cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simple phagemid-based system for generating allele replacements in Escherichia coli.

We describe a phagemid-based system for rapidly generating chromosomal allele replacements in two steps. The system utilizes simple vector-determined selection procedures for each step and requires only that the target strain be male and sup+ (nonsuppressing for amber mutations). Images
N∊-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Nα-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl)-L-lysine

The title compound, C20H23N3O8S, is in an extended conformation. The COOH group does not form hydrogen-bonded carboxyl dimers, but forms an intermolecular hydrogen bond with the NCOO carbonyl O atom [O⋯O 2.666 (2) A]. The N atom bonded to S is pyramidal, and forms a bifurcated intramolecular hydrogen bond with carboxy and nitro O atoms.
Nonpharmacological therapy for the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: linking evidence to practice

Background Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia affect up to 90% of all patients at some point during their dementing illness. Today, many of these symptoms are treated with pharmacological therapy alone, incongruent with clinical recommendations. Barriers to the use of nonpharmacological interventions with dementia include a lack of education among caregivers on available options, shortage of time for implementation, lack of education on effects of nonpharmacological therapy, poor staff to resident ratios, and unmodifiable physical environments. Aims The purpose of this paper is to explore current literature regarding the implementation of nonpharmacological therapy as an adjunct treatment to manage agitation in dementia, to identify practice discrepancies seen commonly among formal and informal caregivers, and to make recommendations for implementing evidence into practice. Methods A systematic review of the literature published between 2009 and 2014 was conducted. Four databases were searched including CINAHL, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo. Findings The most prevalent and substantial conclusion among the 10 studies evaluated is that nonpharmacological therapy is safe and effective. Although not every study was able to show statistically significant outcomes when compared to controls, all studies demonstrated a positive trend toward decreasing agitation without any adverse side effects. Linking Evidence to Action A multicomponent caregiver education program focused on evidence-based nonpharmacological strategies for addressing agitation in persons with Alzheimer's disease has the potential to decrease agitation, improve patient outcomes, and increase caregiver satisfaction.
Classification of Solids and Crystal Structure

Classification of solids can be based upon atomic arrangement, binding energy, physical and chemical properties or the geometrical aspects of the crystalline structure. In one class, the atoms in a crystalline solid are set in an irregular manner, without any short- or long-range order in their atomic arrangement. This class of solids is commonly known as noncrystalline or amorphous materials. In another class, the atoms or group of atoms of the solid are arranged in a regular order. These solids are usually referred to as crystalline solids. The crystalline solids can be further divided into two categories: the single crystalline and the polycrystalline solids. In a single crystalline solid, the regular order extends over the entire crystal. In a polycrystalline solid, however, the regular order only exists over a small region of the crystal, ranging from a few hundred angstroms to a few centimeters. A polycrystalline solid contains many of these small single crystalline regions surrounded by the grain boundaries. Distinction between these two classes of solids—amorphous and crystalline—can be made through the use of X-ray or electron diffraction techniques.
Counter-Accounting with Invisible Data: The Struggle for Transparency in Myanmar's Energy Sector

This article examines the counter-accounting methods one NGO, EarthRights International (ERI), uses to make Myanmar's notoriously opaque energy sector more transparent. ERI's methodological approach relies heavily on the identification of “invisible data,” which do not appear in the statistics that governments and foreign energy companies release concerning their joint ventures. However, the data leave patterned traces in other statistical financial data. ERI asserts that it is possible to reconstruct joint venture balance sheets by comparing these traces against what the principles have not disclosed, such as with the controversial Yadana pipeline and the precedent-setting human rights lawsuit connected to it. The choices that ERI made illustrate how financial “facts” are fashioned rather than found, and that technical decisions regarding who does the counting, what gets counted, and what is disclosed to whom are profoundly political in nature. Such decisions also foreground key limitations of NGO-led revenue transparency projects, especially in resource-rich countries. Greater data disclosure does not necessarily result in increased transparency. Rather, the proliferation of structured and unstructured data sources (information that is organized and readily searchable versus information that is not) often leads to greater disagreement among key stakeholders regarding the relevance, neutrality, intelligibility, and verifiability of the numbers available for audit.
The effect of chronically ingested inorganic lead on brain levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn of 25 day old rat

Abstract Lead poisoning was produced in suckling rats by lead fed to lactating mother rats being transmitted to newborns via maternal milk. The brain of 25 day old lead poisoned rats contained 6.0 to 12.5 ppm lead. Zinc was depressed 56% (cerebral cortex), 45% in cerebellum and 43% (caudate nucleus) whereas copper was depressed 52% in the cerebellum. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase (pargyline) or partial depletion of serotonin and norepinephrine did not alter the concentration of Fe, Cu, Zn, or Mn in brain.
Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) Affects Vegetation More Than Seed Banks in Mixed-Grass Prairies of the Northern Great Plains

