaluated. The Markowitz efficient frontier determination is conducted using alternative methods of risk and return forecasting including 1) historical returns, and 2) the construction of ex ante return forecasts in which expected returns are based on their historical return to risk relationship; that is, ex ante return forecasts are constructed from cross-sectional OLS regressions of historical return on historical variance and are used as inputs into the Markowitz portfolio optimization model. The latter approach reduces the impact of historically high (low) abnormal returns from influencing the allocation process.
A promising CUDA-accelerated vehicular area network simulator using NS-3

Both size and computational activities of Vehicular Area Network (VANET) are growing. Simulation of VANETs not only requires the simulation of network standards, but also requires the mobility of nodes. Such a dynamic system involves computations of node distances, routing protocols, application layers, data send, data receive, etc. The simulation model of VANET requires both hardware and software supports to deal with massive computational problems. Currently available network simulators, like Network Simulator 3 (NS-3), are not adequate for simulating large-scale VANET systems. In this work, we propose a Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA)-assisted VANET simulation model for multicore Central Processing Unit (CPU) / manycore Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) platform to increase computational throughput. The proposed VANET/GPU simulator uses NS-3 as the core engine and improves throughput by exploiting massively parallel processing on the GPU. Experimental results show that the overall computation speedup can be increased up to 129x by using the proposed VANET/GPU simulator.
THE INTERACTION OF 8‐AZIDOETHIDIUM AND tRNA

Optical spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been used to investigate the non-covalent and covalent binding of 8-azidoethidium (8-azido-3-amino-5-ethyl-6-phe-nyl-phenanthridium) with transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. The nuclear magnetic resonance measurements demonstrate that ethidium and ethidium monoazide bind to the same unique binding site on tRNA molecules. However, the optical studies demonstrate that the photochemical reaction between ethidium monoazide and tRNA generates at least three different photoproducts. One of the covalent photoproducts has fluorescence properties which mimic those of intercalated, non-covalently bound ethidium, but it is produced only in about 10% yield. The major photoproduct(s) is(are) virtually non-fluorescent. The ethidium monoazide photochemistry with tRNA molecules is obviously complex and this may complicate its use as a photolabel of polynucleotides.
Steroid action on gene expression: possible roles of regulatory genes and nuclear acceptor sites.

There has been exciting progress in the understanding of the mechanism of action of steroid hormones. The structures and functions of the various receptor protein domains as well as the various domains of steroid-regulated genes, including steroid response elements, are currently being elucidated. The roles of transcription factors in the steroid-altered regulation of gene transcription are just being defined. The nature of the nuclear acceptor sites, i.e. nuclear-binding sites, for steroid receptors are under investigation. The composition, location, and function of these nuclear acceptor sites for steroid receptors is crucial for understanding the mechanism of steroid regulation of gene expression. Possible roles of specific, DNA-binding, chromatin proteins in these acceptor sites have been suggested. A very rapid action of steroids on the expression of proto-oncogenes that code for nuclear regulatory proteins has recently been described. Using this information, we have proposed a novel steroid action model utilizing "regulatory genes" whereby the steroids would rapidly alter the expression of regulatory genes (early genes) whose protein products would return to the nucleus to regulate the expression of structural genes (late genes). The latter would occur via binding of these regulatory proteins (e.g. transcription factors) to the steroid-regulatory elements neighboring these late genes. This model would explain many of the characteristics reported from many laboratories on the action of steroid hormones on gene expression.
Chiefly Behavior: Evidence from Sixteenth Century Spanish Accounts

Following the argument that sixteenth-century Spanish explorers were treated by Native Americans of the Southeast as paramount chiefs, we attempt to describe appropriate protocol toward paramount chiefs according to native values. We argue that paramount chiefs in the Southeast may have travelled through their domain on a periodic basis. After an elaborate greeting ritual, there were other formal expressions of hospitality. Visiting paramounts could expect to be supplied with food, housing, tribute, burden bearers, and transportation via canoe. De Soto was supplied with guides as he passed through native polities, but this behavior may not have been necessary for native paramounts. De Soto was also supplied with women, but it is not clear if this was standard behavior of a chief toward a paramount, or if the Spaniards had demanded women.
Clinical Reasoning: A 52-year-old woman with progressive proximal weakness

