cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alpha2A-adrenergic receptors are primarily presynaptic heteroreceptors in the C1 area of the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla.

The 2A subtype of the alpha-adrenergic receptor (alpha2A-AR) is necessary for the hypotensive effects of clonidine and other sympathoinhibitory adrenergic agonists. This hypotensive response appears to be due to the inhibition of sympathoexcitatory reticulospinal neurons found in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL), including neurons of the C1 adrenergic cell group. The cellular mechanisms underlying this inhibition have not been established. Thus, this study examined the ultrastructural relationships between profiles containing alpha2AAR-immunoreactivity (alpha2AAR-I) and those containing the catecholamine synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to determine potential cellular substrates for alpha2A-AR inhibition of C1 neuron activity. Consistent with previous light microscopic studies, alpha2AAR-I was found in perikarya and large dendrites and the majority of these profiles also contained TH-labeling (approximately 70% of 140). However, alpha2AAR-I in these cells was primarily found within endosomes and Golgi complexes and in clusters associated with the endoplasmic reticula, probable sites for synthesis and/or trafficking of receptors. In contrast, most of the alpha2AAR-I profiles (n=646) in the RVL were axons and axon terminals (approximately 68%) which lacked TH immunoreactivity. alpha2AAR-labeled axons were small and unmyelinated and labeled terminals usually formed symmetric synapses on the shafts of catecholaminergic or unlabeled dendrites. Most of these alpha2AAR-labeled axons were found in close proximity to TH-labeled profiles and approximately one-fifth (17% of 408) of the alpha2AAR-labeled axons and axon terminals directly contacted TH-labeled profiles, mostly dendrites. These studies suggest that alpha2AARs in the C1 area of the RVL function primarily as heteroreceptors on presynaptic axons and terminals of non-catecholaminergic cells, some of which provide inhibitory synaptic input to C1 neurons. These receptors may be activated by catecholamines released either from the dendrites of C1 neurons or from the terminals of other catecholaminergic neurons via volume transmission.
Disproportionate loss of thin filaments in human soleus muscle after 17-day bed rest

Previously we reported that, after 17-day bed rest unloading of 8 humans, soleus slow fibers atrophied and exhibited increased velocity of shortening without fast myosin expression. The present ultrastructural study examined fibers from the same muscle biopsies to determine whether decreased myofilament packing density accounted for the observed speeding. Quantitation was by computer-assisted morphometry of electron micrographs. Filament densities were normalized for sarcomere length, because density depends directly on length. Thick filament density was unchanged by bed rest. Thin filaments/microm2 decreased 16-23%. Glycogen filled the I band sites vacated by filaments. The percentage decrease in thin filaments (Y) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with the percentage increase in velocity (X), (Y = 0.1X + 20%, R2 = 0.62). An interpretation is that fewer filaments increases thick to thin filament spacing and causes earlier cross-bridge detachment and faster cycling. Increased velocity helps maintain power (force x velocity) as atrophy lowers force. Atrophic muscles may be prone to sarcomere reloading damage because force/microm2 was near normal, and force per thin filament increased an estimated 30%.
New all-optical method for measuring molecular permanent dipole moment difference using two-photon absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Stark effect, in combination with spectral hole burning and single-molecule spectroscopy, has been a fruitful technique to study permanent electric dipole moment of molecules in condensed phase. However, because measuring Stark shifts relies on external fields and narrow line- or hole-widths, the applicability of this method at ambient conditions required by most biological systems has remained limited. Here we demonstrate a new all-optical method for measuring the molecular dipole moment difference between ground and excited states using two-photon absorption (2PA) spectroscopy. We show that the value and orientation of the static dipole moment difference can be determined from the corresponding absolute 2PA cross-section. We use this new method to determine for the first time the strength of local electric field E loc =0.1–1.0×10 8 V/cm inside beta-barrel of Fruit series of red fluorescent proteins. Because our method does not rely on external field and is applicable in liquid solutions, it is well suited for the study of biological systems.
R70-30 Fuzzy Logic and Its Application to Switching Systems

One of the problems in computer science is the gap between natural languages for human beings and programming languages for digital computers, since the former are much more complex than the latter. This is due to the fact that natural languages are fuzzy in nature but programming languages are precise. For example, when we say that a certain university is a good university, fuzziness arises since there is no sharp boundary between a good university and an average one. A university may be good from one person's point of view, but may be considered as just an average one in another person's opinion. To solve a problem by a computer, a great deal of time and energy would be saved if the computer could understand either natural languages themselves or something close to them. In other words, computers would become more powerful if they could accept fuzzy concepts similar to the capability of a human brain.
Depolarization of Rat Brain Synaptosomes Increases Phosphorylation of Voltage-sensitive Sodium Channels

Depolarization of rat brain synaptosomes causes an increase in phosphorylation of serine residues 573, 610, 623, and 687 on voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Although these sites have been shown to be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase in vitro and in situ, the depolarization-induced increase in their state of phosphorylation is not due to increased cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, but requires calcium influx and protein kinase C. Since phosphorylation at this cluster of sites inhibits sodium current and would decrease neuronal excitability, this may be an important negative feedback mechanism whereby calcium influx during prolonged or repetitive depolarization can attenuate neuronal excitability and prevent further calcium accumulation. Phosphorylation of purified channels by protein kinase C decreases dephosphorylation of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation sites by purified calcineurin or protein phosphatase 2A. This suggests that one mechanism by which protein kinase C may increase phosphorylation of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation sites in sodium channels is to inhibit their dephosphorylation. This represents an important new mechanism for convergent regulation of an ion channel by two distinct signal transduction pathways.
A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics kidney dysfunction marker panel in human urine.

