cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin-regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis through FOXO1–PGC-1α interaction

Hepatic gluconeogenesis is absolutely required for survival during prolonged fasting or starvation, but is inappropriately activated in diabetes mellitus. Glucocorticoids and glucagon have strong gluconeogenic actions on the liver. In contrast, insulin suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis. Two components known to have important physiological roles in this process are the forkhead transcription factor FOXO1 (also known as FKHR) and peroxisome proliferative activated receptor-gamma co-activator 1 (PGC-1alpha; also known as PPARGC1), a transcriptional co-activator; whether and how these factors collaborate has not been clear. Using wild-type and mutant alleles of FOXO1, here we show that PGC-1alpha binds and co-activates FOXO1 in a manner inhibited by Akt-mediated phosphorylation. Furthermore, FOXO1 function is required for the robust activation of gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatic cells and in mouse liver by PGC-1alpha. Insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis stimulated by PGC-1alpha but co-expression of a mutant allele of FOXO1 insensitive to insulin completely reverses this suppression in hepatocytes or transgenic mice. We conclude that FOXO1 and PGC-1alpha interact in the execution of a programme of powerful, insulin-regulated gluconeogenesis.
Nitric oxide releases Cl(-) from acidic organelles in retinal amacrine cells.

Determining the factors regulating cytosolic Cl- in neurons is fundamental to our understanding of the function of GABA- and glycinergic synapses. This is because the Cl- distribution across the postsynaptic plasma membrane determines the sign and strength of postsynaptic voltage responses. We have previously demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) releases Cl- into the cytosol from an internal compartment in both retinal amacrine cells and hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we have shown that the increase in cytosolic Cl- is dependent upon a decrease in cytosolic pH. Here, our goals were to confirm the compartmental nature of the internal Cl- store and to test the hypothesis that Cl- is being released from acidic organelles such as the Golgi, endosomes or lysosomes. To achieve this, we made whole cell voltage clamp recordings from cultured chick retinal amacrine cells and used GABA-gated currents to track changes in cytosolic Cl-. Our results demonstrate that intact internal proton gradients are required for the NO-dependent release of internal Cl-. Furthermore, we demonstrate that increasing the pH of acidic organelles leads to release of Cl- into the cytosol. Intriguingly, the elevation of organellar pH results in a reversal in the effects of NO. These results demonstrate that cytosolic Cl- is closely linked to the regulation and maintenance of organellar pH and provide evidence that acidic compartments are the target of NO.
Third agers and social networking in higher education

With an aging population and the social networking boom significant research has been performed in three areas. The first is the challenge higher education institutions face integrating social networking sites in class offerings. Students are embracing this medium at an accelerated rate; however, the benefits of social networking for students are not always clear. Secondly, this paper will look into the trend of seniors re-entering institutions of higher education; especially the challenges relating to Web 2.0 technologies such as social networking sites. Although a large number of seniors are online today; many are not comfortable using social networking [20, 14]. Finally, studies relating to the use of social networking sites by third agers outside the classroom will lead to a better understanding of potential challenges seniors and instructors may experience when seniors decide to return to the higher education roles.
A mode reconfigurable Nojima origami antenna

A 2-mode reconfigurable origami Nojima antenna is explored. When the antenna is folded, it is directional mode and when it is totally unfolded, it is omnidirectional. The operational frequency of this antenna is 1.61 GHz at folded state and 0.66 GHz at unfolded state.
Bayesian estimation of membership uncertainty in model-based clustering

We report the use of a cluster analysis method based on a multivariate mixture model, known as model-based clustering, for overcoming the limitations of hierarchical clustering and relocation clustering. Unlike traditional clustering methods in which clusters are formed on the basis of intercluster distances, model-based clustering classifies observations on the basis of probability estimated from Gaussian mixture modeling, and its statistical basis allows for inference. Three examples are given in which we demonstrate that model-based clustering gives much better performance for overlapping clusters, a more reliable determination of the number of clusters in data, and better identification of clustering in the presence of outliers than agglomerative hierarchical clustering or iterative relocation clustering using a K-means criterion. We also show that Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation, as implemented via Gibbs sampling coupled with model-based clustering, may be used to assess uncertainty of group memberships. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression with anosognosia following a left subcortical stroke

Controversy exists about whether depression following stroke represents a biologically mediated change or a psychological reaction to the deficits. We present a patient with an acute isolated personality change and depression following a lacunar infarct of the left internal capsule, who was unaware of his affective change. His anosognosia for the depression, which was abrupt and not accompanied by cognitive impairments, suggests that post stroke depression, at least in this case, is better explained by a biological than a psychological model.
Cyclin-dependent kinases regulate apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells

Homeostasis of the gastrointestinal epithelium is dependent upon a balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are well known for their role in cell proliferation. Previous studies from our group have shown that polyamine-depletion of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) decreases cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) activity, increases p53 and p21Cip1 protein levels, induces G1 arrest, and protects cells from camptothecin (CPT)-induced apoptosis. Although emerging evidence suggests that members of the Cdk family are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, their roles directing apoptosis of IEC-6 cells are not known. In this study, we report that inhibition of Cdk1, 2, and 9 (with the broad range Cdk inhibitor, AZD5438) in proliferating IEC-6 cells triggered DNA damage, activated p53 signaling, inhibited proliferation, and induced apoptosis. By contrast, inhibition of Cdk2 (with NU6140) increased p53 protein and activity, inhibited proliferation, but had no effect on apoptosis. Notably, AZD5438 sensitized, whereas, NU6140 rescued proliferating IEC-6 cells from CPT-induced apoptosis. However, in colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells with mutant p53, treatment with either AZD5438 or NU6140 blocked proliferation, albeit more robustly with AZD5438. Both Cdk inhibitors induced apoptosis in Caco-2 cells in a p53-independent manner. In serum starved quiescent IEC-6 cells, both AZD5438 and NU6140 decreased TNF-α/CPT-induced activation of p53 and, consequently, rescued cells from apoptosis, indicating that sustained Cdk activity is required for apoptosis of quiescent cells. Furthermore, AZD5438 partially reversed the protective effect of polyamine depletion whereas NU6140 had no effect. Together, these results demonstrate that Cdks possess opposing roles in the control of apoptosis in quiescent and proliferating cells. In addition, Cdk inhibitors uncouple proliferation from apoptosis in a p53-dependent manner.
Homopholis and blaesodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) revisited: New insights from a molecular phylogeny

Abstract South African Homopholis Boulenger, 1885 and Madagascan Blaesodactylus Boettger, 1893 are gekkonid genera originally distinguished by minor differences in scalation. Subsequent morphological studies have argued either for synonymy of the genera, or retention of the original 19th century taxonomy. Moreover, the validity and boundaries of putative species within each genus, as well as the relationships of each genus to other gekkonid genera, remains unresolved and contentious. We sequenced 3433 aligned bp of mitochondrial (ND2 and ND4) and nuclear (RAG‐1 and PDC) DNA sequence data from 14 samples of Homopholis and Blaesodactylus representing all six recognized species in these two genera, and based on a larger, unpublished study of all gekkotan relationships, eight samples of Geckolepis and two species of Afroedura for outgroups. Results indicated a strongly supported, mono‐phyletic clade including Geckolepis as the sister group to Blaesodactylus + Homopholis, with the latter two genera reciprocall...
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone and serotonin secretion from frog skin are stimulated by norepinephrine.

TRH was found to be concentrated in the cutaneous poison gland of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens. In this gland, concentrations of TRH are 50–100 times greater than those present in the rat median eminence. When small pieces of skin containing dense populations of these glands were placed in vitro and observed microscopically, norepinephrine (NE) but not epinephrine or acetylcholine minimally stimulated gland secretion at 10−8 m. Observable gland secretion was maximally stimulated by 10−4 m NE. NE (10−6−10−4 m) evoked the doserelated release of both TRH and serotonin into the medium and caused corresponding reductions in their tissue contents. Phenoxybenzamine but not propranolol antagonized NE stimulation of TRH and serotonin release, indicating that an α-adrenergic receptor mediates the noradrenergic responses. Since previous studies have shown that NE stimulates TRH secretion from mammalian hypothalamus in vitro and pituitary TSH in vivo, the present findings can be interpreted as evidence of a phyloge...
Role of angiotensin in body fluid homeostasis of mice: effect of losartan on water and NaCl intakes

It is known that mice injected peripherally with ANG II do not show a drinking response but that cFos immunoreactivity (ir) is induced in brain regions similar to those in rats. We now show in Crl:CD1(ICR) mice that peripheral injection of the ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan was sufficient to prevent this induction of Fos-ir in the subfornical organ (SFO). Injection of ANG II into the lateral cerebral ventricle produced a robust water intake in mice and induced Fos-ir in SFO, as well as in median preoptic (MnPO) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. Peripheral injection of losartan blocked this drinking response and prevented the induction of Fos-ir in each of these brain regions. Hypovolemia produced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) produced a robust water intake but no evidence of sodium appetite, and it induced Fos-ir in SFO, MnPO, and PVN. Peripheral injection of losartan did not affect this drinking response. Fos-ir induced by PEG in SFO and MnPO was reduced by treatment with losartan, while that induced in the PVN was further increased by losartan. Sodium depletion with furosemide and low-sodium diet produced a strong sodium appetite and induced Fos-ir in SFO and MnPO. Treatment with losartan completely blocked the sodium appetite, as well as the induction of Fos-ir in these brain regions. These data indicate that endogenous production of ANG II and action at forebrain receptors is critically involved in depletion-related sodium appetite in mice. The absence of an effect of losartan on PEG-induced drinking suggests the critical involvement of other factor(s) such as arterial or venous baroreceptor input, and we discuss how this factor could also explain why peripheral ANG II is not dipsogenic in mice.
Antagonism of a (+)N-allylnormetazocine stimulus by (-)PPAP and several structurally related analogs.

