cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium load regulates rat arterial smooth muscle calcium sparks and transient KCa currents

The regulation of calcium (Ca2+) sparks and transient calcium-sensitive K+ (KCa) currents by acute changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load ([Ca2+]SR) was investigated in rat cerebral artery smooth muscle cells using laser-scanning confocal microscopy in combination with patch clamp electrophysiology. [Ca2+]SR was elevated by: (i) increasing the activity of the SR Ca2+-ATPase with an anti-phospholamban monoclonal antibody, or (ii) blocking Ca2+ release from the SR with tetracaine, a membrane-permeant, reversible ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release (RyR) channel blocker. Alternatively, [Ca2+]SR was progressively decreased over time with a low concentration of thapsigargin (20 nm), a SR Ca2+-ATPase blocker. An elevation in [Ca2+]SR increased Ca2+ spark and transient KCa current frequency, but did not alter the amplitude, decay or spatial spread of Ca2+ sparks or the coupling ratio or amplitude correlation between Ca2+ sparks and evoked transient KCa currents. Decreasing [Ca2+]SR reduced Ca2+ spark frequency, amplitude and spatial spread and this reduced transient KCa current frequency and amplitude. However, even when mean Ca2+ spark amplitude and spread decreased by up to 47 and 56 % of control, respectively, the coupling ratio or amplitude correlation between Ca2+ sparks and transient KCa currents was not affected. These data demonstrate that acute changes in [Ca2+]SR regulate Ca2+ sparks and transient KCa currents in arterial smooth muscle cells.
Dual of the Janus solution : An interface conformal field theory

We propose and study a specific gauge theory dual of the smooth, nonsupersymmetric (and apparently stable) Janus solution of Type IIB supergravity found in Bak et al. [J. High Energy Phys. 05 (2003) 072]. The dual field theory is $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM theory on two half-spaces separated by a planar interface with different coupling constants in each half-space. We assume that the position dependent coupling multiplies the operator ${\mathcal{L}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ which is the fourth descendent of the primary $\mathrm{T}\mathrm{r}{X}^{{I}{X}^{J}}$ and closely related to the $\mathcal{N}=4$ Lagrangian density. At the classical level supersymmetry is broken explicitly, but $SO(3,2)$ conformal symmetry is preserved. We use conformal perturbation theory to study various correlation functions to first and second order in the discontinuity of ${g}_{YM}^{2}$, confirming quantum level conformal symmetry. Certain quantities such as the vacuum expectation value $⟨{\mathcal{L}}^{\ensuremath{'}}⟩$ are protected to all orders in ${g}_{YM}^{2}N$, and we find perfect agreement between the weak coupling value in the gauge theory and the strong coupling gravity result. $SO(3,2)$ symmetry requires vanishing vacuum energy, $⟨{T}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}⟩=0$, and this is confirmed in first order in the discontinuity.
Putative subunits of the rat mesangial Katp: A type 2B sulfonylurea receptor and an inwardly rectifying K+ channel

Putative subunits of the rat mesangial K ATP : A type 2B sulfonylurea receptor and an inwardly rectifying K + channel. Background Sulfonylurea agents exert their physiological effects in many cell types via binding to specific sulfonylurea receptors (SUR). SUR couple to inwardly-rectifying K + channel (Kir6.x) to form tetradimeric ATP-sensitive K + channels (K ATP ). The SUR subunits confer ATP-sensitivity on K ATP and also provide the binding sites for sulfonylureas and other pharmacological agents. Our previous work demonstrated that the exposure of mesangial cells (MC) to sulfonylureas generated profound effects on MC glucose uptake and matrix metabolism and induced heightened cell contractility in association with Ca 2+ transients. Because these responses likely resulted from the binding of sulfonylurea to a mesangial SUR2, we subsequently documented [ 3 H]-glibenclamide binding to MC and the gene expression of several mesangial SUR2 transcripts. From these data, we inferred that MC expressed the components of a mesangial K ATP and sought to establish their presence in primary MC. Methods To obtain mesangial SUR2 cDNA sequences, rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was utilized. DNA sequences were established by the fluorescent dye termination method. Gene expression of mesangial SUR2 and Kir6.1/2 was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern analysis. SUR2 proteins were identified by immunoblotting of mesangial proteins from membrane-enriched fractions with polyclonal antiserum directed against SUR2. Results RACE cloning yielded two mesangial SUR2 cDNAs of 4.8 and 6.7 kbp whose open reading frames translated proteins of 964 and 1535 aa, respectively. Using probes specific to each cDNA, the presence of a unique, 5.5 kbp serum-regulated mesangial SUR2 splice variant was established. The sequence of this mesangial SUR2 (mcSUR2B) shares identity with the recently cloned rat SUR2B (rSUR2B), but, in comparison to rSUR2B, is truncated by 12 exons at the N-terminus where it contains a unique insert of 16 aa. Immunoblotting studies with anti-SUR2 antiserum demonstrated SUR2 proteins of 108 and 170 kD in membrane-enriched fractions of MC protein extracts. Complementary studies showed abundant gene expression of Kir6.1, thereby establishing gene expression of both components of K ATP . Conclusions Based upon analogy to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), there are at least two putative mesangial K ATP that most likely represent hetero-octamers, comprised of either rSUR2B or mcSUR2 in complex with Kir6.1. Our results define the mesangial SUR2B as the possible first link in a chain of cellular events that culminates in MC contraction and altered extracellular matrix metabolism following exposure to sulfonylureas. In addition, our results serve as the basis for the future elucidation of the electrophysiologic characteristics of the mesangial K ATP and the study of endogenous regulators of mesangial cell contractility.
Blocking ERK-1/2 Reduces Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Induced Interleukin-18 Bioactivity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts by Induction of Interleukin-18 Binding Protein a

