cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seed predators are undeterred by nectar-feeding ants on Chamaecrista nictitans (Caesalpineaceae)

There are many examples of mutualistic interactions between ants and plants bearing extrafloral nectaries (EFN). The annual legume Chamaecrista nictitans (Caesalpineaceae) secretes nectar from EFN, specialized structures that attract ants, spiders, and other arthropods. The effects of manipulated C. nictitans patch size and location on plant-ant interactions were tested. Defense from herbivores was not detected; plants with ants did not set significantly more fruit or seed than plants with ants excluded. On the contrary, in one year, plants without ants set more fruit and seed than C. nictitans with ants. The cause of this was not determined. Furthermore, insect herbivore damage was low during three years of observations. Sennius cruentatus (Bruchidae), a specialist seed predator beetle, escaped ant defense despite the presence of numerous ants. Beetle progeny are protected during development by living inside maturing C. nictitans fruit and preventing fruits from dehiscing before emerging as adults. Although ants reduced percent of infestation in 1995, the total number of S. cruentatus per plant was not affected by ants in years of infestation. Overall, larger experimental C. nictitans patches attracted more ants, parasitoid wasps, and percent infestation by S. cruentatus while insect herbivores declined with increasing patch size. Location of patches within fields, however, did not affect numbers of arthropod visitors. Similar to manipulated populations, very little insect herbivory occurred in four reference populations. In contrast to the experimental populations, no S. cruentatus were recovered in reference populations of C. nictitans. Herbivory by insects may not always depress seed set by C. nictitans or may not exceed a threshold level. Thus, herbivory-reduction by ants may not have been detectable in these results. Seed predation may be more influential on C. nictitans reproduction.
Watching Galaxies Fall into Coma

Using the ACIS-I detector on the Chandra X-ray Observatory, we observed two spiral galaxies, NGC 4911 and NGC 4921, falling into the Coma cluster of galaxies. NGC 4911 has only a small mass of hot interstellar medium, with ∼90%; of the X-ray emission coming from an active galactic nucleus. We find two point sources with the spectral properties of high mass X-ray binaries, indicating a small amount of star formation. NGC 4921, slightly farther from the cluster center, still has a hot interstellar medium, but shows a similar low rate of star formation based on Hα emission. For both cases, the Hα emission is located in a narrow ring, near the boundary of the remaining hot interstellar medium and the cluster’s intracluster medium. Recent theoretical work shows that these physical radii are the only places in the disk of the galaxy dynamically cool enough to form stars and, therefore, the star formation could be from the accretion of cooler gas from galaxies’ halos. As the remaining gas from each galaxy is stripped off and star formation ends, both are likely to evolve into spheroidal or SO galaxies in a few giga-years.
Folding chromosomes in bacteria: examining the role of Csp proteins and other small nucleic acid-binding proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses chromosome folding in bacteria, which is a complex process that requires several different levels of condensation to arrive at a folded, functional DNA molecule. The distribution of small nucleic acid-binding proteins is examined, along with the information available about them, and the roles they play in the cell. The heat-unstable nucleoid protein (HU), integration host factor (IHF), histone-like nucleoid structuring (HNS), and factor for inversion stimulation (Fis) proteins are described and the cold-shock and cold-shock-like (Csp) protein family is examined. Eukaryotes and some archaea use nucleosomes as the first level of condensation. Other archaea and the bacteria do not contain the histone proteins that make up nucleosomes and thus they must use a different mechanism. Several small nucleic acid-binding proteins have been shown to condense chromosomes in bacteria. The nucleosomes condense DNA approximately six-fold; whereas bacteria need a mechanism that condenses the DNA about two- to three fold. Two members of the Csp family of proteins in Escherichia. Coli , CspC and CspE, have been implicated in chromosome condensation using genetic assays. The chapter describes the Crystal Structures of CspA and related Proteins, and discusses the distribution of Small DNA-binding proteins in archaea and bacteria.
Protein kinase C isozymes in hypertension and hypertrophy: insight from SHHF rat hearts.

Chronic hypertension results in cardiac hypertrophy and may lead to congestive heart failure. The protein kinase C (PKC) family has been identified as a signaling component promoting cardiac hypertrophy. We hypothesized that PKC activation may play a role mediating hypertrophy in the spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rat heart. Six-month-old SHHF and normotensive control Wistar Furth (WF) rats were used. Hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy were confirmed in SHHF rats. PKC expression and activation were analyzed by Western blots using isozyme-specific antibodies. Compared to WF, untreated SHHF rats had increased phospho-active α (10-fold), δ (4-fold), and e (3-fold) isozyme expression. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) and hydralazine (Hy) on PKC regulation in SHHF rat left ventricle (LV). Both the ARB and Hy normalized LV blood pressure, but only the ARB reduced heart mass. Neither treatment affected PKC expression or activity. Our data show differential activation of PKC in the hypertensive, hypertrophic SHHF rat heart. Regression of hypertrophy elicited by an ARB in this model occurred independently of changes in the expression and activity of the PKC isoforms examined. (Mol Cell Biochem 270: 63–69, 2005)
TNF-α knockout and minocycline treatment attenuates blood–brain barrier leakage in MPTP-treated mice