A 52-year-old woman presented with a 12-year history of progressive limb weakness. She first had trouble climbing stairs and later difficulty getting up from a chair. She also experienced hip and shoulder pain. Over the previous 2 years, combing her hair became difficult. She denied any eyelid drooping, double vision, chewing or swallowing difficulty, slurred speech, shortness of breath, numbness, tingling, autonomic symptoms, or cognitive problems. She did not have any rashes or joint pain. She had no other medical problems and was not taking any medications. She was born full-term and had normal developmental milestones. She was able to keep up with her peers and was a good runner during her childhood. The patient was of German descent and her father and paternal uncle developed leg weakness in their early 40s and were diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). They died in a plane crash in their late 40s. The patient's older brother and her uncle's son developed leg weakness in their early 40s and were also diagnosed with LGMD. Both died in their mid-to-late 50s due to respiratory failure. Her brother also had peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis of LGMD in all family members is based on clinical presentations and muscle biopsies. Genetic studies were not performed. There was no family history of dementia, bone disorder, or motor neuron disease. Her neurologic examination revealed symmetrical weakness of shoulder and hip girdle muscles (Medical Research Council [MRC] grade 4), as well as anterior leg compartment muscles (MRC grade 4+). She also had scapular winging bilaterally. There was no myotonia, muscle rippling, fasciculation, muscle atrophy, or hypertrophy. Deep tendon reflexes were normal except for absent ankle reflexes on both sides. Cognition, cranial nerves, sensory examination, and coordination were normal. She had high-arched feet and hammertoes. There was neither joint contracture nor spinal rigidity.
Tensile properties of the interosseous membrane of the human forearm

The interosseous membrane is a structure deep in the forearm and contains a ligamentous region-the "central band". In this study, the tensile properties of the central band were determined. The central band structure had a stiffness of 13.1/spl plusmn/3.0 N/mm per mm width and an ultimate load of 56.6/spl plusmn/15.1 N per mm width (means/spl plusmn/standard deviations). The central band tissue displayed a modulus of 608.1/spl plusmn/160.2 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 45.1/spl plusmn/10.3 MPa. This study demonstrates that the central band is comprised of strong tissue.
World Poverty and Human Rights

Despite a high and growing global average income, billions of human beings are still condemned to life long severe poverty, with all its attendant evils of low life expectancy, social exclusion, ill health, illiteracy, dependency, and effective enslavement. The annual death toll from poverty-related causes is around 18 million, or one-third of all human deaths, which adds up to approximately 270 million deaths since the end of the Cold War.
Managing scientific metadata using XML

We present our XML-based Distributed Metadata Server (Dimes) - which comprises a flexible metadata model, search software, and a Web-based interface - to support multilevel metadata access, and introduce two prototype systems. Our Scientific Data and Information Super Server (SDISS), which is based on Dimes and GDS, solves accurate data-search and outdated data-link problems by integrating metadata with the data systems. On the implementation front, we combine independent components and open-source technologies into a coherent system to dramatically extend system capabilities. Obviously, our approach can be applied to other scientific communities, such as bioinformatics and space science.
Discrete-continuous variable structural synthesis using dual methods

Approximation concepts and dual methods are extended to solve structural synthesis problems involving a mix of discrete and continuous sizing type of design variables. Pure discrete and pure continuous variable problems can be handled as special cases. The basic mathematical programming statement of the structural synthesis problem is converted into a sequence of explicit approximate primal problems of separable form. These problems are solved by constructing continuous explicit dual functions, which are maximized subject to simple nonnegativity constraints on the dual variables. A newly devised gradient projection type of algorithm called DUAL 1, which includes special features for handling dual function gradient discontinuities that arise from the discrete primal variables, is used to find the solution of each dual problem. Computational implementation is accomplished by incorporating the DUAL 1 algorithm into the ACCESS 3 program as a new optimizer option. The power of the method set forth is demonstrated by presenting numerical results for several example problems, including a pure discrete variable treatment of a metallic swept wing and a mixed discrete-continuous variable solution for a thin delta wing with fiber composite skins.
Depositional control of aquifer characteristics in alluvial fans, Fresno County, California: Summary

