cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosynthetic Pathway and Gene Cluster Analysis of Curacin A, an Antitubulin Natural Product from the Tropical Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula†

Curacin A (1) is a potent cancer cell toxin obtained from strains of the tropical marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula found in Curacao. Its structure is unique in that it contains the sequential positioning of a thiazoline and cyclopropyl ring, and it exerts its potent cell toxicity through interaction with the colchicine drug binding site on microtubules. A series of stable isotope-labeled precursors were fed to cultures of curacin A-producing strains and, following NMR analysis, allowed determination of the metabolic origin of all atoms in the natural product (one cysteine, 10 acetate units, two S-adenosyl methionine-derived methyl groups) as well as several unique mechanistic insights. Moreover, these incorporation experiments facilitated an effective gene cloning strategy that allowed identification and sequencing of the approximately 64 kb putative curacin A gene cluster. The metabolic system is comprised of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and multiple polyketide synthases (PKSs) and shows a very high level of collinearity between genes in the cluster and the predicted biochemical steps required for curacin biosynthesis. Unique features of the cluster include (1) all but one of the PKSs are monomodular multifunctional proteins, (2) a unique gene cassette that contains an HMG-CoA synthase likely responsible for formation of the cyclopropyl ring, and (3) a terminating motif that is predicted to function in both product release and terminal dehydrative decarboxylation.
Effects of free fatty acids, ethanol and development on γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate fluxes in rat nerve endings

Abstract The effects of type A (cis-unsaturated) and type B (trans-unsaturated and saturated) fatty acids, 1% and 3% ethanol (v/v), and development (7 days) on the thermodynamics of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transport into cortical rat brain nerve endings were examined. The effects of the various manipulations, which are known to affect membrane fluidity, may be summarized. Three percent ethanol and oleic acid increased ΔS° and ΔS † for glutamate transport and decreased ΔH° and ΔH † . Type B fatty acids had the opposite effects. In comparison to glutamate transport, GABA transport was less affected by the various manipulations and showed less specificity in terms of the fatty acid effects. Similarly, the effects of development on the thermodynamic parameters for glutamate and GABA transport were not consistent. Glutamate transport into 7-day nerve endings showed thermodynamic behavior similar to that seen when type A fatty acids were incorporated into adult nerve endings. In contrast, GABA transport into 7-day nerve endings had the character of adult nerve endings into which type B fatty acids were incorporated.
A Simple Procedure for Making Accurate Radiometric Measurements of the Rate of Active Transport of l-Lysine Across the Intestinal Wall of the Fowl,

Abstract INTRODUCTION A SIMPLE radiometric procedure is described for accurately measuring the rate of active transport of l -lysine across the intestinal wall of the fowl. The procedure utilizes a modified Wilson and Wiseman in vitro everted sac technique (Wilson and Wiseman, 1954). Simple techniques are described for preparing the post-incubation serosal fluid for radiometric analysis and for accurately analyzing all radioactive solutions by a Geiger-Muller counter at infinite thickness. PROCEDURE Young adult White Leghorn cockerels were used as the source of intestinal segments. The small intestine of each bird was divided into six portions or levels, the upper and lower duodenum, jejunum, and ileum as described by Imondi et al. (1966). Only one of the six intestinal levels was used from each bird to keep the time interval from sacrifice to start of incubation as constant as possible. Once the intestinal segment was removed, it was flushed out with and placed . . .
The Dormant National Health Care Workforce Commission Needs Congressional Funding To Fulfill Its Promise

Congress established the National Health Care Workforce Commission under section 5101 of the Affordable Care Act to provide data on the health care workforce and policy advice to both Congress and the administration. Although members of the Workforce Commission were appointed September 30, 2010, Congress has been unable to appropriate the $3 million requested by the administration to fund the commission. Consequently, the commission has never met and is not operational. As a new era of insurance coverage, care delivery, and payment reforms unfolds, the commission is needed to recommend policies that would help the nation achieve the goals of increased access to high-quality care and better preparation, configuration, and distribution of the nation’s health workforce. In a climate where fiscal policy is dominated by spending on health care, the commission can also stimulate innovations aimed at reducing the cost of health care and achieving greater value and transparency.
Rat long chain acyl-CoA synthetase 5 increases fatty acid uptake and partitioning to cellular triacylglycerol in McArdle-RH7777 cells.