Objective To examine the mechanism of regulation of interleukin-18 (IL-18) bioactivity by IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) induction. Methods Levels of IL-18 and IL-18BPa in synovial fluid samples from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), followed by calculation of free IL-18. IL-18 and IL-18BPa synthesis in RA synovial fibroblasts that had been treated with proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively, followed by IL-18 bioactivity determination using KG-1 cells. Chemical signaling inhibitors were used for determination of the signal transduction pathways involved in IL-18BPa/IL-18 regulation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–induced caspase 1 activity was determined by a colorimetric assay. Results IL-18BPa was lower in RA synovial fluid than in OA synovial fluid (P < 0.05; n = 8), and free IL-18 was higher in RA synovial fluid than in OA synovial fluid. TNFα induced RA synovial fibroblast IL-18BPa and IL-18 in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Evaluation of signaling pathways suggested that TNFα induced IL-18 production through the ERK-1/2, protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), and Src pathways, whereas IL-18BPa synthesis was mediated through the NFκB, PKC, Src, and JNK pathways. Furthermore, addition of exogenous IL-18BPa-Fc reduced the RA synovial fibroblast phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 induced by TNFα. Conclusion These results suggest that IL-18BPa reduces IL-18 bioactivity induced by TNFα, by regulating the ERK-1/2 pathway in RA synovial fibroblasts. Targeting IL-18 bioactivity by induction or addition of IL-18BPa may provide another therapeutic option in the management of RA.
Magnetic moment measurements in osmium and platinum nuclei

The magnetic moments of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ states in $^{186,188}\mathrm{Os}$ and $^{194,196}\mathrm{Pt}$ isotopes have been measured by the transient field technique at ion recoil velocities $1.6\ensuremath{\lesssim}\frac{v}{{v}_{0}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}2.8$. The transient field was assumed to follow the parametrization proposed by Shu et al. for ions in the range $8lZl62$. The $g$ factors obtained for osmium isotopes $g(^{186}\mathrm{Os})=0.262(15)$ and $g(^{188}\mathrm{Os})=0.300(15)$ are in excellent agreement with independent M\"ossbauer and external field measurements, indicating that the adopted parametrization is valid up to $Z=76$. However, the same analysis yields $g$ factors for the platinum isotopes which are smaller than previously reported: $g(^{194}\mathrm{Pt})=0.203(6)$ and $g(^{196}\mathrm{Pt})=0.213(21)$.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{186,188}\mathrm{Os}$($^{32}\mathrm{S}$, $^{32}\mathrm{S}$\ensuremath{'})$^{186,188}\mathrm{Os}$(${2}_{1}^{+}$), $^{194,196}\mathrm{Pt}$($^{32}\mathrm{S}$, $^{32}\mathrm{S}$\ensuremath{'})$^{194,196}\mathrm{Pt}$(${2}_{1}^{+}$); ${E}_{s}\ensuremath{\sim}80$ MeV; enriched targets; measured $W(\ensuremath{\theta},B,\ensuremath{\infty})$ through polarized iron; deduced $g({2}_{1}^{+})$.
Characterization of the sedimentary thermal regime along the Corsair growth-fault zone, Texas continental shelf, using corrected bottomhole temperatures

Temperatures of deep (> ∼3 km [1.8 mi]) sediments along the Corsair growth-fault zone in the Texas continental shelf are elevated relative to those off the fault zone. This observation is based on a compilation of nearly 400 bottomhole temperatures (BHTs) obtained from about 230 wells widely distributed across the continental shelf. The BHTs have been individually corrected for the thermal disturbance associated with drill-fluid circulation. The isotherm of 140°C (284°F) derived from the corrected BHTs shows more or less continuous peaks along the fault zone. Thermal gradients in the depth range of 3 to 5 km (1.8 to 3.1 mi) shows higher values along the fault zone than off the fault zone. These trends are similar to the previous observations made along the Wilcox growth-fault zone in the Texas coastal plain. Previous studies suggest that the faults of the Wilcox system serve as the conduits for hot fluids expelled from deep, overpressured sediments. A similar mechanism may explain the elevated temperatures along the Corsair fault zone.
Axial length measurement techniques in pediatric eyes with cataract

