cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Receptor-independent actions of cannabinoids on cell membranes : Focus on endocannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a structurally diverse group of mostly lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors. In fact, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are a class of signaling lipids consisting of amides and esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are synthesized from lipid precursors in plasma membranes via Ca(2+) or G-protein-dependent processes and exhibit cannabinoid-like actions by binding to cannabinoid receptors. However, endocannabinoids can produce effects that are not mediated by these receptors. In pharmacologically relevant concentrations, endocannabinoids modulate the functional properties of voltage-gated ion channels including Ca(2+) channels, Na(+) channels, various types of K(+) channels, and ligand-gated ion channels such as serotonin type 3, nicotinic acetylcholine, and glycine receptors. In addition, modulatory effects of endocannabinoids on other ion-transporting membrane proteins such as transient potential receptor-class channels, gap junctions and transporters for neurotransmitters have also been demonstrated. Furthermore, functional properties of G-protein-coupled receptors for different types of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are altered by direct actions of endocannabinoids. Although the mechanisms of these effects are currently not clear, it is likely that these direct actions of endocannabinoids are due to their lipophilic structures. These findings indicate that additional molecular targets for endocannabinoids exist and that these targets may represent novel sites for cannabinoids to alter either the excitability of the neurons or the response of the neuronal systems. This review focuses on the results of recent studies indicating that beyond their receptor-mediated effects, endocannabinoids alter the functions of ion channels and other integral membrane proteins directly.
Does the negative node count affect disease-free survival in early-stage oral cavity cancer?

Purpose We performed a retrospective study to determine whether there is a relationship between disease-free survival and negative lymph node count in patients with resected early-stage oral cavity cancers. Materials and Methods Of the 526 individuals diagnosed with carcinoma of the oral cavity between 1998 and 2005, 52 had undergone primary tumor resection and lymph node dissection of the neck for stage I or II disease. With a mean count of 27 examined negative nodes, these 52 patients were separated into groups with fewer than 27 or ≥27 uninvolved lymph nodes and compared for disease-free survival. Results The tumor recurred or progressed in 10 patients (19%) during a median follow-up of 27 months. The 2-year disease-free survival rates were 75% and 78% in individuals with fewer than 27 and ≥27 uninvolved node counts, respectively (P > .78). Conclusion The removal of a greater number of regional, uninvolved cervical lymph nodes does not correlate with disease-free survival in this particular cohort of patients.
Temperature compensation and temporal expression mediated by an enhancer element in Drosophila

A comparison of the activity of genetic elements from the regulatory region of the Drosophila melanogaster Deformed gene during embryogenesis and adult life reveals important similarities and differences. The 2.7 kb epidermal autoregulatory enhancer (EAE) of the Deformed gene drives expression of a β-galactosidase reporter in unique spatial and temporal patterns in the adult antennae; this pattern is insensitive to temperature effects. The Deformed regulatory region possesses distinct enhancer elements that can direct the expression of a β-galactosidase reporter spatially and temporally. A 120 bp region can reproduce the general features of the larger EAE fragment. The Deformed binding site is essential for temporal and spatial expression of β-galactosidase during embryogenesis but is not required in the adult.
Disabled-1-regulated adhesion of migrating neurons to radial glial fiber contributes to neuronal positioning during early corticogenesis.

Abstract Disabled-1 regulates laminar organization in the developing mammalian brain. Although mutation of the disabled-1 gene in scrambler mice results in abnormalities in neuronal positioning, migratory behavior linked to Disabled-1 signaling is not completely understood. Here we show that newborn neurons in the scrambler cortex remain attached to the process of their parental radial glia during the entire course of radial migration, whereas wild-type neurons detach from the glial fiber in the later stage of migration. This abnormal neuronal-glial adhesion is highly linked to the positional abnormality of scrambler neurons and depends intrinsically on Disabled-1 Tyr220 and Tyr232, potential phosphorylation sites during corticogenesis. Importantly, phosphorylation at those sites regulates α3 integrin levels, which is critical for the timely detachment of migrating neurons from radial glia. Altogether, these results outline the molecular mechanism by which Disabled-1 signaling controls the adhesive property of neurons to radial glia, thereby maintaining proper neuronal positioning during corticogenesis.
Stability of Zero Production Under Life-Cycle Savings

The no-bequest life-cycle growth model has been the subject of some theoretical interest since Diamond (1965) introduced production into Samuelson's (1958) two-period consumption-loan model and since Meade (1966) incorporated Modigliani's (1966) no-bequest life-cycle model into the Solow (1956) growth model. More recently, the no-bequest life-cycle growth model has served as the basis for the analysis of Social Security by Feldstein (1974) and his associates at the National Bureau of Economic Research. In this note I will establish under certain broad assumptions that the equilibrium of zero production in such models is locally stable. To establish this result, I will begin by reviewing the stability condition of growth models. That condition will be applied to the two-period model of Diamond and then to the continuous time model investigated by Meade. Finally, the result will be explained by comparison of the no-bequest life-cycle model with models of proportional and classical savings.
Investigating uranium distribution in surface sediments and waters: a case study of contamination from the Juniper Uranium Mine, Stanislaus National Forest, CA