Abstract Long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL) catalyzes the initial step in long chain fatty acid metabolism. Of the five mammalian ACSL isoforms cloned and characterized, ACSL5 is the only isoform found to be located, in part, on mitochondria and thus was hypothesized to be involved in fatty acid oxidation. To elucidate the specific roles of ACSL5 in fatty acid metabolism, we used adenoviral-mediated overexpression of ACSL5 (Ad-ACSL5) in rat hepatoma McArdle-RH7777 cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that Ad-ACSL5 colocalized to both mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. When compared with cells infected with Ad-GFP, Ad-ACSL5-infected cells at 24 h after infection had 2-fold higher acyl-CoA synthetase activities and 30% higher rates of fatty acid uptake when incubated with 500 μm [1-14C]oleic acid. Metabolism of [1-14C]oleic acid to cellular triacylglycerol (TAG) increased 42% in Ad-ACSL5-infected cells, but when compared with control cells, metabolism to acid-soluble metabolites, phospholipids, and medium TAG did not differ substantially. The incorporation of [1-14C]oleate and [1,2,3-3H]glycerol into TAG was similar in Ad-ACSL5-infected cells, thus indicating that Ad-ACSL5 increased TAG synthesis through both de novo and reacylation pathways. However, [1-14C]acetic acid incorporation into cellular lipids showed that, when compared with control cells, Ad-ACSL5-infected cells did not increase the metabolism of fatty acids that were derived from de novo synthesis. These results suggest that uptake of fatty acids into cells is regulated by metabolism and that overexpressed ACSL5 partitions exogenously derived fatty acids toward TAG synthesis and storage.
Interdisciplinary Faculty Development Seminars: A Model for Learning Emerging Technologies While Developing Interdisciplinary Partnerships

A series of faculty development seminars at Haverford College has been designed to address the issue of keeping science faculty teaching and research up-to-date, while building bridges between departments. To ensure coverage of emerging areas of science, we have elected to train existing faculty in new methods using a series of workshops for which faculty receive either teaching release time or stipends. The goals of these seminars include developing faculty expertise in important new topics and methodologies, stimulating the inclusion of these skills into their research and the curriculum, and broadening the scope of teaching and research collaborations. The initial three workshops have been targeted at areas of particular concern: boosting faculty expertise in scientific computing, bioinformatics, and issues surrounding the relationship of science and society. The seminar format has been designed to foster dialogue between different departments, as well as individual faculty, by including time for informal conversations and shared workshops, and by requiring collaborative curricular projects. The initial focus on the natural sciences has broadened into topics of interest to faculty in the social sciences and humanities.
Lorentzian wormholes in higher order gravity theories

Abstract We present a method for constructing Minkowski-signature wormholes in higher-derivative gravity theories. This is accomplished by exploiting the dynamical equivalence between standard Einstein gravity (coupled to bosonic matter fields) and a large class of higher curvature gravity theories. Specific solutions of the former are grafted together using the connected sum, and this gives rise to a wormhole whose throat is identified with the boundary layer created by the surgery. We illustrate this procedure by constructing dynamic and static wormholes for pure R2 gravity.
Cross-Racial Facial Identification: A Social Cognitive Integration

A meta-analytic integration of the cross-racialfacial identification effect is reported. The results indicate a significant, weak-to-moderate tendency for individuals to be more accurate in the recognition off aces of in-group members than those of out-group members. There is a trend for this effect to be stronger among White subjects than Black subjects. In addition, predictors exhibited different patterns for Black subjects and White subjects. Specifically, greater depth of processing engaged by experimental instructions in these studies strengthened the effect for White subjects and weakened it for Black subjects. Similarly, the cross-racial facial identification effect increased as a function of the duration of exposure to the target faces for White subjects but decreased as a function of duration of exposure for Black subjects. These results are explained in terms of recent theoretical developments concerning intergroup phenomena, particularly in terms of mechanisms of cognitive representations of in...
Bioaccumulation of tetrachlorobiphenyl and hexachlorobiphenyl congeners by Yoldia limatula and Nephtys incisa from bedded sediments: Effects of sediment‐ and animal‐related parameters

Sediments from Narragansett Bay (RI, USA) were fortified with two chlorobiphenyl congeners, 2,4,2{prime},4{prime}-tetrachlorobiphenyl (IUPAC 47) and 2,4,5,2{prime},4{prime},5{prime}-hexachlorobiphenyl (IUPAC 153), and equilibrated for various times up to 30 d to assess the bioaccumulation potential of sediment-sorbed polychlorinated biphenyls by the benthic invertebrates Yoldia limatula and Nephtys incisa. Bioaccumulation was investigated at steady state and using a single-compartment kinetic model over exposure periods of up to 60 d for Nephtys and 30 d for Yoldia. Normalization of exposure and tissue accumulation data to hydrophobic reservoirs yielded accumulation factors (AFs) that fell within model prediction ranges. However, persistent, statistically different values of AFs were obtained from sediments with varying organic carbon contents. Growth of the organisms, feeding strategies, and lipid content were all significant variables in interpreting wet weight steady-state accumulation. Kinetically determined AF values were not statistically different from those measured at steady state. A role of interstitial water colloidal organic matter in mediating bioaccumulation was strongly suggested by the results.
Geographic variation of genotype 1 in hepatitis C viral infection in the United States: non-urban western Pennsylvania contrasted with inner city Baltimore

