cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signal sequence function in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum: A biological perspective

Abstract The discovery of the signal peptide, an amino-terminal protein sequence that specifies targeting of newly synthesized polypeptides to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), stands as one of the most significant in cell biology. The signal peptide performs a targeting function in the cell and serves as a paradigm for the processes by which proteins are targeted to other organelles of the eukaryotic cell, such as the nucleus, the mitochondria, and the peroxisome. Central to signal sequence function is its composite secondary structure, a conserved tripartite motif consisting of a positively charged amino terminus, a central hydrophobic core, and a carboxy-terminal polar domain. Of the three domains, it is the central hydrophobic core, a continuous stretch of 7–15 hydrophobic amino acids, that is functionally dominant. By virtue of its mean hydrophobicity, the central hydrophobic domain disposes the signal sequence to direct interactions with the lipid bilayer. Nonetheless, the predominant view in the cell biology community is that signal sequences function through direct protein-protein interactions to specify both targeting to the ER and regulation of the protein translocation machinery. This review focuses on signal sequence function, with critical emphasis on discerning lipid-dependent versus protein-dependent interactions with and within the ER membrane.
Sequence and transcriptional analysis of the Streptomyces glaucescens tcmAR tetracenomycin C resistance and repressor gene loci.

Sequence analysis of the tcmA tetracenomycin C resistance gene from Streptomyces glaucescens GLA.O (ETH 22794) identifies one large open reading frame whose deduced product has sequence similarity to the mmr methylenomycin resistance gene from Streptomyces coelicolor, the Streptomyces rimosus tet347 (otrB) tetracycline resistance gene, and the atr1 aminotriazole resistance gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These genes are thought to encode proteins that act as metabolite export pumps powered by transmembrane electrochemical gradients. A divergently transcribed gene, tcmR, is located in the region upstream of tcmA. The deduced product of tcmR resembles the repressor proteins encoded by tetR regulatory genes from Escherichia coli and the actII-orf1 gene from S. coelicolor. Transcriptional analysis of tcmA and tcmR indicates that these genes have back-to-back and overlapping promoter regions.
In-flight calibration of an interplanetary navigation instrument

Interplanetary navigation TV camera in-flight calibration, discussing instrument error sources elimination
Reinforcement learning with perceptual aliasing: the perceptual distinctions approach

It is known that Perceptual Aliasing may significantly diminish the effectiveness of reinforcement learning algorithms [Whitehead and Ballard, 1991]. Perceptual aliasing occurs when multiple situations that are indistinguishable from immediate perceptual input require different responses from the system. For example, if a robot can only see forward, yet the presence of a battery charger behind it determines whether or not it should backup, immediate perception alone is insufficient for determining the most appropriate action. It is problematic since reinforcement algorithms typically learn a control policy from immediate perceptual input to the optimal choice of action. This paper introduces the predictive distinctions approach to compensate for perceptual aliasing caused from incomplete perception of the world. An additional component, a predictive model, is utilized to track aspects of the world that may not be visible at all times. In addition to the control policy, the model must also be learned, and to allow for stochastic actions and noisy perception, a probabilistic model is learned from experience. In the process, the system must discover, on its own, the important distinctions in the world. Experimental results are given for a simple simulated domain, and additional issues are discussed.
Comparison of Effects of X-Rays and Thermal Neutrons on Dormant Seeds of Barley, Maize, Mustard, and Safflower

Seeds of barley, maize, mustard, and safflower were treated with various doses of x rays and thermal neutrons, and observations of height, survival, and pollen abnormalities were made on the plants resulting from these seeds. In most cases a close relationship was found to exist between the three criteria of irradiation effect and dose of x rays or thermal neutrons. However, it is necessary that care be used in selecting the age of plant at which height and survival data are taken. The results suggest that although the chromosomes of the four species may differ widely in sensitivity to radiation damage, within each type of radiation the four species appear very similar with respect to influence on plant height per chromosomal abnormality. (auth)
Discussion group (DG) summary: NBTI

The negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) is the major reliability issue in advanced CMOS devices. The phenomenon is most readily observed as a negative shift in threshold voltage and degradation in transconductance in pMOS devices which are subject to elevated temperature and inversion stress conditions. NBTI's importance stems from the fact that despite ∼40 years of research, the details of the phenomenon have still proven quite elusive. The major reason that the governing fundamental physics are still unknown is that NBTI degradation (threshold voltage shift and transconductance degradation) recovers very quickly when the stress is removed. Recovery happens so fast that every single NBTI measurement is subject to a certain degree of error. These errors result in an underestimate of the “true” NBTI degradation and have serious implications for device and circuit lifetime estimates. For the last few decades the NBTI phenomenon has been described using a reaction-diffusion model which links degradation to an interface state generation mechanism involving the depassivation of Si-H bonds at the Si/SiO 2 interface and the subsequent diffusion of the hydrogen away from the interface. Recovery is then explained by back diffusion of the hydrogen and subsequent repassivation of silicon dangling bond interface states. Work published from a variety of authors in the last few years has focused on the fact that the reaction-diffusion model has serious deficiencies explaining the experimentally observed recovery trends. This disagreement has fueled great controversy with several authors arguing for a modified reaction diffusion model while others advocate its abandonment.
6-Deoxy-1,2:3,4-di-O-iso­propyl­idene-α-d-galacto-heptodialdo-1,5-pyran­ose di­phenyl di­thio­acetal