Background Previous studies have examined and documented fluctuations in urine metabolites in response to disease processes and drug toxicity affecting glomerular filtration, tubule cell metabolism, reabsorption, oxidative stress, purine degradation, active secretion and kidney amino acylase activity representative of diminished renal function. However, a high-throughput assay that incorporates metabolites that are surrogate markers for such changes into a kidney dysfunction panel has yet to be described.
Modeling seasonal dynamics of small fish cohorts in fluctuating freshwater marsh landscapes

Small-bodied fishes constitute an important assemblage in many wetlands. In wetlands that dry periodically except for small permanent waterbodies, these fishes are quick to respond to change and can undergo large fluctuations in numbers and biomasses. An important aspect of landscapes that are mixtures of marsh and permanent waterbodies is that high rates of biomass production occur in the marshes during flooding phases, while the permanent waterbodies serve as refuges for many biotic components during the dry phases. The temporal and spatial dynamics of the small fishes are ecologically important, as these fishes provide a crucial food base for higher trophic levels, such as wading birds. We develop a simple model that is analytically tractable, describing the main processes of the spatio-temporal dynamics of a population of small-bodied fish in a seasonal wetland environment, consisting of marsh and permanent waterbodies. The population expands into newly flooded areas during the wet season and contracts during declining water levels in the dry season. If the marsh dries completely during these times (a drydown), the fish need refuge in permanent waterbodies. At least three new and general conclusions arise from the model: (1) there is an optimal rate at which fish should expand into a newly flooding area to maximize population production; (2) there is also a fluctuation amplitude of water level that maximizes fish production, and (3) there is an upper limit on the number of fish that can reach a permanent waterbody during a drydown, no matter how large the marsh surface area is that drains into the waterbody. Because water levels can be manipulated in many wetlands, it is useful to have an understanding of the role of these fluctuations.
Differential telencephalic projections of the medial and ventral divisions of the medial geniculate body of the rat.

(Accepted September 4th, 1974) The medial geniculate body of mammals is not a homogeneous structure, and has thus been subdivided into a varying number of component nuclei. On the basis of cytoarchitectonics and Golgi analysis, Cajal subdivided the medial geniculate body of a number of mammals into ventral, medial, and dorsal divisions a and, more recently, Morest has confirmed and extended these observations 5. Morest reports that the cells which make up the ventral division of the medial geniculate body (MGv) are characterized by tufted dendrites, while those that compose the medial division (MGm) are characterized by radiate dendrites 5. It has been suggested that cells with tufted dendrites are characteristic of thalamic relay nuclei related to a specific sensory system with a relatively homogeneous type of input, while cells with radiate dendrites are characteristic of multiple input systems, such as the brain stem reticular sys- temS,7, tl. This difference in cell type raises the question of whether or not each cell group projects to the telencephalon in a distinct fashion. On the basis of Golgi material, Lorente de N6 described two types of thalamo- cortical projections to neocortex 4. First, a 'specific' afferent which was thought to originate in a primary thalamic relay nucleus and ascend unbranched through layers VI and V and then end in a dense plexus chiefly in layer IV and second, an 'unspecific' afferent which was a fine caliber fiber of unknown origin that branched repeatedly in all cortical layers up to and including layer I. Using anterograde degeneration tech- niques, Killackey and Ebner have recently described two types of thalamocortical projections from different thalamic regions to the same portion of somatic sensory cortex in the opossum and the hedgehog2, 3, and other investigators have published preliminary reports suggesting differing projections from various subdivisions of the medial geniculate of the hedgehog 9 and the tree shrew 6. For the present study, discrete unilateral and bilateral lesions were stereotaxical- ly placed in the ventral or medial subdivisions of the medial geniculate in 20 female Sprague-Dawley albino rats. Two large unilateral lesions of the medial geniculate body were employed to ascertain that the medial geniculate body projections were restricted to the telencephalon of the same side. All lesions were made with a posterior horizontal approach in order to avoid cortical damage. After a 7-day survival, the
Carbon based graphene nanoelectronics technologies

