cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Fura-2 for measurements of cytosolic free calcium

Fura-2 has become the most popular fluorescent probe with which to monitor dynamic changes in cytosolic free calcium in intact living cells. In this paper, we describe many of the currently recognized limitations to the use of Fura-2 in living cells and certain approaches which can circumvent some of these problems. Many of these problems are cell type specific, and include: (a) incomplete hydrolysis of Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester bonds by cytosolic esterases, and the potential presence of either esterase resistant methyl ester complexes on the Fura-2/AM molecule or other as yet unidentified contaminants in commercial preparations of Fura-2/AM; (b) sequestration of Fura-2 in non-cytoplasmic compartments (i.e. cytoplasmic organelles); (c) dye loss (either active or passive) from labeled cells; (d) quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence by heavy metals; (e) photobleaching and photochemical formation of fluorescent non-Ca2+ sensitive Fura-2 species; (f) shifts in the absorption and emission spectra, as well as the Kd for Ca2+ of Fura-2 as a function of either polarity, viscosity, ionic strength or temperature of the probe environment; and (g) accurate calibration of the Fura-2 signal inside cells. Solutions to these problems include: (a) labeling of cells with Fura-2 pentapotassium salt (by scrape loading, microinjection or ATP permeabilization) to circumvent the problems of ester hydrolysis; (b) labeling of cells at low temperatures or after a 4 degrees C pre-chill to prevent intracellular organelle sequestration; (c) performance of experiments at lower than physiological temperatures (i.e. 15-33 degrees C) and use of ratio quantitation to remedy inaccuracies caused by dye leakage; (d) addition of N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) to chelate heavy metals; (e) use of low levels of excitation energy and high sensitivity detectors to minimize photobleaching or formation of fluorescent non-Ca2+ sensitive forms of Fura-2; and (f) the use of 340 nm and 365 nm (instead of 340 nm and 380 nm) for ratio imaging, which diminishes the potential contributions of artifacts of polarity, viscosity and ionic strength on calculated calcium concentrations, provides a measure of dye leakage from the cells, rate of Fura-2 photobleaching, and can be used to perform in situ calibration of Fura-2 fluorescence in intact cells; however, use of this wavelength pair diminishes the dynamic range of the ratio and thus makes it more sensitive to noise involved in photon detection. Failure to consider these potential problems may result in erroneous estimates of cytosolic free calcium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Health insurance coverage and use of services among low-income elders: does residence influence the relationship?

: This research uses a nationally representative sample of 1,425 low-income elders from the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey (NMES) to assess the independent and interaction effects of health insurance coverage and residence on the use of seven health care services: doctor visits, visits to other personnel, telephone contact, emergency room visits, overnight hospital stays, outpatient visits, and prescription medicines. It is hypothesized that (a) elders without insurance to supplement Medicare; (b) those who lived in nonmetropoli-tan areas use fewer health services; and (c) insurance status and residence interact to influence use of health services, with nonmetropolitan elders using fewer services than those living in metropolitan areas, regardless of insurance type. Using multivariate statistical analyses with both main effects and interaction term models, the data indicate that the type of insurance that low-income elders have is associated with their use of health services, and that residence has only modest effect. Individuals who have Medicaid, and to a lesser extent private supplements, use services more frequently than do those without supplements. Finally, despite the hypothesis, residence does not interact with insurance status in influencing use of services; the relationship between insurance and use of services does not vary across area of residence. The data suggest that the ability to pay, rather than supply constraints associated with nonmetropolitan areas, are of primary importance in determining health care use among low-income elders.
Z0 production as a test of nuclear effects at the LHC

Abstract We predict the Z 0 transverse momentum distribution from proton–proton and nuclear collisions at the LHC. After demonstrating that higher-twist nuclear effects are very small, we propose Z 0 production as a precision test for leading-twist pQCD in the TeV energy region. We also point out that shadowing may result in unexpected phenomenology at the LHC.
Photoacoustic microscopy of a three-dimensional arbitrary trajectory

We have developed three-dimensional arbitrary trajectory (3-DAT) scanning, which can rapidly image vessels of interest over a large field of view (FOV) and maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) along the depth direction. The concept of 3-DAT scanning was demonstrated by imaging a human hair within a FOV of 3.5 × 2.0 mm2. Further, we showed that hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) and blood flow can be measured simultaneously. The frame rate was 67 times faster than a traditional two-dimensional raster scan. We also observed sO2 dynamics in response to a switch between systemic hyperoxia and hypoxia.
Transcription Factor CCAAT Enhancer-binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) Regulates the Formation of a Unique Extracellular Matrix That Controls Uterine Stromal Differentiation and Embryo Implantation

