cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aliphatic di-n-oxide complexes; cobalt(II), nickel(II), and chromium(III) perchlorate complexes of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine-N,N′-dioxide

Abstract The compound N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine-N,N′-dioxide, TMEO 2 has been synthesized and used to form complexes with chromium(III), co- balt(II), and nickel(II) perchlorates. The resulting coordination compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, electronic and infrared spectra, conductance, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The chromium compound has the formula Cr (TMEO 2 ) 3 (CIO 4 ) 3 ·3H 3 0 and is characterized as a tris six-coordinate distorted octahedral complex while the cobalt and nickel compounds have the formulas Co(TME0 2 ) 2 (Cl0 4 ) 2 andNi(TMEO 2 ) 2 (ClO 4 ) 2 ·5H 2 0 and are characterized as bis four-coordinate tetrahedral complexes. The chromium-TME0 2 complex has a higher ligand field parameter, Dq, and a lower effective magnetic moment than other reported N-oxide complexes of chromium(III).
Faculty Organizational Commitment and Citizenship

Building on a theoretical framework that links characteristics of individuals and their work settings to organizational commitment (OC) and citizenship behavior, this study considers why faculty may be disengaging from institutional service. Analyses of survey data collected from a state system of higher education suggest that job characteristics, exchanges and social learning are associated with faculty members’ OC. For instance, opportunities for advancement and research support, as well as responsiveness of administrators to faculty, contributed to the likelihood that faculty would accept a position at their institution again if given the chance. Commitment, however, did not significantly affect time spent on institutional service. Two job characteristics—time spent on research and time spent on teaching—were negatively associated with this behavior.
Complementation of V(D)J Recombination Deficiency in RAG-1−/− B Cells Reveals a Requirement for Novel Elements in the N-Terminus of RAG-1

Abstract RAG-1 is an essential component of the site-specific V(D)J recombinase. A new assay system has revealed a significant contribution of the catalytically dispensible N-terminal region of RAG-1 to recombination activity. The foundation for this system is an Abelson virus–transformed cell line derived from RAG-1 −/− mice that is dependent on the introduction of exogenous RAG-1 for rearrangement of either plasmid substrates or the endogenous immunoglobulin loci. Use of this line demonstrates that conserved and novel cysteine-containing elements in the N-terminal region are required for full RAG-1 activity when recombination activity is in a RAG-1 dose-responsive range. Our data suggest that the RAG-1 N-terminus enhances the formation of an active recombination complex that facilitates the rearrangement process.
The impact of remote manipulator structural dynamics on Shuttle on-orbit flight control

The performance of the Space Shuttle on-orbit flight control system during payload operations with the remote manipulator system is described. The changing mass and inertia distribution associated with payload manipulation can have a significant effect on the control authority provided by the orbiter's reaction control jets. Commanded payload motion and jet firings can excite significant flexure in the orbiter/manipulator/payload structure. These effects combine to stress the control capabilities of the flight control system. Data from recent flight tests is presented to illustrate these effects.
Effects of Hydroxyurea (HU) on Maximum Urine Concentrating Ability and Hematological Indices in Children with Hb SC Disease

Effects of Hydroxyurea (HU) on Maximum Urine Concentrating Ability and Hematological Indices in Children with Hb SC Disease
Hartree-Fock Dispersion Probe of the Equilibrium Structures of Small Microclusters of Benzene and Naphthalene: Comparison with Second-Order MØeller -Plesset Geometries

The equilibrium structures of small microclusters of benzene and naphthalene were computed by a simple Hartree-Fock dispersion (HFD) model, in which a self-consistent field calculation is supplemented by an empirical dispersion term. The minimum energy conformers so obtained with the 6-31G basis set are essentially identical to those obtained from a second-order MOeller -Plesset calculation with the same basis set. The trends in relative stabilities are also in general accord with those from the correlated ab initio calculation. These results demonstrate the utility of the HFD models in the conformational search of aromatic clusters.
VgRBP71 Stimulates Cleavage at a Polyadenylation Signal in Vg1 mRNA, Resulting in the Removal of a cis-Acting Element that Represses Translation

Translation of Vg1 mRNA is repressed in Xenopus oocytes until it is localized to the vegetal cortex. Localization and translational repression are mediated by separate elements in the 3′UTR of the mRNA. VgRBP71 binds to the 3′ end of the localization element and stimulates cleavage at an adjacent polyadenylation signal. The protein has an RNA strand-separation activity that likely underlies this event. Polyadenylation occurs at this site in Vg1 mRNA with the consequence of removing the downstream translational repressor element. Ectopic expression of VgRBP71 in stage II oocytes results in cleavage of the mRNA and premature expression of Vg1 protein. These results support a model in which VgRBP71 activates translation of Vg1 mRNA by promoting the removal of a cis -acting repressor element.
American Travel Revisited

