cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Thyrotropin and the Iodine Content of the Thyroid on the TriiodothyroninerThyroxine Ratio of Newly Synthesized Iodothyronines1

Massive doses of TSH (up to 13.5 U twice daily) given to rats fed a high iodine diet only slightly increased the 131I-labeled T3/T4 ratio (T3*/T4*)2 of newly iodinated thyroglobulin. Moderate doses of TSH (2 U daily) restored a proportionately higher rate of T3* than of T4* synthesis when administered to chronically hypophysectomized, iodine-depleted rats (T3*/T4*>1). Large doses of TSH (10 U daily) given to chronically hypophysectomized rats with a high thyroid iodine content only slightly inincreased T3*/T4* to 0.3 (us. 0.2 in intact controls). Doses of TSH which produced a high T3*/T4* in iodine-depleted, hypophysectomized rats did not do so in rats fed an iodine-deficient diet for 5 days to deplete the extrathyroidal iodide pool while maintaining a relatively high intrathyroidal iodine content. Pretreatment of these rats with 5 mg of perchlorate 30 min before radiodine administration to further reduce the quantity of iodide entering the thyroid did not increase the effectiveness of TSH on T3*/T4*. It ...
Catalytic activation of carbon dioxide by metal complexes

Abstract This paper summarizes some past and recent work from the author's laboratory on the reactions of carbon dioxide with metal complexes, with the objective of suggesting the relevance of this research to some related biological systems. First, the various CO 2 -metal complex interactions in vivo and in vitro are briefly cited, followed by a description of the reversible activation of carbon dioxide by model rhodium and iridium compounds. Finally, recent results are presented on homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation/ reduction of CO 2 mediated by metal complexes, including a platinum cluster complex which catalyzes the carbon dioxide conversion at mild conditions.
Shock features in iron-nickel metal and troilite of L-group ordinary chondrites

— Shock metamorphic features in opaque minerals (FeNi metal and troilite) of 22 L chondrites have been studied petrographically and geochemically in an attempt to establish a connection between the present silicate-based shock classification scheme (Stoffler et al., 1991) and the peak-shock and postshock thermal history recorded in these minerals. Unshocked to weakly shocked (S1–S3) L chondrites contain FeNi metal and troilite that display textures related to normal, slow cooling. They may also contain rare disequilibrium shock features, which suggest localized departures from equilibrium shock conditions. Above shock stage S3, selected melting of FeNi metal and troilite produces melt droplets whose composition and abundance correspond to the maximum equilibrium shock state achieved by the sample. At these higher shock levels, the abundance of other shock-induced features, such as polycrystalline kamacite, sheared and fizzed troilite, coarse-grained pearlitic plessite, polycrystalline troilite, and polymineralic melt veins serve as textural criteria that can be used to establish peak-shock conditions. Minimum postshock temperatures obtained from analyses of plessite components show a systematic increase in temperature with an increase in shock stage, thereby providing additional information about the postshock thermal histories of L chondrites. At the highest shock levels recorded in L chondrites (S6 and above), melting and chemical homogenization of FeNi metal produces flattened Ni profiles that may partially to completely obscure any evidence for an earlier, slow-cooling history. All of these features serve as aids for shock classifying L chondrites as well as for quantifying minimum peak temperatures that resulted during shock metamorphism.
ATtiTUDES TOWARD INTEGRATION AMONG BLACK AND WHITE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: Public Comparisons and Etiological Factors

Comparisons of school board members' attitudes toward integration (derived from nationwide surveys of black and white school board members) with public attitudes toward integration indicate that (1) elites (school board members) appeared more liberal than the public for both races; (2) this gap between elites and the public was less distinct for blacks than whites; and (3) black school board members evidenced more liberal attitudes toward integration than white school board members.
Force and fraud: A radically coherent criticism of corrections as industry

As radical criminology continues to gain popularity among a new generation of scholars, there are several troubling developments that ought to be met with caution. First, many emergent writings seem to take a benevolent state for granted. Second, there is a tendency to present radical ideas in a vocabulary that is so abstruse that it is difficult to decipher precisely how social change might be realized. As a remedy to these problems, this article relies on blunt language to analyze the corrections industry; by doing so, it focuses on market principles shaping key mechanisms of social control, namely force and fraud. In terms of force, the US criminal justice apparatus is too often harsh and coercive, particularly for the poor and racial minorities. Compounding matters, citizens rarely challenge such force due in large part to fraudulent governmental insistence that tough on crime initiatives are necessary to maintain public safety. Among the items discussed within this framework are public misperceptions...
Design for synergy with brand or price information

Customers' preference for the hedonic benefits (e.g., aesthetics) and utilitarian benefits (e.g., functionality) offered by a product varies depending on the context—buying versus selling, and choice versus willingness-to-pay. However, a customer's preference formation could involve brand information or price information in addition to the benefits offered by the product. It is unclear how the consideration of brand or price information influences customers' relative preference for hedonic and utilitarian product benefits. Does this information alter preference in favor of a product that offers greater utilitarian or greater hedonic benefits, and why? The results show that (1) hedonic (utilitarian) attributes have a significantly stronger influence on consumer preference when accompanied by a strong (weak) versus a weak (strong) brand; and (2) in the presence of price information, hedonic attributes have a dominant influence on consumer preference compared to in the absence of price information. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical contributions and managerial implications of design for synergy with brand or price information. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural mediation of compensatory adrenal growth.

