cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitor Evaluation with Immobilized Nitrobacter agilis Cells.

Nitrobacter agilis was entrapped in calcium alginate beads and used as a floating bed supplied with a continuous flow of nitrite medium. Complete nitrite oxidation was achieved within 30 h, and the system could be maintained for at least 210 h. The immobilized Nitrobacter system was subjected to sulfur oxyanions, acidity, and metal ions. Thiosulfate and tetrathionate (up to 20 mM each) did not inhibit the nitrite oxidation activity. A low pH of 4.2 resulted in the complete cessation of nitrite oxidation, and the activity was not restored upon increasing the pH to 7. Nitrite oxidation by N. agilis was sensitive to 10 mM each Ni2+ and Al3+ but insensitive to 10 mM MoO42−.
Synthesis, Self-Assembled Monolayers and Alkaline Earth Metal Ion Recognition of p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Derivatives

The synthesis and self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation of three conformational isomers of p-tert-butylcalix[4]crown-6 derivatives 3a−3c and one p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivative (3d) are reported. The SAMs of these compounds were prepared and characterized by electrochemistry, reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and contact-angle measurements. The recognition properties of these SAMs with metal cations were systematically investigated using electrochemical techniques and impedance spectroscopy. The monolayers exhibit selective binding and sensing abilities with alkaline earth metal cations such as Ca2+ and Ba2+ over alkali metal ions. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Racial disparities in self-rated health: trends, explanatory factors, and the changing role of socio-demographics.

This paper uses data from the U.S. National Health Interview Surveys (N = 1,513,097) to describe and explain temporal patterns in black-white health disparities with models that simultaneously consider the unique effects of age, period, and cohort. First, we employ cross-classified random effects age–period–cohort (APC) models to document black-white disparities in self-rated health across temporal dimensions. Second, we use decomposition techniques to shed light on the extent to which socio-economic shifts in cohort composition explain the age and period adjusted racial health disparities across successive birth cohorts. Third, we examine the extent to which exogenous conditions at the time of birth help explain the racial disparities across successive cohorts. Results show that black-white disparities are wider among the pre-1935 cohorts for women, falling thereafter; disparities for men exhibit a similar pattern but exhibit narrowing among cohorts born earlier in the century. Differences in socioeconomic composition consistently contribute to racial health disparities across cohorts; notably, marital status differences by race emerge as an increasingly important explanatory factor in more recent cohorts for women whereas employment differences by race emerge as increasingly salient in more recent cohorts for men. Finally, our cohort characteristics models suggest that cohort economic conditions at the time of birth (percent large family, farm or Southern birth) help explain racial disparities in health for both men and women.
Identification of high molecular weight antigens structurally related to gamma-glutamyl transferase in epithelial tissues

Heterologous antibodies to gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT), an ectoenzyme associated with the apical surface of many types of epithelial cells involved in secretion and transport, have been used to identify and partially characterize the spectrum of antigens in a series of epithelial tissues that exhibit a range of enzyme activities. In addition to antigens corresponding to the subunits of the active enzyme (mol wt 55K, 30K), antigens of mol wt ∼85−≥95K have been detected using an antibody raised against the enzyme purified in nonionic detergent. The latter species are shown to share antigenic determinants with and to be structurally related to the enzyme subunits; however, they do not bind significantly to antibodies raised to protease-solubilized γGT. Further, they constitute the major antigens in tissues that exhibit relatively low levels of enzyme activity. These polypeptides are apparently larger than a recently characterized biosynthetic precursor of the γGT subunits. Although they do not have γGT activity themselves and their function is undefined, the possibility that they may represent highly glycosylated polypeptides related either to γGT precursors (that persist without processing) or to the large enzyme subunit merits consideration.
Supercomputing and supercomputers for science and engineering in general and for chemistry and biosciences in particular

We start by pointing out relationships between production of information, global-simulation and supercomputing, thus placing our research activities in today’s society context. Then we detail the evolution in hardware and software for lCAP, our experimental supercomputer, which we claim to be especially well suited for supercomputing in science and engineering. A preliminary discussion of lCAP/3090 (our latest experimental effort) is included. Many examples from different disciplines are provided to verify our assertions. We “prove” our point by presenting an example of global supercomputing. Starting with three nuclei and ten electrons, building up to a single water molecule, then to a few hundred, we learn, for example, about Raman, infrared and neutron scattering; we then move up to a few hundred thousand molecules to analyze particle flow and obstructions and finally we experiment, but only preliminarily, with a few million particles to lean more on non-equilibrium dynamics like in the Rayleigh-Benard systems. In this way, quantum mechanics is overlapped with statistical mechanics, and expanded into micro-dynamics. The entire paper is finally re-analyzed from a different perspective, presenting rather systematically, even if most briefly, our ideas on “modern” computational chemistry, where quantum mechanics is as much needed as fluid-dynamics and graphics. In this section the main computational techniques are analyzed in terms of computer programs and their associated flow diagrams to solve the basic equations using parallel supercomputers.
Assessment of coronary stent by optical coherence tomography, methodology and definitions

