cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Regulation of Metabolic Pathways by S-nitrosation in Endothelial Cells

Figure 6: Regulation of bioenergetics by S-nitrosothiols. Both glycolytic enzymes and components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain have been reported to be targets of S-nitrosation. Our data indicate that inhibition of mitochondrial function by CysNO occurs through both intracellular S-nitrosation and the release of NO from S-nitrosthiols. Differential regulation of metabolic pathways by S-nitrosation in endothelial cells
Economic Impact of a Recreational Striped Bass Fishery

AbstractStriped Bass Morone saxatilis are stocked in numerous southeastern U.S. reservoirs to enhance angling opportunities. Many of these reservoirs are near rural communities, where expenditures by anglers provide economic benefits. This study estimated the value of the recreational Striped Bass fishery at Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama, to the local counties surrounding the lake and the state of Alabama using surveys that collected information on angler expenditures; further, we calculated generated tax revenues and estimated the demand and consumer surplus for the fishery. Annual Striped Bass angler effort represented 23% of the total effort with 53,000 h (SE, 3,800 h) or approximately 10,200 trips. Catch and harvest effort for Striped Bass anglers was 0.40 fish/h and 0.18 fish/h, respectively. Annual aggregated expenditures by Striped Bass anglers were US$0.7 million, with 84% of expenditures occurring within the local counties. A cost-benefit analysis determined that for every $1 spent in stocking costs,...
INVESTIGATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAIN-BOUNDARY STRUCTURES IN OXIDES THROUGH MULTIPLE-SCATTERING ANALYSIS OF SPATIALLY RESOLVED ELECTRON-ENERGY-LOSS SPECTRA

Grain boundaries in oxide materials such as electroceramics, ferroelectrics, and high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors are known to dominate their overall bulk properties. The critical first step in a fundamental understanding of how they control the properties of the material is a determination of the atomic structure of the boundary. While this determination has traditionally been performed by transmission-electron microscopy, the images that are generated are only a two-dimensional projection of the atomic columns in the grain-boundary core. In addition, as the images are least sensitive to light elements, such as oxygen, the complete three-dimensional boundary structure is particularly difficult to determine. Employing electron-energy-loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission-electron microscope, it is possible to obtain an oxygen K-edge spectrum that contains information on the three-dimensional electronic structure of the boundary. Using the multiple-scattering methodology, originally developed for x-ray absorption near-edge structure, this can be directly related to the local three-dimensional atomic structure. Contained in the spectrum is therefore all of the information needed to investigate the atomic scale structure-property relationships at grain boundaries. The application of the technique is demonstrated here for the 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} [001] symmetric tilt boundary in ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}.$
Oligothiophene Derivatives Functionalized with a Diketopyrrolopyrrolo Core for Solution-Processed Field Effect Transistors: Effect of Alkyl Substituents and Thermal Annealing

Two new oligothiophene derivatives bearing a diketopyrrolopyrrole core, 2,5-di-n-hexyl-3,6-bis(5′′-n-hexyl[2,2′;5′,2′′]terthiophen-5-yl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione (DHT6DPPC6) and 2,5-di-n-dodecyl-3,6-bis(5′′-n-hexyl[2,2′;5′,2′′]terthiophen-5-yl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione (DHT6DPPC12), and their use in solution-processed organic field effect transistors are reported. Depending on the type of alkyl substituent and film annealing temperature, the crystal grain sizes and interlayer spacing vary as observed using atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffractometry, respectively. These changes in film morphology and interlayer spacing lead to an order of magnitude difference in the field effect mobilities. The field effect mobilities for annealed DHT6DPPC6 and DHT6DPPC12 films are 0.02 and 0.01 cm2/V s, respectively.
Inhibition of Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) Induces Resistance to Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-Induced Colitis in Mice

VIP is highly expressed in the colon and regulates motility, vasodilatation, and sphincter relaxation. However, its role in the development and progress of colitis is still controversial. Our aim was to determine the participation of VIP on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colonic mucosal inflammation using VIP−/− and WT mice treated with VIP antagonists. Colitis was induced in 32 adult VIP−/− and 14 age-matched WT litter-mates by giving 2.5 % DSS in the drinking water. DSS-treated WT mice were injected daily with VIP antagonists, VIPHyb (n = 22), PG 97–269 (n = 9), or vehicle (n = 31). After euthanasia, colons were examined; colonic cytokines mRNA were quantified. VIP−/− mice were remarkably resistant to DSS-induced colitis compared to WT. Similarly, DSS-treated WT mice injected with VIPHyb (1 μM) or PG 97–269 (1 nM) had significantly reduced clinical signs of colitis. Furthermore, colonic expression of IL-1ϐ, TNF-α, and IL-6 was significantly lower in VIP−/− and VIPHyb or PG 97–269 compared to vehicle-treated WT. Genetic deletion of VIP or pharmacological inhibition of VIP receptors resulted in resistance to colitis. These data demonstrate a pro-inflammatory role for VIP in murine colitis and suggest that VIP antagonists may be an effective clinical treatment for human inflammatory bowel diseases.
Unwrapping the origins and roles of the renal endothelium

