cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of ATP/ADP Concentration at the Endothelial Surface by Shear Stress: Effect of Flow Recirculation

The extracellular presence of the adenine nucleotides ATP and ADP induces calcium mobilization in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). ATP/ADP concentration at the EC surface is determined by a balance of convective-diffusive transport to and from the EC surface, hydrolysis by ectonucleotidases at the cell surface, and flow-induced ATP release from ECs. Our previous numerical simulations in a parallel plate geometry had demonstrated that flow-induced ATP release has a profound effect on nucleotide concentration at the EC surface. In the present study, we have extended the modeling to probe the impact of flow separation and recirculation downstream of a backward facing step (BFS) on ATP/ADP concentration at the EC surface. The results show that for both steady and pulsatile flow over a wide range of wall shear stresses, the ATP+ADP concentration at the EC surface is considerably lower within the flow recirculation region than in areas of undisturbed flow outside the recirculation zone. Pulsatile flow also leads to sharp temporal gradients in nucleotide concentration. If confirmed experimentally, the present findings suggest that disturbed and undisturbed flow may affect EC calcium mobilization differently. Such differences might, in turn, contribute to the observed endothelial dysfunction in regions of disturbed flow.
A Foundation for Stressor-Based Prognostics for Next Generation Systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) scientists are performing research under the Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (NERI) program, to develop a methodology for accurate identification and prediction of equipment faults in critical machinery. The 3-year project, on-line intelligent self-diagnostic monitoring system (SDMS) for next generation nuclear power plants is scheduled for completion at the end of FY 2002. The research involves running machinery to failure in the Laboratory by the introduction of intentional faults. During testing, advanced diagnostic/prognostic sensors and analysis systems monitor the equipment stressor levels, correlate them with expected degradation rates, and predict the resulting machinery performance levels and residual lifetime. Application of a first principles physics-based approach is expected to produce prognostic methodologies of significantly higher accuracies than are currently available. This paper reviews the evolution and current state of the maintenance art. It presents a key measurement philosophy that results from the use of condition based maintenance (CBM) as a fundamental investigative precept, and explains how this approach impacts degradation and failure measurement and prediction accuracy. It then examines how this measurement approach is applied in sensing and correlating pump stressors with regard to degradation rate and time to equipment failure. The specifics are examined on how this approach is being applied at PNNL to cavitation and vibration phenomena in a centrifugal pump. Preliminary vibration analysis results show an excellent correspondence between the (laser) motor position indication, the vibration response, and the dynamic force loading on the bearings. Orbital harmonic vibratory motion of the pump and motor appear to be readily correlated through the FFTs of all three sensing systems.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The Elongin B Ubiquitin Homology Domain IDENTIFICATION OF ELONGIN B SEQUENCES IMPORTANT FOR INTERACTION WITH ELONGIN C

Mammalian Elongin B is a 118-amino acid protein composed of an 84-amino acid amino-terminal ubiquitin-like domain and a 34-amino acid carboxyl-terminal tail. Elongin B is found in cells as a subunit of the heterodimeric Elongin BC complex, which was originally identified as a positive regulator of RNA polymerase II elongation factor Elongin A and subsequently as a component of the multiprotein von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor and suppressor of cytokine signaling complexes. As part of our effort to understand how the Elongin BC complex regulates the activity of Elongin A, we are characterizing Elongin B functional domains. In this report, we show that the Elongin B ubiquitin-like domain is necessary and sufficient for interaction with Elongin C and for positive regulation of Elongin A transcriptional activity. In addition, by site-directed mutagenesis of the Elongin B ubiquitin-like domain, we identify a short Elongin B region that is important for its interaction with Elongin C. Finally, we observe that both the ubiquitin-like domain and carboxyl-terminal tail are conserved in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans Elongin B homologs that efficiently substitute for mammalian Elongin B in reconstitution of the transcriptionally active Elongin ABC complex, suggesting that the carboxyl-terminal tail performs an additional function not detected in our assays.
An Ethnographic Summary of the Tsimihety of Madagascar

A brief cultural surnmary of the Tsimihety, a Malagasy-speaking people inhabiting the escarpment area of northeastern Madagascar. Bascd on anthropological field work.
Immune response to a refrigerator-stable zoster vaccine.

We wish to correct some errors made by Gilderman et al. in their article entitled “A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Safety and Immunogenicity Study of a Refrigerator-Stable Formulation of Zostavax,” published in Clinical and Vaccine Immunology ([1][1]). (i) They cite
Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of the osmium triflate complexes Cp*Os(P-P)(OTf) and [Cp*Os(P-P)(OH2)][OTf]

Abstract Treatment of the osmium(II) hydrides Cp∗Os(P–P)H (Cp∗ = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (MeOTf) affords osmium(II) triflate complexes with the general formula Cp∗Os(P–P)(OTf), where P–P = bis(dimethylphosphino)methane (dmpm), bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), or 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe). The aqua complexes [Cp∗Os(dmpm)(OH2)][OTf] and [Cp∗Os(dppm)(OH2)][OTf] are synthesized by the addition of water to the corresponding anhydrous triflates. The complexes Cp∗Os(dppm)(OTf) and [Cp∗Os(dmpm)(OH2)][OTf] have been examined crystallographically, and all compounds have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy.
Anisotropies of perceived contrast and detection speed

