cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MARCO Mediates Silica Uptake and Toxicity in Alveolar Macrophages from C57BL/6 Mice

Scavenger receptors (SR), on the surface of the macrophage, appear to be responsible for silica uptake and cell death signaling in the macrophage. The purpose of this study was to isolate which SRs (macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO), CD204, or CD36) were involved using a variety of SR single and double null mice. The findings indicated that MARCO was the critical SR involved in silica uptake and cytotoxicity in the primary alveolar macrophages (AM) from C57BL/6 mice, as there was no particle uptake or cell death in the absence of this SR. The level of MARCO expression on AM changed significantly with the absence of other SR, and silica uptake was proportional to cell surface MARCO expression. In addition, silica uptake and cytotoxicity were completely blocked by an anti-mouse MARCO antibody. Transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells with human MARCO supported these conclusions, as silica particles bound to and initiated apoptosis in the MARCO-transfected cells. Strain differences with regard to SR distribution were also examined. There was a differential expression of these SR on AM from each strain, with MARCO dominant for C57BL/6, CD36 dominant on BALB/c, and all three SR expressed on 129/SvJ mice. Similar to the results with C57BL/6 AM, MARCO was involved with silica-induced cell death in the 129/SvJ strain. In contrast, BALB/c AM used an unidentified mechanism for silica uptake because the SR antibodies failed to block particle internalization. Taken together, these results indicate MARCO is the primary AM receptor interacting with silica, depending on mouse strain and level of constitutive expression.
Epicuticular waxes of Secale cereale and Triticale hexaploide leaves

Wax on leaves of rye and of hexaploid Triticale (60–70-day-old plants) contains hydrocarbons (6–8%), esters (10%), free alcohols (14-8%), free acids (3%), hentriacontane-14,16-dione (39–45%), 25 (S)-hydroxyhentriacontane-14,16-dione (13–11%) and unidentified (14–15%). Diesters (1–3%) are also present in rye wax. Compositions of hydrocarbons (C27-C33) and esters (C28,C58) are similar for both waxes. Free and combined alcohols of rye wax are mainly hexacosanol but alcohols of Triticale wax are mainly octacosanol. The composition of Triticale wax is close to that of its wheat parent Triticum durum (cv. Stewart 63). Esters of wax from ripe rye contain 58% of trans 2,3-unsaturated esters. *NRCC No. 14033.
Uncertainties in dioxin risk assessment

Abstract Uncertainties in dioxin risk assessment are discussed from the standpoint of a study in Missouri and uncertainties in both risk assessment and risk management are discussed in the light of a recent report on “Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Toxic Substances,” prepared by a Task Force for the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Increased function of inhibitory neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors in trachea and ileum of diabetic rats.

1 Release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic nerves is inhibited by neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors. The eAects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on prejunctional M2 and postjunctional M3 muscarinic receptor function in rat trachea and ileum were investigated in vitro. 2 Neuronal M2 muscarinic receptor function was tested by measuring the ability of an agonist, pilocarpine, to inhibit and an antagonist, methoctramine, to potentiate electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contraction of trachea and ileum. Concentration-response curves to pilocarpine and methoctramine were shifted to the left in both to a greater degree in diabetics than controls. 3 In trachea, post-junctional M3 muscarinic receptor function was increased since maximum contractile responses to the muscarinic agonists acetylcholine and carbachol were greater in diabetics than controls. This increase oAset the increased function of the inhibitory neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors since EFS-induced, frequency-dependent contraction was equal in control and diabetic rats. 4 In contrast, post-junctional M3 muscarinic receptor function was unchanged by diabetes since concentration-response curves to acetylcholine and carbachol were not diAerent between groups. Thus, EFS-induced contractions of the ileum were decreased in diabetics versus controls. 5 In conclusion, inhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic nerves in the trachea and ileum are hyperfunctional in diabetic rats. The function of post-junctional M3 muscarinic receptors in the trachea, but not the ileum, is also increased in diabetes. 6 The dysfunction of inhibitory, neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors in the airways may protect against hyperreactivity and in the ileum may contribute to gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with diabetes. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 1355‐1362
Internet gateway for long-distance 1394 home network

An experiment has been conducted with emphases on the home network transmission layer and the Internet gateway device. The IEEE 1394 is chosen as the transmission mechanism for its capability of handling both isochronous and asynchronous transmissions. To cover the reach of a conventional home, a 1394/100BaseTX converter has been developed to carry the 1394 signaling protocol over a Category 5 unshielded twisted pair cable with a maximum point to point distance of 100 meters. A gateway device to the Internet is designed and configured based on a PC. The gateway consists of a 1394 transceiver with PCI interface, a digital subscriber line transceiver, and Windows based networking software. This paper focuses on the general long distance 1394 transceiver hardware, gateway system configuration and software architecture. Issues such as DHCP, private IP address, and DNS are also discussed.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Variable effects of exercise intensity on reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, and glucose concentration

