cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic subunits of Aplysia neuronal cAMP-dependent protein kinase with two different N termini.

Abstract Previously, two forms of cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit generated by mutually exclusive use of two internal exon cassettes (A1 and A2) were demonstrated in Aplysia neurons. Here, it is shown that there also exist catalytic subunits with alternative N termini derived from two exons, N1 and N2, expressed in combination with either of the internal cassettes. Processed transcripts including N1 or N2 sequences are of about equal abundance in the nervous system, arise through alternative promoter use, and encode catalytically active polypeptides. The N2 amino acid sequence is 21 residues longer than the N1 sequence and is homologous to the nonmyristoylated N terminus of the TPK1 gene product, a yeast catalytic subunit homolog. These data support the view that cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in Aplysia neurons is produced by a complex array of regulatory and catalytic subunits that generate multiple holoenzymes with a spectrum of properties.
Production and characterization of WEG-1, an epidermal growth factor/transforming growth factor-alpha-responsive mouse uterine epithelial cell line.

Uterine epithelial cells (UEC) isolated from 6-week-old CF-1 mice were immortalized using retroviral-mediated transfection of SV40 large T-antigen. One line, WEG-1, retained epithelial morphology and reacted with antibodies to cytokeratins 18, 19, laminin, fibronectin, and beta-catenin. In addition, WEG-1 cells displayed strong nuclear immunoreactivity to SV40 large T-antigen, confirming integration of the retrovirus vector and expression of this gene. WEG-1 cells were negative for nonepithelial markers such as desmin and factor 8. WEG-1 cells did not proliferate in serum-free medium; however, addition of 0.5% FBS supported proliferation to the same extent as 10% FBS. Addition of 50 ng/ml epidermal growth factor to medium containing 0.5% charcoal-stripped FBS restored proliferation comparable with 0.5% whole FBS. Epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor-alpha (50 ng/ml), but not transforming growth factor-beta, leukemia-inhibiting factor, or fibroblast growth factor, induced the secretion of ...
The electronic structure of dense plasmas

Abstract The electronic structure of a dense plasma is considered within the context of a single electron interacting with an effective, time-independent potential. This potential consists of many screened ions which represent strong scattering sites. The strong, short range nature of the screened potentials significantly alters the plasma's electronic structure by introducing shape resonance effects. Additionally, the correlations between scattering sites can give rise to modifications analogous to band structure in crystalline matter. To lowest order these effects manifest themselves as a lowered continuum, while higher order terms generate structure in the density of states. These density-of-state modifications can alter rates of particular atomic transitions as well as change a plasma's ionization balance.
Catecholamine excretion in burns in children

Abstract The excretion pattern of adrenaline and noradrenaline in children with burns has been studied and compared with that of a number of controls of similar age. Very high outputs of both catecholamines were found in the more extensively burned children, and the output of adrenaline increased relatively more than did that of noradrenaline, though the output of noradrenaline was always quantitatively greater. The relatively high output of adrenaline may be related to the environmental temperature in which the children were nursed. The evidence for and possible causes of partial failure of adrenaline production in burns are also discussed.
Stability results for constrained calculus of variations problems: an analysis of the twisted elastic loop

Problems with a variational structure are ubiquitous throughout the physical sciences and have a distinguished scientific history. Constrained variational problems have been much less studied, particularly the theory of stability, which determines which solutions are physically realizable. In this paper, we develop stability exchange results appropriate for parameter-dependent calculus of variations problems with two particular features: either the parameter appears in the boundary conditions, or there are isoperimetric constraints. In particular, we identify an associated distinguished bifurcation diagram, which encodes the direction of stability exchange at folds. We apply the theory to a twisted elastic loop, which can naturally be formulated as a calculus of variations problem with both isoperimetric constraints and parameter-dependent boundary conditions. In combination with a perturbation expansion that classifies certain pitchfork bifurcations as sub- or super-critical, the distinguished diagram for the twisted loop provides a classification of the stability properties of all equilibria. In particular, an unanticipated sensitive dependence of stability properties on the ratio of twisting to bending stiffness is revealed.
Areas of tectonic activity in the United States as indicated by earthquake epicenters

