cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A trypsin-solubilized laccase from pharate pupal integument of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

A laccase-like enzyme was solubilized from Manduca sexta pharate pupal integument by trypsin treatment and partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, ultracentrifugation and anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The molecular weight of the laccase as determined by gel filtration HPLC was 250 ± 30 kDa. The most purified preparation contained a single oxidase with typical laccase activity as determined by substrate and inhibitor specificities, enzyme kinetics, and a single band of enzyme activity on nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels with syringaldazine (SYR) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) substrates. The specific activity of the most purified enzyme preparation was 18.0 μmol of quinone and 1.1 μmol of ϱ-quinoneimine formed min−1 mg−1 from 2-methylhydroquinone (MHQ) and DOPA, respectively, at pH 6. The pH optimum of the laccase was 6 for MHQ and about 7 for N-acetyldopamine. Incubation of the M. sexta laccase with selective laccase and tyrosinase inhibitors demonstrated that the enzyme is generally inhibited like fungal laccase with p-diphenolic substrates and like mushroom tyrosinase with o-diphenolic substrates. Manduca laccase affinity for MHQ was 400-fold greater than that for DOPA and the catalytic efficiency (VmaxKm) for oxidation of the p-diphenol was 2000-fold higher than that for the o-diphenol. Topical application of SYR to pharate pupal forewing cuticle revealed laccase activity in situ. The natural tanning precursor, N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD), was the best o-diphenolic substrate tested. N-β-Alanylnorepinephrine was also formed at a high rate when NBAD was incubated with M. sexta laccase, but at a low rate with fungal laccase, suggesting specificity for side chain oxidation through a p-quinone methide intermediate. The results indicate that M. sexta laccase is important for oxidizing cuticular o-diphenols to o-quinone and p-quinone methide tanning agents for sclerotization of the M. sexta pupal exoskeleton.
Histopathologic spectrum of oral Kaposi's sarcoma

There has been a striking increase in the incidence of oral Kaposi's sarcoma in association with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Oral lesions are seen in approximately 50% of AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. Lesions may appear as a flat or raised pigmented area, often resembling a benign vascular lesion, and are commonly found on the palate. Useful histopathologic criteria for the recognition and diagnosis of oral Kaposi's sarcoma include (1) atypical vascular channels (especially in early lesions), (2) a prominent spindle cell component in later lesions, (3) extravasated red blood cells, (4) hemosiderin, (5) the presence of eosinophilic bodies, (6) chronic inflammatory cells in early lesions, and (7) mitotic figures in tumor-stage lesions.
Ultrathin Carbon Support Films for Electron Microscopy

Carbon support films only 4 to 6 angstroms thick have been made for use in electron microscopy. The determination of their thickness is based on geometrical calculation, electron scattering measurements, and elemental microanalysis.
Modeling of Shape Memory Alloy Wire Meshes Using Effective Lamina Properties for Improved Analysis Efficiency

Shape memory alloy (SMA) wire meshes are being investigated for their potential effectiveness as active layers in self-folding origami laminates. The currently studied meshes consist of two orthogonal sets of equally spaced parallel SMA wires. The modeling of self-folding laminates with SMA wire meshes becomes computationally demanding at full scale due to the expenses of accurately representing the bending segments of the SMA meshes. Modeling the wires as beam, shell, or three-dimensional entities can be used for such purposes; however, those options become difficult to implement due to the small dimensions of the mesh compared to the full scale self-folding system and the algorithmic complexity of considering the application of heating power to discrete wire regions. A solution to this problem is to model the SMA meshes using an equivalent lamina representation. In this work, an effective lamina model for the representation of the SMA wire meshes that accounts for thermoelastic and inelastic phase transformation behavior is developed. A reduced order version of the effective lamina model is implemented and validated against finite element simulations of an SMA wire mesh considering the same underlying 3D constitutive model. The results show that the effective lamina model accurately predicts the behavior of the fully modeled SMA wire mesh. Future work includes the calibration of the full version of the model and its implementation in a finite element framework.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The paradox of β-adrenergic blockade for the management of congestive heart failure

Abstract purpose: To review the current data regarding the use of β-adrenergic blockers for the treatment of congestive heart failure. material and methods: Relevant studies published between 1975 and 1991 were reviewed. Key data from each study were extracted. The significance of conclusions reached by each author(s) was identified. results: β-Adrenergic blockade, although still considered an investigational therapy for the treatment of congestive heart failure, has been proven in several studies to improve ventricular function, including myocardial contractility and relaxation. In addition, since β-blockade up-regulates myocardial β-receptors, the myocardium becomes more responsive to graded doses of β-agonists. Speculation regarding the possible mechanisms of these effects is presented. In addition, since β-blockers have been shown to reduce neurohormonal activation, they may have a beneficial effect on survival. Although small pilot studies or subgroup analysis of larger studies suggest β-blockade therapy improves survival in heart failure, this has yet to be proven. Large prospective trials are warranted to study this issue. conclusions: As current data suggest, β-blockers improve ventricular function and reduce neurohormonal activation in heart failure. β-blockers should be considered as adjunctive therapy in patients with congestive heart failure. In addition, future studies are warranted to better elucidate their effects on ventricular function and survival.
Plato on dialectic and dialogue