Spinal cord hemisection between T2 and T3 inhibits compensatory adrenal growth when the contralateral but not the ipsilateral adrenal is removed (p<0.01). Pretreatment of left adrenals with 1 or 2% lidocaine, but not with saline, before removal inhibits compensatory right adrenal growth that is normally observed at 12 h (p<0.01). The9e results provide further functional evidence that both afferent and efferent neural elements mediate adrenal growth after unilateral adrenalectomy.
Developmental regulation of T-cell receptor gene expression.

In contrast to B cells or their antibody products, T lymphocytes have a dual specificity, for both the eliciting foreign antigen and for polymorphic determinants on cell surface glycoproteins encoded in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC restriction)1–4. The recent identification of T-cell receptor glycoproteins5–7 as well as the genes encoding T-cell receptor subunits will help to elucidate whether MHC proteins and foreign antigens are recognized by two T-cell receptors or by a single receptor. An important feature of MHC restriction is that it appears to be largely acquired by a differentiating T-cell population under the influence of MHC antigens expressed in the thymus8–10, suggesting that precursor T cells are selected on the basis of their reactivity with MHC determinants expressed in the host thymus9–11. To understand this process of ‘thymus education’, knowledge of the developmental regulation of T-cell receptor gene expression is necessary. Here we report that whereas messenger RNAs encoding the β-and γ-subunits are relatively abundant in immature thymocytes, α mRNA levels are very low. Interestingly, whereas α mRNA levels increase during further development and β mRNA levels stay roughly constant, γ mRNA falls to very low levels in mature T cells, suggesting a role for the γ gene in T-cell differentiation.
Determination of Drug Polymorphs by Laser Raman Spectroscopy. I. Ampicillin and Griseofulvin

AbstractRaman spectroscopy of the lattice vibrations (phonons) is used to distinguish among various crystal forms of ampicillin and griseofulvin. The two anhydrous polymorphs of ampicillin and the trihydrate are all distinguishable. Griseofulvin sol-vates with benzene and chloroform were studied. The spectra suggest that the griseofulvin lattice structure expands to accept chloroform, but that the benzene solvate has a different crystal structure.
Introduction to cyberphilosophy

Computing brings new opportunities and challenges to traditional philosophical activities changing the way philosophers understand foundational concepts, such as mind, consciousness, experience, reasoning, knowledge, truth, ethics and creativity. This trend in philosophical inquiry has been gaining momentum steadily. This paper builds on the author's previous important work (The Digital Phoenix: How Computers Are Changing Philosophy, Oxford: Blackwell) and has played a major role in establishing philosophical inquiry as a mature area of philosophical investigation. This was the lead article of the journal which was subsequently published by Blackwell Publishing (2002) in a book series for new research, stressing considerations about philosophy.
Aggregating value ranges: preference elicitation and truthfulness

We study the case where agents have preferences over ranges (intervals) of values, and we wish to elicit and aggregate these preferences. For example, consider a set of climatologist agents who are asked for their predictions for the increase in temperature between 2009 and 2100. Each climatologist submits a range, and from these ranges we must construct an aggregate range. What rule should we use for constructing the aggregate range? One issue in such settings is that an agent (climatologist) may misreport her range to make the aggregate range coincide more closely with her own (true) most-preferred range. We extend the theory of single-peaked preferences from points to ranges to obtain a rule (the median-of-ranges rule) that is strategy-proof under a condition on preferences. We then introduce and analyze a natural class of algorithms for approximately eliciting a median range from multiple agents. We also show sufficient conditions under which such an approximate elicitation algorithm still incentivizes agents to answer truthfully. Finally, we consider the possibility that ranges can be refined when the topic is more completely specified (for example, the increase in temperature on the North Pole given the failure of future climate pacts). We give a framework and algorithms for selectively specifying the topic further based on queries to agents.
Maternal obesity affects gene expression and cellular development in fetal brains.