The renal vasculature, like all vessels, is lined by a thin layer of simple squamous epithelial cells called an endothelium. These endothelial-lined vessels can be subdivided into four major compartments: arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatics. The renal vasculature is a highly integrated network that forms through the active processes of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Determination of the precise contribution of these two processes and of the molecular signaling that governs the differentiation, specification and maturation of these critical cell populations is the focus of an actively evolving field of research. Although much of the focus has concentrated on the origin of the glomerular capillaries, in this review we extend the investigation to the origins of the endothelial cells throughout the entire kidney and the signaling events that cause their distinct functional and molecular profiles. A thorough understanding of endothelial cell biology may play a critical role in a better understanding of renal vascular diseases.
On the Sensitivity of the Kramers-Kronig Relations to Nonlinear Effects in Impedance Measurements

The Kramers-Kronig relations, which strictly apply for systems that are linear, stable, and causal, provide an essential tool for assessing the internal consistency of impedance data. The Kramers-Kronig relations are understood to be sensitive to failures of causality, but insensitive to failures of linearity. Numerical simulations were performed to explore the conditions under which the Kramers-Kronig relations are sensitive to nonlinear behavior of electrochemical systems. A characteristic frequency was identified below which the Kramers-Kronig relations are satisfied, even for very nonlinear systems. This result is observed for systems with a small ohmic resistance. The Kramers-Kronig relations are not satisfied for measurements which include the characteristic frequency. For systems with a large ohmic resistance, the Kramers-Kronig relations may provide a better tool for assessing the presence of nonlinear behavior as compared to analysis of low frequency Lissajous plots.
Ocean Bottom Photography from A Deep Towed Camera System

A towed deep ocean photographic system in continuous use and development at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has produced well over 100,000 bottom photographs. Details of this system, including the arrangement of lights and cameras, the use of longer ranged sensors to regulate camera operation, and the shipboard processing techniques, are described. Some proposed future improvements in the system are also presented.
Inhibition of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cellular invasiveness by blebbistatin: a novel myosin II inhibitor

Blebbistatin is a novel 1-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinone derivative capable of inhibiting non-muscle myosin II activity with a high degree of specificity. We examined the effects of blebbistatin on pancreatic adenocarcinoma cellular migration, invasion, adhesion, and spreading. Blebbistatin dose-dependently inhibited cellular migration and invasiveness, quantified by modified Boyden chamber assay. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 activities were unaffected by blebbistatin and cellular proliferation was inhibited only by concentrations of blebbistatin exceeding those required to inhibit myosin II activity and to interfere with migration and invasion. While blebbistatin treatment did not affect cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix component fibronectin, it markedly impaired cell spreading on this substrate. Cell surface expression of the archetypal fibronectin receptor (alpha(5)beta(1) integrin) was unaffected by blebbistatin. Our observations illustrate the critical role of non-muscle myosin II in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cellular invasiveness and extracellular matrix interaction and suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting myosin II warrant further investigation.
The phylogenetic problem of Huia (Amphibia: Ranidae).

A taxonomic consensus for the diverse and pan-global frog family Ranidae is lacking. A recently proposed classification of living amphibians [Frost, D.R., Grant, T., Faivovich, J., Bain, R. H., Haas, A., Haddad, C.F.B., de Sa, R.O., Channing, A., Wilkinson, M., Donnellan, S.C., Raxworthy, C.J., Campbell, J.A., Blotto, B.L., Moler, P., Drewes, R.C., Nussbaum, R.A., Lynch, J.D., Green, D.M., Wheeler, W.C., 2006. The amphibian tree of life. B. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 297, 1-370] included expansion of the Southeast Asian ranid frog genus Huia from seven to 47 species, but without having studied the type species of Huia. This study tested the monophyly of this concept of Huia by sampling the type species and putative members of Huia. Molecular phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered the type species H. cavitympanum as the sister taxon to other Bornean-endemic species in the genus Meristogenys, rendering all previously published concepts of Huia as polyphyletic. Members of Huia sensu [Frost, D.R., Grant, T., Faivovich, J., Bain, R. H., Haas, A., Haddad, C.F.B., de Sa, R.O., Channing, A., Wilkinson, M., Donnellan, S.C., Raxworthy, C.J., Campbell, J.A., Blotto, B.L., Moler, P., Drewes, R.C., Nussbaum, R.A., Lynch, J.D., Green, D.M., Wheeler, W.C., 2006. The amphibian tree of life. B. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 297, 1-370.] appear in four places within the family Ranidae. A clade containing the type species of Odorrana is phylogenetically unrelated to the type species of Huia, and Odorrana is removed from synonymy with Huia. These findings underscore the need to include relevant type species in phylogenetic studies before proposing sweeping taxonomic changes. The molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed a high degree of homoplasy in larval and adult morphology of Asian ranid frogs. Detailed studies are needed to identify morphological synapomorphies that unite members in these major clades of ranid frogs.
The Roles of Salt Concentration and Cation Charge in Collisions of Ar and DCl with Salty Glycerol Solutions of NaI and CaI2