Geographic variation of genotype 1 in hepatitis C viral infection in the United States: non-urban western Pennsylvania contrasted with inner city Baltimore
Deaths linked to bullying and hazing.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of news reports of deaths associated with bullying and hazing among young people over a period of 57 years. This study was based on a survey of death events linked to bullying or hazing reported in English newspapers from January 1, 1950 through December 31, 2007. The search was based on the review of major United States and world publications, written in English, using the terms "bullying, hazing, ragging, and death." In the last 57 years, at least 250 reported cases of deaths were linked to bullying, hazing, or ragging, reported in English language newspapers from around the world. Of these news stories (n = 121), 76% contained an alleged history that the victim was bullied. Twenty-two per cent (n = 55) of these reports were associated with suspected hazing or ragging. In only four cases (2%), those who died had a history of bullying others. The majority of the reports of bullying related deaths (62.3%) originated in Europe, with most of them (93%) occurring in the United Kingdom. Sixty-seven percent of bullying-related deaths were reported during the last 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: The significant increment in news reports concerning deaths associated with bullying may be the result of a rise in public awareness about the lethal aspects of this type of maltreatment. An urgent global public health need exists to ascertain the regional mortality prevalence related to bullying and hazing, along the lifespan. Language: en
Sometimes the Old Ways Are Best

Brian Kernighan looks back at what has and has not changed in computing, programming, and tools over the last 30 years. He discusses what we want from our tools and reveals his favorites.
Optimization of very high level languages-II. Deducing relationships of inclusion and membership

SETL is a set-theoretically oriented language of very high level whose reportoire of semantic objects includes finite sets, ordered n-tuples, and sets of ordered n-tuples useable as mappings. This two-part paper studies the optimization problems associated with such a language. The first issue studied is that of copy optimization, i.e. the discovery of cases in which changes to a compound data object can be made ''differentially'' without recopying the whole of the object. The second part of the paper sets forth techniques for the automatic discovery of relationships of inclusion and membership on which automatic data-structure choice may be based. The methods used extend known techniques of data-flow analysis and of logical program analysis.
A massively parallel microfluidic device for long-term visualization of isolated motile cells

Visualizing the natural behavior of motile cells over many hours is a challenge, as cells can leave the field of view of a microscope in a matter of minutes. Many interesting cell behaviors—such as cell division, motility phenotype, cell–cell interactions, and multicellular colony formation—require hours of observation to characterize. We present a microfluidic device that traps hundreds of single motile cells in isolated chambers, thereby allowing observation over several days. This polydimethylsiloxane device features 400 circular chambers, connected to a central serpentine channel. Motile cells are loaded into these chambers through the serpentine channel. The channel is then purged with air, fluidically isolating the chambers from each other and effectively trapping the cells. We applied the device to observe the behavior of the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta. Because of its ability to live in both solitary and colonial forms, S. rosetta is a useful model organism for the study of the evolutionary origins of multicellularity. In particular, S. rosetta can take on two distinct colonial forms: chain colonies and rosette colonies. With our device, we are able to observe the formation of these colonies from single cells more easily and with higher throughput than ever before. This device has the potential to be a powerful tool for studying the long-term behavior of motile cells.
Regulation of Ovarian 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Cultured Rat Granulosa Cells*

The mechanism by which gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) inhibits ovarian progesterone production was investigated by studying the GnRH modulation of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD)/delta 5-delta 4-isomerase activity in cultured rat granulosa cells. Ovarian granulosa cells, obtained from immature hypophysectomized estrogen-treated rats, were incubated with various hormones in vitro, and 3 beta-HSD activity was determined by measuring the conversion of radiolabeled pregnenolone to progesterone. Treatment with FSH increased the apparent maximal velocity of the enzyme by about 6-fold in a dose-dependent manner, with an ED50 value of 3.58 ng/ml. FSH treatment also resulted in an approximately 10-fold increase in the apparent Km of this enzyme (from 0.46 to 4.98 microM). In contrast, concomitant treatment with GnRH (10(-8) M) inhibited the FSH-stimulated increase in enzyme activity by about 27%. This inhibitory effect of GnRH was associated with a decrease in the apparent maximal velocity, while the apparent Km remained unchanged. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of GnRH was observed whether the enzyme activity was expressed per mg protein or per mg DNA. Concomitant treatment with 10(-6) M of a GnRH antagonist, [D-pGlu1,D-Phe2,D-Trp3,6]GnRH, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of GnRH. In contrast to the inhibitory effect of GnRH on FSH-stimulated 3 beta-HSD activity, treatment with GnRH alone increased enzyme activity by about 40%. This was accompanied by a slight but significant stimulation of basal progestin production by GnRH in granulosa cells. The present results coupled with the observed GnRH stimulation of 20 alpha-HSD activity reported earlier suggest that GnRH inhibits the FSH stimulation of progesterone production by decreasing the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone as well as by increasing the metabolism of progesterone.
The Effect of Levamisole on DMBA-induced Carcinogenesis in the Hamster Cheek Pouch