Abstract Background Physical exercise may be associated with a 10- to 20-fold increase in whole body oxygen uptake. Generation of free oxygen radicals (FORs) is elevated to a level that overwhelms tissue antioxidant defense systems in exercise. One of the most reliable indices of exercise-induced oxidant production is tissue glutathione oxidation. Methods In this study three different volunteer groups carried out various sports disciplines and worked at least as amateurs for 6–7 years before and after aerobic (Aer)-, anaerobic (Anae)-, or aerobic + anaerobic (Aer–Anae)-dominant exercises. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, glucose concentration was measured, and we investigated their relationships with different types of exercise. From all groups (n = 60, each group comprising 10 females and 10 males), we collected blood samples at the following five different times: before exercise; immediately after exercise, and 4, 24, and 48 h after completion of exercise. These samples were assayed for whole blood GSH, plasma TBARS levels, and glucose concentration. Results Significant increase in Aer–Anae was noted in levels of TBARS while decrease was observed in glutathione levels in exercise group as compared with prior levels in all groups. However, no statistical difference was observed in total group levels before and after exercise and in male and female groups compared before and after exercise. When gender differences were taken into account, females generally had higher levels of GSH, whereas TBARS levels were higher in males. When compared either before or after exercise, levels of glucose concentration—especially immediately after exercise period in all groups—were higher. In addition, in Anae groups glucose concentrations were higher at 4 and 24 h in females than in males. Aer exercise caused oxidative stress to a lesser degree, whereas Aer–Anae exercise caused oxidative stress of higher degree that was statistically significant. Conclusions According to our findings, exercise increased TBARS level significantly in all groups, especially more so in Aer–Anae groups. In addition, GSH was increased more in females than in males, while concentration of glucose did not change remarkably. Additionally, it can be stated that women are more resistant to oxidative stress.
A Descriptive Analysis of School Connectedness: The Views of School Personnel

Few studies have investigated school connectedness from the perspectives of the adults working in the school. Using qualitative methods, the present study examined three dimensions of school connec...
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2)-deficient mice display motor deficits.

The degradation of the extracellular matrix is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Matrix components of the basement membrane play critical roles in the development and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), yet almost nothing is known about the regulation of MMP and TIMP expression in either the pre- or postsynaptic compartments. Here, we demonstrate that TIMP-2 is expressed by both spinal motor neurons and skeletal muscle. To determine whether motor function is altered in the absence of TIMP-2, motor behavior was assessed using a battery of tests (e.g., RotaRod, balance beam, hindlimb extension, grip strength, loaded grid, and gait analysis). TIMP-2−/− mice fall off the RotaRod significantly faster than wild-type littermates. In addition, hindlimb extension is reduced and gait is both splayed and lengthened in TIMP-2−/− mice. Motor dysfunction is more pronounced during early postnatal development. A preliminary analysis revealed NMJ alterations in TIMP-2−/− mice. Juvenile TIMP-2−/− mice have increased nerve branching and acetylcholine receptor expression. Adult TIMP-2−/− endplates are enlarged and more complex. This suggests a role for TIMP-2 in NMJ sculpting during development. In contrast to the increased NMJ nerve branching, cerebellar Purkinje cells have decreased neurite outgrowth. Thus, the TIMP-2−/− motor phenotype is likely due to both peripheral and central defects. The tissue specificity of the nerve branching phenotype suggests the involvement of different MMPs and/or extracellular matrix molecules underlying the TIMP-2−/− motor phenotype. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Fibre types in Limulus telson muscles: morphology and histochemistry.

Using a variety of techniques, we have demonstrated the presence of at least two fibre types inLimulus median telson levator muscle. By light and electron microscopy, large (21 56 μm2 mean cross-sectional area) fibres have A-bands of 4.1 μm, one-half I bands of 2.15 μm and Z lines ⩽ 0.5 μm in width. Few mitochondria are found in these fibres, which comprise 54% of those present in a given microscope field and which occupy 82% of the total cross-sectional area. Small fibres (484 μm2 mean cross-sectional area) have A bands of 6.3 μm, one-half I bands of 3.1 μm and Z lines between 0.5 and 1.0 μm in width and are rich in mitochondria. Although small fibres comprise nearly one-half (46%) of the fibres in a field, they occupy only 18% of the total cross-sectional area.
A note on the asymptotic behavior in angular momentum for Potential Theory

Many at-tempts have been made to find the asymptotic behavior of the partial wave amplitude for the Yukawa potential as Im l-~ ~. It is by now well known that Regge's proof (1) using phase shifts and the W.K.B. approximation breaks down due to the presence of the turning point. The investigations of MARTIN (2) and CALOGERO (a) depend on Bessel function bounds which are very restrictive as Im 1-+ c~. However the method of Fredholm determinants used by BRows, FIv~L, L~v, and SAWYER (4) avoids the use of the W.K.B. approximation and of Bessel function bounds. The drawback to their approach is that it is needlessly complicated for real scattering energies s > 0 because the relevant L 2 norms become unbounded. The purpose of this note is to provide a simple proof for s > 0 along the lines of the proof of BROWS et al. (4). We simply find an L 2 norm that remains finite as Im s~0, s > 0. Our conclusion is that the first Born approximation completely dominates the amplitude,
Inhibition of acyl coenzyme a-cholesterol acyltransferase: A possible treatment of atherosclerosis?