During implantation, the uterine stromal cells undergo terminal differentiation into decidual cells, which support the proper progression of maternal-embryo interactions to successful establishment of pregnancy. The decidual cells synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as laminins and collagens, which assemble into a unique basal lamina-like network that surrounds these cells. The functional significance of this matrix during implantation is unknown. We previously showed that the transcription factor CCAAT enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) critically regulates decidualization in the mouse. We now provide evidence that C/EBPβ directly controls the Lamc1 gene, which encodes a predominant laminin constituent of the ECM produced by the decidual cells. Suppression of Lamc1 expression in mouse primary endometrial stromal cells prevented the assembly of this ECM and impaired stromal differentiation. Attenuation of expression of integrin β1, a major constituent of the integrin receptors targeted by decidual laminins, also inhibited this differentiation process. Disruption of laminin-integrin interactions led to impaired activation of the focal adhesion kinase, an integrin-mediated regulator of cytoskeletal remodeling during decidualization. To further analyze the role of the decidual ECM in modulating maternal-embryo interactions, we monitored trophoblast invasion into differentiating uterine stromal monolayers, using a co-culture system. Silencing of stromal Lamc1 expression, which prevented formation of the basal lamina-like matrix, resulted in marked reduction in trophoblast outgrowth. Collectively, our findings identified C/EBPβ as a critical regulator of the unique ECM that controls decidual cell architecture and differentiation, and it provided new insights into the mechanisms by which the uterine stromal microenvironment controls the progression of embryo implantation.
Determining Nursing Staffing Patterns for an Intensive Care Unit: Part III: Conclusions and Recommendations

(1960). Determining Nursing Staffing Patterns for an Intensive Care Unit: Part III: Conclusions and Recommendations. Hospital Topics: Vol. 38, No. 12, pp. 47-64.
Solvent dynamical control of ultrafast ground state electron transfer: Implications for class II-III mixed valency

We relate the solvent and temperature dependence of the rates of intramolecular electron transfer (ET) of mixed valence complexes of the type {[Ru3O(OAc)6(CO)(L)]2−BL}-1, where L = pyridyl ligand and BL = pyrazine. Complexes were reduced chemically or electrochemically to obtain the mixed valence anions in seven solvents: acetonitrile, methylene chloride, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide, chloroform, and hexamethylphosphoramide. Rate constants for intramolecular ET were estimated by simulating the observed degree of ν(CO) IR band shape coalescence in the mixed valence state. Correlations between rate constants for ET and solvent properties including static dielectric constant, optical dielectric constant, the quantity 1/eop − 1/eS, microscopic solvent polarity, viscosity, cardinal rotational moments of inertia, and solvent relaxation times were examined. In the temperature study, the complexes displayed a sharp increase in the ket as the freezing points of the solvents methylene chlo...
Bounds on Parameters in Panel Dynamic Discrete Choice Models

Identification of dynamic nonlinear panel data models is an important and delicate problem in econometrics. In this paper we provide insights that shed light on the identification of parameters of some commonly used models. Using these insights, we are able to show through simple calculations that point identification often fails in these models. On the other hand, these calculations also suggest that the model restricts the parameter to lie in a region that is very small in many cases, and the failure of point identification may, therefore, be of little practical importance in those cases. Although the emphasis is on identification, our techniques are constructive in that they can easily form the basis for consistent estimates of the identified sets.
Survey of Collective Instabilities and Beam-Plasma Interactions in Intense Heavy Ion Beams

This paper presents a survey of the present theoretical understanding based on advanced analytical and numerical studies of collective processes and beam-plasma interactions in intense heavy ion beams for applications to ion-beam-driven high energy density physics and heavy ion fusion. The topics include: discussion of the conditions for quiescent beam propagation over long distances; and the electrostatic Harris instability and the transverse electromagnetic Weibel instability in highly anisotropic, intense one-component ion beams. In the longitudinal drift compression and transverse compression regions, collective processes associated with the interaction of the intense ion beam with a charge-neutralizing background plasma are described, including the electrostatic electron-ion two-stream instability, the multispecies electromagnetic Weibel instability, and collective excitations in the presence of a solenoidal magnetic field. The effects of a velocity tilt on reducing two-stream instability growth rates are also discussed. Operating regimes are identified where the possible deleterious effects of collective processes on beam quality are minimized.
Fabrication of Tailored Powder Structures by Electrophoretic Deposition and Sintering

To enable sintering net-shape capabilities, a novel procedure for the fabrication of net-shape functionally graded composites by electrophoretic deposition and sintering are developed. The initial shape of the green specimen produced by electrophoretic deposition is designed in such a way so that the required final shape is achieved after sintering-imposed distortions. The shaped components can be metals, ceramics, polymers, and their combination as long as the material is in the form of powders. Through adjustment of an externally applied electric field and the shielding of electrical filed, the particles in the slurry are selectively deposited onto the porous mold which defines the desired geometry. By changing the slurries’ composition, the deposited component’s composition can be precisely tailored.
NO Dioxygenase Activity in Hemoglobins Is Ubiquitous In Vitro, but Limited by Reduction In Vivo

