cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cat parahippocampal unit discharge patterns during limbic stimulation

Abstract Previous anatomical studies have demonstrated various limbic projections to the parahippocampal gyrus. The influences on parahippocampal units resulting from impulses passing over these fibers are unknown. Units were tested for spike entrainment or time-locking to a restricted regional limbic excitation. More units (40 out of 114) were entrained by septal stimuli than by hippocampal, cingulum, or contralateral parahippocampal gyrus stimuli. Some units fired one time-locked spike while others fired multiple spikes for each stimulus. Time-preferred spikes, varying more in latency than time-locked spikes, were discharged by other units. Pattern changes during septal stimulation suggest multisynaptic paths were involved. During separate periods of septal and hippocampal stimulation a number of units stopped firing. These units frequently did not fire for periods lasting up to 5 sec following the last stimulus. It is concluded the septum, possibly by way of the hippocampus, exerts excitatory and strong inhibitory influences on parahippocampal units. Signals passing over the cingulum and contralateral parahippocampal gyrus may contribute to, but possibly do not block, inputs entering the hippocampus via parahippocampal projections.
Preliminary factor and psychometric analysis of the Motivation for Fear (MOTIF) survey

Abstract To address the call for evidence-based functional assessments, this study determined the factor structure and psychometric properties (i.e., reliability, convergent and discriminant validity) of the Motivation for Fear (MOTIF) survey, a newly created, 24-item functional measure of fear and anxiety. Participants were 1277 college students (ages 18–35 years; 74.7% female). A separate questionnaire verified presence of anxiety symptoms, resulting in 583 participants. Exploratory factory analysis, scree plot, parallel analysis, and oblique rotation, were used. Results converged on a 4-factor simple structure solution with 18 items. The functions (distress, attention/comfort-seeking, tangible, and escape) explained 43% of the variance and internal consistency was above .70 for distress and attention/comfort-seeking. The distress and attention/comfort-seeking functions demonstrated clear reliability and support was found for discriminant and convergent construct validity of the MOTIF. Evidence was lacking regarding functional convergent validity, however. Implications for the findings and potential for clinical use are discussed.
Propagation and radiation of sound from flanged circular ducts with circumferentially varying wall admittances, II: Finite ducts with sources

Abstract The radiation of sound from a flanged duct system containing various hard-walled pressure sources and a finite length of non-uniformly lined duct is considered. Reflection coefficients, transmission losses and the directivity of the radiated field are evaluated. Direct comparisons between the results for the non-uniformly lined ducts, a uniformly lined duct and a hard-walled duct are made for fixed values of admittance, liner length and source distributions. Several interesting wave scattering characteristics which relate to the design of aircraft turbofan inlet liners are uncovered.
Pantalone et al.: The risk of developing coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, and overall mortality, in type 2 diabetic patients receiving rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, metformin, or sulfonylureas: a retrospective analysis

Pantalone et al.’s retrospective study of a large number of type 2 diabetic subjects confirmed once again, that events related to coronary artery disease were greater when sulfonylureas rather than metformin or thiazolidinediones (TZDs) were utilized [1]. Obviously, part of this finding could be explained by cardioprotection from metformin and TZDs. However, the more likely explanation for this improved risk is the increased risk of a cardiac event with sulfonylureas. Sulfonylureas increase or worsen myocardial events by closing the K-ATPase channels in the myocardiocyte [2]. Two sulfonylureas which do not have this effect and have not been shown to be associated with increased myocardial events are glimepiride and glicizide [2]. Since glicizide is not available in the United States, the only ‘‘safe’’ sulfonylurea in this study would have been glimepiride. It would therefore be interesting to assess whether with glimepiride there was still an increase in myocardial events compared with metformin or TZDs. If there was not an association then the likely cause of the increased events would be the action of sulfonylureas. However, if an association, even a less robust association, was still present with glimepiride it would provide further evidence for the cardioprotective effects of metformin and TZDs.
Network Decomposition in Practice: An Application to Optimal Resource Allocation

In this paper, we propose the use of network decomposition under an optimal resource allocation framework. We develop a methodology where recursive formulas can be utilized for calculating the desired end-to-end performance bounds (i.e., backlog bound violation probability) of flows traversing tandem, acyclic queueing networks. We use those performance metrics in an optimization framework that allocates resources to network services with specific quality-of-service requirements. Finally, we evaluate our framework and compare its performance against a system utilizing deterministic bounds obtained from network calculus.
RENAL TRANSPORT OF PAH AND GLOMERULO-TUBULAR(GT) RETIONSHIPS DURING DEVELOPMENT IN PUPPIES UNINE-PHRECTOMIZED AT BIRTH

