cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N 6 -methyladenosine-dependent RNA structural switches regulate RNA–protein interactions

RNA-binding proteins control many aspects of cellular biology through binding single-stranded RNA binding motifs (RBMs). However, RBMs can be buried within their local RNA structures, thus inhibiting RNA-protein interactions. N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A), the most abundant and dynamic internal modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA, can be selectively recognized by the YTHDF2 protein to affect the stability of cytoplasmic mRNAs, but how m(6)A achieves its wide-ranging physiological role needs further exploration. Here we show in human cells that m(6)A controls the RNA-structure-dependent accessibility of RBMs to affect RNA-protein interactions for biological regulation; we term this mechanism 'the m(6)A-switch'. We found that m(6)A alters the local structure in mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) to facilitate binding of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), an abundant nuclear RNA-binding protein responsible for pre-mRNA processing. Combining photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) and anti-m(6)A immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) approaches enabled us to identify 39,060 m(6)A-switches among HNRNPC-binding sites; and global m(6)A reduction decreased HNRNPC binding at 2,798 high-confidence m(6)A-switches. We determined that these m(6)A-switch-regulated HNRNPC-binding activities affect the abundance as well as alternative splicing of target mRNAs, demonstrating the regulatory role of m(6)A-switches on gene expression and RNA maturation. Our results illustrate how RNA-binding proteins gain regulated access to their RBMs through m(6)A-dependent RNA structural remodelling, and provide a new direction for investigating RNA-modification-coded cellular biology.
Octahedral Tilting in Perovskites. II. Structure Stabilizing Forces

The 23 Glazer tilt systems describing octahedral tilting in perovskites have been investigated. The various tilt systems have been compared in terms of their A-cation coordination and it is shown that those tilt systems in which all the A-cation sites remain crystallographically equivalent are strongly favored, when all the A sites are occupied by the same ion. Calculations based on both ionic and covalent models have been performed to compare the seven equivalent A-site tilt systems. Both methods predict that when the tilt angles become large, the orthorhombic a+b−b− tilt system will result in the lowest energy structure. This tilt system gives the lowest energy structure because it maximizes the number of short A—O interactions. The rhombohedral a−a−a− tilt system gives a structure with a slightly lower Madelung energy, but increased ion–ion repulsions destabilize this structure as the tilt angles increase. Consequently, it is stabilized by highly charged A cations and small to moderate tilt angles. The ideal cubic a0a0a0 tilt system is only observed when stabilized by oversized A cations and/or M—O π-bonding. Tilt systems with nonequivalent A-site environments are observed when at least two A cations with different sizes and/or bonding preferences are present. In these compounds the ratio of large-to-small cations dictates the most stable tilt system.
Influence of sex-role identity on two indices of social anxiety

Abstract The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between sex-role identity and two measures of self-reported social anxiety. The Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SAD), and Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE) were administered to 23 male and 26 female undergraduate students. Generally, sex role was associated with social anxiety for women, but not for men. Androgynous women reported the least anxiety, sex-role stereotyped women reported a moderate amount, and undifferentiated women reported the most anxiety of all groups. Results were interpreted in light of conflicting hypotheses of androgyny rather than masculinity being associated with greater adjustment and the value of a situational analysis of behaviors associated with sex-role orientation.
The north‐east trade of the Pacific Ocean

First, the structure of the trade in the Pacific Ocean north-east of the Hawaiian Islands is shown with the use of vertical cross-sections, which extend to 3 km and include the fields of temperature, moisture, and motion. It is shown that the trade-wind inversion cannot be a discontinuity that separates an upper dry and lower moist layer. Downward transfer of mass through the inversion takes place. Next, the balance of heat and moisture is calculated. Although the use of several assumptions and approximate procedures is involved, a rather satisfactory result is obtained. In accordance with previous studies, the net heat export appears to be in the form of latent heat. The concluding section first offers a hypothesis concerning the destruction of the trade inversion. This is followed by a calculation of the momentum balance and a discussion of the mechanisms that distribute moisture and momentum in the vertical.
Performance of Albino and Normal Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Different Water Temperatures