Globe axial length (AL) in children is commonly measured using either contact or immersion technique. Office measurement of AL can be difficult in young children and infants and must often be done under anesthesia in an eye that is unable to cooperate with precise fixation and centration. Contact A-scan measurements yield shorter AL, on average, than immersion A-scan measurements in pediatric eyes. This difference is mainly the result of the anterior chamber depth rather than the lens thickness value. During intraocular lens power calculation, if globe axial length is measured by the contact technique, it will result in the use of an average 1-D stronger IOL power than is actually required. This can lead to induced myopia in the postoperative refraction. In our studied patients, there was a significant difference in prediction error between contact A-scan biometry and immersion A-scan biometry. The immersion A-scan technique is recommended for pediatric IOL power calculation. We also provide a review of biometry in pediatric eyes. The overall mean AL of pediatric cataractous eyes is significantly different than the mean AL of non cataractous eyes. More importantly, the standard deviation is higher in eyes with cataract than in those without. Three phases of eye growth in children have been documented: A rapid, postnatal phase from birth to 6 months of age, followed by a slower, infantile phase from 6 to 18 months of age, and finally a slow, juvenile phase from 18 months forward. In our study, girls had shorter ALs than boys and African-American subjects had longer ALs than Caucasians. Eyes with unilateral cataract had shorter ALs than eyes with bilateral cataract during the earlier years, but had longer ALs during later childhood.
Chemoembolization and bland embolization of neuroendocrine tumor metastases to the liver.

Purpose To assess the toxicity and efficacy of chemoembolization and bland embolization in patients with neuroendocrine tumor metastases to the liver. Materials and Methods A total of 67 patients underwent 219 embolization procedures: 23 patients received primarily bland embolization with PVA with or without iodized oil and 44 primarily received chemoembolization with cisplatin, doxorubicin, mitomycin-C, iodized oil, and polyvinyl alcohol. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging follow-up was performed 1 month after completion of therapy and every 3 months thereafter. Patients with disease relapse were treated again when feasible. Toxicity was assessed according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. Efficacy was assessed by clinical and morphologic response. Time to progression (TTP), time to treatment failure, and survival were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results Ten of 67 patients (15%) were lost to follow-up. The mortality rate at 30 days was 1.4%. Toxicities of grade 3 or worse in severity occurred after 25% of chemoembolization procedures and 22% of bland embolization procedures (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.4–4.0). Mean length of stay was 1.5 day in both groups. Rates of freedom from progression at 1, 2, and 3 years were 49%, 49%, and 35% after chemoembolization and 0%, 0%, and 0% after bland embolization (log-rank test, P = .16). Among the subgroup with carcinoid tumors, the proportions without progression were 65%, 65%, and 52% after chemoembolization and 0%, 0%, and 0% after bland embolization (log-rank test, P = .08). Patients treated with chemoembolization and bland embolization experienced symptomatic relief for means of 15 and 7.5 months, respectively ( P = .14). Survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after therapy were 86%, 67%, and 50%, respectively, after chemoembolization and 68%, 46%, and 33%, respectively, after bland embolization (log-rank test, P = .18). Conclusions Chemoembolization was not associated with a higher degree of toxicity than bland embolization. Chemoembolization demonstrated trends toward improvement in TTP, symptom control, and survival. Based on these results, a multicenter prospective randomized trial is warranted.
Fourier transform path integral method: numerical technique for scalar scattering in inhomogeneous regions

The path integral can be described as a Green's function, although not in closed form, for Helmholtz equation in an inhomogeneous region. Here a straightforward heuristic derivation of the path integral is presented. The Fourier transform path integral method, a numerical technique applicable under scalar scattering conditions is also presented. Computational aspects of the numerical methods are discussed. Numerical examples include a source in the presence of a planar perfect electric conductor, a conducting wedge, a perfect conducting cylinder and an inhomogeneous dielectric slab.
Effect of multiple activation stimuli on the generation of Th1-polarizing dendritic cells

It was originally reported that only a small fraction of total matured dendritic cells (DCs) produced interleukin (IL)-12, but it has never been determined whether different combinations of activating signals now shown to maximize secreted IL-12 do so through increasing output by the same IL-12 producers, or by recruiting additional cytokine-secreting cells. We therefore tested all combinations of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (TLR4 ligand), R848 (TLR8 ligand), interferon (IFN)-γ, and CD40L for activating human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC), and determined by intracellular flow cytometry that enhanced IL-12 secretion was accomplished in large part by markedly increasing the proportion of cells producing IL-12, with the triple and quadruple combinations recruiting the most DC. This optimization requirement for multiple signals was not reflected in differential Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression by the cells. Interestingly, DCs activated with single TLR ligands plus IFN-γ were capable of responding with a second burst of IL-12 upon later CD40L stimulation, whereas DCs activated with R848 plus LPS were not, despite the trend of the latter for superior polarization of naive T cells toward IFN-γ-secreting Th1. These results have implications for the biology of IL-12-secreting DCs and choice of activation regimen for prospective use in DC-based immunotherapy.
Flash photolysis of transient radicals. Benzophenone ketyl radical

