cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Na+, K+-ATPase and ouabain binding activities of chick embryo dorsal root ganglia supported by and deprived of nerve growth factor.

Recently we have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) influences the coupled movements of Na+ and K+ across the membrane of chick embryo dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and other target cells. These ionic effects of NGF are consistent with a model in which NGF acts through the classical Na+,K+-ATPase pump. Direct evidence for NGF-induced alteration of this pump has been sought in the present study through two approaches. In one approach, DRG cell dissociates were incubated for 6 hours without NGF (to allow development of the ionic defect), and [3H]ouabain binding to the cells was measured before and during a delayed administration of NGF. No differences were detected in either total binding or binding time. In the second approach, intact DRG or DRG dissociates were incubated for 6 hours with or without NGF, or received NGF after 6 hours of deprivation, and Na+,K+-ATPase (ouabain-sensitive) activity was measured in the corresponding microsomal preparations. Activity levels were found to be the same in all cases, and were unchanged by addition of NGF directly to the enzyme preparations. Different concentrations of Na+, K+, or ATP affected in identical manners the enzyme preparations from NGF-treated and NGF-deprived ganglia, speaking against NGF-imposed changes in the affinities of the corresponding enzyme sites. Also unsuccessful were attempts to reveal NGF-related differences by testing ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity (1) in the presence of varying concentrations of cyclic AMP or of Ca2+, (2) after treatment with Triton X--100 or in the presence of vanadate, or (3) on addition of a 100,000g DRG extract. These negative findings are discussed in terms of the Na+,K+-ATPase hypothesis for NGF action.
Genomic analysis of Ovis aries (Ovar) MHC class IIa loci

Determining the genomic organization of the Ovis aries (Ovar) major histocompatibility complex class IIa region is essential for future functional studies related to antigen presentation. In this study, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of a Rambouillet ram was constructed, and BAC clone consisting of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DQB2, DQA2, DQB1, DQA1, and DRB1 loci was identified and completely sequenced. The BAC clone consists of 160,889 bp of finished sequence with the loci arranged in the following order: DQB2, DQA2, DQB1, DQA1, and DRB1 with 14.3, 25, 6.6, and 40.9 Kb spanning between the loci, respectively. All five of these loci were transcribed in the animal used to generate the MHC class II BAC clone. Repeat or retrotransposable elements along with MHC class II cis promoter elements consisting of S, X, and Y boxes were identified in the sequence. In addition, 16 non-coding conserved sequences amongst primates, carnivores, and ruminants were identified (p < 0.001). These conserved sequences include binding sites for transcription factors with known roles in immune cells, and they provide a basis for further functional investigation of the genes in this region. This is the first ruminant finished sequence of the DQB2-DRB1 region, and this sequence information will aid in whole genome and transcriptome analyses of MHC class II.
Rigid conformation in tert.-butyloxycarbonyl-L-alanine ortho-nitrophenyl ester

Ortho-nitrophenyl esters of blocked amino acids have significantly higher aminolysis rates than the corresponding para-nitrophenyl esters. This difference prompted a series of investigations that led to the present study. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of tert.-butyloxycarbonyl-l-alanine o-nitrophenyl ester has shown a rather rigid molecular conformation with very restricted rotation about the ester bond owing to the wedging of one of the nitro oxygen atoms between the two oxygens of the ester group. A para nitro group can not interact in a similar fashion and consequently can have many more rotamers. The C14H18N2O6 ester crystallizes in space group P21, with a = 5.180 A, b = 9.726 A, c = 15.616 A and β= 92.36 A. There is only one intermolecular hydrogen bond, N(1)H…O(0) at 3.125 A, that links neighboring molecules into infinite chains. There are no intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Assimilation efficiency of captive ringed seals (Phoca hispida) fed different diets

Food type or quality can influence assimilation efficiency (AE). AE (digestibility of dry matter) of two captive adult ringed seals (Phoca hispida; one male, one female) was estimated for five prey types. In trials, each of >8 days duration, the seals were fed redfish (Sebastes spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) and a mixture of herring and shrimp (Pandalus borealis). Prey were marked so that faecal samples could be matched to individual seals, and AE was estimated by the relative concentration of Mn2+ in food and faeces. AE was high but varied among the prey species (redfish 83%; capelin 87%; Arctic cod 88%; herring 94%; herring/Pandalus mixture 92%). There was a weak, positive relationship between AE and prey lipid content or energy density, but a negative relationship with inorganic content. AE was lower than expected for cape lin with high fat content. AE was not correlated with meal mass, number of fish in a meal, or seal mass. AE did not differ between the two seals.
Some remarks on a conjecture in parameter adaptive control