These three recent studies of American travel writing, all focusing mainly on the nineteenth century, share an emphasis on what is particularly American-as opposed to British or European-about the travelers and their perceptions. Each book questions how nineteenth-century American travelers compare to their Old World counterparts, how Americans projected their national biases and perspectives onto foreign lands and cultures, and how the experience of travel helped change the writers' sense of themselves as Americans, distinct from Europeans. Bruce Harvey limits his analysis to antebellum writing in American Geographics: U.S. National Narratives and the Representation of the Non-European World, 1830-1865 (2001), but he includes unusual kinds of literature, from early American geography textbooks to treatises on the resettlement of African Americans in
Viral noncoding RNAs: more surprises

Eukaryotic cells produce several classes of long and small noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Many DNA and RNA viruses synthesize their own ncRNAs. Like their host counterparts, viral ncRNAs associate with proteins that are essential for their stability, function, or both. Diverse biological roles—including the regulation of viral replication, viral persistence, host immune evasion, and cellular transformation—have been ascribed to viral ncRNAs. In this review, we focus on the multitude of functions played by ncRNAs produced by animal viruses. We also discuss their biogenesis and mechanisms of action.
Population genetics of eight species of Trapezia (Brachyura: Xanthidae), symbionts of corals

Starch-gel electrophoresis was used to study gene-enzyme variation in thirteen populations of eight species of the genus Trapezia from Hawaii, Panama, and Enewetak Atoll (Marshall Islands). Between 20 and 30 (mean = 27.8) gene-enzyme systems were resolved in each population, with 20 systems in common among all populations. The distribution of electrophenotypes was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg-Castle expectations, except for T. digitalis, which consistently showed heterozygote deficiencies. Diagnostic loci among color forms support the hypothesis that color forms are distinct species. Low values of genetic distance among species suggest a recent radiation, perhaps during the Pleistocene. Genetic distance between the Hawaiian and Panamanian populations of T. ferruginea did not significantly differ from zero, indicating that the Eastern Pacific population of T. ferruginea has recently immigrated from the central Pacific, and/or that there is gene flow between the two areas. There were diagnostic loci between T. ferruginea and T. formosa from Enewetak and the populations of these species from Hawaii (T. ferruginea only) and Panama (both species). Therefore, these geographic populations may represent separate species. The level and pattern of genetic variability in Trapezia spp. are in agreement with those observed in most other organisms.
Renal effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockade

The beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents are now in wide use for the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. They are among the most popular forms of pharmacologic therapy for the management of high blood pressure states and are also used commonly for angina pectoris, various cardiac dysrhythmias, and for idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. They also have been used for diverse conditions such as migraine and anxiety states and as supportive therapy during withdrawal of alcohol and addictive drugs. Because these agents are so commonly used, it is timely to evaluate their effects on renal function. There appear to be three principal mechanisms by which the beta blockers could influence the kidney: first, by producing hemodynamic changes in the systemic circulation; second, by acting on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; and third, by possibly acting within the kidney to directly influence renal function. A listing of factors that may be involved in mediating beta-blocker effects on the kidney is given in Table 1. The decreases in systemic blood pressure and in cardiac output that are produced by most of these agents, together with the variable increases in total peripheral vascular resistance that can accompany these changes, probably have an effect on renal function. Indeed, on the basis of these changes, we could predict that beta-blocker treatment would produce a reduction in renal function. But perhaps changes in sodium and water balance, and particularly the decreases in activity of the renin aldosterone axis that are normally induced by beta blockade, tend to modify alterations in renal function that might be produced by systemic circulatory factors. The beta-blocking drugs also have an action in the central nervous system and can influence the activity of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system [1]. But, whether beta-blocker-induced changes in sympathetic drive to the kidney can influence renal function is not known. Indeed, the importance of these factors remains somewhat speculative, particularly in view of the varying and contradictory reports from investigators who have studied the effects of the beta blockers on circulatory and renal function. There is also disagreement as to whether these changes in renal function have long-term harmful effects. And in particular, the action of the beta blockers on the intrarenal release of renin, and the possible importance of alterations in activity of the renin-angiotensin system in mediating changes in blood pressure and in circulatory hemodynamics, has become a matter of considerable controversy.
Identification of an amino acid-base contact in the GCN4-DNA complex by bromouracil-mediated photocrosslinking.

THE bZIP DNA-binding proteins are characterized by a 50-amino-acid DNA binding and dimerization motif, consisting of a highly basic DNA-binding region ('b') followed by a leucine zipper dimerization region ('ZIP')1. The best characterized bZIP DNA-binding protein is GCN4, a yeast transcriptional activator2–6. GCN4 binds to a 9-base-pair two-fold-symmetric DNA site, 5'−A−4T−3G−2A−1C0T+1C+2A+3T+4−3' (refs 7–10). A detailed model known as the 'induced helical fork' model has been proposed for the structure of the GCN4–DNA complex4. Using a site-specific bromouracil-mediated photocrosslinking method, we show here that the alanine at position 238 of GCN4 contacts, or is close to, the thymine 5-methyl of A·T at position +3 of the DNA site in the GCN4–DNA complex. Our results strongly support the induced helical fork model4. Our site-specific bromouracil-mediated photocrosslinking method requires no prior information regarding the structure of the protein or the structure of the protein–DNA complex and should be generalizable to DNA-binding proteins that interact with the DNA major groove11,12
Identification of Pactolus, an Integrin β Subunit-like Cell-surface Protein Preferentially Expressed by Cells of the Bone Marrow