Abstract A number of processes are found to follow excitation of the benzophenone ketyl radical. The lowest excited state of the radical absorbs, fluoresces and reacts with solvent. Rate constants for reaction of this state with cyclohexane and isopropanol are 4 × 107 and 7 × 108 M−1 s−1, respectively. The lifetime of 5.1 ns found in a solution containing 1% cyclohexane in acetonitrile at room temperature is longer than that reported previously.
Kerlinger's Practicality Myth and the Quality of Research Instruction: An Overview of the Content of Educational Research Textbooks

Abstract Almost 3 decades ago, Fred N. Kerlinger argued that until education dispells a few important myths about how research should be conducted, it will never be viewed as a scientific discipline. One such myth, the notion that research should have practicality as its principal aim, was vigorously attacked by Kerlinger in many of his publications. To determine whether or not Kerlinger's approach has been adopted by this generation of educational researchers, the author reviewed a selection of current educational research textbooks in terms of references to Kerlinger and adherence to the importance of basic research. Results suggest that the field of education is still focused on applied research more than on basic research.
Silicon measurement in a lung phantom by neutron inelastic scattering.

A study was made to assess the feasibility of determining the silicon level in human lungsi n v i v o by measuring the gamma rays arising from the neutron inelastic scattering reaction 28Si (n, n′γ) 28Si. Neutron energies in the range 5–8 MeV represent the best compromise between the conflicting requirements of high energy for good detection statistics and low energy to minimize the dose to the subject. The sensitivity of measurement was enhanced by pulsing the neutron beam and counting only during the period of bombardment. This effectively reduced the background counts emanating from thermal neutron reactions in the phantom and from the fast neutron reaction 31P(n,α)28Al. In measurements with an anthropomorphic phantom, no interference peaks from other prompt inelastic scattering reactions were observed. With one Ge(Li) detector of 19% relative efficiency, a detection limit of 0.6 g of silicon per 10 mSv was obtained. On this basis, it is estimated that six Ge(Li) detectors of 25% efficiency each would be capable of measuring 0.15 g of silicon in the lungs, the average level found in nonoccupationally exposed adults.
Impact of Blogs on Sales Revenue: Test of a Network Model

In this study, blog data were collected and network parameters were captured to represent three common measurements of online Word-Of-Mouth: intensity, influence level, and dispersion. These parameters were then analyzed using a General Estimating Equation (GEE) model to test their effects on average weekly movie box office receipts. Findings indicated that all three parameters were significant in the model. The aggregated degree, representing WOM intensity, was positively significant, which was consistent with results from extant research. Further, diameter of a network, representing WOM dispersion, was observed to be positively significant, which validated the importance of spreading WOM as far as possible. Counter-intuitively, the aggregated size node, representing WOM influence level, was ascertained to be negatively significant, which might be explained by the possible negative stance from opinion leaders with high influence level. Applying network analysis methodology to blog entries, the present work differentiated itself from extant WOM literature that has focused chiefly on content analysis. The findings also provided managerial insights to companies interested in utilizing blogs as online WOM for marketing initiatives and implications for future research.
ONTOCUBE: efficient ontology extraction using OLAP cubes

Ontologies are knowledge conceptualizations of a particular domain and are commonly represented with hierarchies. While final ontologies appear deceivingly simple on paper, building ontologies represents a time-consuming task that is normally performed by natural language processing techniques or schema matching. On the other hand, OLAP cubes are most commonly used during decision-making processes via the analysis of data summarizations. In this paper, we present a novel approach based on using OLAP cubes for ontology extraction. The resulting ontology is obtained through an analytical process of the summarized frequencies of keywords within a corpus. The solution was implemented within a relational database system (DBMS). In our experiments, we show how all the proposed discrimination measures (frequency, correlation, lift) affect the resulting classes. We also show a sample ontology result and the accuracy of finding true classes. Finally, we show the performance breakdown of our algorithm.
Reciprocal Regulation of AMP-activated Protein Kinase and Phospholipase D

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical sensor of energy sufficiency, acts as central metabolic switch in cell metabolism. Once activated by low energy status, AMPK phosphorylates key regulatory substrates and turns off anabolic biosynthetic pathways. In contrast, the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is active when there are sufficient nutrients for anabolic reactions. A critical factor regulating mTOR is phosphatidic acid (PA), a central metabolite of membrane lipid biosynthesis and the product of the phospholipase D (PLD)-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. PLD is a downstream target of the GTPase Rheb, which is turned off in response to AMPK via the tuberous sclerosis complex. Although many studies have linked AMPK with mTOR, very little is known about the connection between AMPK and PLD. In this report, we provide evidence for reciprocal regulation of PLD by AMPK and regulation of AMPK by PLD and PA. Suppression of AMPK activity led to an increase in PLD activity, and conversely, activation of AMPK suppressed PLD activity. Suppression of PLD activity resulted in elevated AMPK activity. Exogenously supplied PA abolished the inhibitory effects of elevated AMPK activity on mTOR signaling. In contrast, exogenously supplied PA could not overcome the effect AMPK activation if either mTOR or Raptor was suppressed, indicating that the inhibitory effects of PLD and PA on AMPK activity are mediated by mTOR. These data suggest a reciprocal feedback mechanism involving AMPK and the PLD/mTOR signaling node in cancer cells with therapeutic implications.
A Study on Sensor Multiplicity in Optical Fiber Sensor Networks