Following intraparenchymal injection of the dopamine (DA) neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine, we previously demonstrated passage of fluoresceinisothiocyanate-labeled albumin (FITC-LA) from blood into the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum suggesting damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The factors contributing to the BBB leakage could have included neuroinflammation, loss of DA neuron control of barrier function, or a combination of both. In order to determine which factor(s) was responsible, we assessed BBB integrity using the FITC-LA technique in wild-type (WT), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) knockout (KO), and minocycline (an inhibitor of microglia activation) treated mice 72 h following treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Compared with WT mice, TNF-alpha KO mice treated with MPTP showed reduced FITC-LA leakage, decreased numbers of activated microglia, and reduced proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and interleukin 1beta) associated with significant MPTP-induced DA neuron loss. In contrast, minocycline treated animals did not exhibit significant MPTP-induced DA neuron loss although their FITC-LA leakage, numbers of activated microglia, and MPTP-induced cytokines were markedly attenuated. Since both TNF-alpha KO and minocycline treatment attenuated MPTP-induced BBB dysfunction, microglial activation, and cytokine increases, but had differential effects on DA neuron loss, it appears that neuroinflammation and not DA neuron loss was responsible for disrupting the blood-brain barrier integrity.
Reducing the shear

Abstract As gravitational lensing measurements become increasingly precise, it becomes necessary to include higher order effects in theoretical calculations. Here we show how the difference between the shear and the reduced shear manifest themselves in a number of commonly used measures of shear power. If we are to reap the science rewards of future, high precision measurements of cosmic shear we will need to include this effect in our theoretical predictions.
A Conversation Worth Having: Hauerwas and Gustafson on Substance in Theological Ethics

When a debate is misplaced, new problems are cast in the distorting language of the settled problems of the past while, at the same time, the participants in the debate are assimilated into communities of thought with which they have little in common. The result is that their work, and our response to it, is distorted. This article contends that the polemical debate between James Gustafson (and his followers) and Stanley Hauerwas (and his followers) is just such a misplaced debate. In fact, both can be shown to be Troeltschianhistoricists, and it is only when this commonality is recognized that their very real and deep differences can be rightly appreciated as emblematic of the true sources of disagreement at the growing edge of the discipline.
Research on remounting procedures

This study has indicated that numerous benefits accrue from remounting dentures to correct occlusion and recontouring the tissue side of the bases at the time of insertion. This appears to be due to the changes in contour of the denture bases after the stone casts have been removed from them and indicates that a significant change in the occlusal relationship occurs during the deflasking procedure. Since adjustments and postinsertion complaints were materially decreased by early remounting and alteration, patients should benefit from such procedures by receiving restorations that may decrease the rate of bone resorption, be more comfortable, and tend to be effective for a longer period of time. The dentist should consequently be more satisfied knowing that he has done everything possible to provide quality dentistry to his patients.
Analyzing and enhancing the resilience of structured peer-to-peer systems

In this paper, we propose an approach to analyze the resilience of structured peer-to-peer (P2P) systems under failures. The approach is Markov-chain based, and can be applied to systems with relatively stable size and uniform distribution of nodes. We apply our approach to several well-known structured P2P systems. We find that different system features (types of neighbors of nodes) in P2P systems have different impacts on their resilience against failures. Following this observation, we propose to add some extra neighbor(s) to CAN using small-world model principles to form a so-called CAN-SW system. We then apply the proposed approach to analyze its resilience. We find that the performance is improved significantly, particularly, in terms of the average path length.
Anesthetic Effects on Electrophysiologic Recordings

With the increased use of intraoperative monitoring of the central nervous system (CNS) has come a need for better understanding of the effects of anesthetic agents on intraoperative recordings. The commonly used anesthetic agents and their effects on intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG) and evoked potentials (EP) are discussed. Halogenated inhalational anesthetics produce dose-related reduction in EEG amplitude and frequency after an initial activation. They also produce dose-related decreases in amplitude and increases in latency of sensory evoked potentials (SEP) that are most marked in cortically generated components. Subcortical, spinal, and peripheral evoked responses are less affected. Responses in the motor pathways are recordable in the epidural space; however, the relative contributions of sensory and motor tracts may be changed when both are present. Muscle responses are easily suppressed after spinal and motor cortex stimulation, probably by anesthetic effect at the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord. Intravenous analgesic agents (opioids, ketamine) are associated with less marked changes in EEG and evoked responses, with some increases in amplitude of cortically generated SEP caused by ketamine. Intravenous sedative-hypnotic drugs (droperidol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etomidate, propofol) produce dose-related depression of the EEG after initial activation and dose-related depression of evoked responses to a lesser extent than do the inhalation agents. Etomidate is associated with amplitude enhancement of EEG and cortically generated SEP. Muscle relaxants have minimal effect on the EEG and SEP. Their use, however, may alter muscle recordings from motor tract stimulation. These effects and their relevance to the choice of agents for specific monitoring techniques are discussed.
LOW DOSE METHADONE MAINTENANCE FOR PREGNANT DRUG DEPENDENT WOMEN: EFFECTS ON THE NEWBORN