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon form with the highest intrinsic carrier mobility and many desirable physical properties at room temperature, is considered a promising material for ultrahigh speed and low power devices with the possibility of strong scaling potential due to the ultra-thin body. (Fig. 1) [1–3] Here IBM reports progress in graphene nanoelectronics, synthesizing wafer-scale monolayer-controlled graphene and fabricating high-speed single atomic layer graphene FETs (GFET) with the highest value reported cut-off frequency (f T ) approaching 100 GHz, exceeding that of the same gate length Si FETs. It is achieved by improving gate oxide deposition and reducing series resistance. Systematic characterization and small-signal models enable further engineering and optimization for even higher performance. The high I on /I off ratios from bi-layer graphene suggest potential not only for analog but also for logic applications.
Multiaxial Nonlinear Viscoelastic Characterization and Modeling of a Structural Adhesive

Many polymeric materials, including structural adhesives, exhibit a nonlinear viscoelastic response. The nonlinear free volume approach is based on the Doolittle concept that the free volume controls the mobility of polymer molecules and, thus, the inherent time scale of the material. It then follows that factors such as temperature and moisture, which change the free volume, will influence the time scale. Furthermore, stress-induced dilatation will also affect the free volume and, hence, the time scale. However, during this investigation dilatational effects alone were found to be insufficient in describing the response of near pure shear tests performed on a bisphenol A epoxy with an amido amine hardener. Thus, the free volume approach presented here has been modified to include distortional effects in the inherent time scale of the material. In addition to predicting the global response under a variety of multiaxial stress states, the modified free volume theory also accurately predicts the local displacement fields, including those associated with a localized region, as determined from geometric moire measurements at various stages of deformation.
Excessive sugar intake alters binding to dopamine and mu-opioid receptors in the brain

Palatable food stimulates neural systems implicated in drug dependence; thus sugar might have effects like a drug of abuse. Rats were given 25% glucose solution with chow for 12 h followed by 12 h of food deprivation each day. They doubled their glucose intake in 10 days and developed a pattern of excessive intake in the first hour of daily access. After 30 days, receptor binding was compared to chow-fed controls. Dopamine D-1 receptor binding increased significantly in the accumbens core and shell. In contrast, D-2 binding decreased in the dorsal striatum. Binding to dopamine transporter increased in the midbrain. Opioid mu-1 receptor binding increased significantly in the cingulate cortex, hippocampus, locus coeruleus and accumbens shell. Thus, intermittent, excessive sugar intake sensitized D-1 and mu-1 receptors much like some drugs of abuse.
Thermal diffusivity of chemically vapour deposited silicon carbide reinforced with silicon carbide or carbon fibres

The thermal diffusivity of chemically vapour deposited silicon carbide reinforced with either Nicalon SiC yarn or PAN-precursor carbon fibres was measured by the laser-flash method during various time-temperature treatments. The diffusivity was found to depend on the degree of densification, the direction of heat flow with respect to the fibre orientation, and the thermal history. Structural modifications, confirmed by X-ray diffraction, produced large permanent changes in the thermal properties of the SiC-SiC composites when heated above 1200° C, while only minor changes were seen in C-SiC composites heated above 1500° C.
Humor in Pedagogy: How Ha-Ha can Lead to Aha!

Abstract. Several studies have examined the pedagogical implications and cautions concerning the use of humor in teaching. Humor has been associated with a host of positive physiological and psychological effects. Researchers have identified that educators who use humor in their instruction are more positively rated by their peers and their students; others have suggested that humor may enhance learning. Although much of this evidence has been anecdotal, the present study assesses the impact of curriculum-specific humor on retention and recall, as well as student evaluations of the course and the instructor. The appropriate use of humor in a classroom setting is discussed and cautions against tendentious humor are addressed.
Effect of a superficial and a deep scleral pocket incision on the incidence of hyphema.

Abstract Deep tunnel scleral pocket incisions were developed to control surgically induced astigmatism following cataract and intraocular lens implantation surgery. A more superficial, shallow scleral pocket incision was developed to reduce the rate of postoperative hyphema. To test its effectiveness, a randomized prospective clinical study was performed. One hundred twenty-nine eyes of 129 patients were randomized: 66 to receive a deep tunnel pocket and 63 to receive the superficial pocket. In both groups the incision was made 3 mm posterior to the limbus. For the deep pocket cases, a blade setting of 0.27 mm was used and the wound was dissected forward toward the entry site, creating along, deep, narrow tunnel. For the superficial wound cases, a 0.17 mm blade setting was used and the entire wound was dissected to the edge of the anatomic limbus, creating a thin scleral flap. The left side was then fanned out toward the left with the entry site slightly into clear cornea. At one day after surgery, 22 cases (34%) in the deep pocket group and four cases (6%) in the superficial pocket group had hyphemas. The difference in hyphema rates was statistically significant (P
Gold’s Structural Versatility within Complex Intermetallics: From Hume-Rothery to Zintl and even Quasicrystals

