cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 297: Loss of giant obscurins expression in breast epithelium disrupts epithelial junctions and promotes cell motility and invasion.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Obscurin A (∼720kDa) and B (∼870kDa) are giant multidomain proteins, encoded by the single OBSCN gene, originally shown to play important roles in the structural organization and contractile activity of striated muscles. Early studies have indicated that the OBSCN gene is highly mutated in different types of cancers. In light of this observation, our laboratory set forth to examine the expression profile and roles of giant obscurins in normal and cancer breast tissue. Obscurins are readily expressed in breast epithelial cells, but their expression is dramatically diminished in breast cancer cells. Down-regulation of obscurin A and B using small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in non-tumorigenic MCF10A breast epithelial cells resulted in decreased protein expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin, which are major components of adherens junctions and have been heavily implicated in the formation and metastasis of breast tumors. Specifically, β-catenin exhibited a preferential nuclear accumulation accompanied by a concomitant loss from cell-cell junctions. Additionally, loss of obscurins led to alterations in the expression levels and localization of multiple proteins associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Obscurin-deficient MCF10A cells showed significantly increased motility in 2-Dimensional (2-D) substrata and confined spaces, and invasion through a matrigel coated chamber. Consistent with this, actin filaments re-distributed to extending filopodia-like protrusions where they exhibited increased dynamics. Taken together, our findings indicate that loss of giant obscurins from breast epithelium results in disruption of cell contacts and acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype that leads to enhanced migration and invasiveness. Citation Format: Marey Shriver, Kimberly Stroka, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos, Aikaterini Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos. Loss of giant obscurins expression in breast epithelium disrupts epithelial junctions and promotes cell motility and invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 297. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-297
Type XI collagen is associated with the chondrocyte surface in suspension culture.

Abstract Chondrocytes from bovine articular cartilage were stripped of matrix, then allowed to reconstitute their pericellular matrix in suspension culture. After incubation, the cells were centrifuged through a Percoll (TM) cushion and separated into a cell fraction, a medium fraction, and an interface fraction. The collagen in each fraction was analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunolocation with antisera against type XI and type II. Under these conditions, type XI collagen was recovered in the cell fraction, but was not detectable by immunolocation in the medium fraction or the interface fraction. In contrast, type II collagen was found in all three of these fractions. Insoluble type XI fibers subjected to the same fractionation scheme in the absence of cells were recovered in the medium and interface fractions, but not in the cell fraction. Incubation of intact cells with collagenase digested the cell-associated collagen, indicating that it was outside of the cells. The type XI collagen was removed from the cells by extraction with 4M guanidinium chloride. These results indicate that type XI collagen is preferentially retained at the chondrocyte surface, and are consistent with our proposal that it is involved in organization of the pericellular matrix.
Theoretical understanding of the interprotein electron transfer between cytochrome c2 and the photosynthetic reaction center

Interprotein electron transfer (ET) reactions play a central role in the early steps in bioenergetic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. This paper describes initial advances in the theoretical understandingof the interprotein electron transfer between cytochrome c 2 and the photosynthetic reaction center in Rhodobacter sphaeroides from calculations based on the recently determined X-ray crystal structure. 1 Dynamical effects at the protein-protein interface of the docked complex, which mediates the ET, are investigated by calculating the protein and solvent (low-frequency) contributions to the reorganization energy. Since this interface contains almost no solvent, the low-frequency contributions to the reorganization energy are small (a few tenths of an electronvolt). The small value of the reorganization energy is consistent with experimental results if high-frequency (quantum) modes due to cofactor vibrations are taken into account. The results indicate that the mutational effects on the Franck-Condon factor are likely to be small. Influences on the tunneling matrix element have also been investigated. Utilizing an approach that integrates molecular dynamics and the Pathways method, we have observed that the ensemble dominant tunneling pathways in this reaction go though the tyrosine L162 and can be water mediated.
Impact of Predation Risk on the Behaviour of Propithecus Diadema Edwardsi in the Rain Forest of Madagascar