Abstract A.S. Morse has raised the following question: Do there exist differentiable functions f:R 2 → R and g:R 2 → R with the property that for every nonzero real number λ and every (x0, y0) ∈ R 2 the solution (x(t),y(t)) of x (t) = x(t) + λf(x(t),y(t)) , y (t) = g(x(t),y(t)) , x(0) = x 0 , y(0) = y 0 , is defined for all t ⩾ 0 and satisfies lim t → + ∞ and y(t) is bounded on [0,∞)? We prove that the answer is yes, and we give explicit real analytic functions f and g which work. However, we prove that if f and g are restricted to be rational functions, the answer is no.
Regulation of pancreatic exocrine secretion in vitro: the action of secretagogues

Pancreatic acinar cells possess two functionally distinct mechanisms by which secretagogues can increase enzyme secretion. One mechanism is mediated by mobilization of cellular calcium and can be activated by any one of four different classes of receptors. The other mechanism is mediated by cyclic AMP and can be activated by either of two different classes of receptors. In addition to stimulating enzyme secretion, a secretagogue can cause potentiation of secretion, desensitization to the subsequent stimulation caused by the same or other secretagogues as well as residual stimulation of enzyme secretion. Although each class of secretagogue receptors can cause the same final effect, stimulation of enzyme secretion, the existence of multiple classes of receptors and the different mechanisms of action endow the acinar cell with a wide range of patterns of response depending on which of the several classes of receptors are activated.
Nanoindentation characterization of surface layers of electrical discharge machined WC/Co

Abstract This study applies nanoindentation and other analysis techniques to investigate the influence of wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) process on the structure and properties of machined surface layers of WC–Co composites. Multiple indents were conducted on the cross-section of the surface recast layer, sub-surface heat-affected zone, and bulk material. The energy disperse X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the material compositions in the heat-affected zone and recast layer and to study the electrical spark eroded surface. The indents were inspected by scanning electron microscopy to distinguish between regular and irregular indents in these three regions. Irregular indents were caused by the porosity, soft matrix material, separation of grain boundaries, and thermal cracks caused by EDM process. The hardness and modulus of elasticity obtained from regular indents in bulk material and heat-affected zone were comparable to those of WC. It was found that the recast layer had lower hardness and modulus of elasticity than the bulk material and heat-affected zone.
Associations between fibroblast growth factor 23 and cardiac characteristics in pediatric heart failure.

Background In adults with heart failure, elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are associated with mortality. Data on FGF23 levels in pediatric heart failure are lacking.
Cellular distribution of insulin-degrading enzyme gene expression : comparison with insulin and insulin-like growth factor receptors

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) hydrolyzes both insulin and IGFs and has been proposed to play a role in signal termination after binding of these peptides to their receptors. In situ hybridization was used to investigate the cellular distribution of IDE mRNA and to compare it with insulin receptor (IR) and IGF-I receptor (IGFR) gene expression in serial thin sections from a variety of tissues in embryonic and adult rats. IDE mRNA is highly abundant in kidney and liver, tissues known to play a role in insulin degradation. IDE and IR mRNAs are highly coexpressed in brown fat and liver. The highest level IDE gene expression, on a per cell basis, is found in germinal epithelium. IDE and IGFR mRNAs are colocalized in oocytes, while IDE is colocalized with the IGF-II receptor in spermatocytes, suggesting that IDE may be involved with degradation of IGF-II in the testis. In summary, IDE expression demonstrates significant anatomical correlation with insulin/IGF receptors. These data are compatible with a role for IDE in degrading insulin and IGFs after they bind to and are internalized with their respective receptors and may also suggest a novel role for IDE in germ cells.
Dating terrestrial impact structures: U‐Pb depth profiles and (U‐Th)/He ages of zircon

We investigate the presence of epitaxial overgrowth rims and “reset” zircon, complete loss of radiogenic lead (Pb*), from terrestrial impactites to constrain the occurrence of such phenomenon in impact environments and their possible use in dating impact events. We also explore (U-Th)/He dating of zircon to evaluate this geochronometer in accurately identifying impact ages, particularly when no dateable melt sheet exists. Our results show that (U-Th)/He ages of zircon from the brecciated, and presumably shocked target, can accurately date an impact event and provides another tool to determine impact ages when no melt sheet exists, an alternative to problematic interpretations of commonly used apparent 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages. No evidence of epitaxial overgrowth rims and/or reset zircon was observed, suggesting that zircons within shocked impactites have remarkably slow Pb diffusion and possibly explaining the relatively few reset grains reported in terrestrial impactites.
The ethanol sensitivity of calcium taken up by a depolarization-dependent process in mouse strains DBA and C57BL

Abstract In vitro effects of ethanol on calcium taken up by synaptosomes were eaamined in two strains of mice, C57BL and DBA, that exhibit marked differences in alcohol sensitivity and preference. There were no significant strain differences in basal or depolarization-dependent synaptosomal calcium levels. Ethanol did not reduce the basal calcium level but instead reduced depolarization-dependent calcium levels with the same potency in both strains. These results do not support a role for changes of calcium levels as the basis for differences in ethanol sensitivity in these mouse strains.
Preventing hypothermia: comparison of current devices used by the US Army in an in vitro warmed fluid model.