AbstractObjectivesFemale rat neonates reared on a high carbohydrate (HC) milk formula developed chronic hyperinsulinemia and adult-onset obesity (HC phenotype). Furthermore, we have shown that fetal development in the HC intrauterine environment (maternal obesity complicated with hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, and increased levels of proinflammatory markers) resulted in increased levels of serum insulin and leptin in term HC fetuses and the spontaneous transfer of the HC phenotype to the adult offspring. The objectives of this study are to identify changes in global gene expression pattern and cellular development in term HC fetal brains in response to growth in the adverse intrauterine environment of the obese HC female rat.MethodsGeneChip analysis was performed on total RNA obtained from fetal brains for global gene expression studies and immunohistochemical analysis was performed on fetal brain slices for investigation of cellular development in term HC fetal brains.ResultsGene expression profiling...
Tools for a new age: An overview

How will the serials cataloger of the future meet the need to catalog an ever-increasing volume of materials in an everevolving number of formats? The author provides a tour of the potential tools on the technological horizon, including: expert systems, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), imaging technology, relational database techniques, and hypertext-like links between and among local and remote files.
Nitrogen excretion in “maximally-fed” crocodilians

Abstract 1. 1. Alligators fed ab lib 5 days a week excreted the same amount of uric acid/day, but much more ammonia/day, than those fed a single meal after a long fast. 2. 2. Plasma levels of ammonia (and uric acid) precursors were the same in the two groups. 3. 3. Uric acid clearance rates varied directly with rates of ammonia excretion (and with urine vol), so, with a low ammonia excretion in the single-meal group, there was a decreased uric acid clearance (and probably an increased uric acid synthesis), with a consequent increase in plasma uric acid not seen in the maximally-fed group.
PHOTOREACTIONS IN PHYCOMYCES : GROWTH AND TROPIC RESPONSES TO THE STIMULATION OF NARROW TEST AREAS

Sporangiophores of Phycomyces in stage IV b have been stimulated by parallel light in test areas 0.2 mm. wide. The growth responses to large stimuli are very large, owing probably to light scattered within the specimen. For medium stimuli the sensitive zone coincides with the growth response zone obtained previously and excludes the region of maximum stretch. Sustained stimulations were used to elicit tropic responses. The bends formed travel away from the sporangium at a speed equal to the growth speed. Thus they remain very close to the stimulus when this is held at a constant level relative to ground but separate from it for stimuli programmed differently. The existence of a protoplasmic structure, the "inner wall," with the following properties is postulated: it is attached to the lower, non-growing part of the sporangiophore and grows by addition above the sensitive zone. It neither stretches nor twists in the sensitive zone. It is the seat of the light receptors and gives growth and tropic responses. The cell wall follows its bends by elastic stretch.
Bladder caner from a perspective of 40 years

The key events leading to a better understanding of the natural history of urothelial tumors of the bladder are summarized. These were: the recognition of flat carcinoma in situ and related lesions (intraurothelial neoplasia) as principal sources of invasive cancer; identification of the unique structure of the urothelium; analysis of DNA content and the recognition of two pathways of urothelial tumors. A brief comment on the current status of immunologic and molecular genetic markers is appended.
Knowledge in Practice: Documenting Rancher Local Knowledge in Northwest Colorado

For more than 150 years, ranchers in the West have gained insight about natural systems through daily interaction and management of landscapes, but this knowledge has never been systematically documented and analyzed. We interviewed 26 ranchers from a single watershed to understand how ranchers acquire their knowledge, document what they know about rangeland ecosystems, and explore how this knowledge varies within the ranching community. This exploratory study offers insight into the types of knowledge ranchers possess without attempting to survey all rancher knowledge or ascribe this set of knowledge to all ranchers. We identified three major knowledge categories in interviews: active knowledge applied to management decisions, embedded knowledge from living in place, and integrative knowledge that links ecological, economic, and social aspects of rangeland systems. We found rancher knowledge complemented scientific knowledge in its ability to provide site-specific information on management practices and ecological responses, and insight regarding potential indicators of rangeland health. Knowledge varies widely within the ranching community, and knowledgeable ranchers are readily identified through community referrals. Ranchers gained their knowledge primarily through experience and social interactions, and this knowledge is an untapped source of context-specific information. We did find that economic constraints, social norms, and proximity to the system might limit application of knowledge to practice. There is also a danger that this accumulated and dynamic knowledge base will be lost over the next generation, as many family ranches are sold to new ranchers or for nonranching uses. Based on our findings, we propose that more dialogue within ranching communities and between ranchers and scientists may lead to more sustainable land management practices and effective outreach efforts, and could expand and strengthen the informal social networks through which much rancher knowledge is shared and on which the social sustainability of ranching communities depends.
cis-Regulatory control of cyclophilin, a member of the ETS-DRI skeletogenic gene battery in the sea urchin embryo

The Strongylocentrotus purpuratus cyclophilin1 gene (Sp-cyp1) is expressed exclusively in skeletogenic mesenchyme cells of the embryo, beginning in the micromere lineage of the early blastula stage and continuing after gastrulation during the syncytial deposition of the skeleton. This gene encodes a protein which is a member of the peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) family. Sp-cyp1 is among the differentiation genes activated in the skeletogenic territory as a terminal function of the endomesodermal gene regulatory network. Network perturbation analysis had predicted the skeletogenic regulators Ets1 and Deadringer (Dri) to be its driver inputs. Here, we show that a 218-bp cis-regulatory DNA fragment recapitulates skeletogenic Sp-cyp1 expression; that elimination of either Ets1 or Dri inputs severely depresses the activity of expression constructs containing this DNA fragment; and that Ets1 and Dri target sites within the 218 bp fragment are required for normal expression. This indicates that the predicted inputs are direct. Other studies indicate that the same inputs are evidently necessary for expression of several other skeletogenic differentiation genes, and these genes probably constitute a skeletogenic gene battery, defined by its Ets plus Dri regulatory inputs.
The Electrocardiography of AV Universal DDD Pacemakers