Our full understanding of atherosclerosis and our ability to prevent its sequellae are incomplete. As a result, further investigation of novel antiatherosclerotic mechanisms and agents continues. Acyl coenzyme A-cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibition has been evaluated as a potential mechanism by which the current treatment arsenal may be expanded. ACAT is present in a variety of tissues and is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of free cholesterol to the more readily stored cholesteryl esters. Impressive lipid effects demonstrated in animals have not generally been demonstrated in human clinical trials. Partial ACAT inhibition with specific agents has resulted in lesion regression and decreased progression, whereas complete ACAT inhibition via genetic alterations has led to an exacerbation of cholesterol deposition in tissues in animal models. No ACAT inhibitor has yet been fully evaluated in human clinical trials for its impact on atherosclerotic disease progression. Several hurdles, such as sample size requirements needed to detect effect over background therapy and lack of sensitive surrogate efficacy markers, have served as a deterrent to the development of this class of investigational drug. However, with recent technologic advancements, more sensitive methods of measuring disease progression may be available. Human clinical trials are currently underway, with several agents reported in Phase II clinical trials. Within the next few years, results from these trials may determine whether or not ACAT inhibitors will be added to the list of treatment options for the prevention of atherosclerotic disease progression.
Periodic fluctuations in synaptic transmission and enhancement of transmission in hippocampal slices

The properties of the synchronously activated radiatum fiber-CA1 synaptic population were examined with the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation. Periodic fluctuations in synaptic transmission and in the enhancement of synaptic transmission were observed with periods ranging from 8 to 20 s. Such periodic fluctuations did not arise from fluctuations in afferent radiatum fiber activity. The period and amplitude of the cyclic variations in the enhancement of synaptic transmission were found to be altered with repeated electrical stimulation of the radiatum fibers. These results reflect cooperative synaptic actions which must be taken into consideration in the delineation of the mechanisms of potentiation.
Occurrence of virus-like particles in cultured cloudman s-91 melanoma.

Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen des Cloudman-S-91-Melanomagewebes ergaben das Vorhandensein virusahnlicher Teile in der Kultur, die sich strukturell nicht unterscheiden lassen von den in Mause-Mammatumoren beobachteten. Die inneren und ausseren Gewebsteilchen waren morphologisch mit verschiedenen Mauseneoplasmen vergleichbar.
Substitution of Neutral Detergent Fiber from Forage with Neutral Detergent Fiber from By-Products in the Diets of Lactating Cows

Four lactating dairy cows that were ruminally and duodenally cannulated were used in an experiment with a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of the substitution of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from forage with NDF from wheat middlings, corn gluten feed, or a blend of distillers dried grains and hominy. Dietary crude protein and NDF averaged 18 and 31%, respectively, for the diet with 71.2% of the NDF from forage (control diet) and for diets with 55% of the NDF from forage (by-product diets). The substitution of NDF from these by-products for forage NDF did not affect dry matter intake (20.1 kg/d) or digestibility of organic matter. Total tract digestibility of acid detergent fiber was lower for cows fed the diet containing a blend of distillers dried grains and hominy than for cows fed the diet containing corn gluten feed. Microbial crude protein synthesis, milk production (23.9 kg/d), and milk fat percentage were similar for all cows, regardless of diet. Cows fed the diets containing wheat middlings or a blend of distillers dried grains and hominy had reduced ruminal pH compared with that of cows fed the diet containing corn gluten feed or the control diet. Diets containing 55% of total NDF from forage with 31% of total NDF from corn gluten feed, wheat middlings, or a blend of distillers dried grains and hominy can supply sufficient effective fiber to maintain normal ruminal function.
Indices of lifetime polydrug use among adolescents

The functional equivalency for three indices of lifetime polydrug use was examined in a sample of adolescents (N = 794). The following indices were included in analyses: (a) a count of lifetime self-report of substances used; (b) an index weighted by the severity of the substances used; and (c) a hierarchical index of substance use. Analyses for each index was conducted twice with abstinent youth (no report of substances over their lifetime) included and excluded from analyses. Relationships between the indices with gender, age, ethnicity, and country of origin were examined. The only difference between the indices found was for ethnicity in the full sample. African Americans had higher scores on the hierarchical substance use index than Latinos or Asian/Pacific Islanders. With the exception of the relationship between the hierarchical index and ethnicity, the relationships between the other demographic variables with indices were consistent. Implications for utilizing the count or weighted index versus a hierarchical index of lifetime polydrug use are discussed.
Edblu: Enhanced Direction-based Location Update Scheme for PCS networks