A study based on earthquake occurrences in the United States shows several zones of continuing seismic activity. Over the past 30 years there is a suggestion of systematic variations in seismic activity following what appears to be a three-year cycle which is superimposed on a longer period. Areas of activity can not be related to either geologic age or type of structure. In California transcurrent movement on known faults is associated with seismic activity. In the other western states activity is associated with the boundaries of areas of epeirogenic uplift and subsidence and appears to involve predominantly vertical crustal displacement. In the Midcontinent area activity for the most part is associated with positive crystalline rock tectonic elements and their borders. In the Appalachian area activity is associated with the zones of overthrusts and shear. A conspicuous zone of earthquakes paralleling the Appalachians from Missouri to the St. Lawrence River valley while not related to known geologic controls does follow a zone of better-than-normal seismic transmissibility. The depth of focus varies from area to area and appears to be related directly to crustal thickness and possibly also changes in crustal rigidity with depth. No direct relation is noted between areas of isostatic unbalance and seismic activity or variations in degree of seismic activity with changes in crustal thickness. For the most part, it appears local stress conditions are dominant in causing earthquakes.
Ultrastructural evidence for convergence of enkephalin and adrenaline-containing axon terminals on common targets and their presynaptic associations in the rat nucleus locus coeruleus

Abstract The endogenous opioid peptide, enkephalin, and epinephrine are distributed in varicose processes throughout the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) in the dorsolateral tegmentum of the rat brain. In this brain region, μ-opioid and α-2-adrenergic receptors have been shown to share the same potassium channel suggesting that they may be co-localized in the same terminal or that they may be present in terminals that innervate the same target neuron. However, this has not been demonstrated at the ultrastructural level. Thus, the present study combined the immunocytochemical localization of the opioid peptide leucine 5 -enkephalin (ENK) and the epinephrine synthesizing enzyme, phenylethanolamine- N -methyltransferase (PNMT) in the same section of tissue within the LC at the electron microscopic level. At the light microscopic level, both ENK and PNMT varicose processes were dense and overlapped the region known to contain the noradrenergic cell bodies and dendrites of the LC. However, the morphological features of the two immunolabeled fiber types appeared different in 30-μm thick coronal sections. PNMT-labeled processes were thin, beaded and ramified within the coronal plane. ENK-immunoreactive fibers, however, were more punctate in appearance and processes joining these puncta were not often evident in the frontal plane examined. Varicose fibers immunolabeled for either ENK or PNMT were confirmed to be axons and axon terminals by electron microscopy. Both types contained small clear as well as large dense core vesicles and formed heterogeneous types of synaptic specializations with postsynaptic targets. A common feature encountered in dually labeled tissue sections was convergence of the separately labeled axon terminals on common targets. Another common feature was the apposition of PNMT-labeled axon terminals with ENK-immunoreactive axon terminals that formed synaptic contacts in the plane of section examined. Although numerous ENK and PNMT-labeled axon terminals were identified in similar regions of the neuropil, few terminals were found to contain both labels. These findings indicate that the opioid peptide ENK and epinephrine may elicit concerted actions on common noradrenergic neurons in the LC via separate sets of afferents.
The Resource-Based View as a Developmental Growth Process: Evidence From the Deregulated Trucking Industry

This paper develops a resource-based perspective for predicting the sequencing of a firm's resources that best provides for firm growth. The sequencing that generated the highest firm growth combin...
Advanced Structural Ceramics: A Round Robin

The strength of 1500 sintered alumina and reaction-bonded silicon nitride flexure specimens was measured by seven laboratories in four countries. Consistent results were obtained only with a well-defined standard test method. Older procedures were less consistent or gave erroneous results. A simple statistical procedure allowed a quick estimate of consistency, and outlier samples could be appraised for the likelihood of their occurrence.
On the number of spurious memories in the Hopfield model (neural network)

The outer-product method for programming the Hopfield model is discussed. The method can result in many spurious stable states-exponential in the number of vectors that are to be stored-even in the case when the vectors are orthogonal. >
The effect of three-strikes legislation on serious crime in California

Abstract Using county-level data from California for the years 1989–2000, this study explored the effect of three-strikes legislation on serious crime. It improved on most previous research in this area by controlling for how often prosecutors charged offenders under the three-strikes statute. Preliminary findings suggested that larceny was reduced by way of deterrence resulting from three-strikes and that all index crimes were reduced by way of incapacitation. Once county-specific trends were controlled for, however, the deterrent and incapacitative effects of three-strikes legislation disappeared altogether.
English Language Narratives of Filipino Children

Purpose The current study focuses on describing the English language narrative skills of children who have been exposed to the Filipino language. Method Eight children between the ages of 6;0 (year...
Observation of an infrared band sequence in molecular oxygen at 0.1 Torr

The 1-5-microm emission spectrum from the negative glow of a pulsed oxygen discharge at 0.1 Torr has been examined with a Fourier spectrometer in the time-resolved mode. In addition to well-known atomic lines, our spectrum contains nine regularly spaced linelike features around 4000 cm(-1). We interpreted these features as molecular Rydberg-Rydberg transitions of the type DeltaLambda = 1 and Deltaupsilonv = 0. Additional features at 7000 cm(-1) are assigned to the f(1)Sigma(u)( +) -d(1)II(g) transition in oxygen, resulting in greatly improved spectroscopic constants for the d state.
Workplace Harassment Patterning, Gender, and Utilization of Professional Services: Findings from a US National Study