Optical coherence tomography has emerged as a powerful tool for stent assessment, and in a short time, has become the modality of choice for studying stent and vascular interactions in vivo. In this review, we discuss qualitative and quantitative parameters used for stent assessment by OCT. Various qualitative/quantitative variables of stent assessment are discussed in the perspective of the clinical and research values of each of them.
The Genes of Systemic Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases include a wide spectrum of disorders, which have been divided into systemic and organ-specific disorders. Lupus, the prototypic systemic autoimmune disease, is characterized by female predominance, multiorgan pathology, and autoantibodies, primarily directed against nuclear antigens. The disease is heterogeneous, with variable organ involvement, serology, and clinical course. Susceptibility to lupus is inherited as a polygenic trait with added contributions from environmental and stochastic variance. Concerted efforts have recently been made by several laboratories to define the genetic basis of this disease in predisposed mice and humans. The identification of the Fas/FasL defects in lpr and gld lupus mice was the first example of spontaneous mutations of apoptosis-promoting genes being associated with systemic autoimmunity. This research was instrumental in clarifying the roles of these genes in tolerance and immunoregulation, and in extrapolating these results to other autoimmune diseases, as well as cancer and transplantation. To these findings have been added those from transgenic and gene knockout mouse studies that have helped to define the systemic autoimmunity-inducing or -modifying effects of specific genes in normal background and lupus-congenic mice. In addition, the findings from genome-wide searches have begun to identify predisposing loci (and ultimately genes) for the spontaneous lupus-like diseases in various mouse strains and in humans. The emerging picture is that multiple genetic contributions can independently lead to systemic autoimmunity in mice, which reinforces the view that human lupus may be similarly composed of diverse genotypes. This complexity underscores the importance of defining the predisposing alleles and mechanisms of action, an undertaking that is certainly feasible given current technologies and future advances in the definition of mammalian genomes.
Abstract ES5-3: Investigating Breast Cancer with Single-Cell Sequencing

Tumors evolve from single cells. As they evolve, they acquire complex somatic mutations and diversify, forming distinct subpopulations of cells. This intratumor heterogeneity confounds basic research and clinical practice because tools do not exist to resolve it. Standard genomic methods are limited to reporting an average signal from a complex population of cells, because they require a large amount of input material. These bulk methods may mask population diversity and rare cells in the tumor - that may be the most malignant. To address this limitation my laboratory has developed single-cell sequencing tools to delineate intratumor heterogeneity and investigate mutational evolution in human cancers. We developed a method to profile genomic copy number in single cells and used this method to study genome evolution in triple-negative (ER−/PR−/Her2-) breast tumors (Navin et al., 2011 Nature) which revealed a punctuated model for copy number evolution. Recently, we have extended this method to obtain whole-genome, high-coverage sequencing data from single human tumor cells. From this data we can detect the full spectrum of genomic mutations, including point mutations, indels and microdeletions in single human cells. We applied this method to study clonal diversity in an estrogen-receptor-positive breast carcinoma and sequenced four single cells in addition to a population sample. In the population we detected only 36 coding mutations. However, our whole-genome single-cell sequencing data revealed hundreds of additional coding mutations, suggesting extensive clonal diversity in the tumor. Our data from this tumor support a mutator phenotype model for tumor progression, in which cancer is driven by elevating the rate of random mutations. Our studies show that a wealth of information can be obtained from studying single cancer cells, data that could not be obtained by analyzing the tumor en masse. We expect single-cell sequencing to have major clinical applications in early detection, analyzing scarce tissue samples and monitoring residual disease in patients with cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr ES5-3.
Transient thermal distortions of x-ray mask membranes during exposure scanning

During x-ray lithography exposure scanning, intensive x-ray energy deposition in the mask membrane and absorbers causes thermal stresses and mask distortions. Transient heat transfer and thermal distortion models of the masks are presented in this paper. The x-ray beam, which has a Gaussian distribution in the vertical direction and is uniform in the horizontal direction, intermittently scans the pattern area in the vertical direction. The models were used to analyze the ARPA-NIST National x-ray Mask Standard with a 50 mm X 50 mm field size. Effects of exposure parameters are discussed.
The Microbiome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is There a Therapeutic Role for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation?

The Microbiome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is There a Therapeutic Role for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation?
Atomistic simulation of mixed-lipid bilayers: mixed methods for mixed membranes

Biomembranes are characterised by diversity in the composition of the lipids they contain and the local environments these lipids occupy. The principles that govern the lateral distribution of lipids in a heterogeneous system have important implications for membrane structure and function. Modelling equilibrium lateral distributions with atomistic detail using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is challenging due to the very long trajectories needed for lipid lateral diffusion. A mixed MD/Monte Carlo (MC) approach relying on configuration-bias MC mutation moves allows fluctuations in local composition to occur without diffusion and has been applied to several simple mixtures. Mixtures of saturated-tail lipids differing in tail length by four carbons per tail showed lateral distribution in the fluid phase indistinguishable from random mixing, but with a distinct tendency for short-tailed lipids to cluster together within the gel phase. Local environment influenced local composition strongly at edge defects...
Growth arrest of proadipocytes at a distinct predifferentiation G1 state associated with cytotoxic responsiveness to 8-bromo cyclic AMP.