The structure of the title compound, C25H30O5S2, was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 100 K. The bond angles of the di­thia­ne unit as well as the bond lengths of the whole mol­ecule are within the expected ranges.
CRYSTALLIZATION AND PRELIMINARY X-RAY ANALYSIS OF PEANUT AGGLUTININ-N6-BENZYLAMINOPURINE COMPLEX

Preliminary diffraction data collected on peanut agglutinin (PNA) crystals grown in the presence of N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) indicate a monoclinic cell (P2) with a = 67.0 A, b = 35.2 A, c = 65.8 A and beta = 68.6 degrees. This is the first example of a legume lectin crystallized with a bound phytohormone. Crystals of PNA grown previously in the presence of lactose had an orthorhombic space group (P2(1)2(1)2) with a = 128.8 A, b = 126.0 A and c = 76.1 A and one tetramer per asymmetric unit. The Vm value for the PNA-BAP crystals is 2.62 A3/Da, assuming one monomer of PNA per asymmetric unit. Thus, while the PNA-lactose complex crystallized as tetramers, the PNA-BAP complex has, at most, dimers in the crystal. These results indicate that BAP, a naturally occurring phytohormone, can modify the quaternary structure of PNA by dissociation and change its carbohydrate valence.
On regularized feedback update of distributed-parameter systems in control and nonlinear estimation applications

This paper considers control of discretized linear distributed-parameter no-memory systems. It demonstrates that there is a need to regularize the optimality criterion in a feedback update design. It is shown that robustness of the update to a modelling error is proportional to the square root of the regularization parameter. Three applied control problems are discussed: 1) cross-directional control of the web manufacturing process; 2) iterative learning control of a batch process or repetitive motion; and 3) estimation of a nonlinear function of a single argument by using a radial basis function network.
Proteomic Analysis of Ribosomes: Translational Control of mRNA Populations by Glycogen Synthase GYS1

Ribosomes exist as a heterogenous pool of macromolecular complexes composed of ribosomal RNA molecules, ribosomal proteins, and numerous associated "nonribosomal" proteins. To identify nonribosomal proteins that may modulate ribosome activity, we examined the composition of translationally active and inactive ribosomes using a proteomic multidimensional protein identification technology. Notably, the phosphorylated isoform of glycogen synthase, glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1), was preferentially associated with elongating ribosomes. Depletion of GYS1 affected the translation of a subset of cellular mRNAs, some of which encode proteins that modulate protein biosynthesis. These findings argue that GYS1 abundance, by virtue of its ribosomal association, provides a feedback loop between the energy state of the cells and the translation machinery.
Detailed predictions for the p-n structure functions in theories with computable large momenta behaviour

If strong interactions are described by nonabelian gauge theories, detailed predictions are obtained for the q/sup 2/ dependence at fixed omega of the difference of the structure functions of the proton and neutron. (auth)
Critical asset protection modeling, simulation, analysis, and visualization

A comprehensive Modeling and Simulation (M&S) capability is required to assess, improve and visualize newly fielded technologies for Critical Asset Protection (CAP). Protection is addressed in the planning stages of any secure facility in order to provide adequate defense of critical personnel and assets. Given the increased threats domestically and globally, the security missions are dynamic and technically challenging. Operational forces need to be proactive and leave no gaps within the complex, integrated and layered defensive posture. This paper will discuss a research and development effort to use Government off the Shelf Software (GOTS) to complete this task; by linking high resolution simulation / training software and an operational simulation analysis software in a distributed environment.
Recent progress in the treatment of vascular calcification

Vascular calcification is common in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and is associated with poorer outcomes. Although the pathophysiology is not completely understood, it is clear that it is a multifactorial process involving altered mineral metabolism, as well as changes in systemic and local factors that can promote or inhibit vascular calcification, and all of these are potential therapeutic targets. Current therapy is closely linked to strategies for preventing disordered bone and mineral metabolism in advanced kidney disease and involves lowering the circulating levels of both phosphate and calcium. The efficacy of compounds that specifically target calcification, such as bisphosphonates and thiosulfate, has been shown in animals but only in small numbers of humans, and safety remains an issue. Additional therapies, such as pyrophosphate, vitamin K, and lowering of pH, are supported by animal studies, but are yet to be investigated clinically. As the mineral composition of vascular calcifications is the same as in bone, potential effects on bone must be addressed with any therapy for vascular calcification.
Deterministic point inclusion methods for computational applications with complex geometry