Selon Platon, la philosophie consiste en dialogues, en questions-et-reponses, i.e. en elenchus socratique, et Platon defend pertinemment cette vision de l'enquete philosophique
Age-related differences in the induction of 2–5A synthetase and 2–5A dependent binding protein activities by interferon in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages

Abstract 2–5A synthetase and binding protein activities in peritoneal macrophages have been compared between young (6 month) and old (22–24 month) guinea pigs. Enzyme activities are lower in aged animals with a 17% and a 31% reduction in synthetase and binding protein activities, respectively. In addition, the response to the addition of mouse fibroblast interferon by macrophages from these two age groups is also substantially different. Whereas addition of interferon to young guinea pig macrophages elicits a 3.8- and a 1.7-fold increase in the synthetase and binding protein activities, only a marginal elevation in these two enzyme activities is found with interferon-treated old guinea pig macrophages. Analysis by thin layer chromatography demonstrates a marked difference in the relative distribution of the various oligomeric forms of 2–5A synthesized by young or old guinea pig macrophages. The binding protein in old animals appears to be significantly more thermolabile than the corresponding activity from young animals. The altered response to interferon and the difference in enzymatic properties in aged animals may represent part of the mechanisms involved in the progressive loss of the adaptative ability of an organism to environmental changes during senescence.
In vitro propagation of two Perkinsus species from the softshell clam Mya arenaria

Deux cultures axeniques permanentes de Perkinsus spp. (H49 et G1 17) ont ete obtenues de la palourde a coquille lisse Mya arenaria, recoltee a Swan Point dans le fleuve Chester, dans la baie de Chesapeake (Maryland). L'isolat H49 a ete obtenu de l'hemolymphe d'une palourde hautement infestee. Mise a part leur grande taille, les trophzoites et les schizontes H49 presentent la morphologie caracteristique de Perkinsus marinus et se divisent par schizogonie. L'isolat G 117 a ete obtenu a partir d'un echantillon combine de lamelles et de palpes d'une palourde moderement infestee. Contrairement a H49, les formes vegetatives (trophozoites et schizontes) de G 17 coexistent avec des stades de pre-zoosporulation dans la meme culture, En culture, les cellules G117 se multiplient par schizogonie ainsi que par des divisions en deux successives. H49 et G 17 ont reagi positivement avec un serum polyclonal anti-Perkinsus marinus et ont forme des hypnospores lors de l'incubation dans le milieu fluide au thioglycolate de Ray, qui se sont colorees en noir sous Lugol. Il s'agit du premier isolement d'une espece de Perkinsus a partir de palourde a coquille lisse. les etudes se poursuivent pour determiner l'infectivite, la pathogenicite, l'activite enzymatique et le genotypage des deux especes de Perkinsus obtenues de la palourde a coquille lisse.
ABSORPTION CROSS SECTION MEASUREMENTS OF OXYGEN IN THE WAVELENGTH REGION 195-241 nm OF THE HERZBERG CONTINUUM

$^{1}$A.S.C. Cheung, K. Yoshino, W.H. Parkinson and D.E. Freeman, Can. J. Phys. 62. 1752 (1984).
Turnover rates of serotonin and norepinephrine in brain of normal and pargyline-treated rats

Abstract After pargyline treatment, brain NE and 5-HT concentrations increase, but only NE synthesis is inhibited. Our experiments suggest that brain 5-HT biosynthesis is not controlled by feedback inhibition.
NIST radiochemistry intercomparison program: a summary of four-year performance evaluation study

This paper summarizes the methods currently applied by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the preparation and verification of environmental and radiobioaasay performance evaluation materials for the traceability testing of low-level radioactivity measurements. The evaluation of measurement quality of the all participants indicated that over 90% of the intercomparison results complied with ANSI N42.22 and/or HPS N13.30 standards. Overall, the differences from the NIST values observed for all test nuclides and matrices are less than -7%, with a typical measurement precision better than 10% (1 s). The dependency of measurement quality on the test radionuclides, sample matrices, and radiochemical methods is identified by statistical analyses.
Trait‐ and Density‐Mediated Indirect Interactions Initiated by an Exotic Invasive Plant Autogenic Ecosystem Engineer

Abstract: Indirect interactions are important for structuring ecological systems. However, research on indirect effects has been heavily biased toward top‐down trophic interactions, and less is known about other indirect‐interaction pathways. As autogenic ecosystem engineers, plants can serve as initiators of nontrophic indirect interactions that, like top‐down pathways, can involve both trait‐mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs) and density‐mediated indirect interactions (DMIIs). Using microcosms, I examined a plant → predator → consumer interaction pathway involving the exotic autogenic ecosystem engineer Centaurea maculosa; native Dictyna spiders (which exhibit density and trait [web‐building] responses to C. maculosa); Dictyna’s insect prey, Urophora affinis; and Urophora’s host plant (a secondary receiver species) to quantify DMIIs and TMIIs in an autogenic engineered pathway. Both DMIIs and TMIIs were strong enough to reduce Urophora populations, but only DMIIs, which were 4.3 times stronger than ...
Just Writing: Paradox and Political Economy in Yemeni Legal Documents