We have sought to develop methodologies to identify genes that are preferentially expressed during the differentiation of mast cells from their hematopoietic stem cell precursors. By using a modified differential display protocol, we compared a subset of transcripts expressed in bone marrow cells differentiated into immature mast cells with the exogenous addition of stem cell factor (SCF) or interleukin 3. One gene was identified that was preferentially expressed in the SCF-derived cells and encodes a novel murine integrin beta subunit-like molecule, dubbed Pactolus-1 (Pactolus). Two distinct forms of Pactolus mRNA were detected which, via alternative splicing, are predicted to encode a membrane-bound form and truncated version of the protein. The full-length Pactolus gene product is very similar to a number of beta subunit integrin chains, particularly beta2, with the notable exceptions of the apparent deletion of the metal-binding site within the putative metal ion-dependent adhesion site-like domain of the Pactolus gene product and a cytoplasmic domain that shares no obvious homology to similar domains of the other beta subunit integrin proteins. Although the Pactolus sequence was first identified in immature mast cell samples, screening of murine tissues indicated the highest level of Pactolus expression was found in the bone marrow, suggesting that the expression of Pactolus is confined to immature and maturing bone marrow-derived cells, and that the SCF-derived mast cells are more representative of this state than are the interleukin 3-derived mast cells. Immunoprecipitation of Pactolus revealed a cell-surface protein with an apparent molecular mass of about 95 kDa. Surprisingly, no associating alpha integrin subunit could be identified suggesting that either Pactolus does not associate with another integrin subunit or the association is too weak to be identified. These data suggest that Pactolus represents a gene and gene product related to those of the integrin beta subunits but whose function(s) may be quite distinct from those of the integrin beta subunits.
Lesion detection in digital mammograms

Detection of mass lesions in mammograms is essentially limited by image variation due to normal patient structure, which has an average power-spectrum of the form `1/f 3 . Image noise plays little role in limiting mass detection. The contrast-detail (CD) diagram for lesion detection in mammographic structure is novel, for both human and model observers. Contrast thresholds increase with increasing signal size for signals larger than about 1 mm, with CD slopes of about 0.3 for humans and 0.4 for model observers. Similar results were obtained in search experiments. The work was done using hybrid images, with of tumour masses (extracted from specimen radiographs) added to digitized mammographic backgrounds. We have been able to explain the results using a number of observer models 1 . These results demonstrate that CD diagrams based on image noise-limited detection with simple phantoms are not useful for evaluation of mass detection in mammograms - so more realistic approaches are necessary in order to model mammographic imaging systems for optimization.
Methaemoglobin reduction: studies using galactose as substrate.

The effectiveness of galactose as a substrate for methaemoglobin reduction in human red cells has been investigated. The rate of methaemoglobin reduction has been found to depend on the concentration of galactose up to levels of 0.5 M. Methylene blue, which markedly accelerated methaemoglobin reduction when glucose was a substrate, only minimally accelerated methaemoglobin reduction with a galactose substrate. Pre-incubation with high concentrations of galactose did not inhibit methaemoglobin reduction in the presence of glucose and methylene blue. No inhibition of G-6-PD activity was observed with very high concentrations of Gal-1-P, glucose-1-P, or galactose, even at low concentrations of G-6-P. Several possibilities are presented to explain the lack of stimulation of methaemoglobin reduction by methylene blue when galactose is the substrate: 1) inhibition of methylene blue-stimulated methaemoglobin reduction by galactose or its metabolites; 2) inability of the red cell to metabolize very low concentrations of glucose-6-phosphate by way of the hexose monophosphate pathway; and 3) that β-glucose-6-phosphate is not an important product of galactose metabolism. In the latter case, which appears the most likely, a previously undescribed pathway of carbohydrate metabolism must exist in the human erythrocyte. It is suggested that this pathway may represent the direct conversion of α G-6-P to fructose-6-phosphate, by-passing the hexose monophosphate pathway, which requires β G-6-P as substrate.
Structure and in vitro transcription of a mouse B1 cluster containing a unique B1 dimer.