Three coalescing alluvial fans, the high alluvial fans of the San Joaquin and Kings Rivers and the intervening compound alluvial fan of intermittent streams (Page and LeBlanc, 1969), and their distal flood plains from the surficial and shallow subsurface deposits (100 m thick) of central Fresno County (Fig. 1). These deposits extend from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to the axis of the San Joaquin Valley 58 km away. Physically they resemble the smaller, semiarid-region alluvial fans found in western Fresno County (Bull, 1964a, 1964b), but they lack the extensive debris-flow (mud-flow) deposits found in the western fans. The central Fresno County alluvial fans consist of vertical and lateral accretion deposits derived from meandering streams. Within these fan—flood-plain deposits, aquifer properties change in a specific downfan sequence. From available data on sediment in surface exposures, cores and well logs, and ground-water information, a description of the relationship between the observed aquifer characteristics and the depositional system of the fans is given here. GEOLOGIC SETTING The Fresno alluvial fans are part of a continuum of fans along the east side of the San Joaquin Valley. The present fans are the most recent of a sequence of Cenozoic sedimentary deposits that in the axis of the San Joaquin Valley are more than 4,000 m thick (Hackel, 1966). They contain Pleistocene and Holocene deposits of lacustrine, marsh, and fluvial origins. Much of the sedimentary and depositional history of this sequence is the result of the Pleistocene climate and associated glaciations. These valley-fill sediments provide a record of tectonism and erosion of the Sierra Nevada during Late Cretaceous to Paleocene time and during renewed uplift in late Miocene—early Pliocene time. This renewed uplift was responsible for the present elevation and tilting of the Sierra Nevada and for the depth of incision of the major rivers into the batholith (Bateman and Wahrhaftig, 1966).
Understanding Disparities In Health Care Access—And Reducing Them—Through A Focus On Public Health

Attempts to explain disparities in access to health care faced by racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations often focus on individual-level factors such as demographics, personal health beliefs, and health insurance status. This article proposes an examination of these disparities—and an effort to redress them—through the lens of public health. Public health agencies can link people to needed services such as immunizations, testing, and treatment; ensure the availability of health care; ensure the competency of the public health and personal health care workforce; and evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based services. Approaching disparities through a public health framework can provide the foundation for developing more robust evidence to inform additional policies for improving access and reducing disparities.
Non-Invasive High-Throughput Metrology of Functionalized Graphene Sheets

The utilization of fluorescence quenching microscopy (FQM) for quick visualization of chemical functionalization in relatively large regions of graphene, grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), is discussed. Through reactive ion plasma etching, patterns of p-type CVD-grown graphene functionalized with fluorine are generated. 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) is used as the fluorescent agent. The emission of DCM is quenched to a different extent by fluorinated and pristine graphene, which provides the fluorescence-imaging contrast essential for this metrology. To probe the functionalized surface patterns with DCM, the dye is dispersed in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) then the graphene surface is coated, forming a 30-nm-thick DCM-PMMA layer. Fluorescence images of dye-coated graphene distinctly reveal the difference between the chemically treated and as-grown regions. The pristine graphene quenches the DCM emission more efficiently than the fluorinated graphene. Therefore, the regions with pristine graphene appear darker on the fluorescence images than the regions with fluorinated graphene, enabling large-scale mapping of the functionalized regions in CVD grown graphene sheets Due to its simplicity and consistent results, FQM is now poised for widespread adoption by graphene manufacturers as a basis for facile and high throughput metrology of large-scale graphene sheets.
Perspectives on Kiss-and-Run: Role in Exocytosis, Endocytosis, and Neurotransmission

Regulated exocytosis and endocytosis are critical to the function of many intercellular networks, particularly the complex neural circuits underlying mammalian behavior. Kiss-and-run (KR) is an unconventional fusion between secretory vesicles and a target membrane that releases intravesicular content through a transient, nanometer-sized fusion pore. The fusing vesicle retains its gross shape, precluding full integration into the planar membrane, and enough molecular components for rapid retrieval, reacidification, and reuse. KR makes judicious use of finite presynaptic resources, and mounting evidence suggests that it influences synaptic information transfer. Here we detail emerging perspectives on KR and its role in neurotransmission. We additionally formulate a restraining force hypothesis as a plausible mechanistic basis for KR and its physiological modulation in small nerve terminals. Clarification of the mechanism and function of KR has bearing on understanding the kinetic transitions underlying SNARE-mediated fusion, interactions between vesicles and their local environment, and the influence of release dynamics on neural information processing.
Thermal analysis of the fusion limits of metal interconnect under short duration current pulses