Abstract The control of cell proliferation can result from the coupling of growth arrest and differentiation. In this regard, we recently demonstrated that growth arrest which precedes the differentiation of 3T3 T proadipocytes must occur at a distinct state in the G 1 phase of the cell cycle (G D ). Cells arrested at G D differ in several biological parameters from cells arrested in G 1 at other states induced by either serum deprivation (G S ) or nutrient deficiency (G N ). Specifically, G D -arrested cells can differentiate in the absence of DNA synthesis and G D -arrested cells can be induced to proliferate when stimulated with 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; G S - and G N -arrested cells cannot. In addition, G D -, G S - and G N -arrested cells reside at topographically distinct states in G 1 . We now report that G D -arrested proadipocytes are also distinct in that they are highly sensitive to a cytotoxic effect of 8-bromo cyclic AMP, whereas G S - and G N -arrested cells are not.
Expression, Purification, Biochemical Characterization, and Comparative Function of Human Cytochrome P450 2D6.1, 2D6.2, 2D6.10, and 2D6.17 Allelic Isoforms

Polymorphism at the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) locus is one of the most widely known causes of pharmacogenetic variability in humans. Our goal is to investigate the intrinsic enzymatic differences that exist among active CYP2D6 isoforms to test the hypothesis that these enzymatic differences are substrate-dependent. Active CYP2D6.1, 2, 10, and 17 holo-enzymes were expressed in vitro and purified to a high degree of homogeneity as confirmed with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, CO-difference spectroscopy, and mass spectral analysis. Purified enzyme was reconstituted with lipid and cytochrome P450 reductase in a 2:1 ratio before kinetic analysis. The reaction rate for dextromethorphan (DXM) O-demethylation, DXM N-demethylation, codeine O-demethylation, and fluoxetine N-demethylation catalyzed by each of the variants was determined. The CYP2D6.10 enzyme was the most impaired, exhibiting an estimated enzyme efficiency (as V(max)/K(m)) 50-fold lower for DXM O-demethylation and 100-fold lower for fluoxetine N-demethylation when compared with CYP2D6.1, whereas no measurable catalytic activity was observed for this variant toward codeine. The atypical DXM N-demethylation pathway catalyzed by this variant decreased only 2-fold in comparison. In the case of CYPD6.17, estimated clearances for each metabolite were decreased 6 to 33%. Likewise, the intrinsic clearance of CYP2D6.2 enzyme was consistently decreased for each reaction examined, indicating that the ultra-rapid metabolizer phenotype sometimes associated with this genotype is not a function of the underlying amino acid substitutions. Overall enzyme efficiencies for the metabolism of each substrate therefore decreased in the order of 2D6.1 > 2D6.2 > 2D6.17 > 2D6.10.
Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction

Abstract Objective . The aim of this study was to determine the long-term survival and control of angina in patients with coronary artery disease and sequentially decreased ejection fractions (EF) after first-time coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods . Between 1981 and 1995, 156 (1.3%) patients with an EF less than 0.25 (group 1), 588 (5%) patients with an EF of 0.25 to 0.34 (group 2), 2,438 (20.6%) patients with an EF of 0.35 to 0.49 (group 3), and 8,648 (73.1%) patients with an EF equal to or greater than 0.50 (group 4) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The EFs were determined by uniplanar or biplanar left ventriculography. For each group, the clinical and angiographic characteristics and the operative and outcome data were compared. Survival curves were derived and compared for each group. Correlates of angina, and of early (30-day) and long-term mortality, for all groups were analyzed. Results . For all groups the mean age was approximately 60 ± 10 years. Group 1 had the highest percentage of patients who were men (88%), had congestive heart failure (34%), had hypertension (53%), and had left main coronary artery disease (24%). Groups 1 through 3, compared with group 4, had a lower percentage of complete revascularization ( p p p p p Conclusions . In the long term there is a higher mortality in patients with sequentially decreased left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, although more than 60% of patients with an EF less than 0.25 were alive and had good control of angina at 5 years despite having a higher percentage of risk factors, poorer functional status, and more complex coronary disease. Failure of symptom control and survival beyond 5 years appeared to be influenced by preexisting medical conditions and factors that affect the ability to completely revascularize the myocardium. These results suggest that in selected patients with ischemia and poor left ventricular function, coronary artery bypass grafting may preserve remaining viable myocardium, provide relief of symptoms, and offer survival greater than 60% at more than 5 years.
A NEW HOSPITAL FOODSERVICE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