One of the most revealing of Muslim doctrines about writing concerns the rather mundane and narrow genre of legal documents. As articulated by early jurists, the doctrine held that such writings as contracts and other private legal documents had no evidential value. According to the classical rules of evidence in Islamic law, written documents could not be brought forward in a legal proceedings as proof of a claim. Evidence, as defined by the jurists, was exclusively oral, anchored in the spoken testimony of present, upright witnesses. This nonrecognition of the evidence value of written documents is remarkable both because it
Narrative Review: Do State Laws Make It Easier to Say “I'm Sorry?”

Initiatives intended to reduce the frequency and impact of medical errors generally rely on recognition and disclosure of medical errors. However, fear of malpractice liability is a barrier to physician disclosure. Some U.S. state legislatures have attempted to encourage physicians to disclose medical errors by enacting "apology laws." The authors reviewed the codified statutes of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine the prevalence and characteristics of such apology laws. They found that many states have recently adopted apology laws and that there is variability in these laws. The authors review some of the important differences in these laws and explore the potential impact of apology laws.
Impaired Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase by Leptin Is a Novel Mechanism of Hepatic Leptin Resistance in Diet-induced Obesity

Obesity is associated with the development of leptin resistance. However, the effects of leptin resistance on leptin-regulated metabolic processes and the biochemical defects that cause leptin resistance are poorly understood. We have addressed in rats the effect of dietinduced obesity (DIO), a situation of elevated tissue lipid levels, on the well described lipid-lowering effect of leptin in liver, an action that is proposed to be important for the prevention of tissue lipotoxicity and insulin resistance. In addition, we have addressed the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in mediating the acute effects of leptin on hepatic lipid levels in lean and DIO animals. A 90-min leptin ( approximately 10 ng/ml) perfusion of isolated livers from lean animals decreased triglyceride levels by 42 +/- 5% (p = 0.006). However, leptin concentrations ranging from approximately 10 to approximately 90 ng/ml had no effect on triglyceride levels in livers from DIO animals. The acute lipid-lowering effect of leptin on livers from lean animals was mediated by a PI 3-kinase-dependent mechanism, because wortmannin and LY294002, the PI 3-kinase inhibitors, blocked the effects of leptin on hepatic triglyceride levels and leptin increased liver PI 3-kinase activity by 183 +/- 6% (p = 0.003) and insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation by 185 +/- 30% (p = 0.02) in the absence of PI 3-kinase inhibitors. Contrary to the effects of leptin in lean livers, leptin did not activate PI 3-kinase in livers from DIO rats. These data present evidence for a role for 1). leptin resistance in contributing to the excessive accumulation of tissue lipid in obesity, 2). PI 3-kinase in mediating the acute lipid-lowering effects of leptin in liver, and 3). defective leptin activation of PI 3-kinase as a novel mechanism of leptin resistance.
Foreign equity participation under incomplete information

Abstract This paper demonstrates how an interaction between ownership rules and trade policy provides a rationale for a host government to impose local equity requirement (LER) on a foreign multinational. It presents a model where, in the presence of an import tariff, LER can serve as an effective instrument for a host government in removing any incentive for the multinational to mimic an inefficient firm when the government does not have complete information on the cost of the multinational's foreign unit. It is shown that the LER can increase national welfare by removing possible distortions under incomplete information. It is also shown that product market competition lowers the LER.
The Cytoplasmic Domain of Transferrin Receptor 2 Dictates Its Stability and Response to Holo-transferrin in Hep3B Cells

Transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) is a homolog of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), the receptor responsible for the uptake of iron-loaded transferrin (holo-Tf) into cells. Unlike the ubiquitous TfR1, TfR2 is predominantly expressed in the liver. Mutations in TfR2 gene cause a rare autosomal recessive form of the iron overload disease, hereditary hemochromatosis. Previous studies demonstrated that holo-Tf increases TfR2 levels by stabilizing TfR2 at the protein level. In this study we constructed two chimeras, one of which had the cytoplasmic domain of TfR2 and the remaining portion of TfR1 and the other with the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domain of TfR1 joined to the ectodomain of TfR2. Similar to TfR2, the levels of the chimera containing only the cytoplasmic domain of TfR2 increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner after the addition of holo-Tf to the medium. The half-life of the chimera increased 2.7-fold in cells exposed to holo-Tf like the endogenous TfR2 in HepG2 cells. Like TfR2 and unlike TfR1, the levels of the chimera did not respond to intracellular iron content. These results suggest that although holo-Tf binding to the ectodomain is necessary, the cytoplasmic domain of TfR2 is largely responsible for its stabilization by holo-Tf.
SUPPRESSION OF ESTABLISHED PULMONARY METASTASES BY MURINE MELANOMA-SPECIFIC MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

