cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Participation Motivations for Outdoor Recreation: A Test of Maslow's Theory

A random sample of 708 visitors was interviewed at Tahoe area downhill ski resorts in California and Nevada during January, February and March of 1978. Respondents rated the importance of each of 2...
Formation of carbon-carbon single bonds from isocyanates and cyclic pentaoxyphosphoranes—VI : Synthesis of 4-oxazolones and 4-thiazolones, and a new type of chapman rearrangement

Abstract The reaction of 4,5-dimethyl-2,2,2-trimethoxy-2,2-dihydro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholene with carbomethoxy, carbopropoxy and N,N-diphenylcarbamyl isocyanates yields, respectively, 2-methoxy-, 2-propoxy- and 2- diphenylamino-5-acetyl-5-methyl-2-oxazolin-4-one. The reaction with carbophenoxy isocyanate gives two products in a proportion which depends on experimental conditions: 2-phenoxy-5-acetyl-5-methyl-2-oxalin-4-one (1:1 stoichiometry) and 1,3-dicarbophenoxy-5-acetyl-5-methyl-hydantoin (1:2 stoichiometry). The 2-substituted 4- oxazolones are hydrolyzed to 5-acetyl-5-methyl-oxazolidin-2,4-dione. The alkyl group of the 2-alkoxy-4-oxazolones migrates to the adjacent nitrogen to give 3-alkyl-5-acetyl-5-methyl-oxazolidin-2,4-diones. The dioxaphospholene reacts with 2-substituted 2-thiazolin-4,5-diones to give 2-substituted 5-acetyl-5-methyl-2-thiazolin-4-ones, including rhodanine derivatives.
Computational method for reducing variance with Affymetrix microarrays.

Affymetrix microarrays are used by many laboratories to generate gene expression profiles. Generally, only large differences (> 1.7-fold) between conditions have been reported. Computational methods to reduce inter-array variability might be of value when attempting to detect smaller differences. We examined whether inter-array variability could be reduced by using data based on the Affymetrix algorithm for pairwise comparisons between arrays (ratio method) rather than data based on the algorithm for analysis of individual arrays (signal method). Six HG-U95A arrays that probed mRNA from young (21–31 yr old) human muscle were compared with six arrays that probed mRNA from older (62–77 yr old) muscle. Differences in mean expression levels of young and old subjects were small, rarely > 1.5-fold. The mean within-group coefficient of variation for 4629 mRNAs expressed in muscle was 20% according to the ratio method and 25% according to the signal method. The ratio method yielded more differences according to t-tests (124 vs. 98 differences at P < 0.01), rank sum tests (107 vs. 85 differences at P < 0.01), and the Significance Analysis of Microarrays method (124 vs. 56 differences with false detection rate < 20%; 20 vs. 0 differences with false detection rate < 5%). The ratio method also improved consistency between results of the initial scan and results of the antibody-enhanced scan. The ratio method reduces inter-array variance and thereby enhances statistical power.
Forcing Filament Fragmentation with Cofilin

Numerous cellular processes require the regulated assembly and disassembly of filamentous actin networks. During cell locomotion, for example, actin is assembled into filaments at the plasma membrane to cause lamellipodial or filopodial protrusions. The resulting assembled actin network then translates away from the leading edge by retrograde flow and disassembles at a distance away from the leading edge, thereby freeing actin monomers to continue the treadmilling cycle of assembly and disassembly (1).
Molecular cloning and sequencing of ama-1, the gene encoding the largest subunit of Caenorhabditis elegans RNA polymerase II.

Abstract Two genomic sequences that share homology with Rp11215, the gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II in Drosophila melanogaster, have been isolated from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. One of these sequences was physically mapped on chromosome IV within a region deleted by the deficiency mDf4, 25 kilobases (kb) from the left deficiency breakpoint. This position corresponds to ama-1 (resistance to alpha-amanitin), a gene shown previously to encode a subunit of RNA polymerase II. Northern (RNA) blotting and DNA sequencing revealed that ama-1 spans 10 kb, is punctuated by 11 introns, and encodes a 5.9-kb mRNA. A cDNA clone was isolated and partially sequenced to confirm the 3' end and several splice junctions. Analysis of the inferred 1,859-residue ama-1 product showed considerable identity with the largest subunit of RNAP II from other organisms, including the presence of a zinc finger motif near the amino terminus, and a carboxyl-terminal domain of 42 tandemly reiterated heptamers with the consensus Tyr Ser Pro Thr Ser Pro Ser. The latter domain was found to be encoded by four exons. In addition, the sequence oriented ama-1 transcription with respect to the genetic map. The second C. elegans sequence detected with the Drosophila probe, named rpc-1, was found to encode a 4.8-kb transcript and hybridized strongly to the gene encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase III from yeast, implicating rpc-1 as encoding the analogous peptide in the nematode. By contrast with ama-1, rpc-1 was not deleted by mDf4 or larger deficiencies examined, indicating that these genes are no closer than 150 kb. Genes flanking ama-1, including two collagen genes, also have been identified.
On-Line Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Monitoring Water Levels in Parts per Million in a Manufacturing-Scale Distillation Process