Background:The purpose of this study was to develop an in vitro torso model constructed with fluid bags and to determine whether this model could be used to differentiate between the heat prevention performance of devices with active chemical or radiant forced-air heating systems compared with passi
Experimental investigation of the impact response of cylindrically curved laminated composite panels

An experimental investigation was carried out on three different geometries for specimens which are cylindrically curved: 8 ply panels, with two radii of curvature, 0.381 m and 1.524 m; and 16 ply panels, with a radius of cuvature of 0.381 m. The panels were impacted by a mass dropped from a selection of heights. The impact force and panel center deflection were recorded with time. Each panel was C-scanned to determine the amount of damage present after impact, if any. Experimental results revealed that the geometry of a laminated composite structure strongly influences its impact response. It was shown that stiffer structures produce higher impact forces, smaller center deflections, and shorter contact duration times. The relative stiffness of each panel was explained by considering its load-deflection response. Xormalization of the force with respect to the critical dynamic load and the displacement with respect to the panel height is essential when con~paring the response of panels with different radii of curvature. A static nonlinear finite element model was developed and used for coniparison with tlie experimental impact data in an attempt to interpret the response behavior of these cylindrically curved panels.
Applications of self-efficacy theory to the understanding and treatment of career indecision

Abstract The present study was designed to investigate the utility of Bandura's self-efficacy theory to the understanding and treatment of career indecision. More specifically, the study involved the development of a measure of self-efficacy expectations with regard to 50 tasks or behaviors required in career decision making and the examination of the relationships of career decision-making self-efficacy to several components of vocational indecision. A total of 346 subjects, 154 students attending a private liberal arts college and 193 students attending a large state university, were administered the measure of career decision-making self-efficacy expectations and the Career Decision Scale ( Osipow, Carney, Winer, Yanico, & Koschier, Columbus, Ohio: Marathon Consulting and Press, 1980 ). In addition, Scholastic Aptitude Test verbal and math scores were obtained for the liberal arts students, and American College Test math and English subtest scores were obtained for the state university students. Results indicated first that college students in general express considerable confidence in their ability to complete the tasks necessary to make career decisions. In addition, however, the strength of students' career decision-making self-efficacy expectations was strongly and negatively related to overall levels of career indecision and was, in particular, related to the component of indecision described as a lack of structure and confidence with respect to career decisions. Relationships of career decision-making self-efficacy expectations to ability level were negligible. Based on the findings of this study it is suggested that the concept of career-related self-efficacy expectations provides a useful framework for the understanding, assessment, and treatment of at least some of the antecedents to vocational indecision.
The effect of compacted cancellous bone grafting on the healing of subchondral bone defects of the medial femoral condyle in horses.

Objective— To compare the quality of second-intention healing and that of compacting sternally harvested cancellous bone into subchondral bone defects of the medial femoral condyle in horses. Study Design— A controlled experiment using a surgical technique that minimizes soft tissue trauma, customized for consistency among horses. Animals or Sample Population— Ten horses, aged 2 to 5 years, free of hindlimb lameness and with radiographically normal stifles. Methods— After a 12.7-mm-diameter × 19-mm-deep defect was created into randomly selected medial femoral condyles, bone and cartilage healing was evaluated over a 6-month period in control horses (n = 5) and horses receiving a compacted cancellous bone graft (n = 5). Healing was evaluated using lameness assessment, radiographic and microradiographic interpretation, arthroscopic appearance, percent bone fill, proteoglycan content, and histology. Results— Six months after surgery, there was no significant difference between grafted and ungrafted defects with respect to lameness, radiographic score, or percent bone fill. Histologically, grafted defects were characterized by the presence of dead graft and secondary cyst formation in four defects. Ungrafted defects filled with fibrous tissue and no cyst formation were identified. Conclusions— Grafted defects do not heal better than ungrafted defects, and lameness was not affected by surgical technique. Clinical Significance— Cartilage healing is similar in grafted and ungrafted defects in the equine medial femoral condyle at 6 months, suggesting that surgical debridement alone of cystic structures remains the treatment of choice.
P-Glycoprotein Mediated Drug Interactions in Animals and Humans with Cancer

Drug–drug interactions can cause unanticipated patient morbidity and mortality. The consequences of drug–drug interactions can be especially severe when anticancer drugs are involved because of their narrow therapeutic index. Veterinary clinicians have traditionally been taught that drug–drug interactions result from alterations in drug metabolism, renal excretion or protein binding. More recently, drug–drug interactions resulting from inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated drug transport have been identified in both human and veterinary patients. Many drugs commonly used in veterinary patients are capable of inhibiting P-glycoprotein function and thereby causing an interaction that results in severe chemotherapeutic drug toxicity. The intent of this review is to describe the mechanism and clinical implications of drug–drug interactions involving P-glycoprotein and anticancer drugs. Equipped with this information, veterinarians can prevent serious drug–drug interactions by selecting alternate drugs or adjusting the dose of interacting drugs.
Interdiffusion Behavior of Si/Si 1−x Ge x . Layers in Inert and Oxidizing Ambients