The intravenous administration of melanoma-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 9B6 and T97, both of the IgG2b isotype, consistently suppressed the growth of established JB/MS murine melanoma lung metastases. This activity was not dose-dependent, lower doses of MAbs often being more suppressive than higher doses. Intravenous administration of antibodies at days 5 and 8 following challenge appeared to be optimal for suppression whereas no inhibition was seen with intravenous treatment at days 0 and 3 or at days 10 and 13. Consistent and significant inhibition was also observed using established B16F10 lung metastases but only at lower doses, whereas both MAbs were ineffective against the T92497 sarcoma in syngeneic mice. These MAbs appear to act not as direct anti-tumor agents but as host immune response regulators, since specific anti-tumor effects were abrogated in tumor-bearing hosts following pre-treatment with antibodies directed against asialo-GM1 and NK-1.1, surface markers of natural killer cells.
Self-Assembly of Genetically Engineered Spider Silk Block Copolymers

The design, construction, and preliminary characterization of a novel family of spider silk-like block copolymers are described. The design was based on the assembly of individual spider silk modules, in particular, polyalanine (A) and glycine-rich (B) blocks, that display different phase behavior in aqueous solution. Spider silk was chosen as a model for these block copolymer studies based on its extraordinary material properties, such as toughness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Trends in spider silk-like block copolymer secondary structure and assembly behavior into specific material morphologies were determined as a function of the number of hydrophobic blocks, the presence of a hydrophilic purification tag and solvent effects. Structures and morphologies were assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In terms of structure, beta-sheet content increased with an increase in the number of polyalanine blocks, and the purification tag had significant impact on the secondary structure. In terms of morphology, spheres, rod-like structures, bowl-shaped micelles, and giant compound micelles were observed and the morphologies were linked with the size of the hydrophobic block, the presence of the purification tag, and the solvent environment. This study provides a basis for future designs of smart biomaterials based on spider silk chemistries, with controlled structure-architecture-function relationships.
Fatores de risco associados com artrites em suínos de abate

An epidemiological observational study was carried out in 63 swine finisher units aiming to identify the risk factors associated to the occurrence of arthritis at slaughter. In each farm, about 220 animals were evaluated for 110 days, and 42 variables, one objective (swine condemned for arthritis) and 41 explicative, were collected from the arrival of the pigs to the farm until submitted to the Federal Inspection at slaughter. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multivariate methods. Out of the 63 studied farms, 27.0%, 33.3% and 39.7% had high (>0.7%, low £ 0.7%) and no occurrence (0.0%) of animals condemned for arthritis. There was an association between the occurrence of arthritis and low daily weight gain, low carcass meat yield, poor feed conversion rate and low carcass weight. The risk factors associated with arthritis at slaughter were: farms with historical data of condemnation for arthritis, more than five years without carrying out floor repairs, male sex, absence of ceiling lining in the facilities, pen cleaning only once a day, bad conditions of swine transport to the slaughterhouse, finisher units with more than 250 housed animals and more than 10 different pigs suppliers in the lot formation.
OVERCOMING RELUCTANCE TO CHANGE IN IMPLEMENTING AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Background is provided of a study in the US Department of Defense relative to reasons why auditees resisted cooperation with auditors and the implementation of audit findings. Perceived interpersonal failures were focused on in the audit process and the audit report process that resulted in auditee dissatisfaction. Improvements are recommended in the audit process and approach to resolving the problems.
The effect of ulnar shortening on lunate and triquetrum motion—a cadaveric study

Abstract Background . Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a widely used procedure for a number of pathologic conditions. However, there is little biomechanical data on its effect on the surrounding soft tissue structures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of progressive ulnar shortening on the distal radioulnar joint and the proximal carpal bones. Methods . The kinematics and strain between the ulnar styloid, lunate, and triquetrum were evaluated with varying supination and pronation forces. Six fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremity specimens were tested after progressive ulnar shortening using a custom jig. Biomechanical measurements including strain and translation were made by evaluating the change in position of the digitizing markers on the carpal bones, radius and ulna. Findings . There were significant changes in marker positions with respect to intact specimens for each amount of shortening at the ulnar styloid ( P P P P Interpretation . Progressive ulnar shortening increases ulno-triquetral and ulno-lunato strains with an ensuing reduction in motion between the carpal bones.
Patient recall and appropriate timing for obtaining informed consent for endoscopic procedures.