An on-line analytical method based on transmission near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the quantitative determination of water concentrations (in parts per million) was developed and applied to the manufacture of a pharmaceutical intermediate. Calibration models for water analysis, built at the development site and applied at the manufacturing site, were successfully demonstrated during six manufacturing runs at a 250-gallon scale. The water measurements will be used as a forward-processing control point following distillation of a toluene product solution prior to use in a Grignard reaction. The most significant impact of using this NIRS-based process analytical technology (PAT) to replace off-line measurements is the significant reduction in the risk of operator exposure through the elimination of sampling of a severely lachrymatory and mutagenic compound. The work described in this report illustrates the development effort from proof-of-concept phase to manufacturing implementation.
On the structure and biological properties of decarbamoylsaxitoxin

Abstract The acid hydrolysis product of saxitoxin is shown to be decarbamoylsaxitoxin by spectral characterization and its reconversion to saxitoxin by carbamoylation. Natural and resynthesized saxitoxin are identical in chromatographic and spectral properties and in their potencies in blocking the sodium channel in squid giant axon. The hydrolysis product, decarbamoylsaxitoxin, exhibits 20% of the potency of saxitoxin in the squid axon system. These results confirm the structure of the hydrolysis product and its biological activity relative to saxitoxin.
Pseudoglycosyltransferase catalyzes nonglycosidic C-N coupling in validamycin a biosynthesis.

Glycosyltransferases are ubiquitous in nature. They catalyze a glycosidic bond formation between sugar donors and sugar or nonsugar acceptors to produce oligo/polysaccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosylated natural products, and other sugar-containing entities. However, a trehalose 6-phosphate synthase-like protein has been found to catalyze an unprecedented nonglycosidic C–N bond formation in the biosynthesis of the aminocyclitol antibiotic validamycin A. This dedicated ‘pseudoglycosyltransferase’ catalyzes a condensation between GDP-valienol and validamine 7-phosphate to give validoxylamine A 7′-phosphate with net retention of the ‘anomeric’ configuration of the donor cyclitol in the product. The enzyme operates in sequence with a phosphatase, which dephosphorylates validoxylamine A 7′-phosphate to validoxylamine A.
Prior contralateral amputation predicts worse outcomes for lower extremity bypasses performed in the intact limb.

Introduction To date, history of a contralateral amputation as a potential predictor of outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) has not been studied. We sought to determine if a prior contralateral lower extremity amputation predicts worse outcomes in patients undergoing LEB in the remaining intact limb. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing infrainguinal LEB for CLI between 2003 and 2010 within hospitals comprising the Vascular Study Group of New England was performed. Patients were stratified according to whether or not they had previously undergone a contralateral major or minor amputation before LEB. Primary end points included major amputation and graft occlusion at 1 year postoperatively. Secondary end points included in-hospital major adverse events, discharge status, and mortality at 1 year. Results Of 2636 LEB procedures, 228 (8.6%) were performed in the setting of a prior contralateral amputation. Patients with a prior amputation compared to those without were younger (66.5 vs 68.7; P = .034), more like to have congestive heart failure (CHF; 25% vs 16%; P = .002), hypertension (94% vs 85%; P = .015), renal insufficiency (26% vs 14%; P = .0002), and hemodialysis-dependent renal failure (14% vs 6%; P = .0002). They were also more likely to be nursing home residents (8.0% vs 3.6%; P = .036), less likely to ambulate without assistance (41% vs 80%; P P = .0005). These patients experience increased in-hospital major adverse events, including myocardial infarction (MI; 8.9% vs 4.2%; P = .002), CHF (6.1% vs 3.4%; P = .044), deterioration in renal function (9.0% vs 4.7%; P = .006), and respiratory complications (4.2% vs 2.3%; P = .034). They were less likely to be discharged home (52% vs 72%; P P P P P = .160). On multivariable analysis, prior contralateral amputation was an independent predictor of both major amputation (odds ratio, 1.73; confidence interval, 1.06-2.83; P = .027) and graft occlusion (odds ratio, 1.93; confidence interval, 1.39-2.68; P Conclusions Patients with prior contralateral amputations who present with CLI in the intact limb represent a high-risk population, even among patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease. When considering LEB in this setting, both physicians and patients should expect increased rates of perioperative adverse events, increased rates of 1-year graft occlusion, and decreased rates of limb salvage, when compared with patients who have not undergone a contralateral amputation.
Mathematical sophistication among preservice elementary teachers

This study explores the ways in which eleven preservice elementary teachers used a web-based teacher resource to apply a mathematical definition, to correct a procedural error in arithmetic, and to make sense of a story requiring the multiplication of fractions. In our analysis we propose a framework to compare the behaviors and values expressed by our participants with the values and norms of the mathematical community. This analysis suggests that many preservice elementary teachers are profoundly mathematically unsophisticated. In other words, they displayed a set of values and avenues for doing mathematics so different from that of the mathematical community, and so impoverished, that they found it difficult to create fundamental mathematical understandings.
State Disparities in the Diagnosis and Placement of Pupils with Learning Disabilities