Abstract Exotic plants have the ability to modify soil seed banks in habitats they invade, but little is known about the legacy of invasion on seed banks once an exotic plant has successfully been controlled. Natural areas previously invaded by leafy spurge in the northern Great Plains typically have one of two fates following its removal: a return of native plants, or a secondary invasion of other exotic plants. It is unknown, however, if this difference in plant communities following leafy spurge control is due to seed bank differences. To answer this question, we monitored seed banks and standing vegetation for 2 yr in mixed-grass prairies that were previously invaded by leafy spurge but controlled within 5 yr of our study. We found that native plant seed banks were largely intact in areas previously invaded by leafy spurge, regardless of the current living plant community, and leafy spurge invasion history had a larger impact on cover and diversity of the vegetation than on the seed banks. Differences...
Aggressive estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer arising in patients with elevated body mass index

Background Obese women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer may experience worse disease-free and overall survival. We hypothesize that this observation is due to intrinsically aggressive disease and that obesity will be associated with higher histologic grade and Ki67.
Conservative surgery for benign non-parasitic splenic cysts

Benign, non-parasitic splenic cysts are an uncommon cause of splenomegaly in children. Potentially they may enlarge, causing pain, rupture, or haemorrhage, or become infected. Traditional management has been total splenectomy. We report two cases of true epithelial-lined splenic cysts successfully treated by partial splenectomy using an oxidised cellulose gauze ‘sandwich’ technique.
Dietary assessment of adolescents undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: macro- and micronutrient, fiber, and supplement intake

Background Extremely obese adolescents are increasingly undergoing bariatric procedures, which restrict dietary intake. However, as yet, no data are available describing the change in caloric density or composition of the adolescent bariatric patient's diet pre- and postoperatively. Our objective was to assess the 1-year change in the dietary composition of adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery at a tertiary care children's hospital. Methods A total of 27 subjects (67% female, 77% white, age 16.7 ± 1.4 yr, baseline body mass index 60.1 ± 14.1 kg/m 2 ) were prospectively enrolled into an observational cohort study 1 month before undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from August 2005 to March 2008. The 3-day dietary intake was recorded at baseline (n = 24) and 2 weeks (n = 16), 3 months (n = 11), and 1 year (n = 9) postoperatively. The dietary record data were verified by structured interview and compared with the Dietary Reference Intake values for ages 14–18 years. Results By 1 year after surgery, the mean caloric intake, adjusted for body mass index was 1015 ± 182 kcal/d, a 35% reduction from baseline. The proportion of fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake did not differ from baseline. However, the protein intake was lower than recommended postoperatively. The calcium and fiber intake was also persistently lower than recommended. Calcium and vitamin B 12 supplementation increased the likelihood of meeting the daily minimal recommendations ( P ≤ .02). Conclusion At 1 year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the adolescents' caloric intake remained restricted, with satisfactory macronutrient composition but a lower than desirable intake of calcium, fiber, and protein.
977-74 Long Electrical Silence Following Unsuccessful Internal Defibrillation Shocks of Atrial Fibrillation in Sheep

We characterized the atrial activation patterns following unsuccessful atrial defibrillation shocks by performing epicardial mapping studies on 3 anesthetized adult sheep (heart weight 330 ± 25 gms) with atrial fibrillation (AFI) induced by burst pacing. 138 silver chloride electrodes were positioned to cover the epicardium of both atria. Transvenous defibrillation coiled electrodes were positioned in the right atrial appendage (RAap), low right atrium (LRA), distal coronary sinus (CS), and left pulmonary artery (LPA) behind the left atrium. Atrial defibrillation thresholds (ADFT) were determined using 3/3 ms biphasic waveform with a step up protocol (10 volt resolution). ADFT was determined for 7 different electrode configurations: RAap→CS, RAap→LRA, LRA→LPA, RAap→LPA, CS→LRA, CS→LPA, and RAap→CS + LPA. After ADFT was determined, 15 shocks were given starting at the ADFT for each electrode configuration in each sheep. Shock strengths were decreased by 10 volts after a successful shock and increased by 10 volts after an unsuccessful shock. Pre and post-shock shock activations were recorded from all 138 electrodes using a computer assisted mapping system. For each animal 3 to 4 unsuccessful shocks just prior to or after a successful shock were analyzed for each electrode configuration. The earliest site of activation and the time from the shock to the first post-shock activation were determined. The table shows the mean ± standard deviation for the ADFT in terms of total energy (joules) and the first post-shock activation times (ms) for each electrode configuration. RAap→CS RAap→LRA LRA→LPA RAap→LPA CS→LRA CS→LPA RAap→CS + LPA 0.5 ± 0.2 5.5 ± 2.4 2.0 ± 0.7 1.9 ± 1.2 23 ± 2.2 7.2 ± 4.0 1.2 ± 0.9 101.7 98.3 119.0 110.4 99.3 90.0 127.7 ± 40.7 ± 33.0 ± 20.9 ± 30.4 ± 20.2 ± 20.5 ± 49.1 There was no difference (p ≤ 0.05) in first activation times between electrode configurations. A relatively long period of electrical silence occurred following unsuccessful atrial defibrillation shocks. This appeared to be independent of electrode configuration. These findings suggest that a period of time may exist after an unsuccessful atrial defibrillation shock for further intervention.
Sublingual immunotherapy, meta-analysis, and knowledge in the age of information