Experiments to determine effects of skin colour on growth in different water temperatures were conducted with albino and normally pigmented channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). In Experiment 1, fish were reared in 29°C, 27°C, or 22°C water from hatching to 40 weeks of age. Two additional groups were initially reared in 27°C water for either 12 or 16 weeks and in 22°C water for either the remaining 28 or 24 weeks, respectively. Results indicated that: (1) albino fish reared in 29°C water were superior in growth to normal fish; (2) albino fish did not differ from normal fish in growth when reared in either 27°C or 22°C water; (3) albino fish were inferior in growth to normal fish when reared in 27°C water for either 12 or 16 weeks of the 40-week growth period; (4) genetic differences between families and the age of fish strongly influenced relative growth of both colour types; and (5) both albino and normal catfish were able to compensate in growth at a later age. Experiment 2 began when fish were 48 weeks old and included both albino and normal fish which were either full-siblings or not genetically related. Results indicated that: (1) albinos and normal catfish did not respond differently to a 5°C water temperature change; (2) genetically related and randomly selected albino and normal fish produced consistent results concerning water temperature, skin pigmentation, and sex effects on growth; (3) increasing water temperature from 22°C to 27°C for 19 weeks resulted in increased weight and length of the fish by 144 and 80%, respectively; and (4) growth increase during the first 19-week period resulting from the higher water temperature was followed by a significant increase in the subsequent 10-week growth when the fish were in the lower water temperature.
Tables for Shortest Confidence Intervals on the Standard Deviation and Variance Ratio from Normal Distributions

Abstract Tables are presented for Bayes shortest posterior intervals on the standard deviation and variance ratio of normal distributions. A general procedure for obtaining such intervals is reviewed, and a discussion of frequentist shortest intervals is given along with frequentist interpretations of the intervals from these tables.
Response matrix of an extended Bonner sphere system

Abstract We have developed a system of Bonner spheres designed for use around high-energy accelerators. The upper energy limit of the system was extended using a lead radiator, which acts as an energy converter via the (n, x n) reaction. In addition, we use 11 C activation as an additional component integrated into the system and the spectra unfolding process. In the first version of the system, the lead radiator was present in only one sphere with diameter of 30.48 cm. The object of the present work was to investigate the geometry of the lead radiator and its use in moderators of several different sizes. As a result, we have developed a modular design and calculated the response matrix of the new system.
On sequential tests of ratio of variances based on range

The idea of using range in place of sample standard deviation in sequential testing of hypotheses is not new. Cox (1949) proposed a sequential test based on sample range for the simple hypothesis of testing the standard deviation of a normal population. He and later Rushton (1952) constructed a sequential test based on the ratio of two mean ranges for testing the ratio of standard deviations of two normal populations. Quite recently Gilchrist (1961) proposed a sequential range test for the mean of a normal population. The purpose of the present note is to discuss some possible sequential procedures based on sample range and mean range for the ratio of two variances, o- and o2, of two distinct normal populations with known or unknown means. More precisely, our problem is to discriminate between the pair of composite hypotheses
Evaluation of Glanded and Glandless Cottonseed Products in Catfish Diets

Abstract Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets in which either glanded or glandless cottonseed products were substituted for soybean and/or peanut meals, were fed to age-0 channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus for a period of 10 weeks. All diets were supplemented with lysine HCl. Based on growth, feed conversion and survival data defatted, glandless cottonseed flour supplemented with lysine appears to be an adequate protein for use in channel catfish diets. Growth of fish fed either glanded cottonseed meal or fullfat, glandless cottonseed flour was depressed when compared to fish fed defatted, glandless cottonseed flour as the sole plant protein source. Whole body fatty acid patterns reflected dietary fat composition.
Phenol block of the tibial nerve for spasticity: A long-term follow-up study

Ninety-two tibial nerve blocks with phenol were performed in 59 patients for treatment of severe spasticity of the foot. The Achilles tendon reflex was abolished, ankle clonus was eliminated and resistance to passive stretch was reduced substantially following the procedure in all patients. Significant functional gains were observed as a result of decrease in spasticity with long-term follow-up averaging 28.7 months (range 14-60). The simplicity of the procedure, the functional results observed with long-lasting effects, and the lack of serious complications, would suggest the more widespread use of this procedure in the treatment of the spastic foot.
LIN-28 co-transcriptionally binds primary let-7 to regulate miRNA maturation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The C. elegans microRNA let-7 regulates developmental progression, and human let-7 has been implicated in disease. Examination of endogenous let-7 expression in C. elegans now reveals a complex regulation process whereby pri-let-7 is regulated transcriptionally with oscillations during each larval stage, and co-transcriptionally by LIN-28 which prevents mature microRNA accumulation during early larval stages.
Restoration of regeneration potential of long-term cultures of red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) by elevated sucrose levels.