The effect of levamisole on DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in the cheek pouch of the hamster was studied. Findings indicate that levamisole modified the response of the pouch to DMBA at six weeks, while this effect was not maintained after 12 weeks of DMBA application.
Effect of pyridoxal phosphate on the androgen receptor from rat prostate: Inhibition of receptor aggregation and receptor binding to nuclei and to DNA-cellulose

Abstract The 5α-dihydro[ 3 H]-testosterone-receptor complex of rat ventral prostate binds to DNA-cellulose. Binding can be inhibited by incubation of the androgen-receptor complex with pyridoxal phosphate; pyridoxal, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine and pyridoxamine phosphate are not inhibitors. Reduction of pyridoxal phosphate with NaBH 4 or conversion of pyridoxal phosphate to pyridoxal phosphate oxime with NH 2 OH prior to incubation with the androgen-receptor complex causes a loss of inhibition. These results are consistent with the view that inhibition of receptor binding to DNA is due to the formation of a Schiff base between pyridoxal phosphate and an amino group(s) of the receptor. Androgen-receptor complex binds to prostate nuclei. Incubation of the androgen-receptor complex and prostate nuclei with pyridoxal phosphate inhibits the nuclear retention of receptor. If the androgen-receptor complex is bound to nuclei before addition of pyridoxal phosphate, receptor can be removed from nuclei by the addition of pyridoxal phosphate. The prostate androgen-receptor complex has a sedimentation coefficient of 3–4S in sucrose gradients containing a high concentration of salt and 8–9S in sucrose gradients containing a low concentration of salt. Androgen-receptor complex treated only with pyridoxal phosphate shows no change in sedimentation behavior. However, androgen-receptor complex treated first with pyridoxal phosphate and then with NaBH 4 sediments to the same position (3–4S) in sucrose gradients containing low or high concentrations of salt. Covalent modification of androgen-receptor complex with pyridoxal phosphate, therefore, prevents aggregation of receptor in low salt gradients.
Regional development and the disintegration of Czechoslovakia

Abstract The breakup of Czechoslovakia on 31 December 1992 resulted in the emergence of a newly independent Slovakia and Czech Republic. The split is often interpreted as the result of ethnic nationalism. In contrast, this paper attempts to assess the influence of regional inequalities and uneven economic development on the split. Pre-World War Two Czechoslovakia was unable to address large regional differences between the Czech lands and Slovakia. The economic policies pursued by the state socialist governments following 1948 were directed toward the elimination of these differences through rapid industrialization of Slovakia. The economic transformation in Czechoslovakia after the collapse of state socialism resulted in reemergence of uneven development between Slovakia and the Czech lands, which contributed to the disintegration of the country. The links between economic issues and politics are discussed, and the paper shows how the regional inequalities and economic issues were used to justify the necessity of Slovak and Czech independence.
Differential effects of aromatase inhibition on luteinizing hormone secretion in intact and castrated male cynomolgus macaques.

To understand the role of central aromatization in feedback regulation of LH in nonhuman primates, we treated adult male cynomolgus monkeys with the aromatase inhibitor, 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD). We measured LH, testosterone (T), and ATD in systemic sera of blood samples drawn on a diurnal schedule (0900 and 2100 h). Each animal was bled for 4 pretreatment days from a femoral catheter after which they were divided into the following treatment groups: castrated (Cx), n = 2; Cx + T, n = 6; Cx + T + ATD, n = 6; Cx + ATD, n = 3; and sham operated + ATD, n = 3. Silastic capsules or packets containing T or ATD, respectively, were placed sc between the scapulae at the time of Cx or sham treatment. In T-treated animals, T (20 micrograms/kg body weight) dissolved in propylene glycol was injected im at 2100 h to mimic the diurnal rise of T observed in nonhuman primates. Animals were bled for 2 weeks after which they were killed, and selected brain areas were analyzed for aromatase activity and cytosoli...
Characterization of Labyrinthine Patterns and Their Evolution

An invariant measure δ is introduced to quantify the disorder in extended locally striped patterns. It is invariant under Euclidean motions of the pattern, and vanishes for a uniform array of stripes. Irregularities such as point defects and domain walls make nonzero contributions to the measure. The evolution of random initial states to labyrinthine patterns is analyzed through the time evolution of δ. This behavior is configuration independent, and exhibits two phases each with a logarithmic decay in δ.
Requirement of newly synthesized protein for the priming activity of interferon.