The ability of the developing kidney to compensate for a reduction in functioning nephron mass and changes in GT balance following nephron loss were studied in puppies uninephrectomized at birth and in paired sham controls at ages(n) 0(3), 2(3), 4(4), 6(4) and 8(3) weeks of age. TmPAH, Cin, CPAH, PAH extraction (EPAH) and dry kidney weight(DKW) were determined. In the paired control animals, TmPAH(r=.95)*, Cin(r=.97)*, CPAH(r=.92)*. CPAH/ EPAH(r=.95)* and TmPAH/Cin(r=.90)* increased with age. Filtration fraction(FF) and CPAH/EPAH/gDKW did not change with age. Immediately after nephrectomy and at 2 weeks, the experimental animals exhibited significant differences from controls in DKW, TmPAH and Cin, however, these differences were not apparent at or beyond 4 weeks. Neither TmPAH/gDKW, TmPAH/Cin, EPAH, FF nor CPAH/EPAH/g DKW were different between studies at any age, even though DKW was always less than controls and the DKW of the intact right experimental kidney was significantly greater than the right kidney of controls. It is apparent that the developing kidney is appropriate and adequate to functionally compensate for nephron loss at birth and does so while maintaining normal developmental GT relationships for PAH. * p<.001
APIC guideline for infection prevention and control in the long-term care facility

The Guidelines Committee of APIC is in the process of developing a series entitled “APIC Guidelines for Infection Control Practice.” The first APIC Guideline, “Guideline for Use of Topical Antimicrobial Agents,” by Elaine Larson, RN, PhD, FAAN, was published in the December 1988 issue of the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL. The second Guideline, “APIC Guideline for Selection and Use of Disinfectants,” by William A. Rutala, PhD, MPH, was published in the April 1990 issue of the JOURNAL. The Guidelines Committee is now pleased to announce completion of the draft of the third APIC guideline for infection control practice: “Guideline for Infection Prevention and Control in the Long Term Care Facility” by Philip W. Smith, MD, FACP, and Patricia G. Rusnak, RN. It is a working draft that is subject to general comment after having been reviewed by the Guidelines Committee, the APIC Board of Directors, and a number of national organizations. At this time we would like to invite all interested parties to comment on the proposed Guideline before its final approval and adoption by APIC. To be considered, comments must be received in writing no later than Monday, Jun. 7,1991. Please send your comments to: Marjorie A. Underwood, RN, BSN, CIC Chairman, APIC Guidelines Committee Manager, Infection Control Services Children’s Hospital of San Francisco 3700 California St. San Francisco, CA 94118
Characterization of micro-fluidic vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Micro-fluidic VCSELs are fabricated using a novel fluidic channel structure with etched trenches and fluid reservoirs surrounding each VCSEL. Pulsed and continuous wave measurements demonstrated a fluid induced lasing wavelength shift of 0.3 nm.
Team-based software/system development in a vertically-integrated project-based course

We use per-student virtual machines to allow new students to configure servers, thus enabling them to develop an understanding of the complex eStadium system. The outcomes include: student learning as the per-student virtual machines progress into software development and production machines supporting the eStadium game-day environment; the teamwork and leadership skills that evolve as students progress from initial learning to leadership roles in the creation of sophisticated applications; guidelines for instructors mentoring students through the process of building and maintaining a working production system; and, parallels with best-practice software and system development in industry. The use of peer-evaluations and social-network studies enable us to determine how the students interact with and learn from each other across years (sophomores through seniors). This cross year, cross experience-level learning process is essential for maintaining the technical and team continuity of the project. It also prepares students in a very realistic way for the software-development process in industry.
Open-loop frequency response method

SERVOMECHANISM DESIGN and test procedures which are based upon the assumption of system linearity are not satisfactory for many servos. This problem has been summarized in a recent article in this magazine.1 A method for representing the open-loop frequency response of nonlinear systems will be considered which indicates the presence of most nonlinear phenomena of closed-loop systems.
Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to define the specific interactions of the phospholipase A2 superfamily with lipid substrates, inhibitors, and membranes.

The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) superfamily consists of 16 groups and many subgroups and constitutes a diverse set of enzymes that have a common catalytic activity due to convergent evolution. However, different PLA2 types have unique three-dimensional structures and catalytic residues as well as specific tissue localization and distinct biological functions. Understanding how the different PLA2 enzymes associate with phospholipid membranes, specific phospholipid substrate molecules, and inhibitors on a molecular basis has advanced in recent years due to the introduction of hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. Its theory, practical considerations, and application to understanding PLA2/membrane interactions are addressed.
The Palingenesis of De rerum natura

1. If I had to sum up as concisely as I possibly can the subject matter of this paper, I would probably say that it was originally stimulated by the attempt to understand how Lucretius articulated his didactic plot. What is the plot of a poem that presents itself as analysing nothing less than ‘the nature of things’? It is safe to assume as a starting-point that a didactic poem which intends to revolutionize each and every principle of perception and evaluation of reality cannot remain unaffected by the theoretical views it tries to prove, and that the persuasive impact of those theories on the reader will inevitably be strengthened or weakened by the way the text situates itself in respect to those theories: the poem itself will be the most effective or the most damning example of its own theories.
Unmasking the roles of N- and C-terminal flanking sequences from exon 1 of huntingtin as modulators of polyglutamine aggregation