Abstract Gratings of different orientations were compared in terms of both apparent contrast and detection speed. Magnitude estimates demonstrated that oblique gratings appear perceptually to have lower contrasts than horizontal or vertical gratings of the same physical contrast. This anisotropy of perceived contrast holds across a wide supratheshold range of physical contrasts. Even when gratings of the different orientations are equated in terms of perceived contrast, an oblique effect of detection time remains. The magnitude of this residual anisotropy of detection speed decreases as contrast is increased from threshold, such that this second anisotropy is observed only at a restricted range of lower contrasts.
Inhibition of 20 S and 26 S Proteasome Activity by Lithium Chloride IMPACT ON THE DIFFERENTIATION OF LEUKEMIA CELLS BY ALL-TRANS-RETINOIC ACID

Lithium affects several enzymatic activities, however, the molecular mechanisms of lithium actions are not fully understood. We previously showed that LiCl interacts synergistically with all-trans-retinoic acid to promote terminal differentiation of WEHI-3B D+ cells, a phenomenon accompanied by the recovery of the retinoid-induced loss of retinoic acid receptor α protein pools. Here, we demonstrate the effects of LiCl on proteasome-dependent degradation of retinoic acid receptor α proteins. LiCl alone, or in combination with all-trans-retinoic acid, increased cellular levels of ubiquitinated retinoic acid receptor α and markedly reduced chymotryptic-like activity of WEHI-3B D+ 20 S and 26 S proteasome enzymes. Neither KCl nor all-trans-retinoic acid affected enzyme activity, whereas NaCl produced a modest reduction at relatively high concentrations. In addition, LiCl inhibited 20 S proteasome chymotryptic-like activity from rabbits but had no effect on tryptic-like activity of the 26 S proteasome. This effect has significant consequences in stabilizing the retinoic acid receptor α protein levels that are necessary to promote continued differentiation of leukemia cells in response to all-trans-retinoic acid. In support of this concept, combination of proteasome inhibitors β-clastolactacystin or benzyloxycarbonyl-Leu-Leu-Phe with all-trans-retinoic acid increased differentiation of WEHI-3B D+ cells in a manner that was analogous to the combination of LiCl and all-trans-retinoic acid.
The rhetoric of stop era: Fatalistic reaffirmation

Despite its success and the publicity it has received, the STOP ERA movement, led by Phyllis Schlafly, has received little critical attention. This article examines: (1) the image which the group develops of its opponents; (2) the image it projects of its supporters; (3) the ideological framework indicated by these images; and, (4) the rhetorical implications of (1), (2), and (3). It concludes that, although the movement's ideology is implicitly fatalistic and manipulative, its reaffirmation of traditional perspectives and its appeal to the need for personal security make it extremely effective rhetorically.
Mechanotransduction and Developmental Control

This lecture will focus on the molecular basis of cellular mechanotransduction, how mechanical forces contribute to embryogenesis, and how physical forces influence tissue physiology. In addition, I will describe recent development of novel human organ-on-a-chip microdevices that can be used to study cellular mechanotransduction in a more physiologically relevant context.
Adoption of energy efficient technologies and carbon abatement: the electricity generating sector in India

Abstract A behavioral micro-economic framework was developed to analyze the impact of alternative mixes of policy reforms that eliminate existing regulatory distortions and a carbon emissions-tax on incentives to adopt energy efficient technologies and their implications for carbon emissions and output. An empirical application of this framework to the electricity-generating sector in India demonstrates that elimination of existing domestic and trade policy distortions has the potential to reduce carbon emissions even in the absence of an emissions-tax, by inducing the adoption of energy efficient technologies. In the presence of these policy reforms, an emissions-tax achieves a given level of abatement with higher output levels than in the absence of these reforms. This analysis indicates the potential for achieving a complementarity between the goals of reducing carbon emissions and increasing electricity generation by identifying the regulatory distortions that are hindering adoption of energy efficient technologies and tailoring policy reforms to specific distortions.
Social learning, sexual and physical abuse, and adult crime

This research examines the relationship between childhood physical and sexual abuse and the types of crimes committed by male adult offenders. We use the method of discriminant prediction to determine whether independent and dependent variables are related in ways that theories predict. Our analyses of data from the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities suggest that offenders model specific behaviors to which they have been exposed. Male offenders who were sexually abused as a child are more likely to commit sexual offenses, particularly sexual offenses against children, than nonsexual offenses. Offenders who were physically abused are more likely to engage in violent offenses than nonviolent offenses. Further analyses show that sexual offenders, and to a lesser extent violent offenders, are likely to specialize in those offenses. Our results are consistent with a social learning approach. They address a heretofore neglected issue: what exactly do children model when they are mistreated. Language: en
Dynamics of larval fish assemblages over a shallow coral reef in the Florida Keys