Pretreatment of mouse L cells with interferon (IF) enhanced IF production in response to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I·poly C). Post-treatment of cells with IF caused no significant enhancement of IF production. The enhancing effect of IF pretreatment (priming) reached a maximum after incubation with IF (10 or 100 units/ml) for 4–6 hr at 37 C, but this effect was absent when the incubation was done at 4 C. Cells which were incubated for additional several hours at 37 C after IF pretreatment at 4 C did not develop the primed state nor the antiviral state. The presence of protein synthesis inhibitors during the IF pretreatment depressed, though not completely, the development of the primed state. The residual priming effect was lost when the cells were incubated with the inhibitors at 37 C for 2 hr before they were exposed to poly I·poly C. There was no significant difference in the binding rate of poly I·poly C to cells between IF-treated and untreated cells. The degradation rate of cell-bound poly I·poly C and its sensitivity to exogenous pancreatic ribonuclease in the pretreated cells were also similar to those in the untreated cells.
Strategic Capability-Learning for Improved Multi-agent Collaboration in Ad-hoc Environments

We consider the problem of distributed collaboration among multiple agents to perform tasks in an ad-hoc setting. Because the setting is ad-hoc, the agents could be programmed by different people and could potentially have different task selection and task execution algorithms. We consider the problem of decision making by the agents within such an ad-hoc setting so that the overall utility of the agent society can be improved. In this paper we describe an ad-hoc collaboration framework where each agent strategically selects capabilities to learn from other agents which would help it to improve its expected future utility of performing tasks. Agents use a very flexible, blackboard-based architecture to coordinate operations with each other and model the dynamic nature of tasks and agents in the environment using two 'openness' parameters. Experimental results within the Repast agent simulator show that by using the appropriate learning strategy, the overall utility of the agents improves considerably.
Feasibility of blood glucose estimation from real time monitoring

The present work demonstrates the feasibility of estimating blood glucose using a microstrip antenna in a wireless system where the antenna is strapped on a diabetic patient's arm. The antenna is connected to a network analyzer that is automated to make measurements every 15 seconds. The antenna response is monitored in real time and analyzed to correlate changes in the S11 frequency response to blood glucose concentration levels. The measured shift in the resonant frequency with changes in the glucose level has been interpreted in a Clarke error grid to demonstrate feasibility.
The Cost Structure of Ontario Dairy Farms: A Microeconometric Analysis

The cost structure of Ontario dairy farms is studied through a multiproduct hybrid-translog cost function, extended to include farm-specific structural characteristics and estimated using farm-level data. The regularity conditions of monotonicity in output quantities and input prices and concavity in input prices are satisfied at the median point. Parametric tests show that input-output separability is rejected while nonjointness is not, and seven out of twelve farm-specific characteristics significantly affect costs. Derived input demands are inelastic to own-price changes, and all inputs are net substitutes. Evidence is provided on the existence of increasing long-run returns to scale for a wide range of output levels. The results of the estimated cost function substantiate the claim of economic rents deriving from the milk pricing system. La structure des couts des producteurs laitiers en Ontario est etudiee au moyen ďune fonction de couts hybride-translog qui inclue plusieurs produits. La fonction de couts est etendue de maniere a inclure des caracteristiques structurelles de ferme, et est estimee a partir de donnees de ferme. Les conditions regulieres de monotonicite au niveau de la production et du prix des intrants, et de concavite au prix des intrants, sont satisfaites a la mediane. Des tests parametriques montrent que la separabilite intrant-extrant est rejectee tandis que la non association ne ľest pas. Sept des douze caracteristiques de ferme affectent les couts de facon significative. Les demandes derivees ďintrants sont inelastiques par rapport au changement de leur propre prix et tous les intrants sont des substituts nets. On a prouve ľexistence ďeconomie ďechelle croissante a long terme pour une grande variete de niveaux de production. Les resultats obtenus supportent ľidee que le systeme de prix dans ľindustrie laitiere permet des rentes economiques.
A regression technique for determining steady state conditions in time series simulations

In many situations, the simulator finds himself faced with the problem of simulating a time series whose initial state is different from the state of the system after a large number of observations have been made. This is frequently referred to as the problem of the initial bias or the initial tranient problem. In this paper, we borrow from the theory of convergence in distribution to develop a criterion for convergence to a steady state process and then develop estimation techniques based on simple linear regression to determine when the time series under investigation has converged to a steady state process.
δ-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata

Abstract δ-Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, an enzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of the pyrrole, porphobilinogen, from two molecules of δ-aminolevulinic acid, has been purified 400-fold from Rhodopseudomonas capsulata. Some of its properties were compared to the enzyme from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides and to those from eucaryotic cells. The enzyme of R. capsulata appears to be both similar to that of R. spheroides in some respects and also similar to those of eucaryotic cells. The enzyme from R. capsulata does not require metallic cations for activation, is not inhibited by EDTA, and is insensitive to inhibition by hemin and protoporphyrin.
EFFECTS OF HYPERCAPNIA ON THE VASCULAR RESISTANCE OF THE DOG'S HIND LIMB.