‘‘All men by nature desire knowledge,’’ wrote Aristotle (384322 BC). All human beings wish to understand the world around them, and to that end, some construct theories of various kinds to help make sense of it. Plato (428-348 BC), Aristotle’s mentor in the grand pursuit of humanist inquiry, provided a figurative account of prisoners chained deep inside a cave. Their vision blocked, they see only the wall of the cave and some shadows of objects outside. One prisoner breaks free and escapes from the cave. In the light of the sun, he sees the real world for the first time. He returns with a message for his fellow prisoners: they had been seeing nothing but shadows; the real world lies beyond the cave. Plato distinguished between 2 levels of awareness: opinion and knowledge. Observation of the visible world represents opinion only. For Plato, knowledge stands for something certain and infallible, greatly exceeding mere sensory experience. In current phrasing the product of observation might be described as ‘‘data’’ or ‘‘information,’’ terms that are similar but not interchangeable. Data are unrelated facts. When a significant relation exists among data points, then data become information. Information is always about something, such as the size of a measurement, the occurrence of an event, or a blueprint. Any pattern that has an effect on the arrangement or transformation of other patterns is information. It does not need to be true or accurate. A signal that creates misunderstanding is still information. As a rule, as the amount of information increases, the message becomes more accurate. There is no single widely accepted definition of knowledge, and there are many competing propositions. Philosophical debates generally start with Plato’s formulation of knowledge as ‘‘justified true belief.’’ Knowledge arises from information. ‘‘Transformation’’ is essential to that process. In the context of health care, transformation allows primary research or observation data to become usable for clinical decision making. Sources of knowledge include research findings and also experience, authority, trial and error, and theoretical principles. Professional culture in the field of medicine identifies knowledge with particular persons,
The effect of temperature on the response of Daphnia to toxic cyanobacteria

1. In a set of life-table experiments, cohorts of neonate Daphnia pulex were exposed to a toxic strain of Anabaena affinis and A. flos-aquae, and to a pure cyanobacterial toxin (anatoxin-a), at 12 or 14, 19, and 25 °C. The fecundity and survival of individual animals were assessed at 1-, 2- or 3-day intervals, depending on the temperature, through to the fifth brood of the control cohort. The sensitivity of D. pulex to the cyanobacteria and the toxin at each temperature was measured by determining its finite population growth rate (λ) in an experimental treatment as a fraction of that in a control treatment. Tests with three concentrations of cyanobacteria (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μg mL–1) and one concentration of anatoxin-a (1 μg mL–1), and with two clones of D. pulex, showed a consistent and statistically significant pattern of increasing sensitivity at higher temperatures. 2. Anabaena affinis affected both survivorship and fecundity, while A. flos-aquae and its toxin, anatoxin-a, primarily affected fecundity. Presence of cyanobacteria affected brood size, brood number, time to first reproduction and interclutch interval. Temperature affected time to first reproduction and interclutch interval at all concentrations of cyanobacteria. Brood number and brood size were little affected by temperature except at the highest concentrations of cyanobacteria. Increasing the concentration of A. flos-aquae affected demographic parameters, especially at the lower temperatures, while increasing the concentration of A. affinis had less effect. 3. The study suggests that increasing water temperatures in natural systems should exacerbate the inhibitory effect of toxic cyanobacteria on daphniid population growth rates.
Flow cytometric analysis of deparaffinized nuclei in urinary bladder carcinoma. Comparison with cytogenetic analysis

Both cytogenetic analysis and flow cytometry (FCM) have prognostic efficacy in the analysis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder. To correlate results of the two methods, we studied a unique group of patients whose tumors had undergone prospective conventional cytogenetic analysis. Paraffin blocks of these tumors were processed for FCM, then analyzed for nuclear DNA content. Of the 34 tumors processed, 30 (88%) yielded interpretable DNA histograms. In 26 (87%) of these, there was good correlation between the two methods with respect to the presence or absence of a hyperdiploid cell line. Discrepancies may have resulted from sampling error or from interpretation of a tetraploid peak as a prominent G2M region. Retrospective FCM analysis of paraffinized TCC tissue correlates well with conventional, prospective cytogenetic analysis and is applicable to the majority of urinary bladder transitional cell carcinomas. Cancer 57:1594–1601, 1986.
Determination and characterization of ciliary ATPase in the presence of serum from cystic fibrosis patients.