Interdiffusion of Si/Si 0.85 Ge 0.15 heterojunctions subjected to annealing in inert and oxidizing ambients was investigated as a function of temperature (900 to 1200 °C) and time, allowing comparison between intrinsic diffusion and diffusion under interstitial injection. The Ge diffusivity was extracted using the process simulation program FLOOPS. A time-independent diffusivity was observed for all temperatures. The calculated Ge diffusivity in oxidizing ambient was comparable to that in inert ambient indicating that the interstitial concentration plays a minimal role in interdiffusion. A fractional interstitial component, f 1 , equal to 0.10 is estimated for annealing temperatures in the range 900 to 1100 °C, while f 1 increases to approximately 0.17 at 1200 °C. This may indicate a change in diffusion mechanism at a temperature greater than 1100 °C
Predicting system interactions in the design process.

Almost every process has a predecessor, and studying the predecessor helps to define needs and shortcomings to be addressed in the new design. It also suggests what information is needed by the users in order for them to be able to operate safely and effectively. The end users of a system can provide important feedback to better evaluate the current and proposed designs. When new technology is introduced into a system, mishaps may occur before it is realized that human-system interactions were not considered adequately in the design process. A systematic methodology to evaluate the causes of these injuries and to develop remedial recommendations can enhance safety. This paper illustrates how such an approach was used to assess remote machine operation in underground coal mines.
A Multi-Timescale Map of Radiative and Nonradiative Decay Pathways for Excitons in CdSe Quantum Dots

A combination of transient absorption (TA) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopies performed on solution-phase samples of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) allows the construction of a time-resolved, charge carrier-resolved map of decay from the first excitonic state of the QD. Data from TA and TRPL yield the same six exponential components, with time constants ranging from ∼1 ps to 50 ns, for excitonic decay. Comparison of TA signals in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions enables determination of the relative contributions of electron and hole dynamics to each decay component, and comparison of TA and TRPL reveals that each component represents a competition between radiative and nonradiative decay pathways. In total, these data suggest that the QD sample comprises at least three distinct populations that differ in both the radiative and nonradiative decay pathways available to the excitonic charge carriers, and provide evidence for multiple emissive excitonic states in...
Stability analysis of a borehole wall during horizontal directional drilling

Abstract In this paper, numerical simulation strategies are proposed and numerical analyses are performed to investigate the stability of a borehole wall during horizontal directional drilling in loose sand with an emphasis on the role of the filter cake in borehole stability. Two computational scenarios, one in the absence of a filter cake and one with the presence of a filter cake in a borehole wall, are investigated by considering both deep and shallow borehole situations. In the case where no filter cake is formed, the soil–drilling fluid interaction analysis shows that the effective pressure on soil particles will quickly decrease to zero even at a low drilling fluid pressure because of the rapid drainage of the drilling fluids into the loose sands. This conforms to the classical liquefaction criterion, indicating that static (flow) liquefaction-based soil crumbling and sloughing will occur even at a very low drilling fluid pressure if an effective filter cake is not formed. Soil’s permeability effect on pore pressure and the transition to a steady flow are also studied. In the second scenario in which a filter cake is formed, the hydraulic fracture failures around the bores are investigated, which are caused by the expansion of the yielding zones. The yield zone sizes and critical drilling fluid pressures at the moment of hydraulic fracturing failure are calculated from the finite element analyses and the closed-form solution, which is based on classical plasticity theories. The critical fluid pressures from the finite element analyses and the closed-form solutions are very close, but there is a large discrepancy between the yield zone sizes.
Identification of the Mitochondrial Targeting Signal of the Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (hENT1) IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERSPECIES DIFFERENCES IN MITOCHONDRIAL TOXICITY OF FIALURIDINE

