cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NONESSENTIALITY OF CONCURRENT CELL DIVISIONS FOR DEGREE OF POLARIZATION OF LEAF GROWTH. II. EVIDENCE FROM UNTREATED PLANTS AND FROM CHEMICALLY INDUCED CHANGES OF THE DEGREE OF POLARIZATION

HABER, ALAN H., and D. E. FOARD. (Oak Ridge Natl. Lab., Oak Ridge, Tenn.) Nonessentiality of concurrent cell divisions for degree of polarization of leaf growth. II. Evidence from untreated plants and from chemically induced changes of the degree of polarization. Amer. Jour. Bot. 50(9): 937-944. Illus. 1963.-Tobacco leaves grow with a constant degree of polarization (i.e., ratio of rate of increase in length per mm length to rate of increase in width per mm width). During this growth there is decreasing mitotic activity. Data from the literature, including Sinnott's classic studies with cucurbit fruits, provide additional specific examples of growth of (1) constant degree of polarization during which (2) mitotic activity falls. The generalization that cell division plays no role in maintaining a constant degree of polarization is suggested by the widespread occurrence of these 2 features of growth in determinate organs. These considerations are consistent with our earlier finding that the degree of polarization of growth of the first foliage leaf of wheat is the same in seedlings normally growing with oriented cell divisions and in gamma-plantlets, which are seedlings growing without cell division owing to gamma-irradiation of the grain before sowing. The present work shows that the degree of polarization can be significantly increased by treatment with gibberellic acid and decreased by colchicine, even though it is unaffected by radiation-induced mitotic inhibition. These chemically induced changes in the degree of polarization are, moreover, the same in unirradiated and in gamma-plantlet leaves. We conclude that cell division is essential neither for maintaining the degree of polarization nor for changing the degree of polarization. These considerations lead to 3 biological conclusions, each of which is in harmony with simple geometric considerations: (1) cell divisions do not directly contribute to or cause growth; (2) cell division plays an essential and immediate role in influencing cell forms, but plays a secondary and much less important role in influencing organ form; and (3) there is a fallacy in the usual and accepted manner of interpreting changes in organ size as being due to changes in cell size and changes
Social Services for Prisoners: From Correctional Settings to the Community

Prisons and jails provide social services to rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them for their life in the community. Correctional settings offer a variety of social programs: education, physical h...
Wake up and smell the conspecific

Mammals regulate their behavior using odor cues called pheromones. These compounds are detected and recognized by neurons in the accessory olfactory system. New electrophysiological recordings in behaving mice by Luo, Fee and Katz reveal aspects of pheromone biology and how these stimuli are represented by single neurons.
Spinal cord involvement in the nonhuman primate model of Lyme disease

Lyme borreliosis is a multisystemic disease caused by infection with various genospecies of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The organs most often affected are the skin, joints, the heart, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Multiple neurological complications can occur, including aseptic meningitis, encephalopathy, facial nerve palsy, radiculitis, myelitis, and peripheral neuropathy. To investigate spinal cord involvement in the nonhuman primate (NHP) model of Lyme borreliosis, we inoculated 25 adult Macaca mulatta with B. burgdorferi sensu strictu strains N40 by needle (N=9) or by tick (N=4) or 297 by needle (N=2), or with B. burgdorferi genospecies garinii strains Pbi (N=4), 793 (N=2), or Pli (N=4) by needle. Immunosuppression either transiently (TISP) or permanently (IS) was used to facilitate establishment of infection. Tissues and fluids were collected at necropsy 7-24 weeks later. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to study inflammation, and immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis to measure inflammation and localize spirochetes. The spirochetal load and C1q expression were measured by TaqMan RT-PCR. The results showed meningoradiculitis developed in only one of the 25 NHP's examined, TISP NHP 321 inoculated with B. garinii strain Pbi. Inflammation was localized to nerve roots, dorsal root ganglia, and leptomeninges but rarely to the spinal cord parenchyma itself. T cells and plasma cells were the predominant inflammatory cells. Significantly increased amounts of IgG, IgM, and C1q were found in inflamed spinal cord. Taqman RT-PCR found spirochetes in the spinal cord only in IS-NHP's, mostly in nerve roots and ganglia rather than in the cord parenchyma. C1q mRNA expression was significantly increased in inflamed spinal cord. This is the first comprehensive study of spinal cord involvement in Lyme borreliosis.
Space-dependent Dirac operators and effective quantum field theory for fermions

For the operator Open image in new window , wherem(x) can change sign, we develop a cluster expansion for computing the determinant and Green's functions. We use a local chiral transformation to relate the space-dependent case to the ordinary Dirac operator.
Detection of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke using electron monochromator-mass spectrometry