We investigated the hypothesis that interstate disparities in the diagnosis of pupils with learning disabilities (LD) are more strongly correlated with demographic and sociopolitical factors than with the biological prevalence of the disability. We also investigated the relationship of these factors to placement practices. Thirteen independent variables representing state characteristics were simultaneously regressed against each of seven static dependent variables, measuring diagnostic and placement practices in 1989, and two dynamic dependent variables, measuring changes in practices between 1976 and 1989. Results of the regression indicated that although demographic and sociopolitical factors explained none of the total prevalence of the four most common physical disabilities (adjusted R2[R2] = 0), they did explain to a moderate degree the state prevalence of LD (R2 ranged from .15 to .28), and were more predictive still depending on measure of LD prevalence. Moreover, these same factors strongly predi...
Direct determination of the pinch-off voltage of a depletion-mode field-effect transistor

A direct method of determining V p for a depletion-mode FET is presented and compared with the values determined from a square-law transfer characteristic, the output characteristic, and the cutoff of drain current. The accuracy of the direct method makes it a useful technique for the screening and matching of devices.
Effects of electron bombardment on the thermal desorption of cyclic hydrocarbons from zirconium surfaces

Abstract In this Letter, we compare the effects of 500 eV electron bombardment on the thermal desorption of benzene (C 6 H 6 ) and cyclohexane (C 6 H 12 ) from Zr(0 0 0 1) surfaces. In both cases, unexpectedly high desorption temperatures above 600 K indicate strong adsorbate-substrate interaction. Two desorption states are observed for each molecule, presumably due to tilted and flat molecular orientations. Electron fluence does not significantly alter the amount of desorbing species, but for C 6 H 12 /Zr(0 0 0 1) results in small amounts of H 2 desorption near 310 K. Electron bombardment seems to affect the tilted species more than the flat-lying species.
Nociceptin Signaling Involves a Calcium-Based Depolarization in Tetrahymena thermophila

Tetrahymena thermophila are free-living, ciliated eukaryotes. Their behavioral response to stimuli is well characterized and easily observable, since cells swim toward chemoattractants and avoid chemorepellents. Chemoattractant responses involve increased swim speed or a decreased change in swim direction, while chemorepellent signaling involves ciliary reversal, which causes the organism to jerk back and forth, swim in small circles, or spin in an attempt to get away from the repellent. Many food sources, such as proteins, are chemoattractants for these organisms, while a variety of compounds are repellents. Repellents in nature are thought to come from the secretions of predators or from ruptured organisms, which may serve as “danger” signals. Interestingly, several peptides involved in vertebrate pain signaling are chemorepellents in Tetrahymena, including substances P, ACTH, PACAP, VIP, and nociceptin. Here, we characterize the response of Tetrahymena thermophila to three different isoforms of nociceptin. We find that G-protein inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors do not affect nociceptin avoidance. However, the calcium chelator, EGTA, and the SERCA calcium ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, both inhibit nociceptin avoidance, implicating calcium in avoidance. This result is confirmed by electrophysiology studies which show that 50 M nociceptin-NH2 causes a sustained depolarization of approximately 40 mV, which is eliminated by the addition of extracellular EGTA.
Contrasting styles of off-shelf sediment accumulation in New Guinea

Abstract The accumulation of river sediment (and associated materials) off the continental shelf is widely acknowledged to have been significant during the last glacial maximum, when shelf accommodation space was reduced in many areas. However, the importance of off-shelf sinks during modern sea-level conditions is largely unknown. This study examined off-shelf sediment accumulation for two dispersal systems, the Gulf of Papua and the Sepik margin, using radionuclide (210Pb, 234Th), sediment texture and structure data. These study areas were selected because they have a similar source of sediment (the Papuan Fold Belt) with dramatically different margin morphologies. The Gulf of Papua is part of a foreland basin that lies in the northern Coral Sea, and receives over 3×108 tons of sediment annually from numerous rivers. The majority of this load accumulates on the shelf, and a small fraction (
Molecular analysis of phospholipase D

Phospholipase D has been proposed to play important roles in cellular processes ranging from the generation of second messengers to membrane degradation. Recent studies in plants have revealed the presence of different genes with multiple isoforms. Conserved motifs include those likely to be involved in catalysis and a Ca 2+ /phospholipid-binding domain that is potentially responsible for the activation of the enzyme. Two cloned phospholipase D proteins, designated α and β, display distinet properties in their dependence on Ca 2+ and polyphosphoinositides for activity. Thus, isoforms of phospholipase D in plants may be subject to unique control mechanisms and have distinct cellular functions.
Eighteenth-Century Sierra Leone English: Another Exported Variety of African American English

This essay examines the language of an expatriate community as found in letters and petitions written by African Americans who migrated to Sierra Leone by way of Nova Scotia in 1792. These documents provide some of the earliest first-hand evidence of African American English and contribute to debates about the history of that variety. The paper compares selected grammatical features in that variety to modern-day African Nova Scotian English for insights to the history of African American English and develops a case for the principled use of manuscript documents for reconstructing earlier stages of colloquial English.
Reply to "Comment on 'Critical relaxation of the one-dimensional Blume-Emery-Griffiths model' "