Abstract Employing rats trained to discriminate 5 mg/kg of the benzomorphan opioid (+) N -allylnormetazocine [(+)NANM] from vehicle, tests of stimulus generalization and antagonism were conducted to determine the influence of several potential σ-receptor ligands. It has been previously suggested that the (+)NANM stimulus may involve concurrent action at σ- and phencyclidine (PCP) receptors. Although the low-affinity σ-antagonist rimcazole was without stimulus-attenuating effect, three novel σ-ligands-(-)PPAP, CNS 3018, and CNS 3093 (ID 50 doses = 3.2, 6.7, and 4.5 mg/kg, respectively)-antagonized the (+)NANM stimulus in a dose-related fashion. The nonselective serotonergic agent 1-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenylpiperazine (TFMPP) produced partial generalization in (+)NANM-trained animals whereas buspirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT 1A ) agonist, attenuated (to 27% drug-appropriate responding) the (+)NANM stimulus. Because the prototypic 5-HT 1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) failed to attenuate the (+)NANM stimulus at pharmacologically relevant doses, it seems unlikely that the (+)NANM stimulus involves a 5-HT 1A mechanism. TFMPP and buspirone display modest affinity for σ-receptors and this may account for the present findings with these agents. The present results neither establish a role for σ involvement in the stimulus properties of (+)NANM nor eliminate a role for PCP receptors. They do, however, demonstrate that σ-ligands with little to no affinity for PCP receptors are capable of antagonizing the (+)NANM stimulus.
Computation of Mössbauer Spectra

The main purpose of this paper is to draw attention to three new computer programs which have been written at Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with Stanley Ruby, for the purpose of computing Mossbauer spectra. They have been written almost entirely within the constraints of the FORTRAN II computer language and should therefore need very little modification to be usable with any large enough computer which has a FORTRAN compiler. The programs consist of three main codes called UNIXTL, LVSPHS, and PDRHXT which deal with three different types of Mossbauer experiment, and a library of subroutines, called by the main codes, which perform the calculation.
Spinal Cord Protection During Surgical Procedures on the Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aorta: A Critical Overview

During the past three decades, significant advances have been made in the surgical treatment of the diseases affecting the aorta. Despite these important advances, paraplegia remains a devastating complication of the surgical procedures on the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta. Paraparesis and paraplegia occur as a direct result of the interruption of blood flow to the spinal cord during the surgical procedures. A number of techniques have been advocated for the prevention of spinal cord ischemic injury. This article critically reviews our current understanding of the extent of this problem, the mechanism of injury, and the methods that have been devised to reduce the frequency of paraplegia following suraical procedures on the descending aorta.
Lack of Correlation between Impaired T Cell Production, Immunodeficiency, and Other Phenotypic Features in Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndromes (DiGeorge Syndrome/Velocardiofacial Syndrome)

Monosomic deletions of chromosome 22q11.2 are the leading cause of DiGeorge syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, and conotruncal anomaly face syndrome. DiGeorge syndrome was originally described as an immunodeficiency disorder secondary to impaired T cell production due to thymic aplasia or hypoplasia; however, the frequency of immunodeficiency in the other clinical syndromes associated with the chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion has not been previously investigated. This study examines the frequency and severity of impaired T cell production and immunodeficiency in chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndromes and the relationship of the immunodeficiency to specific phenotypic features. Sixty patients over 6 months of age with the characteristic chromosome 22q11.2 deletion underwent immunologic evaluations. Seventy-seven percent of patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletions were found to have evidence of immunocompromise. The severity of the immunodeficiency did not correlate with any particular phenotypic feature, nor was it restricted to patients who were categorized as having DiGeorge syndrome. Therefore, impaired T cell production and impaired immunologic function are common in patients with deletions of chromosome 22q11.2. The presence or severity of the immunocompromise cannot be predicted based on other phenotypic features and each child should be individually assessed for immune function.
Evolution of Drosophila repetitive-dispersed DNA.

We have examined the phylogenetic distribution of a spectrum ofDrosophila repetitive-dispersed DNAs ranging from structurally complex transposable elements to scrambled middle repetitive sequences. Our data suggest that unlike typical “genes” these DNAs are unstable components of the drosophilid genome. The unusual behavior of these repetitive-dispersed DNAs raises the possibility that this type of sequence may have an important role in the evolution of the family Drosophilidae.
Evaluating USOC Sport Psychology Consultant Effectiveness: A Philosophical and Practical Imperative at the Olympic Games

This article describes the rationale, the process, and the tools used by the sport psychology staff of the United States Olympic Committee to evaluate our efforts as applied sport psychologists working with Olympic athletes and coaches. We discuss how we use a modified version of the Consultant Evaluation Form at the end of an Olympic cycle, and regular workshop evaluations, single-session evaluations, and peer consulting to document effectiveness, facilitate improvement, strive for excellence, and reinvigorate purpose and status within the organization. We end with reflections on our evaluation efforts and their benefits for our work and professional development. [Supplemental material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of the Journal of Sport Psychology in Action for the following free supplemental resources: the modified Consultant Evaluation Form—Athlete Version, the modified Consultant Evaluation Form—Coach Version, and The Sport Psychology Seminar Evaluation Form.]
The principle of pairwise interactions as a basis for an empirical theory of optical rotatory power

