cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic nucleotide levels in incubations of guinea pig trachea.

Abstract The effects of several hormones and drugs on cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels in incubations of guinea pig tracheal rings were examined in order to compare alterations in cyclic nucleotide levels with inotropic effects of these agents reported by others. In general we observed that agents which can relax tracheal smooth muscle increased the levels of cyclic AMP and agents which can produce contraction increased the levels of cyclic GMP. However, several exceptions to these generalizations were observed. Epinephrine and prostaglandin E1 produced dose dependant increases in cyclic AMP levels which reached a peak in several minutes. The effect of epinephrine was prevented with the beta blocker propranolol and was unaltered by the alpha blocker phenoxybenzamine. The effect of epinephrine was additive to the stimulatory effect of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline. Epinephrine and prostaglandin E1 had no effect on cyclic GMP levels. Surprisingly, acetylcholine and carbachol also increased cyclic AMP levels; however, these effects were prevented with either atropine or propranolol suggesting they were secondary to catecholamine release. Choline esters, histamine and theophylline also increased cyclic GMP levels. The effect of choline esters was prevented with atropine. The effect of histamine was blocked with either atropine or diphenhydramine which suggested that histamine released acetylcholine. Serotonin, angiotensin II and adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) had no effects on cyclic AMP. Prostaglandin F2 α had no effect on cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP. These observations support the hypothesis that increased cyclic AMP is associated with relaxation and increased cyclic GMP with contraction of tracheal smooth muscle. Since contractility was not examined in this study and because of the cellular heterogeneity of the preparations used, additional studies are needed to examine this hypothesis more directly.
A survey of linear programming in randomized subexponential time

Three papers were published in 1992, each providing a combinatorial, randomized algorithm solving linear programming in subexponential expected time. Bounds on independent algorithms were proven, one by Kalai, and the other by Matousek, Sharir, and Welzl. Results by Gartner combined techniques from these papers to solve a much more general optimization problem in similar time bounds.Although the algorithms by Kalai and Sharir-Welzl seem remarkably different in style and evolution, this paper demonstrates that one of the variants of Kalai's algorithm is identical (although dual) to the algorithm of Sharir-Welzl. Also the implication of Gartner's framework on future improvements is examined more carefully.
Microbiological Examination of the Bacillus popilliae Product Called Doom

The spore-forming insect pathogen, Bacillus popilliae Dutky, has been used on the E seaboard since the early 1940's to control the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman. The sole producer of this bacterial product is the Fairfax Biological Laboratory at Clinton Corners, NY. The product is manufactured under the trade name “Japanese beetle DOOM”. DOOM contains 100 million spores of Bacillus popilliae /g. When it is used to treat a pasture, 2 g are applied/intersection of a 10 or 20-ft grid. Thus the beetles, as they contract the disease and move away from the original point of deposit, gradually spread viable spores throughout the pasture, until complete and permanent protection is afforded.
Experiments and numerical modeling to estimate the coating variability in a pan coater

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of the coating process parameters on coating performance and coating variability, and hence determine the optimal operating conditions. Coating of particles is done to mask the unpleasant taste or odor of the drug, to control the bioavailability of the API, and to increase shelf-life. The coating solution is sprayed in specific locations of the granular bed and coating uniformity is achieved by interparticle collisions and overall mixing behavior in the coater. Thus, good understanding of particle flow and granular mixing in a pan coater is vital to optimize the process parameters to reduce coating variability. Coating experiments are performed at previously determined optimal mixing conditions using Lactose nonpareils. The coating fluid (aqueous solution of Opadry II) is sprayed intermittently at different flow rates and concentration. Vernier Caliper is used to measure the change in diameter and the coating of the particles. Moreover, DEM based numerical modeling of spray coating is also performed for same operational parameter set and spray characteristic (center and the radius of the spray zone) used in the experiments. DEM simulation provides the residence time distribution of all the particles passing through the spray zone. The coating variability in the experiments is estimated at different pan and spray variables. The coating variability decreases with the increase inpan tilt, coating time and an optimum speed. The spray characteristics does not seem to have much effect on the variability although better coating is observed under better mixing conditions of high tilt and pan speed for the same spray parameters. The mass distribution of coated particles is quantified in the numerical model by the total number of particles passing through the spray zone and also by the frequency distribution of the residence time of the coated particles. It is observed that the simulations are in good agreement with the experiments for the effect of orientation (tilt) of the pan coater on coating variability. However simulations over predicted the effect of speed as compared to the experiments to reach the minimum coating variability. In the current study, the experimental setup did not reflect the typical bead coating setup used in the industry; rather depict a simplified setup to validate the numerical model.
Reconstruction of the Ir(110) surface: A mixed faceted (1 × 3) and (1 × 1) structure