Patient recall and appropriate timing for obtaining informed consent for endoscopic procedures
On dominance relations and the structure of animal societies: III The condition for a score structure

The necessary and sufficient condition is given forn integers to be the score structure of a society with a dominance relation.
Explaining racial and ethnic disparities in cholesterol screening

Abstract Objective To determine whether racial and ethnic disparities in cholesterol screening persist after controlling for socioeconomic status, access to care and language. Methods Data were obtained from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for men aged 35 and older and women aged 45 and older in accordance with the United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. Self-reported cholesterol screening data are presented for 389,039 respondents reflecting over 141 million people. Sequential logistic regression models of the likelihood of never having been screened are presented adjusted for demographic characteristics, health status, behavioral risk factors, socioeconomic status, health care access, and questionnaire language. Results A total of 9.1% of respondents, reflecting almost 13 million individuals, reported never having been screened. After adjustment for socioeconomic status, health care access and Spanish language, disparities between whites and Blacks and Hispanics, but not Asians and Pacific Islanders, were eliminated. Conclusions Lower socioeconomic status, lack of healthcare access and language barriers explained most of the racial and ethnic disparities in cholesterol screening. Expanding insurance coverage, simplifying cardiac risk assessment and improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care hold the greatest promise for improving cardiovascular disease screening and treatment for vulnerable populations.
Effects of fluency instruction on selection-based and topography-based comprehension measures

Abstract A multiple probe across participants design was used to assess the effects of an intervention package on reading fluency and section-based and topography-based comprehension tasks. Participants were three adolescents diagnosed with high functioning pervasive developmental disorders. The intervention package consisted of listen passage preview, phrase drill error correction, and performance feedback. Reading fluency for all three participants improved following fluency instruction. Topography-based reading comprehension improved over the course of the study for all three participants. Enhanced fluency performance did not generalize to novel passages.
The Preschool Instructional Context and Child–Teacher Relationships

Research Findings: The purpose of this article is to examine how dimensions of the preschool instructional context predict child–teacher relationship quality. A total of 118 low-income, predominantly Latino/a children and their teachers participated in this study. Children were observed in their 1st preschool classroom. Measures of instructional context included the classroom instructional climate and teacher instructional strategies with individual children. Measures of child–teacher relationships included both observed and teacher-perceived child–teacher relationship quality. Our findings suggest that aspects of classroom instructional context do influence child–teacher relationships. Children are more likely to have secure, positive relationships with teachers who are more skilled at setting up appropriate classroom environments and giving children high-quality feedback to stretch their emerging knowledge and skills. Practice or Policy: These data provide preliminary support for the notion that high-qu...
The crystal structure of waxes

Quantitative electron crystallographic studies have been carried out on epitaxially oriented multi-component waxes. Intensities from two paraffin-based samples, an artificial six-component medium wax (equimolar distribution of chain lengths) and a petroleum-based wax (Gaussian distribution of chain lengths) have been used to determine their crystal structures. As found earlier for binary paraffin solid solutions, differences in molecular volume are compensated by longitudinal molecular shifts within individual lamellae. Nevertheless, each lamellar surface must remain flat enough, and with enough crystallographic order intact, to nucleate the next lamella, thus accounting for the observed long-range correlation in these crystals. Recrystallized beeswax also has a layer packing somewhat similar to the paraffin waxes. However, in this case, the lamellar order is 'frustrated' so that a certain amount of 'nematically' ordered material must be present, spanning the nascent lamellar interfaces.
Air Pollution Processing by Radiation Fogs

Several fog episodes occurred in California’s San Joaquin Valley during winter 2000/2001. Measurements revealed the fogs to generally be less than 50 m deep, but to contain high liquid water contents (frequently exceeding 200 mg/m3) and large droplets. The composition of the fog water was dominated by ammonium (median concentration = 608 μN), nitrate (304 μN), and organic carbon (6.9 ppmC), with significant contributions also from nitrite (18 μN) and sulfate (56 μN). Principal organic species included formate (median concentration = 32 μN), acetate (31 μN), and formaldehyde (21 μM). High concentrations of ammonia resulted in high fog pH values, ranging between 5.8 and 8.0 at the core measurement site. At this high pH aqueous phase oxidation of dissolved sulfur dioxide and reaction of S(IV) with formaldehyde to form hydroxymethanesulfonate are both important processes. The fogs are also effective at scavenging and removal of airborne particulate matter. Deposition velocities for key solutes in the fog are typically of the order of 1–2 cm/s, much higher than deposition velocities of precursor accumulation mode aerosol particles. Variations were observed in deposition velocities for individual constituents in the order NO2− > fogwater > NH4+ > TOC ∼ SO42− > NO3−. Nitrite, observed to be enriched in large fog drops, had a deposition velocity higher than the average fogwater deposition velocity, due to the increase in drop settling velocity with size. Species enriched in small fog drops (NH4+, TOC, SO42−, and NO3−) all had deposition velocities smaller than observed for fogwater. Typical boundary layer removal rates for major fog solute species were estimated to be approximately 0.5–1 μg m−3 h−1, indicating the important role regional fogs can play in reducing airborne pollutant concentrations.
Toward an Integrative Theory of Psychological Defense