Genomics has produced hundreds of new hemoglobin sequences with examples in nearly every living organism. Structural and biochemical characterizations of many recombinant proteins reveal reactions, like oxygen binding and NO dioxygenation, that appear general to the hemoglobin superfamily regardless of whether they are related to physiological function. Despite considerable attention to “hexacoordinate” hemoglobins, which are found in nearly every plant and animal, no clear physiological role(s) has been assigned to them in any species. One popular and relevant hypothesis for their function is protection against NO. Here we have tested a comprehensive representation of hexacoordinate hemoglobins from plants (rice hemoglobin), animals (neuroglobin and cytoglobin), and bacteria (Synechocystis hemoglobin) for their abilities to scavenge NO compared to myoglobin. Our experiments include in vitro comparisons of NO dioxygenation, ferric NO binding, NO-induced reduction, NO scavenging with an artificial reduction system, and the ability to substitute for a known NO scavenger (flavohemoglobin) in E. coli. We conclude that none of these tests reveal any distinguishing predisposition toward a role in NO scavenging for the hxHbs, but that any hemoglobin could likely serve this role in the presence of a mechanism for heme iron re-reduction. Hence, future research to test the role of Hbs in NO scavenging would benefit more from the identification of cognate reductases than from in vitro analysis of NO and O2 binding.
On the Elastic Compliance of a Circular Hole with Two Symmetric Radial Cracks Initiated at its Boundary

A circular hole with two symmetric rectilinear radial cracks initiated at its boundary is analyzed from the point of view of its elastic compliance (contribution to the overall elastic properties of a representative volume). Results are obtained using Rice’s connection between stress intensity factor and effect of a crack on the elastic properties of a material. We compare our result with that for a combine contribution of noninteracting circular pore and a rectilinear crack to show when this combination can be used for approximation of the elastic compliance contribution.
Factors limiting the discrimination and quantification of terrestrial features using remotely sensed radiance

In this paper, factors controlling the radiance incident on a remote-sensing device and the interaction of the sensor with upwelling radiance are considered. Attention is also given to systematic and random radiance variations across an image: while the former may be corrected for (to an extent) the latter may not, so that it is necessary to be aware of the impact of random variations on target identification, discrimination and quantification. Both the optical reflective and the thermal-infrared parts of the spectrum are considered. Equations are presented to concisely illustrate the processes involved.
SOCS36E, a novel Drosophila SOCS protein, suppresses JAK/STAT and EGF-R signalling in the imaginal wing disc

We have cloned a novel SOCS gene from Drosophila, socs36E, which is most homologous to the mammalian socs-5 gene. Socs36E is expressed zygotically, predominantly during embryogenesis, in a highly dynamic pattern. In vivo expression of SOCS36E in transgenic flies results in several adult phenotypes. Engrailed-GAL4 directed expression causes loss of the wing anterior cross vein, humeral outgrowths, absence of halteres and eye pigmentation defects. Expression of SOCS36E under apterous-GAL4 control resulted in outstretched wings. Full penetrance of these phenotypes required the presence of the SH2 and SOCS-box domains of SOCS36E. The observed phenotypes were consistent with defects in JAK/STAT or EGF-R signalling and were exacerbated in flies heterozygous for either the d-jak (hopscotch), d-stat (stat92E) or d-egf-r (der) genes. Conversely, inactivating one copy of the d-cbl gene, a negative regulator of the d-EGF-R, partially rescued the wing phenotypes. These genetic interactions imply that SOCS36E can suppress activities of the JAK/STAT and EGF-R signalling pathways in the wing disc and suggest that SOCS36E interacts with multiple pathways in vivo.
An Integrated Methodology for User Interface Design: Human Factors in Use Case Driven Development Process

Human factors has provided many applicable theories and techniques to analyze user requirements, design user interfaces, and conduct evaluation of usability in software development. However, it is common that contributions made by human factors practitioners are not incorporated in this development process, which impairs the ability of human factors practitioners to have significant impact in cross-functional teams.This paper reviews the possible reasons that human factors efforts are frequently ignored in software design and development and proposes a conceptual framework for the integration of the methods and tools from both the user-centered design approach and the use case driven process to take advantages of the merit and recent progress in both human factors and object-oriented technology.
Early deaths in newly diagnosed cases of pediatric acute leukemia: a Southwest Oncology Group Study.