Abstract Time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS) has been used to show that the reconstructed Ir(110) surface, following annealing to 1400 ° C, consists primarily of domains of faceted (1 × 3) structures (with two missing first-layer rows and one missing second-layer row); the data are consistent with secondary domains of (1 × 1) structures (with no missing rows). This structure is determined from scans of (i) backscattering (BS) versus incidence angle α, (ii) forwardscattering (FS) versus α, and (iii) FS versus scattering angle Θ.
A note on the mass flux for rapidly rotating recycling flow over topography

This paper reports some measurements of the circumferential mass flux in a rotating cylindrical annulus spanned by a transverse ridge and containing a homogeneous liquid. Flows are driven by a differentially rotating lid in the shape of a parabola so as to simulate a polar ?-plane. Unless the Rossby number R o = ?/2?, based on the lid rotation rate ? and the basic rotation rate ?, is quite small the mass flux is less for the ?-plane than for f -plane (flat lid) geometry. The mass flux is reduced in the ?-plane case by mountain wave drag associated with the formation of Rossby waves in the annulus downstream of the topography. When R o 2 is less than the Ekman number the ?-plane mass flux exceeds that of the f -plane case. Streak photographs demonstrate the qualitative nature of the flow. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1981.tb01784.x 2
Fourier transform infrared study of the gel form of isotactic polystyrene

Infrared spectra of isotactic polystyrene gel films are observed to be significantly different from those of amorphous and crystalline polymer, indicating that the gel form is in a different conformation than the usual 31 helical crystal structure. Computer-assisted subtraction indicates that approximately 35% of the chains participate in the gel component, effectively ruling out structural defects as the origin of the ordered gel component.
Broadband optical ultrasound sensor with a unique open-cavity structure

High-resolution ultrasound imaging requires quality sensors with wide bandwidth and high sensitivity, as shown in a wide range of applications, including intravascular imaging of cardiovascular diseases. However, piezoelectric technology, the current dominant approach for hydrophone fabrication, has encountered many technical limitations in the high-frequency range. Using optical techniques for the detection of high-frequency ultrasound signals has attracted much recent attention. One of the most studied approaches is based on a Fabry-Perot interferometer, consisting of an optical cavity sandwiched between two mirrors. This technique offers promising sensitivity and bandwidth, and a potential alternative to piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hydrophones. We propose an innovative optical ultrasound sensor using only a single mirror in a total-internal-reflection configuration. Besides retaining the advantages of Fabry-Perot interferometer-based ultrasound sensors, this unique design provides a bandwidth of at least 160 MHz, a potential decrease in fabrication cost, and an increase in signal fidelity.
Imaging induction of cytoprotective enzymes in intact human cells: coumberone, a metabolic reporter for human AKR1C enzymes reveals activation by panaxytriol, an active component of red ginseng.

We here present an optical method for monitoring the activity of the inducible aldo-keto reductases AKR1C2 and AKR1C3 in living human cells. The induction of these enzymes is regulated by the antioxidant response element (ARE), as demonstrated in recent literature, which in turn is dependent on the transcription factor Nrf2. The activation of ARE leads to the transcription of a coalition of cytoprotective enzymes and thus represents an important target for the development of new therapies in the area of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Through the use of Coumberone, a metabolic fluorogenic probe, and isoform-selective inhibitors, the upregulation of cellular stress markers AKR1C2 and AKR1C3 can be quantitatively measured in the presence of ARE activator compounds, via either a fluorimetric assay or fluorescence microscopy imaging of intact cells. The method has both high sensitivity and broad dynamic range, as demonstrated by induction studies in three cell lines with dramatically different metaboli...
A qualitative analysis of individual interest in middle school physical education: perspectives of early-adolescents

Background: Past research has revealed the positive impact that interest development can have on achievement outcomes with early-adolescents in physical education (PE). Interest is considered a psychological state of engaging and willingness to reengage in specific content that develops over time; however, little work to date has examined interest development over time using methods that obtain in-depth perspectives of students and intimate knowledge of the context. Purpose: To examine the factors early-adolescent students report to have an impact on the development of individual interest in PE and explore how students view the relationship between individual interest and learning in PE. Participants: A total of eight students from one middle school class in the Midwestern United States were purposefully sampled based on their different levels of individual interest toward PE. There was an even split between males (n = 4) and females (n = 4) and students were mostly Caucasian. The setting consisted of a t...
Characterization of a half-apo derivative of peptidylglycine monooxygenase. Insight into the reactivity of each active site copper

