cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane Lipid Rafts Are Necessary for the Maintenance of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Somatic Spines of Ciliary Neurons

Calcium-permeable neurotransmitter receptors are concentrated into structurally and biochemically isolated cellular compartments to localize calcium-mediated events during neurotransmission. The cytoplasmic membrane contains lipid microdomains called lipid rafts, which can gather into microscopically visible clusters, and thus the association of a particular protein with lipid rafts can result in its redistribution on the cell surface. The present study asks whether lipid rafts participate in the formation and maintenance of the calcium-permeable α7-subunit nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) clusters found in somatic spines of ciliary neurons. Lipid rafts and α7nAChR become progressively colocalized within somatic spines during synaptogenesis. To determine whether these rafts are required for the maintenance of α7nAChR aggregates, cholesterol was extracted from dissociated ciliary neurons by treatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin. This treatment caused the dispersion of lipid rafts and the redistribution of α7nAChR into small clusters over the cell surface, suggesting that the integrity of lipid rafts is required to maintain the receptor clustering. However, lipid raft dispersion also caused the depolymerization of the F-actin cytoskeleton, which can also tether the receptor at specific sites. To assess whether interaction between rafts and α7nAChR is independent of F-actin filaments, the lipid raft patches were stabilized with a combination of the cholera toxin B subunit (CTX), which specifically binds to the raft component ganglioside GM1, and an antibody against CTX. The stabilized rafts were then treated with latrunculin-A to depolymerize F-actin. Under these conditions, large patches of CTX persisted and were colocalized with α7nAChR, indicating that the aggregates of receptors can be maintained independently of the underlying F-actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, it was found that the α7nAChR is resistant to detergent extraction at 4°C and floats with the caveolin-containing lipid-rich fraction during density gradient centrifugation, properties that are consistent with a direct association between the receptor and the membrane microdomains.
Approximation with Convolutions

Given a function f, we wish to approximate f by functions having certain properties. There is a general method for doing this, which will now be described.
Are we on the same page? Staff nurse and manager perceptions of work environment, quality of care and anticipated nurse turnover

gormley dk. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management 19, 33–40 Are we on the same page? Staff nurse and manager perceptions of work environment, quality of care and anticipated nurse turnover Aims The purpose was to examine differences in perceptions of work environment and quality of care between nurse managers and staff nurses, and the relationship between nurses’ perceptions of the work environment and intention to leave. Background It is important for managers to understand how staff nurses perceive the work environment as these perceptions may affect nurses’ intention to leave the organization. Few studies have examined the perceptions of nurses compared with nurse manager/directors regarding the organizational influences on intention to leave. Methods This study was a cross-sectional, non-experimental design. A total of 336 nurses and managers participated from two Midwestern hospitals. Participants completed the Perceived Nurse Work Environment Scale (PNWE), Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS), and a researcher developed perception of quality scale. Data were analysed for descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance, and Pearson’s correlation. Results Significant differences were found between nurses and managers on perceptions of work environment. Managers rated work environment higher than staff on all subscales. Work environment was related to anticipated turnover. Conclusions Managers and staff nurses are ‘not on the same page’ in perceptions of work environment. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers need to understand the organizational influences that may affect nurses’ intention to leave. Strategies to improve the work environment are necessary to meet the needs of the staff nurse.
Nephrology Crosswords: Hemodialysis

ACROSS 1 These dialysis membranes clear 10–20 kDa solutes and have a pore size of 3–6 nm. (8) 3 Low concentrations of potassium and ____ have been associated with sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients. (7) 8 This alternate form of anticoagulation on hemodialysis has been speculated to worsen secondary hyperparathyroidism. (7) 10 This large randomized trial showed that statins had no reduction in either overall or cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease who reached end-stage renal disease. (5) 12 In the Frequent Hemodialysis Network trial that looked at in-center hemodialysis six times per week versus three times per week, the group that had more frequent dialysis had more ___ related complications. (6) 13 After initiating dialysis, the mortality is the highest in the first ___ weeks. (3) 14 This uremic toxin is toxic to endothelium and leads to vasculogenesis. (12) DOWN 1 ____ impairs the absorption and recycling of iron and inhibits the proliferation of erythroid progenitor cells. (8) 2 This landmark trial showed that patients undergoing hemodialysis thrice weekly appear to have no major benefit from a higher dialysis dose than that recommended by current U.S. guidelines or from the use of a high-flux membrane. (4) 4 Frequency ____ of dialysis and membrane type are important considerations for removal of low-molecular-weight uremic toxins. (6) 5 Low ____ concentrations have been shown to be associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic intradialytic hypotension. (9) 6 Based on the European Best Practice Guidelines, the minimum frequency and dose of dialysis is ___ hours per treatment three times per week for most patients. (4) 7 Relative plasma volume may be a useful technique to assess __ _____ among hypertensive hemodialysis patients. (9) 9 The most common cause of end-stage kidney disease in the United States. (8) 11 Dialysate ____ is a potential culprit substance that leads to intradialytic hypotension. (7) 12 This uremic protein-bound toxin reduces nitric oxide synthesis and provokes an increase in systemic vascular resistance and hypertension. (Abbrv) (4) http://www.kidney-international.org m a k e y o u r d i a g n o s i s
Depressive Disorders During Pregnancy: Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Large Urban Sample