The literature discussing institutional foodservice systems and configurations is at times confusing to foodservice professionals and consultants because there is no standardization of terms. This paper presents a classification scheme to improve communications between foodservice managers, designers, educators, and students and to provide a framework that can be use for delineating all possible foodservice system configurations.
Ontogeny of Ethanol-Induced Locomotor Activity and Hypothermia Differences in Selectively Bred FAST and SLOW Mice

The replicate lines of selectively bred FAST and SLOW mice differ in locomotor response to 2 g/kg ethanol (EtOH). FAST mice show enhanced locomotion; SLOW mice exhibit no change or locomotor depression. Little is known about the responses of FAST and SLOW mice to EtOH during development. We assessed the locomotor responses of FAST and SLOW mice at postnatal days (P) 10, 15, 30, and 60. A genetically correlated response, EtOH-induced hypothermia, was also investigated. Although all animals demonstrated their respective selection phenotypes in adulthood, developing FAST mice exhibited ethanol stimulation by P15 (replicate 1) or P30 (replicate 2). At these ages, responses of FAST mice differed from those of SLOW. The stimulant response in FAST mice was adult-like at P30. EtOH-induced hypothermia was seen in SLOW mice by P15. These data suggest that sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of EtOH changes during postnatal development, and may mirror developmental profiles for certain neurotransmitter systems.
Auditory self-motion simulation is facilitated by haptic and vibrational cues suggesting the possibility of actual motion

Sound fields rotating around stationary blindfolded listeners sometimes elicit auditory circular vection, the illusion that the listener is physically rotating. Experiment 1 investigated whether auditory circular vection depends on participants' situational awareness of “movability,” that is, whether they sense/know that actual motion is possible or not. While previous studies often seated participants on movable chairs to suspend the disbelief of self-motion, it has never been investigated whether this does, in fact, facilitate auditory vection. To this end, 23 blindfolded participants were seated on a hammock chair with their feet either on solid ground (“movement impossible”) or suspended (“movement possible”) while listening to individualized binaural recordings of two sound sources rotating synchronously at 60°/s. Although participants never physically moved, situational awareness of movability facilitated auditory vection. Moreover, adding slight vibrations like the ones resulting from actual chair rotation increased the frequency and intensity of vection. Experiment 2 extended these findings and showed that nonindividualized binaural recordings were as effective in inducing auditory circular vection as individualized recordings. These results have important implications both for our theoretical understanding of self-motion perception and for the applied field of self-motion simulations, where vibrations, nonindividualized binaural sound, and the cognitive/perceptual framework of movability can typically be provided at minimal cost and effort.
The Challenge X Student Engineering Experience

Engineering students from Mississippi State University have successfully competed in a four-year competition among 17 universities throughout North America, Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility. With headline sponsorship by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, a Chevrolet Equinox was re-engineered to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and increase performance. The competition was an intense, profound endeavor for the students resulting in technological developments, proficiency with today's engineering tools and methodology, and a unique team experience. The students' success in re-engineering a conventional vehicle poses the question as to whether it can serve as a model for broad introduction of HEV/PHEV technology into niche market segments.
Providing Library Services in a Unique Pediatric Orthopaedic Setting

(2005). Providing Library Services in a Unique Pediatric Orthopaedic Setting. Journal of Hospital Librarianship: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 65-72.
Variations of the apparent angular size of the Sun across the entire Solar System: Implications for planetary opposition surges

Abstract We test several convolution and deconvolution models on phase curves at small phase angles ( 0.001 ° α 1.5 ° ) that have the highest phase angle sampling to date. These curves were provided by cameras onboard several NASA missions (Clementine/UVVIS, Galileo/SSI and Cassini/ISS) when the Sun had different apparent angular radii ( α ⊙ = 0.266 ° , 0.051°, 0.028°). For the smallest phase angles, the brightness of the objects (Moon, Europa and the Saturn's rings) exhibits a strong round-off below the angular size of the Sun. The brightness continues to increase below α ⊙ before finally flattening at 0.4 α ⊙ . These behaviors are consistent with the convolution models tested. A simple deconvolution model is also used and agrees with laboratory measurements at extremely small phase angles that do not show any flattening [Psarev V, Ovcharenko A, Shkuratov YG, Belskaya I, Videen G. Photometry of particulate surfaces at extremely small phase angles. J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transfer 2007;106:455–63].
Denitrification activity in the vadose zone beneath a sludge-amended semi-arid soil

Abstract Soil cores were collected to a depth of 14 m from a Southwest semi‐arid soil amended with either anaerobically digested sludge or inorganic fertilizer. Twenty sections partitioned from each core were characterized for their physical and chemical properties. Denitrification potential was estimated in each core section in the laboratory using the acetylene reduction method. The sludge‐amended soil had significantly higher denitrification rates within and below the root zone than the fertilizer‐amended soil. Additionally, significant correlation values were obtained in both cores between denitrification rates and particle size distribution, moisture, and total organic carbon (C). Sludge applications in semi‐desert soils may add much needed organic C in the soil profile. This additional soluble organic C may help control nitrate (NO3) ground water pollution by providing substrate C for denitrifying bacteria below the root zone.
Effects of lidocaine, procaine, procainamide and quinidine on electrophysiological properties of cultured embryonic chick hearts