We have previously shown that the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is expressed and functional in the mitochondrial membrane and that this expression enhances the mitochondrial toxicity of the nucleoside drug, fialuridine (FIAU) (Lai, Y., Tse, C. M., and Unadkat, J. D. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 4490-4497). Here we report on identification of the mitochondrial targeting sequence of hENT1. Using confocal microscopy and different truncated and point mutants of hENT1-YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, we identified amino acid residues Pro(71),Glu(72), and Asn(74) (the PEXN motif) of hENT1 as important in mitochondrial targeting of hENT1. Identification of this mitochondrial targeting sequence provides a possible explanation for the dramatic difference in mitochondrial toxicity of FIAU between humans and rodents. Although the mouse ENT1 (mENT1), expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, can transport FIAU, confocal microscopy showed that mENT1-GFP (green fluorescent protein) was not localized to the mitochondria. Consistent with this observation, mitochondria isolated from mouse livers did not transport FIAU. Sequence alignment of hENT1, mENT1, and rat ENT1 (rENT1) showed that the PEXN motif of hENT1 was substituted with a PAXS motif in both mENT1 and rENT1. Substitution of PAXS in mENT1 with PEXN (to create mENT1-PEXN-GFP) and of PEXN in hENT1 with PAXS (to create hENT1-PAXS-YFP) resulted in partial mitochondrial localization of mENT1-PEXN-GFP and loss of mitochondrial localization of hENT1-PAXS-YFP. This is the first time that the mitochondrial targeting signal of hENT1 has been identified. Our data suggest that the lack of mitochondrial toxicity of FIAU in mice is due to the lack of mENT1 targeting to and expression in the mitochondria.
Fragrance material review on d-linalool

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of d-linalool when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Neutron diffraction from small numbers of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of manganese stearate

We report the observation of neutron diffraction from as few as three monolayers of manganese stearate on a plate of about 4-cm/sup 2/ area. These room-temperature (paramagnetic state) measurements could be adequately calculated on a laminar model of the crystal structure. Similar calculations, extended to a hypothetical magnetically ordered structure, indicate that the interlayer magnetic structure would be observable already with three layers of magnetic unit cells.
Quinn on Divine Commands and Moral Requirements

Critique des theses de Ph. Quinn, Divine Commands and Moral Requirements (Oxford, 1979) sur le "commandement divin" comme fondement de l'obligation morale. Confrontation avec le probleme de la pluralite des mondes possibles. L'A. montre qu'une veritable theorie du "commandement divin" doit pouvoir etablir que toutes les obligations morales sans exception reposent sur des commandements divins. Dans cette perspective, la "pluralite des mondes" ruine la theorie (il faut admettre le caractere moralement contraignant des commandements d'un Dieu cruel ou trompeur) ou la banalise.
Inhibition of herpes simplex virus by normal serum: its relationship to the properdin system.

Since the report of its discovery in 1954 (1), the properdin system has been associated directly or indirectly with a number of phenomena (bacteriolysis [2], virus neutralization [3, 4], destruction of Toxoplasma [5], lysis of abnormal erythrocytes [6], shock [7], resistance to bacteremia following irradiation [8], and resistance to transplantation with cancer cell homografts [9]) which impressively suggest that it plays an important role in inherent or natural resistance. Shortly after the initial report of the virucidal activity of the properdin system against Newcastle disease virus (10), we initiated a screening program to determine which viruses were sensitive to heat labile (properdin-like) factors in normal animal serums and reviewed the literature on this subject (11). In the course of this study, it was found that the herpes simplex virus was markedly susceptible to a heat labile factor in normal rat serum which bore
Infrared skiascopic measurements of refractive changes in dim illumination and in darkness.

A brief review of the literature on night myopia and empty field myopia and the disagreement over their causes is presented. Measurements of the refractive state of the eye in reduced illumination and in darkness were made using an infrared skiascope. For about half of the subjects, there was an increase in the refractive state of the eye as the illumination was lowered. The contribution of accommodation to the night myopia measured, was generally small. Under conditions of complete darkness, all of the subjects showed variable spasms of accommodation.
Hybrid Si/III-V Devices for Optical Interconnects

A hybrid silicon integrated broadband (60 nm) DFB array and high-speed modulator (50 Gbps) are presented, showing the potential of this technology for future transmitters in optical interconnects.
Synergism of an insect sex pheromone specialist neuron: Implications for component identification and receptor interactions

Extracellular recordings show that the response to the sex pheromone component, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7–12:Ac) by the HS(a) antennal olfactory specialist neuron of the cabbage looper,Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), is synergized by two synthetic sex pheromone analogs and two components of the female sex pheromone. Complementary behavioral measures of upwind flight and copulatory responses to mixtures ofZ7–12:Ac with the analogs and sex pheromone components in a wind tunnel produced behavioral evidence consistent with the neuron's electrophysiological responses. The phenomenon of receptor neuron synergism impacts several areas and provides a note of caution for common practices of identifying secondary sex pheromone components only from field traps and/or wind tunnel tests.
Performance and applicability of passive and low-energy cooling systems

Abstract The paper summarizes the state of the art of passive and low-energy cooling systems for buildings: comfort ventilation, nocturnal convective cooling, radiant cooling, direct and indirect evaporative cooling, and utilization of the soil as a cooling source for buildings. The factors which affect the performance of each cooling system, its design implications and its applicability for different building types and climatic conditions are discussed. Results are given of experimental studies, mainly by the author, evaluating the performance of various cooling systems.
Development of intrinsic membrane properties in mammalian retinal ganglion cells