For the first time, we show the presence of nitro substituted naphthalenes in both mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke using electron monochromator-mass spectrometry. Only one mainstream smoke sample showed the presence of 1-nitronaphthalene (1-NN) at 20 pg/cigarette, while all of the sidestream smoke samples showed the presence of 1-NN at levels ranging from 0.40 to 0.60 ng/cigarette and 2-NN at quantities ranging from 1 to 2 ng/cigarette. Additionally, these levels showed a ratio of ~1:3 for 1-NN to 2-NN which demonstrates that the formation of 2-NN is favored under sidestream combustion conditions. No larger ring structure (>2) nitro-aromatics were identified.
Depressive symptoms in bulimic, depressed, and non-psychiatric control subjects

Abstract Depressive symptoms and syndromes occur commonly in bulimia — an observation which has prompted some investigators to hypothesize an association between bulimia and major affective disorder. However, it has also been suggested that the character of the depressive symptoms in bulimic patients differs from that found in patients with major depression — arguing against an association between the two disorders. To test this possibility, we compared item scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression among 45 bulimic patients, 21 patients in treatment for major depression, and 27 non-psychiatric control subjects. The bulimic and depressed patients proved indistinguishable on virtually all items, whereas both groups were readily distinguishable from non-psychiatric control subjects.
The Oxidation of Iron(II) with Oxygen in NaCl Brines

The oxidation of nanomolar levels of iron(II) with oxygen has been studied in NaCl solutions as a function of temperature (0 to 50 °C), ionic strength (0.7 to 5.6 mol⋅kg−1), pH (6 to 8) and concentration of added NaHCO3 (0 to 10 mmol⋅kg−1). The results have been fitted to the overall rate equation: $$\mathrm{d}\mbox{[Fe(II)]}/\mathrm{d}t=-k_{\mathrm{app}}\mbox{[Fe(II)]}[\mbox{O}_{2}]$$ The values of kapp have been examined in terms of the Fe(II) complexes with OH− and CO32−. The overall rate constants are given by: $$k_{\mathrm{app}}=\alpha_{\mathrm{Fe}2+}k_{\mathrm{Fe}}+\alpha_{\mathrm{Fe(OH)}+}k_{\mathrm{Fe(OH)}+}+\alpha_{\mathrm{Fe(OH)}2}k_{\mathrm{Fe(OH)}2}+\alpha_{\mathrm{Fe(CO3)}2}k_{\mathrm{Fe(CO3)}2}$$ where αi is the molar fraction and ki is the rate constant of species i. The individual rate constants for the species of Fe(II) interacting with OH− and CO32− have been fitted by equations of the form: $$\begin{array}{l}\ln k_{\mathrm{Fe}2+}=21.0+0.4I^{0.5}-5562/T\\[6pt]\ln k_{\mathrm{FeOH}}=17.1+1.5I^{0.5}-2608/T\\[6pt]\ln k_{\mathrm{Fe(OH)}2}=-6.3-0.6I^{0.5}+6211/T\\[6pt]\ln k_{\mathrm{Fe(CO3)}2}=31.4+5.6I^{0.5}-6698/T\end{array}$$ These individual rate constants can be used to estimate the rates of oxidation of Fe(II) over a large range of temperatures (0 to 50 °C) in NaCl brines (I=0 to 6 mol⋅kg−1) with different levels of OH− and CO32−.
Emotional Expression During Autobiographical Narratives as a Function of Aging: Support for the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

People communicate personal stories in very different ways. These variations in communication patterns may be affected by many variables, particularly age. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) predicts young adults are focused on information gathering to function in society, whereas older adults become increasingly motivated to regulate emotions and pursue emotionally salient yet stable goals and activities. What is not understood is whether communication patterns reflect this developmental transition. Younger and older adults (n = 120) completed negative and positive autobiographical narratives that were analyzed with a Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count Program. Results indicated that younger adults utilized more affective words in general, including more positive, negative, and anxious words during autobiographical narratives. In the positive autobiographical task, older adults used a higher percentage of “family” words, whereas in the negative autobiographical task, younger adults more frequently utilized “friend” words. In terms of pronoun use, there was evidence for increased second and third person pronouns among older adults. Results related to affective, social, and pronoun word use are largely supportive of SST. However, other important findings that were not predicted were noteworthy, including the finding that results varied as a function of narrative valence.
Dimensionless numbers and life history evolution: Age of maturity versus the adult lifespan

Within many taxa the age of maturity is not simply positively correlated with the adult lifespan; the two variables are proportional to each other. The dimensionless number which is the constant of proportionality thus becomes something to be predicted by life history theory.
Exploring the Ribosome Helicase Activity in Context of Frameshifting using Single-Molecule Techniques

Although the structure of the bacterial ribosome, with varying resolutions has been uncovered, the subtle dynamics and interactions are to be pursued further. One vital aspect is the intrinsic helicase activity of the ribosome and how it unfolds structured mRNA during translation. The relevancy of the helicase function extends beyond general translation processes into recoding mechanisms such as frameshifting. Such process is found in viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes at varying efficiencies related to both physiological and pathological functions posing an interest to explore it further. Thus, we aim to study this process using single-molecule approaches along with bulk methods. First, we are developing bifluorescent constructs to quantify frameshifting both in vitro and in vivo for bacteria. Also, we are developing an ultrahigh resolution optical tweezers with fluorescence detection capabilities. The tweezers - FRET setup along with different labeling schemes could be used to monitor the ribosome during translation and its interactions with mRNA. This could elucidate further the dynamics and conformational changes intrinsically within the ribosome during the process of unfolding. In addition, it could provide fundamental insight into the variable efficiency of different frameshifting signals whether through the thermodynamic stability or conformational changes of structured elements within the signal.
The rod-driven a-wave of the dark-adapted mammalian electroretinogram.