An enhanced direction-based location update scheme (EDBLU) is presented. Unlike the direction-based location update (DBLU) scheme, in EDBLU the location update depends on both the moving direction and the moving distance. The performance of EDBLU is analysed based on the discrete-time 2D Markov walk model. The results confirm that the EDBLU scheme reduces the signalling cost significantly for different mobility patterns.
Post-exercise hypotensive responses following an acute bout of aquatic and overground treadmill walking in people post-stroke: a pilot study

AbstractBackground:The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a single-bout of aquatic treadmill walking (ATW) and overground treadmill walking (OTW) on the magnitude and duration of post-exercise ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in people post-stroke.Methods:Seven people post-stroke participated in a cross-sectional comparative study. BP was monitored for up to 9 hours after a 15-minute bout of ATW and OTW at approximately 70% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), performed on separate days. Mean systolic and diastolic BP values were compared between both exercise conditions and a day without exercise (control).Results:Three hours after OTW, mean SBP increased by 9% from pre-exercise baseline compared to a 3% decrease during the control day (P < 0.05). A similar trend was observed after the third hour of ATW (P = 0.06). However, ATW demonstrated a 3% overall decline in DBP after exercise compared to a 1% DBP increase of the control day (P < 0.05). Additionally, ATW showed a 6% reduction i...
Embryonic expression of the single Tribolium engrailed homolog

We have cloned and sequenced the single Tribolium homolog of the Drosophila engrailed gene. The predicted protein contains a homeobox and several domains conserved among all engrailed genes identified to date. In addition it contains several features specific to the invected homologs of Bombyx and Drosophila, indicating that these features most likely were present in the ancestral gene in the common ancestor of holometabolous insects. We used the cross-reacting monoclonal antibody, 4D9, to follow the expression of the Engrailed protein during segmentation in Tribolium embryos. As in other insects, Engrailed accumulates in the nuclei of cells along the posterior margin of each segment. The first Engrailed stripe appears as the embryonic rudiment condenses. Then as the rudiment elongates into a germ band, Engrailed stripes appear in an anterior to posterior progression, just prior to morphological evidence of the formation of each segment. As in Drosophila (a long germ insect), expression of engrailed in Tribolium (classified as a short germ insect) is preceeded by the expression of several homologous segmentation genes, suggesting that similar genetic regulatory mechanisms are shared by diverse developmental types. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Implantable devices for epilepsy: a clinical perspective

25% of the world's 50 million people with epilepsy have seizures that cannot be controlled by medication or epilepsy surgery. The need for new therapeutic options is clear. Since the 1970's clinicians, neuroscientists and engineers have proposed technologies for treating seizures, with the ultimate goal of implanting stimulators or drug infusion devices in brain to abort seizures before clinical onset. Interest in the field has exploded in recent years, due to evidence suggesting that seizures may be predictable. Device designs range from "blind" stimulators, which do not respond to physiological activity, to "intelligent" devices, which are triggered by detecting or predicting seizure onset. To gain acceptance, intracranial implants will need to demonstrate more than marginal efficacy to justify their invasiveness. Unlike their cardiology predecessors, intelligent implantable epilepsy devices will likely process multiple channels of data, be tuned to individual patients and may need to predict events rather than detect them, for maximal effectiveness. Carefully designed clinical trials will be required to perfect and validate the efficacy of implantable devices for epilepsy, before clinical use becomes widespread.
Dry-Weight Reduction in Hypertensive Hemodialysis Patients (DRIP) A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Volume excess is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of hypertension among hemodialysis patients. To determine whether additional volume reduction will result in improvement in blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive patients on hemodialysis and to evaluate the time course of this response, we randomly assigned long-term hypertensive hemodialysis patients to ultrafiltration or control groups. The additional ultrafiltration group (n=100) had the dry weight probed without increasing time or duration of dialysis, whereas the control group (n=50) only had physician visits. The primary outcome was change in systolic interdialytic ambulatory BP. Postdialysis weight was reduced by 0.9 kg at 4 weeks and resulted in -6.9 mm Hg (95% CI: -12.4 to -1.3 mm Hg; P=0.016) change in systolic BP and -3.1 mm Hg (95% CI: -6.2 to -0.02 mm Hg; P=0.048) change in diastolic BP. At 8 weeks, dry weight was reduced 1 kg, systolic BP changed -6.6 mm Hg (95% CI: -12.2 to -1.0 mm Hg; P=0.021), and diastolic BP changed -3.3 mm Hg (95% CI: -6.4 to -0.2 mm Hg; P=0.037) from baseline. The Mantel-Hanzel combined odds ratio for systolic BP reduction of > or =10 mm Hg was 2.24 (95% CI: 1.32 to 3.81; P=0.003). There was no deterioration seen in any domain of the kidney disease quality of life health survey despite an increase in intradialytic signs and symptoms of hypotension. The reduction of dry weight is a simple, efficacious, and well-tolerated maneuver to improve BP control in hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Long-term control of BP will depend on continued assessment and maintenance of dry weight.
Posterior fragment encasement vertebroplasty in cord-level burst fractures