OBJECTIVE—To estimate the prevalence of major and minor depression, panic disorder, and suicidal ideation during pregnancy while also identifying factors independently associated with antenatal depressive disorders. METHODS—In this prospective study, participants were 1,888 women receiving ongoing prenatal care at a university obstetric clinic from January 2004 through January 2009. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders was measured using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria based on the Patient Health Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with probable major depressive disorder and any depressive disorder. RESULTS—Antenatal depressive disorders were present in 9.9% with 5.1% (97) meeting criteria for probable major depression and 4.8% (90) meeting criteria for probable minor depression. Panic disorder was present in 3.2% (61), and current suicidal ideation was reported by 2.6% (49). Among patients with probable major depression, 29.5% (28) reported current suicidal ideation. Psychosocial stress (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.36), domestic violence (OR 3.45; 95% CI 1.46–8.12), chronic medical conditions (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.63–5.69), and race (Asian: OR 5.81; 95% CI 2.55–13.23; or African American: OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.24–7.18) each significantly increased the odds of probable antepartum major depressive disorder, whereas older age (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88–0.97) decreased the odds. Factors associated with odds of any depression were similar overall except that Hispanic ethnicity (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.09–5.72) also independently increased the odds of any depression. CONCLUSION—Antenatal major and minor depressive disorders are common and significantly associated with clinically relevant and identifiable risk factors. By understanding the high point prevalence and associated factors, clinicians can potentially improve the diagnosis and treatment rates of serious depressive disorders in pregnant women. Major depression, the leading cause of disease-related disability among women worldwide,has a median age of onset during the childbearing years. 2 Despite being a frequent medical disorder during pregnancy, 3,4 major depression remains under-detected and undertreated during prenatal care 5,6 with potential sequelae persisting well beyond the perinatal period. 7 Although the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommended in 2006 strongly considering screening pregnant women for depression, 3 our
Effects of enoxaparin, standard heparin, and streptokinase on the patency of anastomoses in severely crushed arteries

The effects of topical irrigation with three antithrombotic agents on the patency of anastomosed arteries following crush injury were examined. Following an impact crush injury with a 25 kg crush load, the femoral arteries of rats were divided and then anastomosed. During anastomoses, the vessel lumina were topically irrigated with saline, streptokinase, standard heparin, or enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin). The results were evaluated by patency test and histology up to day 56. The thrombosis rate at days 1 and 7 was statistically lower (P<0.05) in the standard heparin and the enoxaparin groups than in the other two groups. The difference between the standard heparin and the enoxaparin groups was not statistically significant. Histology at day 1 showed that thrombus in the occluded vessels adhered to the exposed adventitia in the crushed area or the adventitia was covered by fibrin, red blood cells, and platelet mesh in the patent vessels. The results showed that 1) topical irrigation with standard heparin or enoxaparin solution significantly reduced the thrombosis rate at the anastomosis site of the crushed arteries; and 2) enoxaparin was as effective an antithrombotic agent as standard heparin when topically applied during microvascular anastomoses. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feed systems and nozzles for Phoebus reactor experiments.

In support of the Phoebus IB and Phoebus 2A reactor experiments, an advanced and unique liquid-hydrogen feed system was designed, developed, and placed in successful operation at Test Cell C, Nuclear Rocket Development Station (NRDS). The system's configuration features two axial-flow liquid-hydrogen pumps, each powered by a five-stage axial-flow turbine, which may be operated singly or in parallel depending upon the flow requirements of the reactor experiment. The turbodrive gases are obtained by diverting a small portion of the pump discharge flow through a hot-water heat exchanger. They are then metered to each turbine by a common turbine control valve in response to an integrated turbopump speed/facility flow demand control system. Liquid-hydrogen bypass valves for each pump discharge duct are integrated into automatically controlled, specific-speed-limit systems to provide control of system discharge impedance under conditions of rapidly changing reactor propellant flow. The system's discharge pressure and flow capabilities range to 2000 psig and 35,000 gal/min. The nozzle requirements of the Phoebus 1 series of reactor experiments were satisfied by modifying and uprating the nozzles employed in the Kiwi reactor experiments. By improving the coolant passage design and by strengthening the reactor shell mounting flange, the operating capabilities of the nozzle were increased to more than satisfy the thermal and radiationinduced heating loads associated with the Phoebus 1 reactor tests.
Deprenyl, excess mortality, and epidemiological traps.