According to theories of “psychological defense,” humans are motivated to protect themselves against various types of psychological threat, including death awareness, uncertainty, and other inherently anxiety-provoking experiences. Protective mechanisms include strengthening close relationships; maintaining appraisals of self-worth, accomplishment, and agency; and cultivating meaningful views of the world. Thus, defensiveness theories incorporate research from many areas of psychology (e.g., information-processing biases, attitudes, and interpersonal and intergroup relations), to help explain why people think, feel, and act in the diverse ways that they do. Currently, the study of psychological defense is hindered by contradictory empirical results and a proliferation of theories that make very similar predictions. This article examines a cross-section of defensiveness theories and research, highlighting conclusions that can be drawn and areas where conceptual and research problems linger. It suggests tha...
The skull ofvelociraptor mongoliensis, a small cretaceous theropod dinosaur from Mongolia

The skull of the small theropod dinosaurVelociraptor mongoliensis is described in detail, using the holotype from the Djadokhta Formation (Campanian) of Mongolia. A reconstruction of the skull is attempted.Velociraptor is closely related toDeinonychus andDromaeosaurus; however, it is distinguished from all other dromaeosaurids described by its relatively long, low skull and a depressed muzzle. The affinities ofVelociraptor are discussed and the taxonomic status of all other previously described East Asian dromaeosaurids is examined.
Evidence of stable hydrogen-bonded ions during isomerization of hexoses in alkali

Abstract Epimeric pairs of aldohexoses and the related ketohexose were isomerized in aqueous KOH at various temperatures and pH values, and the mixtures then analyzed by h.p.l.c. on either a cation-exchange resin or a reversed-phase column. It was found that the proportions of starting aldohexoses remaining after several days often exceeded those of the same that were formed from the epimeric aldoses and the corresponding ketoses. The difference with allose, gulose, and mannose was much larger than with the other aldohexoses. These differences are rationalized by assuming that anomers having the OH groups attached to C-1, C-2, and C-3 in an axial—equatorial—axial or an equatorial—axial—equatorial arrangement form especially stable, hydrogen-bonded ions or molecular complexes that disturb the equilibrium state and affect the isomerization and mutarotation reactions.
Effect of temperature on habituation of the LC-VR reflex of the frog spinal cord.

Abstract The lateral column-ventral root reflex of the frog spinal cord is a neurophysiologically well-characterized model system that demonstrates eight of the nine parameters of habituation. Because knowledge about the temperature dependence of biological processes can yield clues about the underlying biochemical mechanisms, the current paper investigates the effects of temperature on lateral column-ventral root reflex habituation. Lowering the temperature from 15° to 5°C resulted in profound, quantitative alterations in the appearance of the lateral column-ventral root reflex. These changes included a decrease in response amplitude, an increase in response duration, and an increase in response latency. In spite of these changes, it was concluded that the responses at 15° and 5° were generated by the same, monosynaptic lateral column-motoneuronal system. These changes built up gradually with each degree of cooling and were consistent with the known temperature dependencies of various neurophysiological processes. Lowering the temperature from 15° to 5°C also increased the depression induced by conditioning stimulation for pulse trains of two to ten pulses in length. This increase in habituation with cooling was poorly correlated with changes in response amplitude, and it was therefore concluded that the altered habituation did not result from a stimulus-intensity like effect. Furthermore, understanding the mechanism by which temperature was able to alter habituation did not seem possible without resolving the effects of temperature on the depression induced by each successive stimulus from the effects of temperature on the rate of recovery between stimuli.
Effects of adrenalectomy on maternal behavior in rats

One week prior to mating, female rats were adrenalectomized or sham-operated and, immediately following parturition, each was given a foster litter of 10 newborn pups from a mother in the same group. Retrieving measures at the time of fostering revealed no significant differences between the 2 groups. Over 16 days of maternal behavior observations the adrenalectomized mothers spent more time in the nest, more time in an active suckling position, and tended to keep the pups in the nest over a longer period of time. These results provide evidence that a functioning adrenal is not necessary for the initiation or maintenance of maternal responsiveness in rats.
eMatchSite: sequence order-independent structure alignments of ligand binding pockets in protein models.

Detecting similarities between ligand binding sites in the absence of global homology between target proteins has been recognized as one of the critical components of modern drug discovery. Local binding site alignments can be constructed using sequence order-independent techniques, however, to achieve a high accuracy, many current algorithms for binding site comparison require high-quality experimental protein structures, preferably in the bound conformational state. This, in turn, complicates proteome scale applications, where only various quality structure models are available for the majority of gene products. To improve the state-of-the-art, we developed eMatchSite, a new method for constructing sequence order-independent alignments of ligand binding sites in protein models. Large-scale benchmarking calculations using adenine-binding pockets in crystal structures demonstrate that eMatchSite generates accurate alignments for almost three times more protein pairs than SOIPPA. More importantly, eMatchSite offers a high tolerance to structural distortions in ligand binding regions in protein models. For example, the percentage of correctly aligned pairs of adenine-binding sites in weakly homologous protein models is only 4–9% lower than those aligned using crystal structures. This represents a significant improvement over other algorithms, e.g. the performance of eMatchSite in recognizing similar binding sites is 6% and 13% higher than that of SiteEngine using high- and moderate-quality protein models, respectively. Constructing biologically correct alignments using predicted ligand binding sites in protein models opens up the possibility to investigate drug-protein interaction networks for complete proteomes with prospective systems-level applications in polypharmacology and rational drug repositioning. eMatchSite is freely available to the academic community as a web-server and a stand-alone software distribution at http://www.brylinski.org/ematchsite.
Enhanced proliferation and migration of fibroblasts on the surface of fibroblast growth factor-2-loaded fibrin microthreads.