A derivative of peptidylglycine monooxygenase which lacks the CuH center has been prepared and characterized. This form of the enzyme is termed the half-apo protein. Copper-to-protein stoichiometric measurements establish that the protein binds only one of the two copper centers (CuM and CuH) found in the native enzyme. Confirmation that the methionine-containing CuM has been retained has been obtained from EXAFS experiments which show that the characteristic signature of the Cu-S(Met) interaction is preserved. The half-apo derivative binds 1 equiv of CO per copper with an IR frequency of 2092 cm(-1), and this monocarbonyl also displays the Cu-S(Met) interaction in its EXAFS spectrum. These results allow unambiguous assignment of the 2092 cm(-1) band as a CuM-CO species. Binding of CO in the presence of peptide substrate was also investigated. In the native enzyme, substrate induced binding of a second CO molecule with an IR frequency of 2062 cm(-1), tentatively assigned to a CO complex of the histidine-containing CuH site. Unexpectedly, this reactivity is also observed in the half-apo derivative, although the intensity distribution of the CO stretches now indicates that the copper has been partially transferred to a second site, believed to be CuH. The implications of this observation are discussed in terms of a possible additional peptide binding site close to the CuH center.
Computationally efficient black-box modeling for feasibility analysis

Computational cost is a major issue in modern large-scale simulations used across different disciplines of science and engineering. Computationally efficient surrogate models that can represent the original model with desired accuracy have been explored in the recent past. However, with the exception of few efforts, most of these techniques rely on a reduced order representation of the original complex model, resulting in a loss of information. In this paper we demonstrate the applicability of high dimensional model representation (HDMR) technique in addressing this issue while preserving the original model dimension. We will discuss the applicability of this surrogate modeling technique in the field of feasibility analysis drawing examples from process systems and materials design. It will be shown that the original physical models can be essentially considered as a black box, and same methodology can be applied across all the examples studied. It is found that the accuracy of the surrogate models depends on the order of the approximation and number of sampling points employed. While first-order approximation is largely inadequate, second-order approximation is sufficient for the model systems studied. Sampling requirement is also dramatically low for the construction of these surrogate models.
Using self-report and parental- report survey data to assess past and present academic achievement of adults and children

Because interview and survey data on past or present school performance are frequently used in psychology, psychiatry, and related fields, the accuracy of self- reports and parent reports of academic achievement during the 1st through 12th grades was examined in this study. Questionnaire and archival longitudinal test data were obtained for 1,118 children and adults as part of a family study of learning disorders. The validity of retrospective reports about the self, and parental reports about offspring, was tested by comparing survey responses to actual test scores. Analyses indicate that historical information on school achievement is adequately valid (r = .32–.72). However, the accuracy of such information varied with subjects' gender, age, and whether they had been low or normal achievers in school. Specifically, multiple-regression analyses suggested that for self-reports, accuracy was higher for females, normal achievers, and people in the middle age range. For parent reports on offspring, accuracy improved if the child was in the middle age range and was a normal achiever. The implications of these findings for future clinical practice and developmental research are discussed.
Permutation entropy and statistical complexity analysis of turbulence in laboratory plasmas and the solar wind

The Bandt-Pompe permutation entropy and the Jensen-Shannon statistical complexity are used to analyze fluctuating time series of three different turbulent plasmas: the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence in the plasma wind tunnel of the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment (SSX), drift-wave turbulence of ion saturation current fluctuations in the edge of the Large Plasma Device (LAPD), and fully developed turbulent magnetic fluctuations of the solar wind taken from the Wind spacecraft. The entropy and complexity values are presented as coordinates on the CH plane for comparison among the different plasma environments and other fluctuation models. The solar wind is found to have the highest permutation entropy and lowest statistical complexity of the three data sets analyzed. Both laboratory data sets have larger values of statistical complexity, suggesting that these systems have fewer degrees of freedom in theirfluctuations, with SSX magneticfluctuations having slightly less complexity than the LAPD edge Isat .T heCH plane coordinates are compared to the shape and distribution of a spectral decomposition of the wave forms. These results suggest that fully developed turbulence (solar wind) occupies the lower-right region of the CH plane, and that other plasma systems considered to be turbulent have less permutation entropy and more statistical complexity. This paper presents use of this statistical analysis tool on solar wind plasma, as well as on an MHD turbulent experimental plasma.
Diminished disgust reactivity in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts emotion and social behavior. Using laboratory measures of emotional reactivity, our past work has found that reactivity to loud noises and to thematically simple happy and sad emotional films are preserved in the early stages of the disease while other emotional responses (e.g., embarrassment) are severely compromised. In the present study we examined disgust, an emotion whose function is to distance us from offending objects and situations. We measured disgust reactivity in 21 patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, a subtype of frontotemporal dementia characterized by emotional blunting) and 25 neurologically healthy controls. Disgust is an emotion of particular interest in bvFTD, due to caregiver and clinician reports that patients engage in acts that suggest this emotion may be compromised; in addition, the pattern of neurodegeneration in bvFTD includes atrophy of key frontotemporal structures (e.g., anterior insula) with known roles in visceral emotions such as disgust. In the present study, participants had their emotional facial behavior, physiology, and self-reported emotional experience measured while watching a disgust-eliciting film. We found that behavioral, physiological, and self-reported experiential responses were all reduced in bvFTD patients compared to controls (with behavioral and physiological differences still found after controlling for patients’ cognitive deficits). We discuss the implications of these findings for bvFTD patients’ problems in social functioning and their typical patterns of neurodegeneration.
An explanation for observed estrogen receptor binding to single-stranded estrogen-responsive element DNA.