No. 469 Salvage vertebroplasty after failed kyphoplasty R. Florek, C. Simonson; Radiology, Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Lafayette, LA; Radiology, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Purpose: Review the technique and theraputic benefit of vertebroplasty after unsuccesssful kyphoplasty for pain control in vertebral compression fractures. Materials and Methods: Three cases were reviewed in which kyphoplasty was unsuccessful in relieving back pain due to osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Two cases were at one level and one case had two levels, all were lumbar. After CT review, verteboplasty was elected to be done to increase the distribution of bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate PMMA) around the kyphoplasty balloon cavity spheres. Using realtime biplane fluoroscopy, the vertebroplasty bone cement was seen to track beyond the previous kyphoplasty cement balls and tracted into the vertebral fracture clefts. Less than 1.5 cc of PMMA bone cement was used at each level. Follow-up CT scans showed bone cement in the anterior vertebral fracture clefts. Results: All three patients experienced significant pain relief after vertebroplasty and no further procedures were needed. No new fractures were detected. No complications were encountered. Conclusion: 1. Kyphoplasty bone cement fills the cavity made by the inflation of a balloon in the vertebral body, but may not always enter the fracture cleft. 2. Re-do procedure with vertebroplasty injection of bone cement may be able to alleviate pain by entering the anterior fracture cleft and stabilizing the fracture site. References 1. Gaughen JR, Jensen ME, Schweikert PA, Marx WF, Kallmes DF. The theraputic benefit of repeat percutaneous vertebroplasty at previously treated vertebral levels. AJNR 2002; 23:1657–1661. 2. Frey WE. Redo kyphoplasty with vertebroplasty technique: A case report and review of the literature. Pain Physician 2009; 12:645–649.
The stochastic second‐order perturbation technique in the finite difference method

The main idea of the paper is to introduce the second-order perturbation second probabilistic moment extension of the finite difference method (FDM). The approach can be successfully applied to all these engineering analyses where FDM modelling is still useful and some structural parameters are treated as random variables or fields. The main advantage of the stochastic finite difference method (SFDM) proposed is relatively easy extension of the existing deterministic results in the classical theory of elasticity on the random or even stochastic problems. A very attractive aspect can be the usage of the SFDM in the stochastic signals processing in a conjunction with the wavelet optimized FDM. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Muramidase: A useful monocyte/macrophage immunocytochemical marker in swine, of special interest in experimental cardiovascular disease.

The reliability of a rabbit polyclonal antibody against muramidase to identify monocytes/macrophages in swine was evaluated by immunostaining of cell smears and formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Blood in tissue sections, cell smears (peripheral blood, buffy coat, and isolated mononuclear cells), and cultured mononuclear cells (adherent monocytes) contained positively stained cells with a morphology and in a number corresponding to that expected for a monocyte marker. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), lymphocytes, and platelets were negative. In normal organs and tissues, mesenchymal cells with a distribution similar to that expected for macrophages were found to stain positively for muramidase. In pathologic tissues, positively stained inflammatory cells were identified in wounds, infected lungs, recently infarcted myocardium, and acute (variable numbers), organizing (often many), and healed (usually few) arterial thrombi. Enzymatic unmasking of antigenic determinants by trypsinization was necessary to achieve strong and consistent staining of monocytes/macrophages in tissue sections. A variety of epithelial cells of no differential diagnostic significance for monocyte/macrophage identification (e.g., renal proximal tubular cells) also stained positive for muramidase. The staining pattern of muramidase in swine corresponds to that described in humans, in whom muramidase has been shown to be a valuable marker of monocytes/macrophages. Swine PMN were, however, not stained or only weakly stained, whereas human PMN reportedly are strongly positive. As in humans, swine cardiac myocytes, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, lymphocytes, and platelets were consistently negative. This antibody against muramidase is a useful immunohistochemical marker for swine monocytes/macrophages in formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.
Anatomy and Decadal Evolution of the Pacific Subtropical–Tropical Cells (STCs)*