Abstract The a-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG) reflects the response of photoreceptors to light, but what determines the exact waveform of the recorded voltage is not entirely understood. We have now simulated the trans-retinal voltage generated by the photocurrent of dark-adapted mammalian rods, using an electrical model based on the in vitro measurements of Hagins et al. (1970) and Arden (1976) in rat retinas. Our simulations indicate that in addition to the voltage produced by extracellular flow of photocurrent from rod outer to inner segments, a substantial fraction of the recorded a-wave is generated by current that flows in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) to hyperpolarize the rod axon and synaptic terminal. This current includes a transient capacitive component that contributes an initial negative “nose” to the trans-retinal voltage when the stimulus is strong. Recordings in various species of the a-wave, including the peak and initial recovery towards the baseline, are consistent with simulations showing an initial transient primarily related to capacitive currents in the ONL. Existence of these capacitive currents can explain why there is always a substantial residual transient a-wave when post-receptoral responses are pharmacologically inactivated in rodents and nonhuman primates, or severely genetically compromised in humans (e.g. complete congenital stationary night blindness) and nob mice. Our simulations and analysis of ERGs indicate that the timing of the leading edge and peak of dark-adapted a-waves evoked by strong stimuli could be used in a simple way to estimate rod sensitivity.
Risk identification associated with iron‐dominated mine discharges and their effect upon freshwater bivalves

The controlled release of a partially treated mine-water discharge dominated by iron was evaluated for impact on the aquatic community during July and August of 1993 in southeastern Ohio. The discovery of an endangered mussel species, Lampsilis abrupta, prompted further validation of a lowest observable effect concentration for the discharge as it was diluted by the Ohio River. In-stream monitoring detected no significant postrelease responses among individuals of the surrogate species Quadrula quadrula from sites above and below the release. To evaluate the effects of the mine water on bivalve mollusks, laboratory simulation of the controlled release conditions using artificial streams and 30 daily renewals of mine water revealed that cellulolytic activity of Corbicula fluminea was reduced in mine-water exposures as low as 1.25% (0.19 mg Fe[II]/L). Recovery was evaluated for 30 d after initial exposure and indicated that specific response thresholds for siphoning and bioconcentration were apparent for the bioavailable form of iron and that enzyme activity for exposed Corbicula could return to prestress conditions. Bivalve responses to this threshold limit for the iron-dominated mine effluent were compared to other standardized test responses (acute and chronic effects using Daphnia pulex, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Pimephales promelas) and resulted in support of criteria for the bioavailable form of iron at 0.37 mg ferrous iron/L.
Nucleotide sequencing and transcriptional mapping of the Orgyia pseudotsugata multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus p10 gene.

Abstract A 32P-labeled cloned DNA fragment (AcMNPV HindIII-Q) containing one of the repeated sequences and a portion of the p10 gene from Autographa californica multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) was used to probe Southern blots containing restriction endonuclease digests of Orgyia pseudotsugata muticapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (OpMNPV) DNA. A single 3.6-kb fragment, OpMNPV HindIII-Q, was hybridized. The OpMNPV HindIII-Q fragment was cloned into pUC-18, mapped with restriction endonucleases, and reprobed with the AcMNPV HindIII-Q fragment. A small region of ca. 700 bp, near the left end of the cloned fragment, was cross-hybridized. DNA sequencing in this region revealed an open reading frame of 279 by which shares detectable homology with the p10 gene of AcMNPV. The sequences downstream from the p10 gene in both viruses also contain long open reading frames which share homology. Northern blot analysis of RNA from OpMNPV infected O. leucostigma cells was used to define the temporal and spatial organization of transcripts from this region. S1 analysis of both termini of the major p10 mRNA indicates nontranslated regions of 52–53 bases at the 5′ end and 175 bases at the 3′ end. The 5′-mRNA start site was located within a 12-nucleotide sequence which is conserved in all late hyperexpressed baculovirus genes.
Pharyngeal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis.