Substitute narcotic therapy for the treatment of drug dependence in pregnancy has been widely used over the past few years in this country. In order to study the effect of such therapy on the newborn, the Family Center Program has attempted to control the medical and drug abuse variables seen in pregnant drug dependent women. Data from 243 women enrolled demonstrate that with low dose methadone maintenance (aver.dose =31 mg/day) and adequate prenatal care (Group C-8.3 visits, N=154). the outcome of infants is significantly better than that of infants whose mothers received methadone maintenance and inadequate prenatal care (Group B-1.8 visits. N=89) in regard to: birth weight, gestational age. Incidence of low birth weight and infant morbidity. The infant outcome could have been improved by adequate prenatal care and a longer period of methadone. To substantiate this statement. Groups B and C were compared to women who used heroin only throughout pregnancy and had no prenatal care (Group A, N=64). Groups A and B were not statistically different on the above variables but A and C were significantly different on all variables. It appears that short-term methadone maintenance at low doses and inadequate prenatal care do not significantly improve infant outcome, but that longer methadone maintenance during pregnancy and adequate prenatal care do. Further, the data suggest that low dose methadone maintenance is safe and effective for the pregnant drug dependent woman and her newborn.
Family Conflict, Emotional Security, and Child Development: Translating Research Findings into a Prevention Program for Community Families

The social problem posed by family conflict to the physical and psychological health and well-being of children, parents, and underlying family relationships is a cause for concern. Inter-parental and parent–child conflict are linked with children’s behavioral, emotional, social, academic, and health problems, with children’s risk particularly elevated in distressed marriages. Supported by the promise of brief psycho-educational programs (e.g., Halford et al. in Journal of Family Psychology 22:497–505, 2008; Sanders in Journal of Family Psychology 22:506–517, 2008), the present paper presents the development and evaluation of a prevention program for community families with children, concerned with family-wide conflict and relationships, and building on Emotional Security Theory (Davies and Cummings in Psychological Bulletin 116:387–411, 1994). This program uniquely focuses on translating research and theory in this area into brief, engaging programs for community families to improve conflict and emotional security for the sake of the children. Evaluation is based on multi-domain and multi-method assessments of family-wide and child outcomes in the context of a randomized control design. A series of studies are briefly described in the programmatic development of a prevention program for conflict and emotional security for community families, culminating in a program for family-wide conflict and emotional security for families with adolescents. With regard to this ongoing program, evidence is presented at the post-test for improvements in family-wide functioning, consideration of the relative benefits for different groups within the community, and preliminary support for the theoretical bases for program outcomes.
Tuberculous Meningitis in a Healthy Young Woman: Case Report and Review of Literature (P03.250)

Objective: To present an unusual case of an immune-competent young woman with CNS tuberculosis (CNSTB) Background CNSTB comprises 0.5%-1% of encephalitis cases. Eighty percent of CNSTB patients have foreign travel or other exposure to TB. Many reported cases of CNSTB are notable for immune-compromise. Early disease presentation includes symptoms of progressive head/neck pain, pyrexia, and anorexia. Disease progression results in meningeal inflammation, vasculitis, hydrocephalus and elevated ICP. Late clinical presentation includes confusion, hemiparesis, cranial nerve palsy and visual deficits. Without intervention these cases progress to blindness, coma and death making early recognition imperative for optimal outcome. Design/Methods: We present an immune-competent 26 year-old woman without TB exposure history with unusual presentation of CNSTB and rapid decline. We have searched the literature, identifying cases of CNSTB with attention to details of disease risk factors, presentation & progression, the role of diagnostic testing and outcome data relative to timing of treatment initiation. Results: A 26 year old immune-competent woman with CNSTB and unusual presentation of thunderclap headache. Diagnostic TB studies were initially negative. CSF with high WBC/protein, low glucose. MRI with meningeal and diffuse nodular enhancement. Clinical progression was consistent with CNSTB and empiric therapy was initiated but ineffective. The patient progressed to herniation despite optimal management. Literature review revealed 4 cases of laboratory confirmed immune-competent individuals with CNSTB. Significant literature exists on HIV patients with TB, 40% eventually developing CNSTB. Early confirmatory testing is often negative. In HIV early empiric therapy improves outcomes. No consensus exists when to start treatment in immune-competent individuals. Conclusions: Our case has several unique characteristics: she had no exposure history and was immune-competent. Her presentation was quite fulminant and atypical for CNSTB. Her decline and expiration occurred prior to confirmatory labs. CNSTB and early empiric therapy should always be considered, even in immune-competent patients, presenting with acute onset hydrocephalus to optimize outcomes. Disclosure: Dr. Mutgi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Greene-Chandos has nothing to disclose. Dr. Torbey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Behrouz has nothing to disclose.
Effect of thyroxine on nerve growth factor concentration in neonatal mouse brain