Huntington disease is caused by mutational expansion of the CAG trinucleotide within exon 1 of the huntingtin (Htt) gene. Exon 1 spanning N-terminal fragments (NTFs) of the Htt protein result from aberrant splicing of transcripts of mutant Htt. NTFs typically encompass a polyglutamine tract flanked by an N-terminal 17-residue amphipathic stretch (N17) and a C-terminal 38-residue proline-rich stretch (C38). We present results from in vitro biophysical studies that quantify the driving forces for and mechanisms of polyglutamine aggregation as modulated by N17 and C38. Although N17 is highly soluble by itself, it lowers the saturation concentration of soluble NTFs and increases the driving force, vis-a-vis homopolymeric polyglutamine, for forming insoluble aggregates. Kinetically, N17 accelerates fibril formation and destabilizes nonfibrillar intermediates. C38 is also highly soluble by itself, and it lends its high intrinsic solubility to lower the driving force for forming insoluble aggregates by increasing the saturation concentration of soluble NTFs. In NTFs with both modules, N17 and C38 act synergistically to destabilize nonfibrillar intermediates (N17 effect) and lower the driving force for forming insoluble aggregates (C38 effect). Morphological studies show that N17 and C38 promote the formation of ordered fibrils by NTFs. Homopolymeric polyglutamine forms a mixture of amorphous aggregates and fibrils, and its aggregation mechanisms involve early formation of heterogeneous distributions of nonfibrillar species. We propose that N17 and C38 act as gatekeepers that control the intrinsic heterogeneities of polyglutamine aggregation. This provides a biophysical explanation for the modulation of in vivo NTF toxicities by N17 and C38.
Detailed purine salvage metabolism in and outside the free malarial parasite.

Abstract Purine utilization in the malarial parasite dependent on a “salvage” pathway was studied to determine the detailed mechanism of how purines were utilized and which precursor might be penetrating the membrane of the parasite. Erythrocyte-free malarial parasites ( Plasmodium berghei ) were incubated at 20 C with 2,8- 3 H-adenosine as a precursor for purine metabolism. Parasites and medium were separated using a unique system whereby the metabolites associated with the parasite and those contained in the medium can be identified after as little as 15 sec–10 min of incubation. It was shown that 3 H-adenosine is rapidly deaminated to inosine and then deribosylated to hypoxanthine. The distribution of radioactivity indicated that these events occurred on the surface or outside of the parasite, while conversion of hypoxanthine to form IMP, and subsequently to ATP occurred most probably inside the parasite. The results indicated that hypoxanthine may be the immediate precursor entering the parasite membrane and is then converted to IMP eventually forming AMP, ADP, and ATP. 3 H-IMP occurred in high concentration with a maximum occurring 2 min after incubation and gradually decreasing thereafter. The pool sizes of AMP and ADP appeared to be small and were quickly saturated. Formation of 3 H-ATP continued to increase throughout the 10 min experimental period at which time > 80% of the added adenosine was converted to ATP. The large pool of IMP appeared to act as a “sink” to accomodate large amounts of purine intermediates available for later use and this could be a mechanism developed by the parasites to bypass the usual regulatory control of AMP. Phosphorylation and further utilization of 3 H adenosine was completely eliminated in the presence of 5 × 10 −5 M concentrations of adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine. Hypoxanthine, a normal-exit metabolite in mammalian purine metabolism, is apparently the building block of the nucleotides for the parasite indicating that hypoxanthine and/or its analogs may be able to antagonize and therefore have chemotherapeutic value in the treatment of malaria. Scanning-beam electron microscopy of the parasites showed that the free malarial parasites were round in shape measuring 1–2 μm (average 1.5 μm) in diameter and the outer surface appeared to be somewhat uneven.
Evaluation of the utility of six measures for algal (Microcystis aeruginosa, Planktothrix agardhii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) viability