Abstract A highly repetitive DNA element located 950 bp upstream from a mouse U 2 small nuclear RNA gene has been cloned and characterized. The repetitive element is composed of a simple sequence repeat and a cluster of three B1 sequences. Two of these B1 elements are arranged head-to-tail and are joined by an oligo(dA)-rich linker. This unique B1 dimer, comprised of 339 bp, resembles the dimeric structure of primate Alu -family sequences, particularly that of a prototypic human Alu element. The other B1 element within the mouse cluster is a typical monomeric unit. Transcription studies performed in HeLa cell extracts with deletion mutants of the B1 cluster reveal that the single B1 unit is expressed at least 50 times more efficiently than the Bl dimer region. Furthermore, the B1 dimer which contains mutations in the first polymerase III promoter region is not transcribed end-to-end. We conclude that this B1 dimer is unlikely to give rise to a new dimeric retroposon family in the mouse genome.
Simulation of unsaturated water flow around obstructions: three-dimensional Rankine bodies

Abstract Sink and source combinations were used to simulate flow around barriers such as might exist within a stony, unsaturated soil system. Although more complicated than two-dimensional cases which were previously presented, the three-dimensional “Rankine bodies” are more appropriate for simulating flow around real objects. Generally, the appropriate potentials and velocity fields are easy to write down and evaluate, in fact, much easier than the alternative solutions based on scattering theory. Also, arrays of bodies can be arranged to simulate a repeated pattern rather than deal with only single barriers, cavities, etc. However, the shapes of the bodies are not known ahead of time and can only be roughly controlled. For the same Darcian flow, a simulated stony layer was shown to be wetter than that without stones and the effective saturated conductivity reduced somewhat less than 1 - fs where fs is the fraction of stones. Overall there is a qualitative agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results for both saturated and unsaturated flow.
Large-scale interventions in science education for diverse student groups in varied educational settings

Current classroom practices in the U.S. and internationally have largely been shaped by changing student demographics and accountability policies. This special issue includes manuscripts that develop conceptual frameworks or report on empirical studies addressing large-scale interventions of educational innovations for diverse student groups in varied educational settings. Understanding issues related to large-scale interventions will be particularly important for the U.S. as the science education system embraces new science standards [National Research Council, [2011] A framework for K-12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. Washington, DC: National Research Council.]. In our introduction to the special issue, we discuss critical issues in scaling up educational innovations through which large-scale interventions evolve. First, we describe the process of scaling up an educational innovation. Then, we address challenges in scaling up an innovation. Next, we discuss implications that these challenges present to implementation of an innovation and evaluation of its efficacy and effectiveness. Finally, we briefly introduce the articles that appear in this special issue. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 271–280, 2012
Robot-assisted radical cystectomy versus open radical cystectomy: a complete cost analysis.

Objectives To perform a complete cost analysis comparing robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC). Material and Methods After institutional review board approval for data collection, we prospectively recorded perioperative outcomes and costs, such as hospital stay, transfusion rate, readmission rate, and medications for consecutive patients undergoing RARC or ORC. Using actual cost data, we developed a cost decision tree model to determine typical perioperative costs for both RARC and ORC. Multivariate sensitivity analysis was performed to elucidate which variables had the greatest impact on overall cost. Breakeven points with ORC were calculated using our model to better evaluate variable influence. In addition to the above modeled analysis, actual patient costs, including complications 30 days from surgery, were also compared for each procedure. Results Our model analysis showed that operative time and length of stay had the greatest impact on perioperative costs. Robotic cystectomy became more expensive than open cystectomy at the following break-even points: operating room (OR) time greater than 361 minutes, length of stay greater than 6.6 days, or robotic OR supply cost exceeding $5853. RARC was 16% more expensive when only comparing direct operative costs. Interestingly, actual total patient costs revealed a 38% cost advantage favoring RARC due to increased hospitalization costs for ORC in our cohort. Conclusions RARC can provide a cost-effective alternative to ORC with operative time and length of stay being the most critical cost determinants. Higher complication rates with ORC make total actual costs much higher than RARC.
Formulae Odds and Ends

1. Harvey Aiges, MD 1. North Shore University Hospital Manhasset, NY 1. Recommendations for Feeding Normal Infants . Fomon SJ, Filer LJ, Andersson TA. Pediatrics . 1979;63:52-58 [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] 2. Optimal Nutrition in Low Birth Weight Infants . Bainbridge R, Tsang R. In: Lifshitz F, ed. Childhood Nutrition . 1995:33-42 CRC Press Boca Raton, Fla 3. Use of Infant Formulas in Infants with Cow Milk Allergy . Kleinman RE, Bahna S, Powell GF, Sampson HA. Pediatr Allergy Immunol . 1991;4:146-155 [OpenUrl][3] Feeding and the consequences of feeding (growth and development) are central themes of pediatrics. How infants and toddlers feed and what they eat are affected by current fads, the media, and the family’s ethnic background. However, certain facts about feeding and nutrition remain constant despite cultural variations. The pediatrician or other clinician must be aware of these facts to educate and assist a family in the appropriate feeding of its child. Healthy term infants, whether breastfed or formula-fed, need about 95 to 115 kcal/kg per day during the first 6 months of life. Approximately 8% to 12% of calories should be provided by protein and about 30% to 50% by fat. If these requirements are met, a growing term infant can be expected to gain between 25 to 40 g/day in the first 3 months and about 15 to 20 g/day in the second 3 months. Caloric and protein requirements for preterm infants are greater than those for term babies. To attain good growth, a healthy preterm baby needs about 120 to 130 kcal/kg per day, including about 2.0 g/kg per day of human milk protein or 2. 5 to 3.0 g/kg per day of formula protein. These nutritional requirements can be met by adding an available fortifier to human milk, adjusting the milk to a caloric density of 24 kcal/oz, or using … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatrics%26rft.stitle%253DPediatrics%26rft.issn%253D0031-4005%26rft.aulast%253DFomon%26rft.auinit1%253DS.%2BJ.%26rft.volume%253D63%26rft.issue%253D1%26rft.spage%253D52%26rft.epage%253D59%26rft.atitle%253DRecommendations%2Bfor%2BFeeding%2BNormal%2BInfants%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F571596%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=pediatrics&resid=63/1/52&atom=%2Fpedsinreview%2F18%2F3%2F84.atom [3]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatr%2BAllergy%2BImmunol.%26rft.volume%253D4%26rft.spage%253D146%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Effect of tetranitromethane on the aldolase and beta-decarboxylase activities of bovine liver 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase.