ObjectiveTo assess pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) exposure with flexible laryngoscopy-guided pharyngeal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis.Study DesignTertiary care children's hospital.Subjects and MethodsCharts of 10 infants with laryngitis who underwent pharyngoesophageal pH monitoring were reviewed. Data included history, physical examination, and pharyngoesophageal pH monitoring findings.ResultsSix infants had PAR. Two patients were on acid suppressive therapy and exhibited PAR. The number of PAR observed in six infants ranged between 1 and 81. The percent acid exposure time (AET) in the pharynx was between 0.1% and 1.2%. Esophageal acid reflux documented in nine infants ranged between 5 and 173. The percent AET in the esophagus was between 0.1% and 4.8%.ConclusionsThe majority of the studied infants with laryngitis had PAR. Not all esophageal acid reflux reached the pharynx. Pharyngeal pH monitoring provides additional information that cannot be obtained with esophageal pH monitoring in infants w...
Late Cenozoic Deformation in the Central Coast Ranges of California

Data on the patterns of growth of young, folded mountains are needed to complement inferences about orogenic histories derived from study of ancient deformed rocks. Crustal movements in the central Coast Ranges during the last 2 or 3 million years are determined by Pliocene-Pleistocene stratiggraphy, structures, and physiography. Although the magnitudes of movements are rather uncertain, the geometry is qualitatively well established by strata that dip off the flanks of the ranges. Boundaries between rising and subsiding areas are independent of the course of the San Andreas fault; furthermore, the geometric relationship of these major crustal blocks to the San Andreas fault is not that of a system of “wrench-fault tectonics.” Vertical movements of major blocks are probably mechanically independent of strike-slip movements on major faults; they appear to be primary, rather than secondary, results of lateral contraction. Comparison with other places and times suggests the possibility that the vertical movements may be related to intrusion of magma at depth.
A letter oriented minimal perfect hashing function

Cichelli has presented a simple method for constructing minimal perfect hash tables of identifiers for small static word sets. The hash function value for a word is computed as the sum of the length of the word and the values associated with the first and last letters of the word. Cichelli's backtracking algorithm considers one word at a time and performs an exhaustive search to find the letter value assignments. In considering heuristics to improve his algorithm we were led to develop a letter oriented algorithm that handles more than one word per iteration and that frequently outperforms Cichelli's. We also investigate the impact of relaxing the minimality requirement and allowing blank spaces in the constructed table. This substantially reduced the execution time of the algorithm. This relaxation and partitioning data sets are shown to be two useful schemes for handling large data sets.
Development of an estuarine sediment burrowing bioassay for shipboard use.

Because it was not known whether the M. arenaria laboratory bioassay test could be adapted to shipboard where there is vibration and varying conditions such as sample euryhalinity, it was decided to take this test to sea
A simple exact method for calculating tangent pinch points in multicomponent nonideal mixtures by bifurcation theory

Abstract The tangent pinch problem for multicomponent systems has been investigated. It is shown that the notion of a binary tangent pinch, which is well understood, logically extends to the multicomponent case. A bifurcation analysis provides further insight into the mathematical conditions that apply at a tangent pinch, along with a procedure which serves to locate the minimum reflux ratio under tangent pinch conditions.
Molecular Evolution at the Self-Incompatibility Locus of Physalis longifolia (Solanaceae)

The simple codominant expression of the alleles at the self-incompatibility locus (S) of Solanaceae and their extraordinary spectrum of sequence diversity present an ideal case for understanding the molecular forces that shape the sequence polymorphism of genes involved in recognition reactions. Here, with unprecedented conspecific sequences of 33 Physalis longifolia S alleles, including 27 of their single introns, the tempo-spatial nucleotide substitution patterns were first detailed for the S locus and analyzed in genealogical time scales. Three major genealogical clades of the 33 P. longifolia S alleles were used to divide the genealogical time into the within-clade and the between-clade periods. During the within-clade period, the average nonsynonymous substitution rate was 50% higher than the intron substitution rate but the opposite trend emerged for the between-clade period. A new and simple method developed here was utilized to estimate the selection intensity in the coding regions. The magnitudes and the distribution of these estimates, in conjunction with the spatial substitution pattern among closely related S sequences, revealed an initial short-term action of strong positive selection and a continuous but weaker action of negative selection brought by functional/structural constraints on the S alleles. The two modes of selection can significantly modify the branch lengths of an S genealogy and may be ubiquitous to recognition systems.
Correlates of improved influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel: a survey of hospitals in Louisiana.

Objective.To describe practices for influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel (HCP) with emphasis on correlates of increased vaccination rates.Design.Survey.Participants.Volunteer sample of hospitals in Louisiana.Methods.All hospitals in Louisiana were invited to participate. A 17-item questionnaire inquired about the hospital type, patients served, characteristics of the vaccination campaign, and the resulting vaccination rate.Results.Of 254 hospitals, 153 (60%) participated and were included in the 124 responses that were received. Most programs (64%) required that HCP either receive the vaccine or sign a declination form, and the rest were exclusively voluntary (36%); no program made vaccination a condition of employment. The median vaccination rate was 67%, and the vaccination rate was higher among hospitals that were accredited by the Joint Commission; provided acute care; served children, pregnant women, oncology patients, or intensive care unit patients; required a signed declination form; or imposed consequences for unvaccinated HCP (the most common of which was to require that a mask be worn on patient contact). Hospitals that provided free vaccine, made vaccine widely available, advertised the program extensively, required a declination form, and imposed consequences had the highest vaccination rates (median, 86%; range, 81%–91%).Conclusions.The rate of influenza vaccination of HCP remains low among the hospitals surveyed. Recommended practices may not be enough to reach 90% vaccination rates unless a signed declination requirement and consequences are implemented. Wearing a mask is a strong consequence. Demanding influenza vaccination as a condition of employment was not reported as a practice by the participating hospitals.
Multiperiod Financial Planning