Ľinterpretation des traces eJectrocardiographiques des stimulateurs DDD peut etre realisee par des techniques habituelles et par ľapplication des principes fondamentaux des recueils des potentiels, des schemes des periodes, et des caracteristiques des stimulateurs. La parfaite connaissance des parametres de cheque modele est obligatoire a fin ?eviter les consequences crees par des fausses interpretations. Les constructeurs doivent fournir des renseignements precis sur les stimulateurs DDD. En plus, le milieu medical devra developper une methode de surveillance beaucoup plus sophistiquee. The interpretation of DDD pacemaker electrocardiograms may be performed using basic techniques and by applying the fundamental principles of noncompetitive pulse generator sensing, timing, and pacing characteristics. Precise knowledge of individual model specifications and programmable parameters is mandatory if physicians are to avoid the consequences of misinterpretation. Manufacturers must provide adequate information regarding their DDD models, and the medical community should develop more sophisticated surveillance methods for following these pacemakers.
Visual sensitivity modulates postural sway in a virtual environment in healthy elderly and individuals with stroke

We employed a virtual environment to examine the impact of visual sensitivity on postural behaviors in adults with chronic symptoms of stroke. Six adults at least 1 year post-stroke (52–70 yrs) and 6 healthy adults (50–70 yrs) were tested in a Rod and Frame test. They then stood quietly on a platform within a 3-wall virtual environment. The platform was tilted 3° into dorsiflexion while in the dark, with visual motion matched to head motion, or with pitch up and down visual field rotations at 30 and 45 °/sec. While the visual field rotated, the platform was held tilted for 30 sec and then slowly returned to a neutral position over 30 sec. Center of pressure (COP) was recorded and approximate entropy (ApEn) values were calculated and compared with visual error from the Rod and Frame test. No significant differences in visual errors were detected in the Rod and Frame task between the populations. However, in subjects with large visual errors (>8 deg) strong inverse correlations with ApEn values (r>−0.7) emerged with either a scene referenced to head motion or matched to the velocity of the platform tilt. ApEn values were typically below 1 indicating that COP responses were mostly predictable and reflecting a single input. This low ApEn with increased visual error suggests that the visual field serves as a meaningful reference for postural stabilization in visually dependent adults. Our results support the use of virtual environments to generate adaptive postural behaviors.
Invited Review: Aging and human temperature regulation

This mini-review focuses on the effects of aging on human temperature regulation. Although comprehensive reviews have been published on this topic (Kenney WL. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1997, p. 41-76; Pandolf KB. Exp Aging Res 17: 189-204, 1991; Van Someren EJ, Raymann RJ, Scherder EJ, Daanen HA, and Swaab DF. Ageing Res Rev 1: 721-778, 2002; and Young AJ. Exp Aging Res 17: 205-213, 1991), this mini-review concisely summarizes the present state of knowledge about human temperature regulation and aging in thermoneutral conditions, as well as during hypo- and hyperthermic challenges. First, we discuss age-related effects on baseline body core temperature and phasing rhythms of the circadian temperature cycle. We then examine the altered physiological responses to cold stress that result from aging, including attenuated peripheral vasoconstriction and reduced cold-induced metabolic heat production. Finally, we present the age-related changes in sweating and cardiovascular function associated with heat stress. Although epidemiological evidence of increased mortality among older adults from hypo- and hyperthermia exists, this outcome does not reflect an inability to thermoregulate with advanced age. In fact, studies that have attempted to separate the effects of chronological age from concurrent factors, such as fitness level, body composition, and the effects of chronic disease, have shown that thermal tolerance appears to be minimally compromised by age.
The characterization of an SCS6/Ti–6Al–4V MMC interphase

Using TEM, Auger spectroscopy, EDX, and convergent beam electron diffraction, a thorough characterization of the interphase region between SCS6 fibers and Ti–6Al–4V matrix in a metal matrix composite has been performed. The interphase region is shown to be very complex, consisting of numerous layers of varying compositions and thicknesses. The chemical interaction of the fiber and matrix results in a 0.5–1.5 μm thick TiC layer. Evidence for the existence of a Tix Siy (C) layer is also presented. The SCS6 overlayer on the fibers has inhibited any chemical interaction between the matrix and the SiC filament itself, 60% of the interphase region originating from the SCS6 protective coating. In situ fracture experiments (in an Auger spectrometer) reveal that fracture takes place between the TiC and an amorphous carbon layer.
Cyanogenic glycosides and menisdaurin from Guazuma ulmifolia, Ostrya virgininana, Tiquilia plicata and Tiquilia canescens.