A fundamental problem in computation is finding practical and efficient algorithms for determining if a query point is contained within a model of a three-dimensional solid. The solid is modeled using a general boundary representation that can contain polygonal elements and/or parametric patches. We have developed two such algorithms: the first is based on a global closest feature query, and the second is based on a local intersection query. Both algorithms work for two- and three-dimensional objects. This paper presents both algorithms, as well as the spatial data structures and queries required for efficient implementation of the algorithms. Applications for these algorithms include computational geometry, mesh generation, particle simulation, multiphysics coupling, and computer graphics. These methods are deterministic in that they do not involve random perturbations of diagnostic rays cast from the query point in order to avoid 'unclean' or 'singular' intersections of the rays with the geometry. Avoiding the necessity of such random perturbations will become increasingly important as geometries become more convoluted and complex.
Tribological properties of sputtered MoS2 films in relation to film morphology

Thin sputter deposited MoS2 films in the 2000 to 6000 A thickness range have shown excellent lubricating properties, when sputtering parameters and substrate conditions are properly selected and precisely controlled. The lubricating properties of sputtered MoS2 films are strongly influenced by their crystalline-amorphous structure, morphology and composition. The coefficient of friction can range from 0.04 which is effective lubrication to 0.4 which reflects an absence of lubricating properties. Visual screening and slight wiping of the as-sputtered MoS2 film can identify the integrity of the film. An acceptable film displays a black-sooty surface appearance whereas an unacceptable film has a highly reflective, gray surface and the film is hard and brittle.
World‐wide cosmic ray variations, 1937–1952

Annual means from continuous registration of cosmic-ray ionization at four stations from 1937 to 1952 show a variation of nearly four per cent, which is similar at all stations and which is negatively correlated with sunspot numbers. This variation in cosmic-ray intensity is quite similar for the annual means of all days, international magnetic quiet days, and international magnetic disturbed days, which indicates that it is not due to transient decreases accompanying some magnetic storms. Although the cosmic-ray intensity at some stations is affected by meteorological conditions, it is shown that on the average the cosmic-ray changes observed at Huancayo agree well with those at other stations. From an analysis of the variability of daily means at Huancayo and a sample comparison with Simpson's neutron data, it is concluded that the cosmic-ray ionization at Huancayo is very little affected by meteorological effects. Through a comparison with Neher's balloon observations, evidence is provided to indicate the reliability of cosmic-ray results at Huancayo over long periods of time. The relation between cosmic-ray decreases and some measures of geomagnetic activity is indicated, and it is shown that the major transient decreases in cosmic-ray intensity occur during magnetic disturbance. Graphs are included which depict the daily means of cosmic-ray intensity at Huancayo for all available data, 1937–1953.
Study of (Sr, Pb)TiO3 ceramics on dielectric and physical properties

Abstract (Sr 1− x Pb x )TiO 3 ( x =0.2, 0.25 and 0.3) ceramics were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide method. Their dielectric permittivity, and loss tangent values were measured with and without DC bias field, thermal expansion and microstructure were observed. Three compositions showed similar Curie–Weiss constant, ca. 1×10 5 °C and thermal expansion coefficient, 10×10 −6 °C −1 . Transition temperatures of the compositions were, −60, −25 and 10°C, respectively, with loss tangent values of less than 0.1% measured at room temperature and at 10 kHz. Dielectric tunabilities of, 3, 15, and 70% were measured on x =0.2, 0.25 and 0.3 under 20 kV/cm bias field at 10 kHz and at room temperature.
Intramolecular addition of aryl radicals to vinylogous urethanes: studies toward preparation of the oxindole portion of gelsemine

Abstract Free radical cyclization of vinylogous urethanes 5 and 12 gave spiro oxindoles 6 and 13 + 14 , in 95% and 84% yields, respectively. Cyclization of projected gelsemine intermediate 19 resulted in the formation of oxindole 22 via a cyclization, 1,4-hydrogen atom transfer, reduction sequence.
It-Enhanced Productivity and Profitability

Abstract More than four years ago, the author wrote that, “U.S. businesses have based their investments in IT more on faith than on demonstrated results,” but that, “… IT investments may have finally begun to pay off.”1
A curvilinear relationship between maternal vocal stimulation and three-month-olds' cognitive processing: A cross-cultural phenomenon

This article presents data from four independent studies on the relationship between quantity of maternal vocal stimulation during naturalistic conditions and 3-month-old infants' cognitive processing, as assessed by the infants' differential vocal responsiveness (DVR) to their mother versus a female stranger. In two of the studies, the subjects were full-term American infants whose parents came from a wide socio-educational and ethnic background. In the third study, the subjects were low-risk preterm infants of White American parents. In the fourth study the subjects were full-term infants in Greece. The results from all four studies showed a curvilinear relationship between DVR and maternal vocal stimulation during naturalistic conditions. High DVR was associated with a mid-level amount of maternal vocal stimulation, whereas low DVR was associated with both least and most maternal vocal stimulation. These studies raise the question of possible adverse effects of social overstimulation on infant development.
Axon: a flexible substrate for source-routed ethernet