The main predators on large-bodied primates in rain forest are birds of prey and mammalian carnivores, which may require distinct strategies by prey for successful detection and defense. In the three dimensional rain forest environment with diminishing light at lower levels, downward visibility is difficult, and keen eyesight may not be as effective for detecting in-forest predators as soaring ones. It is therefore predicted that cryptic behaviours, where the problems of detection are shifted to the predator, may be used in these conditions. In Madagascar there is debate on whether extant eagles are a threat to the largest primate species, while there is mounting evidence that a mammalian carnivore, the fossa, impacts heavily on lemur populations. In a new approach to understanding the differential impact of raptor and carnivore hunting styles on lemur anti-predator behaviours, I analyzed ten years of behavioural data on Milne-Edwards' sifakas in the rain forest of Madagascar. I show that Propithecus diadema edwardsi responds to aerial predators by giving loud alarms calls with responsive avoidance behaviour, and by choosing daytime rest sites lower than feeding sites. In response to the mammal predator, Propithecus gave a distinct ground predator call, used higher nighttime sleep sites than daytime rest sites, and males were in most dangerous spatial positions during travel and feeding. The combination of protective travel order, high sleeping sites and small sleeping parties suggested behaviours against fossa predation. However, the dramatic 'alarm call and drop low in the canopy' response to birds of prey is an indication that avian predators are feared.
Radiographic and scintigraphic evidence of focal pulmonary neoplasia in three cats with hyperthyroidism: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Three cats were diagnosed as hyperthyroid based on clinical signs, historical findings, laboratory abnormalities, and basal serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations, and/or nuclear thyroid scans. Additionally, a presumptive diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis was made in each cat based on radiographic or scintigraphic evaluation. All three cats had solitary pulmonary nodules 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter on survey thoracic radiographs; one cat also had chylous pleural effusion and pulmonary lobar consolidation. Focal pulmonary accumulation of sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4 -) and/or radioiodine (131I) corresponding to radiographic lesions were seen in all cats. Two cats were treated with single ablative doses (1111 to 1480 MBq) of131I; the remaining cat was euthanatized. One of the treated cats died 8 days later; the other cat was euthanatized 22 weeks following treatment. Histopathologic examination of tissue obtained at necropsy confirmed metastatic thyroid carcinoma in one cat and bronchogenic adenocarcinoma in two cats. Our findings indicate that increased radionuclide uptake in focal pulmonary lesions and cytologic evaluation of tissue obtained by fine-needle aspiration are not specific for thyroid tissue. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1993; 7:303–308. Copyright © 1993 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)
Potential of in vivo MRI-based nonlinear finite-element analysis for the assessment of trabecular bone post-yield properties.

Purpose: Bone strength is the key factor impacting fracture risk. Assessment of bone strength from high-resolution (HR) images have largely relied on linear micro-finite element analysis (μ FEA) even though failure always occurs beyond the yield point, which is outside the linear regime. Nonlinear μ FEA may therefore be more informative in predicting failure behavior. However, existing nonlinear models applied to trabecular bone (TB) have largely been confined to micro-computed tomography (μCT) and, more recently, HR peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) images, and typically have ignored evaluation of the post-yield behavior. The primary purpose of this work was threefold: (1) to provide an improved algorithm and program to assess TB yield as well as post-yield properties; (2) to explore the potential benefits of nonlinear μ FEA beyond its linear counterpart; and (3) to assess the feasibility and practicality of performing nonlinear analysis on desktop computers on the basis of micro-magnetic resonance (μ MR) images obtained in vivo in patients. Methods: A method for nonlinearμ FE modeling of TB yield as well as post-yield behavior has been designed where material nonlinearity is captured by adjusting the tissue modulus iteratively according to the tissue-level effective strain obtained from linear analysis using a computationally optimized algorithm. The software allows for images at in vivo μMRI resolution as input with retention of grayscale information. Associations between axial stiffness estimated from linear analysis and yield as well as post-yield parameters from nonlinear analysis were investigated from in vivo μ MR images of the distal tibia (N = 20; ages: 58–84) and radius (N = 20; ages: 50–75). Results: All simulations were completed in 1 h or less for 61 strain levels using a desktop computer (dual quad-core Xeon 3.16 GHz CPUs equipped with 40 GB of RAM). Although yield stress and ultimate stress correlated strongly (R 2 > 0.95, p < 0.001) with axial stiffness, toughness correlated moderately at the distal tibia (R 2 = 0.81, p < 0.001) and only weakly at the distal radius (R 2 = 0.34, p = 0.007). Further, toughness was found to vary by up to 16% for bone of very similar axial stiffness (<2%). Conclusions: The work demonstrates the practicality of nonlinearμ FE simulations at in vivo μMRI resolution, as well as its potential for providing additional information beyond that obtainable from linear analysis. The data suggest that a direct assessment of toughness may provide information not captured by stiffness.
IN VITRO METABOLISM OF XENOBIOTICS IN SOME MARINE ANIMALS