Standard algal toxicity tests are used to discern responses of algae to a variety of exposures including pesticides, personal care products and complex mixtures such as runoff and effluents. There are concerns regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of algal viability measures used as endpoints in algal toxicity test protocols. To definitively evaluate six algal viability measures, algae were heat-treated to produce known live:dead cell ratios. Cultures of two prokaryotic algae (Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktothrix agardhii) and a eukaryotic alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) were boiled for five minutes and mixed after cooling with untreated cultures to produce suspensions of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% live algal cells. Optical microscopy was used to assess the viability of algae on a cell-by-cell basis by measuring cell density, uptake of a vital stain (neutral red) and exclusion of a mortal stain (erythrosin b). Aggregate measures of algal cell viability included chlorophyll a concentrations, pheophytin a concentrations and respiration (measured as 2-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl tetrazolium formazan absorbance (INT)). Cell densities, erythrosin b stained cells and chlorophyll a concentrations correlated with viable M. aeruginosa, P. agardhii and P. subcapitata cells (R(2)=0.97-0.78, 0.98-0.85 and 0.99-0.97 respectively). Pheophytin a concentrations and neutral red stained cells did not correlate with viable algae (R(2)=0.41-0.01 and 0.15-0.03 respectively). For INT formazan absorbance, 50%, 75% and 100% viable algae had greater variances and did not strongly correlate (R(2)=0.75-0.54). This result was likely confounded by respiration associated with resident bacteria. Three of the six methods provided accurate and precise information regarding the viability of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae. These methods also have a relatively low initial expense and can be used widely.
Technology-assisted weight loss interventions in primary care: a systematic review

BACKGROUND The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for and treating obesity. However, there are many barriers to successfully treating obesity in primary care (PC). Technology-assisted weight loss interventions offer novel ways of improving treatment, but trials are overwhelmingly conducted outside of PC and may not translate well into this setting. We conducted a systematic review of technology-assisted weight loss interventions specifically tested in PC settings.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal neoplasms

Laparoscopic nephrectomy has been shown to be an effective minimally invasive technique for treating benign renal disease requiring surgical excision. However, its application to approach renal malignancy has been limited. Herein, we report on 8 patients with renal tumor who underwent a laparoscopic nephrectomy. All kidneys were removed within Gerota's fascia, and in 3 patients with upper pole tumors, the adrenal gland was also removed en bloc. With limited follow-up of seven to thirty-five months (mean 14 months), there has been no clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor recurrence. We believe that laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with strict adherence to oncologic surgical principles is a practical, less invasive alternative in select patients with renal tumors.
Application of Retinol to Human Skin In Vivo Induces Epidermal Hyperplasia and Cellular Retinoid Binding Proteins Characteristic of Retinoic Acid but Without Measurable Retinoic Acid Levels or Irritation

We investigated the clinical, histologic, and molecular responses of normal human skin to all- trans -retinol (ROL) application, compared to those induced by topical all- trans -retinoic acid (RA), and measured ROL-derived metabolites. Up to 1.6% ROL, 0.025% RA in vehicle (70% ethanol/30% propylene glycol), or vehicle alone were applied in a double-blind fashion to normal buttock skin and occluded for 4 d. ROL produced from none to only trace erythema, which was clinically and statistically insignificant, whereas RA induced a significant 3.7-fold increase in erythema score compared to vehicle (n = 10, p in situ hybridization. CRABP-II and CRBP protein levels were also higher following ROL than vehicle treatment, as measured by ligand binding (3.2-fold, p 0.3).
Transducers for Bioimplantable Telemetry Systems

A major unfilfilled health-care need is a means of obtaining specific data from within the body on a long-term basis. Preventable deaths and avoidable medical catastrophies frequently occur due to lack of obtainable physiological data. Suitable implantable data-collecting and transmitting systems appear to be within the technological state of the art. An urgent need exists for national standardization on one or a few compatible systems to facilitate concerted research and commercial development. One such candidate system and the requirements it imposes on transducer development is described. A related alternative system, possibly more suitable for self-use by non-hospitalized persons, is outlined.
Initial experience with Lodox Statscan imaging system for detecting injuries of the pelvis and appendicular skeleton.

The purpose of this study is to assess detection of pelvic and extremity injuries employing a rapid whole-body imaging system (Lodox Statscan). We retrospectively reviewed 37 consecutive cases. The study was approved by our hospital review board and carried out with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. Anterior–posterior (AP) whole-body Lodox Statscan (LS) exams, obtained in 10–13 s, were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Each patient’s concurrent computed radiographs (CR) and computed tomographic (CT) studies were reviewed at a later date. There were 23 males and 14 females; ages ranged from 14 to 103 years (average 40 years). Sixteen patients had a total of 73 abnormalities seen on LS, CR or CT. The LS examination identified 47 abnormalities (64.4%) in 15 patients. Twenty-six additional abnormalities were detected with the other modalities (CR, CT) in 11 patients; 8 were evident on LS images in retrospect, with the remaining 18 not identified even retrospectively. Of these retrospectively occult injuries, only one was deemed significant to the acute management of the patient. The LS imaging system seems to be a useful tool for rapid screening of multitrauma patients.
Ultrasonic examination of dissimilar-metal welds in BWR and PWR plants