This paper introduces the Axon, an Ethernet-compatible device for creating large-scale datacenter networks. Axons are inexpensive, practical devices that are demonstrated using prototype hardware. Functionally, Axons replace Ethernet switches and maintain full compatibility with existing Ethernet hosts. Between themselves, however, Axons transparently use source-routed Ethernet. This unlocks many benefits, such as improved network scalability, performance, and flexibility.In an Axon network, all state required to route a host's packets is placed in the local Axon---the Axon to which the host is directly connected. Therefore, regardless of the scale of the network, the route computation and storage needs of a single Axon device only need to scale with the demands of its locally-connected hosts. This is in stark contrast to conventional switched Ethernet, which requires routing resources proportional to the traffic that flows through the device. Scalability is also increased by eliminating the use of packet flooding for automatic location and address discovery. Further, source-routed Ethernet increases network flexibility by supporting different route selection strategies. For example, shortest-path routing could be employed, or longer paths selected to minimize congestion by balancing traffic across redundant links.
Thermal Structure and Para Hydrogen Fraction on the Outer Planets from Voyager IRIS Measurements

Abstract Voyager infrared spectra from Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are used to infer latitude-height cross sections of temperature and para hydrogen fraction. A new inversion algorithm is developed that simultaneously retrieves both quantities. It uses all portions of the spectra containing information about temperature and para fraction and not influenced by other properties, such as cloud opacity. The sensitivity of spectra to temperature and para hydrogen values at different heights is calculated and presented. Retrievals based on artificial data are carried out. The sensitivity studies and the artificial retrievals are used to determine the information content of the spectra. Temperature and para hydrogen retrievals are presented for a layer about a scale height deep, centered near the 300-mb level, but varying in position from planet to planet. Temperature cross sections show influence of seasonal solar forcing on Saturn and Uranus. On all the planets except Uranus there are also thermal anomalies correlated with zonal flows in the lower tropospheres. Para hydrogen cross sections show complicated patterns. On Uranus there is north–south hemispheric asymmetry. On Neptune there is correlation with latitudinal gradients of the zonal flow. Fractional para hydrogen anomalies are larger than those of temperature, and the ratio suggests a para hydrogen relaxation time of about a century near the 200-mb pressure level.
Distribution of keratin 8-containing cell clusters in mouse embryonic tongue: evidence for a prepattern for taste bud development.

The initiation of the morphogenesis of gustatory papillae is independent of innervation. To address the question of whether taste bud formation is associated with gustatory papilla morphogenesis, we examined developing tongues in mouse embryos from embryonic day 11 to birth. Despite the smooth morphological appearance of the lingual dorsal surface at 13 days of gestation, we observed embryonic taste bud primordia as discrete collections of cytokeratin 8-positive and elongated cells in epithelial placodes in the anterior tongue. In subsequent stages until birth, cytokeratin 8 continues to be expressed in embryonic taste buds distributed in punctuate patterns at regular intervals along rows that are symmetrically located on both sides of the median sulcus in the dorsal anterior developing tongue. Embryonic taste buds were observed in the developing circumvallate papillae from 15.5 days of gestation until birth. The dorsal epithelium of the anterior tongue is not innervated when embryonic taste buds first occur. The increased numbers of embryonic taste buds in developing fungiform papillae until birth are not correlated with the neural invasion of the epithelium. Thus, taste buds occur prenatally more likely independently of the innervation.
SEEKING TALENT AT THE VOTING BOOTH: ELECTIONS AND THE PROBLEM OF CAMPAIGNING IN THE LATE QING AND EARLY REPUBLIC

Early twentieth-century Chinese governments experimented with competitive elections for legislative office. In the hundred years since these elections, historians and others have argued over whethe...
Restoration of smart grid distribution system using two-way communication capability

In this Work, we investigate the use of two-way communication to perform distributed restoration of smart power grid distribution systems. The concept used in this research is based on the distributed and intelligent multi-agent system technology where multiple smart entities are geographically spread and if equipped with communication capability these entities are able to reach goals or solutions that would have been impossible to reach with a single or a local control. The technology is implemented on the West Virginia Super Circuit to validate the theory. The results show that proposed system can restore the power in a timely manner without violating any constraints.
Water governance in New Mexico: Adjudication, law, and geography

Abstract Water rights adjudications lie at the intersection of law, space, and the geography of resource governance, combining elements of field cartography, archival research, and judicial supervision and decree. However, few geographers have examined the water rights adjudications now active in most western US states. Using case material and ethnographic vignettes from a larger geographic project on water rights and governance in New Mexico, I examine water adjudication as a vital instrument in the state’s pursuit of spatial knowledge. Resources and water users are seen by the state through this process, while at the same time, water users may elude or confuse state legibility. In this process, altered forms of governance are produced. Here, I explore how the formalizing of water rights in New Mexico has articulated new legal-spatial relationships, which are often viewed differently by state and local agents. I then examine the products of adjudications and the tension between local and expert knowledge in natural resources governance over being seen and governed by the state and the struggle to retain local autonomy and governance in water management.
Comparative neurophysiological studies of hearing and vocalizations in songbirds