Gas−liquid scattering experiments are used to investigate the roles of ion concentration and ion charge in reactions of DCl with glycerol containing dissolved NaI and CaI2. Previous studies show that DCl molecules follow one of three pathways upon adsorption at the surface of pure glycerol: immediate desorption of DCl back into the gas phase, near-interfacial DCl → HCl exchange, and longtime solvation and dissociation. The electrolytes NaI and CaI2 enhance immediate DCl desorption and D → H exchange at the expense of bulk solvation. We find that these enhancements rise linearly from 1.2 to 3.9 M NaI (5.5 to 1.4 glycerol molecules per ion), suggesting that the limited solvation of Na+ and I- and greater ion−ion association at higher concentrations do not abruptly change or reverse trends in these pathways. DCl desorption and D → H exchange are equally enhanced by 0.7 M CaI2 and 1.2 M NaI (nearly equal I- concentrations), but 1.3 M CaI2 is twice as effective as 2.6 M NaI. This departure may be driven by th...
Interpersonal perception and personality disorders: Utilization of a thin slice approach

Abstract Study 1 expands upon previous research by looking at the ability of untrained raters to detect pathological traits within a normal population of college students. In Study 1, 30-s video clips of 81 target persons were shown to 42 raters. Ratings of traits of personality disorders made by thin slice raters reliably predicted scores on the personality pathology measures obtained from the targets themselves and from close peers. Study 2 is a preliminary examination of how pathological rater traits impacts thin slice accuracy. In Study 2, peer and self-report data were examined regarding 87 thin slice raters. Raters who exhibited traits of narcissistic personality disorder were significantly less accurate in making personality predictions regarding targets. Three clusters of personality items were identified based on rater characteristics related to accuracy in predicting behavior.
Plasma instabilities of a finite-radius electron beam in a uniform plasma

To study electromagnetic radiation induced by electronn beam injection from the Space Shuttle, the electromagnetic dispersion equation or a finite-radius cold electron beam in a neutralizing background was solved numerically. The numerical solutions indicate that a keV electron beam can drive the beam and whistler modes unstable, regardless of whether the beam is homogeneous or has a finite radius. The results obtained were applied to explain the whistler waves radiated from the keV electron beam injected from Spacelab 2.
The integrin αMβ2 anchors hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow during enforced mobilization

The sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan can rapidly mobilize hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and long-term repopulating stem cells from the bone marrow (BM) to the circulation. While searching for mechanisms involved in this phenomenon we found that BM myeloid cells bound to fucoidan through the integrin αMβ2 (macrophage antigen-1 [Mac-1]) and L-selectin resulting in αMβ2-independent release of neutrophil elastase, but inhibition of elastase activity did not impair fucoidan-induced mobilization. Mobilization of HPCs by fucoidan was enhanced in animals deficient in αM (αM–/–) compared with wild-type (αM+/+) animals and higher plasma levels of the chemokine CXCL12/stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) were achieved in αM–/– mice by fucoidan treatment. However, in chimeric animals harboring αM+/+ and αM–/– HPCs in the BM, αM–/– HPCs were preferentially mobilized by fucoidan, suggesting that the enhanced mobilization is cell intrinsic and does not result from altered microenvironment. Suboptimal doses of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or cyclophosphamide (CY) also resulted in enhanced HPC mobilization in αM–/– mice compared with αM+/+ controls, but this difference was overcome when standard doses of G-CSF or CY were administered. Taken together, these data suggest that the integrin αMβ2 participates in the retention of HPCs in the BM.
Fatigue-crack growth behavior in the superelastic and shape-memory alloy nitinol

This article presents a study of fatigue-crack propagation behavior in Nitinol, a 50Ni-50Ti (at. pct) superelastic/shape-memory alloy, with particular emphasis on the effect of the stress-induced martensitic transformation on crack-growth resistance. Specifically, fatigue-crack growth was characterized in stable austenite (at 120 °C), superelastic austenite (at 37 °C), and martensite (at −65 °C and − 196 °C). In general, fatigue-crack growth resistance was found to increase with decreasing temperature, such that fatigue thresholds were higher and crack-growth rates slower in martensite compared to stable austenite and superelastic austenite. Of note was the observation that the stress-induced transformation of the superelastic austenite structure, which occurs readily at 37 °C during uniaxial tensile testing, could be suppressed during fatigue-crack propagation by the tensile hydrostatic stress state ahead of a crack tip in plane strain; this effect, however, was not seen in thinner specimens, where the constraint was relaxed due to prevailing plane-stress conditions.
Predicting yield responses to different greenhouse CO2 enrichment schemes: cucumbers and tomatoes