Abstract The uranium concentrations and isotopic compositions of waters, sediment leachates and sediments from Red Rock Creek in the Stanislaus National Forest of California were measured to investigate the transport of uranium from a point source (the Juniper Uranium Mine) to a natural surface stream environment. The ( 234 U)/( 238 U) composition of Red Rock Creek is altered downstream of the Juniper Mine. As a result of mine-derived contamination, water ( 234 U)/( 238 U) ratios are 67% lower than in water upstream of the mine (1.114–1.127 ± 0.009 in the contaminated waters versus 1.676 in the clean branch of the stream), and sediment samples have activity ratios in equilibrium in the clean creek and out of equilibrium in the contaminated creek (1.041–1.102 ± 0.007). Uranium concentrations in water, sediment and sediment leachates are highest downstream of the mine, but decrease rapidly after mixing with the clean branch of the stream. Uranium content and compositions of the contaminated creek headwaters relative to the mine tailings of the Juniper Mine suggest that uranium has been weathered from the mine and deposited in the creek. The distribution of uranium between sediment surfaces (leachable fraction) and bulk sediment suggests that adsorption is a key element of transfer along the creek. In clean creek samples, uranium is concentrated in the sediment residues, whereas in the contaminated creek, uranium is concentrated on the sediment surfaces (∼70–80% of uranium in leachable fraction). Contamination only exceeds the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for drinking water in the sample with the closest proximity to the mine. Isotopic characterization of the uranium in this system coupled with concentration measurements suggest that the current state of contamination in Red Rock Creek is best described by mixing between the clean creek and contaminated upper branch of Red Rock Creek rather than mixing directly with mine sediment.
Ifitm3 Limits the Severity of Acute Influenza in Mice

Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are a family of viral restriction factors that inhibit the entry processes of several pathogenic viruses, including influenza A virus (IAV), in vitro. Here we report that IAV-infected knockout mice lacking the Ifitm locus on chromosome 7 exhibited accelerated disease progression, greater mortality, and higher pulmonary and systemic viral burdens as compared to wild type controls. We further observed that the phenotype of Ifitm3-specific knockout mice was indistinguishable from that of mice lacking the entire Ifitm locus. Ifitm3 was expressed by IAV target cells including alveolar type II pneumocytes and tracheal/bronchial respiratory epithelial cells. Robust Ifitm3 expression was also observed in several tissues in the absence of infection. Among murine Ifitm promoters, only that of Ifitm3 could be induced by type I and II interferons. Ifitm3 could also be upregulated by the gp130 cytokines IL-6 and oncostatin M on cells expressing appropriate receptors, suggesting that multiple cytokine signals could contribute to Ifitm3 expression in a cell or tissue-specific manner. Collectively, these findings establish a central role for Ifitm3 in limiting acute influenza in vivo, and provide further insight into Ifitm3 expression and regulation.
Repair capacity and kinetics for human mucosa and epithelial tumors in the head and neck: clinical data on the effect of changing the time interval between multiple fractions per day in radiotherapy

Early mucosal reactions are a major concern in radiotherapy of tumors in the head and neck. With some of the current strategies for altered fractionation these reactions may become dose limiting, and this has created a renewed interest in their radiobiology. The present paper reviews data on the response of mucosa in the head and neck to a change in dose per fraction (repair capacity) and time interval between dose fractions (repair kinetics). A review of clinical data on repair capacity shows that the alpha/beta ratio of the linear-quadratic model is high, around 10 Gy. Also, the steepness of the dose-response curve for mucositis is high as quantified by the maximum value of the normalized dose-response gradient, gamma 50 = 6.9 +/- 2.1. Computer simulations illustrate how this high value may be explained by the structural and proliferative organization of the mucosa. Finally, data from the following four recent studies are analyzed: the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group studies 7913 and 8313, a study from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and a study from the Center of Oncology in Warsaw. All of these studies showed a decrease in the incidence of mucosal reactions when the interval between fractions given in the same day was increased, typically from around 4 h to around 6 h. It is shown that the maximum dose-equivalent of repair in the time interval between 4 h and 6 h occurs for a repair halftime of about 3.2 h. A comparison between the steepness of dose-response curves from studies not involving incomplete repair and those derived from the above four studies shows that the repair halftime for human mucosa must be relatively long, probably in the range 2 to 4 h. The statistical resolution of the available data as well as a number of caveats in the design of the studies preclude a more rigorous estimation of the repair halftime for mucosa. Although the tumor data are less conclusive, a similar repair halftime cannot be excluded for epithelial tumors in the head and neck.
Governance dilemmas in an age of ambiguous authority