All of the marine vertebrate species studied had significant hepatic mixed-function oxidase (MFO) activities with several substrates, although there was considerable inter- and intraspecies variation. The individual variation may result from exposure of the fish to different amounts of inducing agents in the marine environment. The crustacea studied had negligible NADPH-supported hepatopancreatic MFO activity, although cytochrome P-450 was present. When sodium periodate or cumene hydroperoxide was used instead of NADPH, significant 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase activities were found in spiny lobster and lobster. Microsomal epoxide hydrase and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activities were present in liver or hepatopancreas of all vertebrate and invertebrate species investigated, with styrene oxide, benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide, and octene 1,2-oxide used as substrates. Benzpyrene hydroxylase activity was induced in hepatic microsomes from winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), little skate (Raja erinacea), and sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in response to 3-MC, TCDD, or DBA administration but not in Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina). Epoxide-metabolizing enzymatic activities were not affected by 3-MC, TCDD, or DBA administration in any of the vertebrate species tested. Collectively, the data demonstrate that fish have the enzyme systems necessary to activate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to chemically reactive arene oxides or diol-epoxides that could cause cancer in fish. Recently, the formationmore » of mutagenic metabolites from benzo(a)pyrene by trout liver microsomes was reported. It is quite possible, therefore, that some of the neoplasms observed in aquatic animals in the field are induced by chemical pollutants and that certain marine species may serve as early warning indicators of environmental contamination with compounds that can be metabolically activated by man to carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, and cytotoxins.« less
Men and Women's Experiences with Hazing in a Male-Dominated Elite Military Institution:

Numerous studies have documented the prevalence of hazing rituals and other rites of initiation in predominantly male organizations, including the military. However, little is known about how gender is related to hazing, specifically in male-dominated institutions where women are a relatively newpopulation. This case study draws on survey and interview data to examine both differences and similarities in men and women's experiences with hazing in an elite military institution: the U.S. Naval Academy, which is the U.S. Department of Defense's service academy for training Naval and Marine Corps officers. Although women have attended the Naval Academy since 1976, they comprise only 10% of the student population. Despite attempts to eradicate hazing, findings reveal that not only is hazing pervasive but that men and women are equally likely to experience it during their first year at the Academy. This suggests that one's status as a plebe (freshman) overrides one's gendered status. Men and women's attitudes a...
Ultrastructure of vaginal keratinization in estrogen treated immature balb/ccrgl mice

In 10-day-old Balb/cCrgl mice, the subcutaneous injection of 0.1 μg of estradiol in distilled water per animal per day resulted in the conversion, over a 4 day period, of the original 3 cell layered cuboidal epithelium to a stratified, multilayered, fully keratinized epithelium. By light microscopy, there was development of a prominent stratum germinativum and of a mucinified surface on the 1st day, followed by the sequential formation of a stratum spinosum, a stratum granulosum, and a stratum corneum. By electron microscopy, the principal early modifications consisted of a marked increase in ribosomes, desmosomes, and 70 A cytoplasmic filaments, the latter being aggregated into approximately 700 A fibrils. The subsequent establishment of a keratin layer was preceded by the appearance of keratohyaline granules and the disappearance of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in cells immediately above the stratum spinosum and by the development of a transitional cell layer in which there was progressive aggregation of cytoplasmic filaments and disappearance of nuclei, keratohyaline granules, and free ribosomes. In the upper stratum granulosum, transitional cell layer, and stratum corneum there were distinctive modifications in desmosomal structure (composite and modified desmosomes). The morphological and physiological significance of these observations is discussed.
Biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury.

Purpose of review Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious condition, the diagnosis of which depends on serum creatinine, which is a delayed and unreliable indicator of AKI. Fortunately, understanding the early stress response of the kidney to acute injuries has revealed a number of potential biomarkers. The current status of the most promising of these novel AKI biomarkers, including NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP and IL-18, is reviewed.
Theoretical solar-to-electrical energy-conversion efficiencies of perylene-porphyrin light-harvesting arrays

The efficiencies of organic solar cells that incorporate light-harvesting arrays of organic pigments were calculated under 1 sun of air mass 1.5 solar irradiation. In one set of calculations, photocurrent efficiencies were evaluated for porphyrin, phthalocyanine, chlorin, bacteriochlorin, and porphyrin-bis(perylene) pigment arrays of different length and packing densities under the assumption that each solar photon absorbed quantitatively yielded one electron in the external circuit. In another more realistic set of calculations, solar conversion efficiencies were evaluated for arrays comprising porphyrins or porphyrin-(perylene)2 units taking into account competitive excited-state relaxation pathways. A system of coupled differential equations for all reactions in the arrays was solved on the basis of previously published rate constants for (1) energy transfer between the perylene and porphyrin pigments, (2) excited-state relaxation of the perylene and porphyrin pigments, and (3) excited-state electron injection into the semiconductor. This formal analysis enables determination of the optimal number of pigments in an array for solar-to-electrical energy conversion. The optimal number of pigments depends on the molar absorption coefficient and the density at which the arrays can be packed on an electrode surface. Taken together, the ability to employ fundamental photophysical, kinetic, and structural parameters of modular molecular architectures in assessments of the efficiency of solar-to-electrical energy conversion should facilitate the design of molecular-based solar cells.
The solubility and trapping of hydrogen in vanadium