Recent exploratory syntheses of polar intermetallic compounds containing gold have established gold’s tremendous ability to stabilize new phases with diverse and fascinating structural motifs. In particular, Au-rich polar intermetallics contain Au atoms condensed into tetrahedra and diamond-like three-dimensional frameworks. In Au-poor intermetallics, on the other hand, Au atoms tend to segregate, which maximizes the number of Au-heteroatom contacts. Lastly, among polar intermetallics with intermediate Au content, complex networks of icosahedra have emerged, including discovery of the first sodium-containing, Bergman-type, icosahedral quasicrystal. Gold’s behavior in this metal-rich chemistry arises from its various atomic properties, which influence the chemical bonding features of gold with its environment in intermetallic compounds. Thus, the structural versatility of gold and the accessibility of various Au fragments within intermetallics are opening new insights toward elucidating relationships among metal-rich clusters and bulk solids.
Neutron starquakes and pulsar speedup

Abstract We give here a simple model of pulsar speedup due to starquakes that enables one to predict the time to the next starquake from the magnitude of the prior one. The parameters of the theory are estimated for recent models of neutron stars. The starquake explanation of speedup leads one to conclude that the Crab pulsar is a fairly light neutron star and the pulsar in Vela lighter still. The energy release in starquakes is discussed, and it is estimated that the Crab pulsar released at best 7 × 1040 ergs in its quake of September 1969. The geometry of starquakes is considered for the simple model of a self-gravitating elastic incompressible sphere, and we conclude with a brief discussion of plastic flow in neutron star crusts.
Efficient computation of gabor filter based multiresolution responses

Abstract Multiresolution representation in machine vision systems provides a means to detect, analyze and interpret the information content of an image at multiple resolutions. The pyramidal representation of images suggested by Burt and Crowley and the hierarchical construction of orientation and velocity tuned filters developed by Fleet and Jepson are some of the examples for multiresolution representation of image details. In recent years, Gabor filter based methods have been suggested by several researchers for machine vision applications such as edge detection, texture classification and optical flow estimation. These applications require generating a family of Gabor filters tuned to several resolutions and orientations and computing their responses. The computation of Gabor filter responses at multiple resolutions and orientations is a very computationally intensive task. Two efficient schemes for computing Gabor filter based multiresolution responses are proposed. The first scheme namely, recursive filtering method generates a family of Gabor filters and their responses starting from a high resolution and proceeding towards the lowest resolution in steps of an octave. The second approach namely, successive sampling method generates the same responses in the reverse order. In both these methods the symmetric, asymmetric and wavelet nature of Gabor filters are exploited in order to speed up the computation. The applicability and usefulness of the schemes are established through experimental results. Special purpose architectures are proposed to implement the proposed techniques in hardware in order to further speed up the computation.
Effect of pH variation on the susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to three macrolide antimicrobial agents and temafloxacin

The in vitro susceptibility of 27 clinical isolates ofHelicobacter pylori to erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin and temafloxacin under various pH conditions was evaluated. Clarithromycin (MIC90 0.03 µg/ml) was found to be significantly more active than either erythromycin (MIC90 0.125 µg/ml) or azithromycin (MIC90 0.25 µg/ml) at a neutral pH. Lowering the pH to 5.75 resulted in a loss in efficacy from 8- to 32-fold for all three macrolides studied. The MIC90 of clarithromycin (0.5 µg/ml) remained lower than those of azithromycin (2 µg/ml) and erythromycin (4 µg/ml). No synergism or antagonism was observed with combinations of clarithromycin and temafloxacin at either the neutral or lower pH values.
The influence of the dogmatic personality upon information processing: A comparison with a Bayesian information processor

Abstract This research is a comparison of the differential information-processing abilities of high and low dogmatic subjects. Prior research in information processing lacks systematic inquiry into the underlying personality constructs of the information processor. Dogmatism refers to the extent to which an individual receives, analyzes, and synthesizes information relative to pre-existing beliefs. The present empirical study compares the information-processing behavior of the subjects with the normative model postulated by Bayes Theorem. On the basis of their scores on the Rokeach Form E scale, seventeen subjects were classified as low dogmatics and seventeen subjects were classified as high dogmatics. Utilizing the Phillips and Edwards (1967) experimental procedure, the information-processing abilities of low and high dogmatic subjects were compared over two different experimental sequences. The results of this research indicate that the inclusion of personality variables assists in explaining individual differences in information processing studies. Although both high and low dogmatics were conservative processors of information, dogmatism appears to be related with need for uncertainty reduction and the development of simple strategies for processing information.
Science Through the Looking Glass: Winning the Battles But Losing the War?