A convergence of functions, financing and governance arrangements between “public” and “private” sectors of society cloud the study and understanding of policy making, implementation and evaluation. Forces creating and shaping the interpenetrated society are trends toward professionalism and corporatism. The health industry provides an example. Increasingly, but with little formal guidance from political theory, the American system has authorized privately constituted citizen governing boards to spend tax dollars, make and implement policy choices, and evaluate outcomes. This essay argues for closer examination of the nature of representation and accountability in these little studied creatures of governance and introduces the subsequent articles addressed to the subject.
Examining Passive and Active Recruitment Methods for Low-Income Couples in Relationship Education

One of the most difficult aspects of studying low-income couples is the effective implementation of recruitment and retention strategies. Low-income couples face environmental stressors that make participation difficult, and research has yet to identify efficacious methods of recruiting and retaining low-income couples into funded studies. Researchers and practitioners targeting low-income participants rely on a “learn-as-they-go” approach. Therefore, we examined passive and active recruitment strategies for 394 married participants with children under age 18 and reporting a total household income within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines who participated in a federally funded couples and relationship education program. Univariate ANOVAs indicated significant differences between recruitment method and total time spent in couples and relationship education workshops for both women and men. Further, results indicated a relationship exists between recruitment method and the number of follow-up contacts r...
Factors influencing success in counseling patients to stop smoking

Abstract This study examined the anti-smoking counseling practices of a group of family practice physicians and related these to success in persuading patients to stop smoking. The study population included 283 cigarette smoking patients of 28 family practice residents. Patients were followed over a 3-month period to assess changes in smoking behavior. Two measures of success in counseling patients to stop smoking were evaluated in the study: (1) the percentage of a physician's patients who tried to quit smoking, and (2) the percentage of a physician's patients who succeeded in quitting. Findings showed wide variation among physicians in the percentage of patients who tried to quit (range: 20%–77%) and the percentage of patients who succeeded in quitting (range: 0%–25%). Two counseling practices, advising patients to set a target date for quitting and scheduling follow-up visits with patients to monitor progress, were related to the percentage of a physician's patients who quit smoking. These two counseling practices represent a way of structuring the patients quitting effort and committing the patient to follow through with a decision to stop smoking, both of which appear to be key ingredients to success in counseling patients to stop smoking.
On the comparisons of tropical relative humidity in the lower and middle troposphere among COSMIC radio occultations and MERRA and ECMWF data sets

Abstract. The spatial variability of the tropical tropospheric relative humidity (RH) throughout the vertical extent of the troposphere is examined using Global Positioning System Radio Occultation (GPSRO) observations from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission. These high vertical resolution observations capture the detailed structure and moisture budget of the Hadley Cell circulation. We compare the COSMIC observations with the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Reanalysis Interim (ERA-Interim) and the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) climatologies. Qualitatively, the spatial pattern of RH in all data sets matches up remarkably well, capturing distinct features of the general circulation. However, RH discrepancies exist between ERA-Interim and COSMIC data sets that are noticeable across the tropical boundary layer. Specifically, ERA-Interim shows a drier Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) by 15–20% compared to both COSMIC and MERRA data sets, but this difference decreases with altitude. Unlike ECMWF, MERRA shows an excellent agreement with the COSMIC observations except above 400 hPa, where GPSRO observations capture drier air by 5–10%. RH climatologies were also used to evaluate intraseasonal variability. The results indicate that the tropical middle troposphere at ±5–25° is most sensitive to seasonal variations. COSMIC and MERRA data sets capture the same magnitude of the seasonal variability, but ERA-Interim shows a weaker seasonal fluctuation up to 10% in the middle troposphere inside the dry air subsidence regions of the Hadley Cell. Over the ITCZ, RH varies by maximum 9% between winter and summer.
Synergistic Action of Amphotericin B and Antioxidants Against Certain Opportunistic Yeast Pathogens

Results of earlier turbidimetric growth experiments showed that certain antioxidants prolonged the antifungal activity of amphotericin B (AB) against Candida albicans, presumably by retarding autoxidative destruction of the drug. Viability studies were designed to examine this in more detail. Subinhibitory concentrations of either butylated hydroxyanisole, n-propyl gallate, or nordihydroguaiaretic acid in combination with fungistatic levels of AB exerted synergistic fungicidal activity against two strains of C. albicans and one of C. parapsilosis. Although synergism was not seen in tests with a strain of Torulopsis glabrata, antioxidants prolonged the inhibitory action of AB against this organism. On the basis of these findings and other considerations that are discussed, it is suggested that stabilization of AB and the ability to act synergistically with AB represent two distinctly different effects of the antioxidants.
Efficient parallel sparse triangular solution using selective inversion