The output from an ocean general circulation model driven by observed surface forcing (1958–97) is used to examine the evolution and relative timing of the different branches of the Pacific Subtropical–Tropical Cells (STCs) at both interannual and decadal time scales, with emphasis on the 1976–77 climate shift. The STCs consist of equatorward pycnocline transports in the ocean interior and in the western boundary current, equatorial upwelling, and poleward flow in the surface Ekman layer. The interior pycnocline transports exhibit a decreasing trend after the mid-1970s, in agreement with observational transport estimates, and are largely anticorrelated with both the Ekman transports and the boundary current transports at the same latitudes. The boundary current changes tend to compensate for the interior changes at both interannual and decadal time scales. The meridional transport convergence across 9°S and 9°N as well as the equatorial upwelling are strongly correlated with the changes in sea surface temperature (SST) in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. However, meridional transport variations do not occur simultaneously at each longitude, so that to understand the phase relationship between transport and SST variations it is important to consider the baroclinic ocean adjustment through westward-propagating Rossby waves. The anticorrelation between boundary current changes and interior transport changes can also be understood in terms of the baroclinic adjustment process. In this simulation, the pycnocline transport variations appear to be primarily confined within the Tropics, with maxima around 10°S and 13°N, and related to the local wind forcing; a somewhat different perspective from previous studies that have emphasized the role of wind variations in the subtropics.
Helping Students Construct Understanding about Shadows

The study of shadows is a common elementary science topic that facilitates students’ development of understanding about light and associated waves. All elementary students have observed numerous shadows, but need assistance in developing understanding. Previous research studies about shadows were utilized in organizing aspects associated with shadows. This review paper encourages teachers to utilize three principles of learning: students’ prior knowledge about shadows, factual and conceptual knowledge related to shadows, and metacognition requiring students to think about their personal understanding about shadows; thereby, promoting students’ science literacy.
Empirical studies of test case prioritization in a JUnit testing environment

Test case prioritization provides a way to run test cases with the highest priority earliest. Numerous empirical studies have shown that prioritization can improve a test suite's rate of fault detection, but the extent to which these results generalize is an open question because the studies have all focused on a single procedural language, C, and a few specific types of test suites, in particular, Java and the JUnit testing framework are being used extensively in practice, and the effectiveness of prioritization techniques on Java systems tested under JUnit has not been investigated. We have therefore designed and performed a controlled experiment examining whether test case prioritization can be effective on Java programs tested under JUnit, and comparing the results to those achieved in earlier studies. Our analyses show that test case prioritization can significantly improve the rate of fault detection of JUnit test suites, but also reveal differences with respect to previous studies that can be related to the language and testing paradigm.
An investigation of conductive polymer flip chip attachment in multichip module applications

Conventional flip chip solder bump technology is being confronted by the need to remove lead content and eliminate CFC containing solvents by the year 2000, as mandated by the Montreal Protocol. In addition, this process can be expensive, involves complex manufacturing sequences, and is susceptible to failure due to fatigue. Electrically conductive polymers have the potential for solder replacement in chip-to-substrate level interconnection. The scope of the project involves selection, evaluation, and comparison of candidate materials for low cost multichip module(MCM) applications. This paper discusses the design, processing, and assembly of an MCM test vehicle, developed at the University of Arkansas, which can incorporate various flip chip interconnection materials. An evaluation of two commercially-available, silver-based epoxies is being performed. The test vehicle is used to investigate possible reliability problems, as well as for comparison of the various interconnection materials. Interconnect failure identification is accomplished through continuously monitoring daisy chains which provide paths from substrate to chip. Environmental stresses can be effectively used to accelerate failure mechanisms and prove device reliability under real operating conditions. Mechanical tests including die pull-off and die shear can be performed to determine bond strength. This paper describes testing procedures used, in conjunction with the developed test vehicle, to compare and evaluate interconnection material performance and reliability. Preliminary testing results are also presented.
Cut Costs Using Working Capital Management: Part III

The old rationale for local offices or branches was the need for direct contact with customers, prospects, and salespeople. But business now operates in a nearly real-time environment and is not concerned with regional cultural differences, interpersonal contact, the transmittal or exchange of paper-based documents, or geographic distances. As strategies change through advances in telecommunications, the computer, and the Internet, a local presence is not required for business transactions. A careful evaluation is necessary to understand existing procedures, ascertain the peculiarities of legacy systems, and determine which costs are avoidable. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subliminal messages in hippocampal pyramidal cells

Synaptic activity regulates gene transcription in neurons. The coupling between synaptic transmission and transcription is accomplished by the second messenger calcium, which enters the cell through synaptic receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels and binds enzymes that activate transcription factors. In schematic diagrams showing these calcium-activated pathways, synaptic calcium influx happens conveniently close to the nucleus (West et al. 2001). In reality, however, synapses are distributed over an extensive dendritic tree. How then is information about synaptic activity passed on to the nucleus, which can be hundreds of micrometres from activated synapses? Passive diffusion is too slow for a long-range signalling system, especially given the high buffer capacity of the dendritic cytoplasm for calcium and the slow diffusion of these buffers (Helmchen et al. 1996). The report of Nakamura et al. (2002) in this issue of The Journal of Physiology takes a closer look at the properties of regenerative calcium waves in the apical dendrite of CA1 pyramidal cells (see also: Kapur et al. 2001; Nakamura et al. 1999, 2000). These waves, which depend upon activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors, are a prime candidate for a signalling system that locally integrates synaptic activity in the dendrite and sends a binary signal to the nucleus (Berridge, 1998).
Changes in Membrane Fatty Acid Composition of Pediococcus sp. Strain NRRL B-2354 in Response to Growth Conditions and Its Effect on Thermal Resistance