Abstract The effect of T4 administration on central nervous system nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration was studied in 12 day old mice. Neonatal mice received T4 (0.4 or 1.6 ug/g body weight) daily for 11 days after birth. On the 12th day, NGF concentration was measured in cerebral cortex, cerebellum and brain stem using a specific radioimmunoassay for the biologically active beta subunit of NGF; this assay is sensitive to 10–15 pg NGF. T4 administration caused a dose related decrease in mean body weight to 86% and 77% of control body weight for the low and high T4 doses respectively. Mean cerebral cortex and cerebellum weights (corrected for body weight) were significantly increased in the T4 treated mice. Brain stem weight, however, was significantly decreased. T4 (0.4 ug/g body weight) caused a significant increase in mean NGF concentration (pg/mg protein) in cerebral cortex (26%; p Brain maturation in neonatal rodents occurs largely during the first 2–4 weeks of postnatal life; and thyroid hormones are essential for the orderly and sequential progress of this maturation. Thyroid hormone excess accelerates histological and biochemical maturation of the immature central nervous system (1–3) (CNS) whereas thyroid hormone deficiency results in significant delays in the attainment of biochemical and histological landmarks of maturation (1, 2, 4). The mechanism of this thyroid hormone effect is unknown. Specific nuclear binding sites for thyroid hormones are present in high concentrations in the immature CNS (5, 6). However thyroid hormone effects observed in other thyroid hormone responsive tissues, i.e., liver and kidney, following thyroid hormone binding to specific nuclear receptors are not observed in the immature brain (7). We have previously shown that thyroxine (T4) administration to mature male mice significantly increases nerve growth factor (NGF) content and concentration in cerebral cortex, cerebellum and brain stem (8). The present studies were conducted to determine whether thyroxine influences CNS NGF during the period of neonatal brain maturation to support the hypothesis that the thyroid hormone effects on CNS maturation may be mediated by NGF.
Co-culture of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Nucleus Pulposus Cells in Bilaminar Pellets for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration.

Background Our goal is to optimize stem cell-based tissue engineering strategies in the context of the intervertebral disc environment. We explored the benefits of co-culturing nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) and adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) using a novel spherical bilaminar pellet culture system where one cell type is enclosed in a sphere of the other cell type. Our 3D system provides a structure that exploits embryonic processes such as tissue induction and condensation. We observed a unique phenomenon: the budding of co-culture pellets and the formation of satellite pellets that separate from the main pellet. Methods MSC and NPC co-culture pellets were formed with three different structural organizations. The first had random organization. The other two had bilaminar organization with either MSC inside and NPC outside or NPC inside and MSC outside. Results By 14 days, all co-culture pellets exhibited budding and spontaneously generated satellite pellets. The satellite pellets were composed of both cell types and, surprisingly, all had the same bilaminar organization with MSC on the inside and NPC on the outside. This organization was independent of the structure of the main pellet that the satellites stemmed from. Conclusion The main pellets generated satellite pellets that spontaneously organized into a bilaminar structure. This implies that structural organization occurs naturally in this cell culture system and may be inherently favorable for cell-based tissue engineering strategies. The occurrence of budding and the organization of satellite pellets may have important implications for the use of co-culture pellets in cell-based therapies for disc regeneration. Clinical Relevance From a therapeutic point of view, the generation of satellite pellets may be a beneficial feature that would serve to spread donor cells throughout the host matrix and restore normal matrix composition in a sustainable way, ultimately renewing tissue function.
The sunrise and sunset transitions in the mesosphere

Abstract The width of the spectra of signals incoherently scattered from 85 to 93 km at Arecibo shows significant variations during sunrise and sunset periods. After sunset, the width decreases substantially for all these heights, indicating a 20–30% decrease in the quotient of neutral temperature to neutral number density T N ). Some increase in effective positive ion mass could also be possible. Somewhat opposite situations are evidenced during sunrise for heights above 87.5 km. At 85 km, on the other hand, the width decreases during sunrise. This is due to the disappearance of negative ions, which were formed during the night hours.
Complement-fixing and hemagglutinating antibodies to Treponema microdentium

Summary1. Rabbits heavily immunized with Treponema microdentium develop high titers of both complement-fixing (CF) and hemagglutinating (HA) antibody. 2. Of 77 human sera, 5% had low titers of CF anti-body and 12% had low titers of HA antibody to T. microdentium. 3. The patterns of antibody response in both the rabbits and patients indicate that the CF and HA antibodies are produced in response to different antigens of this spirochete.
Frequency-modulation-enhanced remote sensing

to 1012 molecules cm-3. FMRS has the potential of being a general method for monitoring atmospheric trace gases at ambient levels.
Bethe-ansatz quantum sine-Gordon thermodynamics. Finite-temperature excitation spectrum