SummaryCompared with the findings for an age-matched group not taking deprenyl, a higher risk of mortality in Parkinson's disease patients taking deprenyl has recently been reported. Since a biological basis for this observation was not apparent, an epidemiological explanation was sought. Expected m
Variations in the Distribution of Suspended Particles During an Upwelling Event in Lake Michigan in 1980

Abstract To test the hypothesis that suspended fine-grained particles moving downslope within the nepheloid layer in Lake Michigan are periodically reintroduced into the nearshore and euphotic zones during upwelling events, temperature and transparency profiles were recorded and water samples analyzed for total suspended materials (TSM) during a strong upwelling event. The resultant data confirmed that there is periodic reintroduction of suspended materials into the nearshore and epilimnion during such events, and provided insight into the importance of the general resuspension process, especially in regard to differences between known sedimentation rates and the rate indicated by trap collections. Both upwelling and downwelling currents are disruptive processes that tend to keep the suspended particulates in motion and prevent them from rapidly becoming a permanent part of the bottom sediment. These currents redistribute suspended particulates and the associated chemical load, and may resuspend surficial sediments, especially from the slope and shelf regions. The reintroduction of fine-grained materials into the euphotic zone through upwelling events can play a large role in the long-term behavior and fate of persistent contaminants.
Multiphoton imaging in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in the brain. Clinical techniques are just becoming available for detecting plaques, allowing a definitive diagnosis of the disease. Using multiphoton microscopy and transgenic mouse models that develop senile plaques as they age, we have demonstrated chronic, in vivo imaging of these neuropathological lesions. We have used these tools to evaluate contrast agents with high affinity and specificity for senile plaques that would be suitable for non-invasive imaging with PET scanning if appropriately radiolabeled. These imaging tools should translate into early diagnostic procedures, as well as end-points for clinical trials aimed at clearing senile plaques from the brain. We have also developed FLIM for FRET determinations in vitro and in vivo between appropriate donor and acceptor fluorophores to examine the proximity of domains within a single protein. These results indicate that FRET measurements using FLIM can determine interactions of proteins on the nanometer scale, facilitating an understanding of both static and dynamic protein assemblies in neuropathological diseases.
Improving memory performance of sorting algorithms

Memory hierarchy considerations during sorting algorithm design and implementation play an important role in significantly improving execution performance. Existing algorithms mainly attempt to reduce capacity misses on direct-mapped caches. To reduce other types of cache misses that occur in the more common set-associative caches and the TLB, we restructure the mergesort and quicksort algorithms further by integrating tiling, padding, and buffering techniques and by repartitioning the data set. Our study shows that substantial performance improvements can be obtained using our new methods.
Student perspective on an online asynchronous introduction to linux based on user-first pedagogy

An introduction to Linux is used to survey students' perception of required effort levels, suitability of tools, pedagogies of contents / instruction. Their perception of the relevance of various cognitive skills taught, along with their evaluation of how well the teaching material supports their acquisition, supplements previous findings on the educational nature of an introduction to Linux. Survey results are interpreted in terms of the impact on student's motivation of the misalignment of their perceptions about the relevance of specific cognitive skills with both academic and industry perspectives. We also review what results teach us about the appropriateness of both pedagogies of contents and instruction. We then discuss observations regarding potential issues and how we might address them in the future.
Incidental magnetization transfer contrast by fat saturation preparation pulses in multislice Look-Locker echo planar imaging.

In this study, it is demonstrated that fat saturation (FS) preparation (prep) pulses generate incidental magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) in multislice Look-Locker (LL) imaging. It is shown that frequency-selective FS prep pulses can invoke MTC through the exchange between free and motion-restricted protons. Simulation reveals that the fractional signal loss by these MTC effects is more severe for smaller flip angles (FAs), shorter repetition times (TRs), and greater number of slices (SN). These incidental MTC effects result in a signal attenuation at a steady state (up to 30%) and a T1 measurement bias (up to 20%) when using inversion recovery (IR) LL echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequences. Furthermore, it is shown that water-selective MRI using binomial pulses has the potential to minimize the signal attenuation and provide unbiased T1 measurement without fat artifacts in MR images. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nosocomial methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcal aureus (MSSA) native mitral valve acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE) due to radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) procedure

Nosocomial endocarditis (NE) has been recognized with increasing frequency. Most cases of NE attributable to virulent pathogens (eg, Staphylococcus aureus) present as acute bacterial endocarditis (ABE). The increase in NE is related to the widespread use of cardio-invasive procedures involving cardiac catheterization or temporary or semipermanent central venous catheters. We present a 58-year-old man who developed nosocomial methicillin-sensitive S. aureus native mitral valve ABE a week after a radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) procedure. Cardiac valvular vegetations attributable to S. aureus ABE may be visualized by cardiac echocardiography as early as a week after the onset of valvular infection, as was the case here. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of NE in patients who develop fevers and high-grade/continuous (MSSA / MRSA) bacteremias after cardiac catheterization-related interventions, eg, RCA procedures.
Further experience utilizing the Gildenberg technique for computed tomography-guided stereotactic biopsies