Abstract Solid solutions of hydrogen in vanadium are affected greatly by the presence of other interstitials carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. The solutions depart drastically from randomness at low temperatures and the solvus line is pushed to higher equilibrium hydrogen concentration as the concentration of these interstitials is increased. Utilization of internal friction and resistivity measurements permits this effect to be measured quantitatively. Two explanations are examined to interpret the results: (1) an effect of mechanical constraint of the matrix on the precipitate which acts to retard its growth. (2) an effect of clusters of hydrogen with C, N or O to alter the equilibrium concentration of hydrogen in the free lattice, thereby altering the effective supersaturation of hydrogen. The first is considered to be inadequate to explain the full magnitude of the effect. The second can explain the effect in detail if the multi-atom clusters are assumed to exist in relatively high concentration, that is, if the binding energy per hydrogen atom is very much greater than kT .
Mathematical modeling of ionic interactions and deformation in ionic polymer-metal composite artificial muscles

This paper presents a simple mathematical model for surface deformation due to ionic interaction in connection with ion- exchange polymer-noble metal composites (IPMC) as biomimetic sensors and actuators. These smart composites exhibit characteristics of both actuators and sensors. Strips of these composites can undergo large bending and flapping displacement if an electric field is imposed across their thickness. Thus, in this sense they are large motion actuators. Conversely by bending the composite strip, either quasi-statically or dynamically, a voltage is produced across the thickness of the strip between the two conducting electrodes attached. Thus they are also large motion sensors. In this paper a simple mathematical model is presented for the role of ionic interactions, and in particular the sulfonic group actions and the metallic electrode anions, in surface deformation observed under an electric field in ionic polymeric-metal composite artificial muscles. It is shown that the columbic attraction/repulsion force distribution has its maximum at the edges of the surface and sharply decreases towards the center of the surface. Furthermore, the maximum force is not macroscopically scale dependent. This means that is attains its maximum over a short finite length. This fact can be used to design large force arrays with collective action for a number of industrial and medical applications. According to our findings an optimal muscle in force/motion capability should consist of series of miniaturized IPMC muscle strips similar to the structure of actual biological muscles' myofibrils consisting of sarcomeres. This paper further identifies key parameters involving the contraction/expansion force characteristics of sensors and actuators made of IPMC's.
Dry atmospheric deposition rates of metals along a coastal transect in southern California

Abstract While recent studies indicate atmospheric deposition is a significant source of metals to the Santa Monica Bay and coastal river systems of the Los Angeles area, the spatial extent of the atmospheric source along the entire southern California coast has not been measured in 30 years. This study provides measurements of dry atmospheric deposition of chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc at eight sites located along the coast between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and compares these data to historic measurements from the 1970s. Median dry deposition fluxes across sites ranged between 0.23 and 3.6 (chromium), 0.21 and 5.4 (nickel), 0.52 and 14 (lead), 0.89 and 29 (copper), and 4.8 and 160 (zinc) μg m−2 day−1. Differences in metal dry deposition rates observed between sites were dominated by proximity to urban areas and/or other nearby sources, with the highest metal fluxes observed near the Los Angeles Harbor (LAH) and San Diego Bay (SDB) sites. Compared with data from the 1970s, lead fluxes were typically one to two orders of magnitude lower in the present study (2006), indicating atmospheric sources of this metal have decreased over the past three decades in southern California. Chromium fluxes were also lower in 2006 compared with the 1970s, although to a lesser extent than for lead. In contrast, copper and zinc fluxes were typically within the same order of magnitude between the two time periods, with some higher measurements observed in 2006 compared with the 1970s at the LAH and SDB sites. This result indicates atmospheric sources of copper and zinc have not decreased over the past three decades in southern California, and have increased near our harbor/urban sites. Differences in sampling conditions (e.g., Santa Ana winds) and measurement techniques may also explain, in part, the differences observed in metal flux rates for these time periods. However, these limitations were most important for those metals with the smallest difference in flux rates measured in the 1970s vs. 2006 (e.g., chromium).
The effects of three different hypermedia courses on students' attitudes

Abstract All three courses were effective at reducing awareness concerns, but only the Spring group's informational concerns were reduced. We attribute this difference to the Spring group having fewer authoring sessions and, therefore, more time for “consuming” more information about hypermedia than the other two groups. The lack of change in the three groups' personal concerns is considered due to the general nature of the course. We attribute no change in the three groups' management concerns to the highly structured, well-articulated assignments and deadlines of all three courses. The most likely reason for the Spring group's consequence concerns increasing was because of the extra sessions on Ultimedia, in which segmenting and packaging the extensive program for use with students in traditional settings was central to the discussions. The other two courses had either fewer or no Ultimedia sessions, resulting in less discussion about the impact of hypermedia on students. As regards collaboration concerns, we attribute the lack of change in the Spring group and the increases in the two Fall groups to the extra authoring sessions in the Fall courses. Authoring, or programming, allows for more interaction among students as they develop their programs. Finally, the increases in the refocusing concerns of all three groups are considered to be due to the extensive readings assigned them. We did not restrict the readings to “successful” hypermedia situations, but allowed the groups to read and discuss research- and application-based articles that provided both the pros and cons of hypermedia use. In essence, sequence of instruction probably has little to do with any differences. Instead, the extended sessions on an information-rich hypermedia environment (which discuss its use and how it is curricularly “packaged”) affect consequence concerns. On the other hand, the extended sessions on authoring and its “community spirit” seem to affect collaboration concerns. The curricular dilemma is that one (working with an existing hypermedia environment versus developing a hypermedia environment) precludes the other owing to the time restrictions imposed by the instructional frameworks of these three courses.
Interpretation of corrosion potential data from boiling-water reactors under hydrogen water chemistry conditions