In a fully parallel sparse direct solver the matrix factors are first computed and then used in forward and back substitution steps to compute the solution. On message passing multiprocessors these substitution steps are not performed at high efficiency and pose a performance bottleneck for applications in which many systems with the same matrix are solved. We present a "selective inversion" scheme (SI) which computes inverses of a sequence of submatrices of the factor and uses these to replace substitution steps by more efficient distributed matrix-vector multiplications. Experiments on the Intel Paragon and the IBM-SP2 demonstrate that the scheme has ideal scaled efficiency for 1 – 128 processors and is significantly faster than the traditional approach. The cost of selective inversion is a small fraction of the factorization cost; it is approximately 6% of the factorization cost for the model, two and three dimensional five-point, finite-difference grids. On message-passing multiprocessors with high communication latency, the extra inversion cost is easily offset by reduced triangular solution time even for a relatively small number of right-hand-side vectors.
Distinct myeloid suppressor cell subsets correlate with plasma IL-6 and IL-10 and reduced interferon-alpha signaling in CD4 + T cells from patients with GI malignancy

Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) promotes anti-tumor immunity through its actions on immune cells. We hypothesized that elevated percentages of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood would be associated with impaired response to IFN-α in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. This study evaluated relationships between plasma IL-6, IL-10, circulating MDSC subsets, and IFN-α-induced signal transduction in 40 patients with GI malignancies. Plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients versus normal donors. CD33+HLADR−CD11b+CD15+ and CD33+HLADR−/lowCD14+ MDSC subsets were also elevated in patients versus normal donors (P < 0.0001). Plasma IL-6 was correlated with CD33+HLADR−CD15+ MDSC (P = 0.008) and IL-10 with CD33+HLADR−CD15− MDSC (P = 0.002). The percentage of CD15+ and CD15− but not CD14+ MDSC subsets were inversely correlated with IFN-α-induced STAT1 phosphorylation in CD4+ T cells, while co-culture with in vitro generated MDSC led to reduced IFN-α responsiveness in both PBMC and the CD4+ subset of T cells from normal donors. Exploratory multivariable Cox proportional hazards models revealed that an increased percentage of the CD33+HLADR−CD15− MDSC subset was associated with reduced overall survival (P = 0.049), while an increased percentage of the CD33+HLADR−/lowCD14+ subset was associated with greater overall survival (P = 0.033). These data provide evidence for a unique relationship between specific cytokines, MDSC subsets, and IFN-α responsiveness in patients with GI malignancies.
Mutations causing charge alterations in regulatory subunits of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase of cultured S49 lymphoma cells

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is used to visualize the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase from cultured S49 mouse lymphoma cells and to demonstrate its in vivo phosphorylation. Regulatory subunits from mutant cells with altered kinases exhibit at least two patterns of charge shifts consistent with substitutions of single amino acids. The direct demonstration of structural alteration of this protein provides strong evidence for structural gene mutation in this cultured cell system. While mutant and wild-type gene products co-exist in the mutant cells, there is apparently preferential expression and phosphorylation of mutant subunit in these heterozygotes.
Analytical method for selecting random scattering angle for polar or acoustic phonon scattering of central valley conduction band electrons in GaAs

The introduction of nonparabolicity to the electron conduction band structure of GaAs produces scattering angle probability distributions which seem to be non-invertible for finding the scattering angle s from a uniformly distributed random number r. The paper shows that an exact analytical inversion can be obtained for the acoustic phonon-electron scattering process in the central (000) valley based on scattering transition rates. For the polar optical phonon-electron scattering process, an exact inversion is proven to be impossible in the (000) valley, but analytical inversions are found in regions formed by constant energy surfaces in momentum k space. These results can be applied to Monte Carlo numerical techniques for finding electron transport behaviour in GaAs devices.
Cloning and expression of the human t-type channel cav3.3: insights into prepulse facilitation

The full-length human Ca(v)3.3 (alpha(1I)) T-type channel was cloned, and found to be longer than previously reported. Comparison of the cDNA sequence to the human genomic sequence indicates the presence of an additional 4-kb exon that adds 214 amino acids to the carboxyl terminus and encodes the 3' untranslated region. The electrophysiological properties of the full-length channel were studied after transient transfection into 293 human embryonic kidney cells using 5 mM Ca(2+) as charge carrier. From a holding potential of -100 mV, step depolarizations elicited inward currents with an apparent threshold of -70 mV, a peak of -30 mV, and reversed at +40 mV. The kinetics of channel activation, inactivation, deactivation, and recovery from inactivation were very similar to those reported previously for rat Ca(v)3.3. Similar voltage-dependent gating and kinetics were found for truncated versions of human Ca(v)3.3, which lack either 118 or 288 of the 490 amino acids that compose the carboxyl terminus. A major difference between these constructs was that the full-length isoform generated twofold more current. These results suggest that sequences in the distal portion of Ca(v)3.3 play a role in channel expression. Studies on the voltage-dependence of activation revealed that a fraction of channels did not gate as low voltage-activated channels, requiring stronger depolarizations to open. A strong depolarizing prepulse (+100 mV, 200 ms) increased the fraction of channels that gated at low voltages. In contrast, human Ca(v)3.3 isoforms with shorter carboxyl termini were less affected by a prepulse. Therefore, Ca(v)3.3 is similar to high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels in that depolarizing prepulses can regulate their activity, and their carboxy termini play a role in modulating channel activity.
Isolated periodic solutions of the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.