Initial experience using the Gildenberg technique for computed tomography-guided stereotactic biopsies is reviewed. Of 50 patients, adequate tissue was obtained in 49. In one patient, the stereotactic frame was unable to reach the selected biopsy site. In 32 of 49 patients, the diagnosis was obtained with one biopsy; in the remainder, two to five samples were required. In 4 cases, a subsequent craniotomy was performed; these provided similar histopathological tissue and in no case was the diagnosis altered. The lesions were categorized by CT as ring-enhancing lesions (REL), enhancing lesions with surrounding low density (ELLD), and low density lesions with and without peripheral areas of enhancement. Of the REL, 21 of 23 were primary tumors. Of the ELLD, 5 of 13 were primary tumors; the remainder had a wide spectrum of disease. Of the low density lesions without enhancement, 6 were primary tumors and 1 was an inflammatory process. Three patients had low density lesions with peripheral areas of enhancement and proved to have malignant primary tumors. The remaining patients had multiple lesions with both primary and metastatic disease. Twelve RELs were biopsied in multiple sites. An accurate diagnosis was best obtained by performing the first biopsy in the enhancing rim with additional biopsies as needed in the low density center. Homogeneous lesions could be biospied with target selection based upon a primary regard for safety rather than imaging characteristics. Three patients had transiently increased hemiparesis and one had a transient decrease in level of consciousness after biopsy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coffee Stain Ring Effect and Nonuniform Material Removal in Chemical Mechanical Polishing

When a drop of coffee dries on the counter-top, it leaves a dense, ringlike stain along its perimeter. Solids immersed in a drying drop will migrate toward the edge of the drop and form a solid ring. Such phenomena create ringlike stains and happen for a wide variety of surfaces, solvents, and solutes. It is referred to as the coffee stain ring effect. The phenomenon is caused by the outward microfluidic flow of the solute within the drop, which is driven by the evaporation of solvent. We show that the mechanism for the ring effect contributes to the nonuniform material removal in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), specifically, at edges of blanket wafers causing the edge effect or at edges and corners of protrusive features on patterned wafers inducing the doming effect; metal dishing and dielectric erosion. By controlling the evaporation profile of the solvent in the slurry layer between the wafer surface and the polishing pad, such as making grooves or embedding the abrasive particles on the pad, or delivering the slurry from the bottom of the pad, one can improve the uniformity of material removal during the CMP process.
LSM1 over-expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae depletes U6 snRNA levels

Lsm1 is a component of the Lsm1-7 complex involved in cytoplasmic mRNA degradation. Lsm1 is over-expressed in multiple tumor types, including over 80% of pancreatic tumors, and increased levels of Lsm1 protein have been shown to induce carcinogenic effects. Therefore, understanding the perturbations in cell process due to increased Lsm1 protein may help to identify possible therapeutics targeting tumors over-expressing Lsm1. Herein, we show that LSM1 over-expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibits growth primarily due to U6 snRNA depletion, thereby altering pre-mRNA splicing. The decrease in U6 snRNA levels causes yeast strains over-expressing Lsm1 to be hypersensitive to loss of other proteins required for production or function of the U6 snRNA, supporting a model wherein excess Lsm1 reduces the availability of the Lsm2-7 proteins, which also assemble with Lsm8 to form a complex that binds and stabilizes the U6 snRNA. Yeast strains over-expressing Lsm1 also display minor alterations in mRNA decay and demonstrate increased susceptibility to mutations inhibiting cytoplasmic deadenylation, a process required for both 5′-to-3′ and 3′-to-5′ pathways of exonucleolytic decay. These results suggest that inhibition of splicing and/or deadenylation may be effective therapies for Lsm1-over-expressing tumors.
Elastic properties of yttrium-doped BaCeO3 perovskite

Based on ambient ultrasonic measurements and x-ray diffraction under hydrostatic compression, the authors report here a comparative study of elasticity on oxygen-deficient perovskite, BaCe1−xYxO3−0.5x, with x=0.00 and 0.15. The results show that the presence of 2.5% oxygen vacancy has no measurable effect on the elastic bulk modulus. The shear modulus, however, decreases by approximately 5% in BaCe0.85Y0.15O2.925 perovskite. The differences between Y3+-doped cerate and Al3+-doped silicate suggest that the effect of oxygen vacancy on the elastic properties could be system dependent and may also be sensitive to distribution of oxygen vacancies within structures of the parent compounds.
Leading with ethics, aiming for policy: new opportunities for philosophy of science