Abstract Data from six years of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) enrichment studies at North Carolina State University were analyzed in an attempt to develop predictive relationships for plant responses to different enrichment schemes and CO 2 levels (600–5000 μl l −1 ). Cucumbers ( Cucumis sativus L.) and tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were enriched using: (i) closed-loop cooling to extend enrichment periods beyond that generally practicable and (ii) elevated CO 2 levels to compensate for short enrichment times normally encountered in conventional enrichment. Yields of nine cultivars of cucumber and seven of tomato, from both ground bed and bag culture, were regressed against solar energy, number of enrichment hours, fractional enrichment time, CO 2 set point concentration (i.e., target concentration), and actual daily CO 2 concentration. Absolute yields for cucumber were found to be strongly related to the solar energy received and, to a lesser degree, the number of enrichment hours. CO 2 concentration, either set point or actual, was significant only when included in quadratic form. The relationship developed suggests that the optimum concentration is inversely related to the length of the enrichment period and that the product of the number of enrichment hours and the set point concentration should equal 14 400 μl h l −1 . Absolute yields for tomato were also highly dependent upon solar energy, and to a lesser degree, either actual CO 2 concentration, number of enrichment hours, or fractional enrichment time. Weight gain advantages for cucumber were found to be a linear function of fractional enrichment time (enrichment time divided by solar daylength), reaching a maximum value of 54% when continuously enriched during daylight hours. Weight gain advantages for tomato were found to be a non-linear function of fractional enrichment time with values of fractional enrichment time less than 0.5 producing little or no gain.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of ferric uptake regulator from Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense.

Magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria have been widely used in studies of magnetic domains and in commercial applications. The iron content of magnetotactic bacteria is ∼100 times higher than that of Escherichia coli. Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 can still take up iron even at high intracellular concentrations. Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) is a global iron-responsive regulator that affects magnetosome formation, iron transport and oxygen metabolism. However, the mechanism of iron uptake and homeostasis by M. gryphiswaldense MSR-1 Fur is not clear. Here, the expression, purification and crystallization of apo and SeMet Fur from M. gryphiswaldense MSR-1 are reported. The crystals belonged to space group C2. Matthews coefficient analysis and size-exclusion chromatography showed that the asymmetric unit probably contains one dimer of Fur. Diffraction data were optimized to 1.58 A resolution for apo Fur and to 1.9 A resolution for SeMet Fur.
Empirical examination of the threshold model of neuron firing

An elementary model of neuronal activity involves temporal and spatial summation of postsynaptic currents that are elicited by presynaptic spikes and that, in turn, elicit postsynaptic potentials at a trigger zone; when the potential at the trigger zone exceeds a "threshold" level, a postsynaptic spike is generated. This paper describes three methods of estimating the "summation function", that is, the function of time that converts the synaptic current into potential at the trigger zone: namely, maximum likelihood, cross-correlation analysis and cross-spectral analysis. All three methods, when applied to input-output data collected on various neurons of Aplysia californica, give comparable results. As estimated, the summation function involved in the explored cells has an early positive-going swing that is large and brief. In the cell L5, but not in R2, there was also a late negative-going swing of longer duration.
Gravimetrische Bestimmung der Gassorption mit Hilfe einer elektronischen Mikrowaage

Fur die gravimetrische Sorptionsmessung, bei der Druck und Sorbatmenge unabhangig voneinander ermittelt werden (die Sorbatmenge durch Wagung), wurde eine einfach zu handhabende Vakuumapparatur entwickelt. Unter Verwendung einer elektronischen Mikrowaage nach Gast last sich mit der Apparatur die Sorption von Gasen und Dampfen bei Drucken zwischen 10−5 Torr und 1 at messen und der Verlauf ganzer Sorptionsisothermen mit gleichbleibender Genauigkeit aufnehmen. Die untere Grenze der Oberflache einer Sorbenseinwaage fur die Oberflachenbestimmung nach der BET-Methode liegt bei etwa 100 cm2. Es wurde die Adsorption von Stickstoff und Krypton an Aluminium-Folie und -Pulver sowie an Aluminiumoxyd und an Glaskugeln gemessen, um die Ergebnisse der BET-Oberflachenbestimmung mit ausgemessenen geometrischen Oberflachenwerten zu vergleichen sowie um die Flachenbeanspruchung eines Krypton-Atoms und die Porenradienverteilung aus Desorptionsothermen zu bestimmen. Auserdem wurde die Auswirkung verschiedener Oberflachenbeschaffenheiten auf die Form der Isothermon bei Aluminium untersucht.
Grain size effect on twin density in as-deposited nanocrystalline Cu film

Here, we report the formation of twins and grain size dependence of twin density in nanocrystalline (NC) copper films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. It is found that the percentage of grains containing twins decreases with decreasing grain size in the grain size range of 2–10 nm. Surprisingly, although the twins were formed during the deposition process without mechanical deformation, our analysis suggests that they are most likely deformation twins formed under high internal stress existing in the NC Cu films. This phenomenon may also happen in other NC metallic thin films where internal stresses are high.
The difficulty in identifying exotic superconductors