A millennium ago, like today, people were contemplating the significance of a new era. They reflected on the accomplishments of their past and on the possibilities for their future. In France, Germany, and throughout Europe, people gathered to witness the end of the world, and churches were erected
Expression, Purification, and Physical Properties of Recombinant Flavocytochrome Fusion Proteins Containing Rat Cytochrome b5 Linked to NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase by Different Membrane-Binding Segments

Abstract Reconstitution of the enzymatic activities using purified microsomal cytochrome P450s (P450) requires the presence of a membrane-binding segment in the mammalian flavoprotein, NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), and the hemeprotein, cytochrome b 5 (b 5 ). The mechanism(s) by which the membrane-binding segments of these proteins exert such a critical role in influencing the reconstitution of the NADPH-supported activity of a P450 remains undefined. In the present work we describe the construction, expression, and purification of four different types of recombinant flavocytochromes containing rat b 5 and rat CPR linked by various membrane-binding segments. The physical properties of these artificial fusion proteins have been studied to determine their ability to serve as electron transfer agents. These studies are a prelude to the subsequent study (accompanying paper) evaluating the functional roles of the hydrophobic (membrane-binding) sequences of b 5 and CPR in the reconstitution of P450 activities. The present study shows that the purified recombinant fusion proteins can serve as active electron transport carriers from NADPH to cytochrome c as well as b 5 by intramolecular as well as intermolecular reactions. It is shown here that the electron transport properties of these purified fusion proteins are influenced by high concentrations of KCl, suggesting a role for charged amino acids in protein–protein interactions. The present study illustrates the application of artificial recombinant flavocytochromes as useful proteins for the study of intramolecular electron transport reactions for comparison with intermolecular interactions.
Analysis of nonadiabatically compressed pulses from dispersion-decreasing fiber

Frequency-resolved optical gating is used to characterize ultrashort optical pulses that are compressed nonadiabatically in dispersion-decreasing fiber. The pulses undergo an interesting temporal pulse breakup following dispersion in both the normal and anomalous regimes, and compression ratios close to the adiabatic limit are obtained. All behaviors are in excellent agreement with numerical integration of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
Neuregulin-1β induces neurite extension and arborization in cultured hippocampal neurons

Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) growth and differentiation factors and their erbB receptors are hypothesized to promote embryonic hippocampal neuron differentiation via as yet unknown mechanisms. We have found that NRG-1β increases the outgrowth of primary neurites, neuronal area, total neurite length, and neuritic branching in E18 hippocampal neurons. NRG-1β effects on neurite extension and arborization are similar to, but not additive with, those of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and reflect direct NRG-1 action on hippocampal neurons as these cells express the NRG-1 receptors erbB2 and erbB4, the erbB-specific inhibitor PD158780 decreases NRG-1β induced neurite outgrowth, and NRG-1β stimulation induces p42/44 ERK phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of p42/44 ERK and protein kinase C (PKC), but not PI3K or p38 MAP kinase, inhibits NRG-1β-induced neurite extension and elaboration. We conclude that NRG-1β stimulates hippocampal neurite extension and arborization via a signaling pathway that involves erbB membrane tyrosine kinases (erbB2 and/or erbB4), p42/44 ERK, and PKC.
Infrasonic estimation of surf period

[1] Synchronous infrasonic, video, and wave height measurements were performed during high surf at Polihale beach, Kauai, on March 4–12, 2005. During the experiment, atmospheric sound levels in the 0.5–20 Hz frequency band were associated with large breaking ocean waves. The envelope of surf infrasound signals yields breaking wave periods comparable to those derived from nearshore sea surface elevation measurements. Our analysis confirms that individual plunging waves are partly responsible for the generation of surf infrasound. We demonstrate the potential to extract breaking wave period from a single, well sited infrasonic microphone.
Brittle behavior of a two-phase Lennard-Jones solid

A crack in the homogeneous 2-D triangular Lennard-Jones (L-J) solid responds to external loading in a ductile manner by emitting dislocations and blunting. Previous work has demonstrated that this ductile behavior may be modified by coating the crack surfaces with a film having a different lattice parameter or elastic modulus with respect to the bulk L-J solid. In this work the authors report on the initial results of a study directed toward determining if coherent inclusions can sufficiently ''harden'' the near crack tip region in a manner so as to change the balance between dislocation emission and cleavage in this material. Others have shown that there is a delicate balance between crack tip dislocation emission and cleavage in this material. The most efficient form of hardening results from a coherent second phase with a lattice parameter larger than that of the bulk material. Elastically hard inclusions provided only a slight degree of hardening in comparison. Hard inclusions with a higher degree of inclusion matrix bonding may provide more efficient hardening in analogy with conventional hardening mechanisms in dispersed phase alloys.
Introduction to strategic planning in student affairs: A model for process and elements of a plan

This chapter introduces the topic of strategic planning in student affairs by exploring its meaning and relevance to sound management and a force for change. A model is presented for the student affairs strategic planning process and elements of a written plan, including implementation steps.
Expression of Hox 2.1 protein in restricted populations of neural crest cells and pharyngeal ectoderm