Abstract The difficulties of ultrasonic examination of dissimilar-metal welds in BWR and PWR plants are discussed. Improved examination techniques were developed and are described. The complex structure of dissimilar-metal welds and the use of highly attenuating austenitic weld metals and castings make conventional shear-wave examination ineffective. An ultrasonic test procedure using refracted longitudinal-wave transducers was developed for examining the dissimilar-metal welds in the nozzle-to-safe-end joints in BWR recirculation piping. The techniques were developed in the laboratory with mock-ups containing notches and intentional cracks. Four field trials of the procedures using manual and automated methods were conducted to verify the laboratory results. Signal-processing techniques were investigated, and a spatial signal-averaging method was found to be effective in improving signal-to-noise ratios. For welds less than about 38 mm (1·5 in) thick, transducer frequencies of 2 MHz could be used and were capable of reliably detecting cracks with depths about 20% of the wall thickness or greater. Thicker welds required the use of large-element 1 MHz transducers. The best flaw detection performance was obtained with large angles of refraction (60° or greater).
Photovoltaic devices based on quantum dot functionalized nanowire arrays embedded in an organic matrix

Quantum dot (QD) functionalized nanowire arrays are attractive structures for low cost high efficiency solar cells. QDs have the potential for higher quantum efficiency, increased stability and lifetime compared to traditional dyes, as well as the potential for multiple electron generation per photon. Nanowire array scaffolds constitute efficient, low resistance electron transport pathways which minimize the hopping mechanism in the charge transport process of quantum dot solar cells. However, the use of liquid electrolytes as a hole transport medium within such scaffold device structures have led to significant degradation of the QDs. In this work, we first present the synthesis uniform single crystalline ZnO nanowire arrays and their functionalization with InP/ZnS core-shell quantum dots. The structures are characterized using electron microscopy, optical absorption, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. Complementing photoluminescence, transmission electron microanalysis is used to reveal the successful QD attachment process and the atomistic interface between the ZnO and the QD. Energy dispersive spectroscopy reveals the co-localized presence of indium, phosphorus, and sulphur, suggestive of the core-shell nature of the QDs. The functionalized nanowire arrays are subsequently embedded in a poly-3(hexylthiophene) hole transport matrix with a high degree of polymer infiltration to complete the device structure prior to measurement.
Is the left anterior descending artery really absent?—A decisive input from coronary CT angiography

This case report emphasizes the importance of coronary CT angiography (CTA) as a backup imaging modality in patients with suspected coronary anomalies and difficult cannulation, during invasive coronary angiography by catheterization (Cath). In this patient, the numerous cannulation attempts during Cath failed to identify a left anterior descending artery (LAD) leading to the diagnosis of absent LAD. CTA was done for further clarification, which easily visualized LAD originating from a separate ostium at the left sinus of Valsalva finalizing the diagnosis as absent left main artery with dual left coronary ostia.
Organizational hurdles to distributed database management systems (DDBMS) adoption

Abstract Organizations adopt new technologies, ultimately, to enhance their competitive position and profitability. A distributed database management system (DDBMS) is an example of a technology that may enhance a company's profitability but is also likely to change the way it does business. Specifically, DDBMS adoption may disturb the locus of power, alter the organizational structure, and change the culture of a company. This exploratory study examines the organizational factors that influence the likelihood of DDBMS adoption. It identifies organizational hurdles to adoption, offers an agenda for research validation, and proposes strategies for overcoming the identified hurdles.
Suppression of marrow stromal cells and microenvironmental damage following sequential radiation and cyclophosphamide

Abstract Persistent defects in marrow stroma may contribute to hemopoietic insufficiency in patients treated with combined modality therapy for malignancy. To assess the bone marrow failure following combined therapy, mice received intraperitoneal administration of four weekly doses of cyclophosphamide, 160 mg/kg (CY) one week after 1500 rad leg irradiation (LI). This treatment inhibited repopulation of endogenous nucleated cells to less than 60% of normal at one, two, four and six months post-irradiation. Leg irradiation alone suppressed the repopulation to about 75% of normal and cyclophosphamide alone suppressed to 80% of normal. Normal body weight and recovery of peripheral leukocytes and hematocrit to normal levels demonstrated the localized nature of the lesion. Differential marrow counts revealed that 1500 rad LI + CY suppressed erythroblasts, myeloid, and lymphoid cells more than either modality alone. To directly assess the damage of sequential 1500 rad LI + CY on the microenvironment, marrow stromal cells were flushed from the femoral marrow and cultured as adherent cell colonies. They were suppressed to less than 30% of normal for three months following combined modality treatment. Other progenitors, granulocyte-macrophage and spleen colony forming units (CFU-C and CFU-S respectively), were suppressed but exhibited different patterns of partial recovery. We conclude that multiple courses of cyclophosphamide starting one week after 1500 rad LI produced persistent damage to the microenvironment reflected by decreased marrow stromal cells and failure of hemopoietic cells and their progenitors to completely repopulate femoral marrow.
Receptors for bitter, sweet and umami taste couple to inhibitory G protein signaling pathways