A tissue culture protocol for restoring embryogenic ability and increasing green plant regeneration from long-term callus (5-year old) and suspension cultures of “Dawson” red fescue (Festuca rubra var trichyoplylla Gaud) was developed. Pretreatment with elevated levels of sucrose over the standard level (60 mM) enhanced regeneration capacity and decreased the number of albino plants. The highest degree of embryogenesis and green shoot number occurred when calli were pre-treated on MS basal medium supplemented with 120 mM sucrose. Mannitol caused callus discoloration and death if added to pre-treatment media at 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 mM. Cell suspension growth was greatest when 135 mM sucrose was added to the pre-treatment growth media. High concentrations of sucrose (135 and 180 mM) were necessary for plant regeneration from suspension aggregates pretreated with 135 or 180 mM sucrose and then plated on a growth regulator-free regeneration medium composed of half-strength MS salts and B5 vitamins.
The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens in the brain differs markedly in acute and persistent infections with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)

Intracranial inoculation of immunocompetent mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) induces a fatal neurologic illness. In this disease a marked increase in MHC class I expression was found, closely associated with viral antigens and inflammatory infiltrates, in meninges, choroid plexus and ventricular ependyma but not within the brain parenchyma. Immunosuppression prevented MHC induction. Mice inoculated at birth had persistent infections, with LCMV antigens found primarily in neurons, but no inflammatory cells or focal increase in MHC class I. Failure of infected neurons to express MHC class I allows them to escape destruction by cytotoxic T cells (CTL) but may increase their susceptibility to be persistently infected by non-lytic viruses.
The Use of Chromatic Information for Motion Segmentation: Differences between Psychophysical and Eye-Movement Measures

Previous psychophysical studies have shown that chromatic (red/green) information can be used as a segmentation cue for motion integration. We investigated the mechanisms mediating this phenomenon by comparing chromatic effects (and, for comparison, luminance effects) on motion integration between two measures: (i) directional eye movements with the notion that these responses are mediated mainly by low-level motion mechanisms, and (ii) psychophysical reports, with the notion that subjects' reports should employ higher-level (attention-based) mechanisms if available. To quantify chromatic (and luminance) effects on motion integration, coherent motion thresholds were obtained for two conditions, one in which the signal and noise dots were the same 'red' or 'green' chromaticity (or the same 'bright' or 'dark' luminance), referred to as homogeneous, and the other in which the signal and noise dots were of different chromaticities (or luminances), referred to as heterogeneous. 'Benefit ratios' (theta(HOM)/theta(HET)) were then computed, with values significantly greater than 1.0 indicating that chromatic (or luminance) information serves as a segmentation cue for motion integration. The results revealed a high and significant chromatic benefit ratio when the measure was based on psychophysical report, but not when it was based on an eye-movement measure. By contrast, luminance benefit ratios were roughly the same (and significant) for both measures. For comparison to adults, eye-movement data were also obtained from 3-month-old infants. Infants showed marginally significant benefit ratios in the luminance, but not in the chromatic, condition. In total, these results suggest that the use of chromatic information as a segmentation cue for motion integration relies on higher-level mechanisms, whereas luminance information works mainly through low-level motion mechanisms.
Cyclic AMP increases the concentration of insulin receptors in cultured fibroblasts and lymphocytes.

Abstract Incubation of SV40 transformed fibroblasts with dibutyryl cyclic AMP, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, or 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, produced a two-fold increase in insulin receptor concentration without an effect on receptor affinity. The increase was dose-dependent, was observed after 8 hrs of treatment, and reached a maximum level by 12 to 24 hours. Upon removal of the nucleotide, receptor number decreased towards basal level. Incubation of cultured human lymphocytes (IM-9 line) with cyclic AMP derivatives or MIX also increased the number of insulin receptors without an alteration in receptor affinity. This effect was partially blocked by inhibition of protein synthesis and was independent of changes in cell cycle. The increase in insulin receptors was a specific response to cyclic AMP as the number of receptors for human growth hormone was unaltered. Incubation with 8-bromo-cyclic GMP did not alter the level of insulin binding.
Influence of biochar pyrolysis temperature and post-treatment on the uptake of mercury from flue gas