Few time series collections have been made of the larval ichthyofauna in waters directly above shallow coral reefs. As a result, relatively little is known regarding the composition and temporal dynamics of larval fish assemblages in shallow-reef waters, particularly those near a major western boundary current. We conducted a series of nightly net tows from a small boat over a shallow reef (Pickles Reef) along the upper Florida Keys during four new moon and three third-quarter moon periods in July (two new moons), August, and September 2000. Replicate tows were made after sunset at 0–1 m and at 4–5 m depth to measure the nightly progression in community composition, differences in depth of occurrence, and abundance and diversity with lunar phase. A total of 66 families was collected over the 3-month period, with a mean (±SE) nightly density of 23.7±2.1 larvae per 100 m3 and diversity of 24.2±0.9 taxa per tow. A total of 28.8% of the catch was composed of small, schooling fishes in the families Atherinidae, Clupeidae, and Engraulidae. Of the remaining catch, the top ten most abundant families included reef fishes as well as mangrove and oceanic taxa (in descending order): Scaridae, Blennioidei (suborder), Gobiidae, Paralichthyidae, Lutjanidae, Haemulidae, Labridae, Gerreidae (mangrove), Balistidae, and Scombridae (oceanic). These near-reef larval fish assemblages differed substantially from those collected during previous offshore collections. Taxa such as the Haemulidae were collected at a range of sizes and may remain nearshore throughout their larval period. Overall, the abundance and diversity of taxa did not differ with depth (although within-night vertical migration was evident) or with lunar phase. Temporal patterns of abundance of larval fish families clustered into distinct groups that in several cases paralleled family life-history patterns. In late July, a sharp shift in larval assemblages signaled the replacement of oceanic water with inner shelf/bay water. In general, the suite and relative abundance of taxa collected each night differed from those collected on other nights, and assemblages reflected distinct nightly events as opposed to constant or cyclical patterns. Proximity to the Florida Current likely contributes to the dynamic nature of these near-reef larval assemblages. Our results emphasize the uniqueness of near-reef larval fish assemblages and point to the need for further examination of the biophysical relationships generating event-related temporal patterns in these assemblages.
Marriage: Direct and continuous measurement

Marriage partners who were college students were asked to count and chart the frequency of marital behaviors (sexual intercourse, arguments, and socials) per day for a period of at least 3 months. Functional relationships were found between arguments and sex. Couples who engaged in sexual intercourse at a higher rate than they argued described their marriage as “happy.” Marriages with rates of argument higher than rates of intercourse described their relationship as “definitely unhappy.” Daily records of these behaviors functionally pinpointed and quantified changes in the status of a couple’s marriage across time. In marriages described as “tolerable,” the sex rate was only slightly higher than the rate of arguments, but both rates were extremely low.
PS2-33: Non-physician Providers, Cancer Screening and Health Behavior Counseling

Background Patients who receive a physician’s recommendation for cancer screening and behavioral modification are most likely to comply with these recommendations. However, physicians face time constraints that make it nearly impossible to provide all recommended preventive services. Furthermore, the 2010 Affordable Care Act will expand health insurance coverage to 42 million Americans by 2014. This will increase demand for primary care. Non-physician providers may help meet this new demand for primary care and ensure compliance with preventive services recommendations.
Experimental data and analysis of the October 2003 Forbush decrease

On October 28, 2003 an Earthward-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed from SOHO/LASCO imagery in conjunction with an X17 solar flare. The CME, traveling at nearly 2000 km/s, impacted the Earth on October 29, 2003 causing ground-based particle detectors to register a counting rate drop known as a Forbush decrease. The CME was not only responsible for affecting the rate of cosmic rays, but also caused anisotropies in their direction of incidence. Data from Project GRAND, an array of proportional wire chambers which detects secondary muons, are presented during the time of this Forbush decrease.
The Uses of Social Indicators

As statistical time series social indicators are used to monitor the social system helping to identify changes and guide interventions to alter the course of social change. Extending time series into the future while an imperfectly developed art enables more realistic planning. The geographic allocation of resources by governments through ecological indicators redistributes funds more equitably. Social indicators lend themselves to geographic disaggregation and analysis by successively smaller area units: nation region state subregion district or county. Cities are similarly into ecological areas. Such detail makes possible comparison of trends of ecological units and opens the analytical possibility of interrelating social with physical and biological indicators. This yields insights into the influences of population social organization technology and environmental effects upon a public problem or concern. By combining with programmatic activities to alter the rate and direction of change social indicators may play a role in social transformations. The social indicator "movement" has led to improvements in social measurement social reporting and social accounting and has stimulated measurement of the quality of life. By employing social indicators sociological research should include the time dimension ecological variables and should attempt forecasts of the furture.
Synthetic fluid inclusions in natural quartz. IV. Chemical analyses of fluid inclusions by SEM/EDA: Evaluation of method

