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Pacific razor clam shell growth was examined using data provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game containing 235,606 length-at-age records based on visible annuli on the shell from 57,534 individual clams measured from 1966 to 2021 at nine locations in Cook Inlet, AK. Shell growth was modeled via the von Bertalanffy Growth Function treating each individual clam as a random effect. Asymptotic mean length at time infinity (L∞) varied considerably between sites, from 121.35 to 186.58 mm, as did the growth coefficient k which ranged from 0.28 to 0.54 y–1. When both L∞ and k were examined collectively via a growth performance index (∅′), all Cook Inlet sites were similar (∅′ range: 3.80–4.02). The growth performance of Pacific razor clams in Cook Inlet was also compared with summary statistics from previously published mean length-at-age estimates for Pacific razor clams across their distribution. Growth performance estimates from Alaska and British Columbia sites were largely similar, whereas sites in Washington, Oregon, and California were generally characterized by faster growth and smaller maximal lengths. Although this study did not attempt to quantitatively identify predictors of variation in growth parameters and performance within and outside of Cook Inlet, AK, this manuscript concludes with speculations on possible correlates to growth and recommendations for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers tips to parents for helping their children achieve success in life by choosing when to praise them and when not to. Topics discussed include praising the children's efforts rather than the natural abilities, motivating them to make strategies and solve problems, and focusing the mindsets on growth. Also mentioned are the works of Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology, on it.

There is increasing evidence that a chronic inflammatory response in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) ultimately leads to neuronal injury and cognitive decline. Microglia, the primary immune effector cells of the brain, are thought to be key to this process. This paper discusses the evidence for inflammation in AD, and describes the mechanism whereby microglia generate neurotoxic cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide. Evidence that the cytokine macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is an important cofactor in microglial activation in AD is presented. Ongoing work using organotypic hippocampal expiant cultures to model the inflammatory process in the AD brain is also discussed. Potential avenues for therapeutic intervention are outlined.

We have constructed two fusion proteins T-hIL-2 and T-mIL-3 in which human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) or murine interleukin-3 (mIL-3) are fused to the C-terminus of the diphtheria toxin transmembrane domain (T domain). Two additional fusion proteins, T-(Gly4-Ser)2-hIL-2 and T-(Gly4-Ser2-mIL-3, were derived by introduction of the (Gly4-Ser)2 spacer between the T domain and cytokine components. Recognition of the hIL-2 receptor or the mIL-3 receptor by the corresponding recombinant proteins was demonstrated by their capacity to stimulate cytokine-dependent cell lines. All proteins retained the capacity of the T domain to insert into phospholipid membranes at acidic pH. Finally, anchoring of both cytokines to the membrane of lipid vesicles or living cells was assessed by specific antibody recognition. Our results show that the T domain fused to the N-terminus of a given protein can function as a pH sensitive membrane anchor for that protein.Keywords: diphtheria protein/fusion protein/interleukin/lipid vesicle/membrane anchor

We have constructed two fusion proteins T-hIL-2 and T-mIL-3 in which human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) or murine interleukin-3 (mIL-3) are fused to the C-terminus of the diphtheria toxin transmembrane domain (T domain). Two additional fusion proteins, T-(Gly4-Ser)2-hIL-2 and T-(Gly4-Ser2-mIL-3, were derived by introduction of the (Gly4-Ser)2 spacer between the T domain and cytokine components. Recognition of the hIL-2 receptor or the mIL-3 receptor by the corresponding recombinant proteins was demonstrated by their capacity to stimulate cytokine-dependent cell lines. All proteins retained the capacity of the T domain to insert into phospholipid membranes at acidic pH. Finally, anchoring of both cytokines to the membrane of lipid vesicles or living cells was assessed by specific antibody recognition. Our results show that the T domain fused to the N-terminus of a given protein can function as a pH sensitive membrane anchor for that protein. Keywords: diphtheria protein/fusion protein/interleukin/lipid vesicle/membrane anchor