This study constitutes the first national longitudinal survey to address the relationship between workplace harassment and service utilization. We examine how patterns of sexual harassment and generalized workplace harassment are linked to utilization of mental health, health, legal, spiritual, and work-related services, and whether and how gender influences these relationships. Data derive from a random digit dial telephone survey with a continental US sample of employed adults. Eligibility criteria were being 18 years of age or over, and being employed at least 20 h per week at some time in the 12 months prior to the wave 1 survey. Out of 4116 households with eligible individuals, 2151 agreed to participate at wave 1. At wave 2, 1418 participated, thus, the overall response rate was 34.5%. We show that the patterning of workplace harassment over two time points (chronic, remission, onset, never harassed) is associated with the use of different types of services. Gender partially moderated the relationship between workplace harassment and services.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Upward Spread of Masking.

Pure-tone auditory thresholds were obtained in quiet and in three levels of masking noise for one normal-hearing group and five groups of subjects with different degrees of sensorineural loss. The ...
Serum Digoxin Levels in Elderly Nursing Home Patients: Appraisal of Routine Periodic Measurements

: An assessment was made of the clinical value of routine periodic measurement of serum digoxin levels in 51 elderly nursing home patients with cardiac disease. The findings showed that the serum digoxin level was not correlated with the dosage of digoxin nor the patient's clinical state of digitalization. All patients were effectively digitalized, as judged clinically, and no digitalis toxicity occurred despite a wide range of serum digoxin levels. When adequate medical supervision, electrocardiograms, roentgenograms, serum electrolyte determinations and renal function tests are available, the routine periodic measurement of serum digoxin concentration does not offer any additional benefit in the management of nursing home patients with cardiac disease.
Category representations and their implications for category structure.

In a series of experiments and reanalyses of previous research, we tested the hypothesis that categories that are primarily represented by extrinsic features (i.e., those that are relations between two or more entities) would yield more graded structures than would categories primarily represented by intrinsic features (i.e., those features true of an item considered in isolation). These predictions were confirmed. Extrinsically represented categories showed (1) less agreement across subjects on membership judgments, (2) more graded membership in a membership judgment task, and (3) smaller differences between gradients of typicality and of membership judgments
Variations in Shades of Shell Color in Rhode Island Red Eggs

Abstract IN BREEDING Rhode Island Reds for high fecundity it is desirable to develop a flock that will lay uniform brown eggs. This necessitates a constant selection of breeders for the shade of color desired. Hays (1937) observed eight shades of color in Rhode Island Red eggs ranging from near white to dark brown. A wide range in shade of color for other breeds has also been reported. Kopec (1926) used 13 shades to describe the color in Buff Orpington eggs and Hall (1944) assigned 10 color shades to eggs of Rhode Island Reds. Seasonal changes in the shade of brown have been observed by Kopec (1926), Axelsson (1932) and Hall (1944). This seasonal change in shell color has also appeared for many years in our Rhode Island Reds bred for high fecundity. The typical behavior seems to be that pullets lay eggs of the darkest shade at sexual maturity usually . . .
Process technology and integration challenges for high performance interconnects

Abstract Interconnect metallization for 0.18 μ m technology presents many new challenges for the process technologies. The DRAM device architecture imposes severe requirements of shallow junctions and narrow line widths, which combine to put constraints on the thermal budget while requiring low RC time constant for the interconnects. A number of new materials, such as TiSi x , TiN, W, WN, Pt, and Ru are under consideration for interconnect and capacitor plate metallization. These materials need to provide low resistance lines, be thermally stable, and have no deleterious effects on the gate oxide and capacitor dielectric, and they must be compatible with the overall process flow. Deposition processes for interconnect materials as well as interlevel dielectrics with superior conformality are necessary for a complete fill without voids. A review of the requirements for a manufacturable interconnect scheme and the limitations of the current technology is presented.
Reaching In to Reach Out: One Counseling Center’s Journey in Developing a New Outreach Approach

Counseling centers need to be engaged and connected on their campuses, both to individuals and to multiple systems of students, faculty, and staff. Building a campus-wide “community of caring” or “web of caring” is essential to a strong, healthy, and vibrant counseling center. This article describes one university counseling center’s transition to a new way of approaching outreach. The University of Michigan Counseling & Psychological Services (UM CAPS) undertook a challenge in 2006 to reach in, a self-examination process, in order to reach out in new ways to promote mental health on campus.
The Much Maligned Empress Dowager: A Revisionist Study of the Empress Dowager Tz'u-hsi (1835–1908)