Membrane fatty acid composition and thermal resistance (D value) of Pediococcus sp. were determined for mid-exponential-phase (ME) and stationary-phase (ST) cells grown in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and tryptone-glucose-yeast extract (TGY) at 28 and 37 degrees C. As the cells entered the stationary phase of growth, the unsaturated fatty acid, C18:1 n11c, produced during the exponential phase of growth was converted to its cyclic form, C19:0 Delta9c. This shift in membrane fatty acid composition was accompanied by an increase in the D values of this bacterium. Data from this study suggest that the membrane fatty acid composition of Pediococcus sp. is dependent on the growth conditions and that membrane fatty acid composition plays a critical role in thermal resistance. Thermal inactivation curves of Pediococcus sp. cells grown in TGY at 28 degrees C indicated the presence of a cell population that is heterogeneous in thermal resistance. The growth of this bacterium in TGY at 37 degrees C and in TSB at 28 and 37 degrees C resulted in cell populations that were uniform in thermal resistance with a lag time for thermal inactivation. Thermal inactivation curves of ME and ST cultures were similar. The data presented here suggest that the cell population's uniformity of thermal inactivation is independent of the growth phase of the culture.
Exercise, Adiposity, and Regional Fat Distribution

Being overweight or obese and physical inactivity markedly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular and other complications in persons with type 2 diabetes. Growing evidence highlights the adverse effect of having abdominal obesity on cardiometabolic health. There is also an increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which also contributes to increased cardiometabolic risk among diabetics. Increasing levels of physical activity contribute to weight reduction, along with dietary interventions. However, independent of total body weight loss, exercise reduces abdominal obesity, and along with the concomitant benefits on multiple cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, among others, plays a central role in reducing the complications of diabetes. There is some but not entirely conclusive evidence, mainly because of the lack of randomized, controlled trials, that exercise also reduces hepatic fat. Though exercise has been widely recognized as an cornerstone treatment in the medical management for type 2 diabetes, its benefits go beyond the established benefits on fitness levels. The discussion in this chapter focuses on the benefits of exercise on favorable altering body composition, which can occur largely independent of weight change. The resulting reduction in regional fat depots is an important benefit of regular physical activity. For most individuals with diabetes, participation in both aerobic and resistance exercise is recommended to maximize benefits on body composition. These benefits consist of reduction in fat and increased in lean mass.
Antonin Scalia’s Constitutional Textualism: The Problem of Justice to Posterity

Antonin Scalia defends his textualist approach to interpreting the Constitution by asserting that the purpose of the Constitution is to restrict the range of options open to future generations by enshrining institutional arrangements and practices in constitutional mandates or prohibitions. For this purpose to be fulﬁlled, justices of the Supreme Court must read the language of the Constitution according to its original meaning. We argue there is little reason to believe that Scalia’s understanding is correct. Neither the language of the Constitution nor the writings of Jeﬀerson or Madison are consistent with Scalia’s interpretation. More importantly, the goal Scalia posits, of seeking to restrict the range of options open to future generations, is intergenerationally unjust.
BKM120 combined with vemurafenib in vemurafenib-refractory BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma: Two cases.

e20010 Background: PTEN loss and PI3K activation are common in BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma, and PI3K activation has been implicated as a cause of acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Two vemurafenib refractory were treated with the potent BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib, and the pan-class I PI3K inhibitor BKM120. Methods: The study enrolled BRAF-V600E/K mutant metastatic melanoma patients with an ECOG PS ≥ 2 and adequate organ function. Vemurafenib refractory BRAF-V600E/K mutant melanoma patients started both vemurafenib twice daily and BKM120 daily on cycle 1, day 1 after a vemurafenib washout of at least 14 days. Serial biopsies prior to treatment, on cycle 1 day 15, and at progression were obtained for pharmacodynamics analysis in patients with visible or palpable tumors. Results: 3 BRAF inhibitor refractory patients were treated on study with vemurafenib 720 mg PO bid and BKM120 60 mg PO daily. One patient was inevaluable due to non-compliance and had minimal exposure to study drug. Pre-treatment b...
Governing the antipodes: international cooperation in Antarctica and the Arctic

