cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal and RNA binding properties of the hdm2 RING finger domain

The hdm2 oncoprotein contains a C-terminal domain that binds RNA and has been suggested to bind zinc(II) in an unusual RING finger domain in which Thr 455 was postulated as a ligand. We have reported experiments to test whether this C-terminal cysteine-rich motif is indeed a RING finger domain. We also tested the affinity of the hdm2 C-terminal peptide for metal binding, metal linkage to the folding of the C-terminal peptide, and the peptide's affinity for RNA. Truncation mutants demonstrate that amino acids 425-491 are necessary and sufficient for RNA binding. However, divalent metal ions do not seem to affect the specific RNA recognition. Metal binding studies suggest that hdm2 indeed binds to two molecules of zinc in an intertwined motif similar to the BRCA1 RING finger peptide. However, there is no similarity in overall tertiary structure, nor is there direct sequence homology with other RING fingers. Fluorescence energy transfer studies give a dissociation constant of (0.22 +/- 0.03) microM for cobalt(II) binding to site 1, while K2 for cobalt(II) binding was estimated to be 15 +/- 5 microM from ultraviolet absorbance. Studies of two mutant peptides confirm the assignment of binding residues in hdm2 and suggest that the coordination of Thr 455 previously proposed by sequence alignments is incorrect. Structural studies of hdm2 in the presence and absence of metal indicate only a small amount of secondary structure by circular dichroic spectroscopy. Metal binding did not seem to nucleate folding as in the case of two other RING finger proteins. However, distance measurement from fluorescence energy transfer indicated that the Tyr 489 residue was only approximately 14 A away from the first metal center, suggesting that the hdm2 protein exists in a compact form, at least in the presence of metal ion. In summary, hdm2 binds metal and RNA, but the RNA binding does not seem to occur in a zinc-dependent manner.
In search of standards

Born of a growing national demand for accountability, the field of evaluation has itself become increasingly suspect. Distinguishing between ethical standards and methodological guidelines may aid in the evaluation of evaluators.
Effects of chronic administration of the D1 receptor partial agonist SKF 77434 on cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys.

Rationale: Dopamine D1 receptor partial agonists have been proposed as candidate medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence. However, there currently is scant information regarding how chronic exposure to D1 agonists may modify behavioral effects of cocaine and, especially, whether tolerance develops to their effects on cocaine self-administration. Objective: The present studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of chronic treatment with the D1 receptor partial agonist SKF 77434 on IV cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys. Methods: A protocol was developed to rapidly evaluate the effects of chronic drug exposure on extinction behavior, threshold dose of self-administered cocaine, and the dose-effect function for cocaine self-administration behavior. Monkeys performed in daily sessions of IV cocaine self-administration under a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement and food presentation under either a fixed-ratio or fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement. When both types of performance were stable, chronic exposure to SKF 77434 followed with month-long regimens of IV treatment with each of two or three dosages. Results: The effects of SKF 77434 were dose-related. Exposure to 1.0 mg/kg per day of SKF 77434 yielded a moderate and persistent rightward shift in the descending portion of the dose-effect function for cocaine self-administration but did not alter the threshold dose and did not disrupt either extinction behavior or food-maintained performance. An increase in dosage to 3.2–5.6 mg/kg per day displaced the dose-effect function for cocaine self-administration downward from its prechronic position, altered threshold dose values, and disrupted food-maintained performance. Conclusions: Chronic treatment with D1 receptor partial agonists produced dose-dependent effects on cocaine self-administration that may be relevant to their further evaluation as candidate medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence.
Inactivation of vegetative cells by continuous high-pressure processing: new insights on the contribution of thermal effects and release device.