Clio, the Muse of History, has not been kind to the Empress Dowager Tz'u-hsi (1835–1908). Traditional Chinese historians always have been prejudiced against feminine influence in court. Moreover, historians have long relied upon the works of men such as K'ang Yu-wei (1858–1927) and Liang Ch'i-ch'ao (1873–1929), the two leaders of the radical reform movement, and other pro-Emperor radical reformers, most notably Wang Chao (1859–1935), Yun Yu-ting (1863–1918), Lo Tun-jung (d. 1923), and Li Hsi-sheng, for their information about the workings of the Ch'ing court during the period 1898 to 1900. Since these men were opposed to the power and conservatism of the Empress Dowager, their prejudice is reflected in their writings about the court at that time. Many historians also have relied upon the works of Western writers such as J. O. P. Bland, Sir Edmund Backhouse, and Hosea B. Morse for their information about this period. In fact, Bland and Backhouse's China Under the Empress Dowager is the book which has shaped many of our present-day negative images of Tz'u-hsi. Recently the reliability of Sir Edmund Backhouse has been seriously challenged by Hugh Trevor-Roper in his excellent study, Hermit of Peking. There can be no doubt that Western writers drew their facts from exchanges with the writings by the Chinese radical reformers, from unreliable eunuchs, and from highly biased newspapers, such as the North China Herald (a pro-reform Western-oriented Shanghai newspaper) and the Ch'ing-i pao [China Discussion], which was edited by Liang Ch'i-ch'ao and published in Yokohama.
A Model of the Wave 1–Wave 2 Vacillation in the Winter Stratosphere

A three-dimensional, severely truncated, quasi-geostrophic model in a beta channel is used to explore the dynamics of the observed anticorrelation between the amplitudes of planetary waves 1 and 2 in the Northern Hemisphere winter stratosphere. The model, which includes interactions among eight horizontal modes, generates realistic wave 1-wave 2 vacillations when westward traveling wave 1 interacts with stationary waves 1 and 2. It is found that while wave 1 oscillates in response to wave-mean flow interactions, the oscillations in the amplitude of wave 2 are driven primarily by wave-wave interactions. Experiments with a barotropic model reveal that the timing of the strongest wave-wave interactions is determined by the wave 1 interaction with the mean flow.
Coherent second-harmonic generation by counterpropagating surface plasmons.

We have observed second-harmonic generation by counterpropagating surface-plasmon waves. The output is in the form of a well-collimated beam along the surface normal. The results are in excellent agreement with theoretical prediction.
Release and permeation studies of propranolol hydrochloride from hydrophilic polymeric matrices

AbstractIn-vitro release of propranolol hydrochloride, from various hydrophilic polymeric bases was studied. These included: methocel®, avicel® CL-611/ methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin based systems. Several additives, such as, ethyl alcohol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and polyethylene glycol-400 were included in the formulations for possible enhancement of the drug release. The release studies were carried out using the cellulose membrane and the hairless mouse skin as the diffusion barriers. The general rank order for the drug release through these membranes was observed to be: the methocel® matrix > the avicel® CL-611 matrix > the polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin matrix > and the emulsion base. The additives in the formulations had little or no effect in enhancing the drug release. However, when the hairless mouse skin was soaked in (DMSO) for one hour prior to its use in the diffusion studies, the drug release was found to increase by 40% from the methocel® matrix formulation.The drug release data we...
Sustainable and User-Centered Applying Human Factors Solutions Towards Improving the Effectiveness of “Green” Buildings

With climate change threatening the very existence of our species, it is imperative the scientific community collaborate to help solve environmental problems. Human factors professionals are uniquely qualified for addressing issues of climate change, particularly because the potential consequences represent the most human-centric of all concerns. That is, when designing for sustainability, and thus for the preservation of our species, we are designing with the human in mind.However, without a user-centered design, many sustainable products and features may either fail to be adopted or may not be used in a way that maximizes performance, thus limiting their utility and potential benefits. One area of sustainable development that could greatly benefit from improvements in usability is the realm of “green” and LEED-certified building. However, in order to provide improvements in this area, there are a variety of issues and considerations that must be first addressed. In this paper, we provide an overview of ...
Application of the filter diagonalization method to one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra

Abstract A new non-Fourier data processing algorithm, the filter diagonalization method (FDM), is presented and applied to phase-sensitive 1D and 2D NMR spectra. FDM extracts parameters (peak positions, linewidths, amplitudes, and phases) directly from the time-domain data by fitting the data to a sum of damped complex sinusoids. Grounded in a quantum-mechanical formalism, FDM shares some of the features of linear prediction and other linear algebraic approaches, but is numerically more efficient, scaling like the fast Fourier transform algorithm with respect to data size, and has the ability to correctly handle spectra with thousands or even millions of lines where the competing methods break down. Results obtained on complex spectra are promising.
Modelling the dynamics of decision-making for emerging medical technologies

There has been considerable interest in systematic methods for technology assessment that can be used to evaluate the social impact of medical practices. Policy-makers have been attracted to these methods because they offer a capability to logically and systematically analyze a decision. Assessing newly “emerging” technologies proves most difficult because practitioners' perceptions of their clinical effectiveness are continually changing. We propose and illustrate a mathematical model framework which, when simulated by computer, could serve as a tool to help analyze future consequences of hypothetical alternative public policies for emerging medical technologies.
Observations of fast auroral waves.