We have developed a novel optical fiber sensor network system with hetero-core spliced fiber optic sensors. Our previous work demonstrated that the system can play a dual role as a gigabit-class communication network and a sensing system when a limited number of sensors are used. However, optical devices are generally expensive. Thus, in order to use the devices efficiently, it is required that the system allow more sensors to be inserted into a fiber line. In this paper, we propose an enhanced system that can improve sensor multiplicity. The system utilizes a new type of sensor module that generates optical loss only for a short time. We analyze the relationship between sensor multiplicity and communication quality when using such sensor modules, and present results of the performance of this enhanced system in simulated experiments.
Nuclear and atomic physics of the solar neutrino problem

I discuss several nuclear and atomic physics issues that arise in the production and detection of solar neutrinos, such as the 7Be(p,γ)8B cross section and the implications of the GALLEX neutrino source experiment. I also touch on two more speculative issues, “salty water” experiments in Superkamiokande and mixing of the solar core on times characteristic of 3He equilibration.
A computational study of methane catalytic reactions on zeolites

Abstract The cluster approach method is used to study the transition state structures and the activation barriers of methane hydrogen exchange and dehydrogenation reactions catalyzed by zeolites. The reactant and transition state structures are optimized at the B3LYP/6-31g* level, and the energies are calculated using CBS-QB3, a complete basis set composite energy method. The computed activation barriers are 33.53 kcal/mol for the hydrogen exchange reaction and 90.08 kcal/mol for the dehydrogenation reaction. The effects of zeolite acidity on the reaction barriers are also investigated by changing the length of the terminal Si H bonds. Analytical expressions between activation barriers and zeolite deprotonation energies for each reaction are proposed so accurate activation barriers can be obtained when using different zeolites as catalysts. Additionally, transition state theory is applied to estimate the reaction rate constants of the hydrogen exchange and dehydrogenation reactions from calculated activation barriers, and vibrational, rotational and translational partition functions.
Studies of Gender in the Prehispanic Americas

In the past ten years archaeologists have produced a vast literature on the study of gender in the prehispanic New World. This review defines key con- cepts, identifies three major themes within this tradition—gender in native cosmologies, intersections of gender and the body, and studies of work and spe- cialization—and explores the significant contributions of engendered archaeology to the broader field. Final suggestions for linkages with queer studies and indigenous feminism point the way to where this field might develop productive new avenues of research.
Investigation of Pyrazine Formation Pathways in Glucose-Ammonia Model Systems

Model systems of d-glucose and ammonia with metal ions, oxygen, antioxidants, and sodium hydroxide were reacted at 100°C (solution temp.) for 2~18 hr to investigate pyrazine formation pathways. Pyrazines identified in these model systems were unsubstituted-, 2-methyl-, 2,5-dimethyl-, 2,6-dimethyl-, 2-ethyl-, 2,3-dimethyl-, 2-ethyl-5-methyl-, 2-ethyl-6-methyl-, 2,3,5-trimethyl-, 2-ethyl-3-methyl-, 2-vinyl-, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethyl- and ethyl vinyl-. Results show that α-amino carbonyl compounds acted as intermediates to form various pyrazines. For example, 2-methylpyrazine may be formed from the condensation of α-amino-α-hydroxy acetaldehyde and α-amino acetone following the elimination of a water molecule.We propose that the formation of a pyrazine ring from dihydropyrazine is due to the dehydration of hydroxy dihydropyrazine rather than the dehydrogenation of dihydropyrazine. This explains the formation of an alkyl group (e.g., an ethyl group) from the sugar moiety.We propose ten α-ami...
Intracellular free Ca2+ and the hypercontracture of adult rat heart myocytes.

Abstract The Ca 2+ sensitivity of a population of isolated adult rat heart myocytes has been related to (a) the Na + content of the cells prior to Ca 2+ exposure, and (b) the intracellular free Ca 2+ as reported by quin2 fluorescence when the cells are challenged with millimolar external Ca 2+ . Myocytes exposed to Ca 2+ during quin2 loading show a resting intracellular free Ca 2+ of 150 ± 30 n m and retain the rod cell morphology of heart cells in situ . The myocytes take up Na + and lose K + when incubated in the cold in the absence of Ca 2+ . Large numbers of these rod-shaped, Na + -loaded myocytes hypercontract into grossly distorted round cell forms when exposed to physiological levels of Ca 2+ . The number of cells that hypercontract is proportional to the Na + content of the cells prior to Ca 2+ addition and can be directly related to the intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration attained following Ca 2+ addition. Fifty percent of the cells in a myocyte population hypercontract when the internal free Ca 2+ concentration reported by quin2 reaches 400 n m and virtually all of the cells hypercontract when this value reaches 1 μ m . The entry of Ca 2+ into Na + -loaded myocytes is biphasic with one phase inhibited by Ca 2+ channel blockade. This suggests that Ca 2+ enters Na + -loaded myocytes by the Ca 2+ channel as well as by Na + Ca 2+ exchange.
Amplification of high-bandwidth phase-modulated signals at 793 nm