A reanalysis of all ten clinical trials conducted by the Southwest Oncology Group from 1958 thorugh 1976 in newly diagnosed pediatric acute leukemia was carried out to quantify the "early death" rate (i.e., rate of deaths during the first four weeks of remission induction) and to determine factors related to these deaths. Out of 1,964 patients registered, there were 126 (6.4%) early deaths. For the 1,375 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients only, there were 75 (5.5%) early deaths. During the last eleven years on this study (1965 through 1976), the death rate for ALL patients appears to have remained stable at five deaths per 100 patients, despite the general improvement in overall survival. The most important prognostic factor was the initial platelet count: patients with a platelet count below 25,000 had a death rate over three times higher than that of patients with a platelet count over 75,000. Infants under one year of age also had a very high early death rate (6 of 41, 15%).
New Directions for the Study of Incarcerated Older Adults: Using Social Capital Theory

As the population of older adults continues to rise, so, too, does the population of older adults in prison. The body of literature on older adults in corrections is scant, particularly with regard to health and social functioning. Past studies of aging inmates primarily focus on health care and related costs. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) outline and synthesize the research on older adults living in prison; and (b) propose a framework for future research and intervention development based on social capital theory. Recommendations for social work practice, programs, and research are discussed.
UCDS: Unifying connected dominating set with low message complexity, fault tolerance, and flexible dominating factor

A connected dominating set (CDS) of a graph G consists of a set of dominating nodes, where each node in G is either a member of the set or 1 hop away from a member, and a set of connecting nodes, which connect disjoint sets of dominating nodes. CDSs have traditionally been used in mobile ad-hoc networks for routing applications [1], but these networks could benefit from CDSs in other areas as well, including channel access, link adaptation, energy consumption, power control, and dynamic resource management. It has been shown in [13] and [14] that the minimum dominating set problem (MDS) and minimum connected dominating sets problem (MCDS) are NP-Complete. The following is a presentation of a simple, efficient CDS heuristic that works equally well for and runs independently of all of these CDS applications. For its ability to simultaneously support multiple applications it is called the “Unifying Connected Dominating Set” (UCDS) protocol.
Ss-bCNGa: a unique member of the bacterial cyclic nucleotide gated (bCNG) channel family that gates in response to mechanical tension.

Bacterial cyclic nucleotide gated (bCNG) channels are generally a nonmechanosensitive subset of the mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) superfamily. bCNG channels are composed of an MscS channel domain, a linking domain, and a cyclic nucleotide binding domain. Among bCNG channels, the channel domain of Ss-bCNGa, a bCNG channel from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, is most identical to Escherichia coli (Ec) MscS. This channel also exhibits limited mechanosensation in response to osmotic downshock assays, making it the only known full-length bCNG channel to respond to hypoosmotic stress. Here, we compare and contrast the ability of Ss-bCNGa to gate in response to mechanical tension with Se-bCNG, a nonmechanosensitive bCNG channel, and Ec-MscS, a prototypical mechanosensitive channel. Compared with Ec-MscS, Ss-bCNGa only exhibits limited mechanosensation, which is most likely a result of the inability of Ss-bCNGa to form the strong lipid contacts needed for significant function. Unlike Ec-MscS, Ss-bCNGa displays a mechanical response that increases with protein expression level, which may result from channel clustering driven by interchannel cation–π interactions.
SURFACE AREA RELATIONS OF WOODY PLANTS AND FOREST COMMUNITIES

A B S T R A C T Surface area of wood and bark is an important dimension of forests, with implications fol respiration rate, energy exchange, and water and mineral budgets. Surface area of stem wood and bark can be estimated effectively from linear regressions on conic surface (one-half basal circumference times tree height) or from regressions of the logarithm of area on the logarithm of diameter at breast height. Branch surface can be estimated from a formula using branch basal diameter, length, and number of current twigs, and from logarithmic regressions of branch bark surface on basal diameter of branches and breast-height diameter of trees. In temperate deciduous forests several square meters of plant surface occur above each square meter of ground surface; these plant surfaces include 0.3-0.6 m2 of stem bark, 1.2-2.2 m2 of branch bark, and 3.0-6.0 m2 of leaf blades. Branch bark surface increases more rapidly than leaf surface with increasing size of branches and trees. Growth and aging of trees, and maturation of forests, imply increasing ratios of bark (and wood) surface to the photosynthetic leaf surface which supports its growth and respiration. ONE OF THE MOST difficult dimensions of an organism to measure is that which might seem most accessible to measurement-the area of its outer surface. Evolution of the form of the surface tends normally toward the minimum area of protective covering consistent with the organism's structural design and requirements for interchange with environment. Economy in surface of a complex structure is likely to imply geometric complexity of the surface. Is it possible, without full solution of this geometric complexity, to find reasonable approximations of surface area? Estimates are likely to involve either logarithmic regressions of surface area on diameter or other easily measured dimensions, or correction factors from surface area estimates based on a simplified geometry of the organism, or combinations of these. This paper considers ways of estimating above-ground surface areas of woody plants and the interest of these surface areas for the functional ecology of forests and shrublands.
Prolonged vibration of cutaneous artery: absence of persisting aftereffects.