1.Acoustic neurons in the avian cochlear nucleus are tonotopically arranged according to the sites of innervation on the basilar membrane by the connecting primary auditory fibers. 2.The thresholds of single units vary distinctly with their characteristic frequencies The distribution of unit thresholds matches extremely well with the behavioral audibility curve. 3.The numbers of units in the nucleus also vary with their CF's. The greatest number of units occurs within the frequency range in which auditory thresholds are lowest. Smaller numbers of units represent the frequency ranges higher or lower than the most sensitive region. 4.The upper range of single unit CF's shows distinct interspecific variation which is correlated with the differences in the range of vocal frequencies. The upper limit of CF may be correlated with the bird's size. 5.The lowest thresholds of single auditory neurons tend to fall uniformly between −60 and −80 DB (re. 1 dyne per cm2) among different species. The differences between the highest and lowest unit thresholds are also homogeneous (40–50 DB) among different species. 6.Most songbirds do not seem to produce frequencies below 1 KHz but can hear them. 7.The popular belief that songbirds can hear frequencies inaudible to man is not supported by reliable evidence.
Interannual and decadal variability of the subsurface thermal structure in the Pacific Ocean: 1961-90

Heat content anomalies are analyzed to understand subsurface variability on both aparticular focus on the evolving basinwide patterns and oceanic connections between the extratropics and tropics. Various analyses indicate two distinct modes, one interannual and the other decadal, that involve the tropics and the North Pacific subtropical gyre, respectively. Interannual variability is associated with El Nino in the tropics, with a prominent “see-saw” pattern alternately on and off the equator, and in the east and west, respectively. The interannual cycle features a coherent propagation of subsurface signals around the tropical Pacific, eastward along the equator but westward off the equator at 10–15 °N. Decadal signals are dominant in the subtropics and midlatitudes but also have a tropical component that appears to be independent of interannual variations. An oceanic connection can be seen between subsurface anomalies in the midlatitudes, in the subtropics and tropics on decadal time scales. Subsurface thermal anomalies associated with midlatitude decadal variability can propagate through the subtropics into the tropics, which may modulate the intensity of interannual variability in the tropics. For example, in the middle and late 1970s, a significant warm temperature anomaly appeared to penetrate into the western and central tropics at depth, warming the tropical upper ocean and depressing the thermocline. During the development of El Nino, therefore, an extratropically preconditioned subsurface state (e.g., an enhanced positive heat content anomaly) in the western and central tropical Pacific would favor a warmer sea surface temperature anomaly in the eastern equatorial Pacific, potentially increasing the intensity of ocean-atmosphere coupling. These changes in the thermocline structure and possibly in the coupling strength can further alter the very character of tropical air-sea interactions. This may help to explain decadal variability of El Nino evolution in the tropical Pacific as observed in the 1980s. Our subsurface variability analysis presents observational evidence for the detailed space-time structure of decadal oceanic links between the extratropics and the tropics.
An Activities-Based Course in Optics for Non-technical Majors

Teaching Optics to students without a technical background lends itself particularly well to activities-based methods. Restricting the discussion to a lecture format, even if demonstrations are included, misses the opportunity to have students directly investigate something which is, quite literally, right before their eyes. At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, we have redeveloped a course, entitled “Light & Color,” to be activities-based. Using hardware purchased specifically for this purpose, we have developed a set of student activities which are integrated into the syllabus. This course has been taught twice under the new paradigm with encouraging results. The activities developed are described and discussed and their impact on student performance is presented.
Physician and pharmacist perceptions of generic drugs

Abstract Generic prescribing and dispensing is increasingly being suggested as a means of limiting the rising costs of health care. However, general acceptance has been moderate despite efforts by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and many state legislatures to encourage the use of generic drugs. This article describes the results of a study designed to explore physician and pharmacist concerns about generic drugs and their impact on the prescription drug industry. Results indicate that both groups are concerned about production quality and regulatory control across multiple manufacturers. Differences were found both within and between groups that could affect diffusion of generic practices. Implications are provided for marketing managers and others concerned with the changing environment within the prescription-drug industry.
Cyclic strain resistance of a spray-atomized and-deposited cast-aluminum-alloy metal-matrix composite

Abstract In this paper, the cyclic strain resistance and fracture behavior of a spray-atomized and -deposited cast-aluminum-alloy metal-matrix composite is examined. Test specimens of the Al/SiC p composite were strained to failure, under total strain-amplitude control, over a range of cyclic strain amplitudes giving less than 10 4 cycles to failure, for both the spray-processed and -cast microstructures. The spray-processed and conventionally cast composites followed the Coffin-Manson and Basquin relationships for variation of cyclic strain amplitude with reversals to low-cycle fatigue life. At equivalent plastic strain amplitudes the spray-processed material exhibited several orders of magnitude improvement in cyclic strain controlled fatigue resistance over the case composite counterpart. The rational for enhanced cyclic fatigue resistance is discussed in light of processing influences on composite microstructure, plastic-strain amplitude, concomitant response stress and macroscopic aspects of fracture.
Effects of estrogen and opioid blockade on blood pressure reactivity to stress in postmenopausal women.