A polyclonal antibody, alpha Hox 2.1a, was used to localize Hox 2.1 protein in presumptive neural crest cells and nodose ganglion of 8.5-10.0 day p.c. mouse embryos. The following results were obtained: (1) The nodose placode, in its epithelial state, first expresses Hox 2.1 protein at 9.0 d.p.c. By 9.5 d.p.c. presumptive migrating neuroblasts between the nodose placode and ganglion primordium also express Hox 2.1 protein. (2) At 9.5 d.p.c., presumptive crest cells lateral to the cephalic cardinal vein and within pharyngeal arches 4 and 6 are immunoreactive for alpha Hox 2.1a. In the arch 6 region, positive cells extend medially to a mesenchymal cell population on the lateral aspect of the foregut wall. (3) At 10.0 d.p.c., Hox 2.1 protein expression in putative crest cells is restricted to the arch 6 cell population. A similar staining pattern is seen using alpha Hox 2.1a with chick embryos. Comparison with the chicken embryo suggests that the Hox 2.1 positive cells in the pharyngeal arch and those on the lateral aspect of the foregut in the mouse embryo correspond to the caudalmost subpopulation of the circumpharyngeal crest (Kuratani and Kirby: Am. J. Anat. 191:215-227, 1991; Anat. Rec. 234:263-280, 1992). These results are consistent with a role for Hox 2.1 in pattern formation in the caudalmost region of the vertebrate head.
MicroCluster: efficient deterministic biclustering of microarray data

MicroCluster can mine different types of arbitrarily positioned and overlapping clusters of genetic data to find interesting patterns. Our approach has four key features. First, we mine only the maximal biclusters satisfying certain homogeneity criteria. Second, the clusters can be arbitrarily positioned anywhere in the input data matrix, and they can have arbitrary overlapping regions. Third, MicroCluster uses a flexible definition of a cluster that lets it mine several types of biclusters (which previously were studied independently). Finally, MicroCluster can delete or merge biclusters that have large overlaps. So, it can tolerate some noise in the data set and let users focus on the most important clusters. We've developed a set of metrics to evaluate the clustering quality and have tested MicroCluster's effectiveness on several synthetic and real data sets.
General description and operating characteristics of the Berkeley 88-inch cyclotron

The Berkeley 88-inch cyclotron is a variable-energy spiral-ridge machine with an electrostatic deflector for beam extraction. This accelerator was designed to satisfy the needs of the nuclear chemistry and low-energy physics groups, for variable-energy beams of a variety of ions. It will accelerate protons up to 50 MeV, douterons up to 65 MeV, and heavier ions up to corresponding energies. The machine is expected to produce an external beam of 100 to 200 μA. The r.f. has a frequency range of 5.5 to 16.5 Mc/s and a working voltage of 70 kV, dee to ground. The single-dee construction permits operation on the third harmonic mode, which in effect gives another factor of 3 in frequency range. The magnet has three flat hills on each pole, which produce a maximum magnetic-field spiral angle of approximately 55 deg. The iron gap between hills is 7.5 in., between valleys, 11.8 in. The maximum average field is 17 kG, with an effective flutter of ± 3 kG. Pole-face windings are provided for trimming the magnetic field. The first internal beam was obtained in December 1961. Subsequent internal-beam studies with alphas at 12 kG (65 MeV) show a well-behaved beam out to full radius. The beam has not yet been extracted with the electrostatic deflector.
Emotional empathy and front line employees: does it make sense to care about the customer?

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the relationship between empathy and role stress among front line employees (FLEs). The goal was to test the hypothesis that emotionally critical aspects of the service encounter are central to role conflict.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 226 FLEs completed a survey that measured role conflict. The instrument also included measures of empathy – the degree to which FLEs engaged in emotional labor during service encounters.Findings – FLEs who reported more time spent engaged in empathetic behavior or saw empathetic behavior as critical to service quality also reported significantly higher role conflict.Practical implications – Unfortunately, these data suggest that emotionally identifying with the customer relates to stressful service encounters for FLEs. This presents challenges to FLEs who truly identify with customer complaints and to organizations that rely on positive customer experience as a strategic tool for marketing services.Originality/value – Role c...
Statins for stroke prevention

Unlike coronary heart disease, epidemiologic studies find a weak and inconsistent relationship between cholesterol levels and overall stroke risk. There does, however, appear to be a positive relationship between total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the risk of ischemic stroke, with an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and hemorrhagic stroke. Treatment with statins is associated with the reduction in the risk of a first stroke in various populations of patients at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Treatment of patients with prior cerebrovascular disease is associated with a reduction in major cardiovascular events and, in a single study, with a reduction in fatal and nonfatal stroke in patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack and no known coronary heart disease. Whether the benefit of statins in reducing the risk of stroke is due to their potent lipid-lowering effects, pleiotropic effects, or a combination of the two cannot be determined based on data available from clinical trials.
Intravital imaging of CD8+ T cell function in cancer