FEW properties of matter can rival optical rotatory power as a potential means of gaining information about the more subtle aspects of molecular structure. Optical rotation is especially sensitive to such structural factors as the spatial conformation of a hydrocarbon chain in an asymmetric molecule and the existence of a six-membered ring in one or the other of the chair forms or bed forms. It is also easy to measure, it is not affected to any unusual extent by impurities, and the apparatus for measuring it is readily available. Furthermore, the theoretical principles that underlie the phenomenon are well understoodinageneral way. Rosenfeld’s quantum mechanical equation for optical rotation specifies the fundamental molecular quantities responsible for the phenomenon and shows that it is dependent on the properties of the electronic transitions that give rise to visible and ultra-violet spectra. The more detailed models of Kuhn, Kirkwood and Condon and Eyring present us with specific ways in which the rotatory properties are related to molecular structure and conformation. These theories have been useful in the interpretation of rotatory dispersion, circular dichroism the role of weak absorption bands, and the effects of solvents and temperature. Unfortunately the use of optical rotation has not yet reached the level of importance that it deserves. The principal reason for this is that we do not yet have a sufficiently reliable and detailed understanding of the relationship between the optical rotation and molecular structure-an understanding, that is, which would permit us to predict with confidence the sign and magnitude of the rotation to be expected for a given molecule in a given configuration and conformation. All of the existing theories require such drastic approximations when one attempts to use them to calculate a numerical value of the rotation that one can have little confidence in them for this purpose. Furthermore, there is no reason to expect any great improvement in the current theories in this respect in the near future. At the present time, therefore, the only hope of success in relatingoptical rotation to molecular structure seems to lie in a more empirical approach. Such an approach has been attempted by a number of workers with varying and uncertain success. One of the earliest attempts was the van? Hoffprinciple of superposition, which we now know cannot be valid except in certain limited circumstances. More recently Marke? Whiffen and BrewstetS have given discussions of the signs and magnitudes of optical rotations which are encouraging, although the general validity of the principles that they have proposed still remains to be demonstrated.
Rathke Cleft Cysts

Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign, cystic remnants of the craniopharyngeal duct that are typically located in the sellar and suprasellar region. RCCs are often discovered incidentally; they have been identified in up to 22 % of the population according to routine autopsy specimens. Despite their relatively high prevalence, they produce clinical symptoms in a minority of patients, comprising only 2–9 % of all sellar lesions undergoing surgical resection. They show a slight female preponderance. The typical age at the time of clinical presentation is generally between 40 and 50 years.
Surgical Treatment of Retinal Detachments Complicated by Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

During the last four years we treated 82 consecutive patients (83 eyes) with retinal detachments complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy. We used pars plana vitrectomy combined with a broad scleral buckle, cryotherapy to the retinal breaks, and a temporary intraocular gas bubble. The retina was successfully reattached in 55 eyes (66%). Our success rate improved from five of 12 eyes (42%) in 1980 to 25 of 31 eyes (81%) in 1983. We believe that a better understanding of the disease process and the use of a combination of surgical techniques were the main factors accounting for our improved results during the last years of this series.
The totipotency and relationship of seta-bearing cells to thallus development in the green alga Coleochaete scutata. A laser microbeam study

Abstract The relationship of seta-bearing cells of Coleochaete scutata (Chlorophyta Ulotrichales) to normal growth and development of the thallus was investigated using laser microbeam irradiation. When all of the seta-bearing cells of a thallus, except the small primary seta-bearing cell, were destroyed by laser microbeam irradiation, the thallus grew as rapidly as thalli that had received no radiation. The functional significance of the seta-bearing cell is still not understood, but it has been found that these cells have the capacity to dedifferentiate and divide to form normal vegetative and seta-bearing cells. Mechanisms controlling the number of seta-bearing cells and growth of the thallus are discussed.
Generalized virtual fixtures for shared-control grasping in brain-machine interfaces

In brain-machine interface (BMI) prosthetic systems, recordings of brain activity are used to control external devices such as computers or robots. BMI systems that have shown the highest fidelity of control use neural signals recorded directly from microelectrodes in the brain to control upper-limb prostheses. These have progressed from allowing control of 2 and 3 dimensional movement of a cursor on a computer screen [1], [2] to control of robot arms in first four [3], [4] and more recently seven degrees-of-freedom (DoF) (Fig. 1) [5], [6]. These types of systems require methods to train users to control large numbers of DoF simultaneously. In this paper we present a new method for shared-control guidance. This method of "Positive-Span" Virtual Fixturing extends the concept of Virtual Fixtures to guide both translational and rotational DoF of a brain-controlled robot hand toward whole sets of robot poses that would allow an object to be grasped. This system was used to successfully train monkeys to operate the 7-DoF BMI [5], leading directly to the simplified system of "ortho-impedance" used to guide human subject BMI control in a similar experiment [6].
Critical Theory as a Foundation for Methods Courses.

Adler and Goodman describe efforts to develop a social studies methods course that links the theoretical ideas of recent work on critical theory in education to practical applications in the prepar...
Relationships between chemical structure and inhibition of epinephrine-induced human blood platelet aggregation.