Estrogen may influence coronary heart disease risk in women through the effects of endogenous opioids on autonomic control of blood pressure. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we examined the combined effects of estrogen and the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, on blood pressure responses to psychological stress in 42 postmenopausal women. After 3 months of estrogen or estrogen plus progestin (hormone replacement therapy; n = 27) or placebo replacement, participants completed a mental arithmetic task after administration of .7 mg/kg oral naltrexone or placebo. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured at rest and during the arithmetic stressor. Stress produced significant increases in circulatory measures regardless of estrogen condition or opioid blockade (p’s < .001). Interestingly, there was an estrogen by naltrexone interaction on SBP reactivity scores [F(1,38) = 4.36, p < .05], where women on estrogen with intact opioid receptors showed the largest SBP responses to stress, compared with all other conditions. This is consistent with some studies of premenopausal women, suggesting that estrogens may alter opioid function during stress. The interaction between estrogen and endogenous opioids may explain sex differences in opioid effects on stress reactivity in younger premenopausal women.
Paraphrenia: Paranoid States of Late Life. I. European Research

American psychiatry has traditionally viewed late-life paranoid states either as rare or not part of the schizophrenic syndrome. European psychiatry has not subscribed to this view. The literature (chiefly European) is reviewed from the standpoints of history of the disorder, diagnostic reliability, pre-onset sensory loss, the multiple determinants of paranoia, and the response of paraphrenic patients to treatment with phenothiazines. The evidence leads to the conclusion that late-life paranoid states are not rare, and that the diagnosis "paraphrenia" has real clinical utility. Moreover, there seems to be a substantial relationship between schizophrenia and paraphrenia.
Subcellular localization of dopamine β-hydroxylase and endogenous norepinephrine in the rat hypothalamus

Abstract The subcellular distribution of endogenous norepinephrine, dopamine β-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.2.1) and endogenous inhibitors to dopamine β-hydroxylase have been examined in the rat hypothalamus. Sixty percent of the recovered norepinephrine and activity of dopamine β-hydroxylase sedimented in the crude mitochondrial (P2) fraction; fractionation on a linear sucrose gradient revealed that the particulate-bound amine and enzyme were localized in the synaptosomal fractions. After osmotic shock of the P2 fraction the released storage vesicles were purified by differential centrifugation or centrifugation on a sucrose gradient; 40–70% of the dopamine β-hydroxylase activity released from the P2 fraction was localized in the fractions reported to contain storage vesicles. In contrast, less than 10% of P2-norephinephrine was found in these fractions. The fraction from the gradient that had the highest specific activity of dopamine β-hydroxylase was shown by electron microscopy to be markedly enriched with large, dense-core vesicles. Endogenous inhibitors to dopamine β-hydroxylase were found in all subcellular fractions with only a 2.5-fold difference between the least and most inhibitory fractions.
Peritoneal Papillary Serous Carcinoma in a Woman with a History of in Utero DES Exposure

Abstract Antenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been implicated in the development of clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina and cervix. In addition, there are a handful of case reports of germ cell tumors and other benign ovarian tumors in the offspring of women treated with DES during pregnancy. This the first report of a papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum following in utero exposure to DES. As the population of women with a history of in utero exposure to DES is reaching into the fourth decade, these patients need to be closely monitored for the development of gynecologic malignancies, especially epithelial and germ cell ovarian tumors. We also encourage the reporting of these tumors of the DES registry to document the exact incidence of these malignancies.
Inhibitory effects of gossypol on corticosteroid 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from guinea pig kidney: A possible mechanism for causing hypokalemia

Inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-beta-OHSD) in the kidney can cause excess mineralocorticoid effect and hypokalemia. To find out if gossypol, a potential oral contraceptive for men that has been associated with cases of hypokalemia, inhibits this enzyme, its effect on guinea pig kidney was studied. Working with microsomes from the kidney cortex, and using corticosterone as the substrate, racemic gossypol was found to be a competitive inhibitor of 11-beta-OHSD with a Ki of 67 +/- 5 microM. The (+) enantiomer was a little more potent than the (-) enantiomer. Microsomes from the kidneys of animals given gossypol for 2 weeks had lower enzyme activities than saline-treated animals. Microsomes from a strain of hairless guinea pigs had lower intrinsic enzyme activity than the normal animals. We conclude that there is genetic variation in the activity of this enzyme and that it can be inhibited by gossypol.
Periodic poling of KTiOPO4 using an applied electric field

The authors have produced periodic poling in c-cut KTiOPO4 by applying an electric field to a sample having a periodic electrode on the –c face and a uniform electrode on the +c face. The periodic domain reversal occurred through the 1 mm thickness of the sample, and was confirmed by second-harmonic generation.
Genetic mapping and characterization of sorghum and related crops by means of maize DNA probes.