Amplification of high-bandwidth phase-modulated optical signals from integrated-optics phase modulators at 793 nm is experimentally demonstrated using an injection-locking technique. Off-the-shelf wide-bandwidth integrated-optics modulators are power limited at 793 nm owing to photorefractive damage of the LiNbO3 waveguides. Typical optical input powers for these devices at this wavelength are less than 10 mW with optical output powers typically less than 1 mW. To amplify the outputs of these modulators, we injected the phase-modulated light into an antireflection-coated 100-mW single-mode diode laser. With the injection-locking technique, small-signal gains of 23 dB are demonstrated with good signal fidelity up to bandwidths of 3 GHz. A bandwidth limitation is found at approximately 3 GHz for sinusoidal phase-modulated signals, above which signal fidelity is seriously degraded. This limitation is significantly less than the measured relaxation oscillations of ∼5.6 GHz, suggesting a new limitation to injection locking of phase-modulated signals. Amplification of binary-phase-shift-keyed-modulated signals to 6 Gbit/s is also demonstrated with no bit errors over the 256-bit test sequences.
Oral testosterone self-administration in male hamsters: dose-response, voluntary exercise, and individual differences.

Abstract Although testosterone was declared a controlled substance in 1990, the potential for steroid dependence is largely unexplored. The present study used food-induced drinking with oral testosterone self-administration in hamsters to determine (1) the dose-response for testosterone reward, (2) links between testosterone self-administration and voluntary exercise, and (3) factors predicting individual differences in androgen intake. Testosterone (1–4 mg/ml) was presented in aqueous solution 3 h/day for 35 days, with and without food. At 3 mg/ml, testosterone maintained fluid intake, even without food (3.0 ± 0.2 ml/3h). At 4 mg/ml, fluid intake declined to 2.4 ± 0.3 ml/3h in the presence of food. However, no dose-response relationship between testosterone self-administration and reward was observed. To test the interaction of testosterone and exercise, males drinking testosterone (RUN + T) or vehicle received a running wheel. Additional males self-administered testosterone without exercise. Testosterone intake correlated positively with exercise and negatively with body weight in RUN + T males. Experiment 3 determined the relationship between testosterone self-administration and mating or saccharin preference. There were no statistically significant correlations. However, testosterone self-administration increased mating behavior. These data demonstrate that testosterone is a mild reinforcer. Although preference for androgens is not predicted by mating or saccharin intake, testosterone intake is linked with voluntary exercise.
Existence of Strong-pairing quantum Hall phase in bilayer cold atom systems with dipolar interactions

electric or magnetic dipole moments. 5 In the present work we study possible novel fractional quantum Hall (FQH) phases stabilized by the dipolar interactions between the atoms. The possibility of realizing quantum Hall phases in cold atom systems with dipolar interactions has been studied theoretically. 6,7 One aspect of the dipolar interaction is that it is anisotropic, therefore it can be used to realize anisotropic fractional quantum Hall states, 7,8 a subject of current interest. 9 Related to this anisotropy is the fact that dipolar interactions can be either repulsive or attractive, depending on the orientation of the dipoles. This allows for the possibility that the interaction is attractive at certain distances, while repulsive at other distances, which is not possible for the electronelectron Coulomb interaction. Such mixed interactions may allow for various types of paired quantum Hall states in which constituent particles (atoms in the present case) form pairs, which is the focus of the present work. The specific system we consider here is a bilayer system of dipolar atoms, with the dipole moment polarized perpendicular to the two-dimensional layers where the atoms reside. In this case the inter-layer interaction is attractive at short distances (when the dipoles are on top of each other), while at long distances the interaction is repulsive because the dipole moments are perpendicular to the inter-atom orientation; see Figure 1 for an illustration. Due to the rotation symmetry along the z-direction in this case, the interactions are isotropic in the plane and can be characterized by Haldane pseudopotentials. A specific form of interaction of such “hollow core” type is the Haldane-Rezayi (HR) model, with the HR state being its exact ground state 10 . This model has very interesting and unusual properties. However there have been some issues as to whether the HR state represents a stable phase or a critical point. Motivated by this and the possibility of realizing such “hollow core” type of interactions with dipolar interactions, we perform detailed numerical studies on a two-component (representing two layers) tunable pseudopotential (TCTP) model
Clearing Up the Egoist Difficulty with Loyalty