Abstract The effect of structural features in a series of carbamoylpiperidine and nipecotoylpiperazine congeners on epinephrine-induced aggregation of human blood platelets is examined. Epinephrine-induced primary aggregation is effectively inhibited by the nipecotoylpiperazine derivatives (culminating at an I PA50 of 11.9 μM). While among nipecotoylpiperazine as well as carbamoylpiperidine congeners there are potent inhibitors of ADP-stimulated platelet function (cresting at an I A50 of 12.4 and 11.4 μM, respectively), the carbamoylpiperidine analogs are much less active (e.g., I PA50 of 298.1), or practically inactive, in impeding epinephrine-induced primary aggregation (PA).
Inelastic deformation of (Ti, V)C alloys

The high temperature plastic deformation of (Ti, V)C alloys was studied by load relaxation experiments. The deformation experiments were performed at 1200 to 1600° C on fully dense, single phase, polycrystalline TiC, TiC-25% VC, TiC-50% VC and TiC-75% VC, prepared by hot-pressing. The analysis of logσ-log\(\mathop \varepsilon \limits^\cdot \) data along with the evaluation of strain rate sensitivity ∼ 0.9 to 1.5 and the grain size dependence ∼ 2.6 indicates that the high temperature plastic deformation of these carbides occurs by grain-boundary diffusion, which is in accordance with hot-pressing results. Also, transmission electron microscopy of deformed samples, revealing little evidence for dislocation activity, supported this conclusion. The diffusion coefficients obtained in this study are in good agreement with those obtained for boundary diffusion, with the activation energy ∼ 390 kJ mol−1 for TiC and ∼ 307±13 kJ mol−1 for other compositions. A sharp decrease in the strength of (Ti, V)C alloys with the addition of VC is associated with the softening and/or melting of second phase material accumulated along the grain boundaries.
The mechanism of cumene hydroperoxide-dependent lipid peroxidation: The significance of oxygen uptake☆

Abstract The addition of limiting amounts of cumene hydroperoxide to rat liver microsomes prepared from phenobarbital-treated rats resulted in the rapid uptake of molecular oxygen, the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, and the loss of hydroperoxide over a similar time course. Maximal activity was observed at pH 7–8. The addition of cumene hydroperoxide to boiled microsomes did not initiate oxygen uptake or produce thiobarbituric acid reactive products. Oxygen uptake was required for the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, but not for the loss of hydroperoxide. The extent of oxygen uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive product formation was linearly dependent on the concentration of cumene hydroperoxide and independent of the amount of microsomes. For each nanomole of cumene hydroperoxide utilized, 1.5 nmol of oxygen was consumed and 0.11 nmol of thiobarbituric acid reactive products was formed. In addition, a saturable reaction having a high affinity for cumene hydroperoxide was observed that was associated with little or no oxygen uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive product formation. Butylated hydroxytoluene at substoichiometric concentrations inhibited the extents and initial rates of oxygen uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive product formation, indicating that cumene hydroperoxide-dependent lipid peroxidation may be an autocatalytic free radical process.
Emergent Bullectomy in a Patient With Severe Bullous Emphysema Receiving Mechanical Ventilatory Assistance

This case report concerns a 29-year-old man with severe bullous disease who was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient underwent emergency bullectomy and was subsequently successfully weaned from the ventilator. He continues to do well 38 months after the surgery. This case demonstrates that bullectomy, even in a patient receiving mechanical ventilatory assistance, can be a lifesaving operation.
Structure, expression, and regulation of members of the developmentally controlled V and H gene classes from Dictyostelium.

We have examined the ex- pression and structure of vegetative specific genes belonging to the V and H gene classes. Both classes of genes are deactivated at the onset of development by a reduction in the rate of transcrip- tion. Thus, the genes must be reactivated when the terminally differentiated spores germinate and the resulting amebae return to the vegetative state. During germination, activation of expression of most members of the V gene class was found to parallel the emergence of amaebae from the spore coats. The activation of the V genes did not occur when protein synthesis was inhibited. The timiny uf activation of the H genes was more heterogeneous and did not parallel emergence. H gene activation occurred even when protein synthesis was inhib- ited. V4 was found to be the only vegetative spe- cific gene that was responsive to the presence of bacteria. V4 expression was induced by 25-100 fold via transcriptional activation when bacteria were added to amebae growing axenically. Isola- tion and sequence analysis of the corresponding genomic clones revealed that two V genes, V18 and V1, encode ribosomal proteins. Promoter analysis has delineated the sequences necessary for expression and regulation for several of the V and H genes. In all cases, expression was deter- mined 6, sequences within the first several hun- dred base pairs of the transcription start site. For V18 and V14, a positive constitutive element was identified in addition to the sequences involved in regulation. Finally, all of the characterizations and findings are discussed in terms of postulated mod- els for V and H gene expression and regulation.
Analysis of NPY Receptor Subtypes in the Human Frontal Cortex Reveals Abundant Y1 mRNA and Binding Sites