Results of simultaneous observation of a fast wave event from the Ester Dome Observatory (EDO) near College, Alaska, the Poker Flat Rocket Launching Facility (PKR), and Fort Yukon, Alaska (FYU). The display occurred on Mar. 27, 1971, and the general morphology is described and discussed. It is suggested that fast auroral waves occur when a preceding substorm has enhanced the particle population in the region of the magnetosphere near L = 6 in the midnight sector; then transverse hydromagnetic waves, associated with the onset of further local substorm activity, become visible through their action on this enhanced particle population as they propagate inwards in the equatorial region.
Preliminary Outcome Data on a Model Treatment Group for Codependence

Abstract A group treatment model was developed to assist individuals address intrapersonal and relational issues associated with codependence. The model consisted of twelve group sessions utilizing a set curriculum developed by the authors. Results indicated that patient perception of locus of control and codependency improved significantly by the end of treatment and that these gains continued to improve at a six-month follow up.
What Are Profits

FOR GENERATIONS-certainly for well over a hundred and sixty yearseconomists have distinguished three types of income from the productive process. These are income from labor, income from the ownership of capital and income from the ownership of land. Income from labor-at any rate when the labor is hired by an employer-has been called "wages." To the income from capital some writers, e.g., Henry George, have applied the term "interest." And the income received by way of the ownership of land has commonly been called "rent" or, sometimes, "land rent" or "economic rent." It cannot be said that there has been any one generally followed and unquestioned terminology. Economists-and there are some-who use both the term "rent"' and also the term "interest" to refer alike to income from capital and income from land, may strenuously deny that the usage referred to above is the prevailing one. But something like this use of terms has been general enough so that we may perhaps refer to it as more widely accepted than any other. However this may be as regards "interest" and "rent," there is wide variation in the use of the term "profits." And it may be worth while to inquire (1) whether any of the meanings most frequently given to the term makes it helpful in economic analysis; and (2) whether there is an advantage in having any such term in addition to the terms "wages," "interest" and "rent."
Selection Policy-Induced Reduction Mappings for Boolean Networks

Developing computational models paves the way to understanding, predicting, and influencing the long-term behavior of genomic regulatory systems. However, several major challenges have to be addressed before such models are successfully applied in practice. Their inherent high complexity requires strategies for complexity reduction. Reducing the complexity of the model by removing genes and interpreting them as latent variables leads to the problem of selecting which states and their corresponding transitions best account for the presence of such latent variables. We use the Boolean network (BN) model to develop the general framework for selection and reduction of the model's complexity via designating some of the model's variables as latent ones. We also study the effects of the selection policies on the steady-state distribution and the controllability of the model.
Femoral combs—a secondary sexual character in British Oscinellinae (Diptera: Chloropidae)

A specialised but variable group of setae on the middle femur of males of Chloropidae is described and its taxonomic importance discussed. This femoral comb has been found in 15 out of 24 genera of Oscinellinae, but was not found in 15 genera of Chloropinae.
Semiconductor quantum dot scintillation under gamma-ray irradiation.

We recently demonstrated the ability of semiconductor quantum dots to convert α radiation into visible photons. In this letter, we report on the scintillation of quantum dots under γ irradiation and compare the energy resolution of the 59 keV line of americium-241 obtained with our quantum dot−glass nanocomposite to that of a standard sodium iodide scintillator. A factor 2 improvement is demonstrated experimentally and interpreted theoretically using a combination of energy-loss and photon-transport models.
Strategic Interaction and Candidate Competition in U.S. House Elections: Empirical Applications of Probit and Strategic Probit Models

In recent work, Signorino (American Political Science Review 93:279-2971999; Inter national Interactions 28:93-115, 2002) has sought to test statistical models derived from extensive-form games in the context of international relations research focusing on con flict and interstate bargaining. When two or more actors interact with one another under conditions of uncertainty, Signorino demonstrates that it is necessary to incorporate such strategic interaction into the underlying model to avoid potential threats to statistical in ference. Outside the realm of international relations research, however, there have been limited applications of Signorino's strategic probit model in understanding strategic interac tion. In this article, I present an empirical comparison of probit and strategic probit models in the context of candidate competition in House elections during the 1990s. I show that incumbent spending deters challenger entry and factors such as minority party affiliation and redistricting significantly affect incumbent career decisions, findings that run counter to those reported in the nonstrategic model. Overall, the results illustrate that failing to account for strategic interaction can lead to biased and inaccurate estimates related to challenger and incumbent entry decisions.
A Model for Mechanical Wear and Abrasive Particle Adhesion during the Chemical Mechanical Polishing Process