The major cyanogenic glycoside of Guazuma ulmifolia (Sterculiaceae) is (2R)-taxiphyllin (>90%), which co-occurs with (2S)-dhurrin. Few individuals of this species, but occasional other members of the family, have been reported to be cyanogenic. To date, cyanogenic compounds have not been characterized from the Sterculiaceae. The cyanogenic glycosides of Ostrya virginiana (Betulaceae) are (2S)-dhurrin and (2R)-taxiphyllin in an approximate 2:1 ratio. This marks the first report of the identification of cyanogenic compounds from the Betulaceae. Based on NMR spectroscopic and TLC data, the major cyanogenic glucoside of Tiquilia plicata is dhurrin, whereas the major cyanide-releasing compound of Tiquilia canescens is the nitrile glucoside, menisdaurin. NMR and TLC data indicate that both compounds are present in each of these species. The spectrum was examined by CI-MS, 1 H and 13 C NMR, COSY, 1D selective TOCSY, NOESY, and 1 J/ 2,3 J HETCOR experiments; all carbons and protons are assigned. The probable absolute configuration of (2R)-dhurrin is established by an X-ray crystal structure. The 1 H NMR spectrum of menisdaurin is more complex than might be anticipated, containing a planar conjugated system in which most elements are coupled to several other atoms in the molecule. The coupling of one vinyl proton to the protons on the opposite side of the ring involves a 6 J- and a 5/7 J-coupling
Quantification of cerebral arterial blood volume using arterial spin labeling with intravoxel incoherent motion-sensitive gradients.

Quantification of cerebral arterial blood volume (CBVa )i s important for understanding vascular regulation. To enable measurement of CBVa with diffusion-weighted (DW) arterial spin labeling (ASL), a theoretical framework was developed using the effects of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM). The pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) in the IVIM model was evaluated at 9.4 T in DW-ASL of rat brain under isoflurane anesthesia by variations of both post-labeling delay (w) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). D* and its volume fraction decreased at values of w ≥ 0.3 s, and the normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) increased with MTR, suggesting that D* is closely correlated with CBVa. Thus, the difference between ASL measurements with and without DW gradients is related to CBVa. The CBVa values measured by this approach were compared with values obtained using the modulation of tissue and vessel (MOTIVE) technique with ASL, which varies MT levels without changing spin labeling efficiency. CBVa values from both methods were highly correlated. The measured CBVa values were linearly correlated with cerebral blood flow (CBF) for a PaCO2 range of 25–50 mmHg; CBVa (ml/100 g) 0.007 (min –1 ) CBF (ml/100 g/min). The DW-ASL approach is simple and easy to implement for human and animal CBVa studies. Magn Reson Med 55:1047–1057, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bifurcating Axons Account for the Increase in Axonal Population in Posterior Human Optic Nerve

Purpose: To demonstrate the presence of axonal bifurcation in the human optic nerve implicated by morphometric analysis. Methods: Six human optic nerves were visualized directly using light and electron microscopy. Results: Under the light microscope, features suggestive of bifurcating axons were found in about one in four 1-μ m-thick sections examined (or about one bifurcating axon per 0.024 mm3 of tissue). This amounted to about 18,750 bifurcations throughout the course of the human optic nerve. In most cases, the bifurcating axons branched off from the long axis of the main axon at an orthogonal angle before turning in 2–5 microns to continue coursing posteriorly. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the axonal bifurcations observed with light microscopy. Conclusions: Axonal bifurcation in the human optic nerve is partly responsible for the increased axonal area and contributes to the increased optic nerve diameter as the nerve courses back from retrobulbar region to the pre-chiasmatic area. The present ...
Loss of the WaaL O-Antigen Ligase Prevents Surface Activation of the Flagellar Gene Cascade in Proteus mirabilis

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium that undergoes a physical and biochemical change from a vegetative swimmer cell (a typical Gram-negative rod) to an elongated swarmer cell when grown on a solid surface. In this study, we report that a transposon insertion in the waaL gene, encoding O-antigen ligase, blocked swarming motility on solid surfaces but had little effect on swimming motility in soft agar. The waaL mutant was unable to differentiate into a swarmer cell. Differentiation was also prevented by a mutation in wzz, encoding a chain length determinant for O antigen, but not by a mutation in wzyE, encoding an enzyme that polymerizes enterobacterial common antigen, a surface polysaccharide different from the lipid A::core. In wild-type P. mirabilis, increased expression of the flhDC operon occurs after growth on solid surfaces and is required for the high-level expression of flagellin that is characteristic of swarmer cells. However, in both the waaL and the wzz mutants, the flhDC operon was not activated during growth on agar. A loss-of-function mutation in the rcsB response regulator or overexpression of flhDC restored swarming to the waaL mutant, despite the absence of O antigen. Therefore, although O antigen may serve a role in swarming by promoting wettability, the loss of O antigen blocks a regulatory pathway that links surface contact with the upregulation of flhDC expression.
Use of transposon promoter-probe vectors in the metabolic engineering of the obligate methanotroph Methylomonas sp. strain 16a for enhanced C40 carotenoid synthesis.