This paper seeks to analyze and to motivate a trend toward virtue ethics and away from deontology in the business ethics account of organizational loyalty. Prevailing authors appeal to “transcendent” values (deontology), skepticism (there is no loyalty), or Aristotelianism (loyalty is seeking mutual self-interest). I argue that the “Aristotelian” view clears up the “egoist” difficulty with loyalty. Briefly, critics feel we must “transcend,” “replace,” “overcome” and most especially sacrifice self-interest on the altar of ethics and loyalty. I argue that few things can be more ethical than loyalty to shared values. When a company and I both pursue the same value X, there becomes no difference between my seeking my best interest and my seeking the best interest of the company (and vice versa). Hence, the way out of the egoist difficulty with loyalty is seeing a company’s interests as my own (Aristotle’s third stage of friendship).
Multiplexed Speckle And Holographic Interferometry With Color Encoding By White-Light Processing

A technique for multiplexing holographic and speckle interferometric images utilizing a narrow angle holographic construction scheme is presented. The image reconstruction process utilizes a white-light processing system for color encoding of interferometric fringe patterns. The property of color encoding reveals interesting interferometric aspects of the multiplexed fringe patterns. A color video system is used to provide the advantage of displaying the output interferometric images for detailed study. Experimental results of time-aver-aged and double exposure interferometric processes are given. This technique is ideally suited to aid in the location of the J0 order holographic fringe.
Automated enhancement of description logic-defined terminologies to facilitate mapping to ICD9-CM

Compositional (post-coordinated) terminologies are one potential solution to the problem of content completeness. However, they have the potential to render data incomparable. For computers to determine that compositional expressions are comparable, the relations between the composed components that are understood implicitly by human readers must be represented explicitly for computer manipulation. We discuss a technique for discovering and formalizing the implicit semantic relationships in two vocabularies: the International Classification of Disease Version 9 Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM), and SNOMED-Reference Terminology (SNOMED-RT). The results of this technique are used to augment the existing SNOMED-RT relation ontology [1], which is a necessary step in automated concept mapping between systems. The reference terminology must contain all the semantics implicit in the classification in order to map concepts between the two representations. We also provide an explicit representation of the implied semantics of ICD9-CM. This tabulation will be useful for other knowledge engineering efforts involving ICD9-CM.
How do we improve patient compliance and adherence to long-term statin therapy?

Statins are highly effective drugs prescribed to millions of people to lower LDL-cholesterol and decrease cardiovascular risk. The benefits of statin therapy seen in randomized clinical trials will only be replicated in real-life if patients adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen. But, about half of patients discontinue statin therapy within the first year, and adherence decreases with time. Patient, physician and healthcare system-related factors play a role in this problem. Recent studies have focused more on the patients’ perspectives on non-adherence. Adverse events are cited as the most common cause of statin discontinuation; thus, the healthcare provider must be willing to ally and dialogue with patients to address concerns and assess the risks and benefits of continued statin therapy.
C++ and Massively Parallel Computers

Our goal is to apply the software engineering advantages of object-oriented programming to the raw power of massively parallel architectures. To do this we have constructed a hierarchy of C++ classes to support the data-parallel paradigm. Feasibility studies and initial coding can be supported by any serial machine that has a C++ compiler. Parallel execution requires an extended Cfront, which understands the data-parallel classes and generates C* code. (C* is a data-parallel superset of ANSI C developed by Thinking Machines Corporation). This approach provides potential portability across parallel architectures and leverages the existing compiler technology for translating data-parallel programs onto both SIMD and MIMD hardware.
Truncation of Petri net models for simplifying computation of optimum scheduling problems

Abstract Scheduling problems with constraints on precedence relationship and resource requirements may be modeled by timed Petri nets. A search algorithm that integrates the execution of the Petri net and the modified branch-and-bound technique is presenyed to seek for an optimum schedule. For many practical applications, their Petri net models tend to become large, and the number of transitions in the models grows rapidly. Unreasonably long computing time and large computer memory may be required to implement the above algorithm. To solve this complexity problem, a truncation technique is developed to divide the Petri net into smaller subnets. It is illustrated by a practical example that the technique greatly reduces the demand of the overall computing time and computer memory for reaching an optimum solution.
Expression of multiple KCNE genes in human heart may enable variable modulation of IKs