Periodic solutions of the current clamped Hodgkin-Huxley equations (Hodgkin & Huxley, 1952 J. Physiol. 117, 500) that arise by degenerate Hopf bifurcation were studied recently by Labouriau (1985 SIAM J. Math. Anal. 16, 1121, 1987 Degenerate Hopf Bifurcation and Nerve Impulse (Part II), in press). Two parameters, temperature T and sodium conductance gNa were varied from the original values obtained by Hodgkin & Huxley. Labouriau's work proved the existence of small amplitude periodic solution branches that do not connect locally to the stationary solution branch, and had not been previously computed. In this paper we compute these solution branches globally. We find families of isolas of periodic solutions (i.e. branches not connected to the stationary branch). For values of gNa in the range measured by Hodgkin & Huxley, and for physically reasonable temperatures, there are isolas containing orbitally asymptotically stable solutions. The presence of isolas of periodic solutions suggests that in certain current space clamped membrane experiments, action potentials could be observed even though the stationary state is stable for all current stimuli. Once produced, such action potentials will disappear suddenly if the current stimulus is either increased or decreased past certain values. Under some conditions, "jumping" between action potentials of different amplitudes might be observed.
Optimality conditions and duality for a class of continuous-time generalized fractional programming problems

Abstract In this paper, we present necessary optimality conditions and sufficient optimality conditions, and weak, strong, and converse duality theorems for a class of continuous-time generalized fractional programming problems with nonlinear operator inequality and linear operator equality constraints. The primal and dual problems considered in this paper contain, as special cases, the continuous-time analogues of various primal-dual pairs of similar problems previously studied in the areas of finite-dimensional linear, quadratic, and nonlinear programming.
Cochlear nucleus neurons redistribute synaptic AMPA and glycine receptors in response to monaural conductive hearing loss

Neurons restore their function in response to external or internal perturbations and maintain neuronal or network stability through a homeostatic scaling mechanism. Homeostatic responses at synapses along the auditory system would be important for adaptation to normal and abnormal fluctuations in the sensory environment. We investigated at the electron microscopic level and after postembedding immunogold labeling whether projection neurons in the cochlear nucleus responded to modifications of auditory nerve activity. After unilaterally reducing the level of auditory inputs by approximately 20 dB by monaural earplugging, auditory nerve synapses on bushy cells somata and basal dendrites of fusiform cells of the ventral and dorsal cochlear nucleus, respectively, upregulated GluR3 AMPA receptor subunit, while inhibitory synapses decreased the expression of GlyRalpha1 subunit. These changes in expression levels were fully reversible once the earplug was removed, indicating that activity affects the trafficking of receptors at synapses. Excitatory synapses on apical dendrites of fusiform cells (parallel fibers) with different synaptic AMPA receptor subunit composition, were not affected by sound attenuation, as the expression levels of AMPA receptor subunits were the same as in normal hearing littermates. GlyRalpha1 subunit expression at inhibitory synapses on apical dendrites of fusiform cells was also found unaffected. Furthermore, fusiform and bushy cells of the contralateral side to the earplugging upregulated the GluR3 subunit at auditory nerve synapses. These results show that cochlear nucleus neurons innervated by the auditory nerve, are able to respond to small changes in sound levels by redistributing specific AMPA and glycine receptor subunits.
Simulation of spin MOSFETs

The development of spin MOSFETs has been stymied by low values of magnetoresistance (MR) measured in experiments. Simulation studies have largely focused on diffusion driven or ballistic transport in the semiconductor and a simplistic treatment of spin injecting contacts. Here we demonstrate a novel framework to simulate spin injection and spin transport in semiconductors in the drift-diffusion regime and a tunneling based model for spin injecting contacts thereby enabling simulation and optimization of experimental devices.
N6 - (Δ2 - Isopentenyl) Adenosine: Biosynthesis in vitro in transfer RNA by an enzyme purified from Eschericha coli

Abstract An enzyme has been partially purified from Escherichia coli which catalyzes in vitro the transfer of the Δ 2 -isopentenyl group from Δ 2 -isopentenyl pyrophosphate to an adenosine residue in Mycoplasma sp. (Kid) tRNA. The product of the reaction is N 6 -(Δ 2 -isopentenyl) adenosine, which is known to be absent in this Mycoplasma tRNA. The enzyme has an approximate molecular weight of 55,000 daltons, requires reduced sulfhydryl groups and a divalent metal ion for full activity, and is specific for tRNA.
Failure of osmoregulation with apparent potassium intoxication in marine teleosts: A primary toxic effect of copper☆