Thermal analysis of the fusion limits of the IC metal under short duration current pulses has been performed using a quadruple level TiN/AlCu/TiN metallization system. A finite element (FE) simulation program has been calibrated to analyze the thermal effects in detail. The program can be used to predict self heating under DC and transient current conditions for various metal levels, geometries and current loading conditions. It is shown both experimentally and using FE simulations that the metal temperatures rise past 1000/spl deg/C before open circuit failure under short duration current pulses. The critical failure current is strongly influenced by the metal thickness, thermal capacity and pulse width. Further, it is shown that the ratio of the critical energy causing open circuit conditions (fusion limit), to the theoretical melt energy increases with scaling. As a result, narrower metal lines can sustain higher current densities before failure.
Linear dispersive equations of Airy type

The important role of the effects of dispersion on the description of linear and nonlinear wave motion is well known. Perhaps the most familiar problems in which dispersive effects are present come from the classical problem of water waves, and the long wave descriptions given by the Boussinesq and the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equations. In this paper we discuss a linear version of the latter equation
The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else. By Hernando de Soto. New York: Basic Books, 2000. Pp. 276. $27.50, cloth; $14.00, paper.

In this provocative book, Hernando de Soto argues that the reason why transitional and developing economies have had such limited success with adopting capitalism is the lack of formal property rights for the urban poor. Without legal ownership of the homes they inhabit or the businesses they operate, the poor live in a shadow economy, subject to high risk of expropriation, bureaucratic arbitrariness, and political corruption. The absence of title thwarts investment, limits markets, dampens incentives, and retards economic growth all round. The comparatively poor performance of many Latin American, African, and Asian economies stems not from cultures that are alien to commercial activity, from the legacy of past colonialism, or from low savings rates among the poor. The urban poor are entrepreneurs, and formal property institutions are needed to free their energies and expand their opportunities, allowing them to accumulate desperately needed capital. Currently, the urban poor are forced to hold their wealth in defective forms. This misallocation cripples developing economies. According to de Soto, the potential gain is huge. He argues that despite their lack of affluence, the poor still save, and in the aggregate the amounts exceed by perhaps 40 times all of the foreign aid sent to developing countries since 1945. Freeing up these savings and entrepreneurial energy could lead to a second industrial revolution, and end the disparities of wealth and well-being that differentiate the developed and developing worlds.
The pulse of pediatrics in Rhode Island.

Sharon W. Su, MD, served as assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, to become medical director in pediatric nephrology at Randall Children’s Hospital and affiliate assistant professor of pediatrics at Oregon Health and Science University. The Pulse of Pediatrics in Rhode Island
No Failure, No Science

Just after your entire research program implodes in a catastrophic failure of unexpected results and shattered expectations, take a deep breath and read Stuart Firestein’s new book on FAILURE. In an engaging sequel to his celebrated book IGNORANCE: How it Drives Science (2012), Firestein lays out the case for failure as the single most critical driver of scientific progress over centuries of human civilization. The text is structured into 15 compact chapters, and each is a free-standing essay that can be read in any order.
1α,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol Increases the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in C3H10T½ Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts

Evidence suggests that biologically active vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], may inhibit carcinogenesis. Because angiogenesis is crucial to carcinogenesis, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) regulation of proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion was investigated in cellular models for multistage carcinogenesis. Conditioned media from 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treated C3H10T(1/2) mouse fibroblasts and their Harvey ras-oncogene transfected counterparts (rasneo11a cells) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation (1.3 and 0.3 times, respectively, P < 0.05), suggesting that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) altered the angiogenic phenotype of the cells. Although rasneo11a cells secreted less VEGF than C3H10T(1/2) cells (97%, P < 0.005), 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) induced C3H10T(1/2) and rasneo11a cells to secrete 2 and 3 times, respectively, more VEGF than controls (P < 0.05). Similar effects on VEGF release occurred after 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment of MCF10A and MCF10Aras cells, a human breast epithelial cell model for multistage carcinogenesis. In C3H10T(1/2) cells, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) activated the VEGF promoter in a dose-dependent (5-100 nmol/L) manner (maximum 60%) and all doses induced VEGF secretion (P < 0.05). 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) induced VEGF mRNA expression ( approximately 50%) from 2 through 24 h; VEGF release was significantly increased at 8 h and sustained for 24 h. VEGF mRNA expression and release declined as C3H10T(1/2) cells grew more confluent, whereas the magnitude of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-stimulated changes in VEGF was greater in confluent (3.3 times RNA; 3.5 times release) than in subconfluent (50% RNA; 100% release) cultures (P < 0.05). Thus, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increases VEGF secretion, and in C3H10T(1/2) cells, this is likely through activation of the VEGF promoter and induction of gene expression. These data contribute to understanding the role 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) plays in regulation of angiogenesis in normal compared with disease states.
Rivaroxaban Versus Enoxaparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose: Starting February 2012, our institution changed from enoxaparin (Lovenox) to the Factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of our study was to compare rates of venous thromboembolism and rates of major bleeding between these two medications when used for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after primary THA and TKA. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 1795 patients who underwent THA or TKA at our institution between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. Patients were excluded if they had a bilateral procedure, partial arthroplasty (hip hemiarthroplasty, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty), revision surgery, and cases designated as complex. Patients were excluded if they were on other anticoagulants (dabigatran, aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin, fondaparinux), or if pre-operative creatinine was 1.2 or greater. After excluding these patients, there were 1089 patients included in the study. Chart review recorded demographics (age, gender), comorbidities (BMI, ASA, creatinine), surgery performed (primary THA or TKA), length of stay (LOS), venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolus [PE]), post-operative infections, and major bleeding events (stroke, post-operative bleeding requiring transfusion). Periprosthetic infection rates are also currently being reviewed. T-tests were used to compare continuous variables between treatment groups, and Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables between treatment groups (α = 0.05). Results: There were 779 patients (71.5%) who received enoxaparin and 310 patients (28.5%) who received rivaroxaban during the study period. Demographics of the patients are presented in Table 1. A comparison of venous thromboembolism rates Pre-operative creatinine was higher in the enoxaparin group (0.81 ± 0.19 vs. 0.72 ± 0.18, p Conclusion: To our knowledge this is one of, if not the largest non-industry funded studies comparing these two medications. There were no statistically demonstrable differences between the enoxaparin and rivaroxaban groups in terms of venous thromboembolism or major bleeding complications.
Deictic motion verbs in Pashto: to whom shall we come?

This paper investigates the uses of the deictic motion verbs in Pashto. First, the paper focuses on the Pashto verbs COME and GO. The Pashto COME verb is unique in that it requires a directional person marker. These person markers are used in specific situations, which are outlined in this paper. Furthermore, the verbal person marker and the dative argument of the motion verb can differ in person. Such person “mismatches” are explained in terms of ascendance on the Person Hierarchy and of a semantic understanding of person. Second, this paper shows that the phenomenon of directional person markers extends to all Pashto motion verbs. Finally, the paper briefly discusses how Pashto COME and GO do not align with cross-linguistic analyses of COME and GO verbs in other languages. This misalignment is credited to the unique three-way deictic split of COME.
Effects of Arginine Vasotocin on Levels of Plasma Gonadotropins and Prolactin in Ovariectomized Conscious Rats

Arginine vasotocin was injected into the third ventricle or intravenously in conscious, ovariectomized rats and its effect on gonadotropin and prolactin release evaluated. The peptide lowered plasma levels of both LH and prolactin in doses of 40 or 100 ng given intraventricularly. The higher dose was slightly more effective than the lower dose. Intravenous injection of a 1-microgram dose of vasotocin failed to alter plasma LH in the ovariectomized animals; however, a 5-micrograms dose induced a slight depression apparent at only 60 min following injection. Intravenous injection of 1 microgram produced a significant lowering of plasma prolactin, whereas a dramatic lowering followed the injection of the higher dose. Plasma FSH was unaffected in these experiments. Incubation of dispersed anterior pituitary cells from ovariectomized rats with various doses of vasotocin revealed no effect of the peptide on the release of FSH, LH, or prolactin. It also did not alter the response to LHRH, but it partially blocked the action of dopamine to inhibit prolactin release. The data indicate that quite low doses of arginine vasotocin act within the brain to inhibit LH and prolactin secretion in ovariectomized, conscious animals.
Abstract P6-10-01: The Association between the Use of Selective COX-2 Inhibitors and Breast Cancer Recurrence