1–3 h after prolonged (3–16 h) vibration (120 Hz, 0.2–0.3 mm amplitude) of rings of canine saphenous arteries there was no significant change in the contractile response to electrical stimulation, exogenous norepinephrine or of neuronal uptake of tritium labeled norepinephrine. These results did not provide evidence for persistent aftereffects of prolonged vibration.
Having reasons and the factoring account

It’s natural to say that when it’s rational for me to φ, I have reasons to φ. That is, there are reasons for φ-ing, and moreover, I have some of them. Mark Schroeder calls this view The Factoring Account of the having reasons relation. He thinks The Factoring Account is false. In this paper, I defend The Factoring Account. Not only do I provide intuitive support for the view, but I also defend it against Schroeder’s criticisms. Moreover, I show that it helps us understand the requirements of substantive rationality, or what we are rationally required to do when responding to reasons.
Outcomes of Donor Lymphocyte Infusion for Treatment of Mixed Donor Chimerism after a Reduced-Intensity Preparative Regimen for Pediatric Patients with Nonmalignant Diseases

Abstract Mixed donor chimerism is increasingly common in the pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) setting because of the increased use of reduced-intensity preparative regimens for nonmalignant diseases. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is potentially useful in the treatment of mixed donor chimerism, but little are data available on the use of DLI in this setting. We conducted a retrospective review of 27 pediatric patients who received DLI for mixed donor chimerism between January 2006 and December 2010 after receiving a preparative regimen of alemtuzumab, fludarabine, and melphalan. Twenty-one patients (78%) were alive at a median of 35 months post-transplant. Seven patients (26%) sustained full donor chimerism after DLI only at a median of 35 months post-HSCT. Nine patients (33%) continued with mixed donor chimerism (median, 38% [range, 18% to 70%]) at a median of 37 months after DLI only. Five patients underwent unconditioned stem cell boosts or second conditioned transplants after no improvement in donor chimerism was seen following DLI. Donor source appeared to contribute to outcomes after DLI; patients with mismatched unrelated donors had earlier first decline in chimerism and timing of first DLI, a higher response rate to DLI, and an increased rate of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). There was no response to DLI in patients with matched sibling donors. Ten patients, all with improvement in chimerism after DLI, developed acute GVHD after DLI, with 3 having grade III GVHD. Three patients developed chronic GVHD after DLI. These data illustrate the potential efficacy of DLI in the treatment of mixed donor chimerism after a reduced-intensity preparative regimen.
Uniformly stable approximation for a linear viscoelastic model

Abstract We consider an equation arising in linear viscoelasticity. Recently it has been shown that the semigroup for this model is exponentially stable, and that a certain semidiscrete approximation scheme preserves the stability uniformly in the discretization parameter. However, that uniform stability result requires two technical assumptions, which have been verified only for a limited class of viscoelastic kernel functions. In this note, we show that one assumption is unnecessary, and the other follows from a simple additional assumption on the kernel, which is easily verified for a large class of functions.
The role of thermal and mechanical processes in the formation of the Ross Sea summer polynya

[1] Three decades of satellite observations collected during spring and early summer have shown a recurring region of ice-free water forming in the sea-ice cover of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. This Ross Sea summer polynya plays an important role in heat exchange between the ocean and atmosphere, ventilation of deep water, and is characterized by high biological productivity. Despite its appearance each year, the relative importance of different physical processes to its formation and maintenance are not widely agreed upon. Here we use a three-dimensional coupled ice/ocean model to better understand processes controlling the dynamics of the Ross Sea polynya. Results from the model control run agree favorably with satellite microwave imagery of sea ice. Model sensitivity studies suggest that polynya dynamics are insensitive to the amount of snowfall, the presence of the Ross Ice Shelf cavity, tides, and solar radiation penetrating the ice. The model results also corroborate earlier findings that both the advection of sea ice and heat entrainment from warm Modified Circumpolar Deep Water play a role in Ross Sea polynya development. More importantly, the model further demonstrates that advection of sea ice due to wind stress plays the primary role in summer polynya formation. Additionally, we suggest that (1) heat entrainment reduces the rate of sea ice formation rather than melts existing sea ice, and (2) advection of sea ice due to synoptic wind events associated with variations in atmospheric pressure are the processes primarily responsible for the formation and expansion of the Ross Sea summer polynya.
Characterization of Trematode Cercariae from Physella acuta in the Middle Rio Grande

ABSTRACT: Two individual physid snails that were collected from the Middle Rio Grande in New Mexico in August 2007 each released a distinct type of digenean cercaria. The cercariae were photographed, and DNA was extracted from both types of cercariae and their snail hosts. Nuclear 18S and 28S rDNA gene sequences of both digeneans and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences for the snails were PCR amplified and sequenced directly. Snails were identified as Physella acuta based on sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses relative to a preexisting set of concatenated 18S and 28S sequences from various digeneans, and their associations with P. acuta as snail host, indicated that the 2 parasites represent an unclassified spirorchid and a paramphistome, respectively. The data provided may aid in future resolution of the complete lifecycles of these digenean parasites and in the evaluation of their impact on the fauna in the unique Rio Grande Bosque region of New Mexico.
Histochemical and thin-layer chromatographic analyses of neutral lipids in schistosoma japonicum adults and their worm-free incubates