We have previously shown that elevation of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) at the first prenatal visit is associated with increased fetal loss in normal pregnancy. The variation in aCL levels during normal pregnancy has not been established. To examine this question we measured IgG, IgM and IgA aCL levels five times during pregnancy at weeks 5-15, 16-25, 26-35, 36-37 and at delivery. Data were analyzed to determine: (a) the within and between subject variability of aCL during pregnancy; (2) the temporal trend of aCL; and (3) the relation of serial measures of aCL with maternal complications of pregnancy.We divided our cohort of 354 subjects into two groups. Group A included those subjects with consistently normal levels of aCL and group B those subjects with at least one elevated level of aCL. In group A the within subject variability was relatively low (28-34%). In group B we found wide fluctuations in aCL levels and a within subject variability of 88-91 %. Subjects in group B had no increase in maternal complications of pregnancy.The present data suggest that aCL may fluctuate significantly during normal pregnancy and there is little clinical value in measuring aCL on a serial basis during pregnancy.

Rats were made acutely thrombocytopenic by injection of antiplatelet serum. Marrow sections and squash preparations were made at intervals during 120 hr. Determinations were made of mitotic index, stage of maturation, ploidy level, and cell size of megakaryocytes; number and size of platelets were measured. Increased endomitosis among megakaryocytes was followed by an increase in the proportion of immature megakaryocytes, a greater average ploidy level of recognized megakaryocytes, and larger megakaryocytes. Maximum changes in these several parameters occurred between 32 and 72 hr after induction of thrombocytopenia. By 120 hr all megakarocyte parameters were near normal. For about 3 days, beginning at about 36 hr, platelet numbers increased rapidly. Average platelet size rose and returned to normal within about 60 hr. Changes in ploidy and size of megakaryocytes were measured in the immature and mature maturation stages. The results suggest that the initial stimulus in response to acute thrombocytopenia acts primarily on diploid precursors, programming them to mature into a population of megakaryocytes with an average ploidy approximately one level greater than in normal rats and a proportionate increase in cell size. The larger megakaryocytes presumably produce more platelets, accounting for a major part of the increased rate of platelet production. Since the changes in megakaryocytes begin to reverse before circulating platelet numbers have reached the normal level, reversal of the stimulus appears to be initiated by some change other than platelet mass.

The fusion protein toxin DAB389IL-2 is composed of the catalytic and transmembrane domains of diphtheria toxin genetically linked to human interleukin 2 (IL-2). This fusion toxin is selectively toxic for eukaryotic cells which express the high-affinity form of the IL-2 receptor and the mechanism of intoxication parallels that of native diphtheria toxin. We used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce Pro residues into each of the three helical layers of the transmembrane domain. Although each of the mutations results in the complete loss of cytotoxic activity, individual mutants were found to vary with respect to channel formation in planar lipid bilayers, binding affinity and melting temperature. We propose that each of the three helix layers plays a critical role in the productive delivery of the catalytic domain to the cell cytosol.Keywords: diphtheria toxin/fusion toxin/transmembrane domain

Rats were made acutely thrombocytopenic by injection of antiplatelet serum. Marrow sections and squash preparations were made at intervals during 120 hr. Determinations were made of mitotic index, stage of maturation, ploidy level, and cell size of megakaryocytes; number and size of platelets were measured. Increased endomitosis among megakaryocytes was followed by an increase in the proportion of immature megakaryocytes, a greater average ploidy level of recognized megakaryocytes, and larger megakaryocytes. Maximum changes in these several parameters occurred between 32 and 72 hr after induction of thrombocytopenia. By 120 hr all megakarocyte parameters were near normal. For about 3 days, beginning at about 36 hr, platelet numbers increased rapidly. Average platelet size rose and returned to normal within about 60 hr. Changes in ploidy and size of megakaryocytes were measured in the immature and mature maturation stages. The results suggest that the initial stimulus in response to acute thrombocytopenia acts primarily on diploid precursors, programming them to mature into a population of megakaryocytes with an average ploidy approximately one level greater than in normal rats and a proportionate increase in cell size. The larger megakaryocytes presumably produce more platelets, accounting for a major part of the increased rate of platelet production. Since the changes in megakaryocytes begin to reverse before circulating platelet numbers have reached the normal level, reversal of the stimulus appears to be initiated by some change other than platelet mass.