A new algorithm for asset allocation is developed. The algorithm provides consistent approximations to the optimal savings allocations which are dependent upon personal characteristics such as age and income. Numerical analysis is used to solve an individual's lifetime consumption-investment problem on an annual basis within a context of complete markets and nonmarketable income. The investment opportunity set approximates that which was available expost during the 1926-1981 period. Relative risk aversion in wealth is highest for the elderly, lowest for the middle aged less than i¾½ of that of the elderly with young adults in the midrange despite the imposition of additive isoelastic utility of consumption. Moreover, the sensitivity of optimal portfolio proportions to changes in the opportunity set is greatest for the middle aged.
Dog model for studying detrusor instability secondary to acutely induced variable bladder outlet obstruction

Background Involuntary detrusor contractions often cause irritative symptoms such as urgency and incontinence. A dog model for acutely induced variable bladder outlet resistance was developed to investigate the possible role of prostatic afferent nerve fibers in the development and maintenance of detrusor instability. Methods Fifty-eight mongrel dogs (weight range 19.5-36.5 kg) were divided into five groups: group I (n = 11) had surgically induced bladder outlet obstruction. Group II (n = 14) had urinary obstruction and bilateral sectioning of the lowest branches of the pelvic plexus supplying the prostate. Group III (n = 10) had prostate denervation only. Groups IV (n = 10) and V (n = 13) were sham-operated and controls, respectively. In the obstructed groups (I and II), an artificial urinary sphincter (length 4.5-6.0 cm) was placed around the bladder neck and connected to a reservoir placed subcutaneously to allow postoperative adjustments of urinary resistance. All dogs were evaluated at baseline and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months with uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume, cystometry as well as serum creatinine, and urinalysis. Results Occurrences of detrusor instability were not associated with prostatic denervation input. The mean peak flow rates decreased significantly in the obstructed groups at all follow-ups, but did not change significantly in the nonobstructed groups. Postoperatively, the mean maximum bladder capacity was significantly decreased for groups I and II only. However, a significant correlation between maximum bladder capacity and maximum detrusor pressure could not be detected at any time point in any of the groups. Mean postvoid residual urine volume varied considerably in all groups over time. Creation of a urinary model of infravesical obstruction was associated with considerable problems. Conclusions In our dog model of bladder outlet obstruction, prostatic sensory nerve fibers appear not to be involved in detrusor instability. Surgical induction of a constant model of bladder outlet obstruction was difficult even in a large animal. The observations from the present study raise questions about the validity of obstructive urinary animal models.
Computational Model of the Human Elbow and Forearm: Application to Complex Varus Instability

Computational modeling is an effective way to predict the response of complex systems to perturbations that are difficult or impossible to measure experimentally. A computational model of the human elbow was developed wherein joint function was dictated by three-dimensional osteoarticular interactions, soft tissue constraints, muscle action, and external loading. The model was validated against two cadaveric experiments that examined the significance of coronoid process (CP) fractures, lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) ruptures, and radial head (RH) resection in varus stability. The model was able to accurately reproduce the trend of decreasing resistance to varus displacement with increased CP resection, with a significant drop in stability observed at >50% resection. In addition, the model showed that isolated repair of either the LUCL or RH conferred significant varus stability to the joint in the presence of a deficient coronoid, with the ligament responsible for the greatest increase in stability. Predicted magnitudes of joint contact force support claims that the ulnohumeral articulation is the most significant osseous stabilizer of the joint in varus, with the radiohumeral articulation having an increased role with increasing coronoid resection at low flexion angles. With confidence in the predictive ability of this computational model, future simulations could further investigate joint function under other loading scenarios and injury states.
Quantum quadratic brownian oscillator model for absorption lineshapes

The absorption lineshape of a two-level chromophore coupled quadratically to a collective Gaussian solvation coordinate with an arbitrary Brownian oscillator spectral density is calculated exactly using a path-integral representation of the dipole correlation function in Liouville space.
Unilateral retinopathy secondary to occult primary intraocular lymphoma