Abstract: Dynamic or continuous high-pressure processing of fluid foods has drawn significant interest as a microbial reduction process in the past decade, and many attempts have been made to better understand the mechanisms involved in that reduction. This study was intended to provide insight into the contributions of thermal effects and differences in pressure release components in the inactivation of 2 vegetative pathogen analogs—the Gram-positive Listeria innocua and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Fluids containing microbial loads of 108 or greater were subjected to continuous high-pressure processing at 200 to 210 MPa. Without active cooling of the release components, all fluids experienced a temperature rise in excess of 70 °C, thus occluding any pressure-related effects for all release components. Active cooling of the valve bodies of the 2 valve-style release components (a conical disruption valve and a micrometering valve) allowed the temperature rise to be abated enough to isolate the effects unique to a given valve. In Tryptic soy broth trials, the mean inactivation levels of E. coli between valves were similar—5.16 log and 5.33 log for the micrometering and conical disruption valves, respectively. When repeated with L. innocua, a similar inactivation level was observed in the conical disruption valve (5.1 log) but not the micrometering valve (3.02). Listeria innocua trials were also repeated using fluid whole milk, which showed a lower levels of inactivation—2.04 log for the micrometering valve and 2.51 log for the conical valve. Practical Applications: This paper compares some of the most common pressure release components used in continuous high-pressure processing and attempts to isolate the contributions of thermal effects from those of pressure and shear. This information is important to those seeking to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed set of process parameters for microbial inactivation. Further, the ability to reduce the extreme nature of the temperature rise has the potential to expand the use of process into more temperature sensitive products.
Progressive and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss in children with asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and temporal changes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) among children with clinically inapparent (asymptomatic) congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection identified from a cohort of newborn infants screened for congenital CMV infection. Methods: The study population consisted of 307 children with documented asymptomatic congenital CMV infection, 76 uninfected siblings of children with asymptomatic congenital CMV infection, and 201 children whose neonatal screen for congenital CMV infection showed negative results. Audiologic evaluations were completed for all children to determine their hearing status. Results: SNHL occurred only in children with congenital CMV infection. Of the children with asymptomatic congenital CMV infection, 22 (7.2%; 95% confidence interval, 4.5% to 10.6%) had SNHL. Among the children with hearing loss, further deterioration of hearing occurred in 50.0%, with the median age at first progression at 18 months (range, 2 to 70 months). Delayed-onset SNHL was observed in 18.2% of the children, with the median age of detection at 27 months (range, 25 to 62 months). Fluctuating SNHL was documented in 22.7% of the children with hearing loss. Conclusions: Asymptomatic congenital CMV infection is likely a leading cause of SNHL in young children. The continued deterioration of hearing and delayed onset of SNHL in these children emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of their hearing status. (J Pediatr 1997;130:624-30)
A chimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 TAR region which mediates high level trans-activation in both rodent and human cells

Trans-activation of the HIV-1 LTR by the Tat protein functions by a novel mechanism which involves the direct interaction of the Tat protein and cellular factors with nascently transcribed viral RNA encoding the Tat responsive element (TAR). Rodent cells do not efficiently support HIV-1 Tat activity because of a deficiency of human-specific factor(s). Human chromosome 12 appears to encode one of these Tat cofactors. We have designed chimeric TAR sequences which contain the heterologous RNA sequence derived from the bacteriophage R17 genome which binds to the bacteriophage MS2 coat protein. These chimeric TAR constructs were co-transfected into rodent and human cells with a plasmid encoding a chimeric Tat protein which contains the RNA binding domain of the MS2 coat protein. TAR constructs which contain the MS2 coat protein binding region inserted into the three nucleotide "bulge" region support a high level of trans-activation by Tat-MS2 coat protein chimeras in both human and rodent cells. This result suggests that the human-specific Tat cofactor(s) may act to allow Tat to interact effectively in a ribonucleoprotein complex which includes Tat, cellular factors, and TAR RNA.
The triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist-Anatomy and function

The anatomy and function of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the wrist was studied through anatomic dissections and biomechanical testing of 61 specimens. The TFCC was found to be a homogenous structure composed of but not dissectable into, the articular disc, the dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments, the meniscus homologue, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the sheath of the extensor carpi ulnaris. The TFCC tivas found to be perforated in 53% of specimens dissected, and all of the wrists with a demonstrable perforation showed evidence of damage or erosion of the cartilage of the Innate and/or distal ulna. Biomechanical studies suggest that the TFCC functions both as a cushion for the ulnar carpus and as a major stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint. Perforations of the TFCC can result in the ulna-lunate abutment and cartilage erosion. Since excision of the TFCC stay lead to ulnolunatc abutment, chronic wrist pain, and/or instability of the distal radioulnar joint, it is not recommended.
Why Is Such a Smart Person Like You Smoking? Using Self‐Affirmation to Reduce Defensiveness to Cigarette Warning Labels1

When researchers communicate the negative health risks of smoking, smokers are likely to minimize such effects. This experiment addressed a way to reduce this defensiveness: allowing smokers to affirm aspects of the self. Smokers (n= 100) and nonsmokers (n= 30) viewed eight health-warning messages about smoking. Smokers were randomly assigned to view (a) warnings without a self-affirmation manipulation, (b) warnings after a self-affirmation manipulation, or (c) warnings that had a positive self-statement attached to it. Analyses indicated that compared to nonsmokers, no-affirmation smokers rated the warning messages as: (a) communicating less serious consequences, (b) less accurate, and (c) less likely to influence smokers. However, compared to no-affirmation smokers, smokers who affirmed the self were no more likely to rate the messages as serious, accurate, or effective. These data suggest that affirming the self before, or using a self-affirmation within a warning message may not encourage smokers to be more accepting of risk information.
Synthesis of individual glutamate-containing phosphonamidothionate stereoisomers

Abstract The acquisition of the individual stereoisomers of chiral phosphonothioic acids is anticipated to reveal the significance of phosphorus stereochemistry upon the inhibition of metallocarboxypeptidases as well as their utility as chiral and stereoselective inhibitory probes. Two methods for preparing individual glutamate-containing phosphonamidothioic acid diastereomers have been identified. One method achieves the resolution through fractional crystallization of the intermediate 9-fluorenemethoxy phosphonamidates while the second does so through chromatographic resolution of intermediate β-(acylmercapto)ethyl phosphonamidothiolates.
Stress triggered changes in expression of genes for neurosecretory granules in adrenal medulla.