The recent expansion of genetic and genomic tools for metabolic engineering has accelerated the development of microorganisms for the industrial production of desired compounds. We have used transposable elements to identify chromosomal locations in the obligate methanotroph Methylomonas sp. strain 16a that support high-level expression of genes involved in the synthesis of the C40 carotenoids canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. with three promoterless carotenoid transposons, five chromosomal locations—the fliCS, hsdM, ccp-3, cysH, and nirS regions—were identified. Total carotenoid synthesis increased 10- to 20-fold when the carotenoid gene clusters were inserted at these chromosomal locations compared to when the same carotenoid gene clusters were integrated at neutral locations under the control of the promoter for the gene conferring resistance to chloramphenicol. A chromosomal integration system based on sucrose lethality was used to make targeted gene deletions or site-specific integration of the carotenoid gene cluster into the Methylomonas genome without leaving genetic scars in the chromosome from the antibiotic resistance genes that are present on the integration vector. The genetic approaches described in this work demonstrate how metabolic engineering of microorganisms, including the less-studied environmental isolates, can be greatly enhanced by identifying integration sites within the chromosome of the host that permit optimal expression of the target genes.
Ethyl alcohol and liver tryptophan oxygenase

Abstract The activity of the enzyme tryptophan oxygenase increases after an acute dose of alcohol, reaching the maximum level 5 hr after injection. This is true for both the apoenzyme and the holoenzyme. The activity comes back to near normal level 9 hr after injection. The studies using pyrazole, an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, show that approximately 60% of the increase in the enzyme activity is primarily due to a direct alcohol effect and not due to alcohol metabolism. In adrenalectomized animals, alcohol causes only a small rise—approx 12% of that seen in normal animals—in enzyme activity. These results suggest that the effect of alcohol on tryptophan oxygenase is mediated to a large extent via adrenal hormones. The increase in tryptophan oxygenase following alcohol ingestion should result in diversion of more of the plasma tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway and decrease the availability of this amino acid for cerebral serotonin formation. This effect of alcohol may be responsible for the mood changes seen after acute alcohol ingestion.
Lossy communication over multiple-access channels with feedback

We consider the problem of lossy communication of correlated sources over multiple access channels with noiseless causal feedback. A sufficient condition for lossy transmission is presented, which generalizes several previous results on communication over multiple access channels, recovering as special cases channel coding results by King, Cover, and Leung, and extending a previous sufficient condition for lossless communication by Cover, El Gamal, and Salehi. The proposed coding scheme is based on a recently developed analog-digital hybrid coding scheme for joint source-channel coding combined with block-Markov coding.
Actions of a Pair of Identified Cerebral-Buccal Interneurons (CBI-8/9) in Aplysia That Contain the Peptide Myomodulin

Actions of a pair of identified cerebral-buccal interneurons (CBI-8/9) in Aplysia that contain the peptide myomodulin. A combination of biocytin back-fills of the cerebral-buccal connectives and im...
Applications of Bayesian Procrustes shape analysis to ensemble radar reflectivity nowcast verification

Abstract This paper introduces the use of Bayesian full Procrustes shape analysis in object-oriented meteorological applications. In particular, the Procrustes methodology is used to generate mean forecast precipitation fields from a set of ensemble forecasts. This approach has advantages over other ensemble averaging techniques in that it can produce a forecast that retains the morphological features of the precipitation structures and present the range of forecast outcomes represented by the ensemble. The production of the ensemble mean avoids the problems of smoothing that result from simple pixel or cell averaging, while producing credible sets that retain information on ensemble spread. Also in this paper, the full Bayesian Procrustes scheme is used as an object verification tool for precipitation forecasts. This is an extension of a previously presented Procrustes shape analysis based verification approach into a full Bayesian format designed to handle the verification of precipitation forecasts that match objects from an ensemble of forecast fields to a single truth image. The methodology is tested on radar reflectivity nowcasts produced in the Warning Decision Support System — Integrated Information (WDSS-II) by varying parameters in the K-means cluster tracking scheme.
A Multi-Objective Path Planning Algorithm for Mobile Robots Based on Cellular Automata

Many real-world applications of robot path planning involves not only finding the shortest path, but also achieving some other objectives such as minimizing fuel consumption or avoiding danger areas. This paper introduces a 2D path planning scheme that solves a multi-objective path planning problem on a 3D terrain. This allows the controller to pick the most suitable path among a set of optimal paths. The algorithm generates a cellular automaton for the terrain based on the objectives by applying various weighting factors via an evolutionary algorithm and finds the optimal path between the start point and the goal for each set of parameters considering static obstacles and maximum slope constraints. All the final trajectories share the same characteristic that they are non-dominated with respect to the rest of the set in the Multi-Objective Optimization Problems (MOP) context. The objectives considered in this study includes the path length, the elevation changes and avoiding the radars. Testing the algorithm on several problems showed that the method is very promising for mobile robot path planning applications.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Synthesis of Acetic Acid by Catalytic Oxidation of Butenes (Part 1)