The goal of this paper is to articulate and advocate for an enhanced role for philosophers of science in the domain of science policy as well as within the science curriculum. I argue that philosophy of science as a field can learn from the successes as well as the mistakes of bioethics and begin to develop a new model that includes robust contributions to the science classroom, research collaborations with scientists, and a role for public philosophy through involvement in science policy development. Through an analysis of two case studies, I illustrate how philosophers of science can make effective and productive contributions to science education as well as to interdisciplinary scientific research, and argue for the essential role of philosophers of science in the realm of science policy.
Single- and multiple-dose administration, dosing regimens, and pharmacokinetics of trovafloxacin and alatrofloxacin in humans

A simplified dosing algorithm for trovafloxacin was evaluated following a single-dose infusion of alatrofloxacin at trovafloxacin equivalent doses of 30, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg (57 subjects), and multiple doses of 200, 300 and 400 mg (30 subjects). Maximum serum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve for trovafloxacin increased with dose. Trovafloxacin clearance (82-85 ml x h/kg) and volume of distribution (1.3-1.6 l/kg) were independent of dose. Infusion of alatrofloxacin at a trovafloxacin equivalent dose of 300 mg at 1, 2 or 3 mg/ml over 1 h did not alter the pharmacokinetics of trovafloxacin. A plot of the weight-adjusted dose of trovafloxacin in individual subjects against the maximum serum concentration following single and multiple dosing, indicated that the maximum serum concentration increased 1 microg/ml for each 1 mg/kg of trovafloxacin administered. Thus, a prior knowledge of the desired serum concentration will permit appropriate dosing without the use of complex nomograms in patients with normal hepatic function.
Effect of clofibrate on progression of coronary disease: a prospective angiographic study in man.

Abstract Lowering blood lipids has been invoked as a means of controlling future coronary events. In this prospective study, the effect of a lipid-reducing agent clofibrate (2 gm. daily) on extent of coronary artery disease was investigated. Forty patients, 32 having aortocoronary bypass, six having Vineberg operations, two having neither, were placed double-blind in placebo (24 patients) and clofibrate (16 patients) groups, and restudied by selective coronary angiography one year later. An additional 24 patients dropped from the study due to adverse drug reactions in eight. Each patient's right, left, anterior descending, and circumflex coronary arteries (with their branches) were separately rated according to degree of obstruction. The clofibrate group showed a significantly greater fall in triglyceride than did the placebo group (−13.7 per cent versus +2.3 per cent; p = 0.45). In the clofibrate group, 19 out of 64 coronary arteries (29.6 per cent) showed progressive coronary narrowing, not significantly different from the placebo group (24 out of 96 coronary arteries narrowed, 25 per cent; p = 0.26). No significant differences between drug groups emerged when the data were corrected for degree of fall of blood lipids, initial lipoprotein type, or effect in bypassed versus nonbypassed vessels (p always >0.2). Regression of coronary artery disease was not seen. We conclude that clofibrate did not significantly influence the rate of progression of coronary artery disease in a one-year period.
Rethinking Design: The Formal Integration of Engineering Innovation Into a Design Process

Innovation has been a hallmark of progress throughout human history. There are many innovative products that have had a tremendous impact on mankind’s quality of life. As engineering design matures into a field defined by scientific principles, there is a need for guidelines to help the designer select and apply appropriate tools and methods to support the development of innovative products. There has been significant work developing design methods to support the development of innovative products. There has been significant work developing design methods to support the development of innovative products as well as to understand the characteristics of the innovative products. Many of these methods however present themselves as a unique solution to develop innovative products but fail to fully define innovation. Furthermore, few guidelines are provided to the designer as to when to use the available tools with respect to the market dynamics, making the use of these methods sometimes ineffective. With a general push for US companies to become increasingly more innovative, it is important more than ever to understand and situate innovation in design practices in order to promote successful and consistent development of innovative products. This paper proposes a set of new “innovation for engineers” guidelines that are defined and used along existing engineering design theory and cyberinfrastructure design tools in a design process.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
RACK1 binds to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and mediates Ca2+ release

RACK1 is not a G protein but closely resembles the heterotrimeric Gβ-subunit. RACK1 serves as a scaffold, linking protein kinase C to its substrates. We demonstrate that RACK1 physiologically binds inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and regulates Ca2+ release by enhancing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor binding affinity for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Overexpression of RACK1 or depletion of RACK1 by interference RNA markedly augments or diminishes Ca2+ release, respectively, without affecting Ca2+ entry. These findings establish RACK1 as a physiologic mediator of agonist-induced Ca2+ release.
Relationships between complex Delta expression and the specification of retinal cell fates during Drosophila eye development.