A previous value of the dynamic exponent z, which characterizes the critical relaxation of the one-dimensional Blume-Emery-Griffiths model, was found by Weir and Kosterlitz to be incorrect. The correct value, z=2, is found with use of a renormalization-group transformation in a different parameter space. In this parameter space, which is coupled to the three components of the S=1 spin, the master equation is invariant under an exact renormalization-group transformation.
PRONOUNCED EXOPHTHALMOS IN A CASE OF ADENOMATOUS GOITRE WITHOUT HYPERPLASIA

Not all are agreed as to whether there is any vital difference between the thyrotoxicosis associated with an adenomatous goitre, and the hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease (exophthalmic goitre). But most authorities are willing to concede that there is a clear differentiation possible between the clinical features of these two types of goitre. It is beside the point, in this communication, to enter into any lengthy discussion of this controversy. Suffice it to state that “adenomatous goitre with hyperthyroidism” (Plummer's disease) is clinically characterized by an asymmetrical nodular enlargement of the thyroid gland in which a thrill is not palpable, and a bruit is not audible, and in which exophthalmos and the so-called thyroid eye signs (VonGraefe, Moebius, Dairymple, Joffroy, Stellwag) are absent. Graves' disease (exophthalmic goitre), on the other hand, is typified by a symmetrical smooth, highly vascular hyperplastic gland in which a thrill is palpable and bruit audible, and in which exophthalmos a...
mRNA transcript therapy

mRNA is the central molecule of all forms of life. It is generally accepted that current life on Earth descended from an RNA world. mRNA, after its first therapeutic description in 1992, has recently come into increased focus as a method to deliver genetic information. The recent solution to the two main difficulties in using mRNA as a therapeutic, immune stimulation and potency, has provided the basis for a wide range of applications. While mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies have been in clinical trials for a few years, novel approaches; including, in vivo delivery of mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells, or genome engineering using mRNA-encoded meganucleases are beginning to be realized. This review presents the current state of mRNA drug technologies and potential applications, as well as discussing the challenges and prospects in mRNA development and drug discovery.
Grid flexibility and storage required to achieve very high penetration of variable renewable electricity

Abstract We examine the changes to the electric power system required to incorporate high penetration of variable wind and solar electricity generation in a transmission constrained grid. Simulations were performed in the Texas, US (ERCOT) grid where different mixes of wind, solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar power meet up to 80% of the electric demand. The primary constraints on incorporation of these sources at large scale are the limited time coincidence of the resource with normal electricity demand, combined with the limited flexibility of thermal generators to reduce output. An additional constraint in the ERCOT system is the current inability to exchange power with neighboring grids. By themselves, these constraints would result in unusable renewable generation and increased costs. But a highly flexible system – with must-run baseload generators virtually eliminated – allows for penetrations of up to about 50% variable generation with curtailment rates of less than 10%. For penetration levels up to 80% of the system's electricity demand, keeping curtailments to less than 10% requires a combination of load shifting and storage equal to about one day of average demand.
Influence of Alcohol Use and Family History of Alcoholism on Neural Response to Alcohol Cues in College Drinkers

BACKGROUND: Heavy drinkers show altered functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to alcohol cues. Little is known about alcohol cue reactivity among college age drinkers, who show the greatest rates of alcohol use disorders. Family history of alcoholism (family history positive [FHP]) is a risk factor for problematic drinking, but the impact on alcohol cue reactivity is unclear. We investigated the influence of heavy drinking and family history of alcoholism on alcohol cue-related fMRI response among college students. METHODS: Participants were 19 family history negative (FHN) light drinkers, 11 FHP light drinkers, 25 FHN heavy drinkers, and 10 FHP heavy drinkers, aged 18 to 21. During fMRI scanning, participants viewed alcohol images, nonalcohol beverage images, and degraded control images, with each beverage image presented twice. We characterized blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast for alcohol versus nonalcohol images and examined BOLD response to repeated alcohol images to understand exposure effects. RESULTS: Heavy drinkers exhibited greater BOLD response than light drinkers in posterior visual association regions, anterior cingulate, medial frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal striatum, and hyperactivation to repeated alcohol images in temporo-parietal, frontal, and insular regions (clusters > 8,127 μl, p Language: en
Analysis of the solar magnesium lines

The observed quiet-sun profiles for a number of Mg I and II lines are compared with theoretical spectra computed for two upper-photosphere lower-chromosphere models published by Ayres and Linsky (1976). Both the Mg I and the Mg II resonance line wings, observed with the University of Hawaii Echelle Rocket Spectrographs, favor a model with a higher temperature in the upper photosphere than required to match the visible region lines 4571 and 5172. Neither model atmosphere reproduces the observed shapes in the cores of the strong lines or the limb darkening of the 4571 A intercombination line. The wings of the ultraviolet lines in plages can be reproduced either with a mean one-component atmosphere or by a two-component model with an ad hoc filling factor.
Video interface technology for wireless communications