Estrogen-inducible genes contain an enhancer called the estrogen response element (ERE), a double-stranded inverted repeat. The estrogen receptor (ER) is generally thought to bind to the double-stranded ERE. However, some reports provide evidence that an ER homodimer can bind a single strand of the ERE and suggest that single-stranded ERE binding is the preferred binding mode for ER. Since these two models describe quite different mechanisms of receptor action, we have attempted to reconcile the observations. Analyzing DNA structure by nuclease sensitivity, we found that two identical molecules of a single strand of DNA containing the ERE sequence can partially anneal in an antiparallel manner. Bimolecular annealing produces double-stranded inverted repeats, with adjacent unannealed tails. The amount of annealing correlates exactly with the ability of ER to bind bimolecular EREs. Either strand of an ERE could anneal to itself in a way that would bind ER. We conclude that ER binds only the annealed double-stranded ERE both in vitro and in vivo. (Molecular Endocrinology 13: 958‐968, 1999)
Opioids for the Treatment of Chronic Noncancer Pain

Increasingly, opioids are used to treat chronic noncancer pain. While opioids are well recognized for their effectiveness in treating acute pain, the evidence supporting the benefits for the treatment of chronic pain is less well established. Improvement of both pain and function should be considered goals of therapy. Patients with chronic pain have a higher incidence of preexisting psychological disorders. Adverse effects of opioid therapy include dependence, overdose, and withdrawal. Risk factors for poor outcomes with opioid therapy are identified, and include preexisting mental illness and dose prescribed. Recommended strategies to more safely use opioids are discussed, including tools for identifying high-risk patients. The evidence supporting the use of treatment agreements and urine drug testing to reduce the effects of adverse outcomes is limited.
Physicians’ estimates of disability vs patients’ reports of pain

Abstract The author analyzed data from a survey of 119 chronic rheumatoid arthritis patients in an attempt to correlate a functional index scored by physicians and the levels of pain reported by the patients. A close correlation was found between the two ratings, except for patients who reported very severe pain. This suggests that in most cases a physician can, by interpreting the patient's reported leyel of pain in light of the medical history and physical examination, accurately assess the patient's level of functional activity.
Summary of panel session on crush testing of lightweight packaging at PATRAM 2010

Panel Session 3 at PATRAM 2010 was entitled ‘Crush testing of lightweight packaging’. I had the honour of developing, chairing and presenting in this session. The following provides a brief summary of the proceedings. The five papers from this session are included in this issue of the journal.
Analysis and stability of aldehydes and terpenes in electropolished canisters

Abstract Aldehydes and terpenes are important classes of polar VOC contaminants for which few sampling and analysis methods have been validated. This study reports on the analysis, stability and recovery of seven aldehydes (butanal, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal and benzaldehyde) and four terpenes ( α -pinene, β -pinene, limonene and 3-carene) prepared at trace levels (3–5 ppb) and stored in electropolished stainless-steel canisters. Humidified air, humidified N 2 , and dry air were used to dilute three sets of canisters. A series of samples was withdrawn from each canister over a period of 16 days, and concentrations were determined by cryogenic preconcentration, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The VOCs were easily separated, but butanal and pentanal had high detection limits relative to the other compounds. While measurements were reproducible, concentrations decreased considerably in the first hour (19% in the humidified air-filled canister set), and losses continued over the measurement period, although at a slower rate. The estimated half-lives of aldehydes and terpenes were 18 d in humidified air-filled canisters, 24 d in humidified N 2 , and 6 d in dry air. Loss mechanisms and analytical considerations for the target compounds are discussed. Like other VOCs, the collection and storage of aldehydes and terpenes in canisters require humidification; however; the absolute accuracy of samples and standards of mixtures of aldehydes and terpenes stored in canisters may be limited.
Adaptive control with selective memory

Adaptive control with selective memory updates the parameter estimates only when there is new information present. The information content increases and the estimator eventually stops. In this paper we use the Fisher information matrix and a variance estimator to measure the information content. The parameter estimates are updated only when the Information Matrix and/or the estimated variance of the prediction error increases. This gives an algorithm for adaptive control which converges to a linear time invariant controller. The resulting controller is robust with respect to bounded disturbances and small model/plant mismatch. Knowledge about overbounding sets for the parameter estimates or the disturbances are not needed. Simulation results using theoretical test cases illustrate near optimal performance for the converged parameters. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical investigation of factors affecting cross-border acquisitions: the United States vs. United Kingdom experience