Abstract Histochemical and thin-layer Chromatographic analyses of neutral lipids in Schistosoma japonicum adults and their worm-free incubates. International Journal for Parasitology16: 231–236. Histochemistry and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were used to study lipid accumulation and release in Schistosoma japonicum adults maintained at 37°C for 0.5 and 1.0 h in Earle's balanced salt solution containing 0.1% glucose and 0.5% lactalbumin hydrolysate. Neutral lipids were present mainly in the parenchyma and tegument of males, and the vitellaria of females. Males released neutral lipids from the tegument and intestinal caecal wall. Neutral lipid release was most pronounced in paired males or those separated and incubated for 0.5 h. Lipid accumulation and release were similar in the dorsal and ventral teguments of males. Females did not release neutral lipid from the tegument and release into the intestinal caeca was observed only in paired females. Acidic lipid release was not observed in worms of either sex. TLC showed that males contained mainly free sterols and triacylglycerols along with lesser amounts of sterol esters. Females contained mainly free sterols along with trace amounts of triacylglycerols and sterol esters. Densitometric TLC showed that extracts of males contained about 2.5 times more free sterol than females. Worm-free incubates contained only free sterols, and males released about 3 times more free sterol than females within 1.0h.
Why We Don’t Know the Answer May Be More Important than the Specific Question

Kemperman et al. (1) have evaluated the relationship of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; measured by the Bayer assay) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP; measured by the Roche assay) in patients treated with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). They report that the relationship of the results of the two assays changes after prolonged support on a LVAD. Before LVAD use, the ratio of NT-proBNP to BNP is higher than after improvements in hemodynamics with use of the LVAD. They suggest that the initial high ratio reflects impaired renal clearance of NT-proBNP because of abnormal hemodynamics and that the subsequent decrease in the ratio reflects improved renal clearance in response to LVAD support. This may be the case and is one reasonable interpretation of the data given that glomerular filtration was significantly, although modestly, reduced in most patients before use of the LVAD. This hypothesis is consistent with other data suggesting a relationship between BNP and NT-proBNP and renal function (2). However, other explanations are possible, relating to the characteristics of the assays themselves and to physiologic factors in this special group of patients. Many of the issues we will raise ideally should have been explored during the development of the natriuretic assays themselves or during their clinical validation. Thus, there is a need not only to reflect on the specific issues related to BNP and NT-proBNP in patients with impaired renal function but also to ask why, so often, the critical analytical and clinical data that would help answer questions like this are not available in the literature. Initial analytical validation studies tend to be designed to allow an assay to be shown to be useful and/or to pass regulatory muster. There is then some attempt to define a normal reference interval and ultimately an attempt to find a clinical niche …
The behavioral thermoregulatory response of febrile female rats is not attenuated by vagotomy.

Abstract An oft-overlooked consequence of fever is the occurrence of thermoregulatory heat-seeking/producing behaviors. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy attenuates fever resulting from low dose, peripherally administered pyrogens, suggesting that the vagus is involved in generating the pathogen-induced rise in core body temperature ( T c ). This study was designed to confirm that rats utilize behavioral thermoregulation to augment fever following systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to test the hypothesis that, in febrile animals, vagotomy would block the preference for a higher ambient temperature ( T a ) as T c is rising. First, female Sprague–Dawley rats received IP injections of either saline or LPS (50 μg/kg), prior to placement inside a thermal gradient that offered subjects T a values between 7 and 45 °C. LPS injection caused significant increases in T c and selection of a higher T a as compared to saline administration. Second, groups of rats were vagotomized, sham-vagotomized or received no surgery, and then underwent the same gradient testing procedure. Vagotomy attenuated LPS-induced fever, but did not influence the concomitant behavioral thermoregulatory response. All groups selected comparable, higher T a values following LPS vs. saline. These data suggest that the reduction in the febrile response to LPS administration following vagotomy is not due to inhibition of the behavioral thermoregulatory response to the pyrogen. Rather, this behavioral response to LPS appears to be mediated by a nonvagal mechanism.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Effects of Lateral Heterogeneity On Acoustic And Elastic Wave Propagation

A three dimensional, second order finite difference method was used to create synthetic seismograms for elastic wave propagation in heterogeneous media. The method uses a fully staggered grid as developed by Virieux (1986). Numerical results were generated for two models: a flat interface between fluid and solid media, and the same flat interface containing a rectangular, low velocity (fluid-filled) channel. Wavefront snapshots and downhole time series output allow the scattering and focussing of different wave modes with direction to be visualized. P and S wave backscattering from the sides of the channel can be seen together with the tripped P wave energy orouaeating inside the channel. The results illustrate the effects ‘of &tvof th: plane propagation, and point out the need to treat three dimensional wave propagation in many exploration and development situations.
Obtaining the optimal fuel conserving investment mix: A linear programming approach