Abstract Four sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus , weighing 665–980 g were exposed to toxic concentrations (8.5 p.p.m.) of cupric ion (copper) in sea water. Five stages of intoxication of increasing severity, based on behavior and posture, were designated as follows: lethargy; indifference; incoordination; moribundity; death. Serum, gills, liver, and kidneys were taken from fish at different stages of intoxication for examination. Kidneys were congested and swollen, the kidney wt/body wt index increasing up to 13.5 standard deviations (S.D.) over the mean control value. Gill lamellae from copper-poisoned fish were blunt and thickened, capillaries congested, and mucous cells dilated. Livers were similar to controls. Twenty-two clinical values were examined but only serum electrolytes and uric acid levels, liver and gill copper concentrations, kidney weights, and respiratory rates increased in poisoned fish by more than 5 S.D. over mean control values and correlated with the different stages of intoxication. Increased serum potassium, inorganic phosphate, and total intracellular ion values gave highest correlations with severity of intoxication. Potassium levels reached values considered lethal for mammals, and it was concluded that the intoxication following copper poisoning was a potassium intoxication caused primarily by cell damage and failure of osmoregulation by the gills and kidneys.
Ultra-high-strain-rate shearing and deformation twinning in nanocrystalline aluminum

Nanocrystalline aluminum films with grain sizes of 50–100 nm were made through E-beam evaporation. The films were then subjected to high-rate shearing deformations with strain rates of 105–106 s−1, with local shear stresses of the order of 10 GPa. The experimental configuration is that of a compression–torsion Kolsky bar, where the specimen is a thin film (thickness 200 nm) mounted on a silicon wafer ring. Strain rates during the shearing are determined from the measured torsional waves in the bars. Site-specific TEM samples are prepared using focused ion beam micromachining to investigate the regions of large plastic deformation. Deformation twins and stacking faults are found to develop under the high-strain-rate shearing. The formation of twinning in pure aluminum with comparatively large grain sizes and the high-strain-rate promotion of twinning are discussed, and possible mechanisms are considered.
CATALYTIC PRODUCTION OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR FROM THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF H2S IN THE PRESENCE OF CO2

Abstract The feasibility of using a cobalt-molybdenum (Co-Mo) sulfide catalyst that was prepared from a commercial Co-Mo oxide catalyst for the production of elemental sulfur from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a packed bed catalytic reactor was studied. It was demonstrated that the desired sulfide catalyst could be prepared by first reducing, then sulphiding the corresponding oxide. The results showed that the prepared catalyst was capable of producing elemental sulfur from the thermal decomposition of H2S in the presence of CO2 over a temperature range of 465–700°C and at atmospheric pressure. A specific rate coefficient was calculated as well as the Arrhenius parameters for the non-equilibrated reaction. The H2S decomposition reaction was found to be a second order reaction and have an activation energy of 114.4kJ/mol(27.3kcal/mol).
Self-assembly micro optical filter

Optical communication and sensor industry face critical challenges in manufacturing for system integration. Due to the assembly complexity and integration platform variety, micro optical components require costly alignment and assembly procedures, in which many required manual efforts. Consequently, self-assembly device architectures have become a great interest and could provide major advantages over the conventional optical devices. In this paper, we discussed a self-assembly integration platform for micro optical components. To demonstrate the adaptability and flexibility of the proposed optical device architectures, we chose a commercially available MEMS fabrication foundry service - MUMPs (Multi-User MEMS Process). In this work, polysilicon layers of MUMPS are used as the 3-D structural material for construction of micro component framework and actuators. However, because the polysilicon has high absorption in the visible and near infrared wavelength ranges, it is not suitable for optical interaction. To demonstrate the required optical performance, hybrid integration of materials was proposed and implemented. Organic compound materials were applied on the silicon-based framework to form the required optical interfaces. Organic compounds provide good optical transparency, flexibility to form filters or lens and inexpensive manufacturing procedures. In this paper, we have demonstrated a micro optical filter integrated with self-assembly structures. We will discuss the self-assembly mechanism, optical filter designs, fabrication issues and results.
Hypnotherapy of a child with warts

Hypnosis was used to treat a 7-year-old female with 82 common warts. The lesions had been present for 12-18 months and were refractory to routine dermatologic treatment. Hypnotic suggestions were given for the facial warts to disappear before warts from the rest of the body. After 2 weeks, eight of 16 facial warts were gone, with no other changes. After three additional biweekly sessions, all 82 warts were gone. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of systematic wart removal in children. Discussion focuses on the relationship between psychological mechanisms and the immune system.
Preautonomic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus contain estrogen receptor β

Central actions of estrogen (E2) include, among others, modulation of autonomic and cardiovascular function. Despite the well-known influence of sex steroid hormones on the incidence of cardiovascular disorders, little is known about the neural substrates and receptors mediating central E2 actions on autonomic function. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is an important site for the integration of neuroendocrine and autonomic function. Interestingly, while this region was originally found to lack the classical ERalpha receptor, recent studies demonstrated a high degree of expression of the ERbeta subtype. To determine specifically whether autonomic-related neurons in the PVN express ERbeta, thus constituting a neuronal substrate for central E2 actions on autonomic function, we carried out an immunohistochemical study of ERbeta expression in a subpopulation of PVN neurons that innervate the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). ERbeta immunostained neurons were found in medial and caudal aspects of the PVN, overlapping with the distribution of RVLM-projecting neurons. Overall, approximately 50% of RVLM-projecting PVN neurons expressed ERbeta immunoreactivity. Interestingly, the degree of colocalization was found to be sex-dependent (higher expression in males), and varied according to the topographical distribution of neurons within the PVN. ERbeta immunoreactivity was also observed in magnocellular compartments of the PVN, although this appeared to be consistently weaker than that observed in autonomic-related subnuclei. These studies demonstrate for the first time ERbeta expression in identified autonomic-related neurons in the PVN, and suggest that these neurons constitute an important neuronal substrate mediating E2 actions on autonomic and cardiovascular control.
TNM staging of testis cancer.