With acute stress, the release of adrenomedullary catecholamines is important for handling the emergency situation. However, when chronic or repeated, stress alters the allostatic load and leads to a hyperadrenergic state, resulting in the development or worsening of a wide range of diseases. To help elucidate the mechanism, we examined the effects of single and repeated immobilization stress on gene expression of components of neurosecretory vesicles in the adrenal medulla. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to immobilization stress once for 2 h (1× IMO) or daily for six consecutive days (6× IMO). Compared to unstressed controls, 1× IMO elevated gene expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). In response to 6× IMO, not only was VMAT2 mRNA still elevated, but chromogranin A (CgA) and chromogranin B (CgB) mRNAs were also increased two to three-fold above basal levels. To investigate the possible role of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in the induction of VMAT2, PC12 cells were treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone, which was found to elevate VMAT2 mRNA expression. The findings suggest that following repeated stress, elevations of various components of neurosecretory vesicles in the adrenal can facilitate more efficient utilization of the well-characterized heightened catecholamine levels.
Etiology of hoarseness associated with mitral stenosis: improvement following mitral surgery.

Abstract Two cases of mitral stenosis associated with hoarseness were improved by mitral surgery. The mechanism of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was proved to be due to an enlarged pulmonary artery. It is felt hoarseness from this etiology is an added indication for mitral commissurotomy.
Growth of GaN Nanowires on Epitaxial GaN

We report experiments on the formation of GaN nanowires on epitaxial GaN using thin layers of Ni. GaN covered with Ni shows roughening that is strongly dependent on the thickness of the Ni layer and the annealing conditions. With the initial Ni thickness of 0.8 nm we observe formation of Ni-filled antidots. These act as nucleation sites in the growth of GaN nanowires, allowing for the preparation of nanowires with an average diameter as small as 30 nm. Dense and well-oriented nanowires are formed by pulsed metallorganic chemical vapor deposition at 750°C. The size of the Ni features determines the diameter of the GaN nanowires, resulting in good control over the formation process.
Pervasive Load-Time Transformation for Transparently Distributed Java

The transformation of large, off-the-shelf Java applications to support complex new functionality essentially requires generation of an entirely new application that retains the execution semantics of the original. We describe such a whole-program modification in the context of RuggedJ, a dynamic transparent Java distribution system. We discuss the proxy-based object model that allows remote Java objects to be referenced in the same way as those residing on the current virtual machine, the optimizations that allow us to bypass proxies in the case of purely local or remote object, and the mechanisms needed to guarantee that static data remain unique in a distributed system. We then detail some of the more interesting features involved when implementing this object model in rewritten bytecode, including transformations required within method bodies and coordination between bytecode and the run-time system that distributes an application across the network.
Paraffin Deposition in Petroleum Production

Precipitation of solids, generically called paraffins, is a well-recognized production problem. The severity and nature of the problem can be predicted by use of accurate composition of the C/sub 7+/ fraction and principles of solution thermodynamics. Paraffin problems commonly result from cooling and subsequent precipitations of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons during transit from the reservoir to the surface. Heavy hydrocarbons can also precipitate within the reservoir, reducing the permeability at distances that are untreatable from the wellbore, thereby posing a large production restriction. Precipitation of solid paraffin is actually an example of fluid/solid phase equilibrium. It is explained in terms of established principles of thermodynamics of solutions - i.e., the solution of higher-molecular-weight hydrocarbons in lower-molecular-weight hydrocarbons that act as a solvent. Simply put, high-molecular weight solids precipitate whenever anything occurs that decreases the carrying capacity of the fluid solvent. Three classes of problems associated with paraffin deposition in petroleum production are discussed in this paper.
The Confounding of Fat, Control, and Physical Attractiveness for Women

Fikkan and Rothblum (2011) provided a comprehensive review of the experience of weight bias in women. However, they do not significantly address why fat might be so negatively stigmatized in women. In this paper, I propose that fat women experience both the stigma of unattractiveness and the stigma that they lack control. Because women are expected to be physically attractive, fat women are more impacted by these stigmas than are fat men. Given that much of the research on fat stigma and physical attractiveness is done in Western countries, and fat is not stigmatized in the same way in all cultures, this paper is primarily focused on the United States, although some cross cultural research is discussed. Considering the source of fat women’s stigma provides a necessary foundation for a comprehensive review of the effects of that stigma.
Increased size uniformity through vertical quantum dot columns