Since the 1981-1982 recession in the United States, there has been a marked increase in domestic merger and acquisition activity. For example, the number of acquisitions involving U.S. companies was 2,296 and 3,701, respectively, for 1982 and 1987. The value of mergers involving U.S. companies also increased from about $60 billion in 1982 to over $167 billion in 1987. Cross-border acquisitions involving U.S. firms have also become more common, increasing from 364 in 1982 to 553 in 1987. During 1988, the number of cross-border acquisitions involving U.S. firms reached 605. While the number of annual cross-border acquisitions has generally increased over time, the composition of cross-border activity has shifted abruptly in some periods. For example, U.S. acquisitions of non-U.S. firms increased modestly from 149 in 1983 to 177 in 1987 while foreign acquisitions of U.S. firms rose substantially over this same period. In 1983, there were 116 foreign acquisitions of U.S. firms, valued at about $2.2 billion. This increased to 363 foreign acquisitions of U.S. firms valued at about $42 billion in 1987. To put it another way, U.S. firms acted as acquiring firms in about 56 percent of the cross-border acquisitions involving U.S. firms in 1983, versus only about 26 percent in 1987. Some of the more publicized foreign acquisitions of U.S. firms include Sony’s acquisition of CBS Records Group, Bridgestone’s acquisition of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., Nestle’s acquisition of Carnation, and the Royal Dutch/Shell buyout of Shell Oil.
Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Responses to Monovalent 2009 Influenza A/H1N1 and Seasonal Trivalent Influenza Vaccines in High-Risk Children

Objective Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to monovalent 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1/2009) and seasonal trivalent influenza (TIV) vaccines were evaluated in healthy children and children with asthma, sickle cell disease (SCD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and solid organ transplantation (SOT). Study design Blood was collected from 112 subjects at the time of H1N1/2009 vaccination and 46 ± 15 days later for hemagglutination inhibition titers and γ-interferon ELISPOT responses to H1N1/2009 vaccine and TIV; unvaccinated children also received TIV at enrollment. Results A significant increase in the percentage of subjects with seroprotective hemagglutination inhibition titers to both vaccines was observed in all high-risk groups. Children with asthma and SCD were most likely to achieve seroprotective titers to H1N1/2009, whereas Conclusions This evaluation of immune responses to H1N1/2009 in high-risk children suggests suboptimal responses for SOT and SLE subjects, but not for subjects with SCD or asthma. Higher antigen dose, additional dose regimens, or both for immunocompromised children warrant further investigation.
The Role of Private Philanthropy in a Free and Democratic State

This paper will attempt to defend the thesis that it is impossible to understand the proper role of private philanthropy in a free and democratic society without examining certain fundamental questions about the proper roles of the state and about the rights and obligations of owners of private property. It will defend that thesis by presenting arguments for four subordinate theses: (a) there are historical and philosophical reasons for being skeptical about the role of private philanthropy in a free and democratic state; (b) these reasons can be met by certain familiar responses, but these responses are not fully satisfactory; (c) certain radical libertarian views, and more moderate versions of those views, would provide a basis for an alternative understanding of the role of private philanthropy in a free and democratic state; (d) whether or not one accepts those views, one can also better understand that role if one adopts a view of the state which emphasizes its role in the promotion of the virtues. (1) Historical and Philosophical Doubts The skeptical challenge to the claim that there is an important role for private philanthropy in a free and democratic state can be put very simply. It is the challenge that the emergence of strong but democratic states, with the concurrent emergence of a proper understanding of the extensive nature of legitimate state functions, has undercut the need for private philanthropy and its corresponding favorable tax treatment. It is the further claim that these developments, both historical and conceptual, have left private philanthropy with no significant role.
Bovine brain cathepsin D: inhibition by pepstatin and binding to concanavalin A.

Abstract 1. 1. Cathepsin D from bovine brain has been purified 1100-fold in 46% recovery. Three isozymes are present with pI (±0.05) = 6.10, 6.30 and 6.40. 2. 2. The isozymes are single polypeptide chains with apparent Mr = 42,000 and are similar with respect to substrate binding and cleavage; the pH-optimum is 3.5 with virtually no activity at neutral pH. 3. 3. Pepstatin inhibits the enzyme and kinetic data are consistent with a “tight binding” mechanism. 4. 4. The dissociation constant for the concanavalin A-enzyme complex is Kd = 19 nM at pH 5.0. 5. 5. Under conditions where 90% of the enzyme is bound to soluble concanavalin A, full enzymatic activity is observed.
A very simple structure for neural network control of distillation