Abstract The compositions of individual synthetic fluid inclusions in the systems NaCl-KCl, NaCl-CaCl 2 and NaCl-KCl-CaCl 2 have been semi-quantitatively determined by energy dispersive analysis of precipitates produced during thermal decrepitation. Inclusions containing known mixtures of 20 wt.% total salinity were synthesized by healing fractures in natural quartz at 600–700°C and 5–7 kbars for 7–10 days. The two-phase, daughter-free inclusions homogenized at 170–250°C, began to decrepitate after about 100° of overheating and by 360–420°C a significant number of decrepitates had formed on the polished surface. Peak heights generated by EDA (raster mode) of these decrepitates were standardized using both single and mixed salt standards evaporated to dryness in a vacuum. Although the mixed salt standards better approximated the decrepitate compositions, difficulties were encountered in producing micronscale homogeneity and the single salts yielded more reliable results. Eight different solutions of 20–23 wt.% total salinity were run and in all the samples the average compositions of 10–20 discrete, single inclusion decrepitates fell with 6 wt.% (0.2 to 5.2) of the actual composition, suggesting that the decrepitates were chemically representative of their precursor inclusions. However, not all decrepitates analyzed provided similarly accurate results. Electron mapping revealed that fracture-aligned decrepitates were often chemically inhomogeneous and thus had to be avoided. A sample decrepitated at 500°C yielded spurious results suggesting that chloride volatility may become a significant problem when temperatures in excess of 450°C are required for decrepitation. Decrepitates with diameters between 10 and 30 μm yielded more consistent and accurate results than smaller or larger decrepitates on the same samples.
Purification, properties, and metabolic roles of NAD + -glutamate dehydrogenase in Clostridium botulinum 113B

Cell-free extracts of proteolytic strains of Clostridium botulinum types A, B and F (group I) were found to have unusually high specific activities of NAD+-dependent L-glutamate dehydrogenase (NAD-GDH). In comparison, nonproteolytic strains of types B, E and F (group II) had low specific activities. The enzyme was purified 131-fold from C. botulinum 113B to a final specific activity of greater than 1,092 mumol x min-1 x mg protein-1. The enzyme is a hexamer of a polypeptide of Mr = 42,500, and the native molecular weight is 250,800. The apparent Km values for substrates were 5.3 mM for glutamate and 0.028 mM for NAD+ in the deamination reaction, and 7.2 mM for alpha-ketoglutarate, 243 mM for NH4+ and 0.028 mM for NADH in the reverse reaction. NADP+ did not serve as a hydrogen acceptor for the enzyme. Activity in the animation direction was inhibited by fumarate, oxalacetate, aspartate, glutamate and glutamine. The results suggest that GDH is important in group I (proteolytic) C. botulinum to generate alpha-ketoglutarate as a substrate for transamination reactions. We have also found that the high activity decreases significantly when cells are exposed to sodium chloride. Therefore GDH probably has several important physiological roles in group I proteolytic C. botulinum.
Effect of Dexamethasone on the Carbohydrate Chains of the Insulin Receptor

Abstract Dexamethasone treatment of IM-9 lymphocytes and Fao hepatoma cells resulted in an increase in synthesis of the insulin receptor. The receptors synthesized after stimulation with the glucocorticoid had altered carbohydrate structure. The carbohydrate side chains of the insulin receptor were less branched on the dexamethasone-treated cells; i.e.,the ratio of saccharides with three and four branches to those bearing only two branches was decreased. The predominant polymannose oligosaccharide after dexamethasone treatment was Man9GlcNAc (vs Man6GlcNAc in the control cell). Both of these changes are consistent with a less complete processing of the N-linked carbohydrate units and were not observed for the total cellular glycoproteins, whereas all glycoproteins manifested an increased sialylation in Fao cells after dexamethasone treatment. These data indicate that glucocorticoid treatment results in alterations in branching of carbohydrate side chains, in the size of polymannose chains and in sialylation of the insulin receptor.
Exploring Environmental Values Cross-nationally

Forging Environmentalism: Justice, Livelihood, and Contested Environments. Edited by Joanne Bauer. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe, 2006. 448 pp., $83.95 cloth (ISBN-13: 978-0-7656-1535-0), $32.95 paper (ISBN-13: 978-0-7656-1536-7). Forging Environmentalism , by Joanne Bauer, is at last a meaty book that explores the variety of “environmentalisms” in a thorough and thoughtful manner. This long overdue volume is a worthy successor to Ramachandra Guha and Juan Martinez-Alier's Varieties of Environmentalism (1997). However, this book is not simply a sociological exploration. It is, rather, a multidisciplinary one, combining global environmental politics with a more specialized look at the value antecedents of policymaking. As stated by Bauer, this project was about understanding “What motivates people to act” and about enhancing “our understanding of environmental values and their expression in different social and cultural contexts around the globe” (p. 1). In many respects, Forging Environmentalism is an investigation of environmental conflicts as well as values. In fact, the detailed case studies, which serve as the primary database for the book's findings, were constructed precisely to see what values bubbled up to the surface in different but hotly contested events in four different countries. These values were then skimmed off and examined closely, but never without appreciating their larger context. The book's overarching conclusion is that “environmental values” are not distinct from other values that we hold. In fact, they are entangled within culture, custom, and social identity. To sum up, environmental values are so integral to who we are and to what we do that they cannot be cleanly separated out. Thus, environmental conflicts should not simply be framed as material needs versus nonmaterial values because values shape our material needs as well as …
Aspartate-induced dissociation of proximal from distal retinal activity in the mudpuppy.