Recent technological advances in photonics are making intravital microscopy (IVM) an increasingly powerful approach for the mechanistic exploration of biological processes in the physiological context of complex native tissue environments. Direct, dynamic and multiparametric visualization of immune cell behavior in living animals at cellular and subcellular resolution has already proved its utility in auditing basic immunological concepts established through conventional approaches and has also generated new hypotheses that can conversely be complemented and refined by traditional experimental methods. The insight that outgrowing tumors must not necessarily have evaded recognition by the adaptive immune system, but can escape rejection by actively inducing a state of immunological tolerance calls for a detailed investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the anti-cancer response is subverted. Along with molecular imaging techniques that provide dynamic information at the population level, IVM can be expected to make a critical contribution to this effort by allowing the observation of immune cell behavior in vivo at single cell-resolution. We review here how IVM-based investigation can help to clarify the role of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the immune response against cancer and identify the ways by which their function might be impaired through tolerogenic mechanisms.
Current source-density and neuromagnetic analysis of the direct cortical response in rat cortex

The electrophysiological basis of macropotentials produced by the direct cortical response (DCR) to electrical stimulation was studied using a combination of current source-density (CSD) and neuromagnetic analysis. Current source-density analysis indicated the locations of extracellular sources and sinks in the cortical depth giving rise to each temporal component of the DCR complex. Information about intradendritic currents was obtained from extracranial magnetic field measures. These data indicate that the DCR is composed of a sequential activation of pyramidal cells at different cortical depths. The complex begins with depolarization of cells in the upper and middle layers, followed by depolarization of deeper pyramidal cells with apical dendrites extending near the cortical surface. The complex ends with a positive-negative slow wave sequence indicating possible afterhyperpolarization of surface dendrites and hyperpolarization of cell bodies and basilar dendrites in the depth. These data demonstrate a unique way in which electrical and magnetic measures may be combined to provide complementary information about the spatially and temporally organized cellular currents within local neuronal networks.
Utility of molecular genetic signatures in the delineation of gastric neoplasia

BACKGROUND Current techniques to define gastric neoplasia are limited but molecular genetic signatures can categorize tumors and provide biological rationale for predicting clinical behavior. We identified three gene signatures: Chromogranin A (CgA), MAGE-D2 (adhesion), and MTA1 (metastasis) that define gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoids and hypothesize that their expression can delineate gastric neoplasia. This strategy provides a molecular basis to define neuroendocrine gastric carcinoids (GCs), neuronal stromal tumors (GISTs), or epithelial cell (gastric adenocarcinomas [GCAs])-derived tumors. METHODS Total RNA was isolated from 38 GCs: Type I/II (n = 7), Type III/IV (n = 6), GISTs (n = 12), GCAs (n = 13), and normal mucosa (n = 12). Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Q RT-PCR) gene expression was quantified against glyseraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and CgA and MTA1 protein expression levels were analyzed by immunohistochemical analyses of a gastric neoplasia microarray. RESULTS CgA was elevated in Type I/II (10-fold; P 5-fold, P I/II, P 4-fold, P < .05), and GCAs. CgA protein levels were elevated in GCs (P < .005) but not in GISTs and GCAs. MTA1 levels were elevated in all tumors (P < .02) compared with normal, and especially with tumor invasion (P < .05). CONCLUSION CgA discriminates GCs from other gastric neoplasms; overexpression of MAGE-D2 and MTA1 differentiate Type III/IV from Type I/II GCs. GISTs share similar expression patterns with Type III/IV GCs but have decreased CgA. MTA1 is a marker of tumor invasion. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Transcriptional regulation of βsecretase-1 by 12/15-lipoxygenase results in enhanced amyloidogenesis and cognitive impairments

Objective: 12/15-Lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) is an enzyme widely distributed in the central nervous system, and it has been involved in the neurobiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the mechanism involved remains elusive. Methods: We investigated the molecular mechanism by which 12/15-LO regulates amyloid β (Aβ)/Aβ precursor protein (APP) metabolism in vivo and in vitro by genetic and pharmacologic approaches. Results: Here we show that overexpression of 12/15-LO leads to increased levels of β-secretase-1 (BACE1) mRNA and protein, a significant elevation in Aβ levels and deposition, and a worsening of memory deficits in AD transgenic mice. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that 12/15-LO regulates BACE1 mRNA expression levels via the activation of the transcription factor Sp1. Thus, 12/15-LO–overexpressing mice had elevated levels of Sp1 and BACE1, whereas 12/15-LO–deficient mice had reduced levels of both. Preventing Sp1 activation by pharmacologic inhibition or dominant-negative mutant blocks the 12/15-LO–dependent elevation of Aβ and BACE1 levels. Interpretation: Our findings demonstrate a novel pathway by which 12/15-LO increases the amyloidogenic processing of APP through a Sp1-mediated transcriptional control of BACE1 levels that could have implications for AD pathogenesis and therapy. ANN NEUROL 2012;71:57–67
Pharmacologically induced alcohol craving in treatment seeking alcoholics correlates with alcoholism severity, but is insensitive to acamprosate