Abstract Analysis of retinal development in Delta (Dl) temperature-sensitive mutants reveals requirements for Delta function in the specification of all retinal cells, including photoreceptors, cone cells, pigment cells and cells that make up interommatidial bristles. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry indicate that Delta is expressed dynamically during the specification of different cell types. Comparisons of Delta expression patterns with developmental defects in Dl mutants implies that Delta functions in a cell-nonautonomous manner in the specification of photoreceptors. Delta protein resides predominantly in subcellular vesicles located primarily at the apical ends of developing retinal cells. Localization of Delta protein in Dl and shibiretsl mutants implies that Delta is targeted to the cell surface, but is efficiently removed via endocytosis, resulting in vesicular accumulation.
Barnacle in vitro assays for biologically active substances: Toxicity and Settlement inhibition assays using mass cultured Balanus amphitrite amphitrite darwin

The development of non‐toxic or non‐polluting antifouling additives that can be formulated in practical coatings requires assays involving target organisms. Assays that test both for the effective and toxic concentrations of active compounds are useful. It is also desirable if the assay can provide information regarding the performance that can be expected if the compounds are incorporated into different matrices. Described here are the simple laboratory assays that have been developed using the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, a common fouling organism found throughout temperate and tropical seas. One of the assays depends on synchronous year‐round mass culture, the procedure for which is described, of cypris larvae. The laboratory assays provide quantitative estimates of toxicity and settlement inhibition of barnacles. The methods described provide an excellent system for the use of barnacles to study the interaction of the test compounds and surfaces.
Reflectance brightness measured over agricultural areas

Abstract Remote-sensing signals from agricultural scenes result from the interaction of light with soil and plants. A plant in full sunlight has some of its leaves exposed to direct solar irradiation, whereas other leaves are wholly or partially shaded and are exposed to various intensities of diffuse light. Reflectance from a plant canopy is made up of an integration of reflectances from the various components of the canopy. Measurements made with image analyzer equipment showed that a wide range of soil and of plant canopy geometries had a similar range of reflectance intensities, although the area distribution was different between soil and crop canopies.
Phospholipid Diffusion at the Oil−Water Interface

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching was used to characterize the diffusion of fluorescently labeled phospholipids at the oil/water interface for oil viscosities that varied over four orders of magnitude. Measurements were performed over a range of surface concentrations corresponding to molecular areas of 40-130 A(2)/molecule. As expected, the interfacial diffusion coefficient increased with molecular area, saturating at an area of approximately 100 A(2)/molecule. At molecular areas below approximately 80 A(2)/molecule, macroscopic domains of a condensed monolayer phase were observed; the diffusion of these domains was characterized by direct tracking and trajectory analysis. For oils with viscosity </=1500 cP, the diffusion coefficients of both individual probe molecules and condensed domains were consistent with a mechanism where the objects moved within the interface, experiencing drag from the adjacent bulk phases. Because this drag was dominated by the oil viscosity, the diffusion coefficients decreased proportionally to the inverse of the oil viscosity. However, for oils with higher viscosity, the diffusion coefficient of individual probe molecules decreased much more slowly. These observations suggested that two diffusive mechanisms are involved: one where surfactant molecules move within the interface and one that is analogous to the activated "hopping" processes that occur at the solid/liquid interface. This latter mode becomes significant only for very viscous oil phases.
Recurrence of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in the Posttransplant Lungs of a Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease of exocrine origin. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologic disorder caused by colonization of the airways with Aspergillus fumigatus. A fumigatus has been cultured from posttransplant lungs in CF patients. Colonization of posttransplant lung with Aspergillus is a recognized phenomenon. In this case report, however, we present a patient who developed ABPA both before and after lung transplant. This patient meets the criteria for ABPA based on serologic results. ABPA may be a complication in post-CF lung transplant patients and serologic analysis should be considered when eosinophilia and pulmonary infiltrates or decline in lung function occurs.
Impact of an Altruistic Activity on Life Satisfaction in Institutionalized Elders: A Pilot Study

Many residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities experience social isolation, lack of control over their lives and role loss. Participation in altruistic activities can create a meaningful social ...
Effect of ethacrynic acid on sodium pump α isoforms in SH-SY5Y cells

Background: Ethacrynic acid (ECA), a diuretic that has several cellular actions, increases expression of the sodium and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase or Na pump) in normal lymphocytes, but not in lymphocytes of bipolar patients. While this has been proposed to be important in the pathophysiology of bipolar illness, the response of neural tissues to ECA is unknown. Methods: Human neuroblastoma SH−SY5Y cells differentiated with 10-μM retinoic acid were treated with various ECA concentrations for 3 days, and changes in Na-pump α-isoform expression were quantified with densitometric analysis of Western bands. Results: Expression of α1 and α3 Na pump isoforms significantly increased with 10−5 M ECA. Cells treated with 10−6 or 10−7 M ECA showed no change in Na-pump expression, while cells treated with 10−4 M ECA died. The α2 isoform could not be detected in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Conclusions: The effect of ECA on α1-isoform in neural tissue is similar to that observed in lymphocytes. As α3 isoform is not expressed in lymphocytes, however, we conclude that lymphocytes are an incomplete model of neural tissue.
Micropropagation of Euphorbia Lathyris L.