Abstract This paper addresses the economic efficiency of fuel consumption reducing investments in residential heating. A linear programming model selects the optimal investment mix which minimizes the cost of maintaining a base house at 20°C over 10, 20 and 50-year planning horizons. Investments in increased amounts of south glass and mass, increased levels of wall, ceiling, basement, floor joist and window header insulation, and reduced air changes per hour are considered. The programming solution from the 50-year model indicates the investment mix which minimizes the total lifetime cost of heating the house. The 10 and 20 year planning horizon models provide shadow prices which reveal the opportunity costs resulting from suboptimal planning horizons. The results obtained permit important energy policy implications to be drawn. The effects of length of planning horizons and increased fuel prices on policy choices are considered. Also, the impacts of variations in allowable insulation investment, tax credits and solar investment tax credits are examined.
A unified framework for the selection of a Flexible Manufacturing System

This research addresses the problem of selecting the most appropriate Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) for a manufacturing organization. A unified framework is proposed to facilitate decision making in the design and planning stage. The recommended framework contains three individual modules: an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a simulation module, and an accounting procedure. These modules are unified through an efficiency measurement method called Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The AHP model examines the nonmonetary criteria associated with corporate goals and long-term objectives, while the simulation model is employed to analyze the tangible benefits. Both AHP and simulation models are used to generate the necessary outputs for the DEA, whereas the accounting procedure determines the required inputs, such as expenditures and resources, for realizing the potential benefits. After solving an original DEA, a modification of the DEA structure is found to be imperative, because inappropriate multipliers (weights) are assigned by the conventional use of DEA and multiple efficient Decision Making Units (DMUs) are identified in the DEA solution. By applying weight flexibility restriction and cross efficiency methods to rectify the difficulty, this study finally identifies the most efficient FMS system.
Quantitative relationship between photosystem I electron transport and ATP formation

Abstract The Photosystem I-dependent transport of electrons from diaminodurene to methylviologen is linear with reaction time and supports a constant rate of phosphorylation. However, if the diaminodurene is not kept fully reduced by the presence of excess ascorbate, the oxidized diaminodurene accumulates and begins to compete with the methylviologen as the electron acceptor. Thus, although the rate of ATP formation remains unchanged, an increasing proportion of the electron transport becomes cyclic and hence unmeasured. This leads to a rapid increase in the apparent efficiency of phosphorylation which is misleading. In contrast, it is known that the oxidized form of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine polymerizes to form an insoluble substance which should not be available to serve as an electron acceptor. However, 3,3′-diaminobenzidine is not a satisfactory donor of electrons in Photosystem I reactions for two reasons: the rate of electron transport quickly falls with reaction time and the oxidized form of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine seems to be an exceptionally efficient electron acceptor near the beginning of the period of illumination when it is presumably not yet polymerized. Thus in the first 2–3 sec of illumination when the reaction is still rapid much of the electron transport is cyclic and therefore unmeasured, especially in the absence of excess ascorbate. This cycling of electrons, which leads to an inflated apparent efficiency ( P e 2 > 2 ), is particularly pronounced at low donor concentrations. When cyclic electron transport is avoided by the use of ascorbate or by the selection of appropriate reaction times, both diaminodurene and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine support phosphorylation with an efficiency which is approximately half of the efficiency exhibited by the overall Hill reaction. The same is true when 2,5-diaminotoluene, tetrachlorohydroquinone, 4,5-dimethyl-o-phenylenediamine, and reduced 2,6-dichloroindophenol serve as electron donors. With these six substances, the phosphorylation efficiences were 0.57 ± 0.1 molecules of ATP formed for each pair of electrons transferred ( P e 2 ). In the same chloroplasts preparations, the transport of electrons from water to methylviologen-supported phosphorylation with a P e 2 of 1.2.
Synthesis and ion conductance behavior of a tetrameric alamethicin ion channel.

A porphyrin-tethered construct, containing four full-length alamethicin monomers, has been synthesized and characterized. The ion conductance data of the assembly in 1 M HCl display long-lived, albeit noisy, channels that appear to be voltage-independent multiples of only one conductance state. The noise in the data is consistent with the molecular modeling studies, which indicate that the side chain of glutamine 7 of alamethicin does not fit well into the narrow pore of a parallel four-helix bundle.
Glutamate-induced neurotoxicity is increased in cerebellar granule cells exposed chronically to ethanol.