Extract: The purpose of this investigation was twofold: (1) to identify and characterize the enzymatic ATP hydrolysis system of epithelial cilia, and (2) to develop a quantitative, biochemical test for the ciliotoxic cystic fibrosis (CF) factor based on inhibition of ATP utilization by ciliary preparations. Our rationale for selecting this system for CF factor analysis relates to the tight and essential mechanochemical coupling of functioning cilia. Using rabbit tracheal epithelium as the source, a high molecular weight (<200,000) ATPase was identified, partially purified, and extensively characterized. The properties of this protein were similar to those observed in previous studies of others with flagellar and ciliary dynein (the motility-associated ATPase) isolated from microorganisms. Analysis of the pH profile revealed a broad range of high enzymatic activity between 6.5 and 9. Studies with potential cation activators showed that the enzyme is activated equally by either Ca2+ or Mg2+ in equimolar concentrations. No activation occurred in the presence of Zn2+, Na+, H+, or Na+ plus K+ and the effect of Mg2+ or Ca2+ was not inhibited by Na+, K+, or Na+ plus K+. The enzyme hydrolyzed Mg2+ -containing solutions of UTP, CTP, and ADP at 51–54% the rate of ATP dephosphorylation, whereas Mg-deoxy-ATP was hydrolyzed 79% as effectively as ATP. Using a newly devised, analytical technique with [γ-32P]ATP as the substrate, the ATP hydrolysis of various ciliary preparations from rabbit trachea and oyster gill (including motile suspensions) was monitored in the presence of sera from CF homo- and heterozygotes. Reproducible rates of ATP dephosphorylation averaging 27 nmol/min/mg protein were demonstrable with homogenates of ciliated epithelium. None of the test systems evaluated, however, were capable of demonstrating CF-related differences in ATPase activity or ATP utilization. Although these attempts have been unsuccessful thus far, the approach described in this report provides an example of an objective, quantitative, biochemical assessment of ciliary function. Speculation: The ciliotoxic cystic fibrosis factor does not disrupt ciliary motility by interfering with energy utilization. Other mechanisms of action which are possible include impairment of ATP production, disturbance of ionic constituents essential for normal motility, and alteration in mucous gland secretion products. A change in emphasis away from the current qualitative, subjective bioassay techniques is indicated in the interest of developing a clinically useful genetic screening test.
On the origin of shear bands in textured polycrystals

Abstract The relaxation of constraints in nonequiaxed grains, which is the basis of a new theory of polycrystal deformation, permits the development of strain heterogeneities on a grain scale. Shear bands are then expected to form, even in the presence of local strain hardening, when there is sufficient textural softening. This was evaluated for an idealized rolling process, in which shears in the transverse plane were allowed. The result is that grain-scale shear bands should form and should be inclined to the rolling direction preferentially at angles of 23° and 37°. While the latter are expected to occur less frequently at the beginning, they are most easily transferred from grain to grain and should give rise to colonies of ±37° shear bands in a herringbone pattern , as has been frequently observed. Finally, an analysis of the degree of textural softening incurred by sample-scale shear bands as a function of hypothetical angles (which are allowed because of a sharp nose in the polycrystal yield surface at that point) indicates that such shear bands should occur preferentially at ±45°.
Hospital-acquired influenza: Seek and ye shall find

BACKGROUND: In a 212-bed acute care community hospital that is part of a large academic teaching center in New York City, three inpatients acquired influenza A during their hospitalizations in December 2004. The first case was on a geriatric unit; the other two were on a telemetry unit. No hospital-acquired (HA) influenza cases had previously been described in this hospital. The New York City Department of Health had received no comparable reports from any other acute care facilities in the area. METHODS: All cases were diagnosed by nasopharyngeal swabs sent for enzyme immunoassay (EIA), direct fluorescent antibody (DFA), and viral culture. The first HA influenza patient was a readmission. As a result, another symptomatic inpatient was tested (positive). Surveillance testing was then performed and a third case was identified. The emergency department staff increased their testing for community-acquired (CA) influenza; patients presenting with fever over 100°F and respiratory symptoms were swabbed. Those being admitted were placed in single rooms on droplet isolation. Inpatients who spiked fevers and exhibited respiratory symptoms were swabbed and isolated. Positively identified influenza patients were cohorted and treated with amantadine or oseltamivir. Staff members exposed to non-isolated flu patients were given prophylaxis unless they had been vaccinated at least 2 weeks before. RESULTS: No more HA cases occurred. We were unable to identify sources for the three HA cases. Two of the three had received influenza vaccinations greater than 2 weeks before their admissions. The rate of CA influenza admissions rose from 0.45 per 100 admissions in December 2003, to 4.19 per 100 admissions in December 2004. Resources were stretched thin, including single rooms and surgical masks. CONCLUSION: A heightened degree of suspicion and testing led to the diagnosis of three HA cases of influenza and improved recognition of CA cases. This was especially important during a year of influenza vaccine shortage. Increased testing of symptomatic inpatients should be performed during influenza season to monitor for nosocomial transmission.
An InP VCO with Static Frequency Divider for Millimeter Wave Clock Generation