The effects of stacking strain-induced InAs quantum dot layers on the size uniformity and density of dots in the upper most layer have been investigated using single-dot layers, and stacks of 10 and 20 quantum dot layers with a 56 A space region of GaAs. In these multilayered structures dots from different layers are aligned in vertical columns. X-ray diffraction indicates diffraction from a superlattice of InAs and GaAs, where the InAs contribution to the diffraction is from the quantum well region which is an integral part of the dot formation process. Thus, these quantum well regions remain intact and planar throughout the stacking process. The quantum well thickness is estimated to be 1.9 InAs monolayers. Atomic-force microscopy indicates the dot density decreases with dot layers, while the average dot height and in-plane dot diameter increase with dot layers. The uniformity of dot height and in-plane diameter also increases with stacking of dot layers as has been predicted [J. Tersoff, C. Teichert and M.G. Lagally, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76 (1996) 1675].
Vibrational spectra and structure of organogermanes. Normal modes and torsional barrier of CH3GeI3 and CD3GeI3

Abstract The Raman spectra of liquid and solid methyltriiodogermane [CH 3 GeI 3 ] and perdeuteromethyltriiodogermane [CD 3 GeI 3 ] have been recorded. The infrared spectra of the liquids were recorded from 33–4000 cm −1 . The spectra have been interpreted in detail and all twelve normal vibrations have been assigned for these molecules of C 3 v symmetry. The interesting torsional mode was observed at 123 cm −1 for the “light” molecule. The threefold barrier restricting rotation was calculated to be 1.1 kcal/mole. The assignments are tabulated and discussed in detail. The valence force field model has been utilized in calculating the frequencies and potential energy distribution for the molecules, and the results support the assignment presented. The force constants obtained in this study are consistent with those previously reported for other halo- and organogermanium compounds.
Viable bacteriophage in CO2 laser plume: Aerodynamic size distribution

The size of CO2 laser generated plume particles containing viable bacteriophage, ΦX174, was determined with 2 models (10–830 and 15–500) of Andersen bioaerosol cascade impactors. Samples were collected during 100 one-second laser exposures (approximately 68 W/cm2) of a bacteriophage-agar substrate with and without a space-confining hood. The hood appeared to facilitate collection of the largest particles (P < 0.1). In addition, Andersen model 15–500 was a more efficient collector of the largest particles, a phenomenon which is likely a function of the dynamic nature of the laser plume as well as impactor design. We found that laser plume particles containing viable bacteriophage are very large, in one instance exhibiting a count median aerodynamic diameter (CMAD) and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 23 and 55 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the appearance of viable bacteriophage in these plume particles constitutes an extremely rare event. The limitations of cascade impactor design when used to analyze particles with high water concentrations generated in a laser plume are discussed. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Symmetry modes and stiffnesses for bimanual rehabilitation

Bimanual rehabilitation devices show promise for use in low cost trainers for home use. To gain a better understanding of the symmetry modes and coupling stiffnesses that would be beneficial for home use bimanual trainers, we conducted a haptic tracking task. Participants used one hand to recreate the trajectory applied by a robot to the other hand using three bimanual symmetry modes. The participants recreated visual symmetry and joint space (mirror) symmetry more easily than point mirror symmetry. Joint space symmetry was the easiest mode when the trajectory was an increasing chirp frequency function. The stiffness between the robot and one hand affected the coordination between both hands and stiffnesses of 200–700 N/m enabled better tracking than 50N/m.
A nanoscale memory and transistor using backside trapping

We report results on a new structure that provides a scalable memory cell and a scalable transistor simultaneously in the same structure. The operational distinction is achieved through a difference in the bias range. The device employs a modified silicon-on-insulator substrate where charge is stored in a defected region underneath a thin single-crystal silicon layer employed for the formation of the transistor channel. At low voltages (below 1.5 V), the device operates as a transistor making use of the front silicon interface (preferred form), or the back interface, or both. The memory operation is obtained by use of high voltages, which allow injection of charge into the defected region in a stack of insulating films underneath the thin silicon channel, as well as the removal of the charge. The transistors are scalable because of the thin silicon technology and the memories are highly scalable because they allow efficient coupling between the carriers and storage region. The structure provides for a very useful decoupling of the memory read and transistor operation from the memory electrical storage operation. The experimental operation of the devices is described.
Intramuscular heating through fluidotherapy and heat shock protein response

Context: Therapeutic modalities that can increase intramuscular temperature commonly are used to treat injuries in the clinical setting. Researchers recently have suggested that the physiologic cha...
Cross-Sectional Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of III-V Heterostructures Grown by Molecular-Beam Epitaxy

Cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy have been used to characterize InAs/Ga1-x InxSb strained-layer superlattices grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. Atomic-resolution constant-current images of the epitaxial layers reveal monolayer roughness at the superlattice interfaces. An asymmetry in electronic structure between interfaces in which InAs has been grown on Ga1-x InxSb and those in which Ga1-x InxSb has been grown on InAs has also been observed in these images. Close inspection of the images reveals increased growthdirection lattice spacings in the Ga1-x InxSb layers compared to the InAs layers, as well as even larger lattice spacings at the InAs/Ga1-x InxSb interfaces. The latter is consistent with the formation of primarily InSb-like interfaces. Current-voltage spectra obtained while tunneling into the superlattice layers are found to be strongly influenced by extended superlattice electronic states.
Alternative splicing impairs soluble guanylyl cyclase function in aortic aneurysm

Nitric oxide (NO) receptor soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a key regulator of several important vascular functions and is important for maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis and vascular plasticity. Diminished sGC expression and function contributes to pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. However, the processes that control sGC expression in vascular tissue remain poorly understood. Previous work in animal and cell models revealed the complexity of alternative splicing of sGC genes and demonstrated its importance in modulation of sGC function. The aim of this study was to examine the role of alternative splicing of α1 and β1 sGC in healthy and diseased human vascular tissue. Our study found a variety of α1 and β1 sGC splice forms expressed in human aorta. Their composition and abundance were different between samples of aortic tissue removed during surgical repair of aortic aneurysm and samples of aortas without aneurysm. Aortas with aneurysm demonstrated decreased sGC activity, which correlated with increased expression of dysfunctional sGC splice variants. In addition, the expression of 55-kDa oxidation-resistant α1 isoform B sGC (α1-IsoB) was significantly lower in aortic samples with aneurysm. The α1-IsoB splice variant was demonstrated to support sGC activity in aortic lysates. Together, our results suggest that alternative splicing contributes to diminished sGC function in vascular dysfunction. Precise understanding of sGC splicing regulation could help to design new therapeutic interventions and to personalize sGC-targeting therapies in treatments of vascular disease.
Existentially Closed Algebras and Boolean Products

A Boolean product construction is used to give examples of existentially closed algebras in the universal Horn class ISP(K) generated by a universal class K of finitely subdirectly irreducible algebras such that Γa(K) has the Fraser-Horn property. If ⟦a ≠ b⟧ ∩ ⟦c ≠ d ⟧ = ∅ is definable in K and K has a model companion of K-simple algebras, then it is shown that ISP(K) has a model companion. Conversely, a sufficient condition is given for ISP(K) to have no model companion.
Toxicity of secalonic acid D

Toxicity of secalonic acid D was examined by using lethality, growth retardation, and histopathology as indexes. The ip LD50 values of 37, 31, and 27 mg/kg were obtained for Charles River CD-1, Texas (ICR), and Sprague-Dawley (CF-1) strains of mice, respectively. The ip LD50 was 52 mg/kg in female CD-1 mice. The iv LD50 was 25 mg/kg in CD-1 male mice. Oral LD50 values of 400 mg/kg in male CD-1 mice and 25 and greater than 400 mg/kg in Sprague-Dawley day-old and weanling (21 d) rats of both sexes, respectively, were obtained. Doses of 20 mg/kg or more ip retarded growth and doses of 30 mg/kg or more ip were lethal to CD-1 mice. Oral doses required to produce such effects in day-old rats were 5 and 20 mg/kg (or higher), respectively. All ip doses of secalonic acid D caused pulmonary atelectases and foccal peritonitis in male CD-1 mice. The latter involved surfaces of abdominal viscera and produced limited subcapsular necrosis of hepatic parenchyma. Exposure to a single lethal dose iv (25 mg/kg or more) of secalonic acid D caused limited hepatic portal necrosis but no peritonitis or other associated local effects observed in CD-1 male mice after ip exposure. Cytoplasmic liposis and loss of glycogen and RNA from hepatocytes were observed in a single mouse receiving 50 mg/kg iv. Death resulting from cardiac and/or pulmonary insufficiency was suggested by atelectasis, pulmonary hemorrhages and edema, and massive atrial dilation in mice that died after lethal ip or iv doses of secalonic acid D. Five daily sublethal ip doses in CD-1 male mice resulted in dose-dependent mortality (LD50, 11.5 mg/kg) indicating cumulative effects.
Mouse taste buds release serotonin in response to taste stimuli.