The Arctic and the Antarctic appear to be polar opposites with regard to many matters, including the systems of governance that have evolved in the two regions. Antarctica is demilitarised, closed to economic development, open to a wide range of scientific activities, and subject to strict environmental regulations under the terms of the legally binding Antarctic Treaty of 1959 along with several supplementary measures that together form the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS). The Arctic, by contrast, is a theatre of military operations, a site of largescale industrial activities, a homeland for sizable groups of indigenous peoples, and a focus of growing concern regarding the environmental impacts of human activities. The Arctic Council, the principal international body concerned with governance at the regional level, operates under the terms of a ministerial declaration that is not legally binding; it lacks the authority to make formal decisions about matters of current interest. Digging a little deeper, however, one turns up some illuminating similarities between the governance systems operating in the antipodes. In this article, I pursue this line of thinking, setting forth a range of observations relating to (i) the history of governance in the antipodes, (ii) institutional innovations occurring in these regions, (iii) issues of membership, (iv) jurisdictional concerns, (v) the role of science, (vi) relations with the UN system, (vii) institutional interplay, and (viii) the adaptiveness of governance systems in the face of changing circumstances. The governance systems for the polar regions are not likely to converge anytime soon. Nevertheless, this analysis should be of interest not only to those concerned with the fate of Antarctica and the Arctic but also to those seeking to find effective means of addressing needs for governance in other settings calling for governance without government.
Fabrication of biodegradable PEG-PLA nanospheres for solubility, stabilization, and delivery of curcumin.

AbstractCurcumin is an effective and safe anticancer agent, and also known to induce vasodilation, but its hydrophobicity limits its clinical application. In this study, a simple emulsion method was developed to prepare biodegradable poly (ethylene glycol)–poly (lactic acid) (PEG–PLA) nanospheres to encapsulate curcumin to improve its solubility and stability. The nanoparticle size was around 150 nm with a narrow size distribution. Fluorescence microscopy showed that curcumin encapsulated PEG-PLA nanospheres were taken up rapidly by Hela and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. This novel nanoparticulate carrier may improve the bioavailability of curcumin without affecting its anticancer properties.
Molecular-ion formation by. cap alpha mu. /sup -/ and. cap alpha pi. /sup -/ atoms in liquid helium

The experimentally determined intensities of x rays due to muonic and pionic atoms formed in gaseous and liquid helium are analyzed. The analysis is based largely, though not entirely, on some estimates of Auger rates. A discussion of Stark transitions, some estimates of the time required to slow a recoiling mesonic atom after it ejects an electron from a nearby atom in liquid helium, and a brief discussion of kaonic x-ray intensities are also employed. It is concluded that an $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ or an $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ atom in liquid helium probably becomes temporarily bound to a helium atom during its cascade to the $1s$ state. More specifically, it is argued that the relatively intense muonic $K\ensuremath{\gamma}$ line in gas, the relatively faint muonic and pionic $K\ensuremath{\gamma}$ lines in liquid, and the anomalously high $\frac{K\ensuremath{\beta}}{K\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ intensity ratio for pions in liquid indicate that molecular ions are probably formed in liquid but not in gas by $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ atoms with $n=4$.
Drinking Water Supply and Water Quality in Rural Areas of Shaoguan in 2012

Objective To understand the status of rural water supply and the water quality,and to provide references for further improvement of rural drinking water safety.Methods Data of water supply and water quality were collected from water quality monitoring network and were statistically analyzed.Results There were 2 218 central water supply facilities in the whole rural areas of Shaoguan,which covered 66.44% of the whole rural population.Only 0.90% of central water supply facilities were equipped with complete process treatment facilities and the proportion of those with sediment-filter treatment were 42.88%.As a whole,55.00% of central water supply equipped with no treatment measure.There were totally 29 775 decentralized water supply facilities,covering 33.56% of the population in the area.The facilities were mainly shallow wells(71.86%).The total qualified rates of 1 254 water samples were 43.94%,and that of in dry season and in rainy season were respectively 46.82% and 41.05%,with statistical significance between the two(χ2=4.224,P0.05).The qualified rates for total coliforms,thermotolerant coliform bacteria,turbidity,total numbers of colony and pH were respectively 52.79%,54.21%,82.77%,89.55% and 92.98 %,respectively.Conclusion The proportion of decentralized water supply is still considerably high in rural areas in Shaoguan,while the qualified rate of the water quality is low.Exceeding microorganism is the main pollution route for drinking water quality.Thus,the construction of rural drinking water projects and water quality management should be timely strengthened.
Exploration and Practice of Competition Mechanism in Middle-Level Cadre Selection and Appointment in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Objective To introduce competition mechanism into work of middle-level cadre selection,and thus to provide scientific references for cadre selection policy in CDC.Methods Qualitative research method was used to develop scheme for middle-level cadre competition,which were then implemented according to relevant procedures.Results After introducing and implementing of cadre competition,the structure of middle-level cadres team was optimized;meanwhile,the quality was improved.Cadres under age of 35 increased from 2 to 13 persons,cadres with bachelor degree or above increased by 6%;the proportion of cadres with senior titles increased to 66%.Conclusion Cadre competition is a scientific method in middle-level cadre selection and appointment in CDC under the new situation.