Abrasive particle-surface interactions are analyzed and processes of surface removal by adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms during chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) are studied. The mechanical contact theory is used, and a model for interactions of pad asperities with abrasive particles and wafer is developed. The cases of hard and soft pads and dilute and dense slurries are analyzed. A model for the particle-scale surface removal process in the chemical-mechanical polishing is developed. The influence of abrasive particle adhesion to the surface is included in the analysis. Variations of polishing rate with pressure, abrasive particle size and concentration, as well as pad characteristics (including asperity distribution and asperity elastic and plastic deformation) are studied. The functional dependence of the polishing rate on pressure and velocity was found to be related to the distribution of pad asperities. The linear variation predicted by Preston's equation follows when the pad asperities have a random distribution. The sublinear dependence, however, is obtained when the pad asperities have a wavy distribution. The results also show that the abrasive particle adhesion affects the CMP process. The model predictions are presented in graphical form and are compared with the available semiempirical correlations and discussed.
Effects of morphine in the nucleus accumbens on stimulant-induced locomotion

This study assessed the effects of morphine in the nucleus accumbens on motility elicited by dopaminergic and other classes of drugs, using locomotor activity as the measured response. Dopaminergic stimulants, d-amphetamine (10 micrograms) or dopamine (20 micrograms, 2 hours after nialamide, 200 mg/kg, IP) induced large increases in locomotor activity when injected into the nucleus accumbens. This response was blocked by coadministration of morphine (5 micrograms). The hypermotility response elicited by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA; 0.5 micrograms), an excitatory amino acid agonist, was also abolished by coadministration of morphine. Increasing the dose of AMPA to 1.5 micrograms partially overcame the morphine block, while increasing the dose of amphetamine to 50 micrograms did not. In other experiments, morphine (5 micrograms) injected into the nucleus accumbens blocked the hypermotility elicited by systemic caffeine (10 mg/kg, SC) or scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, SC) or intra-accumbal MK-801 (5 micrograms). However, picrotoxin (0.15 or 0.5 microgram) injected into the nucleus accumbens elicited a hypermotility that was not attenuated by coinjection of morphine (5 or 10 micrograms). These data demonstrate that opiate and dopaminergic pathways have competing actions on the regulation of locomotion in the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, the results with combinations of picrotoxin and morphine suggest the presence of two distinct locomotor pathways or a GABA receptor site "downstream" from the morphine site in a single pathway.
Bioindicators: Types, Development, and Use in Ecological Assessment and Research

Government, scientists, managers, and the public are interested in assessing the health of ecosystems. Initially ecologists concentrated on assessing condition, reproductive success, and survival of a wide range of individual species, but this approach quickly broadened to include the health of communities, ecosystems, and landscapes, as well as the human dimension. Monitoring ecosystem health requires the use of a suite of bioindicators that are biologically, methodologically, and societally relevant, and can be used effectively over time to assess trends and provide early warning. Bioindicators can be developed for ecosystem health assessment, for human effects and interventions, human health assessment, and for evaluating sustainability. Whereas ecologists initially developed indicators to measure health or well-being of relatively pristine environments, the usefulness of indicators is enhanced if they can assess both ecological and human health, provide trends data, and be used to examine a wide range...
DNMT1 modulates gene expression without its catalytic activity partially through its interactions with histone-modifying enzymes

While DNA methyltransferase1 (DNMT1) is classically known for its functions as a maintenance methyltransferase enzyme, additional roles for DNMT1 in gene expression are not as clearly understood. Several groups have shown that deletion of the catalytic domain from DNMT1 does not abolish repressive activity of the protein against a reporter gene. In our studies, we examine the repressor function of catalytically inactive DNMT1 at endogenous genes. First, potential DNMT1 target genes were identified by searching for genes up-regulated in HCT116 colon cancer cells genetically disrupted for DNMT1 (DNMT1(-/-) hypomorph cells). Next, the requirement for DNMT1 activity for repression of these genes was assessed by stably restoring expression of wild-type or catalytically inactive DNMT1. Both wild-type and mutant proteins are able to occupy the promoters and repress the expression of a set of target genes, and induce, at these promoters, both the depletion of active histone marks and the recruitment of a H3K4 demethylase, KDM1A/LSD1. Together, our findings show that there are genes for which DNMT1 acts as a transcriptional repressor independent from its methyltransferase function and that this repressive function may invoke a role for a scaffolding function of the protein at target genes.
The Ironic Spectacle of Resolution in Der Hofmeister