Cell-to-cell interactions and synaptic integration may occur within taste buds prior to signals being exported from these peripheral sensory organs to the CNS (Roper, 1992; Kaya et al., 2004). In principle, these interactions could include chemical and electrical synapses between taste cells and synapses from taste cells to sensory afferent fibers. Knowing which transmitters are released at synapses in taste buds would help clarify how signals are processed in taste buds but to date this information is lacking. A number of neurotransmitter candidates have been proposed for taste bud synapses, including serotonin (5 hydroxytryptamine, 5HT), glutamate, acetylcholine, ATP, peptides and others, but none has been unambiguously identified (reviewed by Nagai et al., 1996). On balance, the preponderance of evidence suggests that 5HT is one of the transmitters. For example, 5HT is found in a subset of taste cells in a wide variety of species (Kim and Roper, 1995). Taste bud cells that possess synapses with nerve fibers take up the 5HT precursor (Takeda, 1977; Yee et al., 2001), and tryptophan hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts tryptophan to 5 hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), is found in taste buds (Cao et al., 2004). There is indirect evidence from autoradiographic studies that amphibian taste cells release 5HT when they are depolarized (Nagai et al., 1998). Pharmacological and molecular biological studies suggest that taste cells express 5HT1A-like receptors and primary afferent fibers possess 5HT3 receptors (Delay et al., 1997; Herness and Chen, 1997; Kaya et al., 2004). Yet despite all the above evidence, one of the canonical criteria for identifying synaptic neurotransmitters, namely detecting its release from stimulated synapses, has yet to be established for 5HT in taste buds. We have addressed this question by using biosensor cells that are sensitive to 5HT to reveal transmitter release from mouse taste buds during sensory stimulation. The results indicate that depolarizing mouse taste cells with KCl or stimulating them with sweet and bitter tastants elicits 5HT release. Collectively, these data firmly identify 5HT as a taste cell neurotransmitter.
Revisiting the theory of production competence: Extensions and cross-validations

Abstract This paper examines a widely cited work in operations management, the theory of production competence, advanced initially by Cleveland, Schroeder, and Anderson (CSA). This intuitively appealing proposition asserts that production competence leads to improved business performance. However, CSA's empirical work has been criticized by Vickery and her collaborators and by Safizadeh, Ritzman, and Mallick (SRM). Moreover, SRM's own empirical work suggested that the CSA proposition only holds for batch processes. Using data from two large studies, we avoid the problems that plagued CSA's analysis, improve on their result, and call into question the SRM finding that restricts that result to batch operations.
Saphenous Vein Graft Growth 13 Years After Coronary Bypass in a Child With Kawasaki Disease

The presumed limited growth potential of saphenous vein grafts has led many authorities to discourage their use in young children. We documented excellent growth and patency of a saphenous vein graft 13 years after operation in a 7-year-old child with coronary artery obstruction caused by Kawasaki disease.
Alteration of microbial communities colonizing leaf litter in a temperate woodland stream by growth of trees under conditions of elevated atmospheric CO2.

Elevated atmospheric CO2 can cause increased carbon fixation and altered foliar chemical composition in a variety of plants, which has the potential to impact forested headwater streams because they are detritus-based ecosystems that rely on leaf litter as their primary source of organic carbon. Fungi and bacteria play key roles in the entry of terrestrial carbon into aquatic food webs, as they decompose leaf litter and serve as a source of nutrition for invertebrate consumers. This study tested the hypothesis that changes in leaf chemistry caused by elevated atmospheric CO2 would result in changes in the size and composition of microbial communities colonizing leaves in a woodland stream. Three tree species, Populus tremuloides, Salix alba, and Acer saccharum, were grown under ambient (360 ppm) or elevated (720 ppm) CO2, and their leaves were incubated in a woodland stream. Elevated-CO2 treatment resulted in significant increases in the phenolic and tannin contents and C/N ratios of leaves. Microbial effects, which occurred only for P. tremuloides leaves, included decreased fungal biomass and decreased bacterial counts. Analysis of fungal and bacterial communities on P. tremuloides leaves via terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and clone library sequencing revealed that fungal community composition was mostly unchanged by the elevated-CO2 treatment, whereas bacterial communities showed a significant shift in composition and a significant increase in diversity. Specific changes in bacterial communities included increased numbers of alphaproteobacterial and cytophaga-flavobacter-bacteroides (CFB) group sequences and decreased numbers of betaproteobacterial and firmicutes sequences, as well as a pronounced decrease in overall Gram-positive bacterial sequences.
The Bishops and Their Flock: John Kerry and the Case of Catholic Voters in 2004

This study evaluates the extent to which the 2004 well publicized Catholic Bishops' warnings and the Church Doctrinal Note mandating that parishioners oppose candidates who supported policies contrary to Church doctrine influenced Catholic support for presidential candidate John Kerry. Data were drawn from a 2004 national survey of 493 Catholic adults using random digit dial procedures and commissioned by Time magazine. Multivariate analyses indicate that the influence of the Bishops' warnings and the Doctrinal Note diverged by respondents' religious belief. Liberal Catholics exposed to these messages were more likely to support Kerry while conservative Catholics exposed to these messages were more likely to support Bush. The net effect of leaders' messages appeared to have helped rather than hurt Kerry. Our findings point to a multiplicity of effects for religious leaders' messages and should provide a note of caution for religious leaders who take pronounced stances on political affairs.
On-line monitoring of changes in size distribution of cell-debris suspension through frequency domain measurements of photon migration