Abstract Taste receptors are thought to couple to the G protein Gα-gustducin to initiate signal transduction cascades leading to taste perception. To further characterize the G protein-coupling selectivity of these receptors, we expressed them in HEK293 cells and monitored the modulation of different signaling pathways upon stimulation. We found that the bitter compound cycloheximide induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases1 and 2 (ERK 1/2) and inhibits cAMP accumulation in HEK293 cells expressing the mouse bitter T2R 5 receptor. These effects are totally abolished upon treatment with pertussis toxin. On the other hand, sweeteners and monosodium glutamate induce phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibit cAMP accumulation in HEK293 cells expressing the human sweet T1R 2 /T1R 3 receptor and the human umami T1R 1 /T1R 3 receptor, respectively. The effects of these taste modalities are also prevented by treatment with pertussis toxin. Collectively, our results show that taste receptors can functionally couple to Gα i/o proteins to transmit intracellular signals.
Performance of the g-h Filter for Tracking Maneuvering Targets

The g-h filter is often used as a tracking filter. Assuming that the target under track is modelled as a constant-velocity system with a correlated random acceleration, equations are derived for the covariances of the filtered and predicted estimates. These equations are useful to predict the performance of the filter and to select suitable parameters so as to improve performance.
Impaired acquisition of a simultaneous brightness discrimination by cortically and hippocampally lesioned rats

Rats with neocortical and hippocampal lesions, as well as normal animals, were trained in a visual discrimination task. The periods of stimulus presentation indicating the “correct lever” were separated by 10-sec intertrial intervals. Both lesion groups were impaired in the acquisition of the problem, but only the animals with hippocampal damage evidenced significantly higher response rates during the intertrial intervals.
A refinement framework to support validation and maintenance of knowledge-based systems

Abstract In this article, we argue that a refinement tool capable of assisting the maintainer of a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) with updating and upgrading of its knowledge base can substantially expand the scope of his activities and prolong the life of the system. We show that refinement tasks involved in KBS maintenance are similar to those taking place at the development stage, and thus a uniform refinement framework can be designed to support both activities. After defining refinement tasks expected to take place at different stages of a KBS's life cycle, we present a refinement framework capable of supporting them. It utilizes a small number of domain-independent heuristics to search for possible rule revisions which are expected to eliminate errors detected during KBS validation. An extended example is given to illustrate how different refinement tasks are carried out.
Time-resolved spectroscopic measurements of high density in Ar-filled microballoon implosions.

We report on the analysis of time-resolved x-ray spectra from direct-drive, Ar-filled polymer shell implosion experiments in which we trace the time evolution of the electron density through stagnation. Very high electron densities in the range 2--8/times/10/sup 24/ cm/sup /minus/3/ are inferred. We also discuss several novel spectral features, including large Stark broadening of satellite line emission, optical thicknesses for resonant transitions lower than expected, and the onset of density-dependent ''blue satellites'' on the high-energy wing of the He/sub /alpha// line.
Luteinizing hormone receptors translocate to plasma membrane microdomains after binding of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Receptor-mediated signal transduction by G protein-coupled receptors can involve redistribution of plasma membrane receptors into membrane structures that are characterized by insolubility in Triton X-100 and low buoyant density in sucrose gradients. Here we describe the translocation of wild-type (wt) rat LH receptors (LHR-wt) from the bulk membrane into membrane microdomains (rafts) after the binding of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation of plasma membranes from cells stably expressing FLAG-tagged LHR-wt, receptors were located in high-density membrane fractions before binding of hormone and in low-density fractions after hCG treatment. Receptor translocation to low-density sucrose fractions did not occur when cells were pretreated with 1% methyl-β-cyclodextrin, which reduces membrane cholesterol and disrupts rafts. Single-particle tracking of individual FLAG-LHR-wt receptors showed that hCG-treated receptors become confined in small compartments with a diameter ...
Cultivating true sight at the center of the world : Cyril of jerusalem and the lenten catechumenate

In 351 c.e., Cyril of Jerusalem prepared catechumens for baptism at what he identified as the very center of the world. From Golgotha Christ once stretched his hands to embrace the ends of the earth, and Cyril's catechumens would soon receive a distinctive baptism predicated on their proximity to Golgotha first and Christ's tomb second. For this bishop location was truly everything, in his own words: “For others only hear but we both see and handle.” Cyril's Lenten Catechumenate consisted of an eight-week course of prebaptismal preparation culminating in an Easter baptism. Within this institution Cyril offered a privileged course of Christian inculcation and a singular notion of the “Christian Soldier.” Through a highly visual exegesis of the crucifixion and resurrection, Cyril transformed baptizands into witnesses to these two events, a status obligating them to defend the actuality of these moments and, in so doing, promote Cyril's particular conceptualization of Jerusalem as Holy Land.
A novel R229Q OGG1 polymorphism results in a thermolabile enzyme that sensitizes KG-1 leukemia cells to DNA damaging agents