Abstract Treatment of bovine liver 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate aldolase with tetranitromethane at pH 8.0 and room temperature rapidly and irreversibly destroys two known catalytic properties of this enzyme, namely, the reversible aldolytic cleavage of 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate and also the β-decarboxylation of oxaloacetate. Loss of both enzymatic activities proceeds at the same rate and to the same extent with low molar quantities of tetranitromethane. 2-Keto-glutarate, a competitive inhibitor, protects the enzyme against inactivation by this reagent. The rate of inactivation increases with increasing pH and corresponds well with the pH dependency of aldolase activity. Identical inactivation kinetics are obtained regardless of whether the D - or the L -isomer of 2-keto-4-hydroxyglutarate is used as substrate. The results are consistent with the proposal that tetranitromethane modifies an active site (or sites) involved in both the aldolase and β-decarboxylase activities of the enzyme.
ALS-linked SOD1 in glial cells enhances ß-N-Methylamino L-Alanine (BMAA)-induced toxicity in Drosophila

Environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the role of environmental agents in ALS remains poorly understood. To this end, we used transgenic fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to explore the interaction between mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and chemicals such as s-N-methylamino L-alanine (BMAA), the herbicide agent paraquat, and superoxide species. We expressed ALS-linked human SOD1 (hSOD1A4V, and hSOD1G85R), hSOD1wt as well as the Drosophila native SOD1 (dSOD1) in motoneurons (MNs) or in glial cells alone and simultaneously in both types of cells. We then examined the effect of BMAA (3 mM), paraquat (20 mM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 1%) on the lifespan of SOD1-expressing flies. Our data show that glial expression of mutant and wild type hSOD1s reduces the ability of flies to climb. Further, we show that while all three chemicals significantly shorten the lifespan of flies, mutant SOD1 does not have a significant additional effect on the lifespan of flies fed on paraquat, but further shortens the lifespan of flies fed on H2O2. Finally, we show that BMAA shows a dramatic cell-type specific effect with mutant SOD1. Flies with expression of mutant hSOD1 in MNs survived longer on BMAA compared to control flies. In contrast, BMAA significantly shortened the lifespan of flies expressing mutant hSOD1 in glia. Consistent with a neuronal protection role, flies expressing these mutant hSOD1s in both MNs and glia also lived longer. Hence, our studies reveal a synergistic effect of mutant SOD1 with H2O2 and novel roles for mutant hSOD1s in neurons to reduce BMAA toxicity and in glia to enhance the toxicity of BMAA in flies.
Role of plasma membrane redox activities in elongation growth in plants

Comparing isolated plasma membrane vesicles and excised hypocotyl segments from etiolated seedlings of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Williams], certain antiproliferative agents that inhibited growth inhibited plasma membrane redox activities. Additionally, auxins that stimulated growth stimulated plasma membrane redox activities. Hormone stimulation was restricted to NADH oxidase (determined from disappearance of NADH) and was given both by isolated plasma membranes and by a soluhilizedenzyme preparation. Comparing IAA, the native auxin regulator, and 2,4-D, a synthetic regulator, stimulation was observed, hut the dose-response curves were different. Yet, the dose-response relationships of both stimulation of auxin growth and stimulation of NADH oxidase were parallel. Inhibition of auxin-induced growth by antiproliferative drugs was more complex. Some, like actinomycin D, preferentially inhibited NADH oxidase (EC 1.6.99.2) but inhibited NADH-ferricya-nide oxido-reductase (EC 1.6.99.3) as well. Others, like adriamycin, inhibited primarily the NADH-ferricyanide oxido-reductase. Therefore, growth control by auxin appeared to involve NADH oxidase as a rate-limiting terminal oxidase to link electron flow from NADH to oxygen. This observation may provide a fundamental difference from animal cells. With the latter, impermeant electron acceptors such as diferric transferrin or ferricyanide fulfill such a role. In plants, these impermeant electron acceptors were without effect on growth or were growth inhibitory.
Recounting the Odds of an Even Derangement