The effects of lidocaine, procaine, procainamide and quinidine were studied on organ-cultured embryonic chick (2-3 day-old) ventricular cells. Lidocaine (10(-5) - 10(-4)M), in a dose-dependent manner, reduced the rate of pacemaker discharge, the action potential amplitude (APA), the maximum rate of rise (Vmax) of the upstroke of the action potential and the action potential duration at 50% repolarization (APD50). These changes occurred without alterations in the maximum diastolic potential (MDP). Extracellular electrical field stimulation could still evoke action potentials in cells arrested by 10(-4)M lidocaine, but 10(-3)M lidocaine completely abolished electrical activity. Procaine, procainamide and quinidine, at 5 X 10(-5)M to 10(-3)M, depolarized the cells to around -30 mV and reduced APA and Vmax. Procaine and procainamide increased APD50, but quinidine shortened it. All the effects described disappeared completely in about 40 min of superfusion with drug-free Tyrode solution. Isoprenaline (5 X 10(-7)M) and adrenaline (10(-6)M) restored spontaneous firing of preparations arrested by any of the antiarrhythmic agents and repolarized ventricular cells depolarized by procaine, procainamide or quinidine. Propranolol (5 X 10(-7)M) did not affect the depolarization produced by procaine (5 X 10(-4)M), but antagonized its reversal by isoprenaline. In contrast, isoprenaline (10(-6)M) did not produce recovery of automaticity of preparations arrested by verapamil (10(-5)M). Histamine (10(-5)M) or strontium (10 mM) were not able to restore rhythmic activity in cells arrested procaine. Application of long (10-15 s duration) hyperpolarizing currents did not reverse the blocking effect of procaine, procainamide and quinidine. The input resistance increased during the procaine-induced depolarization. It is suggested that the four agents studied block the slow Na+ channels responsible for the upstroke of the action potential in young chick heart cells. A drug-induced decrease in PK may occur in those cells arrested at low levels of membrane potential.
Glass transition and melting behavior of poly(ether‐ester) multiblock copolymers with poly(tetramethylene isophthalate) hard segments

The glass transition and melting behavior of poly(ether-ester) multiblock copolymers with poly(tetramethylene isophthalate) (PTMI) hard segments and poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) soft segments are studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS). Thermodynamic melting parameters for the PTMI homopolymer are estimated by WAXS and from the dependence of melting point on crystallization temperature. The melting behavior of PTMI is characterized by dual endotherms which are qualitatively representative of the original morphology, although reorganization effects are present. The composition dependence of the glass transition temperature parameters after rapid quenching from the melt are well described by mixed phase correlations for copolymers in the range 30-100 wt% hard segment. Combined with SAXS characterization at melt temperatures, a single phase melt is suggested in these materials which extends to temperatures below the hard segment melting point. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Variability in Goals as a Function of Same-Sex and Other-Sex Contexts

The purpose of the study was to investigate how young adult men's and women's goals for interacting with peers changed as a function of the social situation (working with a same-sex or other-sex peer on a collaborative task). In a within-subjects design, 40 men and 40 women (Mean age = 19.5 years, SD = 2.10) worked with a man and a woman confederate to build a tower of blocks. Participants reported a greater proportion of mutual-participation goals (i.e., goals for working together with others) before the interaction than after the interaction. Men reported a higher proportion of mutual-participation goals in the other-sex context than in the same-sex context. Men and women reported a greater proportion of task-performance goals when working with a same-sex partner than with an other-sex partner. The contextual specificity of gender differences and similarities in goals is discussed.
Fatty acid compositions of phospholipids in rat, rabbit and bovine dental pulp.

Abstract The fatty acid compositions of phospholipids were determined in dental pulp from calf dental papillae, unerupted molars and molars; from rabbit incisors and molars; and from rat incisors. The main fatty acids present in all pulps examined were palmitic, stearic, oleic and arachidonic acids. All 3 species contained 10–14 per cent docosapolyenoic acids. The fatty acid compositions varied among the species but was the same for all pulps in any one particular species, regardless of the rate of dentine formation or stage of development. The dental pulp phospholipids in all 3 species contained at least 28 per cent polyunsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, dentine lipids in 16 different animal species have been reported to be essentially devoid of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Ultrastructural characteristics and behavior of previously frozen, glycerolyzed, and deglycerolyzed human red blood cells