Fibrin microthreads are discrete biopolymer fibers, 50–100 μm in diameter, produced from the natural extracellular matrix protein of the provisional matrix that promotes tissue regeneration in the ...
Definiteness marking in Germanic: morphological variations on the same syntactic theme

The Germanic languages display a remarkable range of variation with respect to the interaction of the definite article and adjectival modification. In Swedish, Norwegian, and Faroese, adjectival modification causes, for instance, a doubling of the definite article. In languages like English, Dutch, and German, however, the definite article does not double. In addition to these two patterns, two other patterns can be distinguished (instantiated by Icelandic and Danish respectively). Despite this wide range of variation, I claim that that the syntactic derivation of definite DPs with an adjective is uniform across all Germanic languages. I argue that the presence of an adjective triggers movement of D over the adjective in order to meet the licensing requirement of the adjective. I argue that the cross-linguistic variation should be attributed to two non-syntactic factors. The first factor is whether the definite article is an affix or a free morpheme. The second one is the ordering of operations in a post-syntactic morphological component of the grammar. As far as the latter factor is concerned, I propose that two operations in this component, Chain Reduction and Local Dislocation, are not inherently ordered with respect to each other. Instead, languages display parametric variation with regard to which of these two operations is applied first. In combination with differences with respect to the first factor mentioned above, this accounts for the attested variation in definiteness marking. It also offers interesting new insights into the cross-linguistic distribution of possessor doubling.
Chlorine atom and ClO wall reaction products

The products of the heterogeneous reactions of chlorine atoms and chlorine oxide radicals with acid coated Pyrex walls have been directly determined for the first time. Contrary to the usual assumption that chlorine atoms recombine to form Cl2, we find that the major product is HCl, with small amounts of perchlorate also formed. Similarly, ClO radicals form HCl rather than Cl2. The source of hydrogen for these reactions is probably the water always found in this type of vacuum system. These results may change the interpretation of flow tube experiments with chlorine atoms. Application to the H + HCl reaction is discussed as an example.
Chemical and structural characterization of a palladium polysulfide, (NH4 PdS11 · 2H2O

Abstract A reproducible synthesis for (NH 4 ) 2 PdS 11 ·2H 2 O (and the analogous potassium salt) has been devised. Single crystal X-ray studies indicate that Pd atoms are linked via S6 chains in an extended three-dimensional array; there are no discrete PdS 2− 11 groups. The crystal structure is a composite of different possible linkages in which some chains are apparently aborted, principally at the middle sulfurs of the chains. Sulfur absences reduce the ideal PdS 2− 12 composition to PdS 2− 11 . The structure implies an oxidation state for Pd of +2, which is consistent with the chemical reaction behavior with CN − in H 2 O and DMF. The structure also explains why it is impossible to work with these compounds in solution without degrading them. The crystals have a (statistical) tetragonal symmetry, a = 11.065(12), c = 6.862(15)A, probable space group P4/mnc, Z = 2. Automated counter methods were used to measure 1800 reflections of which 608 were independent and 243 were considered observed. Structure refinement led to a conventional R of 11.3% The Pd-S distance of 2.32 A, S-S distances ranging from 2.01 to 2.06 A, and S-S-S- angles of 106.8 and 108.9° are all consistent with values in known structures. Reaction with CN − in DMF results in oxidation of the Pd(11) to Pd(IV).
Microparticles: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What are microparticles? Microparticles are part of the spectrum of extracellular vesicles that include exosomes, microparticles, and apoptotic bodies. Extracellular vesicles originate from various subcellular compartments and appear in plasma, urine, saliva, and inflammatory tissues. Microparticles are vesicles that are shed from cells, lack a nucleus, contain a lipid membrane, and are defined by their sizes and the expression on their surfaces of antigens specific to their cells of origin. Most microparticles are small membrane-derived vesicles that come from activated or apoptotic platelets and to a lesser extent from red blood cells. They are released into the circulation and express antigens that allow identification, typically by specific monoclonal antibodies. They serve as biomarkers, procoagulant agents, participants in atherogenesis, and agents of transfer of biologic information. They have impermeable membranes containing receptors that allow identification of the cell of origin and provide binding sites that attach to living cells. Microparticles range in size from 100 to 1000 nm, allowing detection and specific identification by flow cytometry gated to this size range and with specific monoclonal antibody probes. The article by Jy and coauthors published in this issue of the Journal uses flow cytometry with specific markers for red blood cell surface antigens and for platelet surface antigens to measure microparticles in the peripheral blood of patients undergoing cardiac operations. They found surprising results.
Hurricane Directional Wave Spectrum Spatial Variation in the Open Ocean