Abstract Of one-thousand patients with testicular cancer treated mainly at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1949 to 1974, 304 patients with pure seminoma and 659 patients with either embryonal carcinoma (329), teratocarcinoma (310) or pure choriocarcinoma (20), were staged clinicopathologically according to the TNM Classification. Paratesticular structures were involved (T 2–4 ) in 7% of all germinomas; para-aortic lymph nodes (N 1–3 ) in 15% of seminomas and 31 % of carcinomas; juxtaregional lymph nodes (N 4 ) in 6% of seminomas and 8% of carcinomas; and distant organs (M 1 ) in 4% of seminomas and 23% of carcinomas. Five year survivals were 80% in T 1 and 77% in t 2–4 pure seminomas, and 46% in T 1 and 34% in T 2–4 germinal carcinomas. The 5-year survival rates in pure seminoma versus germinal carcinomas, were 88% versus 76% in N 0 M 0 64% versus 36% in N 1–3 , 53% versus 30% in N 4 , and 27% versus 11% in M 1 tumors. Cancer recurrence in 5 or more years was 28% in T 1 and 18% in T 2–4 pure semnomas, and 58% in T 1 and 70% in T 2–4 germinal carcinomas. The recurrence rates in pure seminoma versus germinal carcinomas, were 17% versus 29% in N 0 M 0 55% versus 67% in N 1–3 , 53% versus 74% in N 4 , and identically 91% in M 1 tumors.
The role of taste in food selection by African apes: implications for niche separation and overlap in tropical forests

Ripe fruit eating shapes the behavior of most of the apes. Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are very different sizes and, consequently, have been traditionally viewed as ecologically distinct, but few studies have explored the behavioral and physiological foundations of their diets. Debate continues on the extent that large-bodied gorillas may be less selective and more opportunistic fruit eaters than chimpanzees. Taste responses have been predicted to relate to body size and digestive strategies. This study employs laboratory research on taste perception and discrimination among captive zoo-housed chimpanzees and relates it to previous work on gorillas to better characterize diets and niche separation among these apes. During the captive trials, differences were recorded in consumption patterns of water and varying concentrations of dilute aqueous fructose (sweet) and tannic acid solutions (astringent), compounds commonly found in wild foods. The chimpanzees exhibited similar preference thresholds for fructose (50 mM) to other primates studied. They exhibited slightly lower inhibition thresholds for tannic acid solutions than gorillas, but higher than smaller primates studied to date. These preliminary findings suggest that tannin tolerance may well be mediated by body size, though possible species differences in salivary proteins or other sensory differences remain to be explored. This research furthers our efforts to understand the roles of body size and physiological adaptations in shaping diet and niche separation of chimpanzees and gorillas.
Reliability of pattern separation by the cerebellar mossy fiber--granule cell system.

As a simple example of a neuronal network in which synaptic connectivity among neurons is probabilistic, Marr's model for the granular layer of cat cerebellar cortex is examined. The mean and variance are computed for the fraction of granule cells activated, and for the extent of pattern separation by granule cells, for various mossy fiber inputs and various values of connectivity and electrical parameters of the network structure. Results suggest different functions for the network, and different optimal ranges for its parameters, depending on whether Golgi cells are present or absent. The model network does not perform the functions originally prescribed for it with high reliability.
Overexpression of glycogen synthase in mouse muscle results in less branched glycogen

Glycogen, a branched polymer of glucose, serves as an energy reserve in many organisms. The degree of branching likely reflects the balance between the activities of glycogen synthase and branching enzyme. Mice overexpressing constitutively active glycogen synthase in skeletal muscle (GSL30) have elevated muscle glycogen. To test whether excess glycogen synthase activity affected glycogen branching, we examined the glycogen from skeletal muscle of GSL30 mice. The absorption spectrum of muscle glycogen determined in the presence of iodine was shifted to higher wavelengths in the GSL30 animals, consistent with a decrease in the degree of branching. As judged by Western blotting, the levels of glycogenin and the branching enzyme were also elevated. Branching enzyme activity also increased approximately threefold. However, this compared with an increase in glycogen synthase of some 50-fold, so that the increase in branching enzyme in response to overexpression of glycogen synthase was insufficient to synthesize normally branched glycogen.
Optimizing the Transmission Line Cost of a Fault Tolerance Network to Promote Green Power Usage