Emerging technology finally permits wireless communication systems to carry video information efficiently. System challenges include low-noise preprocessing to maximize compressibility, efficient compression, decompression, and error-correction of the compressed signal, and clean reconstruction of the video waveform. This paper discusses algorithms and hardware for clean, efficient conversion of signals between universal analog television formats and compression-ready or decompressed digital video component formats. Problems of gunlock jitter, video decoding, cross- luminance, and video filtering are considered.
Monoclonal antibodies reactive with specific amino acid sequences of the 126K protein of tobacco mosaic virus

The 126 K protein of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is an NTP binding protein that has guanylyl transferase activity and is predicted to be an ATPase/helicase. In this paper we report the generation of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) that react with specific amino acid sequences of the 126K protein. The Mabs were generated after immunizing mice with a partially purified preparation of the 126 K protein (native) obtained by centrifugal fractionation of the infected tissue extracts. The Mabs were assayed for specific reactivity by western blotting and by their reactivity with non-overlapping decapeptides corresponding to the entire amino acid sequence of the 126 K protein of TMV. A total of 11 Mabs reactive with specific peptides and three other Mabs that did not react with any peptide but reacted with the 126 K protein were identified.
Caveolae as potential mediators of MCH-signaling pathways.

The melanin-concentrating hormone receptor (MCHR) 1 is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure in mammals. Here, we show that MCHR1 partitions to lipid rafts in stably expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells. In addition to co-fractionating with lipid rafts containing caveolin-1 on sucrose gradients, caveolin-1 was present in MCHR1 immunoprecipitates, suggesting that MCHR1 complexes with caveolae. The cholesterol-depleting drug methyl-β-cyclodextrin impaired MCH-mediated ERK signaling. These data suggest that a functional interaction between MCHR1 and caveolin-1 in lipid rafts exists and provide a basis for further biochemical studies to understand the significance on MCH-mediated signal transduction events.
Beta decays of 8He, 9Li, and 9C

The beta decays of 8He, 9Li, and 9C are interpreted in terms of shell-model calculations in a p-shell basis. Particular attention is paid to the observed low-energy decays that exhibit large B(GT) values.
Effect of school water fluoridation on dental caries: results in Seagrove, NC, after eight years

Because the optimal concentration for school water fluoridation for maximal caries protection is not firmly established, this study was conducted to determine if fluoridating a school's water supply at seven times the optimum amount recommended for community fluoridation produces greater benefits than the currently recommended 4.5 times.
Heat transfer in a radiating fluid with slug flow in a parallel-plate channel

As a step towards a better understanding of combined conduction, convection, and radiation, fully developed heat transfer in slug flow in a flat duct between two parallel plates is considered. The flat duct consists of two diffuse, nonblack, isothermal surfaces. The gray radiating fluid between them is capable of emitting and absorbing thermal radiation. The problem is formulated in terms of a nonlinear integrodifferential equation, and the solution is obtained by an approximate method. The differences between heating and cooling the fluid are examined. The effects of the optical thickness of the fluid, the ratio which determines the relative role of energy transport by conduction to that by radiation, and the emissivity of the duct surfaces on the temperature distribution and the heat transfer characteristics are investigated. An approximate method for calculating the radiant heat flux at the wall is presented, and the accuracy of the approximation is tested.
Interleukin-6 is neither necessary nor sufficient for preterm labor in a murine infection model.

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in a murine model of bacterially induced preterm delivery.Methods:On day 14.5 of a 19-20-day gestation, female mice underwent one of two interventions. In experiment 1, pregnant right uterine horns were injected at laparotomy with 0.5-20 μg of recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6). In experiment 2, IL-6-deficient (IL-6-/-) and wild-type control (IL-6+/+) mice underwent intrauterine inoculation with 105 to 108 heat-killed Excherichia coli organisms. Preterm delivery and maternal survival rates were recorded.Results:In experiment 1, doses as high as 20 μg of IL-6 per mouse resulted in up-regulation of acute phase reactants but did not cause preterm delivery or other adverse maternal or fetal effects. In experiment 2, in bacterially inoculated mice, the absence of matrnal and fetal IL-6 had no effect on preterm delivery rates.Conclusion:IL-6 was neither sufficient nor necessary for preterm delivery in these murine models.
Arousal effects on unit responsiveness to vocalizations in squirrel monkey auditory cortex.

Abstract Single neurons in the auditory cortex of awake squirrel monkeys were tested with species-specific vocalizations with and without concurrent stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation (RF). Fourteen of 55 cells (25%) tested with RF stimulation alone gave time-locked responses to successive trains of RF stimulation. Fifteen of 39 neurons (36%) showed changes in response strength or pattern to vocalizations presented with concurrent RF stimulation. However, only 4 (10%) changed their selectivity to specific vocalizations. These included cells driven by trains of RF stimulation, and those which were not. Non-stationarity in spontaneous discharge rate occurred in many of the neurons studied, but was not correlated with changes in responsiveness to vocalizations. Analysis of responsiveness to vocalizations and spontaneous and RF-induced changes in cortical EEG activity likewise revealed no correlation. These results suggest that the response selectivity to specific vocalizations of auditory cortex neurons is relatively stable, and is not greatly influenced by RF-mediated changes in cortical excitability.
Mapping of protective and cross-reactive domains of the type A neurotoxin of Clostridium botulinum.