The sea surface directional wave spectrum was measured for the first time in all quadrants of a hurricane in open water using the NASA airborne scanning radar altimeter (SRA) carried aboard one of the NOAA WP-3D hurricane hunter aircraft at 1.5 km height. The SRA measures the energetic portion of the directional wave spectrum by generating a topographic map of the sea surface. At 8 Hz, the SRA sweeps a radar beam of 1 deg half-power width (two-way) across the aircraft ground track over a swath equal to 0. 8 of the aircraft height, simultaneously measuring the backscattered power at its 36 GHz (8.3 mm) operating frequency and the range to the sea surface at 64 positions. These slant ranges are multiplied by the cosine of the incidence angles to determine the vertical distances from the aircraft to the sea surface. Subtracting these distances from the aircraft height produces the sea surface elevation map. The sea surface topography is interpolated to a uniform grid, transformed by a two-dimensional FFT, and Doppler corrected. The data presented were acquired on 24 August 1998 when hurricane Bonnie was east of the Bahamas and moving slowly to the north. Wave heights up to 18 m were observed and the spatial variation of the wave field was dramatic. The dominant waves generally propagated at significant angles to the downwind direction and at times there were wave fields traveling at right angles to each other. The NOAA aircraft spent over five hours within 180 km of the hurricane Bonnie eye, and made five eye penetrations. A 2-minute animation of the directional wave spectrum spatial variation over this period will be shown.
Eukaryotic topoisomerase II cleavage of parallel stranded DNA tetraplexes

A guanine-rich single-stranded DNA from the human immunoglobulin switch region was shown by Sen and Gilbert [Nature, (1988) 334, 364-366] to be able to self-associate to form a stable four-stranded parallel DNA structure. Topoisomerase II did not cleave the single-stranded DNA molecule. Surprisingly, the enzyme did cleave the same DNA sequence when it was annealed into the four-stranded structure. The two cleavage sites observed were the same as those found when this DNA molecule was paired with a complementary molecule to create a normal B-DNA duplex. These cleavages were shown to be protein-linked and reversible by the addition of salt, suggesting a normal topoisomerase II reaction mechanism. In addition, an eight-stranded DNA molecule created by the association of a complementary oligonucleotide with the four-stranded structure was also cleaved by topoisomerase II despite being resistant to restriction endonuclease digestion. These results suggest that a single strand of DNA may possess the sequence information to direct topoisomerase II to a binding site, but the site must be base paired in a proper manner to do so. This demonstration of the ability of a four-stranded DNA molecule to be a substrate for an enzyme further suggests that these DNA structures may be present in cells.
Impact of Abuse History on Adolescent African American Women's Current HIV/STD-Associated Behaviors and Psychosocial Mediators of HIV/STD Risk

This study examined if relationship power, sex refusal self-efficacy, or fear of condom negotiation mediated the relationship between abuse history and consistent condom use (CCU) among African American female adolescents (N = 593). Participants with an abuse history (58%) were less likely to report CCU. Women with an abuse history reported less relationship power and self-efficacy for refusing sex and more fear of condom negotiation, none of which independently or jointly mediated the association between abuse and CCU. Notably, history of abuse was associated with CCU across mediator models despite inclusion of psychosocial mediators. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding adolescents' condom use behaviors within the context of their life experiences, especially past abuse history.
Stable isotope ratio measurements in nitrogen and oxygen using Raman scattering

Recently the suggestion was made that it ought to be possible to make precision isotope ratio measurements (accuracy ≤0.1%) of light elements (H, B, C, N, O) using quantum counting techniques in conjunction with vibrational Raman scattering from high intensity laser beams. Such a method could well have significant advantages over standard mass spectrometry, especially in applications involving the isotopic assay of hundreds of samples, possibly of very small size, as occurs, for example, in studies of fertilizer transport in soils. Similar remarks apply to isotope assays necessary in a number of other physical, chemical, and biological studies.
The MSFC vector magnetograph

The NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center's solar vector magnetograph system is described; this sytem allows measurements of all components of the Sun's photospheric magnetic field over a 5 × 5 or 2.0 × 2.0 arc min square field-of-view with an optimum time resolution of ∼ 100 s and an optimum signal-to-noise of ∼ 1600. The basic system components are described, including the optics, detector, digital system and associated electronics. Automatic sequencing and control functions are outlined as well as manual selections of system parameters which afford unique system flexibility. Results of system calibration and performance are presented, including linearity, dynamic range, uniformity, spatial and spectral resolutions, signal-to-noise, electro-optical retardation and polarization calibration. Scientific investigations which utilize the unique characteristics of the instrument are described and typical results are presented.