We see the potential value of this proof as twofold. First, it appears cleaner and shorter than what is found in most texts. And our constant, ln(8), is modest compared to Sierpinski's 4 [7], Apostol's 6 [1], or the 32 ln(2) offered in earlier editions of Niven and Zuckerman [6]. LeVeque [5], Hardy and Wright [4], and the latest edition of Niven and Zuckerman [6] give no particular constant, merely proving that one exists. Chebychev [3] achieved a much smaller constant than ours, but with considerably more effort. We hope that our short proof will be found to have pedagogical value.
Salt dependence of an α-helical peptide folding energy landscapes

The mechanism(s) whereby peptides and proteins fold into their native states are poorly understand (1–6). The well-known Levinthal paradox (7) clearly demonstrates that proteins do not fold through a random search of their conformational space since this would take longer than the age of our universe. Recent energy landscape models (1, 3, 8, 9) propose that funnel-shaped folding energy landscapes occur, where the native state is accessed via a strategically sloped energy landscape that funnels unfolded conformations toward the native folded state (3, 10, 11). In the work here we use CD, UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRR), and molecular dynamics simulations to examine the Gibbs free energy landscape along the Ψ Ramachandran angle folding coordinate of a mainly polyalanine peptide, AP of sequence AAAAA(AAARA)3A, in pure water and in the presence of NaClO4, NaCl, and Na2SO4. AP-like peptides have been the subject of intensive experimental (12–30) and theoretical (31–42) studies which have probed the mechanism(s) of α-helix folding and unfolding. The AP peptide is ~50%α-helical-like at 0 °C and melts to PPII-like conformations at higher temperatures (43–47). We previously found that AP (un)folding is not a simple two-state process because it involves other secondary structure conformations such as π-bulge and 310-helix and turn structures (22, 31, 32, 41, 42, 48, 49). We examined the dependence of the AP conformational equilibrium and melting on the presence of different salts and find that ion binding and electrostatic screening significantly modulate the Gibbs free energy landscape and stabilize α-helix conformations. We also find that the ordering of salt stabilization of the α-helical content can be explained by Collins et al. (law of matching water affinities) (50–52).
Part II: Multisystemic Therapy: Addressing Racial Disparity and Its Effectiveness With Families From Diverse Racial and Ethnic Backgrounds

Disparities in health and mental health care delivered to racial and ethnic minorities became a focus of national policy following reports of the Institute of Medicine (IOM, 2002) and the Surgeon General (USDHHS, 2001). The Surgeon General (USDHHS, 2001) reported racial and ethnic minorities experience disparities in availability and quality of mental health services compared to whites. Two challenges that intersect and compound each other are the disproportionately high numbers of African American children in child welfare with unmet mental health needs remaining in their homes or placed in relative's homes after a substantiation of child maltreatment (USDHHS, 2002) and the lack of culturally appropriate, effective home-based treatments available to them. This study compared outcomes for the youth who received Multisystemic Therapy (MST) controlling for the impact of race and ethnicity. The findings provide further evidence for child welfare practitioners to consider when working with children and famili...
Patent side branches do not affect coronary blood flow in internal thoracic artery–left anterior descending anastomosis: An experimental study☆☆☆

Abstract Background: It has been reported that large side branches of internal thoracic artery grafts may steal flow from the coronary circulation. Material an. Methods: To assess the importance of the side branches, we measured the proximal and distal flow and pressures (mean subclavian artery pressure and mean arterial anastomotic pressure) at baseline and during infusion of adenosine (0.5 mg/kg/min) in 10 Landrace pigs in which an internal thoracic artery–left anterior descending anastomosis was constructed without interruption of the side branches. The difference between proximal and distal flow was considered to represent the blood flow of the internal thoracic artery side branches. Measurements were then repeated after surgical occlusion of all the side branches. Results: At baseline, blood flow of the side branches represented 18% of the total flow in the proximal internal thoracic artery, and this percentage remained constant under the infusion of adenosine, which caused a 220% increase of the cardiac index and a 368% increase of the proximal flow. The infusion reduced the gradient along the left internal thoracic artery (mean subclavian artery pressure–mean arterial anastomotic pressure) from 15 to 10 mm Hg ( P = .02) as the result of a lower mean subclavian artery pressure, although the mean arterial anastomotic pressure remained constant. Interruption of all the side branches resulted in a small and not significant increase in distal flow even after adenosine infusion. Conclusion: These observations suggest that blood flow in the side branches is minimal either at baseline and under combined systemic and coronary vasodilation. Clinically significant flow steal from the coronary circulation to the internal thoracic artery side branches seems then unlikely. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:66-70)
Optical properties of thin In-Sn oxide films