The purpose of this study was to identify the location of domains within the serotype A neurotoxin of Clostridium botulinum (BoNTA) that conferred protection against botulism. The BoNTA gene was subcloned into a series of 10 overlapping fragments that were expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed proteins were partially purified and used to immunize mice. The resulting antisera were screened by immunoblotting analysis for the presence of BoNTA-specific antibody. All fragments, except one, elicited antibody that recognized BoNTA in an immunoblot. Serological screening identified several fragment-specific cross-reactive epitopes that were shared by heterologous serotypes of BoNT. Most of these epitopes were immunoreactive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but not by immunoblot. Only two fragments were shown to confer protection against BoNTA intoxication. Both of these proteins were derived from segments of the heavy chain and encoded amino acid residues H455–661 and H1150–1289 of BoNTA.
Evaluation of a Potential Cystine Response by the Turkey Poult

Abstract Harms, R.H., Neuman, S.L., Molt, M.A. and Russell, G.B. 1999. Evaluation of a potential cystine response by the turkey poult. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 15: 121–130. An experiment was conducted to determine whether the turkey poult would respond to Cystine (Cys) supplementation of a corn-soybean meal diet. A 3 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was used for the first 4 weeks (.41, .44 and .47% Met) and (.43, .45, .47 and .49% Cys). A 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was used during weeks 5 to 8 (.39 and .43% Met) and (.38, .40, .42 and .44% Cys). The poults day-old to 4 wks of age responded to supplemental Cys when the ratio of Met:Cys was between 48.8:51.2 and 52.2 to 47.8%. The response to Cys was not large enough to assay the poults Cys requirement. A numerical response was obtained from Cys supplementation from 5 to 8 wk to a diet containing .44% Met and .43% Cys and a Met:Cys ratio of 50.5 to 49.5. Neither feed intake nor feed efficiency was influenced by the addition of either Met o...
Variable expression of the ssb--1 allele in different strains of Escherichia coli K12 and B: differential suppression of its effects on DNA replication, DNA repair and ultraviolet mutagenesis

We have transduced the mutant allele ssb-1, which encodes a temperature-sensitive single-strand DNA binding protein (SSB), into several Escherichia coli strains, and have examined colony-forming ability, DNA replication, sensitivity to ultraviolet light (UV) and UV-induced mutability at the nonpermissive temperature. We have found: 1) that the degree of ssb-1-mediated temperature-sensitivity of colony-forming ability and of DNA replication is strain-dependent, resulting in plating efficiencies at 42 degrees C (relative to 30 degrees C) ranging from 100% to 0.002%; 2) that complete suppression of the temperature-sensitivity caused by ssb-1 occurs only on nutrient agar, and not in any other medium tested; 3) that strains in which ssb-1-mediated temperature-sensitivity is completely suppressed show moderate UV sensitivity and normal UV mutability at 30 degrees C, but much more extreme UV sensitivity and drastically reduced UV mutability at 42 degrees C; and 4) that defects in excision repair or in other Uvr+-dependent processes are not responsible for most of the UV sensitivity promoted by ssb-1. We discuss our results in relation to the known properties of SSB and its possible role in the induction of DNA damage-inducible (SOS) functions.
3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) sensitizes cardiac myocytes to anoxia

Cardiac myocytes incubated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a nonspecific cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor, formed rigor complexes under anoxic conditions more readily than cells incubated with other phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Cardiac myocytes were incubated for 1 hr with either (a) no additions, (b) 150 microM zaprinast, or (c) 1 mM IBMX, and then were rendered anoxic for periods up to 60 min. Cells were >80% viable throughout the anoxic period; viability was unaffected by either drug. Rod count decreased more rapidly after the onset of anoxia in the IBMX-treated cells than in control or zaprinast-treated cells (11% rods vs. roughly 47% rods after 30 min of anoxia). IBMX-treated cell groups also formed more "contracted" myocytes (box-like rods) than their untreated or zaprinast-treated counterparts (50% contracted vs. roughly 27% contracted after 30 min of anoxia). While nucleotide degradation patterns were similar in all experimental groups, the ratio of ATP to ADP was lower in IBMX-treated cells than in control or zaprinast-treated cells. The L-type calcium channel was apparently not involved in this phenomenon; while cyclic AMP was elevated in the IBMX-incubated cells, verapamil did not protect IBMX-incubated cells from premature damage by anoxia. Incubation with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CDPX), an A1 receptor antagonist, at concentrations up to 1 microM in place of 1mM IBMX did not reproduce the IBMX effect. We concluded that IBMX sensitizes cardiac myocytes to anoxia through a mechanism related to its effect on ATP/ADP, and unrelated to an elevation of intracellular calcium or preconditioning phenomena.
Locked versus standard unlocked plating of the symphysis pubis in a Type-C pelvic injury: A cadaver biomechanical study