Abstract The effects of aspartate (Asp) on the ERG and on neuronal, glial, and K + responses were monitored continuously in the superfused mudpuppy eyecup. Asp induced a time-dependent sequence of events which may be divided into three stages: Stage I , initially, light-evoked responses throughout the retina are depressed; Stage 2 , distal responses (horizontal, bipolar, and K + responses) return to near pre-drug amplitudes and there is a simultaneous ERG enhancement, but responses in the proximal retina remain suppressed; Stage 3 , a second depression of retinal responses leads to a -wave isolation. The dissociation of distal from proximal responses observed during Stage 2 strongly supports the hypothesis that the ERG b -wave results from events arising in the distal retinal network.
A new kind of immunosuppression associated with erythropoiesis.

Abstract A new type of immunosuppression associated with erythropoiesis in genetic low responder mice is reported. C57B1/6J mice do not produce antibodies after a single dose of Escherichia coli β-D-galactosidase but become primed and mount memory. These two immunological functions are confined to the spleen and are abrogated by erythropoiesis occurring in this organ at the time of first antigen contact. This finding reveals new aspects of the relationship between hematopoiesis and the immune response, particularly their regulatory interactions when they occur close to each other.
Escherichia coli plasmid pBR313 insertion into plant protoplasts and into their nuclei.

Cowpea mesophyll protoplasts were shown to bind irreversibly up to 3% input radioactive pBR313 plasmid DNA after 15 min of contact. Maximum uptake occurred in the presence of 5mM ZnSO4 and 5 μg/ml poly-L-ornithine. Under these conditions about one half of the TCA precipitable radioactivity was associated with the nuclear fraction and behaved as linear plasmid molecules. These could not be chased from the protoplasts upon further incubation with unlabeled plasmid DNA. The presence of donor DNA within the nuclear fraction is most probably not due to an artifactual redistribution of adsorbed plasmid DNA. Prolonged incubation periods resulted in extensive degradation of plasmid in the incubation medium but little degradation occurred in the protoplasts. The donor DNA was not covalently associated with the protoplast nuclear DNA.
Repeat Operative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Because sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy continues to be used for staging in patients with breast cancer, physicians treating these patients will be faced with in-breast recurrences and new primary breast cancers in the treated breast. Repeat operative SLN biopsy might be feasible in this clinical scenario. This report describes the case of a patient with an ipsilateral different-site, recurrent, infiltrating ductal carcinoma 14 months after lumpectomy; negative SLN biopsy result; and radiation therapy, now with a positive SLN biopsy result.
Fish assemblage response to recent mitigation of a channelized warmwater stream

Various designs of low-head dams are used to rehabilitate streams or forestall upstream channel incision after channelization. We report on the efficacy of using notched sills and grade control structures (GCS) to restore the fish assemblage in Luxapallila Creek, Mississippi. We tested the null hypotheses that habitat variables and species richness, evenness, and assemblage structure would not differ among: (1) a channelized segment with no modifications; (2) a channelized segment mitigated by the installation of sills and GCS; (3) a segment upstream of the installations and undergoing channel incision; and (4) an unaltered segment. Although habitat variables changed, neither species richness, evenness, nor fish assemblage structure differed between mitigated and channelized segments with both exhibiting less richness and different assemblage structures than the unaltered segment. Lack of differences in species richness between the incised and unaltered segments suggest that the GCS may have halted the negative effects of upstream channel incision before species were extirpated. Conspicuous habitat differences between the altered (channelized and mitigated) and unaltered segments were lack of backwaters and canopy coverage and finer substrates in the altered segments. Our results suggest a more comprehensive rehabilitation strategy is required in Luxapallila Creek. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inner-outer beauty: DNA-binding surface tags as cellular barcodes

Zinc-finger DNA-binding domains are expressed on the surface of cells so that the cells can be tagged with fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides, enabling many possible applications in complex cell populations.
Inhibition of adenylate cyclase by p-bromophenacyl bromide.