Summary When fresh red cells from a healthy human were viewed in whole mount with the electron microscope, they were biconcave discs with the contents contracted away from the periphery. Glycerolyzed (40%), previously frozen red blood cells similarly examined were thin, biconvex discs. When these cells were deglycerolyzed with isotonic solutions, many reverted to biconcave discs, some of which exhibited typical contraction from the periphery, but most of which exhibited no such contraction. Some became dense discs of rather uniform thickness, while some exhibited contraction from the periphery but no concavity. An occasional knobby cell was observed. The same patterns of contraction have been observed in stored blood. The surfaces of some cells were pockmarked while other were not. In some instances fusion between two cells appeared to have taken place.
Cell Selective Conditional Null Mutations of Serine Racemase Demonstrate a Predominate Localization in Cortical Glutamatergic Neurons

d-Serine, which is synthesized by the enzyme serine racemase (SR), is a co-agonist at the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Crucial to an understanding of the signaling functions of d-serine is defining the sites responsible for its synthesis and release. In order to quantify the contributions of astrocytes and neurons to SR and d-serine localization, we used recombinant DNA techniques to effect cell type selective suppression of SR expression in astrocytes (aSRCKO) and in forebrain glutamatergic neurons (nSRCKO). The majority of SR is expressed in neurons: SR expression was reduced by ~65% in nSRCKO cerebral cortex and hippocampus, but only ~15% in aSRCKO as quantified by western blots. In contrast, nSRCKO is associated with only modest decreases in d-serine levels as quantified by HPLC, whereas d-serine levels were unaffected in aSRCKO mice. Liver expression of SR was increased by 35% in the nSRCKO, suggesting a role for peripheral SR in the maintenance of brain d-serine. Electrophysiologic studies of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the Schaffer collateral–CA1 pyramidal neuron synapse revealed no alterations in the aSRCKO mice versus wild-type. LTP induced by a single tetanic stimulus was reduced by nearly 70% in the nSRCKO mice. Furthermore, the mini-excitatory post-synaptic currents mediated by NMDA receptors but not by AMPA receptors were significantly reduced in nSRCKO mice. Our findings indicate that in forebrain, where d-serine appears to be the endogenous co-agonist at NMDA receptors, SR is predominantly expressed in glutamatergic neurons, and co-release of glutamate and d-serine is required for optimal activation of post-synaptic NMDA receptors.
Single-Molecule Identification in Flowing Sample Streams by Fluorescence Burst Size and Intraburst Fluorescence Decay Rate

We report a multiplex technique for identification of single fluorescent molecules in a flowing sample stream by correlated measurement of single-molecule fluorescence burst size and intraburst fluorescence decay rate. These quantities were measured simultaneously for single fluorescent molecules in a flowing sample stream containing a dilute mixture of fluorescent species: Rhodamine 6G and tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate. Using a detailed Monte Carlo simulation of our experiment, we calculate single-molecule detection efficiencies and confidence levels for identification of these species and identify major sources of error for single-molecule identification. The technique reported here is applicable to distinguishing between fluorophores with similar spectroscopic properties and requires only a single excitation wavelength and single fluorescence emission detection channel.
Massive-parent interphase boundaries and their implications on the mechanisms of the α → γM massive transformation in Ti-Al alloys

The massive-parent interphase boundaries associated with the α → γM massive transformation in a Ti-46.5 at. pct Al alloy were studied. Special experiments were performed to arrest the transformation at an early stage. Orientation relationships (ORs) between the γM and parent α (retained as α2) phases were determined using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope and by electron diffraction, and the interphase boundaries were characterized by two-beam bright-field/weak-beam dark-field (WBDF) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results reveal that the γm nucleates at grain boundaries generally with a low-index Burgers orientation relation and a coherent interface with one parent grain, but grows into the adjacent grain with a high-index/irrational orientation relation. The growth interfaces between the two phases are generally free of misfit dislocations or other defects and consist of curved parts as well as planar facets, whose macroscopic habit planes are of generally high-index/irrational orientation and deviate substantially from the close-packed planes. On an atomic scale, the growth interfaces are sometimes found to be faceted along {111} planes, as well as along other planes, with closely spaced steps, but are concluded to be incoherent with respect to the parent grain into which growth occurs. The implications of these results on the nucleation and growth mechanisms associated with the α-to-γM massive transformation are discussed. In particular, the nature of the interphase boundaries and their relation to whether growth occurs by a ledgewise motion of the interfaces or by continuous growth are addressed.
Perinatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls Aroclor 1016 or 1254 did not alter brain catecholamines nor delayed alternation performance in Long-Evans rats.