Abstract Conventional s-wave superconductors have order parameters with no internal degrees of freedom - they are characterized by an amplitude and a phase. All unconventional superconductors share the property of a nontrivial internal symmetry which makes their behavior more interesting and their identification more difficult. The determination of the order parameter of the longest-studied exotic superconductor, superfluid 3 He, remains inconclusive despite the existence of a Standard Model. Using superfluid 3 He as a cautionary tale, the experimental evidence for the identification of order parameters of other exotic superconductors is also examined.
Medial Olivocochlear Reflex Interneurons Are Located in the Posteroventral Cochlear Nucleus: A Kainic Acid Lesion Study in Guinea Pigs

The medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex arc is probably a three-neuron pathway consisting of type I spiral ganglion neurons, reflex interneurons in the cochlear nucleus, and MOC neurons that project to the outer hair cells of the cochlea. We investigated the identity of MOC reflex interneurons in the cochlear nucleus by assaying their regional distribution using focal injections of kainic acid. Our reflex metric was the amount of change in the distortion product otoacoustic emission (at 2f(1)-f(2)) just after onset of the primary tones. This metric for MOC reflex strength has been shown to depend on an intact reflex pathway. Lesions involving the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN), but not the other subdivisions, produced long-term decreases in MOC reflex strength. The degree of cell loss within the dorsal part of the PVCN was a predictor of whether the lesion affected MOC reflex strength. We suggest that multipolar cells within the PVCN have the distribution and response characteristics appropriate to be the MOC reflex interneurons.
Enzymatic synthesis of sulphated flavonols in Flaveria

Abstract Cell-free extracts of Flaveria bidentis and F. chloraefolia catalysed the transfer of sulphate groups from 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulphate to the hydroxyl groups of a variety of hydroxylated and O -methylated flavonols, but not to flavones or phenylpropanoids. Enzymatic sulphation was more predominant at the 3-hydroxyl group, but not to the exclusion of other hydroxyl substituents on the flavonoid ring. Quercetin was sulphated to yield its mono-, di-, tri- and tetrasulphate esters. This, together with the differences observed in the sulphation of different flavonols by extracts of both Flaveria species, suggests the existence of a number of distinct, position-specific sulphotransferases (EC 2.8.2.-). The sulphation reaction was catalysed at an optimum pH of 7.5 in Tris-HCl buffer, required SH groups for activity and was stimulated in the presence of divalent cations.
Empirically generated attributes of experience in nursing

Researchers examining clinical decision-making often explored the role of the nurse's experience. In these studies, experience was conceptualized as either the time spent in nursing or the knowledge which came from practice. This paper reports on the conceptualization of the nurse's experience emerging from a grounded theory study describing one decision-making process: 'knowing the patient'. Data included in-depth interview text, participant observation fieldnotes, and documents. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method and open, axial and selective coding techniques. In the analysis, the nurse's experience was conceptually defined as 'the application of that learned from previous practice situations'. Three attributes of the nurse's experience emerged. These included a focus on the patient, confidence in practice, and knowledge of antecedents and consequences of similar patient situations. Each aspect enhanced the individualization of nursing interventions. The findings are related to other investigations in nursing and insights for practice are offered.
Lymphocyte Levels of GRK2 (βARK1) Mirror Changes in the LVAD-Supported Failing Human Heart: Lower GRK2 Associated With Improved β-Adrenergic Signaling After Mechanical Unloading

Abstract Background In human heart failure, increased expression of G protein–coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) causes the loss of β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling and function. Mechanical unloading with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) promotes reverse remodeling, which includes restoration of βAR responsiveness. We tested the hypothesis that LVAD support of the failing human heart alters the expression and activity of GRKs and we sought to determine whether changes in myocardial GRKs could be tracked in lymphocytes. Methods and Results Paired samples of human LV tissue (n = 12) and blood were obtained at the time of LVAD implantation (heart failure) and subsequent cardiac transplantation (LVAD). βAR signaling was quantified by receptor density and adenylyl cyclase activity. Immunoblotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to measure GRK2 and GRK5 protein and mRNA levels. Rhodopsin phosphorylation was used to assess total GRK activity. Consistent with reverse remodeling, βAR density and signaling were restored to nonfailing levels after LVAD support. GRK2 protein levels were significantly reduced 55% after LVAD support and GRK2 mRNA was similarly reduced. In contrast, GRK5 protein and mRNA levels were unchanged. Total myocardial GRK activity was reduced similar to the drop in GRK2 expression. In lymphocytes, GRK2 protein levels were decreased after LVAD support and there was a significant positive correlation between myocardial and lymphocyte GRK2 levels in both heart failure and LVAD samples. Conclusion The changes in myocardial GRK2 expression and activity that are mirrored in lymphocytes provide a possible mechanism for the restoration of βAR signaling and reverse remodeling after mechanical unloading in the failing heart. Moreover, lymphocytes may provide a surrogate marker of myocardial GRK2 in these patients.
A computationally efficient method for optimization of transport-reaction processes