The thermal renormalization of the Bethe-ansatz excitation spectrum for the sine-Gordon system is presented. For the soliton mass, the results agree closely with those of Maki and Takayama over a significant temperature range, but the sudden decrease in mass they predict near a particular temperature is not found. For the Bethe-ansatz excitation corresponding to the phonon at zero temperature, the rest mass changes rapidly as the temperature increases, even near the classical limit. This suggests that at finite temperature this excitation (the one-string) no longer corresponds to the physical phonon.
Prone Positioning Improves Functional Residual Capacity (FRC), Respiratory Compliance (CRS), and Oxygenation in Intubated Preterm Infants Less Than 1250 Grams. † 973

Prone Positioning Improves Functional Residual Capacity (FRC), Respiratory Compliance (CRS), and Oxygenation in Intubated Preterm Infants Less Than 1250 Grams. † 973
INTRODUCTION OF BRIDGING ETHYL PHOSPHATE SUBSTITUENTS ONTO THE LOWER RIM OF CALIX[6]ARENES

Abstract The compounds 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35-hexa-tert-butyl-37, 38, 39, 40-tetrahydroxy-μ-41, 42-ethyl phosphate calix[6]arene and 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35-hexa-tert-butyl-37, 40-dihydroxy-μ-38, 39-ethyl phosphate-μ-41, 42-ethyl phosphate calix[6]arene have been prepared. In each case the ethyl phosphate group spans two adjacent positions on the lower rim of the calix[6]arene.
Absence of photoinduced charge transfer in blends of PbSe quantum dots and conjugated polymers.

We use photoluminescence (PL) quenching and photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy to study charge transfer in bulk heterojunction blends of PbSe quantum dots with the semiconducting polymers poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) and poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-para-phenylene vinylene] (MDMO-PPV). PIA spectra from the PbSe blends are compared to spectra from similar blends of the polymers with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and blends with CdSe quantum dots. We find that the MDMO-PPV PL is quenched, and the PL lifetime is shortened upon addition of PbSe quantum dots, while the PL of the P3HT is unaffected upon blending. However, for PbSe blends with both polymers, the PIA spectra show very little polaronic signal, suggesting that few, if any, long-lived charges are being produced by photoinduced charge transfer.
Fructose consumption during pregnancy and lactation induces fatty liver and glucose intolerance in rats.

Abstract Nutritional insults during pregnancy and lactation are health risks for mother and offspring. Both fructose (FR) and low-protein (LP) diets are linked to hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in nonpregnant animals. We hypothesized that dietary FR or LP intake during pregnancy may exacerbate the already compromised glucose homeostasis to induce gestational diabetes and fatty liver. Therefore, we investigated and compared the effects of LP or FR intake on hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in unmated controls (CTs) and pregnant and lactating rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a CT, or a 63% FR, or an 8% LP diet. Glucose tolerance test at day 17 of the study revealed greater ( P −1 ∙min −1 vs 3763.4 ± 263.6 mg∙dL −1 ∙min −1 ) for FR-fed dams compared with CT-fed dams. The rats were euthanized at 21 days postpartum. Both the FR- and LP-fed dams had enlarged ( P P
Biogeography of Hawaiian Collembola: The simple principles and complex reality

Abstract We estimate that over 90% of Collembola species now living in the Hawaiian islands have been recorded, but the distribution of the fauna on individual islands is less well known. The relative number of species on the different large islands, except for Hawaii, is similar to that of most other groups of organisms. It appears that most species of Collembola could find suitable conditions on most islands; the subgenus Entomobryoides may be an exception. Endemicity appears to be related to age of the region, to habitat type, and perhaps to altitude. The Hawaiian fauna appears to have been recruited primarily from North America and temperate Asia, with tropical southeast Asia providing a smaller component; Western North America appears to be the main source for exemic species, and temperate Asia for the ancestors of endemic forms. Modes of immigration are uncertain, but ocean transport seems most likely for endemies of North American and Oriental origin, especially mobile members of the Entomobryidae ...
Alteration of the activity and molecular form of thymidine kinase during development and aging in the mouse cerebellum

Protein, DNA and thymidine kinase levels were assayed during development and aging in the mouse cerebellum. A roughly parallel increase in protein and DNA content occurred from birth, reaching a plateau at 18 days; these adult levels increased by 30% in the 23 month-old cerebellum. Thymidine kinase activity reached a maximum at 6 postnatal days, then decreased steadily to reach, at 18 days, the low level that was maintained in the adult. The thymidine kinase synthesized in the aged cerebellum differed from that in the neonate by having (i) an increased specific activity, (ii) a faster migrating species upon electrophoresis, (iii) an inhibition by dCTP, and (iv) a lower affinity for the substrate thymidine (higher Km). Mathematical calculations indicated the appearance of a larger number of smaller sized cells in the aged cerebellum, when compared with the young adult. Histological analysis established that the newly synthesized cells were localized in the molecular layer of the old cerebellum. It appears that senescence in the mouse cerebellum may be associated with an increased synthesis of glial cells.
Lack of genomic imprinting of DNA primase, polypeptide 2 (PRIM2) in human term placenta and white blood cells