Abstract A method was devised to estimate electrochemical conditions at the entrance to the recirculation piping of a boiling water reactor (BWR) under hydrogen (H2) water chemistry (HWC) condition...
Vortex breakdown in a supersonic jet

This paper reports a study of a vortex breakdown in a supersonic jet. A supersonic vortical jets were created by tangential injection and acceleration through a convergent-divergent nozzle. Vortex circulation was varied, and the nature of the flow in vortical jets was investigated using several types of flow visualization, including focusing schlieren and imaging of Rayleigh scattering from a laser light sheet. Results show that the vortical jet mixed much more rapidly with the ambient air than a comparable straight jet. When overexpanded, the vortical jet exhibited considerable unsteadiness and showed signs of vortex breakdown.
SEASONAL HISTORY, ADULT FLIGHT ACTIVITY, AND DAMAGE OF THE OBLIQUEBANDED LEAFROLLER, CHORISTONEURA ROSACEANA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE), IN FILBERT ORCHARDS

Seasonal history, adult flight activity, and damage of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), on filbert were studied during a 7-year period between 1976 and 1984. Data from periodic field counts and moth catches in sex-attractant traps indicated two generations per year. The first-generation adult capture peak was generally higher than the second, except in 1978 when about an equal number of moths were trapped from both generations. A physiological time scale, using degree-days (DD), was devised for predicting emergence of obliquebanded leafroller adults. The first adults from overwintering larvae emerged at approximately 374 DD above a threshold of 10 °C starting 1 March. A total of 1172 DD were required between the first and the last adult emergence during the first generation and about 519 DD during the second generation. The obliquebanded leafroller causes both foliar and nut damage in filbert orchards of Oregon. Foliar damage was insignificant, but nut damage, caused exclusively by the first-generation larvae during June and early July, was highly destructive. Larval feeding on nuts caused staining and premature drop of infested nuts resulting in substantial yield reduction in heavily infested orchards.
Shrinkproofing Wool with Ozone-Enriched Water:

Wool fabric shrinkage can be controlled by pumping ozone-enriched water through top or fabric. Treating in water agitated and saturated with ozone by sparging, although inherently simpler, is less effective because circulation is weaker and less uniform. Temperatures from 18° to 32°C are satisfactory. Ozone utilization is about 2% (w/w [percentage of ozone based on conditioned (21°C, 65% RH) weight of top or fabric]) for top, and 3 to 4% for fabrics.
Cell-specificity and signaling pathway of endothelin-1 gene regulation by hypoxia

Objectives: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is expressed in endothelial cells and in many other cells and tissues. Increased plasma levels of the peptide have been associated with ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. The objectives of the current study were (1) to determine the tissue specificity for induction of the ET-1 gene by hypoxia, (2) to determine whether the hypoxia regulatory pathway is the same as that in other hypoxia regulated genes and (3) to analyze the contributions of protein kinases for basal and induced expression of ET-1. Methods: ET-1 transcript levels were measured by Northern blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction in endothelial and non-endothelial cells following exposure to hypoxia. Regulatory steps within the pathway were identified by treating aerobic or hypoxic cultures with cycloheximide, PMA, a series of selective protein kinase inhibitors, and transition metals. The effects on ET-1 transcripts were compared with the ubiquitous hypoxia inducible pyruvate kinase gene. Results: The induction of ET-1 by hypoxia in vitro occurred exclusively in early passage endothelial cells. This induction was prevented by treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and was at least partially mimicked by treatment with transition metals. Induction by hypoxia was not effected by inhibitors of protein kinase C, protein kinase A, calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase, or cyclic GMP dependent protein kinase. The basal expression was decreased and hypoxic induction was eliminated by treating cells with tyrosine kinase-selective inhibitors. Conclusions: Et-1 induction by hypoxia requires endothelial cell-specific factor(s) or steps, new protein synthesis, and may involve a haeme protein-containing pathway in oxygen sensing. A protein tyrosine kinase step is implicated for both basal and induced expression of the ET-1 gene.
Challenges to the four-channel model of flow: Primary assumption of flow support the moderate challenging control channel