Abstract Thermal processing, or pyrolysis, of plant and animal waste under oxygen limiting conditions results in a carbonized material called biochar. Most often, the proposed use for the biochar is in soil applications as a conditioner or for the purpose of carbon sequestration. In this paper we demonstrate that this material can also be used as mercury sorbent in flue gas applications. Four different raw materials (almond shells, cottonseed hulls, lignin, and chicken manure) were pyrolyzed at four different temperatures (350, 500, 650, and 800 °C) and washed or left unwashed. These materials were systematically evaluated for their potential to sorb mercury from a simulated flue gas. The materials that performed the best were washed biochars made from poultry manure at 650 and 800 °C, and these materials sorbed over 95% of the mercury from the flue gas. It was also shown that the majority of mercury sorbed to the biochar at 150 °C was stable and was not thermally desorbed at 450 °C, suggesting the presence of sorbed oxidized mercury species such as HgSO 4 or HgO.
Family history of early cardiovascular disease in children with moderate to severe hypercholesterolemia: relationship to lipoprotein (a) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Abstract Lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) is an established cardiovascular risk factor in adults. We sought to evaluate whether raised Lp(a) levels were predictive of a family history of early cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children already at increased risk for premature atherosclerosis because of elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Lp(a) and serum lipid levels were measured in 69 children and offspring with established moderate to severe hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol >170 mg/dL) who were aged 10.7 ± 4.3 years (range 1.5 to 21 years) and had been referred to a pediatric lipid center. The children represented families with a positive (n = 27) or negative (n = 42) history for premature CVD (
Race, health, and the African Diaspora.

Health inequalities exist throughout the African Diaspora and are viewed in this article as largely color-coded. In developed developing and undeveloped nations today "racial" stratification is consistently reflected in an inability to provide adequate health regardless of national policy or ideology. For instance African Americans experience less than adequate health care very similar to Blacks in Britain in spite of each nations differing health systems. Latin Americas Africana Negra communities experience poorer health similar to Blacks throughout the Caribbean. The African continent itself is arguably the poorest on earth. A common history of racism correlates with health disparities across the African Diaspora. (authors)
Statistical trend analysis and classification of Lake Erie with size-fractionated primary production changes

The article uses exploratory and change-point methods to investigate changes in the level and spatial pattern of size-fractionated primary productivity in Lake Erie during the summers of 1992 and 1996. In July 1992 and 1996 primary productivity measurements were made at 44 and 34 sampling stations, respectively, and separated into three size classes ( 20 w m). Spatially, the overall productivity increased gradually from east to west, with the medium size class showing the highest rate of increase. The 1996 productivity was higher than that of the 1992 in almost all size classes. The 1996 level appears to be nearly proportional to the 1992 level for the medium and larger size classes. For the small size class, the increase occurs only in the western region of the Lake. These findings were supported graphically and by statistical modelling. Using geographical coordinates of sampling locations as explanatory variables, change-point analysis is used to separate the lake into regions such...
Development of a biologically-based controlled growth and differentiation model for developmental toxicology.

A mathematical model is developed with a highly controlled birth and death process for precursor cells. This model is both biologically- and statistically-based. The controlled growth and differentiation (CGD) model limits the number of replications allowed in the development of a tissue or organ and thus, more closely reflects the presence of a true stem cell population. Leroux et al. (1996) presented a biologically-based dose-response model for developmental toxicology that was derived from a partial differential equation for the generating function. This formulation limits further expansion into more realistic models of mammalian development. The same formulae for the probability of a defect (a system of ordinary differential equations) can be derived through the Kolmogorov forward equations due to the nature of this Markov process. This modified approach is easily amenable to the expansion of more complicated models of the developmental process such as the one presented here. Comparisons between the Leroux et al. (1996) model and the controlled growth and differentiation (CGD) model as developed in this paper are also discussed.
Response familiarization and the associative phase of paired-associate learning

Performance in a paired-associate (PA) task where response term recall (R) had been eliminated through the use of multiple-choice test trials failed to be facilitated by 20 trials of prior R-term familiarization. These results are seen to favor the view that enhanced R-term availability, not differentiation, accounts for the facilitation of PA performance by R-term familiarization when the PA task requires R-term recall.
The visual attractor illusion

In many visual illusions, the perceived features of an object such as its size or orientation are influenced by nearby objects. In contrast, the presence of nearby, static objects often enhances the perceived spatial location of another object. Here we present a type of visual illusion in which the presence of a static object alters another object's perceived location. Participants localized the edge of a briefly presented and masked target object. Localization was accurate when the masked target was presented in isolation. However, when another nearby object was presented at the same time as the target, localization deviated toward the nearby object (the "attractor"). This "visual attractor illusion" was stronger when the attractor object was task-relevant rather than irrelevant and diminished as the experiment progressed, suggesting that it was modulated by attention. Visual transients also play an important role in the illusion, which depends on the sudden onset of the attractor object and backward masking of the target. We suggest that the brief appearance of an object (the attractor) distorts perceptual space and draws in the perceived location of a neighboring object. Alternatively, localization of a masked target may be weighted toward the position of a concurrently presented visual transient.
A new comprehensive approach to characterizing carbonaceous aerosol with an application to wintertime Fresno, California PM 2.5