Abstract This paper presents a novel approach for process control that uses neural networks to model the steady-state inverse of a process which is then coupled with a simple reference system synthesis to generate a multivariable controller. The control strategy is applied to dynamic simulations of two methanol-water distillation columns that express distinctly different behaviour from each other (one simulates a lab column, while the second simulates an industrial-scale high-purity column). A steady-state process simulation package was used to generate all the neural network training data. An efficient training algorithm based on a nonlinear least-squares technique was used to train the networks. The neural network model-based controllers show robust performance for both setpoints and disturbances, and performed better than conventional feedback proportional-integral (PI) controllers with feedforward features.
Increased Fertility in Males with the Sickle Cell Trait

AT least two mechanisms have been proposed to account for the maintenance of high frequencies of the haemoglobin S gene in areas of endemic malaria: differential mortality (operating primarily on children)1–5 and increased fertility among A/S females6–8.
Early zebrafish development: It's in the maternal genes

The earliest stages of embryonic development in all animals examined rely on maternal gene products that are generated during oogenesis and supplied to the egg. The period of maternal control of embryonic development varies among animals according to the onset of zygotic transcription and the persistence of maternal gene products. This maternal regulation has been little studied in vertebrates, owing to the difficulty in manipulating maternal gene function and lack of basic molecular information. However, recent maternal-effect screens in the zebrafish have generated more than 40 unique mutants that are providing new molecular entry points to the maternal control of early vertebrate development. Here we discuss recent studies of 12 zebrafish mutant genes that illuminate the maternal molecular controls on embryonic development, including advances in the regulation of animal-vegetal polarity, egg activation, cleavage development, body plan formation, tissue morphogenesis, microRNA function and germ cell development.
The Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, University of Texas

I am a cat lover, owner, and sitter. So the mention of “BLAC CAT” as a subject for “SR Visits” was of great interest to me. The term is not “black cat,” even though that's the way my ears interpret...
Effect of benzodiazepines on the metabolism of buprenorphine in human liver microsomes

To determine whether enzyme inhibition explains the clinical adverse interaction of benzodiazepines and buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was incubated in the presence of benzodiazepines (or metabolites) with human liver microsomes (HLMs). A number of benzodiazepines were screened at therapeutic concentrations after 0-min and 15-min preincubation times. For tentative metabolically activated inhibitors, the kinetics of inhibition was studied in a secondary incubation system. Buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine were quantified by means of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Buprenorphine elimination and norbuprenorphine formation were at most reduced by 26% (i.e., weak or negligible inhibition). Evidence of metabolically activated inhibition suggested the need for further studies on the inhibitory kinetics. Midazolam caused time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of norbuprenorphine formation with pseudo-first-order kinetics, and K I and k inact values of 10.5 μM and 0.045 min−1, respectively. Mixed-type inhibition of buprenorphine elimination (Ki=30–35 μM) and a noncompetitive inhibition of norbuprenorphine formation were also observed. For clonazepam (up to 10 μM), 3-hydroxy-7-acetamidoclonazepam (up to 10 μM), and α-hydroxy-triazolam (up to 1.0 μM), no time- or concentration-dependent inhibition of buprenorphine metabolism was found. A single benzodiazepine, midazolam, is a moderate mechanism-based inactivator of buprenorphine N-dealkylation. It is anticipated that repeated exposures to midazolam might alter the in vivo metabolism of buprenorphine.
Horizontally and vertically bounded propagation of privileges

Abstract In general, most authorization systems given the users who own the resources only some basic control over their resources. Bounding the propagation of privileges is a way in which the grantor may gain more control over privileges after they have been granted to other users (Leiss, 1983). Horizontal bounds on the propagation restrict the number of grants a particular user may make, while vertical bounds limit the length of the longest chain of successive grants. The combination of vertically and horizontally bounded propagation will be discussed, as well as the granting, revoking, and decrementing of privileges, where each privilege is associated with vertical and horizontal propagation numbers.
Pipe break testing of primary loop piping similar to the Department of Energy's new production reactor-heavy water reactor

Abstract This paper provides information about and results from specific tests completed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in support of the Department of Energy's (DOE's) new production reactor-heavy water reactor (NPR-HWR) program. The paper also provides detailed analytical studies completed by Battelle Columbus Laboratory. All of this information is presented in a demonstration that the primary piping of the NPR-HWR, with its relatively moderate temperature and pressure should not suffer an instantaneous double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) under design basis loadings and conditions. The first ORNL test series obtained pipe crack extension data representative of large dynamic loads applied to a flawed stainless steel 316LN pipe weldment. The results of that testing were reviewed by a special Piping Integrity Review Group (PIRG) established by DOE. Members of this group are identified in this paper. The PIRG review comments were such as to necessitate a second series of tests. This paper provides results of that second series of pipe tests. An aged section of 304 stainless steel pipe, obtained from the C-reactor at Savannah River, was subjected to large fully reversed cyclic bending loads. An initial flaw size was based on leakage flow testing at prototypic NPR-HWR pressure and temperature. The detectable leakage flaw was cycled in bending at large loads for 40 cycles. The members of the PIRG assessed these results together with analytic work by Battelle and stated that, provided the caveats cited in this paper are in force, the following conclusion is applicable: • For DOE low-pressure (≤1·72 MPa), low-temperature (100°C) reactors with austenitic stainless steel piping, the DEGB should not be a design basis condition.
Contribution of marrow stromal cells to the regulation of osteoblast proliferation in rats: evidence for the involvement of insulin-like growth factors