Shoot tips of Euphorbia Lathyris L. are difficult to establish in vitro unless wounding is minimized and explants are oriented vertically. The cytokinin benzyladenine was not necessary for axillary shoot proliferation, but was needed for callus and adventitious shoot production. Etiolated microshoots rooted well on modified MS supplemental with 1 mg 1-1 1-naphthalene acetic acid. Acclimatization to greenhouse conditions was not difficult.
Investigation of Phase Angle Differences Using Statistical Analysis of Real World State Estimator Data

Phase angle differences may provide very useful insight to guide the operations of the electric power grid. This analysis investigates two different methods to use data-driven statistical analysis methods to identify normal patterns and atypical events based on State Estimator phase angel differences. An ISO provided 15 months of State Estimator data. This data enabled the calculation of phase angle differences for 54 pairs of sites. The identified atypical events for both methods were compared to the ISO's operations log.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Texas with High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete

The objective of this study was to determine the potential for reductions in carbon dioxide emissions in Texas by substituting high volumes of fly ash in concrete production and to identify the resulting benefits and challenges. Researchers reviewed the literature and determined that high-volume fly ash can improve the properties of both fresh and hardened concrete. It can improve workability, heat of hydration, strength, permeability, and resistance to chemical attack. Researchers compiled data from 18 power plants located throughout Texas and determined that 6.6 million tons of fly ash are produced annually in Texas and about 2.7 million tons (or 40%) are generally sold for use in concrete or other end products. Researchers estimated the production of concrete in Texas and determined that if 60% of the portland cement used in Texas concrete production were replaced with fly ash, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 6.6 million tons annually by the year 2015. More education is needed for design engineers and for the concrete industry regarding the performance and environmental benefits that can be realized through increased use of fly ash in concrete.
Solvothermal Metal Azide Decomposition Routes to Nanocrystalline Metastable Nickel, Iron, and Manganese Nitrides

This paper describes the use of solvothermally moderated metal azide decomposition as a route to nanocrystalline mid to late transition metal nitrides. This method utilizes exothermic solid-state metathesis reaction precursor pairs, namely, metal halides (NiBr(2), FeCl(3), MnCl(2)) and sodium azide, but conducts the metathesis reaction and azide decomposition in superheated toluene. The reaction temperatures are relatively low (<300 degrees C) and yield thermally metastable nanocrystalline hexagonal Ni(3)N and Fe(2)N, and tetragonal MnN. These solvothermally moderated metal nitride metathesis reactions require several days to produce high yields of the intended nitrides. The products are aggregated nanoparticulates with room temperature magnetic properties consistent with their known bulk structures, for example, Fe(2)N and Ni(3)N are known ferromagnets. The stirred reactions with dispersed fine reagent powders benefit from solvothermal moderation more effectively than submerged pressed reagent pellets. Pellet reactions produced manganese nitrides with lower nitrogen content and higher aggregation than loose powder reactions, consistent with the occurrence of significant local exothermic heating in the pellet metathesis reactions.
Denuclearizing North Korea

After visiting the Yongbyon nuclear complex, the former head of Los Alamos National Laboratory judges that North Korean officials are working in “good faith” to disable the facilities. But he warns that complete denuclearization presents formidable obstacles.
Towards retranslation of fuzzy values in computing with words

Any conceptual computer or computing with words (CW) system is expected to represent its results with a reasonable output, such as a sentence in natural language. A CW system is required to translate the fuzzy values provided as its result into words. This paper explores different similarity measures as well as linguistic approximation methods for generating natural language sentences for CW systems. Methods in both approaches are evaluated through various measures such as fuzziness, specificity, validity, and sigma-count. Evaluation results suggest certain linguistic methods may result in complex and incomprehensible phrases in natural language. They might even include an invalid linguistic term in their linguistic approximation. On the other hand, methods based on similarity measures may result in simpler and more comprehensible linguistic terms but might not be able to select a perfect match.
Toward Single-Site Functional MaterialsPreparation of Amine-Functionalized Surfaces Exhibiting Site-Isolated Behavior

A well-defined amine-functionalized silica surface displaying evidence of isolated amine sites is prepared using a molecular patterning technique. A tritylimine patterning agent is used to spatiall...
Effect of Increasing Energy and Protein Intake on Body Growth and Carcass Composition of Heifer Calves