Flow theory postulates that the psychological state of flow emerging when one engages in activities where skill level and challenge are both high, results in ‘optimal’ subjective experiences relative to other psychological states, and is intrinsically motivated. The experience sampling method was used on a sample of college students to compare daily activities associated with flow (high skill, high challenge) to the psychological state of control (high skill, moderate challenge) in relation to the subjective experiences of enjoyment, happiness, intrinsic motivation, and cognitive involvement. Contrary to flow theory, enjoyment, happiness, and intrinsic motivation were characteristic of activities associated with being in ‘control,’ as opposed to flow. Flow activities were associated with being cognitively involved in the task at hand. We believe such theoretically important findings have been masked when using the original four-channel model of flow, but are clarified with use of the revised experience fl...
The influence of topography on single-tower-based carbon flux measurements under unstable conditions: a modeling perspective

Based on high-resolution numerical simulations, the influence of topography on the one-dimensional (1-D) tower-based measurements of the net ecosystem–atmosphere exchange rate (NEE) of CO2 was analyzed under unstable conditions. Airflow and transport of a passive scalar were simulated over undulating surfaces covered by tall trees. Compared to their flat surface counterparts, the wind and scalar mixing ratio fields are more disturbed over a steeper surface and/or under a weaker background wind condition, resulting in larger errors in the 1-D NEE estimation. The magnitude of the error is generally larger on the windward side than on the lee side when topography-induced circulation (TIC) does not occur. Applying the ensemble streamline coordinate system to estimating NEE could result in larger errors than applying the local earth coordinate system or terrain coordinate system when the atmospheric flow is significantly distorted. This is especially true when TIC occurs. NEE estimated from the 1-D framework under convective conditions with calm or weak background winds may incur significant errors even over gentle topography. Preference in the selection of a flux tower location is given to the crest area.
The design of high linearity pHEMT switches

In this paper we present the effect of gate capacitors on 5 types of single pole single throw (SPST) switches. The designs were undertaken using the 0.8 um gate length GaAs pHEMT process from Skyworks and the analysis was done at 1GHz. We found that the gate capacitors could improve the linearity of 3 types of switches dramatically in the off state, with the design trade-offs of isolation and insertion loss.
Synchronization Modulation Increases Transepithelial Potentials in MDCK Monolayers through Na/K Pumps

Transepithelial potential (TEP) is the voltage across a polarized epithelium. In epithelia that have active transport functions, the force for transmembrane flux of an ion is dictated by the electrochemical gradient in which TEP plays an essential role. In epithelial injury, disruption of the epithelial barrier collapses the TEP at the wound edge, resulting in the establishment of an endogenous wound electric field (∼100 mV/mm) that is directed towards the center of the wound. This endogenous electric field is implicated to enhance wound healing by guiding cell migration. We thus seek techniques to enhance the TEP, which may increase the wound electric fields and enhance wound healing. We report a novel technique, termed synchronization modulation (SM) using a train of electric pulses to synchronize the Na/K pump activity, and then modulating the pumping cycles to increase the efficiency of the Na/K pumps. Kidney epithelial monolayers (MDCK cells) maintain a stable TEP and transepithelial resistance (TER). SM significantly increased TEP over four fold. Either ouabain or digoxin, which block Na/K pump, abolished SM-induced TEP increases. In addition to the pump activity, basolateral distribution of Na/K pumps is essential for an increase in TEP. Our study for the first time developed an electrical approach to significantly increase the TEP. This technique targeting the Na/K pump may be used to modulate TEP, and may have implication in wound healing and in diseases where TEP needs to be modulated.
Synthesizing Old and New: Joining Existing Remote-Sensing and GIS Data to Assess Fire Issues in Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystems

ABSTRACT Creeping environmental changes are impacting some of the largest remaining intact parcels of shrub-steppe ecosystems in the western United States and are creating major problems for land managers. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is part of the largest sagebrush steppe ecosystem on the continent. Scientists at the INL and the University of Idaho have integrated existing field and remotely-sensed data with geographic information systems technology to analyze how recent fires on the INL have influenced the current distribution of terrestrial vegetation. Three different vegetation mapping and classification systems were used to evaluate the changes in vegetation due to fires between 1994 and 2003. Twenty-four percent of the sagebrush steppe community on the INL was altered by fire, mostly over a seven year period. There were notable differences between methods, especially for juniper and grasslands. One method stood out in representing the landscape because it includes playa/bare ground/disturbed...
Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Aeromonas Infection Following Leech Therapy for Digit Replantation: Report of 2 Cases