PRIM2, encoding a subunit of primase involved in DNA replication and transcription, is expressed in the placenta and is crucial for mammalian development and growth. Its role in placental function is not well understood. Recently, PRIM2 was reported as imprinted in human white blood cells (WBC). We report here our failure to confirm imprinting of the PRIM2 locus in human placenta or WBC. The discordance between our results and those of others are likely due to an incorrectly annotated PRIM2 pseudogene found in the human genome database.
Evaluation of Proposed ASME Performance Test Code 36 for Sound Power Level Determination of Large Steam Turbine-Generators

The ''two-surface'' correction technique, as it is outlined in ASME Performance Test Code No. 36, is utilized in the determination of large steam turbine-generator sound power level (PWL). Test data obtained from using this method and other PWL calculation methods are presented. The two-surface method did not yield consistent results in the indoor environments encountered and had only limited application in turbine-generator PWL calculations. A modified two-surface approach was also tested. This method, which treats each component as a separate source and uses grids located close to the machine, was found to produce more accurate and confident results.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Neuraxial Anesthesia

Spinal and epidural anesthesia/analgesia provide several advantages over systemic opioids, including superior analgesia, reduced blood loss and need for transfusion, and decreased incidence of thromboembolic complications. However, patients hospitalized for major surgery often receive an anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medication perioperatively to prevent venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, although the pharmacologic agent, degree of anticoagulation desired, and duration of therapy remain controversial. These patients are often not considered candidates for spinal or epidural anesthesia/analgesia because of a theoretically greater risk of spinal hematoma. Spinal hematoma is a rare and potentially catastrophic complication of spinal or epidural anesthesia. The incidence of neurologic dysfunction resulting from hemorrhagic complications associated with central neural blockade is estimated to be less than 1 in 150,000 epidural and less than 1 in 220,000 spinal anesthetics. The decision to perform neuraxial blockade on these patients must be made on an individual basis, weighing the risk of spinal hematoma from needle or catheter placement against the theoretical benefits gained. Familiarity with the pharmacology of hemostasis-altering drugs, as well as case reports and clinical studies involving patients undergoing neuraxial blockade while receiving these medications will guide the clinician faced with this difficult decision.
The origin of persistent photoconductance in doping-modulated and compensated a-Si:H

Abstract Doping-modulated and compensated hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) are viewed as aggregates of p-type and n-type regions. Experimental evidence is presented in support of the following model for explaining the persistent photoconductance (PPC). A different response to light induced Staebler-Wronski defects first makes the p-regions less p-type at low light exposures wich transfers electrons to n-regions causing PPC. At high exposures n-regions become less n-type wich reduces PPC.
The theory of melting in heteropolymers. I. Random chains

A method is developed for the calculation of the ground-state melting curves (ηo vs.T) for random, infinite heteropolymers. Hereηo is the ground-state value of the fraction of melted linksη (ηo ≈ η in the strong cooperativity approximation). It is shown that the differential melting curves (dη/dT vs.T) can have a fine structure in the form of several peaks on the bell-shaped main curve. Positions, magnitudes, and widths of these peaks are estimated. The “accidental” fine structure of melting curves, which is caused by a finite length of the polymer, is briefly discussed.
Thermodynamic properties of lattice polymers: Monte Carlo simulations and mean-field theories

Monte Carlo simulations of a lattice polymer melt are used to determine the thermodynamic properties of the system over a range of monomer volume fractions 0⩽φ⩽0.8 and effective temperatures 3.3⩽T*⩽∞. The simulations consider chains of length M=40 and M=100. The thermodynamic quantities analyzed are the chemical potential, the entropy, the specific heat, the isothermal compressibility, the internal energy, and the pressure. Canonical and grand canonical ensemble methods are employed as independent checks of the simulations for the chemical potential and the pressure. The predictions of Flory–Huggins (FH) theory, lattice cluster theory (LCT), and Guggenheim’s random mixing and quasichemical approximations are compared with the simulations. The comparisons greatly extend prior demonstrations of very large errors in the simple FH approximation and show the major improvements provided by Guggenheim’s approximations and the LCT.
AOTV bow shock location

Hypersonic bow-shock location and geometry are of central importance to the aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs), but they are difficult to predict for a given vehicle configuration. This paper reports experimental measurements of shock standoff distance for the 70 deg cone AOTV configuration in shock-tunnel-test flows at Mach numbers of 3.8 to 7.9 and for angles of attack from 0 deg to 20 deg. The controlling parameter for hypersonic bow-shock standoff distance (for a given forebody shape) is the mean normal-shock density ratio. Values for this parameter in the tests reported are in the same range as those of the drag-brake AOTV perigee regime. Results for standoff distance are compared with those previously reported in the literature for this AOTV configuration. It is concluded that the AOTV shock standoff distance for the conical configuration, based on frustrum (base) radius, is equivalent to that of a sphere with a radius about 35 percent greater than that of the cone; the distance is, therefore, much less than reported in previous studies. Some reasons for the discrepancies between the present and previous are advanced. The smaller standoff distance determined here implies there will be less radiative heat transfer than was previously expected.
LIGHT AND THE ELONGATION OF THE MESOCOTYL IN CORN