Abstract Cloned DNA fragments from 14 characterized maize genes and 91 random fragments used for genetic mapping in maize were tested for their ability to hybridize and detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms in sorghum and other related crop species. Most DNA fragments tested hybridized strongly to DNA from sorghum, foxtail millet, Johnsongrass, and sugarcane. Hybridization to pearl millet DNA was generally weaker, and only a few probes hybridized to barley DNA under the conditions used. Patterns of hybridization of low-copy sequences to maize and sorghum DNA indicated that the two genomes are very similar. Most probes detected two loci in maize; these usually detected two loci in sorghum. Probes that detected one locus in maize generally detected a single locus in sorghum. However, maize repetitive DNA sequences present on some of the genomic clones did not hybridize to sorghum DNA. Most of the probes tested detected polymorphisms among a group of seven diverse sorghum lines tested; over one-third of the probes detected polymorphism in a single F2 population from two of these lines. Cosegregation analysis of 55 F2 individuals enabled several linkage groups to be constructed and compared with the linkage relationships of the same loci in maize. The linkage relationships of the polymorphic loci in the two species were usually conserved, but several rearrangements were detected.
The emergence of endovascular treatment-only centers for treatment of intracranial aneurysms in the United States.

Background Because of the availability of new technology, the spectrum of endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms has expanded widely. Some centers have started offering only endovascular treatment to patients with intracranial aneurysms (endovascular treatment–only centers [ETOCs]). Our objective was to identify the proportion and outcome of patients treated at ETOCs in the United States. Methods We determined the proportion of ETOCs in the United States using Nationwide Inpatient Survey data files from 2010. We compared short-term outcomes between ETOCs and endovascular and surgical treatment centers (ESTCs). The outcomes studied were none to minimal disability, moderate to severe disability, in-hospital mortality, postprocedure complications, length of stay, and hospital charges. Results Out of 85 hospitals performing endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms, 13 (15%) were categorized as ETOCs. Out of the 10,447 patients with unruptured aneurysms, 1245 (12%) were treated at ETOCs. ETOCs were more likely to be nonteaching hospitals (55% versus 45%, P = .02). The rates of in-hospital mortality (1.2% versus 1.8%) and none to minimal disability (88% versus 84%) were similar in patients treated at ETOCs and ESTC hospitals. The mean hospitalization charges were similar, but length of stay (4 ± 7 days versus 6 ± 10 days, P P = .09). Conclusion The recent emergence of ETOCs and provision of treatment with comparable outcomes and shorter length of stay at these hospitals may change the pattern of intracranial aneurysm treatment in the United States.
Interactions of platinum-1-methyluracil blue and its hydrolysis products with DNA

Abstract The preparation of Pt(NH3)2(MeU)2·2H2O, 1. [(NH3)2Pt(MeU)2Pt(NH3)2](NO3)2, 2. Pt(NH3)2Cl(MeU), 3. and (in solution) [Pt(NH3)2(OH)(MeU)], 4. (MeU = 1-methyluracil monoanion) is reported. Levels of l-methyluracil and 1–4 in platinum-l-methyluracil blue (PtMeUB) have been assessed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This technique has also been used to show that in physiological saline or water, PtMeUB hydrolyzes to 3 or 4, respectively. Visible spectroscopy shows that the rate of hydrolysis of PtMeUB is much faster in fetal calf serum than in saline or water, with HPLC indicating that the product of hydrolysis in serum is 3. The precipitate obtained upon treatment of DNA solutions with PtMeUB has also been shown to hydrolyze to 3 or 4 when suspended in saline or water. Compounds 1–3 have been tested against the Ascites S-180J tumors, with 2 and 3 being active, while 4 has been shown to react readily with DNA. Possible mechanisms of antitumor action of PtMeUB that involve 3 and 4 are proposed.
5-Methylcytosine in the DNA of the polytene chromosomes of the dipteraSciara coprophila,Drosophila melanogaster andD. persimilis

5-Methylcytosine has been detected in the DNA of the polytene chromosomes ofSciara coprophila, Drosophila melanogaster andD. persimilis, using specifically purified antibodies to 5-methylcytidine. The 5-methylcytosine is present in GC-rich sequences in the bands. Virtually no 5-methylcytosine is detectable in mitotic metaphase chromosomes ofS. coprophila. Thus, methylation is associated with polytenization in these diptera. Restriction enzyme studies using HpaII, MspI, HhaI and AluI indicate that unmethylated 5′-CCGG-3′, 5′-GCGC-3′ and 5′-AGCT-3′ sequences are abundant in polytene chromosome DNA. These sequences are probably not major sites of methylation. Since the DNA in the bands of polytene chromosomes is generally transcriptionally inactive, as well as extensively methylated, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that genes in the bands have been inactivated by a process involving DNA methylation.
Double Marginalization: The Invisibility of Syrian Refugee Women's Perspectives in Mainstream Online Activism and Global Media