Abstract Several reports have indicated that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) altered development of biogenic amine systems in the brain, impaired behavioral performances, and disrupted maturation of the thyroid axis. The current study examines whether these developmental effects of PCB are correlated. Timed-pregnant Long-Evans rats were gavaged with the PCB mixture Aroclor 1016 (A-1016, 10 mg/kg) from gestation day (GD) 6 to parturition. Some pups continued to receive daily oral administration of PCB (10 mg/kg) until weaning at postnatal day (PD) 21. Another group of pregnant rats was given Aroclor 1254 (A-1254, 8 mg/kg) daily from GD 6 to weaning. At various age intervals, rats were sacrificed and six brain regions (prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, diencephalon, cerebellum, midbrain + brain stem) were removed and analyzed for dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels by high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, transmitter turnover rates were determined after an acute treatment of α-methyl-p-tyrosine. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by radioimmunoassay. Behaviorally, rats were evaluated for spatial learning and memory by means of T-maze delayed alternation and Morris maze tasks on PD 23 and PD 70, respectively. A-1016 treatment produced only small and transient reductions in body weight gain, and generally did not alter the thyroid status of the developing rats. It did not cause any significant changes in DA or NE level, or turnover rate in any of the brain regions examined, nor did it affect behavioral measures of cognitive development. In contrast, perinatal exposure to A-1254 led to marked deficits of growth, and sharply reduced serum T4, although T3 remained largely unaffected. Accompanying this hormonal imbalance, brain NE contents in the A-1254-exposed pups were reduced, although brain DA was not significantly affected; no demonstrable neurobehavioral deficits were seen in the T-maze or Morris maze tests. These results indicated that development of central noradrenergic neurons was compromised by perinatal exposure to A-1254 but not A-1016, and both PCB mixtures failed to alter behavioral performances.
Role of the Purkinje System in Spontaneous Ventricular Tachycardia During Acute Ischemia in a Canine Model

Background A role for the Purkinje system in the development of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia (VT) during acute ischemia has been suspected but not proved. We used a three-dimensional activation mapping system incorporating Purkinje signals to characterize the mechanism and site of origin of spontaneous VT occurring in the first 30 minutes after coronary artery occlusion in a dog model. Methods and Results The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded in 48 dogs after instrumentation of the risk zone with 21 multipolar plunge needles, each recording 6 bipolar electrograms through the myocardial wall. VT of Purkinje origin was defined as a focal endocardial VT with a Purkinje potential identified before muscle potential on the electrode recording the earliest activity. Purkinje potentials were identified on an average of 10 of the 21 plunge needles. During atrial pacing at cycle lengths of 300 to 700 ms, a total of 25 VTs were observed from 18 of the 48 dogs (37.5%). Of the VTs, 15 (60.0%...
Effects of certain herbicides on the fate of sporangiospores of Mucor piriformis and conidia of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum

The effects of several herbicides used in pome fruit orchards on the germination of spores and growth of mycelia of Botrytis cinerea, Mucor piriformis and Penicillium expansum in vitro and the survival of propagules of these fungi in soil were studied. Diuron in agar at 4–128 μg ml−1 reduced germination of spores of B. cinerea and M. piriformis, and 2,4-D and paraquat at 32 μg ml−1 similarly affected B. cinerea and P. expansum. Several herbicides at 128 μg ml−1 in agar reduced growth of B. cinerea and M. piriformis but were ineffective against P. expansum. Propagule survival levels of the three fungi generally were lower in both autoclaved and non-autoclaved soil amended with herbicides than in non-amended soil. This effect was greatest in non-autoclaved soil, suggesting involvement of microbial antagonists. The most effective herbicides for reduction of fungal propagules in soil were 2,4-D, diuron, and paraquat.
Principals as linchpins in bilingual education: the need for prepared school leaders

This article reports findings from qualitative research conducted in 17 New York City schools to better understand why many school leaders – particularly principals – have recently dismantled their school's bilingual education programs, as part of a significant citywide trend during a restrictive period in US language policy. A main finding is that principals, who are called upon to determine their school's language policy, have not received any formal preparation to do so. New York, like most states, does not require any coursework on the education of emergent bilinguals for the certification of administrators. The school leaders we interviewed who had eliminated their bilingual programs hold limited understandings of bilingualism, linguistic diversity, and bilingual education. By contrast, principals who have maintained their bilingual education programs were found to be well prepared to serve emergent bilinguals and strongly believe in the benefits of bilingual education. They also advocate for bilingu...
The assay of antimitotics

This paper is concerned with the techniques of testing for antimitotic activity of externally applied stimuli, chemical or physical. Some standard reactions such as “c-mitosis”, prophase poisoning, mitotic inhibition and chromosome damage are illustrated and the problems of interpretation and misinterpretation are discussed. The general conclusion has been reached that antimitotic action is generally the result of 1. interference with structural change through altering energy flow or resonance and 2. by interference with metabolic processes through blockage of specific enzymes.
The Ile164 β2-adrenoceptor polymorphism alters salmeterol exosite binding and conventional agonist coupling to Gs