Purpose The purpose of the study is to report the clinical case of a 53-year-old woman whose presenting manifestation of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) was unilateral retinal degeneration.
TREM2 variant p.R47H as a risk factor for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Importance Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which microglia play a significant and active role. Recently, a rare missense variant (p.R47H) in the microglial activating gene TREM2 was found to increase the risk of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease. Whether the p.R47H variant is a risk factor for ALS is not known. Objectives To determine whether p.R47H (rs75932628) in TREM2 is a risk factor for ALS and assess whether TREM2 expression is dysregulated in disease. Design, Setting, and Participants Samples of DNA from 923 individuals with sporadic ALS and 1854 healthy control individuals self-reported as non-Hispanic white were collected from ALS clinics in the United States and genotyped for the p.R47H variant in TREM2 . Clinical data were obtained on ALS participants for genotype/phenotype correlations. Expression of TREM2 was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared in spinal cord samples from 18 autopsied patients with ALS and 12 neurologically healthy controls, as well as from wild-type and transgenic SOD1 G93A mice. Main Outcomes and Measures Minor allele frequency of rs75932628 and relative expression of TREM2 . Results The TREM2 variant p.R47H was more common in patients with ALS than in the controls and is therefore a significant risk factor for ALS (odds ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.29-4.15; P = 4.1×10 −3 ). Furthermore, TREM2 expression was increased in spinal cord samples from ALS patients and SOD1 G93A mice ( P = 2.8×10 −4 and P = 2.8×10 −9 , respectively), confirming dysregulated TREM2 in disease. Expression of TREM2 in the human spinal cord was negatively correlated with survival ( P = .04) but not with other phenotypic aspects of disease. Conclusions and Relevance This study demonstrates that the TREM2 p.R47H variant is a potent risk factor for sporadic ALS. To our knowledge, these findings identify the first genetic influence on neuroinflammation in ALS and highlight the TREM2 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Silicon−Hydrogen Bond Activation and Formation of Silane Complexes Using a Cationic Rhodium(III) Complex

Addition of triphenylsilane, trimethylsilane, or triethylsilane to [Cp*(PMe3)Rh(Me)(CH2Cl2)]BAr‘4 (4), a cationic Rh(III) complex, resulted in Si−H bond activation and release of methane below −80 °C. The rare, nonclassical silane complexes [Cp*(PMe3)Rh((C6H4)(η2-HSiPh2))]BAr‘4 (6), [Cp*(PMe3)Rh(SiMe3)(η2-HSiMe3)]BAr‘4 (9), and [Cp*(PMe3)Rh(SiEt3)(η2-HSiEt3)]BAr‘4 (11) have been generated and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Of note was the presence of 29Si satellites of the hydride resonances of each of these compounds and large 1JSi-H coupling constants (56−84 Hz), diagnostic of the presence of η2-silane ligands.
Activity and Mobility of Water in Sweetened Whole Soy Concentrates and Their Rheological Properties

Intermediate moisture systems were formulated with dehulled, blanched soybeans and four nutritive sweeteners (sucrose, glucose, fructose, sucrose/glucose). Soy content and sucrose/water ratio were varied. Water activity, water mobility (NMR) and rheological properties were determined. All three parameters were strongly influenced by the sweetener. All samples showed non-Newtonian behavior. Soy content and sucrose/water ratio had a stronger influence on rheology than on water properties.
Board Gender Diversity, Performance, and Power of Women Directors as Predictors of Strategic Change

Diverse boards have been seen as providing impetus for initiating change. However, diversity may introduce conflict and impede decision-making, which could hinder the ability of the firm to make st...
Spinal cord neuron response to natural stimuli. A microelectrode study

Abstract We studied lumbar spinal cord neural elements in decerebrate cats using extracellular microelectrode recording technique. Electrolytic lesions (43) or microdrive micrometer readings (61) marked the spinal units' laminar location. Only four somata were encountered dorsal to lamina IV; all other elements examined in this region (14) were axons. In lamina IV and deeper, only cell bodies (with one exception) were observed. Spinal units responsive to 19 unique spectra of peripheral stimuli were differentiated. Hair stroking excited half of the units (53 of 104). In the main, lamina IV units responded to unimodal input, and lamina V and VI units to polymodal input. Lamina VI input generally was from high threshold receptors. Units presumed to be motoneurons and units responsive to several modes of peripheral stimuli were found in the ventral horn. While each of Rexed's laminae receives a unique spectrum of sensory information, the functional significance of the anatomic lamination is still unclear.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Administration on Plasma Levels of LH and the Estrous Cycle in the Female Rat

Intragastric intubation of 4 or 8 g/kg of body weight of ethanol per day for 12 consecutive days disrupted the normal estrous cycle in female rats as monitored by vaginal epithelial cell changes. Plasma luteinizing hormone levels were unchanged suggesting that blood ethanol in the 50--100 mg/100 ml range acted as a direct gonadal toxin and not at the hypothalamic-pituitary gland level.
Gallium nitrate in multiple myeloma: prolonged survival in a cohort of patients with advanced-stage disease.