In anesthetized dogs, the inhalation of 10 per cent carbon dioxide over a period of 1 to 3 min caused usually a monophasic response consisting of vasoconstriction in the perfused hind limb. It increased progressively during carbon dioxide inhalation and gradually disappeared after readmission of normal air. This vasoconstriction amounted to a mean increase of vascular resistance of +19 per cent. The vasoconstrictor response in the limb was reversed or strongly diminished after denervation of carotid sinuses and aortic arch and this indicates that the vasoconstriction resulted mainly from stimulation of chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies by carbon dioxide. The vasoconstriction was also reversed or strongly diminished by transection of the spinal cord, limb denervation, bretylium and hexamethonium; whereas bilateral adrenalectomy did not alter it significantly. It is evident, therefore, that reflex stimulation of vasoconstrictor center in the medulla produces vasoconstriction in the limb mainly by way of sympathetic nerves. It is also evident, that the liberation of catecholamines from adrenal glands is of minor importance.
Anaesthesia and the Kearns‐Sayre syndrome

Summary A six-month-old infant presented for anaesthesia with, unbeknown to us, some of the manifestations of the Kearns-Sayre Syndrome. This syndrome is one of the clinical presentations in patients with mitochondral myopathy. The anaesthetic related events and aspects of mitochondral myopathy are described and caveats are suggested for the management of anaesthesia for patients with this type of myopathy.
Peritoneal Relapse of Testicular Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumor Treated Successfully With Salvage Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Introduction Peritoneal metastasis from testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) is uncommonly reported in the medical literature. Testicular tumors spread via lymphatic channels that parallel testicular blood vessels to retroperitoneal lymph nodes as well as hematogenously, most commonly to the lungs, and, in patients with advanced aggressive tumors, to the brain, bone, and liver. Less common disease sites, including the eritoneum, kidney, and spleen, are more frequently observed at the ime of relapse in previously treated patients. Other unusual metastatic ites include the adrenals, inferior vena cava, muscle, stomach, prostate, ericardium, and ureter. This case report describes a patient with peritoneal relapse of a testicular seminomatous GCT.
Demographics and professional practices of school psychologists: A comparison of NASP members and non–NASP school psychologists by telephone survey

A national telephone survey was conducted to examine potential differences between National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) members and non–NASP member school psychologists. Identified schools were contacted by telephone and the researchers asked to speak with the school psychologist. A sample of 124 practicing school psychologists was obtained. Overall, 57.3% (n = 71) of respondents were NASP members, and 42.7% (n = 53) were not. In most respects, current results were similar to NASP-member-only surveys. Current results suggest that previous studies overestimated the proportion of NASP members among school psychologists and may have underestimated the total number of school-based practitioners. Significant differences between NASP members and nonmembers were found in ethnicity, national certification, professional organization membership, and use of Curriculum Based Measurement. Results are discussed in the context of previous national surveys. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal concentration of iodonitrotetrazolium for the isolation of junctional fractions from rat brain

The yield and purity of synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) and synaptic junctions (SJ) from rat brain has been examined as a function of the concentration ofp-iodonitrotetrazolium (INT)-succinate used during their preparation. An INT concentration of 1 mg/g brain tissue (wet weight) was sufficient to obtain SPM and SJ of purity comparable to that obtained using 4–6 times that concentration of dye (1–3). At this lower level of INT the yield of SPM increased by about 100%, whereas mitochondrial contamination remained at 10–13% of the total SPM protein. At concentrations of INT below 0.5 mg/g brain tissue (wet weight) the contamination of SPM by mitochondria increased rapidly. At very low concentrations of INT (0.13 mg/g tissue) the contaminating protein of mitochondrial origin was 40–50% of the total protein in the SPM fraction. Examination by gel electrophoresis of SPM, SJ, and mitochondrial fractions with different degrees of cross-contamination allowed the assignment of marker polypeptides for mitochondrial, junctional, and nonjunctional plasma membranes. Under the conditions used to prepare SJ, a variable amount of particulate material floated over 1.0M sucrose. It consisted of SJ and many membrane vesicles and had a protein composition similar to that of SJ contaminated by extrajunctional membrane proteins. An analogous fraction arose during in the preparation of postsynaptic densities.
A technique to measure three-dimensional in vivo rotation of fused and adjacent lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract Background context Previous attempts to measure vertebral motion in vivo have been either static measure, imprecise, two-dimensional, or overly invasive to be applied to serial studies. Purpose This study evaluated the efficacy of a unique high-speed biplane X-ray system for tracking lumbar vertebrae in vivo during dynamic motion. Additional goals were to determine parameters for future studies using this tool and to obtain preliminary data on the effects of lumbar fusion on vertebral kinematics. Study design/setting A high-speed biplane radiographic X-ray system was used to measure the three-dimensional (3D) relative rotation between fused and adjacent vertebrae in vivo during muscle driven movement. Subjects were tested 2, 3, and 6 months after fusion procedures to assess vertebral motion of fused and adjacent vertebrae. Patient sample Five subjects received lumbar fusion surgery. Outcome measures Physiologic measures included 3D vertebral rotation of fused and adjacent vertebrae. Methods Tantalum beads were implanted into lumbar vertebrae during fusion operations. Radiographic data was collected continuously at 50 frames per second during flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial twist movements serially, at 2, 3, and 6 months after fusion surgery. Results Implanted beads were tracked with an accuracy of 0.18 mm during dynamic motion. Vertebral rotation was not necessarily linearly related to trunk rotation, supporting the use of continuous data collection during movement; collecting only movement start and end points may not be sufficient. Some movements indicated fusion was complete, whereas others indicated incomplete fusion. This suggests patients be tested performing a variety of movements to test for complete fusion. The fusion site often acted as a pivot point for vertebral rotation, with vertebrae superior to the fusion rotating in the direction of the trunk and vertebrae inferior rotating opposite trunk rotation. Conclusions This technique is sufficiently accurate for in vivo serial studies of vertebral motion during muscle driven movements. A variety of movements should be performed to assess surgical results, and the data should be collected continuously through the entire range of motion, not just at the movement endpoints. However, care must be exercised in subject selection, in camera location, and in the placement of tracking beads in relation to implanted instrumentation.
Pixelated Mask Spatial Carrier Phase Shifting Interferometry: Algorithms and Associated Errors