It is now well established that retinal ganglion activity is essential to the normal development of the mammalian visual system. Moreover, it has been shown that the critical periods of activity occur well before the time when the retina is capable of detecting light. To better understand these activity-mediated events, patch-clamp studies have begun to examine the development of intrinsic membrane properties in isolated and intact retinal ganglion cells. Here we review the major findings of these studies and highlight the similarities in the functional development of ganglion cells in a number of mammalian species.
Immunologic response in vaccinated mice during long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract Swiss albino mice were continuously exposed to either 2 ppm NO2, 0.5 ppm NO2 with daily 1-hour peaks of 2 ppm NO2, 5 days a week, or to filtered air. After a 12-week exposure the mice were vaccinated with A2/Taiwan influenza virus vaccine and the exposures to the various environmental conditions continued for an additional 28 weeks. At 2 weeks after vaccination, the serum neutralizing (SN) antibody titers and SN seroconversion rates were depressed to a various extent in mice exposed to NO2. At 4 weeks after the vaccination and later, the SN antibody titers did not differ significantly among the various groups. Nonvaccinated mice exposed to NO2 for 12 weeks showed a marked decrease in concentrations (mg/ml) of serum IgA, and an increase in serum IgM, IgG1 and IgG2 immunoglobulins. When concentrations of immunoglobulins were adjusted for age of mice after vaccination, a significant elevation was observed in serum IgM, IgG1 and IgG2 of mice exposed to NO2 as compared to controls. During the 2-week period immediately following the vaccination, exposure to NO2 appeared to be the predominant factor influencing the percentage concentration of the four serum immunoglobulins.
Further studies on the subcellular localization of lipid-degrading enzymes

Abstract Further work on the subcellular localization of two lipid-degrading enzymes, lipolytic acyl hydrolase (LAH) and lipoxygenase (LOX) has been carried out on brassica florets, potato shoots and pea roots. In all cases, the LAH profile on sucrose and Ficoll density gradients was coincident with ‘lysosomal’ acid phosphatase activity. However, the localization of LOX activity was different for each tissue. In pea roots the activity of LOX was localized in the ‘lysosomal’ fraction, whereas with brassica florets (cauliflower and calabrese) it was present in a heavy body with a similar density to plastids and in potato shoots LOX gave only low particulate recoveries.
DRL performance in hamsters with septal lesions

Bilateral septal lesions in male golden hamsters resulted in an initial postoperative response reduction on a DRL 20-sec schedule of barpressing for saccharin solution reinforcement. The animals were not water deprived. When water deprivation was instituted, the lesioned animals showed significantly higher rates of responding than the controls. Fluid consumption tests indicated that the lesion effects were not due to changes in fluid intake or saccharin preference.
Emerging Magnetism Arising from Self Damage in α- and δ-Pu

As a consequence of the unusual nature of plutonium’s electronic structure, point- and extended-defects are expected to, and do exhibit extraordinary properties. Low temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements on Pu and fcc-Pu(Ga) show that the magnetic susceptibility increases as a function of time, yet upon annealing the specimen returns to its initial magnetic susceptibility. This excess magnetic susceptibility (EMS) arises from the alpha-decay and U recoil damage cascades which produce vacancy and interstitials as point and extended defects. The temperature of the first annealing stage defines a temperature (<35K) below which we are able to characterize the time and temperature evolution of the accumulating damage cascades as being a saturation function. The temperature dependence of the EMS is well described by a time independent, Curie-Weiss curve arising from a volumetric region surrounding each U damage cascade. This saturation picture also leads directly to a determination of the microscopic volume of the specimen that is affected by the frozen-in damage cascade. For our measurements in δ-Pu we calculate a diameter of the magnetically affected volume of ∼250A per damage cascade. This should be compared with an estimated volume that encloses the damage cascade itself (determined from molecular dynamics) of ∼100 A. Hence, the ratio of these volumes is ∼8. The observed anomalous magnetic behavior is likely a consequence of the highly correlated nature of the electrons. Similarities with defects in hole-doped superconductors suggest a general phenomenon in strongly correlated electron systems, of which Pu may be a particularly unusual or special example.
Feature binding, attention and object perception

The seemingly effortless ability to perceive meaningful objects in an integrated scene actually depends on complex visual processes. The 'binding problem' concerns the way in which we select and integrate the separate features of objects in the correct combinations. Experiments suggest that attention plays a central role in solving this problem. Some neurological patients show a dramatic breakdown in the ability to see several objects; their deficits suggest a role for the parietal cortex in the binding process. However, indirect measures of priming and interference suggest that more information may be implicitly available than we can consciously access.
Remote Monitoring of Freeze–Thaw Transitions in Arctic Soils Using the Complex Resistivity Method