Abstract Statnick, M. A., D. A. Schober, N. G. Mayne, J. P. Burnett and D. R. Gehlert. Analysis of NPY receptor subtypes in the human frontal cortex reveals abundant Y 1 mRNA and binding sites. Peptides 18(1) 137–143, 1997.—Receptors for neuropeptide Y (NPY) are widely distributed throughout the mammalian brain. Using indirect labeling methods, the human brain was reported to contain predominantly the Y 2 receptor subtype, whereas the rat brain contains a mixture of Y 1 and Y 2 receptor subtypes. To more accurately assess NPY receptors in the human brain, we used the Y 1 - and Y 2 -selective radioligands [ 125 I][Leu 31 ,Pro 34 ]PYY and [ 125 I]PYY(3–36), respectively, to examine NPY receptors in the human frontal cortex. Contrary to an earlier report, abundant Y 1 binding sites were found in homogenates of human frontal cortex. Moreover, saturation analysis showed similar densities of both Y 1 ( K d = 433 ± 36 p M, B max = 313 ± 15 fmol/mg protein) and Y 2 ( K d = 444 ± 39 p M, B max = 458 ± 22 fmol/mg protein) receptor subtypes in the human frontal cortex. Subsequently, Northern blot analysis revealed abundant expression of Y 1 mRNA, with very low levels of Y 2 mRNA, in cerebral cortex and in other areas of the human brain. These findings were confirmed by competitive RT-PCR in the human frontal cortex. Therefore, it appears that Y 1 binding sites and mRNA are expressed abundantly in the human frontal cortex and, unlike earlier findings, suggest that the human brain contains a mixture of Y 1 and Y 2 receptor subtypes.
A Low Phase-Noise Wide Tuning-Range Quadrature Oscillator Using a Transformer-Based Dual-Resonance LC Ring

This paper presents a dual-band quadrature voltage-controlled oscillator (QVCO) using a transformer-based high-order LC-ring resonator, which inherently provides quadrature signals without requiring noisy coupling transistors as in traditional approaches, thereby achieving low phase-noise performance. Moreover, the proposed resonator shows two possible oscillation frequencies, which are exploited to realize a wide-tuning range QVCO employing a mode-switching transistor network. Due to the use of transformers, the oscillator has a minimal area penalty compared to the conventional designs. The implemented prototype in a 65-nm CMOS process achieves a continuous tuning range of 77.8% from 2.75 to 6.25 GHz while consuming from 9.7 to 15.6 mA current from a 0.6-V supply. The measured phase-noise figure-of-merit at 1-MHz offset ranges from 184 to 188.2 dB throughout the entire tuning range. The QVCO also exhibits good quadrature accuracy with 1.5 $^{\circ}$ maximum phase error and occupies a relatively small silicon area of 0.35 ${\hbox{mm}}^{2}$ .
A Simple Model Illustrating Baroclinic Development

A simple one-layer, quasi-geostrophic model of vertical motion and surface pressure tendency is derived and used to illustrate relationships between various parameters such as stability, latitude, wind speed, and the sea-level pressure tendency for sinusoidal disturbances in a baroclinic current. It is shown in the model that the wavelength at which the maximum surface pressure tendency occurs varies with the Rossby radius of deformation, as well as with the zonal wind speed and amplitude of the disturbance. In the case of a simulated polar cyclone, which exists at high latitudes under conditions of low static stability and shallow atmospheric depth, the wavelength of maximum growth rate is relatively short. The primary virtue of this model is that it can be used as a pedagogical tool for explaining quantitatively, but without lengthy calculations, the behavior of surface pressure systems.
Flammability and Thermal Degradation of Polystyrene/Cadmium Sulfate Nanocomposites

Cadmin sulfate nanoparticles, hollow sphere (CdS-HS) and rode (CdS-NR) were synthesized by ultrasonic and solvothermal process, respectively. The effect of the two kinds of nanoparticles on flammability of polystyrene was investigated using cone calorimeter (Cone) and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC). Cone data indicate that the incorporation of 1% CdS nanoparticles leads to a about 20% reduction in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) compared to the pure PS; CdS-NR is more efficient in reducing the PHRR proved by both Cone and MCC results. The TG results show that the addition of the nanoparticles mainly increases thermal stability of PS at high temepratures.
Measurement of low-abundance cytokine mRNA in cells of murine lymphoid organs: a new quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction method.

To investigate cytokine regulation in cells of freshly excised lymphoid tissues, rigorous quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) assays were developed to measure attomole (10−18 mol) amounts of the mRNA for seven cytokines: interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interferon γ (IFNγ), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), IL-2 and IL-6. RNA was purified from single-cell suspensions of immune tissues (spleen, thymus and resident peritoneal cells). Data are presented demonstrating the utility of these assays for quantifying basal levels of all seven cytokine mRNAs in the freshly isolated splenocytes and thymocytes. Studies to establish the usefulness of these assays for measuring changes in the levels of cytokine mRNA focused on IL-1α, IL-1β, TNFα and IL-2 in splenocytes, thymocytes and resident peritoneal cells. Using the QRT-PCR assays developed, levels of cytokine mRNA could be quantified in RNA samples obtained both from freshly isolated cells and from cells following short-term (≤26 h) culture. These measurements established basal in vivo levels of specific cytokine mRNAs and demonstrated specific modulation of their levels by cell culture and by the inclusion of immune stimulants (bacterial lipopolysaccharide or the plant lectin concanavalin A) in the culture. These data provide new information on both basal and stimulated cytokine levels that is required for valid interpretations of the roles of cytokine expression in immune regulation.
Haploid Embryonic Stem Cells and the Dominance of Recessive Traits