Dual wavelength measurements of frequency domain photon migration (FDPM) are used to monitor the changes in size distribution of a cell-debris suspension due to appearance of large granules in the effluent stream of a centrifugation process. The ratio of scattering coefficients at two distinct wavelengths is used as an indicator of changes in size distribution of this process stream.
Dough forming properties

Although much has been learned about the gluten protein complex in the past 50 years, we still do not know why gluten proteins form a dough. We are left pointing out how gluten differs from other proteins, and offering a few tentative hypotheses.
Morphology of polypropylene crystallized from the melt

Polypropylene was oxidized with nitric acid in a manner contrived to remove its amorphous component. Concurrent with the loss in weight there was an increase in crystallinity, a decrease in molecular weight, a drop in melting point, and a change in visible structure. The crystalline component, which survived from polymer which had orginally crystallized isothermally, consisted of separated spherulites. These spherulites could be broken apart into lamellae which gave electron diffraction patterns like those now associated with a variety of solution-grown single crystals. As opposed to the high molecular weight of the unoxidized parents, the lamellae which survived the acid treatment consisted of short chains whose length depended on the temperature at which the parents had crystallized. If, as diffraction studies indicate, these short molecules are lined up in rank and file, then the length of the molecules and the height of the lamellae should correspond. The heights of the lamellae could not be measured precisely enough to establish an exact correlation, but the variations in average chain length calculated from viscosity data at least approximated the heights of the lamellae which were observed visually.
iGenomicViewer: R package for visualisation of high dimension genomic data

While the technologies for high dimensional data have been advancing, a lack of adequate visualisation tools to accommodate the results and inability to integrate multiple sources of data has emerged. The move towards multi-disciplinary work and collaborative research impresses the need for visualisation and analysis tools that are platform independent and customisable. iGenomicViewer through the use of customisable tool-tips that may include links and images, allows for a greater level of data integration for genomic data in a variety of formats. The iGenomicViewer is a freely available R software which allows users to generate interactive, platform-independent plots of genomic data.
Hybrid aortic reconstruction for treatment of recurrent aortic obstruction after stage 1 single ventricle palliation: Medium term outcomes and results of redilation

Objective: We describe a hybrid approach to the treatment of aortic obstruction after stage 1 palliation (S1P) of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Background: Recurrent aortic obstruction is a common problem after S1P of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Even mild aortic obstruction is poorly tolerated so early and definitive therapy is desirable. Although stent implantation is an effective treatment for aortic obstruction in older children and adults, technical issues due to small vessels and concerns regarding future potential for expansion have generally precluded the use of stents in this setting. Methods: Six patients underwent hybrid aortic reconstruction (HAR) in the operating room or catheterization laboratory, with the interventional cardiologist and cardiac surgeon working in cooperation. Results: Patients had a mean weight of 5.8 kg (2.9–7.7) and a mean age of 5.6 months (0.5–12.9) at the time of HAR. Five patients had undergone prior balloon angioplasty at a mean age of 2.8 months (2.1–3.5), and five had moderately depressed single ventricular function prior to HAR. The balloons used had a diameter of 7–10 mm and introducer sheath size ranged from 6 to 10 F. There were no immediate or late procedure related complications. Stent redilation was performed in 5 patients for relief of recurrent obstruction or to keep pace with somatic growth. At a median follow up of 4.8 years (0.2–7.9), there were 3 patients progressing well after Fontan palliation and 3 deaths. Conclusions: HAR allows for placement of stents that can ultimately reach adult size in small infants who have recurrent aortic obstruction after balloon angioplasty following S1P. Advantages include freedom from delivery sheath constraints when determining stent type/size, facilitation of precise stent position, and avoidance of vascular damage or hemodynamic compromise during the procedure. Longer follow-up and larger experience are required to determine if this therapy will provide a long-term solution to this difficult problem. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DNA stretching and compression: large-scale simulations of double helical structures