Abstract Introduction The benefits of locked plating for pubic symphyseal disruption have not been established. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to determine whether locked plating offers any advantage over conventional unlocked plating of the pubic symphysis in the vertically unstable, Type-C pelvic injury. Methods In each of eight embalmed cadaver pelvis specimens, sectioning of the pubic symphysis in conjunction with a unilateral release of the sacroiliac, sacrospinous, and sacrotuberous ligaments and pelvic floor was performed to simulate a vertically unstable Type-C (Orthopaedic Trauma Association 61-C1.2) pelvic injury. The disrupted SI joint was then reduced and fixed using two 6.5 mm cannulated screws inserted into the S1 body. Using a six-hole 3.5 mm plate specifically designed for the symphysis pubis having both locked and unlocked capability, four pelvises were fixed with locked screws and four pelvises were fixed with standard unlocked bicortical screws. Both groups were similar based on a dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry evaluation (P = 0.69). Each pelvis was then mounted on a servohydraulic materials-testing apparatus using a bilateral stance model to mainly stress the symphyseal fixation and was cycled up to 1 million cycles or failure, whichever occurred first. Results Five specimens experienced failure at the jig mounting/S1 vertebral body interface, occurring between 360,000 and 715,000 cycles. Frank failure of the anterior or posterior instrumentation did not occur. However, end-trialing diastasis of the initial pubic symphysis reduction was found in all pelvises. There were no differences between the groups with respect to this loss of symphyseal reduction (P = 0.69) or average cycles to failure (P = 1.0). Conclusion Pubic symphyseal locked plating does not appear to offer any advantage over standard unlocked plating for a Type-C (OTA 61-C1.2) pelvic ring injury.
Improvement in injury induced hypocalcia by high-dose naloxone intervention.

Abstract Naloxone hydrochloride was used to re-establish normal calcium activities in the extracellular space of the injured spinal cord. The micromolar levels of calcium which occur immediately after injury were improved above control values by 1 h 30 min post-injury; normal activities occured at 2 h 45 min. Such a restitution of ionic levels after injury may contribute to the beneficial effects of naloxone in traumatic injury.
Measuring the affective information environment of web searchers

Information seeking research and theory is focusing increasingly on the role of affect in information behavior and how it influences cognitive operations. Affective variables that have been explored include need, preference, attitude, task motivation, expected and felt effort, uncertainty, self-efficacy, optimism, relevance, satisfaction, and acceptance of or loyalty to the system. This study gives operational definitions for measuring several affective variables in the form of rating scales filled out by college students at the beginning and end of weekly Web search sessions throughout a semester. Intercorrelations and ANOVA analyses showed that there is a dynamic and coherent interaction among these affective variables. It is shown that the affective environment of searchers can be monitored objectively and continuously by means of such measures. A new concept termed “affective load” is introduced and defined, along with “user coping skills” which can counteract and reduce the negative effects of uncertainty, frustration, anxiety, irritation and rage during searching.
Rigid-rod polyimides based on noncoplanar 4,4'-biphenyldiamines : A review of polymer properties vs configuration of diamines

X-ray crystal structures of three substituted 4,4‘-biphenyldiamines, namely, 2,2‘,6,6‘-tetramethylbenzidine (TMBZ), 2,2‘-dimethylbenzidine (DMBZ) and 2,2‘-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (BFBZ), were determined. The torsional angles between the two phenyl rings for TMBZ, DMBZ, and BFBZ are φ = 83°, 75°, and 59°, respectively. A structure−property relationship between the three-dimensional configuration of diamine monomers and the corresponding polyimides is discussed.
Community care for severely disabled people on low incomes.

Abstract Objective: To examine the volume and distribution of formal and informal care received by severely disabled adults living at home in the community on low incomes according to type of disease. Design: Analysis of computerised reports from social workers which include information on disabling conditions and on the weekly hours of care at home from formal and informal sources. Subjects: 1298 severely disabled people aged 16 to 98 who received financial assistance from the Independent Living Fund in 1991-2. Results: Over half (733; 56.6% (53.8 to 59.2)) of the sample were completely unable to perform five or more of the basic activities of daily living. On average the whole sample received 6.8 (6.1 to 7.6) hours of care at home a week from formal sources and 64.2 (62.4 to 65.9) hours from informal sources. In seven out of 14 disease groups, less than half in each group received any formal help at home. There were large differences in the volume of formal care within groups. In most cases no significant differences were found within diagnostic groups between those receiving care at home from district health authorities or local authorities, or both, and those who received no help at home with regard to age, dependency score, and duration of disability. Weekly hours of informal care were an important determinant of who received formal help in nine out of 14 groups. Conclusions: The amount of care received at home by low income, severely disabled people from formal sources differs across and within diagnostic groups. The fact that the variation was not systematically related to age, dependency, or duration suggests that the existing distribution of community care resources needs to be examined. Weekly hours of informal care and diagnosis seem to affect the volume and type of care received. The methods by which people in need of assistance receive help merit further investigation.
Measurements of atmospheric nitrous acid and nitric acid