The probability of acetic acid synthesis from n-butenes and isobutene was studied with V2O5-binary catalysts. As a second component, following atoms were added to V2O5 in the form of oxide or metal; Rh, B, Cr, Nb, Zn, Pd, Ta, Zr, Si, Ni, Ge, Fe, Ca, Pt, W, Li, Cd, As, Co, Te, Mg, Mn, Mo, Cu, Ag, P, Ba, Ti, Sn, Al, and Sb.In the presence of water, n-butenes and isobutene were oxidized to acetic acid with more than 40% selectivity based on the carbon atom at about 100% conversion of each butene with air containing 3% of butene over V-Cr(3/7), V-Rh(8/2), V-B(5/5) and V-Nb(5/5) catalysts at 270∼310°C.Acetaldehyde, acetone, formaldehyde, maleic acid, formic acid, propionic acid, acrylic acid and citoraconic acid were obtained in low yields from n-butenes.On the other hand, from isobutene methacrylic acid and isobutylic acid were formed in addition to above by-products in low yields.As to the reaction path, acetic acid was considered to be formed via hydration of butenes to form an alcoholic intermediate1)), followed by oxydehydrogenation on the catalyst which had some different active sites to induce other reactions at the same time.
Cross resistance in a diazinon-resistant strain of Musca domestica (L.).

Laboratory selection of a Diazinon® ( 0,0 -diethyl 0 -(2-iso- propyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl phosphorathioate )-resistant field strain of house fly, Musca domestica ( (L,), for nine generations on Diazinon-treated panels increased resistance not only to Diazinon but to a wide variety of insecticides. The levels of resistance to the various materials, as determined by topical application, were: Diazinon (38-fold), parathion (16), ronnel (18), Chlorthion® ( O -(3-chloro-4-nitrophenyl 0,0 -dimethyl phosphorothioate) (23), malathion (5), Sevin® (1-naphthyl- N -methyl carbamate) (more than 37-fold), Isolan®(dimethyl 5-(I-isopropyl-3-methyl-pyrazolyl) carbamate) (14), Pyrolan® (dimethyl 5-(3-methyl-I-phenylpyrazolyl) carbamate) (10), chlordane (400), dieldrin (220), lindane (250), DDT (more than 6,400-fold), TDE (more than 1,300), methoxychlor (more than 3,600), Dilan® (1 part 1,1-his( p -chlorophenyl)-2-nitropropane and 2 parts (I,I-bis( p -chlorophenyl)-2-nitrobutane) (10) allethrins (5), pyrethrins (4), and Lethane 384® (2-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethyl thiocyanate) (2-fold). These increases in tolerance, except to Lethane, pyrethrins, allethrins, and malathion (which may be simply instances of vigor tolerance), are considered true resistances. The extent of cross-resistance indicates that most of the contemporary materials will be ineffective against Diazinon- resistant flies. It is suggested that phosphorodithioates, more stable carbamates, or more toxic thiocyanates may offer promise for control. Tests on resistant flies collected from the field without further selection on Diazinon in the laboratory indicate that the pattern of resistance determined in this study is very similar to that which occurs under completely natural conditions of selection.
Study of User Relationship and Information Service System from the Perspective of Social Network

Under the new network environment,paying more attention to the relationship between the users and their information behavior,changing the information service concept,innovating the information service mode and studying the mechanism about how to provide information service for the users,turning library into a group in line with the needs of the users,has become the key element to the library’s sustainable development.This article is based on social network perspective to build information coordination interactive model of user and information with user relationships as the core,and thus exploration information service system innovation idea and pattern.
Lung Transplantation in Cystic Fibrosis: Trends and Controversies.

This article is not an overview of all facets of lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis (CF), but rather it is intended as a review of current allocation controversies, as well as of trends in diagnostics and management in lung transplant recipients and in patients with end-stage lung disease. Despite changes in donor and recipient selection, long-term survival in pediatric lung transplant has continued to be limited by chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Due to, in part, this short survival benefit, transplant continues to be an appropriate option for only a subset of pediatric patients with CF. The feasibility of transplant as a therapeutic option is also affected by the limited pediatric organ supply, which has moreover contributed to controversy over lung allocation. Debates over the allocation of this scarce resource, however, may also help to drive innovation in the field of lung transplant. Longer pretransplant survival—as aided by new lung bypass technologies, for example—could help to all...
Chapter Four: Airports for the “Jet Set”: Expansion, Iconic Architecture, and Airport Malls

Bednarek argues that as trains gave way to airplanes, airport terminals became the new “front doors” for US cities. As such, many civic leaders wanted their air transportation facilities to function as iconic symbols for their cities. And, given the investments in airport expansion, mayors and other civic leaders also hoped to reap an economic development boost. The latest manifestation of that is John Kasarda’s “aerotropolis” concept—the idea that cities can attain global status building and developing their airports as international gateways. To what extent airports could independently promote economic development, however, became and remains a subject of study and debate. Less debate surrounded the adoption of the “air mall” concept in the 1990s.
The Role of the Intrinsically Disordered and Multifunctional AF9 C-Terminal Domain in MLL-AF9 Leukemia,