Abstract p -Bromophenacyl bromide (BPB) is an alkylating agent which has been used in biochemical studies as an inhibitor of phospholipase A 2 activity. We report here that BPB irreversibly inhibited adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by hormones, forskolin, GppNHp, NaF, and cholera toxin. The action of BPB in S49 lymphoma cell membranes (wild type and cyc − ) indicates that it can inhibit adenylate cyclase function in the absence of G s . In the presence of G s , however, inhibition of adenylate cyclase by BPB was enhanced, suggesting that BPB may covalently modify the catalytic protein on a site involved in activated catalytic functioning or critical to its interaction with G s and/or additionally on the α s protein.
Design of horizontal magnetic dipole for HF communications

In high-frequency (HF) frequency band radio waves can propagate over a few thousand kilometers owing to the reflection from ionosphere. In doing so, the ionosphere channel constitute an alternative to satellite communications when smaller data rates (bandwidths) are of interest. The entire range of distances can be covered if an antenna system supports all three modes of propagation: near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS), long range skywave and surface wave. Design of antennas for NVIS mode is the most challenging since they have to operate over the low end of HF frequency band. Due to size constrains, these antennas are electrically small, and thus they are inherently narrowband and have small radiation resistance. In addition, antenna pattern should have maximum at zenith, though there is no stringent requirement for the signal polarization.
Backward Recognition Masking in Relative Pitch Judgments

Backward recognition masking refers to interference of a second masking tone with recognition of a target tone presented earlier in time. The degree of interference has been found to decrease as the length of the silent interval separating the two tones increases. These results have been interpreted as representing interference of the masking tone upon the preperceptual storage and perceptual resolution of the target. It is logically possible, however, that the masking tone does not interfere with perceptual resolution but interferes with comparison of the target to a long-term memory representation. The current research was designed to provide a critical test of this alternative hypothesis by modifying the backward recognition masking task. Subjects determined whether the masking tone was higher or lower in pitch than the target tone. The frequencies of the target and masking tones varied randomly across trials. This ensured that the task could not be performed by comparing the target to a representation...
Clinical Categories of Neuroblastoma Are Associated with Different Patterns of Loss of Heterozygosity on Chromosome Arm 1p

Deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 is frequently observed in neuroblastoma (NB). We performed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of 120 well characterized NB to better define specific regions of 1p loss and any association with clinical and biological prognostic features (DNA index, MYCN, age, and stage). All categories of disease were represented including 7 ganglioneuromas, 8 stage 4S, 33 local-regional (stages 1, 2, and 3), and 72 stage 4 NB according to the International Neuroblastoma Staging System. Patients were consistently treated with stage-appropriate protocols at a single institution. Sixteen highly informative, polymorphic loci mapping to chromosome 1 were evaluated using a sensitive, semiautomated, fluorescent detection system. Chromosome arm 1p deletions were detected in all categories of tumor except ganglioneuroma. Frequent LOH was detected at two separate regions of 1p and distinct patterns of losses were associated with individual clinical/biological categories. Clinically aggressive stage 4 tumors were predominantly diploid with extensive LOH frequently detected in the region of 1ptel to 1p35 (55%) and at 1p22 (56%). The shortest region of overlap for LOH at 1p36 was between D1S548 and D1S1592 and for 1p22 was between D1S1618 and D1S2766. Local-regional tumors were mostly hyperdiploid with short regions of loss primarily involving terminal regions of 1p36 (42%). Most spontaneously regressing stage 4S tumors (7/8) were hyperdiploid without loss of 1p36 or 1p22. These findings suggest that genes located on at least two separate regions of chromosome arm 1p play a significant role in the biology of NB and that distinct patterns of 1p LOH occur in individual clinical/biological categories.
The mucilaginous layer of citrus roots — Its delineation in the rhizosphere and removal from roots

The presence of a mucilaginous layer adhering to the epidermal cells of young citrus roots was noted. Washing the roots with 1N NH4Cl for 1 minute removed this layer and the micro-organisms embedded in it. Chemical analysis of this extract yielded from 2–20% of the total specific root cations. It is thought that the mucilagenous layer and associated micro-organisms are a part of the rhizopshere and can act as a reservoir and supply of nutrients for the plant.
Daily monetary policy shocks and new home sales

Abstract The conventional notion of a monetary policy shock as a surprise change in the fed funds rate is misspecified. The primary news for market participants is not what the Fed just did, but is instead new information about the Fed's future intentions. Revisions in these anticipations show up instantaneously in long-term mortgage rates. Home sales do not respond until much later. This paper attributes this delay—and hence much of the hump-shaped response of economic activity to monetary policy—to cross-sectional heterogeneity in search times. This framework allows one in principle to measure policy impacts at the daily frequency.
Is it cute or does it count? Learning to teach for meaningful social studies in elementary grades

Abstract Using a framework of conceptual and practical tools ( Grossman et al., 2000 ), this study explores ways in which a social studies methods course affected beginning teachers’ beliefs and pedagogical approaches for meaningful social studies instruction in elementary grades. Participants included 75 preservice teachers who completed open-ended questionnaires before and after the course, and again one year later as student teachers. Three participants were observed teaching social studies lessons during student teaching to determine how the methods course impacted their nascent instructional practices. The study adds to our understanding about “what sticks” in teacher education and offers insights to researchers and to teacher educators who aim to equip future teachers for “powerful and purposeful” ( NCSS, 2009 ) social studies instruction.
Operative Outcomes After Open Repair of Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in the Era of Endovascular Surgery