Medicinal leeches are commonly used after finger replantation to treat surgically unsalvageable venous congestion. Infection from Aeromonas hydrophila is a recognized complication of leech therapy that can be underestimated by the medical community. Ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the most commonly recommended prophylactic antibiotics used to prevent A. hydrophila infections during leech therapy. Here, we report 2 cases of ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas infections, occurring within 4 months of each other. Both cases developed after leech therapy for unsuccessful digital replantation. These infections were successfully treated with ceftriaxone. Ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas should be recognized when determining prophylactic antibiotic protocols for replant centers when leech therapy is used for finger replantation.
Development of a precision-fed ileal amino acid digestibility assay using 3-week-old broiler chicks

ABSTRACT The objective of these studies was to develop a precision-fed ileal digestibility assay, primarily for amino acids (AA), using 3-wk-old broiler chicks. For all experiments, day-old Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks were fed a standard corn-soybean meal starter diet until 21 d of age. In experiment 1, feed was removed and excreta were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 h after feed withdrawal. Results indicated that 8 h of feed withdrawal was sufficient to empty the ileum of feed residues. In a subsequent experiment, chicks were fasted overnight for 10 h and then tube-fed various amounts (from 6 to 15 g) of a corn-soybean meal mixture (60:40). Ileal digesta from Meckel's diverticulum to the ileo-cecal junction were then collected at various collection times between 3 and 7 h postfeeding. Results indicated that the amount of digesta in the distal ileum was generally maximized by 4 h postfeeding and by feed intakes of 9 g or greater. Based on the results of the previous study, apparent and standardized ileal digestibility values of AA in a corn-soybean meal chick starter diet were then determined at 2, 3, and 4 h postfeeding. Digestibility values were similar for the 3- and 4-h collection times, but were numerically or significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower at the 2-h collection time. The results of this study indicate that ileal AA digestibility can easily be determined in 3-wk-old broiler chicks when using a precision-fed assay. For such an assay, it is recommended that the chicks be fasted for at least 8 h before tube-feeding, that they be precision-fed approximately 10 g of feed, and that the ileal contents be collected at approximately 4 h postfeeding.
Knowledge-driven multi-locus analysis reveals gene-gene interactions influencing HDL cholesterol level in two independent EMR-linked biobanks.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are routinely being used to examine the genetic contribution to complex human traits, such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Although HDL-C levels are highly heritable (h2∼0.7), the genetic determinants identified through GWAS contribute to a small fraction of the variance in this trait. Reasons for this discrepancy may include rare variants, structural variants, gene-environment (GxE) interactions, and gene-gene (GxG) interactions. Clinical practice-based biobanks now allow investigators to address these challenges by conducting GWAS in the context of comprehensive electronic medical records (EMRs). Here we apply an EMR-based phenotyping approach, within the context of routine care, to replicate several known associations between HDL-C and previously characterized genetic variants: CETP (rs3764261, p = 1.22e-25), LIPC (rs11855284, p = 3.92e-14), LPL (rs12678919, p = 1.99e-7), and the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 locus (rs964184, p = 1.06e-5), all adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status. By using a novel approach which censors data based on relevant co-morbidities and lipid modifying medications to construct a more rigorous HDL-C phenotype, we identified an association between HDL-C and TRIB1, a gene which previously resisted identification in studies with larger sample sizes. Through the application of additional analytical strategies incorporating biological knowledge, we further identified 11 significant GxG interaction models in our discovery cohort, 8 of which show evidence of replication in a second biobank cohort. The strongest predictive model included a pairwise interaction between LPL (which modulates the incorporation of triglyceride into HDL) and ABCA1 (which modulates the incorporation of free cholesterol into HDL). These results demonstrate that gene-gene interactions modulate complex human traits, including HDL cholesterol.
Shock waves on neutron star cores

A numerical model of the transient behavior of a radiation-dominated shock was calculated in order to demonstrate the relatively large initial escape of internal energy that takes place when the opacity law is a positive power of temperature, as for neutrinos,K∼T2. Attention was given to the consequences of diffusive transport of radiation versus local production of internal energy by duplicating the calculation with and without artificial viscosity. It is concluded that a shock formed on the neutron star core of an imploding supernova may radiate its internal energy in electron neutrinos more effectively than had hithertofore been considered.
Molecular-dynamics simulation study of threshold displacements and defect formation in zircon

The propensity of a primary-knock-on-atom (PKA) to produce defects in zircon is investigated by molecular-dynamics simulations. The dynamic behavior of highly directed collision sequences in each of the sublattices is examined for a range of energies up to 200 eV. The energy range is limited by the system size, which in turn is limited by the long-range interactions of the potential model. For the heavier ions, both homogeneous and heterogeneous collision sequences lead to the dissipation of large amounts of energy and to defect formation. There is a large range of energy before the first displacement event occurs, which is much larger for the cations than for the anion, where the energy is absorbed into the lattice without damage formation. Above the minimum threshold displacement energy there is another range of energy up to 200 eV for which formation damage is relatively constant. The limitations in the system size, and therefore on the PKA energies, does not allow for a thorough search of a second distinct displacement event in the same direction. In some cases, no damage occurs for energies up to 200 eV. The oxygen anions are seen to have a stronger response to the motion of the silicon cations as compared to the motion of the zirconium cation due to the stronger binding energy of Si with O. Consequently, silicon atoms maintain their tetrahedral coordination, whereas zirconium atoms can reduce their coordination number without a great loss of stability.
Total shoulder replacement compared with humeral head replacement for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis: A systematic review