We present the design of an InP millimeter-wave VCO which is coupled to a static frequency divider to produce a millimeter wave clock signal. The VCO has a center frequency of 53.4 GHz, a tuning range of 2.4 GHz, and a phase noise of -89 dBc/Hz (at 1 MHz offset frequency), giving an output clock frequency of 26.7 GHz. This clock is capable of generating single ended, differential, or quadrature output signals, and is designed to be a system clock for Electronic Warfare (2-18 GHz) applications.
Modular concurrency control and failure recovery

An approach to concurrency control is presented; it is based on the decomposition of both the database and the individual transactions. This approach is a generalization of serializability theory in that the set of permissible transaction schedules contains all the serializable schedules. In addition to providing a higher degree of concurrency than that provided by serializability theory, this approach retains three important properties associated with serializability: the consistency of the database is preserved, the individual transactions are executed correctly, and the concurrency control approach is modular. The authors formalize the last concept. The associated failure recovery procedure is presented, as is the concept of failure safety (i.e. failure tolerance). >
Availability of depleted oil and gas reservoirs for disposal of carbon dioxide in the United States

Information on the location and size of depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs in the United States was extracted from a Petroleum Information, Inc., database. The locations of and CO2 emissions from power plants were also determined. The total volume available for disposal of carbon dioxide (CO2) is small compared to annual CO2 emissions. If all of the nation's power plant CO2 emissions were to be injected into depleted reservoirs, the reservoirs would be filled in about 1.5 years. Over half of the CO2 is emitted east of the Mississippi River, and most of the potential disposal sites are west of the Mississippi, thus creating additional problems. The years remaining before individual producing reservoirs will be exhausted and available for disposal is an important factor in evaluating the attractiveness and cost of this disposal option.
The therapeutic problem of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Targeting somatostatin receptors

Clinical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy has changed very little in the last 5 decades, relying primarily on laser ablation of the retinal vasculature. Several lines of clinical and experimental evidence suggest that somatostatin analogues may be efficacious in inhibiting neovascularization associated with proliferative retinopathy but the mechanism of action for these compounds is unclear. Inhibition of growth hormone secretion and the subsequent suppression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production by somatostatin has been suggested as the mechanism of action, however, in vitro studies suggest that somatostatin analogues suppress endothelial cell growth through a direct, somatostatin receptor-mediated inhibition of pro-survival signaling pathways. The advent of a new generation of modified peptide and peptidomimetic somatostatin analogues has allowed investigators to more carefully define the receptor subtypes responsible for somatostatin-induced endothelial cell death and may eventually lead to the clinical development of somatostatin analogues that can reduce endothelial cell proliferation, independent of suppression of circulating hormone levels.
Multi-slit mask fabrication on spherical electroformed shell substrates

We discuss the application of modern precision electroforming technology to the fabrication of multi-slit masks used for multi-object spectroscopy. Electroforming technology is capable of producing very accurate compound curved thin metal shells using nickel or nickel-cobalt material. The curved slit masks can be fabricated to conform to a curved focal surface of spherical, conic, or arbitrary shape. A variety of optical coatings including gold and extremely low reflectivity copper oxide can be applied to the electroformed mask substrate prior to cutting slits. Precise rectangular slits and apertures of arbitrary shape are readily machined in the nickel materials using a three axis YAG laser machining system.
The thermal structure of Titan’s upper atmosphere, II: Energetics

Abstract Temperature profiles derived from Cassini Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer data in Paper I show that the thermal structure of Titan’s upper atmosphere is extremely variable. The median temperature of each vertical profile, which is approximately equal to the temperature derived by fitting the barometric equation to the N 2 density profile, varied between 112 and 175 K. Here we attempt to understand the cause of the 60 K variation in temperature, as well as large local perturbations in temperature, by estimating the strength of potentially important energy sources and sinks in Titan’s thermosphere including ion and electron precipitation from Saturn’s magnetosphere, Joule heating, and wave dissipation. The apparent correlation between the temperature of Titan’s thermosphere and Titan’s plasma environment suggest that particle precipitation from Saturn’s magnetosphere may be the most significant heat source, but we find that the energy deposited by magnetospheric sources is less than solar EUV and results from a thermal structure model indicate that magnetospheric particle precipitation only increases the temperature of Titan’s thermosphere by ∼7 K; therefore, heating due to magnetospheric particle precipitation is too small to explain the largest temperature variations observed. We also estimate the energy deposited by waves in Titan’s thermosphere and show that wave dissipation may be a significant source of heating or cooling in Titan’s upper atmosphere.
Cyclododecane and cyclotridecane complexes with cobalt as potent histidine chelators: A theoretical study

Abstract Density functional theory calculations have been employed to study the interaction between cyclododecane and cyclotridecane derivatives complexing cobalt and interacting with histidine. The results suggest that some of these derivatives have high molecular affinities toward histidine, higher than in the commonly used iminodiacetate–cobalt system. Those derivatives may become new, potent chelators for use in the immobilized-metal-ion-affinity chromatography to immobilize and/or purify peptides and proteins.
Multiple coding of species-specific vocalizations in the auditory cortex of squirrel monkeys