Our ability to monitor freeze–thaw transitions is critical to developing a predictive understanding of biogeochemical transitions and carbon dynamics in high latitude environments. In this study, we conducted laboratory column experiments to explore the potential of the complex resistivity method for monitoring the freeze–thaw transitions of the arctic permafrost soils. Samples for the experiment were collected from the upper active layer of Gelisol soils at the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) in Barrow, Alaska. Freeze–thaw transitions were induced through exposing the soil column to controlled temperature environments at 4 and −20°C. Complex resistivity and temperature measurements were collected regularly during the freeze–thaw transitions using electrodes and temperature sensors installed along the column. During the experiments, over two orders of magnitude of resistivity variations were observed when the temperature was increased or decreased between −20 and 0°C. Smaller resistivity variations were also observed during the isothermal thawing or freezing processes that occurred near 0°C. Single frequency electrical phase response and imaginary conductivity at 1 Hz were found to be exclusively related to the unfrozen water in the soil matrix, suggesting that these geophysical attributes can be used as a proxy for the monitoring of the onset and progression of the freeze–thaw transitions. Spectral electrical responses and fitted Cole–Cole parameters contained additional information about the freeze–thaw transition affected by the soil grain size distribution. Specifically, a shift of the observed spectral response to lower frequency was observed during the isothermal thawing process, which we interpret to be due to sequential thawing, first from fine particles and then to coarse particles within the soil matrix. Our study demonstrates the potential of the complex resistivity method for remote monitoring of freeze–thaw transitions in arctic soils. Although conducted at the laboratory scale, this study provides the foundation for exploring the potential of the complex resistivity signals for monitoring spatiotemporal variations of freeze–thaw transitions over field-relevant scales.
'Hard Times, Hard Choices': marketing retrenchment as civic empowerment in an era of neoliberal crisis

*This article uses the moralized markets and markets as politics literatures in economic sociology to explore the emerging industry of private consultants who produce ‘democratic’ dialogues for organizational clients from all sectors. In multi-method field research, we (a) trace moralized processes by which market activity and political process are distinguished in an era of financial crisis, and (b) argue that the ability to produce authentic civic-ness is valuable specifically because distinctions between business, government and civil society have become less meaningful in contemporary neoliberal governance. Engagement consultants construct social and economic profits as interdependent and mutually reinforcing, while claiming protection from both business as usual and ordinary politics—a ‘positive’ outcome useful for budget-slashing and benefit-cutting at a moment when authorities face a loss of public faith. Such findings contribute to a better understanding of the historical resiliency of neoliberalism and reveal the meaning-centered dynamics of politicization in moralized markets.
As simple as [2+2]

Olefin cycloadditions, pericyclic reactions in which the relatively weak π bonds of these unsaturated species are swapped out for stronger σ bonds, are among the most widely exploited transformations in organic synthesis ( 1 ). Indeed, the Diels-Alder reaction—a [4π+2π] cycloaddition (a [4+2] cycloaddition for short) that forms six-membered rings from a diene (the 4π component) and an olefin (the 2π component)—has a storied history in the many branches of synthetic chemistry and proceeds readily under thermal conditions (see the figure, panel A) ( 2 ). However, a similarly fundamental pericyclic reaction—the corresponding [2+2] cycloaddition of two olefins, leading to cyclobutane rings—usually requires photochemical conditions to proceed efficiently, a fact enforced by the constraints of orbital symmetry ( 3 ). On page 960 of this issue, Hoyt et al. ( 4 ) report the development of catalysts based on iron that transform simple feedstock olefins into cyclobutanes through [2+2] cycloadditions under mild, thermal conditions.
Funktionen der Summe und der Differenz zweier Winkel

Nachdem wir in den vorhergehenden Paragraphen einige Satze der Trigonometrie kennen gelernt haben, Satze, die zum Berechnen der Stucke eines Dreiecks gebraucht werden konnen, wollen wir in diesem und den folgenden Paragraphen einige Formeln der Goniometrie, der Lehre von den Beziehungen der Winkelfunktionen untereinander, entwickeln. Insbesondere soll in diesem Paragraphen gezeigt werden, wie die goniometrischen Funktionen der Summe oder Differenz zweier Winkel aus den goniometrischen Funktionen dieser Winkel berechnet werden konnen.
Parapneumonic Effusion and Empyema in Children: Retrospective Review of the duPont Experience

Management of pediatric parapneumonic effusions and empyema remains controversial. Treatment includes antibiotics, chest tube, fibrinolytic therapy, video-assisted thoracoscopy and debridement, and open thoracotomy and decortication. A retrospective 10-year study was done to identify patient selection variables for specific therapies. Charts (n = 101) with diagnoses of empyema without comorbidity were reviewed, a database was developed, and variables between patients who did and did not receive thoracoscopic debridement were compared at admission and during hospitalization. The difference in positive culture reports with video-assisted thoracoscopy compared with medical management was significant (P < .018). Postsurgical patients used the intensive care unit and had 2 or more chest tubes with greater frequency than medically managed patients (P < .014, P < .002). Antibiotics, video-assisted thoracoscopy, and chest tube within 48 hours of admission shortened hospitalization by 4 days (P < .001) compared with delayed video-assisted thoracoscopy done after 48 hours of admission.
MRI diagnosis of muscle denervation from herpes zoster with discordant distribution of the skin rash