Abstract This paper proposes a computationally efficient method for the solution of optimization problems arising in the context of transport-reaction processes. The method is applied to a typical diffusion-reaction process and is shown to outperform conventional approaches.
Shared genetic architecture in the relationship between adult stature and subclinical coronary artery atherosclerosis

Background Short stature is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD); although the mechanisms for this relationship are unknown, shared genetic factors have been proposed. Subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by coronary artery calcification (CAC), is associated with CHD events and represents part of the biological continuum to overt CHD. Many molecular mechanisms of CAC development are shared with bone growth. Thus, we examined whether there was evidence of shared genes (pleiotropy) between adult stature and CAC.
Three new limpets of the family Pseudococculinidae from abyssal depths (Mollusca, Archaeogastropoda)

Taxonomic descriptions of three new species of Pseudococculinidae, which are treated anatomically in a concurrent paper by Haszprunar, are given: Amphiplica venezuelensis from the Venezuelan Basin, A. knudseni from the Tasman Basin and Yaquinabyssia careyi from the Cascadia Abyssal Plain off Oregon.
Automation for gravity freight classification yards

Recently developed speed-measuring and control systems automatically retard cars and guide them to classification tracks in modern gravity yards. Uncoupled from the train at the crest, ?cuts? consisting of one car, or several coupled cars, having wide variations in rolling resistance select prior established routes and determine their own releasing speeds as they move by gravity to couple safely with other cars in the yard.
Provoking a Discussion on Non-provocative Defense

Currently, there is considerable intellectual exploration of the concept of 'non-provocative defense' (see, e.g., Saperstein 1987). A recent bibliography on the subject (Moller 1987a) includes 53 pages of relevant titles, listed in alphabetical order. One reason, of course, for these discussions, is the increased interest in the possibility of basing the military aspects of European security upon 'conventional' rather than nuclear weapons (e.g., European Security Study 1983). Another pressing reason, especially now in Scandinavia, is the clear choice being presented between provocative and non-provocative means of guarding the sea lanes of communication between North
Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling in the gastrointestinal tract: Targeting the cancer microenvironment

This review summarizes emerging information regarding the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway during neoplastic transformation in the gastrointestinal tract. Although there is a role for the well-established canonical pathway in which Hedgehog ligands interact with their receptor Patched, there is sufficient evidence that downstream components of the Hh pathway, e.g., Gli1, are hijacked by non-Hh signaling pathways to promote the conversion of the epithelium to dysplasia and carcinoma. We review the canonical pathway and involvement of primary cilia, and then focus on current evidence for Hh signaling in luminal bowel cancers as well as accessory organs, i.e., liver, pancreas and biliary ducts. We conclude that targeting the Hh pathway with small molecules, nutriceuticals and other mechanisms will likely require a combination of inhibitors that target Gli transcription factors in addition to canonical modulators such as Smoothened.
Proper Name of the Amæba

THE common little amœba of stagnant waters appears to have no well-established scientific name. I have, to-day, received an elaborate paper, by S. O. Mast and P. L. Johnson, published in Archiv fur Protistenkunde, 1931, intended to settle the matter. These authors give many apparently good reasons for thinking that the “Kleine Proteus” of Rosel (1755) was in fact a myxomycete. Hence the names applied by Linnaeus and Pallas to this organism are not applicable to the amaeba.
Adult-child discourse: Developmental interaction between information processing and linguistic knowledge

Abstract In the present study, the discourse interaction between adult and child was examined in terms of the content of their utterances, and the linguistic and contextual relations between their messages, in order to investigate how children use the information from adults' input sentences to form contingent responses. The analyses described were based on longitudinal data from four children from approximately 21 to 36 months of age. Categories of child discourse, their development and their interactions with aspects of prior adult utterances form the major results of the study. Child utterances were identified as adjacent (immediately preceded by an adult utterance), or as nonadjacent (not immediately preceded by an adult utterance). Adjacent utterances were either contingent (shared the same topic and added new information relative to the topic of the prior utterance), imitative (shared the same topic but did not add new information), or noncontingent (did not share the same topic). From the beginning, the adjacent speech was greater than nonadjacent speech. Contingent speech increased over time; in particular, linguistically contingent speech (speech that expanded the verb relation of the prior adult utterance with added or replaced constituents within a clause) showed the greatest developmental increase. Linguistically contingent speech occurred more often after questions than nonquestions. The results are discussed in terms of how the differential requirements for processing information in antecedent messages is related to language learning.
Stability of two cluster solutions in pulse coupled networks of neural oscillators