Background Since the advent of endovascular techniques for repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAAs), there has been a relative paucity of current data for open repairs. The purpose of this study was to assess the operative and long-term outcomes in a contemporary series of open repairs of DTAAs. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 68 patients (63 ±14.5 years) who underwent DTAA repairs between January 1999 and December 2010. Forty-two patients (62%) were male, 16 (24%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 7 (10%) required dialysis preoperatively, 11 (16%) had contained rupture, 25 (37%) had previous cardioaortic operations, and 10 (15%) had previous aortic arch replacement (stage 1 elephant trunk). The entire descending thoracic aorta was replaced in 34 patients (50%). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 64 patients (94%) and deep hypothermic arrest in 22 (32%). Results In-hospital mortality was 3% (2 patients). There was no immediate paraplegia. Delayed paraplegia developed in 1 patient (1.5%). Postoperative stroke occurred in 3 patients (4.4%), and 20 (29%) required prolonged ventilatory support (intubation ≥48 hours). New-onset renal insufficiency (creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dL) developed postoperatively in 6 patients (9%), and 1 (1.5%) required temporary dialysis. The median follow-up time was 5.8 ± 3.8 years. Sixteen of the 66 operative survivors (24.2%) died during follow-up. Probability of survival was 82% ± 0.05% at 5 years and 67% ± 0.07% at 10 years. Reintervention was necessary in 4 patients (6%). Freedom from reintervention was 98% ± 0.02% at 5 years and 89% ± 0.06% at 10 years. The univariable predictor of long-term death was postoperative reintubation ( p Conclusions In the era of endovascular repair of DTAAs, operative death and morbidity outcomes for open repairs are observed to be low. In addition to good long-term survival rates, open repairs are durable, as evidenced by low reintervention rates.
Specificity limits of L-leucine transport in chicken small intestine.

Die Darmabsorption von Leucin wurde bei Huhnern in vitro im 5-Sekunden-Versuch untersucht und ein Absorptionssystem fur Leucin beschrieben.
Visualization of biological specimens by cryoHVEM

This article describes the operation and the characteristics of cryoHVEM imaging of biological specimens using a top-entry cryostage. The procedure for inserting frozen specimens into the microscope column is also presented. Whole mounts were observed under optimal imaging conditions by combining: fixation by fast freezing for structure preservation without exposure to chemicals, observation in the hydrated (frozen) state or in the dried state without exposure to the atmosphere after the initial fixation by freezing, and ultrastructural visualization with the key imaging factors of resolution, penetration and beam-induced damage at their best by high-voltage electron microscopy.
Potential of Plants from the Genus Agave as Bioenergy Crops

Agave is a succulent genus within the monocot family Agavaceae. The plants have a large rosette of thick fleshy leaves, each ending generally in a sharp point, and are native to arid and semi-arid regions from the southern USA to northern South America. The most important commercial species is Agave tequilana grown for production of tequila. Several cultivated species of Agave such as Agave sislana and Agave salmiana can perform well in areas where rainfall is insufficient for the cultivation of many C3 and C4 crops. The key feature of the crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthetic pathway used by agaves is the stomata opening and CO2 uptake during the night, thus allowing less water to be lost by transpiration. Alcoholic beverages, sweeteners, fibers, and some specialty chemicals are currently the main products coming from agave plants. The recovered information related to productivity, biofuel processability, by-products, etc. suggests that some Agave species have a real potential to compete economically with other bioenergy crops. But more than compete, it could complement the list of bioenergy crops due to its capacity to grow with very little rainfall and/or inputs and still reach good amount of biomass, so unused semi-arid land could be productive. Although Agave has great potential to be developed as a bioenergy crop, more laboratory and field research are needed.
Ultrastructure of the myeloma cell

An evaluation of the ultrastructure of the myeloma cell in 19 cases confirms its marked pleomorphism. It ranges from a cell indistinguishable from the normal plasmacyte or its precursors to a cell with clearly abnormal configuration. Abnormal features included abnormalities in size and shape of the cell, nucleus, nucleolus and mitochondria; nucleocytoplasmic asynchronism; disorganization, atypical location and hypertrophy of the Golgi apparatus; and the presence of multiple centrioles. Six types of arrangement of the endoplasmic reticulum were differentiated. In certain cases there were cells with seemingly intermediate features between the lymphocyte or the reticulum cell and the plasma-myeloma cell. Intranuclear and different types of cytoplasmic dense (osmiophilic) bodies were observed. These bodies likely represent condensed protein and some may be lysosomes. Some morphologic features suggest that the Golgi apparatus plays a role in the condensing process. The myeloma cell releases its secretion mainly by clasmatosis or cytoplasmic fragmentation.
Electron microscope studies in experimental thrombosis.