beta(2)-adrenoceptors (beta(2)AR) are polymorphic at amino acid 164 (Thr or Ile) of the fourth transmembrane domain. In transfected fibroblasts, six agonists commonly used in the treatment of bronchospasm were studied. Isoproterenol, albuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline, formoterol, and salmeterol displayed decreased binding affinities (K(i)s were 1.2-3.0-fold higher) and a significant degree of impaired maximal stimulation of adenylyl cyclase ( approximately 40%), was observed with all agonists for the Ile164 receptor. The ratios of signal transduction efficiencies (Tau function, Ile164/Thr164) varied from a low of 0.17 for terbutaline to 0.49 for salmeterol. In addition, Ile164 bound salmeterol at the exosite, as delineated in perfusion washout studies, at a decreased level (31+/-4.8% vs. 49+/-4.4% retained salmeterol, respectively, P=0.02). In cAMP production studies under perfusion conditions, this decreased exosite binding caused a approximately 50% decrease in the duration of action of salmeterol at Ile164 (t(1/2)=21.0+/-3.6 vs. 46.8+/-4.1 min for Thr164, P=0.001). The durations of action for isoproterenol and formoterol under similar perfusion conditions were not different between the two receptors. These in vitro results indicate the Ile164 polymorphic receptor represents a pharmacogenetic locus for the most commonly utilized agonists in the treatment of asthma with a unique phenotype for salmeterol.
Signs and Symptoms Associated With Earlier Dialysis Initiation in Nursing Home Residents

Background Factors driving the trend of earlier dialysis initiation for persons with end-stage renal disease are unknown. We wanted to determine the association of the number and type of signs and symptoms with timing of initiation of dialysis in US nursing home residents. Study Design Observational study. Setting & Participants We used data from the US Renal Data System linked with the Minimum Data Set, a national registry of nursing home residents. The cohort consisted of 2,402 nursing home residents who initiated dialysis between 1998 and 2000 and had at least 2 recorded clinical assessments in the year before dialysis initiation. Predictors We evaluated 7 clinical signs and symptoms: dependence in activities of daily living, cognitive function, edema, dyspnea, nutritional problems, vomiting, and body size. Outcomes Earlier dialysis initiation was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 at the start of dialysis. Results Median estimated glomerular filtration rate at the start of dialysis was 9.8 (25th-75th percentile, 7.4-13.4) mL/min/1.73 m 2 . After adjustment for age, sex, race, and comorbid conditions, each additional sign or symptom was associated with a higher odds for earlier dialysis initiation (OR, 1.16 per symptom; 95% CI, 1.06-1.28), as was each adversely changing sign or symptom (OR, 1.26 per symptom; 95% CI, 1.16-1.38). The population-attributable risk for earlier dialysis initiation associated with having one or more signs and symptoms of volume overload, cognitive decline, increasing activities of daily living dependence, and weight loss was 31%; volume overload had the largest aggregate population-attributable risk. Limitations We lacked information about metabolic indications for dialysis initiation. Conclusions Volume overload, cognitive decline, increasing activities of daily living dependence, and weight loss were associated with earlier dialysis initiation; however, these factors explained less than one-third of cases of earlier dialysis initiation in nursing home residents.
Iron Transport Genes of the pJM1-Mediated Iron Uptake System of Vibrio anguillarum Are Included in a Transposonlike Structure

The pJM1 genes encoding the proteins involved in iron transport in the anguibactin iron uptake system were found to be flanked by insertion sequences in a composite transposonlike structure. These Vibrio anguillarum insertion sequences, ISV-A1 and ISV-A2, are related to IS903, IS102, and the ISVs found in Vibrio parahaemoliticus, Vibrio mimicus, and non-O1 Vibrio cholerae flanking various tdh (thermostable direct hemolysin) genes. The inverted repeats at the ends of ISV-A1 and ISV-A2 have no more than three mismatches when compared to the inverted repeats of the other ISVs or IS903 and IS102. ISV-A1 and ISV-A2 are flanked by 9-bp direct repeats, which is the number of bases that are duplicated upon IS903 or IS102 transposition. The similarities found between the V. anguillarum ISVs and the other ISVs as well as IS903 and IS102 suggest that they derive from a common ancestral insertion sequence. At the end of ISV-A1 there is a -35 sequence region followed by a -10 sequence found in the pJM1 sequence immediately outside the ISV. This promoter region is followed by an open reading frame with the potential to encode a polypeptide of 26,985 Da whose function is still unknown. The functionality of this promoter has been demonstrated and expression analysis showed that the promoter is regulated by the iron concentration of the media.
Accountability: A Grim Perspective.

(1979). Accountability: A grim perspective. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 18, Education: A Vision NOT A Viewpoint (Accountability), pp. 366-371.
Articulating the Ineffable: Explorations into the Spiritual Lives of Old Women

Research suggests that spirituality is important to a large percentage of the older adult population. In this qualitative study of 16 women aged 82 and older, I explore using in-depth interview experiences of spirituality over the life course. A narrative analysis of the interviews was performed and provided insights into the nature of their spiritual experiences. The results are presented as an interpretation of the participants' perceptions of their spirituality and spiritual experiences. Additionally, a narrative analysis is used for the interpretation of the difficulty in describing these experiences and the opportunities and challenges the term “spirituality” provides for older adults and researchers. Five types of narratives that emerged from data are discussed. These common narratives include the narrative of: conflation, continuity, confidence, connection, and caring. Implications for understanding spirituality and the role it plays in the lives of older adults are considered.