Abstract Background : Mutations and polymorphisms of OGG1, the major mammalian 8-oxoguanine repair activity, are associated with increased risk for several cancers. Decreased 8-oxoguanine repair capacity due to variant forms of the OGG1 gene is a common feature of numerous cancer cell lines. One such cell line, human KG-1 leukemia cells, has previously been demonstrated to be deficient in the excision of 8-oxoguanine from oxidatively damaged DNA. KG-1 cells have a homozygous R229Q amino acid substitution in OGG1 that has been presumed to alter the function of OGG1 and result in elevated levels of genomic 8-oxoG and hypersensitivity to 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine nucleoside and ionizing radiation observed in KG-1 cells. Methods : We characterized the enzymatic activity of R229Q OGG1 and the effect of the enzyme on cell survival following treatment with DNA damaging agents. Results : R229Q OGG1 had activity similar to the wild-type enzyme, yet was easily heat inactivated at physiological temperature. R229Q OGG1 expressed in human cells had significantly lower activity than wild-type OGG1 and was also highly thermolabile. Expression of R229Q OGG1 sensitized KG-1 cells to killing by menadione and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, but not ionizing radiation. Conclusions : These results suggest that decreased 8-oxoguanine repair in KG-1 is due to thermolability of R229Q OGG1 and that the enzyme variant increases cellular susceptibility to killing resulting from oxidative DNA damage. The R229Q OGG1 variant is a validated polymorphism prevalent in world populations and not an isolated mutation in KG-1 cells, thus the R229Q OGG1 allele may be a novel marker for cancer susceptibility.
Silent Synapses Sit and Wait for a Better Day

Synaptic activity is thought to be critical for synaptic stabilization. In this issue of Neuron , Krishnaswamy and Cooper show that nicotinic synapses on autonomic neurons remain intact without synaptic activity. Postsynaptic responses are required, however, for presynaptic terminals to acquire the high-affinity choline transporter necessary for high-frequency transmission.
West Nile Virus Encephalitis in a Renal Transplant Recipient: The Role of Intravenous Immunoglobulin

West Nile virus is a common viral infection in endemic areas. Although the disease has a benign course in immunocompetent individuals, it tends to run a more malignant course in immunocompromised patients such as solid-organ transplant recipients. In this study, a renal transplant recipient presented with fever, impaired speech, obtundation, and features suggestive of meningitis on cerebrospinal fluid examination. Although initial serological study results were negative, the patient was treated promptly with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) based on a strong clinical suspicion of West Nile virus encephalitis. Therapy with IVIG was associated with complete recovery of neurological features, and the patient was discharged on day 7 after resolution of neurological complications. The favorable outcome of this patient may be related to early treatment with IVIG.
R-matrix analysis of the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction

Abstract The problems involved in extrapolating the 12C(α, γ)16O cross section to stellar energies are investigated. In the R-matrix formalism used, the extrapolated cross section is shown to be approximately independent of the interaction radius and the boundary condition number. Simultaneously good fits to recent 12C(α, γ)16O data and the 12C + α elastic scattering p-wave phase shift are shown.
Sibling interaction: Evidence of a generational effect in maltreating infants☆

Theorists have long assumed that an individual's style of child-rearing was based, in large part, on his or her parents' style of parenting. The strongest evidence of such a generational effect comes from retrospective studies of disturbed adults. The present study is an attempt to provide some prospective evidence. Infants, aged 6 to 11 months, were videotaped interacting with their mother, with a sibling, and with a second adult. At each sibling age (from 2 to 10 years) one abused, one neglected, one problematic, and one normally reared infant was seen. The adult/sibling patterns of interaction were coded as abusive, neglecting, inept, or sensitive. Infant patterns were difficult, passive, and cooperative. Siblings were found to interact with the infant in a manner similar to that of their mothers suggesting that they had learned their style of interaction from their mothers. Although adequately reared siblings increased in sensitivity with age, maltreated siblings did not. The possibility that infant temperament had influenced both the mothers' and the siblings' style of interaction (and, therefore, accounted for their similarity) was tested using a second adult interactant. Adults were found to influence infants more than the reverse. These data provide evidence of a generational effect in the learning of parenting styles appearing as early as the third year of life. Moreover, they suggest that the effect is not attributable to infant temperament.
Pharyngeal gram stains in the treatment of sore throats

The use of the direct pharyngeal Gram stain for diagnosis of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis was evaluated. Seventy-five consecutive out-patients presenting with pharyngitis (or high fever in infants) were studied with pharyngeal cultures and Gram stains. Gram stains were read as either positive, negative, or indeterminate for streptococcal pharyngitis. When these predictions were correlated with the resulting culture growth of group A beta-hemolytic strep-tococci, the predictive value of a throat smear Gram stain was found to be significant (p
Immune deposits in articular cartilage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a granular pattern not seen in osteoarthritis