Abstract Chronic exposure of primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells to ethanol has previously been shown to result in an enhanced response of the cells to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). To determine if this increase in NMDA receptor function alters glutamate-induced cytotoxicity, cells were incubated in the presence or absence of 100 mM ethanol for 3 days, the ethanol was removed, the cells were treated with glutamate, and cell survival was assessed with fluorescein diacetate fluorescence. The ethanol-treated cells showed a significantly increased cytotoxic response to glutamate. Treatment with receptor-selective antagonist demonstrated that the cytotoxicity was mediated by NMDA receptors. The increased vulnerability to glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in ethanol-exposed cells may underlie the neuronal degeneration observed in animals and humans after chronic ethanol intake and withdrawal.
Network Characteristics in Suburbanizing Streams

Analysis of hydrologic, geomorphic, and suburbanization data from a small instrumented drainage basin near Iowa City, Iowa, indicates that channel networks are radically altered when suburban development overtakes a drainage basin. Changes in channel networks are such that the network becomes much more efficient in collecting water quickly, so that lag time and kurtosis of storm hydrographs are altered to produce the familiar flash floods of urban areas. The data show that network changes are closely associated with lag time and kurtosis of storm hydrographs and suggest that corrective measures should be concentrated on the internal links of the network. Changes in characteristics of channel networks should be considered in addition to changes in areas of impervious surfaces when the hydrologic impact of suburbanization is assessed.
Rapidly Progressive Outer Retinal Necrosis Caused by Varicella Zoster Virus in a Patient Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

We describe a 21-year-old immunocompromised patient with a unique type of necrotizing herpetic retinitis. The retinitis progressed with loss of vision when acyclovir or ganciclovir alone was used for treatment. Examination of a chorioretinal biopsy specimen revealed that varicella zoster virus was the causative agent. Foscarnet monotherapy also failed to prevent progression of the retinal infection. Combination antiviral therapy with ganciclovir and foscarnet appeared to delay progression of disease and helped maintain a visual acuity of 20/200 for at least 6 months after the onset of infection.
Spray-coating of nanoporous carbon membranes for air separation

Abstract Nanoporous carbons (NPC) can be fabricated in the form of supported thin films with minimal defects and remarkably high size selectivity of oxygen over nitrogen. Spray coating of porous stainless steel disks with a solution of poly(furfuryl) alcohol (PFA) in acetone was used to synthesize nanoporous carbon membranes in a reproducible manner, and is the first reported case of this technique being used for supported carbon membrane synthesis. The disks were dried and then pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere to a final temperature of 600°C. The resulting membranes were tested with binary oxygen/nitrogen mixtures. In experiments with a binary feed of oxygen and nitrogen, the membranes were found to have good oxygen over nitrogen selectivities (up to 4) and O 2 fluxes on the order of 10 −9 mol/m 2 s Pa. Attempts were made to modify membrane performance further by post-pyrolysis heating, additional coatings or by hydrocarbon pyrolysis. None of these post-treatments produced membranes superior to those derived directly from the initial spray coating and pyrolysis.
L-arginine infusion promotes nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation, increases regional cerebral blood flow, and reduces infarction volume in the rat.

We previously reported that L-arginine infusion increased pial vessel diameter by nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms, improved regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) distal to middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, and reduced infarction volume in spontaneously hypertensive rats when administered intraperitoneally before and after MCA occlusion. In this report we extend our findings (1) by examining the time course of L-arginine on rCBF and pial vessel diameter under basal conditions and on rCBF after MCA occlusion and (2) by reproducing the protective effect of L-arginine on infarct volume when given intravenously immediately after the onset of MCA occlusion in both normotensive and hypertensive models of focal cerebral ischemia.Changes in pial vessel diameter (closed cranial window) and rCBF (laser-Doppler flowmetry) were measured over time after L-arginine infusion into anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. rCBF was also measured distal to MCA occlusion in a brain region showing rCBF reductions in the range o...
Rapid method for the simultaneous measurement of nicotine and cotinine in urine and serum by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple, sensitive, and rapid gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method is described for the simultaneous detection and quantitation of nicotine and its metabolite, cotinine, in urine and serum. The analytes and their respective deuterated internal standards were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction coupled to centrifugation and evaporation. The detection limit of the assay was 0.16 ng/ml for both nicotine and cotinine. The limit of quantitation for each analyte was 1.25 ng/ml.
Social identity and individual productivity within groups

The purpose of the present research was to show how social identity theory can be applied to enhance individual productivity within groups. Three experiments manipulated in-group identifiability and importance of the group for one's social identity, and compared individual's productivity when working alone to when working in a group setting. The group setting in the first study involved either a collective of unrelated individuals, a group of participants expecting future interaction, or a group working for a group reward. The second study compared productivity in groups with four differing interdependent reward structures. The final study examine the impact of group members wearing a common uniform (vs. no uniform) and the presence (or absence) of an out-group. Results supported the general prediction that group productivity would be enhanced by factors that increase group categorization and the importance of the group to members' social identities (future interaction, interdependent reward structure and uniform/out-group present). However, productivity in groups was not influenced by perceptions of the task or identifiability of performance. These findings extend social identity theory by suggesting that group members will increase their in-group position through individual work efforts.