The objective was to determine whether increased energy and protein intake between 2 and 14 wk of age would increase growth rates of heifer calves without fattening. At 2 wk of age, Holstein heifer calves were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of protein and energy intake (moderate [M]; high [H]) in period 1 (2 to 8 wk of age) by 2 levels of protein and energy intake (low [L]; high [H]) in period 2 (8 to 14 wk of age) to produce similar initial BW for all 4 treatments. Treatments were ML, MH, HL, and HH, indicating moderate or high energy and protein intake during the first period and low or high intake during the second period. The M diet consisted of a standard milk replacer (21.3% CP, 21.3% fat) fed at 1.1% of BW on a DM basis and a 16.5% CP grain mix fed at restricted intake to promote 400 g of average daily gain (ADG), whereas the L diet consisted only of the grain mix. The H diet consisted of a high-protein milk replacer (30.3% CP, 15.9% fat) fed at 2% of BW on a DM basis and a 21.3% CP grain mix available ad libitum. Calves were weaned gradually from milk replacer by 7 wk and slaughtered at 8 (n = 11) or 14 wk of age (n = 41). In periods 1 and 2, ADG and the gain:feed ratio were greater for calves fed the H diet. Calves fed the H diet were taller after both periods 1 and 2. No difference was observed in carcass composition at 8 wk, but at 14 wk calves fed MH and HH had less water and more fat than calves fed ML and HL. Plasma IGF-I concentrations were greatest for calves fed the H diet during either period. Plasma leptin concentrations were increased in calves fed the H diet during period 1 from 4 to 6 wk of age. Increasing energy and protein intake from 2 to 8 wk and 8 to 14 wk of age increased BW, withers height, and gain:feed ratio. Calves fed the H diet from 8 to 14 wk of age had more body fat than calves fed the L diet. Increased energy and protein intake can increase the rate of body growth of heifer calves and potentially reduce rearing costs.
Effects of lipids on the transport activity of the reconstituted glucose transport system from rat adipocyte

The glucose transport system, isolated from rat adipocyte membrane fractions, was reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. Vesicles composed of crude egg yolk phospholipids, containing primarily phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), demonstrated specific D-glucose uptake. Purified vesicles made of PC and PE also supported such activity but PC or PE by themselves did not. The modulation of this uptake activity has been studied by systematically altering the lipid composition of the reconstituted system with respect to: (1) polar headgroups; (2) acyl chains, and (3) charge. Addition of small amounts (20 mol%) of PS, phosphatidylinositol (PI), cholesterol, or sphingomyelin significantly reduced glucose transport activity. A similar effect was seen with the charged lipid, phosphatidic acid. In the case of PS, this effect was independent of the acyl chain composition. Polar headgroup modification of PE, however, did not appreciably affect transport activity. Free fatty acids, on the other hand, increased or decreased activity based on the degree of saturation and charge. These results indicate that glucose transport activity is sensitive to specific alterations in both the polar headgroup and acyl chain composition of the surrounding membrane lipids.
Metal-ligated induced structural interconversion between Pd23(CO)20(PEt3)10 and Pd23(CO)20(PEt3)8 possessing highly dissimilar Pd23 core-geometries

A 31P{1H} NMR study has conclusively established that Pd23(CO)20(PEt3)10 (1) and Pd23(CO)20(PEt3)8 (2), which differ by only two phosphine ligands, can be chemically induced in solution to interconvert reversibly into each other despite their having highly different metal-core geometries: viz., a centered hexacapped cuboctahedral Pd19 kernel (pseudo-Oh) with four wingtip Pd atoms in 1 versus a highly deformed centered hexacapped cubic Pd15 kernel (pseudo-D2d) with eight capping Pd atoms in 2. A structural diagram is given that shows a plausible hypothetical pathway for the geometrical transformation of 1 into 2 (or 2 into 1) upon removal (or addition) of the two phosphine ligands. Although there is no experimental evidence indicating whether these chemically induced conversions are intermolecular or intramolecular, the proposed intramolecular interconversion emphasizes the major structural differences that exist between 1 and 2. Complete interconversions of 2 into 1 (and 1 into 2) were accomplished by 31P{1H} NMR-monitored reactions carried out within NMR tubes. Addition of “free” PEt3 to 2 rapidly converts it into 1; if an excess of PEt3 is added, product 1 slowly transforms into the icosahedral-based Pd16(CO)13(PEt3)9 (3). Addition of O2 (air) to 1 converts it into 2 and the phosphine oxide byproduct (Et3PO), but the rate of this reverse chemical reaction is not nearly as fast; an excess of O2 (air) also slowly converts 3, if present in the reaction mixture, into 2; the relatively slow rates of reactions involving 3 are attributed to the icosahedral-based Pd16 nuclearity in 3 being unlike the identical Pd23 nuclearities in 1 and 2. In contrast to the chemically induced interconversion reactions between 1 and 2, both the reaction of 1 with excess PEt3 to form 3 and the reaction of 3 to form 2 are not quantitative. These facile interconversions provide a striking illustration concerning the abnormal capacity of ligated palladium clusters to undergo major changes in metal-core geometries upon addition/removal of ligands. This exceptional behavior may be readily attributed to the markedly weaker M–M and M–CO bonding interactions in palladium carbonyl clusters compared to those in nickel and platinum carbonyl clusters.