Abstract Green power is clean without pollution, such as solar and wind power. It has become a resolution to supplement the deficiency of today's high cost/danger energy resources. A challenge is to integrate these distributed resources into the power grid. The high cost and voltage drop of running long transmission lines motivate the way to minimize the length by serializing their connections to load centers. This introduces a risk that the loss of a transmission line section can disconnect multiple green power resources. Our previous study proposed an idea of a fault tolerance network, in which every power resource has at least two independent connections to the load centers. Preliminary studies showed that fault tolerance can be achieved with reasonable extra transmission line expenses. The objective of this paper is to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm to identify possible Steiner points into the network. The new network intends to further reduce the cost without compromising the reliability.
Determination of thermal diffusion coefficient and diffusion coefficient

Abstract A new technique is described to determine the thermal diffusion coefficient, D', and the difusion, D, of Fe, Si and Al in liquid Mg. This technique is based on a boundary condition, formulated by including contributions of temperature and cocentration gradients in the liquid to the advancing solid-liquid interface during unidirectional solidification of a binary alloy. The determined values of D'Fe, D'Si and D'Al are 5.57 × 10-6, 7.35 × 10-6 and 3.64 × 10-6 cm/sec °C and DFe and DSi are 1.9 × 10-5 and 1.5 × 10-5 cm2/sec, respectively.
Effects Of Posture On Back Strength And Lifting Capacity

The Bureau of Mines performed a pilot study examining the effects of posture on back strength and Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift (MAWL) on six healthy male subjects (M = 32 years ± 4 SD). Six back strength measurements (3 static and 3 dynamic) were made while the subjects were kneeling and standing. In addition, these subjects (who were unaccustomed to lifting in these postures) volunteered to participate in a study of psychophysically determined MAWL in both postures. Results of the back strength tests showed a significantly lower peak torque per body weight output in kneeling versus standing back strength measurements for five out of six test comparisons (p < .05). Subjective estimates of lifting capacity in the kneeling posture were significantly lower than those for the stooped posture (p < .05). The results of tests of back strength and lifting capacity in these two postures provide useful information to consider in determining the physiological and psychophysical stresses imposed by these work po...
In utero programming of metabolic dysregulation: Focus on CNS mechanisms.

We have used a model of restricted maternal nutrition (8% protein) in mice to examine the consequences for feeding and metabolism in the offspring. Dams are maintained on control or low-protein diets throughout breeding and lactation. At weaning, pups are divided into groups that are fed either control or high fat (60%) diets. Food and water intake, metabolic rate and activity were monitored for 6 months. Animals from low protein pregnancies weighed significantly less at weaning, and had a significantly greater rate of weight gain. Additionally, animals from low protein pregnancies were hyperphagic and hypermetabolic. These effects were influenced by the weaning diet. Differences in hypothalamic levels of protein and mRNA levels of NPY and melanocortin peptides will be presented. Additionally, pilot data show that low birth weight animals have an altered stress response. Animals from the maternal low protein pregnancies had significantly fewer Fos-ir+ cells in the PVH in response to a 30 min restraint stress as compared to animals from control pregnancies. These phenotypic findings will be discussed in the context of the potential long term consequence for health and disease.
Morphology, surface markers, and in vitro responses of a human leukemic T cell.

Abstract The peripheral blood lymphocytes of a patient with clinically diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia were studied morphologically and functionally. They appeared to be classical small lymphocytes with no features of Sezary cells. Only 1% of the cells stained positively with fluorescent anti Ig sera or with aggregated Ig, and 5% formed rosettes with sheep erythrocytes coated with antibody and human complement (EAC). On the other hand, 95% of the lymphocytes formed spontaneous rosettes with sheep erythrocytes, and 95% or greater were killed by antiserum raised to T lymphocytes. The proliferative responses also indicated that these cells reacted as T cells. It is interesting that while the cells from this patient stimulated very well in a mixed lymphocyte reaction, they were not stimulated by the lymphocytes of three individuals. Our results indicate that this is a T cell leukemia, and the results of the MLR seem to point that the cell proliferates as a clone.
Ionization phase-match gating for wavelength-tunable isolated attosecond pulse generation

High-order harmonic emission can be confined to the leading edge of an 800 nm driver laser pulse under moderately intense focusing conditions (7×1014 W/cm2) (Pfeifer et al. in Opt. Express 15:17120, 2007). Here, the experimentally observed curtailment of harmonic production on the leading edge of the driver pulse is shown to be controlled by an ionization-induced phase-matching condition. The transient plasma density inherent to the process of high-harmonic generation terminates the harmonic emission by an ultrafast loss of phase matching on the leading edge of the laser pulse. The analysis is supported by a reconstruction of the in situ intensity envelope of the driver pulse with attosecond temporal resolution, performed by measurements of the carrier-envelope phase dependence of individual half-cycle harmonic cutoffs. The method opens the way to wavelength-tunable isolated attosecond pulse generation.