Frozen sections of articular cartilage, obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing joint replacement, were stained with fluoresceinated specific antisera to IgG, IgM, IgA, C1q, C4, and C3. Specimens positive for IgG were examined for IgG subclasses using mouse monoclonal antibodies. IgG was present in 22 of 34 cartilage specimens obtained from patients with RA, and in 14 of these 22 patients, a granular pattern was present. IgM, IgA, C1q, and C3 when present showed a similar granular pattern. In articular cartilage of patients with RA, all IgG subclasses tended to be present. The remaining eight specimens positive for IgG from patients with RA had staining patterns also seen in patients with OA. IgG staining was present in 31 of 117 cartilage specimens obtained from patients with OA and none had the granular pattern seen in RA. Intermittent linear staining at the surface was the most common pattern seen in cartilage from patients with OA. The different patterns of immune deposits in articular cartilage in RA and OA suggest that antibodies with different specificities are present or that different mechanisms of immune deposit formation exist in these disorders.
Subcutaneous feather tract denervation does not alter feather retention force ante- and postmortem in broilers.

Abstract To determine whether feather retention force (FRF) in 6-wk-old commercial broilers was influenced by the presence or absence of cutaneous innervation, nerve trunks for the pectoral and sternal feather tracts were severed unilaterally (left side) in Trial 1. In Trial 2, the sternal subcutaneous nerve trunk was severed either unilaterally (left or right side) or bilaterally. Four days postdenervation, FRF was determined bilaterally either antemortem (immediately prior to stunning) or 2 min after stunning and bleeding (postmortem). In Trial 1, the pectoral feather tract ante- and postmortem FRF values did not differ significantly for innervated or denervated tracts. In this trial, the sternal feather tract ante- and postmortem FRF values were 13% higher (44 g) for the denervated (left side) than for the innervated (right side) treatments. Partitioning this difference into the effects of sample side or innervation could not be attained because only the left side was denervated (left-denervation or right-innervated) in Trial 1. In Trial 2, both the left and right sternal feather tracts were represented in equal numbers for the innervated and denervated treatments, and there were no significant differences in FRF related to innervation, left and right side, or ante- and postmortem sample times. The presence or absence of cutaneous nerve innervation does not appear to influence FRF ante- or postmortem. This finding indicates that treatments disabling the central nervous system antemortem may lower FRF indirectly by altering cutaneous metabolism and therefore have been consistently unsuccessful in substantially altering postmortem FRF.
Properties of steady states for thin film equations

We consider nonnegative steady-state solutions of the evolution equationformula hereOur class of coefficients f, g allows degeneracies at h = 0, such as f(0) = 0, as well as divergences like g(0) = ±∞. We first construct steady states and study their regularity. For f, g > 0 we construct positive periodic steady states, and non-negative steady states with either zero or nonzero contact angles. For f > 0 and g < 0, we prove there are no non-constant positive periodic steady states or steady states with zero contact angle, but we do construct non-negative steady states with nonzero contact angle. In considering the volume, length (or period) and contact angle of the steady states, we find a rescaling identity that enables us to answer questions such as whether a steady state is uniquely determined by its volume and contact angle. Our tools include an improved monotonicity result for the period function of the nonlinear oscillator. We also relate the steady states and their scaling properties to a recent blow-up conjecture of Bertozzi and Pugh.
Mechanical Circulatory Support Registering a Therapy in Evolution

Received March 26, 2008; accepted June 5, 2008. The development of durable mechanical circulatory support systems paralleled the expansion of cardiac transplantation. The National Institutes of Health sponsored grants in the 1980s to develop implantable left heart assist systems; 20 years later, they contracted for a national registry, the Interagency Registry for Mechanical Assisted Circulatory Support, to track the clinical evolution of this new technology. The Interagency Registry for Mechanical Assisted Circulatory Support has refined the classification of New York Heart Association class IV heart failure, standardized adverse event definitions, and explored outcomes of device type, location, and strategy. The majority of mechanical circulatory support patients are between the ages of 50 and 70 years, and ≈90% of patients are in the highest levels of clinical instability before implantation. Six-month survival after device implant is 75%, but it increases to 80% among those not in shock at implantation. Patients who require biventricular support have decreased survival. As longer-term outcomes are analyzed, improved outcomes may justify triage of high-risk patients awaiting heart transplantation to chronic mechanical circulatory support. The application of mechanical circulatory support in animal experiments can be traced back to the work of Carrel and Lindberg in the 1930s.1,2 With the initial foray into open-heart surgery in the 1950s,3,4 the stage was set for application of more prolonged mechanical support for myocardial recovery in situations of failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. Although initial reports of successful recovery used roller-pump technology,5 their applicability was limited by issues of blood trauma and difficulties in modulation of pump speed in response to changes in left atrial and left ventricular pressure. The first clinical application of a pneumatically driven ventricular assist device (VAD) is attributed to DeBakey in 1966, in which a 37-year-old woman was successfully supported for 10 …