Diploidy, though essential for normal development, is a foil to geneticists. Two recent studies (Elling et al., 2011, this issue of Cell Stem Cell; Leeb and Wutz, 2011, Nature), report the isolation of haploid pluripotent mouse ESCs, thus enabling efficient functional screening for genes involved in diverse cellular and developmental processes.
Metronidazole: utilization in the obstetric and gynecologic patient.

Background : Obstetric and gynecologic complications associated with bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis have heightened awareness of these conditions, and thus metronidazole's role in obstetric and gynecologic practice continues to increase. Goal of this Study : To review the clinical indications for metronidazole in the obstetric and gynecologic setting, as well as the pharmacokinetics and potential adverse effects of the drug. Study Design : Review of the current literature concerning metronidazole. Results and Conclusions : Metronidazole remains a valuable agent for the treatment of anaerobic and protozoal infections with little evidence of resistance. Although issues of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity remain theoretical concerns, current data do not support the existence of these risks in humans.
STABILITY OF EQUILIBRIA OF NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYMERS

We provide an analytical study on the stability of equilibria of rigid rodlike nematic liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) governed by the Smoluchowski equation with the Maier-Saupe intermolecular potential. We simplify the expression of the free energy of an orientational distribution function of rodlike LCP molecules by properly selecting a coordinate system and then investigate its stability with respect to perturbations of orientational probability density. By computing the Hessian matrix explicitly, we are able to prove the hysteresis phenomenon of nematic LCPs: when the normalized polymer concentration b is below a critical value b ∗ (6.7314863965), the only equilibrium state is isotropic and it is stable; when b ∗ 15/2, there are three equilibrium states: a stable prolate state, an unstable isotropic state and an unstable oblate state.
A Note on Theoretical Heating Curve of a Cylindrical Can of Thermally Conductive Food

Abstract Dimensionless temperatures at the center of a cylindrical can of thermally conductive food are calculated by using an analytical formula, which is a solution for a partial differential equation for heat conduction. Dimensionless heating curves are obtained by plotting the dimensionless temperature against values for Fourier number (= thermal diffusivity × time/square of the inside height of a cylindrical can). The dimensionless heating curves are calculated for various shape factors (= inside radius/inside height). The convergence characteristics and geometrical shapes of these curves are examined. A new procedure is developed to approximate the dimensionless heating curve.
Atmospheric Seasonal Trends and Environmental Fate of Alkylphenols in the Lower Hudson River Estuary

The atmospheric occurrence of nonylphenols and tert-octylphenol has been assessed at three sites in the lower Hudson River Estuary (LHRE). The samples (n = 186) were taken from June to December of ...
MICE Step 1: Beam Line Commissioning and First Emittance Measurement

Abstract The MICE beam line provides a pulsed muon beam in order to measure ionization cooling on a muon-by-muon basis. Commissioned in 2009, it now routinely produces beams of pions, muons, and electrons between 100-450 MeV/c. Particle ID is provided by Cherenkov detectors, time-of-flight hodoscopes (TOFs), and a lead-fiber electron pre-shower (KL). Particle production rates were determined and a first measurement of emittance has been performed.
A review of exercise as intervention for sedentary hazardous drinking college students: rationale and issues.

Abstract College students have high rates of alcohol problems despite a number of intervention initiatives designed to reduce alcohol use. Substance use, including heavy drinking, often occurs at the expense of other, substance-free, activities. This review examines the promotion of one specific substance-free activity—exercise—as an intervention for hazardous drinking. Exercise has numerous physical and mental health benefits, and data suggest that students who engage in exercise regularly are less likely to drink heavily. However, the adherence to exercise necessary to achieve these benefits and possibly reduce drinking is poor, and improved exercise adherence interventions are needed. A novel combination of motivational enhancement therapy and contingency management is discussed as a means to address the critical issue of exercise adherence.
Coulomb blockade of tunneling into a quasi-one-dimensional wire.