Abstract Indium-tin oxide (ITO) films were produced by evaporating an alloy of In-5wt%Sn in vacuum (1 × 10 -7 Torr) or in an oxygen partial pressure of 1 × 10 -4 Torr on soda-lime glass. After evaporation, these films were annealed in air at 95°C for 22 h. The films were examined using a ratio recording spectrophotometer to determine the transmission of both the visible and infra-red radiation. Further analysis of the samples was performed using SEM and EDAX analysis. Excellent optical properties were obtained for ITO films on soda-lime glass by evaporating 250 A of In-5wt%Sn in an oxygen environment of 1 × 10 -4 Torr on a substrate held at 50°C and annealing at 95°C for 22 h.
Venereal diseases of cattle: natural history, diagnosis, and the role of vaccines in their control

With the large majority of beef cattle and increasing numbers of dairy cattle in North America bred by natural service, venereal disease is still prevalent. Several agents can be transmitted by coitus, but the classical two are still Campylobacter fetus venerealis and Tritri-chomonas foetus. Their epidemiology is essentially identical, and indeed much of the pathophysiology is very similar, so the two should be considered simultaneously in most diagnostic situations. In this article, means of diagnosis, treatment (where appropriate), and prevention are discussed at both the individual and herd level. A brief mention is made of other potential venereal agents, including Haemophilus somnus, Ureaplasm diversum, and Leptospira borgpetersenii.
Marcabru's Estornel: On Ventriloquists, or, The Art of Putting Words in your Belly

Marcabru’s ‘starling songs’, Estornel, cueill ta volada and Ges l’estornels no·n s’ublida , set up a dialogue among multiple speakers — animal and human — who interact with the troubadour’s own plural identity as poet, composer, performer, and persona. Focusing on his ventriloquistic acrobatics, I examine how Marcabru’s piebald art, embedded in the interplay between performance and reception, mixes courtly seduction and sexual innuendo to stage a burlesque morality play that slips comically among shifting and elusive identities.
Urban Ethnographies in the United States

Books reviewed in this article: Gamm, Gerald, Urban Exodus: why the Jews left Boston and the Catholics stayed Pattillo-McCoy, Mary, Black picket fences: privilege and peril among the black middle class
Analysis of pulmonary surfactant apoproteins by isoelectric focusing.

Abstract Apoproteins of Mr, 38000, 32000 and 26000 are found in surfactant isolated from rat lungs. The surfactant isolated from monkey lungs, on the other hand, contains the 38 kDa apoprotein and not the 32 and 26 kDa apoproteins. These preparations of pulmonary surfactant contain, in addition, several serum proteins. We have used a combination of salt- and sucrose-density gradient centrifugations to isolate and further purify surfactant from the washings of rat lungs. Thus, a preparation of pulmonary surfactant was obtained which contained exclusively the 38, 32, 26 and 10–12 kDa apoproteins, and which was rich in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. Using an immunoassay and an immunoblotting technique, it was established that the 38, 32 and 26 kDa apoproteins are not serum proteins. The surfactant apoproteins of rat and monkey were further subjected to the high-resolution of isoelectric focusing. Thus, rat surfactant apoproteins resolved into 11 bands in the pH range 4.64–5.53. A second-dimensional electrophoresis in a sodium dodecyl sulfate system led to the migration of the 11 bands, separated by first-dimensional isoelectric focusing, into three distinct groups with apparent molecular weights of 38000, 32000 and 26000, respectively. Upon isoelectric focusing, the apoproteins from monkey lung surfactant also separated into several bands in the pH range 5.18–5.82. After electrophoresis in the second dimension as above, these bands migrated as a single group with an apparent molecular weight of 38000. Neuraminidase treatment of rat surfactant apoproteins, and subsequent IEF, led to the disappearance of several low-pI variants with a concomitant increase in the amounts of higher-pI variants. Thus, the sialic acid content of surfactant apoproteins accounts for, in large part, the observed charge heterogeneity.
Furosemide in the long-term management of heart failure: the good, the bad, and the uncertain.

When it was introduced some 35 years ago, furosemide, a potent loop diuretic, altered the practice of medicine. Administered intravenously, it provided a rapid natriuresis and diuresis that proved lifesaving to persons with acute pulmonary edema. It eliminated the need for rotating tourniquets and
Role of protein synthesis in the replication of yeast DNA

In the eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein synthesis is required for initiation, but not completion, of DNA synthesis.
The wisdom of hindsight and the limits of Humean constructivism

Ordinary normative discourse includes talk about the reasons for action we had in the past but only came to discover in hindsight. In some cases, we come to discover these reasons not because new information has come to light, but because our values have changed. Contemporary metaethical views, namely Street's Humean constructivism and Blackburn's and Gibbard's quasi-realism, have some difficulty accounting for these reasons and the claims we make about them. This difficulty hinges on the diachronic complexity of these reasons and claims. It cannot be the case that these reasons were constructed by the perspective we had in the past before our values changed. If there were no extant reasons in the past, then it would seem that our claims about them in the present cannot be true. Quasi-realists can account for the way in which reason claims purport to be true by appealing to a deflationary sense of truth and so can remain agnostic on the actual existence of these reasons. Nevertheless, Street argues that t...
Dopamine modulates voltage-activated potassium currents in zebrafish retinal on bipolar cells.