The pixelated mask spatial carrier method for phase shifting interferometry was recently developed by 4D Technology Corp. This paper presents an analysis of errors associated with this technique with a comparison to linear algorithms.
Parametric phase diffusion analysis of irregular oscillations

Parametric phase diffusion analysis (ΦDA), a method to determine variability of irregular oscillations, is presented. ΦDA is formulated as an analysis technique for sequences of Poincare return times found in numerous applications. The method is unbiased by the arbitrary choice of Poincare section, i.e. isophase, which causes a spurious component in the Poincare return times. Other return-time variability measures can be biased drastically by these spurious return times, as shown for the Fano factor of chaotic oscillations in the Rossler system. The empirical use of ΦDA is demonstrated in an application to heart rate data from the Fantasia Database, for which ΦDA parameters successfully classify heart rate variability into groups of age and gender.
Inhibition of LSD1 sensitizes glioblastoma cells to histone deacetylase inhibitors

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a particularly aggressive brain tumor and remains a clinically devastating disease. Despite innovative therapies for the treatment of GBM, there has been no significant increase in patient survival over the past decade. Enzymes that control epigenetic alterations are of considerable interest as targets for cancer therapy because of their critical roles in cellular processes that lead to oncogenesis. Several inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been developed and tested in GBM with moderate success. We found that treatment of GBM cells with HDAC inhibitors caused the accumulation of histone methylation, a modification removed by the lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). This led us to examine the effects of simultaneously inhibiting HDACs and LSD1 as a potential combination therapy. We evaluated induction of apoptosis in GBM cell lines after combined inhibition of LSD1 and HDACs. LSD1 was inhibited by targeted short hairpin RNA or pharmacological means and inhibition of HDACs was achieved by treatment with either vorinostat or PCI-24781. Caspase-dependent apoptosis was significantly increased (>2-fold) in LSD1knockdown GBM cells treated with HDAC inhibitors. Moreover, pharmacologically inhibiting LSD1 with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine, in combination with HDAC inhibitors, led to synergistic apoptotic cell death in GBM cells; this did not occur in normal human astrocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that LSD1 and HDACs cooperate to regulate key pathways of cell death in GBM cell lines but not in normal counterparts, and they validate the combined use of LSD1 and HDAC inhibitors as a therapeutic approach for GBM.
Solid-phase capture of pathogenic bacteria by using gangliosides and detection with real-time PCR.

We developed a method for concentrating pathogens from samples without enrichment. Immobilized gangliosides concentrated bacteria for detection with real-time PCR. A sensitivity of ∼4 CFU/ml (3 h) in samples without competing microflora was achieved. Samples with competing microflora had a sensitivity of 40,000 CFU/ml. The variance was less than one cycle.
Engaging students in inquiry: Tales from an undergraduate geology laboratory‐based course

This paper reports the synthesis of three case studies of students' engagement in inquiry-based learning activities in an upper-level undergraduate geology course. Details of how students engaged in scientific questions, gave priority to evidence, formulated explanations, evaluated explanations, and communicated and justified their findings are presented. Data for this study included classroom observations and fieldnotes of classroom practices, questionnaires, archival data (e.g., student work samples), and audiotapes and transcripts of interviews conducted with the student participants throughout the course. The findings suggest that although these students were able to successfully appropriate inquiry practices (e.g., giving priority to evidence), it was not without its challenges (e.g., perceived lack of guidance). A detailed discussion of the ways in which students were successful, and where they had challenges engaging in inquiry is presented, with the goal of helping direct practitioners and researchers to strategies whereby students' inquiry experiences can be improved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed92:631–663, 2008
The contribution of topographic scattering to teleseismic coda in southern California