Abstract Eighty-three cells in the superior temporal gyrus of awake squirrel monkeys were tested with 12 different species-specific vocalizations; 75 (90%) responded to one or more calls. A wide range of selectivity and response probabilities were seen. Eighty-nine percent of the cells responded to more than half of the vocalizations. In only one case did a cell respond to only one call type (‘peep’). This cell also responded to steady tone bursts, but only in a narrow range of frequencies approximating the major band of acoustic energy in peeps. In most cases, no obvious acoustic relationships were seen between calls effective for a given cell. Likewise, in most cases the frequency range over which a cell responded to steady tone bursts did not readily explain responses to vocalizations. More than half of the cells discriminated between one or more pairs of acoustically similar vocalizations. The response patterns of different cells to the same vocalization showed considerable variety. This was especially true for responses to the temporally more complex calls. The variety of responses given by different cells to the same vocalization suggests that no vocalization is coded by one unique discharge pattern. Our results suggest that many neurons in the STG do not select between different classes of vocalizations according to presence or absence of simple acoustic features.
Scaling behavior of the insulator-to-plateau transition in a topological band model

The scaling behavior of the quantum phase transition from an insulator to a quantum Hall plateau state has often been examined within systems realizing Landau levels. We study the topological transition in energy band models with nonzero Chern number, which have the same topological property as a Landau level. We find that the topological band generally realizes the same universality class as the integer quantum Hall system in magnetic field for strong enough disorder scattering. Furthermore, the symmetry of the transition characterized by the relations: $\sigma_{xy}(E)=1-\sigma_{xy}(-E)$ for the Hall conductance and $\sigma_{xx}(E)=\sigma_{xx}(-E)$ for the longitudinal conductance is observed near the transition region. We also establish that the finite temperature dependence of the Hall conductance is determined by the inelastic scattering relaxation time, while the localization exponent $\nu$ remains unchanged by such scattering.
Can Imazapic Increase Native Species Abundance in Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) Invaded Native Plant Communities

Abstract Native plant communities invaded by cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum L.) are at risk of unnatural high intensity fires and conversion to cheatgrass monocultures. Management strategies that reduce cheatgrass abundance may potentially allow native species to expand and minimize further cheatgrass invasion. We tested whether the selective herbicide imazapic is effective in reducing cheatgrass and “releasing” native species in a semiarid grassland and shrub steppe in north-central Oregon. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with two treatments (sprayed with 70 g ai · ha −1 of imazapic and unsprayed) and three replicates of each treatment applied to either 2.5 or 4 ha plots. We repeated this experiment in three different sites dominated by the following native species: 1) bluebunch wheatgrass ( Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] A. Love ssp. spicata ) and needle and thread ( Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.] Barkworth), 2) needle and thread and Sandberg bluegrass ( Poa secunda J. Presl), and 3) big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata Nutt.). Nested frequency of all plant species in 1-m 2 quadrats was collected for 1 yr pretreatment and 4 yr posttreatment. In all three sites, cheatgrass frequencies were significantly lower in sprayed plots than unsprayed plots for 3–4 yr posttreatment ( P Machaeranthera canescens [Pursh] Gray) and big sagebrush, increased in sprayed plots, and increases occurred only at two sites. These results suggest that a short-term reduction in cheatgrass alone is not an effective strategy for increasing the abundance of most native perennial plant species.
NRF2 and cancer: the good, the bad and the importance of context

Many studies of chemopreventive drugs have suggested that their beneficial effects on suppression of carcinogenesis and many other chronic diseases are mediated through activation of the transcription factor NFE2-related factor 2 (NRF2). More recently, genetic analyses of human tumours have indicated that NRF2 may conversely be oncogenic and cause resistance to chemotherapy. It is therefore controversial whether the activation, or alternatively the inhibition, of NRF2 is a useful strategy for the prevention or treatment of cancer. This Opinion article aims to rationalize these conflicting perspectives by critiquing the context dependence of NRF2 functions and the experimental methods behind these conflicting data.
Spectroscopic Measurement of Diffusion Kinetics through Subnanometer and Larger Al2O3 Particles by a New Method: The Interaction of 2-Chloroethylethyl Sulfide with γ-Al2O3

A new method to study the diffusion properties of molecules into porous materials using transmission IR spectroscopy is employed. A measurement of the diffusion of the 2-chloroethylethyl sulfide (2-CEES) molecule into two types of gamma-Al2O3 powder is performed, showing that the diffusion rate into subnanometer crystallite particle size gamma-Al2O3 powders (subnano-Al2O3) is higher than that into the larger crystallite particle size powder. It is shown that a surface diffusion mechanism can be used to model the diffusion process giving good agreement with the experimental results, where Dsubnano-Al2O3 is approximately 5 times larger than Dmultinano-Al2O3 at 170 K for the 2-CEES molecule.
A prospective study of sleep duration and pneumonia risk in women.