We report a study of the characterization of voltage-activated potassium (K+) currents in retinal ON bipolar cells in zebrafish. At single-channels levels, the open probability of the K+ channels increased when the membrane potential was increased. The maximal open proportion was 0.76 ± 0.05 under our testing conditions. In whole-cell recordings, the K+ current displayed two exponential components with the activation time constants of 11–22 msec (tau1) and 0.8–4 msec (tau2). Dopamine modulated the K+ current. Dopamine reduced the time constant tau2 when the membrane potential was depolarized to high voltages. A decrease in K+ current was seen when dopamine D1 receptors were selectively activated by SKF38393 or when the D1 receptor-coupled G-proteins were activated by GTP-γ-S. The activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin or the increase of intracellular cAMP concentrations by 8-Br-cAMP or Sp-cAMPS also resulted in a decrease in K+ current. Together, the data suggest that dopamine modulates the K+ current via D1 receptor-coupled G-protein pathways. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats : 32 cases (2002-2005)

Objective—To determine the accuracy of cytologic diagnosis, compared with histologic diagnosis, in determination of disease in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates of splenic lesions. Design—Retrospective study. Sample Population—Splenic specimens from 29 dogs and 3 cats. Procedures—Records were searched for dogs and cats that had undergone ultrasound-guided splenic aspiration. Criteria for inclusion were ultrasonographic identification of splenic lesions and cytologic and histologic evaluation of tissue from the same lesion. Cytologic samples were obtained by fine-needle aspiration, and histologic specimens were obtained via surgical biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, or necropsy. Results—Cytologic diagnoses corresponded with histologic diagnoses in 19 of 31 (61.3%) cases and differed in 5 of 31(16.1%) cases, and 1 aspirate was inadequate for evaluation. In 7 of 31 (22.6%) cases, histologic evaluation of tissue architecture was required to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic conditions. On the ...
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ETHANOL EXPOSURE ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO CORTICOTROPIN-RELEASING FACTOR AND NEUROPEPTIDE Y

Stress has been reported to influence ethanol consumption and relapse in abstinent alcoholics. The present study examined if prolonged alterations in neurophysiological responses to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptides known to influence stress responses, would persist during protracted ethanol abstinence. Male Wistar rats were chronically exposed to ethanol vapour (EtOH group) or air (control group) for 6 weeks. Upon removal from the vapour chambers, recording electrodes were implanted in the cortex and amygdala. The effects of intracerebroventricular infusions of CRF and NPY on electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs) were then assessed 10-15 weeks after withdrawal from ethanol. Following abstinence from ethanol, the EtOH group displayed increased power in the 6-8 Hz frequency range and increased stability in the cortical EEG. In addition, in the EtOH group the amplitude of the P2 ERP component in the frontal cortex was decreased and the latency of the P3 ERP component in the parietal cortex was delayed, compared to the control group during baseline recording conditions. The EtOH group was also more responsive to CRF and NPY. CRF significantly increased cortical power (6-8 Hz) and increased cortical EEG stability in the EtOH group, compared to controls. Additionally, NPY significantly decreased the amplitude of the N1 ERP component in the amygdala of the EtOH group, but not in the control group. This enhanced sensitivity to CRF and NPY following chronic ethanol exposure and abstinence suggests that these peptidergic systems may play a role in the symptomatology of the prolonged abstinence syndrome.
Spectral Profiles, a Novel Representation of Tandem Mass Spectra and Their Applications for de Novo Peptide Sequencing and Identification

Despite many efforts in the last decade, the progress in de novo peptide sequencing has been slow with only 30–45% of all peptides correctly reconstructed. We argue that accurate full-length peptide sequencing may be an unattainable goal for some spectra and demonstrate how to accurately sequence gapped peptides instead. We further argue that gapped peptides are nearly as useful as full-length peptides for error-tolerant database searches. Gapped peptides occupy a niche between long but inaccurate full-length reconstructions and short but accurate peptide sequence tags. Our MS-Profile tool uses spectral profiles, a new representation of tandem mass spectra, to generate gapped peptides that are longer and more accurate than peptide sequence tags of length 3 traditionally used to speed up database searches in proteomics. In addition, spectral profiles also enable intuitive visualization of all high scoring de novo reconstructions of tandem mass spectra.
A domain decomposition preconditioner for time-harmonic electromagnetics

In this article we introduce a new domain decomposition (DD) based iterative method for the solution of the time-harmonic vector wave equation. The method derives its efficiency by decomposing large problems into several smaller, more manageable pieces. It differs from previous non-overlapping DD methods in two significant respects: (1) it does not introduce any auxiliary variables, and (2) the method is applied to a decomposition of the computational mesh. After briefly summarizing the formulation of the method we provide numerical results which verify the accuracy of the method. We then examine its convergence behavior with respect to varying mesh size, partition number, problem size, and frequency. Finally, we apply the method to two challenging problems.