Given that seismic coda is largely the result of scattering near the receiver, a tie to geological complexity, i.e., to crustal heterogeneity, is expected, but a systematic and predictive understanding of the important aspects of geology is lacking. We have developed a technique for mapping the origins of coda energy as recorded by regional networks that provides insight into the proximal generation of seismic coda. Here, the role of topography in the production of surface-propagating coda energy, both as a scatterer and as a proxy of shallow geologic structure, is examined for the portion of the San Andreas fault system within the Southern California Seismic Network. We find significant correlation of P to Rg scattering potential with topographic roughness that extends to relatively subtle topography. The correlation peaks at a migration velocity of ∼2.9 km/s, confirming the identification of scattered Rg energy and offering an alternative means of estimating regional shallow velocity structure.
Eocene gastropods of western Kamchatka — implications for high-latitude north pacific biostratigraphy and biogeography

Abstract Fossiliferous rocks of the Snatolskaya and Kovachinskaya formations comprise a Middle and Late Eocene shallow-marine record of the central part of western Kamchatka. Gastropod assemblages of these formations contain taxa that are conspecific with those in Paleogene strata of western North America and Japan, as well as a large percentage of endemic species. Analysis of the latitudinal ranges and worldwide occurrences of gastropod genera from these formations show the presence of three biogeographic components: cosmopolitan, North Pacific, and endemic. No Tethyan, or circumtropical genera are present in these Kamchatkan Middle and Late Eocene gastropod faunas. Changes in the geographic distribution of North Pacific gastropod assemblages through the Middle and Late Eocene indicate that only eastern Pacific Tethyan taxa were subjected to latitudinal range reduction. The distribution of cosmopolitan and North Pacific elements did not significantly change from the Middle to Late Eocene, which suggests a relatively stable environment and climate stability during that time. High-latitude Eocene gastropod assemblages from western Kamchatka demonstrate a high level of endemism at the species level and a low-level of endemism on the genus level. This pattern is thought to be a result of the unrestricted migration of cosmopolitan taxa northward along the shallow-marine margin of the Pacific rim.
Closed-loop systems: diversity and natural selection.

When Charles Darwin sailed the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands in 1835, he was moved and inspired by the incredible diversity in the species of finches and tortoises, leading ultimately to the formulation of his ideas on the origin of species and natural selection. One might have been similarly moved during a recent meeting of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Artificial Pancreas Project Consortium, held during the annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association—in a somewhat less exotic location in downtown Philadelphia. In the relative absence of selective pressure (i.e., with the generous financial support of the JDRF and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), an incredibly rich and varied bio(engineering) diversity has been allowed to flourish in the environment of closed-loop artificial pancreas research. Multiple species of glucose sensors, insulin pumps, and particularly algorithm and controller designs, combined in various permutations to populate the display tables and research presentations during the meeting. This open environment is appropriate and conducive for the early stages of system development; allowing broad creative and engineering latitude should maximize the likelihood of the generation of successful closed-loop devices. However, now that the first “in-human” feasibility studies are rolling out and researchers, funders, and regulatory agencies are evaluating their early results, the first waves of selective pressures are starting to be felt. Each group has its favorite sensor or pump; …
The biocompatibility of solution cast and acetone‐extracted cast biomer

The cellular response to films of cast Biomer and acetone-extracted Biomer were investigated over a 21-day implantation period, using an in vivo cage implant system. Film samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and by contact angle measurements before implantation, and by SEM and ESCA after implantation and cleaning. Cellular and protein components of the inflammatory response were analyzed at periodic observation points after implantation. In addition, film samples were retrieved at 4, 7, and 21 days after implantation and analyzed for leukocyte adhesion by light microscopy and SEM. The results demonstrated that cast Biomer contains an extractable fraction, which when removed significantly improves the biocompatibility of the material.
Microsatellite-Based Parentage Analysis of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Using Nonlethal DNA Sampling

To track Aedes aegypti (L.) egg-laying behavior in the field in Iquitos, Peru, we developed methods for 1) sampling DNA from live mosquitoes and 2) high through-put parentage analysis using microsatellite markers. We were able to amplify DNA extracted from a single hind leg, but not from the pupal exuvia. Removal of a leg from teneral females caused no significant changes in female behavioral or life history traits (e.g., longevity, blood feeding frequency, fecundity, egg hatch rate, gonotrophic cycle length, or oviposition behavior). Using a panel of nine microsatellite markers and an exclusion-based software program, we matched offspring to parental pairs in 10 Ae. aegypti test families in which parents originated from natural development sites in Iquitos. By mating known individuals in the laboratory, retaining the male, sampling the female's DNA before release, and collecting offspring in the field, the technique we developed can be used to genotype large numbers of Ae. aegypti, reconstruct family relationships, and track the egg-laying behavior of individual Ae. aegypti in nature.