Abstract Thrombi were produced experimentally in rats and studied at various stages of organization with the electron microscope. Fibrin, which is a prominent constituent of the early thrombus, was virtually absent after 4 days. There was evidence of collagen formation within the wall at 2 days, and there was extensive fibrogenesis within the thrombus at 4 days. The thrombi were first recanalized by solid cell cylinders which were converted into mature capillaries by a process of growth and fusion of extracellular spaces between adjacent endothelial cells. Other significant features and problems relating to the organization of thrombi are briefly discussed.
Increased NADPH-dependent Chemiluminescence by Microsomes After Chronic Ethanol Consumption

The generation of reactive oxygen intermediates by microsomes from ethanol-fed rats and pair-fed controls was determined by assaying for NADPH-dependent chemiluminescence. In the absence or presence of added ferric complexes, microsomal light emission was elevated several-fold after chronic ethanol consumption. Iron complexes such as ferric-citrate or ferric-ATP stimulated, while ferric-EDTA, inhibited microsomal chemiluminescence. Freeze-thawing the microsomes to elevate their content of lipid hydroperoxides resulted in large increases in chemiluminescence; under all conditions, the light emission remained several-fold higher with microsomes from the ethanol-fed rats. Chemiluminescence was not sensitive to superoxide dismutase, catalase, or the hydroxyl radical scavenging agent, dimethyl sulfoxide, but was inhibited by antioxidants and by glutathione. Replacing air with a mixture of 50% nitrogen-50% air or 50% carbon monoxide-50% air had no effect on chemiluminescence by microsomes from the pair-fed controls. However, the chemiluminescent response by microsomes from the ethanol-fed rats was inhibited about 50% by the nitrogen mixture, and was further inhibited (about 75% of values found with 100% air, and 50% of values found with 50% nitrogen-50% air) with the carbon monoxide mixture. The sensitivity to carbon monoxide suggests the possibility that the alcohol-inducible cytochrome P-450 isozyme may contribute, in part, to the elevated light emission produced by microsomes from the ethanol-fed rats. The increase in chemiluminescence by microsomes after chronic ethanol consumption appears to reflect an elevated level of lipid hydroperoxides as well as an increased rate of generation of reactive oxygen species.
Reactivity in the hippocampectomized gerbil

Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) suffering bilateral hippocampal destruction, destruction of the posterolateral neocortex, and normal animals were presented auditory and visual stimulation at both high and low intensities. Hippocampectomized Ss showed enhanced reactivity in the high intensity conditions. The greatest level of reactivity occurred following the visual stimulation. Animals with destruction restricted to neocortex did not differ from normal animals in any of the four conditions.
Bacteriocins applied to food packaging materials to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes on meats

Bacteriocins in powders were produced from milk-based media and applied to food packaging films. Nisin and pediocin “powders” were retained in casings during dialysis. Antilisterial casings were prepared by internal coating with pediocin. Antilisterial activity applied in powdered form was retained during processing and retained on contact food packaging surfaces. Pediocin powder was applied to plastic packaging bags at 7.75 μg/cm2. Meats and poultry samples were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes. The bags coated with pediocin powder completely inhibited growth of inoculated L. monocytogenes through 12 wk storage at 4°C. Applying bacteriocins to food packaging films is an effective approach to reduce L. monocytogenes contamination in meats and poultry.
Agile Practices in a Small-Scale, Time-Intensive Web Development Project

Agile development has received increasing interest both in industry and academia due to its benefits in developing software quickly, meeting customer needs, and keeping pace with the rapidly changing requirements. However, agile practices and Scrum in particular have been mainly tested in mid-to large-size projects. We present findings from a case study of agile practices in a small-scale, time-intensive web development project at a college-level IT competition. Based on the observation of the development process, the interview of the project team, and the study of relevant documents, we describe how agile practices such as daily Scrums, backlogs, and sprints were successfully adopted to the development.
A high fidelity ungrounded torque feedback device: The iTorqU 2.0

This paper discusses the design and operation of the iTorqU 2.0, an ungrounded, handheld torque feedback device for haptic applications. Based upon the gyroscopic effect, the iTorqU 2.0 uses a metal flywheel inside of a two-axis actuated gimbal to create directional torques that are applied to the user's hand. The coupling of angular velocity and angular momentum creates a torque that is orthogonal to the two input angular velocities, giving the user the impression that their hand is being twisted in free air. Following a review of prior work in the field of ungrounded torque feedback devices, we first present our preliminary prototype, the iTorqU 1.0. Building on empirical observations and user feedback from a public demonstration, we revised and augmented this design to create the iTorqU 2.0. This paper covers the major mechanical, electrical, and controls design considerations that went into creating the iTorqU 2.0, along with an analysis of its torque output capabilities.
Evaluations of two methods to clean utility line: PWM-voltage source rectifiers and active power filters

Two methods to solve harmonic pollution problems caused by the diode rectifier are possible: one replacing the diode rectifier with a PWM rectifier and the other connecting an active power filter to the diode rectifier. Despite numerous publications for two converters, the features and evaluations between them have not been clearly explained. This paper, in detail, presents a theoretical analysis and a systematic comparison of the two converters, from the point of view of converter kVA ratings, DC bus voltage requirements, switch ratings, and reactive component designs.