The article presents a reprint of the article "Communications: Mass Without Meaning," by Arthur R. Murphy, Jr., which appeared in the April 1967 issue of "Educational Technology." The article offers the author's insights on the role of communications media to bridge the understanding gap of informing the public regarding what is happening in a nation. The author states that despite the technological breakthoughs for communications media, information has become complex and isolated from people.

The article focuses on the National Science Foundation-funded study which reveals that features factors that foretold greater achievement across disciplines and regardless of factors like the students' test scores or socioeconomic status. Factors mentioned include developing a sense of belonging, enabling a "growth mindset," and having articulable personal goals and values. It presents views of psychology professor Fred Oswald on the same.

The article focuses on the academic achievement of the boys with the help of the physical activity. Particular focus is given to the research conducted by the University of Eastern Finland in orders to understand the reason behind achieving less in the academics due to restriction in physical activity. Consequences of the restriction on physical activity, views of the psychologist Michael Thompson, and result of the study are also discussed.

The article presents the author's take on the plan former U.S. Navy SEAL Eric Greitens outlined on how to raise children to be more resilient including setting a great example, taking responsibility, and seeking to serve others. Other tips discussed include practicing daily gratitude, letting others solve their own problems, and being a mentor, not a savior.

Focuses on Harris Semiconductor Sector's approach to production management that allowed higher throughput, lower inventories and shorter lead times. Shift of focus from reduction of operating expenses to generation of throughput for the whole fab; Synchronous flow manufacturing; Static and dynamic capacity modeling.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to the article "Sailors test flight suit for all hands, new coveralls" in the September 20, 2015 issue.

The article focuses on the anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (anti-SLAPP) law in Massachusetts. It is stated that the statute, which is intended to prevent the misuse of litigation in SLAPP suits, has given the advantage to defendants if plaintiffs fail to exercise their rights. It is believed that the statute has altered the legal landscape in the state, wherein it is used by those who are calling for change while affecting the ability to bring suit for defamation.

The article discusses several exceptions to the American Rule, a rule which allegedly requires each litigant to bear his own attorney's fees. Under some instances, a litigant can allegedly recompense the cost through permission granted by court rules, or agreed through contract. Another exception is found in state and federal statutes such as the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. Employment relationship is likewise named to be another consideration in transacting with these exceptions.

Offers advice regarding the Year 2000 computer problem in the United States and the law. Steps that can be taken by companies to reduce liability exposure; Issues for lawyers, business and consumers.

Letters to the editors are presented in response to various articles from previous issues, including "Snackin'--Pennsylvania Style" and "Building a Brand for Pennsylvania Products," and the recognition of the journal in the 2012 National History Day in Pennsylvania competition.

The article reports that the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 138 Section 34 has extended criminal liability to anyone who furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. Furnish is defined in the statute as knowingly or intentionally supplying, giving, providing to or allowing a person under 21 years of age, except for the children or grandchildren of the person being charged to possess alcoholic beverages on the premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged.

Discusses the ways by which employers can deal with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) unannounced visits to inspect employers' compliance to its workplace safety programs. Preparation of written OSHA program and making sure that the program is kept current; Ensuring that all OSHA-required written safety programs are in place and functioning.

A model of tritium transport in the environment near an atmospheric source of tritium is presented in the general context of modelling material cycling in ecosystems. The temporal and spatial scales of the model were chosen to allow a comparison with environmental monitoring data for tritium collected in the vicinity of the Savannah River Plant. Initial simulations with the model showed good agreement with the monitoring data, which included measurements of atmospheric and vegetation tritium concentrations. The model can also simulate values of tritium in organic matter in vegetation if the key parameter distributing the source of organic hydrogen is varied to fit the data. However, because of the lack of independent confirmation of the distribution parameter, there is still uncertainty about the role of organic movement of tritium in the food chain, and its effect on the dose to man. Simulations with the model have been used to estimate the effect of different values of the distribution parameter on the dose to man. The simulation suggests that the dose from tritiated hydrogen is about 4% of the dose from tritiated water vapour when direct incorporation of tritium into organic matter is not included. The relative dose can be considerably higher for cases where the distribution parameter is set to include very small amounts of organic tritium from atmospheric tritiated hydrogen.