Introduction: There have been biological findings alluding to the role of selective COX-2 inhibitors in reducing the risk of developing cancers including breast cancer. Epidemiological data suggest that COX-2 inhibitors may prevent the development of cancers, including colorectal, esophageal and lung cancer. To date, there exists no study that reported any relationship between their use and the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Thus, we investigated the associations between the use of COX-2 inhibitors and the risk of tumor recurrence among breast cancer patients. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of female patients diagnosed with stage II/III breast cancer in Albert Einstein Medical Center between 1999 and 2005 and later reached no evident disease (NED) stage. Follow up period was from 1999 to 2008 with mean and maximum being 4.4 years and 9.8 years, respectively. COX-2 inhibitor user was defined as patients taking the medication in NED stage for at least 6 months. Age, race, family history, smoking history, menopausal status, diabetes, HER2/Neu status, hormone receptor status, TNM stage, histology, and treatment received were compared between COX-2 inhibitor users and nonusers. The primary outcome was disease free survival. The secondary outcome was overall survival. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Of 682 cancer patients, 7.3 % (n=50) were prescribed COX-2 inhibitor; 10.0 % (5/50) of patients developed recurrence among COX-2 inhibitor users, while 22.0% (139/632) did among nonusers (chi-square test: P Conclusions: The use of COX-2 inhibitors seems to be related to a reduced risk of developing recurrence in patients with breast cancer. This result provides the clinical evidence, in accordance with existing biological data, that COX-2 inhibitor use in breast cancer patients may be inversely associated with tumor recurrence. However, prospective randomized trials are required to validate our finding. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-10-01.
Workforce Development Rhetoric and the Realities of 21st Century Capitalism

Increasingly, the provision of adult education (including literacy and training programs) is influenced by a rhetoric of workforce development that tasks education with closing a supposed ‘skills gap’ between the skills that workers have and what employers are looking for. This deficit model of education blames adult learners for their own condition, as well as for larger problems in the economy. In addition to arguing for broader goals for adult education, those in the field also need to question the economic premises of this rhetoric. A review of current economic conditions points to fundamental aspects of capitalism as the source of instability, which means that education and training programs have a limited ability to move large numbers of people out of poverty. For this reason, students and teachers in adult education should focus on developing structural analyses of the situation and push for substantive changes in the economy.
Chronic nephropathy induced by prolonged administration of an alcoholic beverage. Recovery experiments.

Conclusions1. The chronic renal injury in dogs following the use of the alcoholic distillate when sufficient time is allowed for the development of processes of repair, consists in a type of glomerulonephropathy, characterized by the obliteration of the capillary loop by a large type of connective tissue forming cell. The capsule of the glomerulus does not participate in the reaction. The epithelial cells in the various portions of the tubule appear normal.2. Following the glomerular injury which may have advanced to the stage of hyaline degeneration of the capillary loops, there occurs only slight evidence of an impairment of renal function. Urine from such kidneys constantly contains albumin and occasional hyaline and finely granular casts. The twenty-four hour output of urine when studied on successive days is variable. There is no constant decrease in the output. In four of the animals the output of urine has been markedly in excess of the intake of fluid. Such animals have shown a reduction in body w...
MALE RARITY OR NOVELTY, FEMALE CHOICE BEHAVIOR, AND SEXUAL SELECTION IN THE GUPPY, POECILIA RETICULATA PETERS (PISCES: POECILIIDAE).

Female choice of competing males is implicit in any discussion of sexual selection (Darwin, 1871). It is relatively easy to find evidence, either morphological or behavioral, of intermale competition, but establishing that female choice, and hence sexual selection, is operating, is usually a more difficult matter. Because females generally invest more in brood production, they are more conservative in mating, with males competing among themselves to mate with as many females as possible (Trivers, 1972). Among species, the greater the disparity in parental investment, the higher the tendency for males to be promiscuous. Hence, in species where males contribute very little to production and rearing of offspring, intermale competition and sexual selection become more intense, and behavioral and morphological manifestations of intrasexual competition are more apparent. It only remains to establish the role of the female in choosing among competing males. The number of species in which sexual selection has been shown or implicated is too great to be reviewed adequately here. The recent volume edited by Campbell (1972) will serve to acquaint the reader with examples from many taxonomic groups. One type of sexual selection, frequency-dependent mate selection (i.e. rare male advantage), will be considered since it has direct bearing on the present study. In frequency-dependent selection, females