Voltage-gated potassium (K(V)) channels are modulated by at least three distinct classes of proteins including the KCNE family of single transmembrane accessory subunits. In the human genome, KCNE proteins are encoded by five genes designated KCNE1 through KCNE5. KCNE1 associates with KCNQ1 in vitro to generate a potassium current closely resembling the slowly activating delayed rectifier (I(Ks)). Other KCNE proteins also affect the activity of heterologously expressed KCNQ1. To investigate the potential physiological relevance of this gene family in human heart, we examined the relative expression of KCNQ1 and all five KCNE genes in samples derived from normal tissues representing major regions of human heart by real-time, quantitative RT-PCR. KCNE genes are expressed in human heart with a relative abundance ranking of KCNE1 > KCNE4 > KCNE5 approximately KCNE3 >> KCNE2. In situ hybridization revealed prominent expression of KCNE1 and KCNE3-5 in human atrial myocytes. In cardiomyopathic hearts, expression of KCNE1, KCNE3, KCNE4, and KCNQ1 was significantly increased, while KCNE2 and KCNE5 exhibited reduced expression. In a cell line stably expressing KCNQ1 and KCNE1, transient expression of KCNE3, KCNE4, or KCNE5 significantly altered I(Ks) current profiles. Even in the presence of additional KCNE1, KCNE4 and KCNE5 exert dominant effects on I(Ks). Although KCNE1 is the predominant KCNE family member expressed in human heart, the abundance of other KCNE transcripts including potential KCNQ1 suppressors (KCNE4 and KCNE5) and their altered expression patterns in disease lead us to speculate that a balance of KCNE accessory subunits may be important for cardiac K(V) channel function.
Void formation in gallium arsenide crystals grown in microgravity

Abstract Two crystals of selenium doped gallium arsenide ( Se GaAs ) were grown in the crystal growth furnace (CGF), during the First United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-1). Both of these crystals contained voids and three theories were proposed to explain the formation of these voids: (1) Evolution of dissolved argon from the liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) grown crystal could have resulted in the formation of voids during solidification. (2) Vaporization of excess arsenic at the melt/solid interface due to superheating during rapid solidification could have generated bubbles that were trapped as voids during solidification. (3) A three-piece charge geometry with nondirectional melting could have generated bubbles which were trapped in the crystal as voids during directional solidification. During the Second United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-2), two more Se GaAs crystals were grown in the CGF. The USML-2 experiments used one-piece charges which were grown using the same LEC procedure and apparatus as the USML-1 charges, but machined with a new technique. The USML-2 charges were directionally melted and directionally solidified. One of the USML-2 experiments duplicated the fastest growth rate that was used on USML-1. No voids were seen in X-rays of either of the crystals grown on USML-2. From these results, it is reasonable to reject the theories concerning dissolved Ar and excess As vaporization. It can be concluded that the voids found in the USML-1 crystals resulted from the combination of the three-piece charge geometry and nondirectional melting prior to directional solidification.
Assessment of cultivated and wild, weedy rice lines to concurrent changes in CO2 concentration and air temperature: determining traits for enhanced seed yield with increasing atmospheric CO2

Although several studies have examined intra-specific variability in growth and yield to projected atmospheric CO2 concentration, [CO2], few have considered concurrent increases in air temperature and [CO2], and none have compared the relative responses of cultivated and wild, weedy crop lines. In the current study we quantified the growth and seed yield response of three cultivated (‘Rondo’, ‘Clearfield 161’, ‘M204’) and one wild (red) rice line (‘Stuttgart-S’ or ‘Stg-S’), grown at ambient or +200 µmol mol–1 [CO2] at one of three day/night temperatures (29/21, 31/23 or 33/25°C). Averaged among all cultivars, [CO2] increased biomass and seed yield, but conversely, increasing air temperature reduced the [CO2] response of both parameters. Among the cultivated and weedy rice tested, ‘Rondo’ and ‘Stg-S’ showed significant increases in aboveground biomass and seed yield with elevated [CO2] at 29/21°C; however, only ‘Stg-S’, the weedy rice line, demonstrated a significant increase with [CO2] at all growth temperatures. A regression analysis for this line indicated that the relative increase in seed yield with [CO2] and air temperature was positively associated with panicle and tiller number, but negatively correlated with the percentage of immature seed. An analysis of all lines indicated that the ratio of tiller production between CO2 treatments at 30 days after sowing (DAS) was a significant predictor of seed yield response to increasing [CO2] for all temperatures. These results suggest that: (i) inclusion of wild lines may broaden genotypic or phenotypic variation and assist in selection to temperature/[CO2]; and (ii) early differences in tiller formation may be an effective means to facilitate screening for CO2 sensitive rice genotypes.
Reconceiving Social Movements

The study of social movements is a part of sociology still ill-defined and poorly elaborated. Conventional formulations have borrowed a social-psychological perspective from the study of collective behavior. As a result, assumptions have been used that are unsuited to the nature of social movements. In this study I propose two criteria—positive solidarity and antiinstitutional orientation—as essential parts of a restricted but more coherent definition to guide research on social movements. I also explore briefly some of the implications and advantages of this change in perspective.
From sex strangler to model citizen: Mexico's most famous murderer and the defeat of the death penalty.

Gregorio Cardenas Hernandez was Mexico's most infamous serial killer. After he confessed to killing four young women and burying them behind his home, he became the darling of the crime pages and criminological experts alike, and his case provoked a lively debate over the reinstatement of the death penalty in congress. The following essay uses his story, the policy debates it provoked, and his broader institutional odyssey in La Castaneda mental asylum (1943–1947) and Lecumberri prison (1948–1976) to explore how issues that affected Mexicans across the social spectrum were discussed and settled in a political system that was neither a dictatorship nor a democracy.