pneumonia risk. The age-adjusted relative risk for pneumonia was 1.70 (95% CI 1.30-2.23) in those sleeping ≤ 5 h and 1.49 (95% CI 1.12-1.98) in those sleeping ≥ 9 h. After adjusting for potential confounders, the relative risks were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.06-1.82) in those sleeping ≤ 5 h and 1.38 (95% CI 1.04-1.84) in those sleeping ≥ 9 h. Perceived inadequate sleep was also associated with pneumonia with a relative risk of 1.50 (95% CI 1.29-1.74) in multivariate models. Conclusions: Both reduced and prolonged habitual sleep durations are associated with increased risk of pneumonia. Further research is needed
Endotoxin receptors on mammalian cells

Abstract Recent experiments from our laboratory, as well as those of several other investigators, have focused upon the identification and characterization of specific membrane-localized receptors for bacterial endotoxic lipopolysaccharides on mammalian cells. In this article, we have summarized the results of these studies with a primary emphasis upon experiments from our own laboratory. It would appear that some differences between laboratories in the identification of LPS receptors may be the result of different experimental techniques employed. In spite of these differences, however, there is an emerging picture which defines several LPS binding proteins as potentially dominant candidates for the functional LPS receptor on the cell membrane, including a protein of 70–80 kDa and perhaps a second protein of 30–40 kDa as well. Other membrane proteins with important functions in the cellular response to LPS include CD14, the CD11/18 family of adhesins and the 95 kDa scavenger receptor. Identification of specific cell membrane targets for LPS has important implications for immunotherapy of septic shock and perhaps cancer as well.
Towards treating spinal cord injury in 'patients': one step at a time.

For many years, there has been an expectation that developments in neurobiology and work on regeneration of the CNS will have early applications in the area of spinal cord injury. Now, a study by Granger et al . (2012) published in this issue of Brain reports a clinical trial in adult dogs with chronic spinal cord injury caused by an acute event, such as disk herniation. These injuries are common in veterinary practice, and studying therapeutics in this clinical population is sensible. The experimental therapeutic intervention was intraspinal transplantation of cultured autologous cells derived from the olfactory mucosa of the frontal sinus, whereas the control group received injections of cell culture medium only. The data analysis indicated a significant difference between the transplanted and control groups in forelimb–hindlimb coordination measured using kinematic analysis of locomotion on a treadmill during partial weight support. No difference in long tract functional recovery was detected between the groups using motor- and somatosensory-evoked potentials. This veterinary study has relevance to human clinical trial designs in several ways. For example, as the authors point out, the external validity is higher with this heterogeneous dog population than with a genetically homogeneous laboratory animal study. In addition, the cell therapy study had a relevant control group that was injected with cell culture medium and was blinded. Careful reading of the study discloses several interesting points for consideration. It is not clear from the inclusion and exclusion criteria whether the enrolled dogs had undergone decompressive surgery at the time of their index paraplegia. Lack of surgical decompression might mitigate against recovery independent of a transplant effect. At study entry, there was a clinical examination, MRI, measurement of somatosensory-evoked potentials and motor-evoked potentials and urodynamic evaluation. The results of the MRI are not described. Motor-evoked potentials were recorded from one lower …
Evidence for Two Extremes of Ciliary Motor Response in a Single Swimming Microorganism

Because arrays of motile cilia drive fluids for a range of processes, the versatile mechano-chemical mechanism coordinating them has been under scrutiny. The protist Paramecium presents opportunities to compare how groups of cilia perform two distinct functions, swimming propulsion and nutrient uptake. We present how the body cilia responsible for propulsion and the oral-groove cilia responsible for nutrient uptake respond to changes in their mechanical environment accomplished by varying the fluid viscosity over a factor of 7. Analysis with a phenomenological model of trajectories of swimmers made neutrally buoyant with magnetic forces combined with high-speed imaging of ciliary beating reveal that the body cilia exert a nearly constant propulsive force primarily by reducing their beat frequency as viscosity increases. By contrast, the oral-groove cilia beat at a nearly constant frequency. The existence of two extremes of motor response in a unicellular organism prompts unique investigations of factors controlling ciliary beating.
Optimization of Plasma Spray Processing Parameters for Deposition of Nanostructured Coatings

When nanostructured material is thermally sprayed to produce coatings, the retention of the original nanostructure that is engineered into the raw stock is a principal objective, along with production of some molten material in order to adhere the sprayed material to the surface being coated. Therefore, in contrast to spraying conventional material, complete melting of the nanostructured raw stock is to be avoided. In this study, the melting and re-solidification of sprayed material is correlated to a spray process parameter that has been introduced in the literature by others. Using computer modeling, processing of zirconia agglomerates with plasma spraying has been simulated. Transition regions of the phase change response of the material to the thermal processing conditions are identified. The retained nanostructure content and liquid fraction of the sprayed material is correlated to the particle diameters, as well as the thermal processing parameter. Finally, a novel method to produce desired coatings composed of partially molten sprayed material, by using a bimodal particle size distribution of the sprayed powder, is presented and discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Thin film deposition of an n-type organic semiconductor by ink-jet printing technique

An n-type organic material, 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA), was successfully deposited and patterned on a SiO2/Si wafer by the ink-jet printing technique. Dimethylformamide (DMF) was selected as the solvent in the processing of the ink-jet solution, NTCDA. After thermal annealing, the NTCDA thin film showed higher conductivity than the NTCDA thin film deposited by vacuum sublimation. Degradation of conductivity with time was found when the thin film was open to an ambient atmosphere.
Gibbs-Thomson formula for small island sizes: Corrections for high vapor densities.