After the “Arab Spring” uprisings, an optimistic strand in the field of media and social change emerged which presents the role of social networking websites as key tools for Muslim and Arab women ...
Pathological narcissism and addiction: A self-psychology perspective

SUMMARY Following Kohut's schema of self-psychology, addiction may be considered as a form of pathological narcissism. Narcissistic transferences stemming from an archaic and fragile self are frequently observed in the addictions. Such patients typically experience others as an extension of the self. A clinical example of the emergence of ‘mirror’ and ‘idealising’ transferences is presented with a patient who was dependent upon alcohol. Kohut's insights on narcissism provide an approach to both comprehension and therapeutic intervention in enabling such patients to develop a more cohesive self.
Capital's Need to Sell and Black Economic Development

Many have sought to disentangle the complexities of advanced capitalist societies by accepting the Marxist idea of the centrality of production. But a structural imperative of capital is to expand not only production, but also consumer spending. This study examines how that imperative of capital articulates with the black economy, which has historically been steeped in black consumers buying and selling in segregated parts of towns and cities. An historical narrative is provided of how black inner-city communities in the United States have been simultaneously ignored as well as assiduously controlled and managed as foci for commodity consumption. Whereas places of consumption have become a significant component of the urban landscape, attracting the attention of a few social and cultural geographers, geographers overall have not paid enough attention to places of consumption located in segregated areas of towns and cities.
Between desire and nostalgia: Intertextuality in Shelley's Alastor and two shorter poems from the Alastor volume

(1985). Between desire and nostalgia: Intertextuality in Shelley's Alastor and two shorter poems from the Alastor volume. Romanticism Past and Present: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 47-66.
The effects of surface active agents on jet breakup in liquid‐liquid systems

An experimental study has been made of the effects of anionic, cationic and nonionic surface active agents on jet length, jet contraction and drop size resulting from the formation and breakup of liquid jets in another immiscible liquid, while undergoing mass transfer. Correlations previously established for uncontaminated systems with various rates of mass transfer successfully fitted the present data, when used with the diminished value of interfacial tension caused by the surfactant. Variables included nozzle size, flow rate, and type and concentration of surfactant. Data were obtained from measurements on over 3,000 drops, plus jet lengths and jet diameters from 501 photographs. Une etude experimentale a ete menee sur les effets de surfactants anioniques, cationiques et non-ioniques sur la longueur du jet, la contraction du jet et la taille des gouttes entraǐnees par la formation et la rupture des jets liquides dans un autre liquide immiscible, lors d'un transfert de matiere. Des correlations etablies anterieurement pour des systemes non contamines avec differentes vitesses de transfert de matiere ont pu ětre adaptees avec succes aux donnees actuelles en utilisant la valeur reduite de la tension interfaciale causee par le surfactant. Les variables comprennent la taille du conduit, le debit ainsi que le type et la concentration de surfactant. Les donnees ont ete obtenues a partir de mesures de 3 000 gouttes et les longueurs de jet et les diametres de jet a partir de 501 photographies.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of patients for percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Summary:Osteoporosis and osteoporotic compression fractures of the vertebral bodies are major health problems facing women and older people of both sexes. In the last several years, percutaneous vertebroplasty has been developed as a treatment for pain caused by vertebral body compression fractures
Sleep-wake states in infant rabbits: profiles from motility monitoring.

Abstract Behavioral states in infant rabbits were determined from a single-channel analog recording of motility, including body movements and respiration. Behavioral states were first recorded by direct observation. Two observers simultaneously made 1-hour observations of bunnies at 7, 8, 9, 10, and 19 days of age, recording state every 10 seconds. Inter-observer reliability was assessed from epoch-by-epoch agreement on each observation. The mean percent exact agreement was 85.4. Then the animals were observed for one hour by one observer who recorded from direct observation while motility was recorded from a sensor-platform. Subsequently another person judged state from the analog recordings of motility patterns only. Validity assessment for these observations were also based on exact epoch agreement and the mean percent exact agreement was 84.0. The states recorded from motility patterns included: Waking, Sleep-Wake Transition, Active Sleep, and Quiet Sleep. Although state-related behaviors vary over this age range, the patterns of motility produced by body movements and respiration during waking and sleep states are consistently distinctive. These results suggest that the patterning of motility including motor movements and respiration is a total organismic expression of behavioral state. The procedure of motility recording permits prolonged monitoring periods and makes it possible to study the ontogeny of state organization in freely moving animals.