This essay argues that the resolving scenes of Lenz's 1774 comedy Der Hofmeister ironize the conventional return to social order within the comedic mimesis, simultaneously underscoring the artifice of such order. After teetering on the brink of tragedy, Lenz's work proves itself a radical exaggeration of a comedy, ending with dazzling tableaux of reconciliation, reunion, and marriage. When analyzed, these final spectacles appear designed to subvert the limitations and requirements placed on the comedic genre by the archon of 18th century poetics, Johann Gottsched. This article concludes that by exposing the structural mechanism at work in most dramatic comedy, Der Hofmeister anticipates postmodern sensibilities.
The color of meteoritic hibonite: an indicator of oxygen fugacity

Hibonites similar in composition to those found in Ca-Al-rich inclusions change color from blue, to green, to orange, to nearly colorless as oxygen fugacity is increased at high temperature from below the iron-wustite buffer up to air. The development of the blue color is correlated with the growth of an absorption band at 715 nm in the optical spectra of the hibonites as the oxygen fugacity is reduced. The growth of this band is attributed to the increasing concentration of Ti^(3+) in these hibonites with decreasing oxygen fugacity. The blue hibonites in meteorites reflect equilibration under reducing conditions; we estimate, based on the intensity of the 715 nm band, that the hibonite in the Blue Angel inclusion indicates an oxygen fugacity 4–5 orders of magnitude more oxidizing than that expected in the early solar nebula. This may be due to formation in an anomalously oxidizing region of the nebula or to oxidation during cooling or later alteration. The orange hibonites in Allende reflect oxygen fugacities approximately ten or more orders of magnitude more oxidizing than the expected primitive nebula; this color probably indicates alteration of initially more reduced (blue?) hibonites. The colorless hibonite in the HAL inclusion reflects highly oxidizing conditions and/or its low Ti content.
Determination of pK's of trinucleotides.

pK's of trinucleotides are calculated according to the theory of Kirkwood and Westheimer for ellipsoids. In order to compare the calculated values with some experimental results, a number of trimers were prepared and their pK's were measured. The question of syn and anti conformations for monomers are discussed in light of the above considerations.
Human Alveolar Macrophage Mediated Vasodilation and the Role of Arginine Compounds

To determine whether human alveolar macrophages (AM) generate a compound similar to the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, we studied the effect of AM on the isometric response of the pre-contracted rat aorta preparation in the presence and absence of L-arginine or N-substituted L-arginine compounds. Addition of AM to the pre-contracted aorta preparation was ineffective even in the presence of millimolar concentrations of L-arginine. But, AM in the presence of the substituted L-arginine, N alpha-benzoyl L-arginine ethyl ester, significantly increased vasodilation. The enhanced relaxation was associated with an increase in vascular cyclic guanosine 3,5'-monophosphate formation. Hemoglobin and N omega-nitro L-arginine methyl ester are inhibitors of the endothelium-dependent relaxation, and both attenuated the vasodilation elicited by AM. Human AM were found to metabolize N alpha-benzoyl L-arginine ethyl ester to a citrulline derivative. No such metabolism was observed with L-arginine. A specific, high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay for guanidines revealed that the lack of effect of external L-arginine is not due to the presence of an excess amount of endogenous L-arginine in AM. These results demonstrate that nonactivated human AM, unlike rodent macrophages, possess an enzyme system(s) that metabolize(s) arginine derivatives but not L-arginine to a vasodilator, and this vasodilator has properties similar to that of endothelium-derived relaxing factor. This human AM-derived vasodilator may have an important role in regulating airway smooth muscle function.
Chaotic solitons and the foundations of physics: a potential revolution