In this paper we report simulation studies of equilibrium features, namely, circular islands on model surfaces, using Monte Carlo methods. In particular, we are interested in studying the relationship between the density of vapor around a curved island and its curvature. The ``classical'' form of this relationship is the Gibbs-Thomson formula, which assumes that the vapor surrounding the island is an ideal gas. Numerical simulations of a lattice gas model, performed for various sizes of islands, do not fit very well to the Gibbs-Thomson formula. We show how corrections to this form arise at high vapor densities, wherein a knowledge of the exact equation of state (as opposed to the ideal-gas approximation) is necessary to predict this relationship. By exploiting a mapping of the lattice gas to the Ising model, one can compute the corrections to the Gibbs-Thomson formula using high field series expansions. The corrected Gibbs-Thomson formula matches very well with the Monte Carlo data. We also investigate finite size effects on the stability of the islands both theoretically and through simulations. Finally, the simulations are used to study the microscopic origins of the Gibbs-Thomson formula. It is found that smaller islands have a greater adatom detachment rate per unit length of island perimeter. This is principally due to a lower coordination of edge atoms and a greater availability of detachment moves relative to edge moves. A heuristic argument is suggested in which these effects are partially attributed to geometric constraints on the island edge. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Changes in phenoxazinone synthetase activity during the growth cycle of Streptomyces antibioticus.

Abstract Appearance of the enzyme phenoxazinone synthetase, which is involved in actinomycin formation, has been examined in cultures of Streptomyces antibioticus. De novo synthesis of this enzyme occurs between 9 and 36 hours after inoculation. Before this time the synthesis of the enzyme appears to be under “catabolite repression.” It has also been observed that at the time de novo synthesis of the enzyme begins, the organism becomes more resistant to actinomycin.
College psychiatry 2006: challenges and opportunities.

(2006). College Psychiatry 2006: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of American College Health: Vol. 54, No. 6, pp. 338-340.
Brain lipid composition of the hibernating and active ground squirrel, Citellus lateralis

Abstract 1. 1.|Phospholipid analysis of the membranes of the brain of the ground squirrel ( Citellus lateralis ) reveals significant differences in mean molar values of phospholipid classes between active and hibernating animals. 2. 2.|Specifically, the mol% value of phosphatidylethanolamine decreases while that of phosphatidylcholine increases in the hibernating physiological state. 3. 3.|Additionally, the level of unsaturated fatty acids is increased during hibernation in phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine. 4. 4.|The alterations in steady state levels of phospholipid and fatty acids may contribute to the continued activity of brain cellular membranes at temperatures approaching 0°C. 5. 5.|No difference was found in the level of membrane cholesterol when active and hibernating squirrels were analyzed.
Preparation and properties of apoenzyme of nitrate reductases from wild-type and nit-3 mutant of Neurospora crassa☆

Abstract A method of preparing molybdenum-free apoenzyme of nitrate reductase (NADPH: nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.3) from wild-type or mutant nit-3 strain of Neurospora crassa was devised. Nitrate reductase and its tungsten or vanadium analog were partially purified, treated with 4–5 M urea, 0.2 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 8.0), 5 mM EDTA and 1–2 mg/ml bovine serum albumin for short periods, and desalted by Sephadex G-10 gel filtration. Urea-treated preparations lost the enzyme activities, but they had the function of ‘apoenzyme’: native nitrate reductase activities could be restored by incubation with molybdenum cofactor. Molecular weights of urea-treated wild-type and nit-3 nitrate reductases were found to be one-half of the native enzymes’. These results supported the model of nitrate reductase consisting of two identical subunits and nit-1 enzyme being apoenzyme of wild-type nitrate reductase.
Electromagnetic scattering by a dielectric sphere in a diverging radiation field

The scattering of divergent electromagnetic radiation by a dielectric sphere is obtained by assuming that the radiation emanates from an oscillating dipole located an appropriate distance outside of the sphere. The field differs considerably from the case of parallel incident radiation when the dipole is within about ten particle radii, an effect which may be significant for multiple scattering in dense particulate systems.
Acute visual evoked potential changes in hydrocephalus.

Abstract A patient is reported who, at 34 and 36 weeks C.A., showed a 20 msec reduction of VEP latency immediately following reduction of intraventricular CSF volume.