Abstract A highly sensitive technique for the measurement of atmospheric HONO and HNO 3 is reported. The technique is based on aqueous scrubbing using two coil samplers, followed by conversion of HNO 3 to nitrite, derivatization of nitrite to a highly light-absorbing azo dye with sulfanilamide (SA) and N -(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine (NED), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. HNO 3 concentration was obtained by the difference of the two channels. Two scrubbing solutions were used for sampling the two species: a 1-mM phosphate buffer solution (pH 7) for the measurement of HONO and a 180 mM NH 4 Cl/NH 3 buffer solution (pH 8.5) for the measurement of HONO+HNO 3 . The scrubbing solution flow rate was 0.24 ml min −1 and the gas sampling flow rate was 2 l min −1 . HNO 3 in the NH 4 Cl/NH 3 buffer solution was quantitatively reduced to nitrite along an on-line 0.8-cm Cd reductor column. Nitrite in both channels was derivatized with 2 mM SA and 0.2 mM NED in 25 mM HCl. Quantitative derivatization was achieved within 5 min at 55°C. The azo dye derivative was then separated from the SA/NED reagent by reversed-phase HPLC and detected with a UV-vis detector at 540 nm. With an on-line SEP-PAK C-18 cartridge for the reagent purification, the method detection limit is estimated to be better than 1 pptv for HONO and about 20 pptv for HNO 3 . The sample integration time was about 2 min and the sampling frequency is every 10 min. Data collected in downtown Albany and Whiteface Mountain, NY, are shown as examples of applications of this technique in both urban and remote clean environments.
The Korean War: An ERIC/ChESS Sample.

TI he Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), spon sored by the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest and oldest education information system in the world. The ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ ChESS) is one of sixteen subject-oriented clearinghouses that com pose the ERIC system. The heart of this system, the ERIC database of education-related literature, contains nearly one million citations with abstracts, drawn from a variety of disciplines. Citations to journal articles, teaching and curriculum guides, bibliographies, research reports, and conference papers are included. The ERIC database is available free in many large public and university libraries and on the Internet. The listings below are drawn from the ERIC database and include both teaching materials and general background information on the topic. The key to obtaining the full text of the materials cited below is the unique ERIC number assigned to each item in the database. Journal articles, denoted by "EJ" numbers (for example, EJ549890), can be copied at most academic libraries, borrowed through interlibrary loan, or purchased from article reprint services such as UnCover, UMI, and ISI. Research reports, conference papers, and other materials besides journal articles are denoted by "ED" numbers (for example, ED398110); paper or microfiche copies of most of these documents can be purchased from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS), 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153-2852; (800) 443-3742; (703) 44
Risk of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage in patients with head injury and preinjury warfarin or clopidogrel use.

Objectives: Appropriate use of cranial computed tomography (CT) scanning in patients with mild blunt head trauma and preinjury anticoagulant or antiplatelet use is unknown. The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify risk factors for immediate traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) in patients with mild head trauma and preinjury warfarin or clopidogrel use and 2) to derive a clinical prediction rule to identify patients at low risk for immediate tICH. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study at two trauma centers and four community hospitals that enrolled adult emergency department (ED) patients with mild blunt head trauma (initial ED Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 13 to 15) and preinjury warfarin or clopidogrel use. The primary outcome measure was immediate tICH, defined as the presence of ICH or contusion on the initial cranial CT. Risk for immediate tICH was analyzed in 11 independent predictor variables. Clinical prediction rules were derived with both binary recursive partitioning and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 982 patients with a mean ( standard deviation [SD]) age of 75.4 (12.6) years were included in the analysis. Sixty patients (6.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.7% to 7.8%) had immediate tICH. History of vomiting (relative risk [RR] = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.80 to 6.94), abnormal mental status (RR = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.65 to 4.92), clopidogrel use (RR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.55 to 4.10), and headache (RR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.96) were associated with an increased risk for immediate tICH. Both binary recursive partitioning and multivariable logistic regression were unable to derive a clinical prediction model that identified a subset of patients at low risk for immediate tICH. Conclusions: While several risk factors for immediate tICH were identified, the authors were unable to identify a subset of patients with mild head trauma and preinjury warfarin or clopidogrel use who are at low risk for immediate tICH. Thus, the recommendation is for urgent and liberal cranial CT imaging in this patient population, even in the absence of clinical findings. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2013; 20:140–145 © 2013 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Suppression of whole body and regional lipolysis by insulin: effects of obesity and exercise.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in premenopausal women (six endurance-trained nonobese, six sedentary nonobese, and five sedentary obese) the suppression of whole body and regional lipolysis by insulin. Lipolysis was determined using 2H5-glycerol infusion and microdialysis of sc adipose tissue (AT) during a two-stage[ 6–10 (low; LO) and 12–20 (moderate; MOD) mU/m·min] hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Microdialysis probes were positioned in abdominal and femoral sc AT to monitor interstitial glycerol and nutritive blood flow. Basal plasma glycerol was 102 ± 9, 52± 6, and 143 ± 30 μmol/L in endurance-trained nonobese, sedentary nonobese, and sedentary obese, respectively (P < 0.05, sedentary nonobese < endurance-trained nonobese, sedentary obese). The plasma glycerol concentration was decreased (P < 0.05) to a greater extent in endurance-trained nonobese and sedentary nonobese[ both to ∼50% (LO) and ∼45% (MOD) of basal] than in sedentary obese [to 72% (LO) and 63% (MOD) of basal]. The rate of appear...