Abstract Fibroblast-like marrow stromal cells are believed to play a role in the maintenance of osteoblast populations at the marrow-bone interface. We now report that this interaction may be very specific. Stromal cell conditioned medium (SC-CM) stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation in culture of neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts at low concentrations (1.25–5%), but was inhibitory at 10%. At growth promoting effective concentrations, the activity of osteoblast alkaline phosphatase was decreased. This action was selective since SC-CM failed to promote the growth of rat calvarial fibroblasts. Characterization of the SC-CM indicated the cells produced IGF-I and -II and a wide range of molecular weight fractions with putative stimulatory action (FPLC analysis using Superose 12 and 6 gel permeation columns). HPAEPAD analysis showed that some elements were glycosylated, and the composition suggested the presence of N- and O-linked oligosaccharide chains. Because rat marrow stromal fibroblast-like cells produce a number of osteotropic factors which affect calvarial osteoblast growth, these interactions may be important to considerations about the etiology of the osteoporoses.
Even in nephrology, gurudakshina is important

Over a discussion about my project, Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease, or SEEK, a colleague questioned me on whether involvement in research and educational initiatives in the developing world added value. Would it make a difference to my career? Why not let the local academic people in India do the work and instead focus my time in the United States?
Evidence for the effect of water content on fission-track annealing in volcanic glass

Abstract A rhyolitic obsidian containing 0.6% H 2 O in its original condition and a portion treated to contain 0.1% H 2 O were studied to determine the relationship between water content and the annealing rate of fission tracks. Prior to the annealing experiments, the samples were irradiated by thermal neutrons, producing tracks from the fission of 235 U. Samples of different water content were annealed as pairs at 250°C for various times. All samples were etched together in 24% HF at 25.2°C for 60 sec. The number of induced tracks in both unannealed control samples was the same within the counting error. However, after annealing at 250°C for one hour the sample containing 0.1% H 2 O retained 60% of its tracks while only 45% of the tracks remained in the sample with 0.6% H 2 O. Thus, since water content of a glass influences track stability, it is important to determine the annealing characteristics of each individual glass in interpreting fission-track ages.
A role for cGMP-dependent protein kinase II in AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity

Regulated trafficking of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is an important mechanism that underlies the activity-dependent modification of synaptic strength. Trafficking of AMPARs is regulated by specific interactions of their subunits with other proteins. Recently, we have reported that the AMPAR subunit GluR1 binds the cGMP-dependent kinase type II (cGKII) adjacent to the kinase catalytic site, and that this interaction is increased by cGMP. In this complex, cGKII phosphorylates GluR1 at serine 845 (S845), a site known to be phosphorylated also by PKA. S845 phosphorylation leads to an increase of GluR1 on the plasma membrane. In neurons, cGMP is produced by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), which is activated by nitric oxide (NO). Calcium flux through the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which produces NO. Using a combination of biochemical and electrophysiological experiments, we have shown that trafficking of GluR1 is under the regulation of NO, cGMP and cGKII. Moreover, our study indicates that the interaction of cGKII with GluR1, which is under the regulation of the NMDAR and NO, plays an important role in hippocampal plasticity.
Dielectric Properties of Ba 1−x Sr x TiO 3 Single Crystal Fibers Grown by Laser Heated Pedestal Growth Technique

Single crystal fibers of several compositions in the system (Ba 1 m x Sr x )TiO 3 (0.10 h x h 0.40) were grown for the first time using the laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique. High quality crystals were obtained, especially for low Sr contents, yielding the dielectric characterization study. Free growth was performed using ceramic rods as feed and seed. The growth direction as observed at room temperature was related to the strontium content in the crystal. Higher concentrations of strontium tend to favor composition fluctuations but average nominal composition remained the same. Pinching effect of the three phase transformations (cubic-tetragonal, tetragonal-orthorhombic and orthorhombic-rhombohedral) was observed with increase of Sr 2+ substitution for Ba 2+ . The increase in strontium content also resulted in a broadening of the cubic-tetragonal (m3m-4mm) transition peak of dielectric permittivity and a decreasing of the Curie constant in this system.
Consistency of the KPSS unit root test against fractionally integrated alternative

Abstract We derive the asymptotic distribution of the Kwiatkowski et al. (1992) statistic under nonstationary long memory (1/2
Black and White Adolescent Females Perceptions of Ideal Body Size.