The optimal choice for the treatment of end-stage primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis remains controversial, with alternatives including total shoulder replacement (TSR) and humeral head replacement (HHR). The objective of this review was to analyze the effect of TSR compared with HHR on rates of pain relief, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and revision surgery in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We searched computerized databases for clinical studies published between 1966 and 2004 that reported on shoulder replacement for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Pain data were converted to a 100-point score. Outcome assessment data were pooled when possible, and analyses via normal test statistics were performed. We identified 23 studies, with a total of 1952 patients and mean follow-up of 43.4 months (range, 30-116.4 months). The mean level of evidence was 3.73. Among the 23 studies, 7 different outcome instruments were used. Of the 23 studies, 14 (n = 1185) reported pain relief, 15 (n = 1080) reported range of motion, 12 (n = 969) reported patient satisfaction, and 14 (n = 1474) reported revision surgery. Compared with HHR, TSR provided significantly greater pain relief (P < .0001), forward elevation (P < .0001), gain in forward elevation (P < .0001), gain in external rotation (P = .0002), and patient satisfaction (P < .0001). Furthermore, only 6.5% of all TSRs required revision surgery, which was significantly lower than the percentage for all patients undergoing HHR (10.2%) (P < .025). Only 1.7% of all-polyethylene glenoid components required revision. On the basis of this review and analysis, in comparison with HHR, TSR for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis significantly improves pain relief, range of motion, and satisfaction and has a significantly lower rate of revision surgery. Inconsistent outcome reporting and poor study design may warrant standardization of outcome instruments and improved study design in the future.
Aftershocks of the 13 May 1993 Shumagin Alaska Earthquake

The 13 May 1993 Ms 6.9 Shumagin earthquake had an aftershock sequence of 247 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than or equal to 1.5 by 1 June 1993. Of these aftershocks, 79 were located by using S-P travel times at the only two stations within 570 km of the mainshock epicenter. The rupture area inferred from the aftershocks is about 600 km2 and we estimate for the mainshock a mean fault displacement of 1.0 m and a 28 bar stress drop. The magnitude-frequency plots give a b-value for the aftershock sequence of about 0.4, which is low compared to the background value of approximately 0.8. The decay of the aftershock sequence followed the modified Omori law with a p-value of 0.79, which is also lower than the typical values of about 1.1 observed in Alaska. Both of these facts can be interpreted as indicating relatively high ambient stress in the Shumagin seismic gap and the possibility that the 13 May earthquake was a foreshock to a larger gap-filling event to occur within the next few years.
Sound and vibration sensitivity of VIIIth nerve fibers in the frogs Leptodactylus albilabris and Rana pipiens pipiens.

1. Responses of 73 fibers to dorso-ventral vibration were recorded in the saccular and utricular branchlets of Rana pipiens pipiens using a ventral approach. The saccular branchlet contained nearly exclusively vibration-sensitive fibers (33 out of 36) with best frequencies (BFs) between 10 and 70 Hz, whereas none of the 37 fibers encountered in the utricular branchlet responded to dorso-ventral vibrations. 2. Using a dorsal approach we recorded from the VIIIth nerve near its entry in the brainstem and analyzed responses to both sound and vibration stimuli for 65 fibers in R. pipiens pipiens and 25 fibers in Leptodactylus albilabris. The fibers were classified as amphibian papilla (AP), basilar papilla (BP), saccular or vestibular fibers based on their location in the nerve. Only AP and saccular fibers responded to vibrations. The AP-fibers responded to vibrations from 0.01 cm/s2 and to sound from 40 dB SPL by increasing their spike rate. Best frequencies (BFs) ranged from 60 to 900 Hz, and only fibers with BFs below 500 Hz responded to vibrations. The fibers had identical BF's for sound and vibration. The saccular fibers had BFs ranging from 10 to 80 Hz with 22 fibers having BFs at 40–50 Hz. The fibers responded to sound from 70 dB SPL and'to vibrations from 0.01 cm/s2. 3. No differences in sensitivity, tuning or phase-locking were found between the two species, except that most BP-fibers in R. pipiens pipiens had BFs from 1.2 to 1.4 kHz, whereas those in L. albilabris had BFs from 2.0 to 2.2 kHz (matching the energy peak of L. albilabris' mating call). 4. The finding that the low-frequency amphibian papilla fibers are extremely sensitive to vibrations raises questions regarding their function in the behaving animal. They may be substrate vibration receptors, respond to sound-induced vibrations or bone-conducted sound.