Herpes zoster is a common disorder characterized by a painful rash along a dermatome caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Muscle denervation injury from motor involvement is an uncommon phenomenon. Discordant distribution of the skin rash and motor nerve involvement, presenting as a skin rash in one body part and muscle weakness or pain from nerve involvement in another body part is an even more uncommonly reported finding. We present an unusual case of muscle denervation injury resulting from motor involvement of a peripheral nerve by VZV diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging with cutaneous manifestations in a different dermatomal distribution. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no similar case reported in the English radiology literature. We suggest that whenever a radiologist notices MRI findings suggesting denervation injury and a cause not readily identified, VZV-related denervation injury should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in an older immunocompromised patient.
Micromachined self-packaged W-band bandpass filters

Experimental and theoretical results are presented for membrane supported W-band bandpass filters which utilize silicon micromachining technology to create self-packaged, shielded circuits. A coupled line shielded microstrip implementation of a 5-element 0.5 dB equal ripple Chebyshev filter achieves a minimum insertion loss of 3.4 dB with a 6.1% bandwidth centered at 94.7 GHz. The measured filter performance shows very sharp cutoff with out of band attenuation better than 25 dB and input return loss better than 8 dB. Results are also presented for a 5-element filter that achieves a minimum insertion loss of 2.2 dB with an 11.3% bandwidth centered at 94.7 GHz, and a 3-element filter with 1.3 dB insertion loss and 16.4% bandwidth at 94.9 GHz. Efforts to model filter performance using commercially available software and FDTD techniques are discussed. >
Electromagnetic scattering and absorption by thin walled dielectric cylinders with application to ice crystals.

Important in the atmospheric heat balance are the reflection, transmission, and absorption of visible and infrared radiation by clouds and polluted atmospheres. Integral equations are derived to evaluate the scattering and absorption of electromagnetic radiation from thin cylindrical dielectric shells of arbitrary cross section when irradiated by a plane wave of any polarization incident in a plane perpendicular to the generators. Application of the method to infinitely long hexagonal cylinders has yielded numerical scattering and absorption data which simulate columnar sheath ice crystals. It is found that the numerical procedures are economical for cylinders having perimeters less than approximately fifteen free-space wavelengths.
Using the NAFX to measure the effectiveness over time of gene therapy in canine LCA.

Purpose—To use ocular motility recordings to determine the changes over time of infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) in RPE65-deficient canines with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and assess the time course of the recalibration of the ocular motor system (OMS). Methods—Nine dogs were treated bilaterally with AAV-RPE65. A second cohort of four dogs was treated with AAV2.RPE65, an optimized vector. Their fixation eye movements were recorded before treatment and at 4-week intervals for 3 months, by using high-speed (500 Hz) digital videography. The dogs were suspended in a sling and encouraged to fixate on distant (57 inches) targets at gaze angles varying between ±15° horizontally and ±10° vertically. The records for each eye were examined for qualitative changes in waveform and for quantitative changes in centralisation with the expanded nystagmus acuity function (NAFX) and compared with ERG results for restoration of receptor function. Results—First group: Before treatment, five of the dogs had clinically apparent INS with jerk, pendular, or both waveforms and with peak-to-peak amplitudes as great as 15°. One dog had intermittent nystagmus. At the 1- and 2-month examinations, no change in nystagmus waveform or NAFX was observed in any of the initial dogs, while at 10 weeks, one dog treated bilaterally with the standard dosage showed reduced nystagmus in only one eye. The other eye did not respond to treatment, as confirmed by ERG. This result was unexpected since it was previously documented that unilateral treatment leads to bilateral reduction of INS. The other dog treated with the standard dosage showed no reduction of its small-amplitude, high-frequency pendular nystagmus despite positive ERG responses. Second group: Only one dog of the four had clinically detectable INS, similar in characteristics to that seen in the affected dogs of the first group. Unlike any previous dog studied, this one showed a damping of the nystagmus within the first 4 weeks after treatment.
Proline-catalyzed asymmetric assembly reactions: enzyme-like assembly of carbohydrates and polyketides from three aldehyde substrates

Directed asymmetric assembly of simple achiral building blocks into stereochemically complex molecules like triketides has been described for the first time using l-proline catalyzed asymmetric double aldol reactions. The product pyranoses contain four asymmetric centers constructed under proline catalysis in a highly diastereoselective and modestly enantioselective fashion from three aldehyde molecules. These results suggest that the construction of complex products from simple starting materials is within the realm of organocatalysis involving the simple naturally occurring amino acid l-proline. Our successful assembly of pyranoses from simple aldehydes under proline catalysis suggests that this approach may warrant consideration as a prebiotic route to sugars and polyketides.