Abstract This paper will present a skeleton outline of new mathematical tools, based on concepts from quantum field theory (QFT), which could open up a new approach to understanding chaotic solitons and other chaotic modes for classical PDE in four dimensions. It will argue that a further development of these tools could lead to a radical reformulation of physics, with large potential implications both for technology and for biology. The central ideas include: the use of statistical moments as a way of mapping a complicated attractor to a point in Fock space; the use of reification or dressing operators to transform the statistical dynamics into a linear Schrodinger-like equation with a Hermitian “Hamiltonian”; the use of localized eigenvectors in Fock space to characterize chaotic solitons; in applications to QFT, the assumption of time- symmetry (rather than forwards time) in microscopic causality, which makes it possible to derive the measurement formalism of QFT; the use of field operators to calculate expectation values, and a truly four-dimensional approach that is equivalent but simpler than the usual approach of QFT. The potential implications, while speculative, could be extremely large; however, they cannot be realized or defined more precisely without additional mathematical research. There are many new research opportunities here in many different directions, all of them with large potential impact.
Cardiac positron emission tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an intrinsically quantitative tool that provides a unique and unparalleled approach for clinicians and researchers to interrogate the heart noninvasively. The ability to label substances of physiological interest with positron-emitting radioisotopes has permitted insight into normal blood flow and metabolism and the alterations that occur with disease states. The efficacies of interventional therapies also have been demonstrated with cardiac PET. PET is unequaled in establishing the presence or absence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as for assessment of myocardial viability. Using mathematically and physiologically appropriate models, myocardial blood flow, metabolism, and ligand density and flux can be measured noninvasively, providing physicians and researchers with an exceptional window to the heart. Future advances in both instrumentation as well as radiochemitry and image processing will improve our understanding of the heart under normal conditions as well as with disease and should provide therapeutic approaches to enhancing the treatment of patients with heart disease of diverse etiologies.
Validation of requirements for hybrid systems: A formal approach

Flaws in requirements may have unacceptable consequences in the development of safety-critical applications. Formal approaches may help with a deep analysis that takes care of the precise semantics of the requirements. However, the proposed solutions often disregard the problem of integrating the formalization with the analysis, and the underlying logical framework lacks either expressive power, or automation.We propose a new, comprehensive approach for the validation of functional requirements of hybrid systems, where discrete components and continuous components are tightly intertwined. The proposed solution allows to tackle problems of conversion from informal to formal, traceability, automation, user acceptance, and scalability.We build on a new language, othello which is expressive enough to represent various domains of interest, yet allowing efficient procedures for checking the satisfiability. Around this, we propose a structured methodology where: informal requirements are fragmented and categorized according to their role; each fragment is formalized based on its category; specialized formal analysis techniques, optimized for requirements analysis, are finally applied.The approach was the basis of an industrial project aiming at the validation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) requirements specification. During the project a realistic subset of the ETCS specification was formalized and analyzed. The approach was positively assessed by domain experts.
L-kynurenine aminotransferase and L-α-aminoadipate aminotransferase. I. Evidence for identity

Summary The following observations strongly suggest that L-kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) and L-α-aminoadipate aminotransferase (AAT) activities are associated with the same protein: 1. a similar distribution in the supernatant and mitochondrial fractions of kidney and liver of male rats, 2. a similar distribution in these fractions of kidney and liver of female rats, 3. a similar sex difference in the supernatant and mitochondrial fractions of kidney with no sex difference in liver fractions, 4. a similar pattern of inhibition with a homologous series of dicarboxylic acids with adipate being most effective, 5. competitive inhibition of KAT with d , l -α-aminoadipate (αAA), 6. substrate inhibition of KAT with α-ketoadipate (αKA), and 7. AAT activity in a highly purified preparation of KAT. A scheme for the interaction of the two activities in lysine and tryptophan metabolism is presented.
pH dependence of the reduction of dioxygen to water by cytochrome c oxidase. 1. The PR state is a pH-dependent mixture of three intermediates, A, P,and F

Recent studies on cytochrome oxidase have indicated that the putative "peroxy" intermediate in the catalytic cycle (P(R)) is a mixture of intermediates, including P and F [Sucheta, A., et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 17905-17914], and the bench-made P and F forms appear to have the same redox state (Fe(a3)(4+)=O(2-)), but a different protonation state [Fabian, M., and Palmer, G. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 1867-1874]. To explore the possibility that the putative P(R) state is a pH-dependent mixture of intermediates, we investigated the reduction of dioxygen to water by the fully reduced cytochrome oxidase at pH 6.2, 7.5, and 8.5 in the visible and Soret regions (350-800 nm) using the CO flow-flash technique. Singular value decomposition and global exponential fitting of the time-resolved absorption difference spectra resolved five apparent lifetimes. The fastest three (1.5, 13, and 34 micros) were independent of pH, while the two slowest rates (80-240 micros and 1.1-2.4 ms) decreased by a factor of 2-3 as the pH increased. When the time-resolved spectra were analyzed using a unidirectional sequential model, the spectra of the reduced enzyme and the dioxygen-bound intermediate, compound A, were found to be pH-independent. However, the putative P(R) intermediate was best represented by a pH-dependent mixture of compound A, P, and F. The ferryl form was favored at low pH. The subsequent intermediate is a ferryl with a pH-dependent electron transfer equilibrium between heme a and Cu(A), the reduced heme a being favored at low pH. These results suggest a pH-dependent reaction mechanism of the reduction of dioxygen to water by the fully reduced enzyme that is more complex than previously proposed.