In reporting the results obtained in a study of the mesocotyl of Avena sativa, Weintraub and McAlister (12) directed further attention to this interesting plant structure. The early experiments of Collins (2) had indicated that in maize the potential extensibility of the mesocotyl in darkness was a varietal characteristic evidencing suitability for agricultural use in different habitats. The Chinese type, grown on shallow soils, possessed mesocotyls with a minimum degree of extensibility ; the central and eastern United States type, grown on deeper soils, had mesocotyls with a medium degree of extensibility ; while the Hopi Indian type, planted deep in drier soils, had mesocotyls with the maximum degree of extensibility. A further differentiation within these three types concerned the physiology of the organ. While in general the mesocotyl appeared to function primarily to insure the establishment of the root system at a suitable distance below the soil surface, thus appreciably discounting the significance of experiments on depth of planting, the mesocotyl of the Hopi Indian type of maize persisted and functioned somewhat as a tap root, thereby contributing to the possible culture of the plant under semi-desert conditions. Kempton (10) studied the inheritance of mesocotyl length in this latter type. While such a variability within a species makes analogy precarious, it perhaps may be assumed tentatively that the general function of the mesocotyl is related to the disposition of the root-system below the surface ; that is, in darkness. The potential extensibility of the mesocotyl in our common grass and grain plants is in appreciable excess of its normal extension under field conditions and the inhibition of the mesocotyl therefore may be assumed to be effected by external factors. The present day vogue and viewpoint would suggest the inhibitory action as associated with the downward movement of substances from the adjoining apical structures. Of particular interest in conjunction with such a postulated movement is the action of light upon these adjoined structures. In so far as quality of light is concerned, the phototropic response of plants appears to be fairly well restricted to the shorter wave-length region ?4000 A to 5400 A. While all of the protoplasmic pigments absorb in this region, the existence of phototropism in chlorophyll-free carotin-containing fungi, e.g., Pilobolus (3), appears to indicate an association of carotenoids with phototropism. Explanations of phototropism in terms of the action of light on "growth substances" have involved changes in distribution, direct inactivation, and the production of inhibitors. In some measure these explanations have been carried over into the interpretation of data indicating the effectiveness of the same short wave-length radiations in bringing about stunting or the general inhibition of elongation. This step has been a natural outgrowth of considerations proceeding from a horizontal to a
Paleomagnetism of a Paleozoic anorthosite from the Appalachian Piedmont, northern Delaware: possible tectonic implications

Two components of magnetization have been observed in fourty-four samples (five sites) of the anorthosites in the Arden Pluton. One component, with D = 325 ° , I = -75 ° , k = 32, c~9 s = 13.6 ° , was isolated in many samples by progressive alternating field demagnetization and in the remainder of the collection by the use of intersecting great circles of remagnetization. The corresponding pole is located at 16 ° N, 303°E, dp = 22.7 ° ,dm = 24.9 ° . Assuming the age of the last metamorphism (Taeonic, ca. 440 Ma) of the Cambrian Arden Pluton to be the age of the magnetization, this pole deviates significantly from coeval poles thus far obtained from the North American craton. The preferred explanation for this deviation is that the Arden Pluton and the surrounding Piedmont rocks belonged to a different Early Paleozoic plate on the south or east side of the lapetus Ocean, most likely the African (Gondwana) plate, and that it was transferred to the North American plate during a subsequent continental collision.
Role of the JIP4 Scaffold Protein in the Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways

The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-interacting protein (JIP) group of scaffold proteins (JIP1, JIP2, and JIP3) can interact with components of the JNK signaling pathway and potently activate JNK. Here we describe the identification of a fourth member of the JIP family. The primary sequence of JIP4 is most closely related to that of JIP3. Like other members of the JIP family of scaffold proteins, JIP4 binds JNK and also the light chain of the microtubule motor protein kinesin-1. However, the function of JIP4 appears to be markedly different from other JIP proteins. Specifically, JIP4 does not activate JNK signaling. In contrast, JIP4 serves as an activator of the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway by a mechanism that requires the MAP kinase kinases MKK3 and MKK6. The JIP4 scaffold protein therefore appears to be a new component of the p38 MAP kinase signaling pathway.
The national/imperial subject in T. B. Macaulay's historiography

(2001). The national/imperial subject in T. B. Macaulay's historiography. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 89-119.
Protection by antibiotics against experimental focal cholangitis produced in mice by a schistosomicidal isothiocyanate