Phase response curves (PRCs) have been widely used to study synchronization in neural circuits comprised of pacemaking neurons. They describe how the timing of the next spike in a given spontaneously firing neuron is affected by the phase at which an input from another neuron is received. Here we study two reciprocally coupled clusters of pulse coupled oscillatory neurons. The neurons within each cluster are presumed to be identical and identically pulse coupled, but not necessarily identical to those in the other cluster. We investigate a two cluster solution in which all oscillators are synchronized within each cluster, but in which the two clusters are phase locked at nonzero phase with each other. Intuitively, one might expect this solution to be stable only when synchrony within each isolated cluster is stable, but this is not the case. We prove rigorously the stability of the two cluster solution and show how reciprocal coupling can stabilize synchrony within clusters that cannot synchronize in isolation. These stability results for the two cluster solution suggest a mechanism by which reciprocal coupling between brain regions can induce local synchronization via the network feedback loop.
Continuous intravenous fentanyl administration attenuates plasma cortisol levels in neonates with respiratory failure. • 1024

Previous studies in adults and surgical neonates have demonstrated that high dose opioid anesthesia attenuates plasma cortisol levels. We have observed that once administration of continuous fentanyl sedation has begun in neonates with respiratory failure, there is often a deterioration in cardiovascular status. Our objective was to determine the effect of continuously administered fentanyl on the secretion of cortisol and ACTH in neonates with respiratory failure.
tmRNA Is Essential in Shigella flexneri

Nonstop mRNAs pose a challenge for bacteria, because translation cannot terminate efficiently without a stop codon. The trans-translation pathway resolves nonstop translation complexes by removing the nonstop mRNA, the incomplete protein, and the stalled ribosome. P1 co-transduction experiments demonstrated that tmRNA, a key component of the trans-translation pathway, is essential for viability in Shigella flexneri. tmRNA was previously shown to be dispensable in the closely related species Escherichia coli, because E. coli contains a backup system for trans-translation mediated by the alternative release factor ArfA. Genome sequence analysis showed that S. flexneri does not have a gene encoding ArfA. E. coli ArfA could suppress the requirement for tmRNA in S. flexneri, indicating that tmRNA is essential in S. flexneri because there is no functional backup system. These data suggest that resolution of nonstop translation complexes is required for most bacteria.
Segmentation of skull and scalp in 3-D human MRI using mathematical morphology

We present a new technique for segmentation of skull and scalp in T(1)-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the human head. Our method uses mathematical morphological operations to generate realistic models of the skull, scalp, and brain that are suitable for electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) source modeling. We first segment the brain using our Brain Surface Extractor algorithm; using this, we can ensure that the brain does not intersect our skull segmentation. We next generate a scalp mask using a combination of thresholding and mathematical morphology. We use the scalp mask in our skull segmentation procedure, as it allows us to automatically exclude background voxels with intensities similar to those of the skull. We find the inner and outer skull boundaries using thresholding and morphological operations. Finally, we mask the results with the scalp and brain volumes to ensure closed and nonintersecting skull boundaries. Visual evaluation indicated accurate segmentations of the cranium at a gross anatomical level (other than small holes in the zygomatic bone in eight subjects) in all 44 MRI volumes processed when run using default settings. In a quantitative comparison with coregistered CT images as a gold standard, MRI skull segmentation accuracy, as measured using the Dice coefficient, was found to be similar to that which would be obtained using CT imagery with a registration error of 2-3 mm.
Isolation of corticotropin-β-lipotropin common precursor from ovine pituitary glands

Abstract Ovine corticotropin-β-lipotropin common precursor was purified to homogeneity from commercial frozen ovine pituitary glands. A crude preparation was obtained following a procedure published elsewhere (Lee, T.H. and Lee, M.S. (1977) Biochemistry 16, 2824–2829) and was purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 in the presence of 0.5% SDS and 0.1% 2-mercaptoethanol, and under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The gel filtration was repeated once. The partially purified preparation obtained from the second Sephadex G-200 gel filtration was further fractionated by preparative SDS-acrylamide gel eletrophoresis, using immunoprecipitated and electrophoretically purified [125I]corticotropin-β-lipotropin common precursor as a marker. The preparation was judged homogenous by the appearance of a single protein band in analytical SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, which exhibited both corticotropin and β-lipotropin immunoreactivities, and a single symmetrical peak in high-pressure liquid chromatography on a reverse phase C18 column. The isolated ovine corticotropin-β-lipotropin common precursor possessed specific activities of 116 μg of immunoreactive corticotropin and 210 μg of immunoreactive β-lipotropin per mg of protein, equivalent to 89 and 62% of theoretical values, respectively. The amino acid composition of the homogeneous preparation was determined.
Application of Paleomagnetism to Fault Problems in Southern Oregon: ABSTRACT