Modulation of alcohol craving induced by challenge stimuli may predict the efficacy of new pharmacotherapies for alcoholism. We evaluated two pharmacological challenges, the α2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine, which reinstates alcohol seeking in rats, and the serotonergic compound meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), previously reported to increase alcohol craving in alcoholics. To assess the predictive validity of this approach, the approved alcoholism medication acamprosate was evaluated for its ability to modulate challenge-induced cravings. A total of 35 treatment seeking alcohol dependent inpatients in early abstinence were randomized to placebo or acamprosate (2997 mg daily). Following two weeks of medication, subjects underwent three challenge sessions with yohimbine, mCPP or saline infusion under double blind conditions, carried out in counterbalanced order, and separated by at least 5 days. Ratings of cravings and anxiety, as well as biochemical measures were obtained. In all, 25 subjects completed all three sessions and were included in the analysis. Cravings were modestly, but significantly higher following both yohimbine and mCPP challenge compared with saline infusion. The mCPP, but not yohimbine significantly increased anxiety ratings. Both challenges produced robust ACTH, cortisol and prolactin responses. There was a significant correlation between craving and the degree of alcoholism severity. Acamprosate administration did not influence craving. Both yohimbine and mCPP challenges lead to elevated alcohol craving in a clinical population of alcoholics, and these cravings correlate with alcoholism severity. Under the experimental conditions used, alcohol cravings induced by these two stimuli are not sensitive to acamprosate at clinically used doses.
Pentoxifylline alters class-specific immunoglobulin synthesis in resuscitated burn injury

Pentoxifylline (PTXF) is a hemorheologic agent that can attenuate microvascular alterations induced by injury, resulting in improved microcirculatory flow. Burn injury-induced immunologic suppression may be caused by alterations in microvascular flow. We studied the effects of PTXF on humoral immunity in resuscitated burn injury. Male AKR mice (n = 80) were randomized to four groups: SHAM, BURN, PTXF-BURN, and NS-BURN (saline burn). Animals were resuscitated with Ringer's lactate and morphine sulfate and put to death at days 1 and 4 after injury. PTXF-BURN animals received PTXF (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) at the time of resuscitation. Splenic lymphocytes (1 x 10(6) cells/well) were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2.5 and 10 micrograms/ml)). LPS-stimulated in vitro class-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from splenic cell culture supernatants. Burn injury induced a reduction in immunoglobulin (Ig) M synthesis on postburn day 4. PTXF treatment was associated with an increase in IgG production, but a greater depression in IgM synthesis than burn injury alone. PTXF administration during resuscitation in burn injury does not ameliorate the burn-induced depression in IgM synthesis and results in significant potential adverse modulation of humoral immune function.
A thermionic-cathode RF gun for compact FEL use

Abstract Conventionally designed thermionic-cathode RF guns, such as the one used in the Stanford Far-Infrared Free-Electron Laser (FIRFEL) experiment, typically generate electron beams with large energy spreads. In order to use such a gun as the sole accelerator, most of the beam must be discarded to reduce the energy spread to acceptable levels. It is possible to design a thermionic-cathode RF gun, which produces an electron beam essentially monochromatic in energy. One- and three-dimensional simulations indicate that an electron beam can be produced with more than 90% of the beam current in a 1% energy spread, over a range of kinetic beam energies of 2–6 MeV. This may be accomplished while retaining reasonable beam emittances. Such a gun is ideal for use with a compact FEL, such as the FIRFEL experiment. Potential benefits include a larger operational wavelength range, higher power output, greater efficiency, and shorter beamlines.
Cell-Based Therapies for Diabetic Retinopathy

Autologous endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) populations represent a novel treatment for therapeutic revascularization and vascular repair for diabetic patients with complications including diabetic retinopathy. Current therapies are applicable to late-stage disease and carry significant side effects, whereas cell-based therapy may provide an alternative by repairing areas of vasodegeneration and reversing ischemia. However, EPCs from diabetic patients with vascular complications are dysfunctional. Moreover, the diabetic environment poses its own challenges and complicates the use of autologous EPCs. Before EPCs become the ideal “cell therapy,” the optimal EPC must be determined, any functional dysfunction must be corrected prior to use, and the diabetic milieu will require modification to accept the EPCs. This review describes the rationale for harnessing the vascular reparative properties of EPCs with emphasis on the molecular and phenotypic nature of healthy EPCs, how diabetes alters them, and novel strategies to improve dysfunctional EPCs.
Diffractive Optics With Incoherent Optical Systems

Holographic optical elements of various types can be formed with light of reduced coherence, either spatial or temporal or both. Here we describe the synthesis of fringes of non-sinusoidal profile with either extended source monochromatic or extended source polychromatic light. Recording of such fringes yields blazed gratings.
Influence of tilted geometries on critical current in superconducting thin films

We present measurements of the angular dependent critical current (J/sub c/) of DyBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ on single crystal SrTiO/sub 3/ and YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ on tilted Ion Beam Assisted Deposition MgO substrate. These experiments demonstrate that J/sub c/ angular dependences of tilted defects are a useful tool to detect misalignments between the internal and applied magnetic fields. The results show that, in order to understand vortex pinning in thin anisotropic samples below certain value of magnetic field, this misalignment must be taken into account.