Abstract Abstract 3464 Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins disrupt HOX gene regulation through recruitment of transcriptional elongation factors, leading to acute leukemia. AF9 is one of the most common MLL fusion partners and has roles in normal regulation of HOX genes. AF9 has also been shown to interact with multiple transcriptional regulators, including AF4 family proteins which recruit and activate P-TEFb, suggesting a pivotal role in regulation of transcriptional elongation at HOX loci. The mechanism by which AF9 regulates normal transcription and contributes to dysregulated transcription in MLL-AF9 leukemia is poorly understood. We have recently shown that the AF9 ANC1 Homology Domain (AHD), which is retained in MLL fusion proteins, is intrinsically disordered, i.e. it is unstructured on its own, and recruits AF4 family members by coupled folding and binding. In order to further understand this behavior, we have determined the solution structure of the AF9 AHD in complex with AF4 and identified a point mutation which selectively disrupts the AF4-AF9 interaction. Introduction of this mutation into MLL-AF9 results in loss of HOXA9 upregulation and loss of transformation of hematopoietic progenitor cells, establishing the importance of this interaction for MLL-AF9 leukemia. We propose that AF9 functions as a signaling hub which regulates transcriptional elongation by alternative recruitment of transcriptional regulators. Indeed, the AF9 ANC1 homology domain (AHD) has been shown to also bind the H3K79 methyltransferase Dot1L, human polycomb 3 (hPC3), and the BCL6 corepressor, necessitating a carefully orchestrated choreography of binding partners to regulate transcription. Intrinsic disorder may facilitate dynamic exchange between binding partners to mediate rapid changes of HOX gene expression in both normal tissues, as required for specific differentiation programs, and in leukemia. Our results also validate the AF9-AF4 interaction as a potential target for therapeutic development. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Weighted Inspection Sampling Methods Based on Winsorization

Sampling inspection methods used in industrial quality control normally take the form of inspection-by-attributes or inspection-by-variables methods. The author provides a new method for sampling inspection that lies in between the two classical methods.
Distinct Medial Temporal Lobe Network States as Neural Contexts for Motivated Memory Formation

In this chapter we examine how motivation creates a neural context for learning by dynamically engaging medial temporal lobe (MTL) systems. We review findings demonstrating that distinct modulatory networks, centered on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and amygdala, are coherently recruited during specific motivational states and shunt encoding to hippocampal versus cortical MTL systems during learning. We posit that these shifts in encoding substrate serve to tailor both the content and form of memory representations, and speculate that these different representations support current and future adaptive behavior.
The measurement of surface tension by means of sessile drops

Apparatus is described by means of which sessile drops can be formed on the upper end of a vertical tube. The drops can be renewed as frequently as desired. Photographs of the drops are measured and from the dimensions the surface tension is calculated with the help of a new reduction table given in the paper. The method in this form is considered to be as reliable as any of the other standard methods. It has been applied to measure the surface tension of pure water against saturated air. The value at 20°C. is found to be 72·70±0·07 dyn./cm., in good agreement with other determinations.
Are the religious suspicious of science? Investigating religiosity, religious context, and orientations towards science.

Are the religious suspicious of science? Drawing on data from 52 nations in the World Values Survey (wave 6) (N = 58,474), I utilize multilevel models to examine the relationship between religiosit...
Mature teratoma of the bladder in adolescence: a case report and literature review

Background Teratomas are tumors consisting of two or three germ layers, seen commonly during childhood. Teratomas have been reported to occur in various sites and organs. Bladder teratoma is a very rare extragonadal tumor, moreover in adults. Although teratomas are known as benign lesions in childhood, they may act as malignant tumors when detected during adulthood. This requires total tumor resection, particularly in adult cases, and the addition of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cases with the potential of malignancy. Case presentation A very rare case of teratoma of the bladder in a 17-year old Asian girl is presented. The patient had chief complaints of hematuria. The diagnosis was made on cystoscopy and confirmed histopathologically. Complete excision was possible. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first such case reported from Indonesia and the South East Asian region. Conclusion A bladder teratoma mimics the presentation of a bladder stone, clinically and radiologically. A dermoid cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis, especially when the stone appears to be confined to the bladder wall during examination.
Global stabilization of nonlinear systems: A continuous feedback framework

This article develops a continuous feedback framework for global stabilization of inherently nonlinear systems that may not be stabilized by any smooth feedback, even locally. Sufficient conditions are given for the existence of continuous but non-smooth state feedback control laws that achieve global strong stability. A systematic design method which combines homogeneous systems theory with the idea of adding a power integrator is presented for the explicit construction of C 0 globally stabilizing controllers. The significance of this new framework is illustrated by solving a variety of open nonlinear control problems that cannot be dealt with by existing methods.