The Miocene lavas of the southern part of the Columbia Plateaus are exposed by major northerly trending faults. In such terrane, normally and reversely magnetized zones of lavas could be expected to provide a method for broad stratigraphic correlation. As a result of a large-scale paleomagnetic survey, major sections in the region have been observed to possess only a single polarity. During the summer of 1962, however, some fine and apparently rapid systematic variations of the direction of the ancient ambient magnetic field were observed within zones of both normally and reversely magnetized lavas. These systematic variations are likely to yield an accurate tool for correlation across the faults. Should oil-bearing sediments be sought beneath the lavas, the throws of the faults will be of major importance, and paleomagnetism could thus assist significantly in exploration in this area. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1776------------
Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS): alcohol-related problems across Hispanic national groups.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of alcohol-related problems across four Hispanic national groups: Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and South/Central Americans. Method: Using a multistage cluster sample design, 5,224 individuals ages 18 years and older were selected from the household population of five U.S. metropolitan areas: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. Results: Cuban Americans had the lowest prevalence of alcohol-related problems. Significant differences across national group for zero versus two or more problems and for one versus two or more problems existed among men. Puerto Rican women were most likely to report two or more problems. The presence of zero versus two or more problems varied significantly across groups. There was variation in problem type across national groups among both men and women. Regression analyses showed that all groups were more likely than Cuban Americans to report two or more pro...
Functional activity of a large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT) in rabbit retina: A study involving the in vivo retinal uptake and vitreal pharmacokinetics of l-phenyl alanine

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to elucidate the functional activity of large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT) in rabbit retina and to delineate its role in the retinal uptake and intravitreal pharmacokinetics of l -phenylalanine ( l -Phe). Methods In vivo retinal uptake of l -Phe and l -alanine ( l -Ala) was determined in the presence and absence of specific transport inhibitors following intravitreal administration. l and d isomers of amino acids were employed as inhibitors to determine the stereo-selectivity of LAT. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out for LAT isoforms (LAT1 and LAT2). Vitreal disposition of l -Phe following administration in rabbit vitreous was studied in the presence of an other competing LAT substrate d -methionine using microdialysis. Results Retinal uptake of l -Phe was significantly inhibited in presence of a specific LAT inhibitor, 2-aminobicyclo-[2,2,1]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH), l isomers of large neutral amino acids and LAT1 specific but not by LAT2 specific and charged amino acids. No significant inhibition of l -Ala retinal uptake was observed with LAT substrates. LAT isoforms (LAT1 and LAT2) were identified by RT-PCR in rabbit retina. The mean residence time (MRT) and area under curve (AUC) values of l -Phe following intravitreal adminstration were significantly increased in the presence of d -methionine, a LAT substrate. Conclusions This study demonstrates the functional activity and molecular expression of large neutral amino acid transporter in the rabbit retina. Furthermore, based on these studies it can be concluded that LAT is involved in the retinal uptake and intravitreal elimination of l -Phe.
Recent advances on the measurement and calculation of the elastic moduli of cortical and trabecular bone: A review

In this review, recent advances on the measurement and modeling of elastic properties of cortical and trabecular bone are presented. Bone is a multifunctional material which among its other functions serves as a support for other tissues in the body. As a structural material it is stiff, strong, tough, lightweight and is adaptable. Its excellent mechanical properties are due to its complex, composite and hierarchical structure. In this paper, we outline the experimental approaches that have been used to characterize bone’s structure, composition and elastic properties at several different length scales. Then, we discuss different modeling approaches that have been employed to compute bone’s elastic moduli. We conclude by discussing the challenges and open issues in this area. Analysis of bone is of importance in orthopedics. Also, gained knowledge on bone can be used by engineers to design new bioinspired composite materials for a wide range of engineering applications.
Epitaxial Growth and Device Design Optimization of Full-Vertical GaN p-i-n Rectifiers

The optimization of growth parameters, epitaxial structure, and device design for full-vertical gallium nitride (GaN) p-i-n rectifiers grown on n-type 6H-SiC substrates employing AlGaN:Si conducting buffer layers have been studied. The Al x Ga1−x N:Si (x = ~0.1) nucleation layer is calibrated to be capable of acting as a good buffer layer for subsequent GaN growth as well as to provide excellent electrical properties. Two types of full-vertical devices were fabricated and compared: one without any current guiding and the other with the current guiding in the p-layer. The reverse breakdown voltage for rectifiers with a relatively thin 2.5-μm-thick i-region without p-current guiding was found to be over −330 V, while one with p-current guiding was measured to be over −400 V. Devices with p-current guiding structures exhibit reduced reverse leakage current by an order of magnitude >4 at −100 V.
An Information Model for Finding and Integrating Distributed Resources for Engineering Design-Manufacturing Processes

The complexity of many modern products means that multiple design teams need to collaborate during product development projects. Driven by such issues, companies are increasingly staffing only their core competencies in-house and depending on other firms to provide the complementary design knowledge and design effort needed for a complete product. With the advent of the Internet, it is today possible that these external resources are physically, geographically, and temporally distributed. In this scenario, finding the right external resource for a given task and establishing effective communication between such resources are two of the most crucial elements of the product realization process. Through this paper, the authors aim to develop an information model and middleware that enable identification and use of suitable resources for design and design-for-manufacture stages in a distributed design and manufacturing environment. Such an information model and middleware will enable a designer to use XML to effectively communicate information regarding requirements, engineering parameters, process details and resource capabilities to different entities in the product realization process. The information model and middleware developed are implemented as part of Web-DPR – web-based distributed product realization environment developed at the Systems Realization Laboratory at Georgia Tech.© 2002 ASME