Multiple myeloma is characterized by bone destruction mediated by osteoclastic bone resorption. Skeletal complications of myeloma, including bone pain, fractures, spinal cord compression and hypercalcemia, result in significant morbidity. Gallium nitrate was shown in a small, randomized trial to attenuate the rate of bone loss in patients with myeloma treated with chemotherapy. In a retrospective analysis, we found that patients with advanced multiple myeloma treated with chemotherapy plus gallium nitrate had markedly prolonged median survival compared with similar patients treated with chemotherapy alone (87+ months v 48 months, respectively). These data suggest that gallium nitrate may have a positive, indirect benefit on survival in myeloma by decreasing the rate of bone resorption. Further evaluation of gallium nitrate to attenuate progression of disease in patients with multiple myeloma is warranted.
Expression of α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (P504S) in sebaceous neoplasms

Background:α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), also known as P504S, is a protein that plays an important role in mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation of branched-chain fatty acid and bile acid intermediates. AMACR has been established as a valuable diagnostic marker for prostate cancer and has recently been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma. Despite the importance of lipid metabolism in sebum production by sebaceous glands of the skin, there are no studies evaluating the expression of AMACR in sebaceous neoplasms. Methods: Five samples of normal sebaceous glands as well as five cases each of sebaceous hyperplasia (SH), sebaceous adenoma (SA), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with sebaceous differentiation and extraocular sebaceous carcinoma (SC) were evaluated for immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of AMACR. Each case was reviewed by a single dermatopathologist and graded using a semi-objective grading schema. Results: Normal sebaceous glands showed strong (4+) expression of AMACR. Among sebaceous neoplasms, SH showed the highest expression (4+), SA and BCC with sebaceous differentiation showed varied expression (2+ and 1+, respectively), and extraocular SC showed no expression of AMACR. Conclusions: The expression of AMACR is increased in benign sebaceous glands and SH; with decreasing AMACR expression in tumors with less sebaceous differentiation (i.e. SA and SC). These findings provide insight into the potential pathogenesis of sebaceous neoplasms while assisting in the microscopic distinction of SA from SC. Halsey MA, Calder KB, Mathew R, Schlauder S, Morgan MB. Expression of α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (P504S) in sebaceous neoplasms.
High-dose cytosine arabinoside for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

Eighteen patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), aged 17–73 years, were treated with high-dose cytosine arabinoside (HD-Ara-C)) using 3 g/m2 IV q 12 hours × 12 doses. Seven patients were treated for relapse and four (57%) obtained a complete remission with a median duration of 19.5 weeks. In nine patients, refractory to conventional chemotherapy, no complete responders were observed. Treatment failure was most commonly due to drug resistance. Two elderly patients with ANLL not previously exposed to chemotherapy died during the initial induction. Recent data on the HD-Ara-C experience in ANLL are presented and compared with this study.
Satellite hyperspectral IR sensing: investigating water vapor variability using AIRS data

In this paper, samples of AIRS data in the 1215 to 1615 cm-1 spectral region are analyzed to better understand the effects of water vapor in the mid to upper tropospheric region. Two days representing mid-latitude (20°-40° N) summer (warm and moist) and winter (cold and dry) maritime conditions are selected with cloud-free and 100% cloudy FOVs. The data, both in trend and differences, are well explained by the respective changes in atmospheric temperature and water vapor. These data are then compared with model simulation using MODTRAN. The results also compare favorably. Model simulation further illustrates the value of high spectral resolution for monitoring change in water vapor particularly in the upper troposphere. With the future GOES-R and NPOESS hyperspectral sensors expected to provide much improved atmospheric profile information, better monitoring of atmospheric water vapor will lead to improvements both in weather and climate applications.
Histone 1 phosphotransferase activities during the maturation of oocytes of Xenopus laevis.

Abstract A characterization has been initiated of histone 1 (H1) phosphotransferases in oocytes, progesterone-treated oocytes, unfertilized eggs, and A-23187 ionophore-treated eggs of Xenopus laevis . With the exception of one activity that was detected only in the oocytes and which was characterized as free catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, the profile of H1 phosphotransferases activities was qualitatively identical in all four types of cells. The only cAMP-dependent protein kinase detected was the Type II isozyme. All four types of cells contain a H1 phosphotransferase which would appear to be very similar to the growth-associated H1 kinase identified in other eukaryotic cells on the basis of the criteria of (a) molecular size, (b) the phosphorylation of both serine and threonine residues in the C-terminal portion of H1, and (c) the phosphorylation of the synthetic peptides LysSerProValLys and LysThrProValLys. All four types of cells contain at least two other histone phosphotransferase activities, one of which exhibits a high degree of selectivity for H1.
Waterway, shipping, and ports: iterative optimization and simulation of barge traffic on an inland waterway

This paper describes an iterative technique between optimization and simulation models used to determine solutions to optimization problems and ensure that the solutions are feasible for real world operations (in terms of a simulation model). The technique allows for the development of separate optimization and simulation models with varying levels of detail in each model. The results and parameters of the optimization model are used as input to the simulation model. The performance measures from the simulation output are compared to acceptable levels. These performance measures are then used to modify the optimization model if the simulation results are not acceptable. This iterative approach continues until an acceptable solution is reached. This iterative technique is applied to barge traffic on an inland waterway as an example. Linear programming is used as the optimization technique for the example while a simulation model is developed using Arena software.
An efficient synthesis of the precursors of [11C]MDL 100907 labeled in two specific positions