Oral administration to mice of high doses of 4-isothiocyano-4′nitrodiphenylamine (amoscanate), a potent antischistosomal drug, produced focal necrotizing lesions of the large intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and the gallbladder. Coadministration of erythromycin and, to a somewhat lesser degree, of paromomycin, markedly reduced the effects of amoscanate on the biliary tract. These results suggest that amoscanate may be converted to a cholangiotoxic product by one or several constituents of the enteric bacterial flora. Since erythromycin does not affect the antischistosomal activity of amoscanate, coadministration of an antibacterial agent can reduce toxic effects of a drug while full chemotherapeutic activity is maintained. The possibility of toxic effects of metabolites of xenobioties produced by intestinal bacteria deserves attention and the experimental production of focal intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangitis by such drug metabolites suggests a possible mechanism in human bile diseases.
3.4. Set of models

Abstract The use of disparate and detailed engineering and economic models is often necessary for environmental policy analysis and forecasting. However, to conduct consistent forecasting and policy analysis over all economic sectors these disparate models must be coordinated into a consistent model set. One approach to such a modeling effort is illustrated by the NAPAP Integrated Model Set, a collection of engineering, emissions-forecasting and energy-market models that is driven by and interacts with other energy-market and economic models.
A novel concept of dielectrophoretic engine oil filter

A novel concept of an alternating current (AC) dielectrophoretic filter with a three-dimensional electrode array is presented. A filter is constructed by winding into layers around the core tube two sheets of woven metal wire-mesh with several sheets of woven insulating wire-mesh sandwiched in between. Contrary to conventional dielectrophoretic devices, the proposed design of electrodes generates a high-gradient field over a large working volume by applying several hundred volts at a standard frequency of 60 Hz. The operating principle of filtration is based on our recently developed method of AC dielectrophoretic gating for microfluidics. The filtration efficiency is expressed in terms of two non-dimensional parameters, which describe the combined influence of the particle polarizability and size, the oil viscosity and flow rate, and the field gradient on the particle captivity. The proof-of-concept is tested by measuring the single-pass performance of two filters on positively polarized particles dispersed in engine oil: spherical glass beads, fused aluminum oxide powder, and silicon metal powder, all smaller than the mesh opening. The results obtained are used to consider the potential of using AC dielectrophoretic filtration and provide critical design guidelines for the development of a filter based on the retention capability of challenge particles.
Differential subcellular distribution of rat brain dopamine receptors and subtype-specific redistribution induced by cocaine

Abstract We investigated the subcellular distribution of dopamine D1, D2 and D5 receptor subtypes in rat frontal cortex, and examined whether psychostimulant-induced elevation of synaptic dopamine could alter the receptor distribution. Differential detergent solubilization and density gradient centrifugation were used to separate various subcellular fractions, followed by semi-quantitative determination of the relative abundance of specific receptor proteins in each fraction. D1 receptors were predominantly localized to detergent-resistant membranes, and a portion of these receptors also floated on sucrose gradients. These properties are characteristic of proteins found in lipid rafts and caveolae. D2 receptors exhibited variable distribution between cytoplasmic, detergent-soluble and detergent-resistant membrane fractions, yet were not present in buoyant membranes. Most D5 receptor immunoreactivity was distributed into the cytoplasmic fraction, failing to sediment at forces up to 300,000 g, while the remainder was localized to detergent-soluble membranes in cortex. D5 receptors were undetectable in detergent-resistant fractions or raft-like subdomains. Following daily cocaine administration for seven days, a significant portion of D1 receptors translocated from detergent-resistant membranes to detergent-soluble membranes and the cytoplasmic fraction. The distributions of D5 and D2 receptor subtypes were not significantly altered by cocaine treatment. These data imply that D5 receptors are predominantly cytoplasmic, D2 receptors are diffusely distributed within the cell, whereas D1 receptors are mostly localized to lipid rafts within the rat frontal cortex. Dopamine receptor subtype localization is susceptible to modulation by pharmacological manipulations that elevate synaptic dopamine, however the functional implications of such drug-induced receptor warrant further investigation.
Histories of tourism: representation, identity and conflict

Histories of tourism: representation, identity and conflict, edited by John K. Walton, Tourism and Cultural Change 6, Clevedon, Channel View Publications, 2005, viii + 244 pp., US$49.95 (paperback)...
The Occipital Flap for Reconstruction After Lateral Temporal Bone Resection

Objective To investigate the use of the occipital rotational flap as an alternative reconstructive technique following lateral temporal bone resection. Methods A retrospective medical record review of 10 patients who underwent reconstruction with an occipital rotational flap after auriculectomy or lateral temporal bone resection. Patient and operative variables included age, preoperative ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, operative time, total length of hospital stay, and use of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy. Patient demographic characteristics and medical comorbidities were also recorded. Clinical outcomes included medical complications, minor and major wound complications, and donor site complications. Results Patients' mean age was 73.9 years, and mean ASA classification was 2.8. The mean operative time was 8.1 hours, and the mean length of hospital stay was 5.3 days. Three patients received preoperative radiotherapy, and 7 received postoperative radiotherapy. Two patients developed postoperative medical complications, 2 developed minor wound breakdown, and 1 developed a donor site complication. Conclusion The occipital flap method is reliable and should be considered as an option for reconstruction after lateral temporal bone resection in select patients.