Computer-simulated elongation and compression of A- and B-DNA structures beyond the range of thermal fluctuations provide new insights into high energy “activated” forms of DNA implicated in biochemical processes, such as recombination and transcription. All-atom potential energy studies of regular poly(dG)·poly(dC) and poly(dA)·poly(dT) double helices, stretched from compressed states of 2.0 A per base-pair step to highly extended forms of 7.0 A per residue, uncover four different hyperfamilies of right-handed structures that differ in mutual base-pair orientation and sugar-phosphate backbone conformation. The optimized structures embrace all currently known right-handed forms of double-helical DNA identified in single crystals as well as non-canonical forms, such as the original “Watson-Crick” duplex with trans conformations about the P—O5′ and C5′—C4′ backbone bonds. The lowest energy minima correspond to canonical A and B-form duplexes. The calculations further reveal a number of unusual helical conformations that are energetically disfavored under equilibrium conditions but become favored when DNA is highly stretched or compressed. The variation of potential energy versus stretching provides a detailed picture of dramatic conformational changes that accompany the transitions between various families of double-helical forms. In particular, the interchanges between extended canonical and non-canonical states are reminiscent of the cooperative transitions identified by direct stretching experiments. The large-scale, concerted changes in base-pair inclination, brought about by changes in backbone and glycosyl torsion angles, could easily give rise to the observed sharp increase in force required to stretch single DNA molecules more than 1.6–1.65 times their canonical extension. Our extended duplexes also help to tie together a number of previously known structural features of the RecA-DNA complex and offer a self-consistent stereochemical model for the single-stranded/duplex DNA recognition brought in register by recombination proteins. The compression of model duplexes, by contrast, yields non-canonical structures resembling the deformed steps in crystal complexes of DNA with the TATA-box binding protein (TBP). The crystalline TBP-bound DNA steps follow the calculated compression-elongation pattern of an unusual “vertical” duplex with base planes highly inclined with respect to the helical axis, exposed into the minor groove, and accordingly accessible for recognition. Significantly, the double helix can be stretched by a factor of two and compressed roughly in half before its computed internal energy rises sharply. The energy profiles show that DNA extension-compression is related not only to the variation of base-pair Rise but also to concerted changes of Twist, Roll, and Slide. We suggest that the high energy “activated” forms calculated here are critical for DNA processing, e.g. nucleo-protein recognition, DNA/RNA synthesis, and strand exchange.
Dynamic habitat models: using telemetry data to project fisheries bycatch

Fisheries bycatch is a recognized threat to marine megafauna. Addressing bycatch of pelagic species however is challenging owing to the dynamic nature of marine environments and vagility of these organisms. In order to assess the potential for species to overlap with fisheries, we propose applying dynamic habitat models to determine relative probabilities of species occurrence for specific oceanographic conditions. We demonstrate this approach by modelling habitats for Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and black-footed albatrosses (Phoebastria nigripes) using telemetry data and relating their occurrence probabilities to observations of Hawaii-based longline fisheries in 1997–2000. We found that modelled habitat preference probabilities of black-footed albatrosses were high within some areas of the fishing range of the Hawaiian fleet and such preferences were important in explaining bycatch occurrence. Conversely, modelled habitats of Laysan albatrosses overlapped little with Hawaii-based longline fisheries and did little to explain the bycatch of this species. Estimated patterns of albatross habitat overlap with the Hawaiian fleet corresponded to bycatch observations: black-footed albatrosses were more frequently caught in this fishery despite being 10 times less abundant than Laysan albatrosses. This case study demonstrates that dynamic habitat models based on telemetry data may help to project interactions with pelagic animals relative to environmental features and that such an approach can serve as a tool to guide conservation and management decisions.
Is Effort of Will a Basis for Moral Freedom

To discover whether effort of will may be a basis for moral freedom we need to have before us a general description of the experiential situation in which an effort of will is found. The description need not be exhaustive, but it must be such as to permit us to identify situations in which an effort of will is to be found.
Marine and freshwater climatic factors affecting interannual variation in the timing of return migration to fresh water of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Interannual variation in the timing of the return migration to fresh water of adult sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, from 46 populations throughout the species North American range was examined in a broad analysis of how timing patterns are affected by marine and freshwater conditions. Migration timing data (measured at various points along the migration, including just prior to freshwater entry, just after freshwater entry, and near the spawning grounds) were examined for correlations with sea-surface temperatures (SST) prior to migration and to freshwater temperatures and flows during migration. Following a spring–summer period with warm SST, populations from southwestern Alaska tended to return early, Fraser River populations returned late, and populations from other regions showed no consistent patterns. Similarities between interannual timing of both nearby and distant populations indicated the presence of common or coincidental influences on timing. When riverine conditions related to timing, high flows and low temperatures were associated with late migrations, low flows and high temperatures were associated with early migrations. However, even counting stations at upriver locations showed correlations with SST. Notwithstanding some inconsistencies among the many populations examined and the indirect nature of the inferences, the results supported the hypotheses that (i) interannual variations in salmon distributions at sea reflect temperature conditions, and (ii) the date when salmon initiate homeward migration is a population-specific trait, largely unaffected by the fish's location at sea.
On the control of jump linear Markov systems with Markov state estimation

We analyze a jump linear Markov system being stabilized using a linear controller. We consider the case when the Markov state is associated with the probability distribution of a measured variable. We assume that the Markov state is not known, but rather is being estimated based on the observations of the variable. We present conditions for the stability of such a system and also solve the optimal LQR control problem for the case when the state estimate update uses only the last observation value. In particular we consider a suboptimal version of the casual Viterbi estimation algorithm and show that a separation property does not hold between the optimal control and the Markov state estimate. Some simple examples are also presented.
Norepinephrine release in brown adipose tissue remains robust in cold-exposed senescent Fischer 344 rats.

Near the end of life, old F344 rats undergo a transition, marked by spontaneous and rapidly declining function. Food intake and body weight decrease, and these rats, which we call senescent, develo...