An efficient, integrated route for the synthesis of two precursors of [11C]MDL 100907 labeled in the 2′- or 3′-methoxy position is reported. The synthesis involved a one-pot, two-step process to transform the intermediate esters to ketones and subsequent resolution of the racemic alcohols to their respective enantiomers. The resolved, enantiomerically pure phenol precursors were reacted with high specific activity [11C]methyl iodide to produce [11C]MDL 100907 labeled in two specific positions. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain Entropy Mapping Using fMRI

Entropy is an important trait for life as well as the human brain. Characterizing brain entropy (BEN) may provide an informative tool to assess brain states and brain functions. Yet little is known about the distribution and regional organization of BEN in normal brain. The purpose of this study was to examine the whole brain entropy patterns using a large cohort of normal subjects. A series of experiments were first performed to validate an approximate entropy measure regarding its sensitivity, specificity, and reliability using synthetic data and fMRI data. Resting state fMRI data from a large cohort of normal subjects (n = 1049) from multi-sites were then used to derive a 3-dimensional BEN map, showing a sharp low-high entropy contrast between the neocortex and the rest of brain. The spatial heterogeneity of resting BEN was further studied using a data-driven clustering method, and the entire brain was found to be organized into 7 hierarchical regional BEN networks that are consistent with known structural and functional brain parcellations. These findings suggest BEN mapping as a physiologically and functionally meaningful measure for studying brain functions.
Structural determinants of allosteric regulation in alternatively spliced AMPA receptors

Abstract The flip and flop splice variants of AMPA receptors show strikingly different sensitivity to allosteric regulation by cyclothiazide; heteromers assembled from GluR-A and GIuR-B also exhibit splice variant-dependent differences in efficacy for activation by glutamate and kainate. The sensitivity for attenuation of desensitization by cyclothiazide for homomeric GIuR-A was solely dependent upon exchange of Ser-750 (flip) and Asn-750 (flop), and was unaffected by mutagenesis of other divergent residues. In contrast, substantial alteration of the relative efficacy of glutamate versus kainate required mutation of multiple residues in the flip/flop region. Modulation by cyclothiazide was abolished by mutation of Ser-750 to Gin, the residue found at the homologous site in kainate-preferring subunits, whereas introduction of Ser at this site in GIuR6 imparted sensitivity to cyclothiazide.
Underwater Cleanup Assessment Program During the M/V Kuroshima Incident, April 1998

ABSTRACT On 26 November 1997, the M/V KUROSHIMA went aground in Summer Bay on Unalaska Island, Alaska during a severe windstorm (Figure 1). The vessel released approximately 39,000 gallons of Bunker C fuel oil into the intertidal zone. A portion of this oil was forced into Summer Bay Lake by storm winds and high tides. From the outset of the incident, the trustees and the Responsible Party considered the possibility that oil had been submerged and covered parts of Summer Bay Lake substratum. Therefore, an underwater survey was included as part of the overall spring shoreline cleanup assessment program. This paper focuses on the process of performing an underwater survey as part of a larger cleanup operation. Surveys were conducted by representatives for the State of Alaska and the Responsible Party and incorporated standard Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) guidelines (Owens, 1992). The primary objective of these surveys was to locate submerged oil, quantify the amount of oil, and to document ...
Orbital Solutions and Absolute Elements of the Eclipsing Binary MY Cygni

Differential UBV photoelectric photometry for the eclipsing binary MY Cyg is presented. The Wilson-Devinney program is used to simultaneously solve the three light curves together with previously published radial velocities. A comparison is made with the previous solution found with the Russell-Merrill method. We examine the long-term apsidal motion of this well-detached, slightly eccentric system. We determine absolute dimensions, discuss metallicity/Am-star issues, and estimate the evolutionary status of the stars.
Thermal Damping in Gas-Filled Composite Materials During Impact Loading

Damping during impact loading of gas-filled composites can occur because of heat transport between the compressed gas and the solid structure of the composite. This “thermal damping” can be optimized so as to dissipate a significant fraction of the impact energy. It is suggested that damping in many common structures such as plastic foams and wood may under certain conditions be largely due to this mechanism. Calculations based on a heat transport model show the effects on thermal damping of certain geometrical and thermal properties of the composite and of the mass and velocity of the impacting mass.
Marijuana exposure in vivo and human lymphocyte chromosomes.

Abstract Sequential chromosome examinations of peripheral lymphocyte cultures were carried out on 21 adult male volunteers who smoked natural blend marijuana cigarettes containing about 1%, 2%, or no Δ9-THC. For a limited number of subjects, blood samples from a single venipuncture were cultured independently in two cytogenetic laboratories, and later the slides were exchanged for re-analysis. There were significant differences between laboratories in the absolute break frequencies recorded. These inter-laboratory differences were demonstrated for both techniques of cell culture and metaphase analysis. Neither laboratory found a statistically significant increase in break frequencies associated with marijuana smoking. The present study, therefore, failed to detect a measurable effect of marijuana smoking on chromosomal aberrations in subjects experienced in the use of the drug.