Tunneling into the correlated electron system in a quantum wire is considered. For the first time, the problem is solved for an arbitrary number of transverse electron modes in the wire. The tunnel density of states has power-law asymptotics at low energies, \ensuremath{\nu}(\ensuremath{\epsilon})\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$. A sample formula expressing \ensuremath{\alpha} in terms of velocities of soundlike excitations (plasmons) propagating along the wire is obtained and the eigenvalue equation for these velocities is found. The general result for \ensuremath{\alpha} allows one to extrapolate correctly between the known cases of a one-mode wire and a wide three-dimensional wire.
Molecular mapping of an aluminum tolerance locus on chromosome 4D of Chinese Spring wheat

The tolerance of aluminum (Al) of disomic substitution lines having the chromosomes of the D genome of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chinese Spring individually substituted for their homoeologues in T. turgidum L. cv. Langdon was investigated by the hematoxylin method. The disomic substitution lines involving chromosome 4D were more Al tolerant than Langdon. The tolerance was found to be controlled by a single dominant gene, designated Alt2, that is in the proximal region of the long arm of chromosome 4D. The locus was mapped relative to molecular markers utilizing a population of recombinant chromosomes from homoeologous recombination between Chinese Spring chromosome 4D and T. turgidum chromosome 4B. Comparison of the location of Alt2 in this map with a consensus map of chromosomes 4B and 4D based on homologous recombination indicated that Alt2 is in a vicinity of a 4 cM interval delineated by markers Xpsr914 and Xpsr1051. The Alt2 locus is distal to marker Xpsr39 and proximal to XksuC2. The Altw locus is also proximal to the Knal locus on chromosome 4D that controls K+/Na+ selectivity and salt tolerance. In two lines, Alt 2 and Knal were transferred on a single 4D segment into the long arm of T. turgidum chromosome 4B.
Traveltime Tomography With Multioffset Common-reflection Points

Reflection traveltime tomography has evolved away from layered models toward independent parameters for velocities and reflectors. We introduce a simple method of optimizing interval velocities and common-reflection points simultaneously. Interval velocities are parametrized as a smooth function of spatial coordinates, independently of common-reflection points. Dynamic ray methods and explicit traveltime extrapolations identify common-reflection points that best model prestack traveltimes. The error between a modeled and measured traveltime is scaled by the cosine of a raypath’s angle of reflection. This scaled traveltime error is equivalent to the error of a reflection at normalincidence, or zero-offset. Velocities are revised to minimize the variance of these equivalent errors for all offsets of a common-reflection point. A North Sea seismic line was particularly unsuitable for a layered velocity model. Salt interrupted reflections, and chalk velocities increased rapidly with depth. The tomographically estimated velocities showed strong lateral changes. Prestack depth migration confumed that the velocity model accurately explained traveltimes.
Differential activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during photoperiod induced uterine regression and recrudescence in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

Siberian hamsters adapt to seasonal changes by reducing their reproductive function during short days (SD). SD exposure reduces uterine mass and reproductive capacity, but underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Because matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are important in uterine development, parturition, and postpartum remodeling, their expression in uterine tissue from Siberian hamsters undergoing photoperiod-mediated reproductive regression and recrudescence was investigated. Female hamsters were exposed to long day (LD, 16L:8D, controls) or SD (8L:16D) for 3–12 weeks (regression); a second group was exposed to SD or LD for 14 weeks and then transferred to LD for 0–8 weeks (recrudescence). Hamsters were euthanized, uteri collected, and homogenates analyzed by gelatin zymography or Western blotting for MMP and TIMP protein levels. Uterine weight decreased (67–75%) at SD weeks 12–14 and increased post-LD transfer (PT) reaching LD values by PT week 2. MMP-2, but not MMP-9 activity was reduced by SD week 12 or 14 but increased to LD levels at PT week 2. MMP-3 expression increased at SD week 9 compared to other SD and LD groups. MMP-14 and -13 protein levels decreased at SD week 3 but returned to LD levels by SD week 6. During recrudescence, MMP-3 (PT weeks 0–2), MMP-13 (PT week 4), and MMP-14 (PT weeks 2, 4) protein levels were higher than LD. TIMP-1 and 2 were present at low levels. Significant and differential variations in uterine MMP activity/expression during photoperiod-induced regression and recrudescence were observed. These changes likely reflect increases in tissue remodeling during both the adaptation to SD and the restoration of reproductive function. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1433–1440, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interfacial debonding and fiber pull-out stresses of fiber-reinforced composites Part VI. Interpretation of fiber pull-out curves

Abstract The stress-displacement relationship of the fiber during the fiber pull-out process in a fiber-reinforced composite ( i.e. the fiber pull-out curve) is considered. Understanding of both interfacial debonding and friction at the debonded interface is essential in interpreting the fiber pull-out curve. The behavior of interfacial debonding, which can be unstable, partially stable or stable, is characterized in the present study. The debonded interface can be either subjected to Coulomb friction, or free of friction which is contingent upon the comparison between the residual clamping stress and the interfacial radial tension induced by Poisson's contraction of the axially tensile-loaded fiber. The important parameters controlling the characteristics of interfacial debonding and friction are studied, and various fiber pull-out curves are elucidated.
Precipitation of epithelia antigen(s) with pemphigus-like autoantibodies of rabbit and human pemphigus autoantibodies.

Der Vergleich von Pemphigus-ahnlichen Kaninchenantikorpern und menschlichen Pemphigus-Autoantikorpern mittels Gelprazipitation mit einer athanolloslichen Fraktion aus der Mucosa des Rinder-Osophags weist auf eine gemeinsame Spezifitat dieser Antikorper hin. Die Resultate entsprechen fruheren Immunofluoreszenz-Untersuchungen.