A stratified random sample of 496 white (n =337) and black (n =159) adolescent males participated in a survey of ideal body size beliefs. Responses to the questionnaire and a series of nine female and male body size drawings were analyzed using the General Linear Model Analysis of Variance and Categorical Modeling. Using SES and race as independent variables and BMI (kg/m 2)as a covariate, black males were found to prefer a significantly heavier ideal female body size than whites (p <.0001) and also perceived that their parents, female friends, and male friends would select as ideal a significantly heavier female body size than white subjects. Black subjects were 1.9 times (O.R. = 1.88, 95% C.I. = 1.44, 2.47) more likely to select a larger ideal female hip/buttocks size and 1.7 times (O.R. = 1.72, 95% C.I. = 1.25, 2.37) more likely to choose a larger ideal female thigh size than white subjects. Our findings seem to point toward a greater approval and social acceptance of a larger body size for black females by black males.
Sesquiterpene lactones from the genus Ambrosia

Abstract The sesquiterpene lactone constituents of 25 new plant collections from the Southwestern United States, Mexico (including Baja Calif.) and Jamaica, representing 16 different taxa belonging to the genus Ambrosia, are described.
Rab27a Regulates Exocytosis of Large Dense-Core Granules in Mouse Chromaffin Cells

Rab-GTPases exert important roles in secretory vesicle cycles, with Rab3 and Rab27 participating in exocytotic throughput. While Rab3 and Rab27 share many effectors, some are unique, making it critical to identify specific functional roles. Studies on regulation of neurotransmitter release have focused principally on Rab3 and much less on Rab27. Among Rab-GTPases, Rab27 is unique in binding effectors in either the GTP- or GDP-bound state. We here compare secretory responses from ashen mice, which lack functional Rab27a protein, with strain-matched controls. Secretion was evaluated using measurements of membrane capacitance under whole-cell recording in isolated mouse chromaffin cells. UV flash uncaging of Ca2+ raised [Ca2+]i uniformly and induced catecholamine neurotransmitter release. RT-PCR demonstrated the presence of Rab27 in chromaffin cells, and immunoblotting further characterized the expressed isoform as Rab27a, not Rab27b. The exocytic burst (1s post-UV flash) of membrane capacitance increase (ΔCm) was fitted by a double exponential curve, from which the amount and fusion kinetics of granules from the readily- (RRP) and slowly-releasable pools (SRP) were extracted. Exocytic burst ΔCm was greater, and the size of both the RRP and SRP larger, in wild-type cells (RRP, 347 fF; SRP, 616 fF) than in Rab27a-/- cells (RRP, 157fF; SRP, 438 fF), while the kinetics of release from both pools remained unchanged. Expression of Rab27a in Rab27a-/- cells, using electroporation, rescued the wild-type phenotype. Rab 27a is therefore important for priming into the RRP and SRP. To assess dense-core vesicle docking at the plasma membrane, we analyzed granule distribution from E18 chromaffin cell EM micrographs. These data show that while Rab27a-/- cells possess fewer total granules, morphological docking of granules at the plasma membrane is unaffected. Further work is necessary to identify through which effector Rab27a is exerting its effects.
Bilateral bifid labyrinthine facial nerve anomalies associated with agenesis of the oval window: Case report and review of the literature

Formation of the nerve commences early in gestation with the facioacoustic primordium (derived from the neural crest and otic vesicle) separating into facial and acoustic components at the end of the 4th week. By the end of the 5th gestational week, the chorda tympani has differentiated from the distal facial nerve. By the 8th week, the orientation of the facial nerve within the temporal bone has been established, with the nerve’s ultimate position and bony covering determined by development of the stapes and membranous labyrinth.
A true impact factor: N. Scott McNutt, MD

N. Scott McNutt has recently retired from his long-standing position as a Professor in Pathology and Internal Medicine (Dermatology) at Weill Medical College at Cornell University. He leaves behind a legacy that includes trainees throughout the world, many of whom continue to contribute to the world of academic dermatopathology. His obvious love for true scholarship is reflected as much by his indirect influence on hundreds of trainees as by his already impressive personal bibliography.
Building an Open Source Institutional Repository at a Small Law School Library: Is it Realistic or Unattainable?

Digital preservation activities among law libraries have largely been limited by a lack of funding, staffing and expertise. Most law school libraries that have already implemented an Institutional Repository (IR) chose proprietary platforms because they are easy to set up, customize, and maintain with the technical and development support they provide. The Texas Tech University School of Law Digital Repository is one of the few law school repositories in the nation that is built on the DSpace open source platform.1 The repository is the law school’s first institutional repository in history. It was designed to collect, preserve, share and promote the law school’s digital materials, including research and scholarship of the law faculty and students, institutional history, and law-related resources. In addition, the repository also serves as a dark archive to house internal records.