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) samples were collected during a three week winter period in Fresno (CA). A composite sample was characterized by isolating several distinct fractions and characterizing them by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. More than 80% of the organic matter in the aerosol samples was recovered and characterized. Only 35% of the organic matter was water soluble with another third soluble in dichloromethane and the remainder insoluble. Within the isolated water soluble material, hydrophobic acid and hydrophilic acids plus neutrals fractions contained the largest amounts of carbon. The hydrophobic acids fraction appears to contain significant amounts of lignin type structures, spectra of the hydrophilic acids plus neutrals fraction are indicative of carbohydrates and secondary organic material. The dichloromethane soluble fraction contains a variety of organic compound families typical of many previous studies of organic aerosol speciation, including alkanes, alkanols, alkanals and alkanoic acids. Finally the water and solvent insoluble fraction exhibits a strong aromaticity as one would expect from black or elemental carbon like material; however, these spectra also show a substantial amount of aliphaticity consistent with linear side chains on the aromatic structures.
The Theoretical Basis for the Parameterization of Ice Crystal Habits: Growth by Vapor Deposition

Abstract A theoretical analysis of surface kinetic and gas-phase diffusional effects permits the growth rates and habits of ice crystals to be specified in a self-consistent way. The analysis makes use of the fact that the difference between the condensation coefficients of the prism and basal faces determines the primary crystal habits, whereas the spatial variations of the vapor density contribute to the secondary habits. The parameterization scheme that results from the theoretical analysis yields a power law relationship between the a and c axial lengths that matches earlier empirical formulas derived from observational data for the temperature range of −30° to 0°C. Through application of this adaptive parameterization in a microphysical model that categorizes ice particles according to both their masses and shapes, it is shown that deviations from the power law relationship may develop if the crystals experience significant variations in the air temperature and in their inherent growth habits. A mass...
Thermal degradation kinetics of polystyrene in solution

The thermal degradation of polystyrene dissolved in mineral oil was investigated at 240–300 °C. Samples were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography to obtain the dependence of polymer molecular weight distributions (MWDs) on reaction time. Experimental data indicated that polystyrene degrades both by random chain scission and specific chain-end scission. The existence of weak links was evident, as indicated by rapid chain scission during an initial time period. The MWDs were analyzed with a continuous-mixture kinetics model to obtain separate rate coefficients for weak-link and strong-link scission. Rate coefficients for the specific chain-end degradation of polystyrene to monomers and oligomers were also obtained. Activation energies of the weak- and strong-link rate coefficients were 2.5 and 7.5 kcalmol, and chain-end scission activation energies were 0.6 and 0.3 kcalmol for monomer and oligomer production, respectively.
Full-Dose Gemcitabine and Concurrent Radiotherapy for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose: Full-dose gemcitabine and concurrent radiotherapy is a promising treatment approach in unresectable pancreatic cancer. This study was conducted to assess the pattern of failure and toxicity associated with the use of conformal treatment volumes, omitting prophylactic lymph node irradiation. Methods and Materials: Seventy-four patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer were treated between 1997 and 2005 with full-dose (1000 mg/m{sup 2}, Days 1, 8, and 15) gemcitabine and concurrent radiotherapy (36 Gy [median] in 15 daily fractions). The planning target volume (PTV) was limited to the gross tumor volume (GTV) plus 1-cm margin. Patient computed tomography (CT) scans were systematically reviewed to determine the pattern of failure. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression models were used to analyze freedom from local progression (FFLP), distant failure, overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Results: With a median follow-up of 10.6 months (20.6 months in living patients), the 1-year and 2-year FFLP rates were 64% and 38%, respectively. Four patients (5%) failed in the peripancreatic lymph nodes (3 in-field and 1 marginal failure). Median OS was 11.2 months. Analyzed as a time-dependent covariate, local failure was a significant predictor of OS (p = 0.0074). Sixteen patients (22%) had significant gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity ({>=} Grade 3). PTV correlatedmore » with significant GI toxicity (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Freedom from local progression in unresectable pancreatic cancer is suboptimal. In conjunction with full-dose gemcitabine, the use of conformal fields encompassing only the GTV helps reduce toxicity and does not result in marginal failures. Our findings provide rationale for intensification of local therapy in conjunction with more effective systemic therapy.« less
Improvements in the RT-PCR detection of enteric viruses in environmental samples

Current methods for the detection of nucleic acid from enteric viruses in environmental samples usually involve extensive concentration and purification of target viruses followed by RT-PCR amplification using two enzymes, reverse transcriptase and Taq polymerase. We have developed a modified method that improves RT-PCR assays by: (i) the use of an RT-PCR internal standard control RNA to identify potential false negative results caused by inhibition of RT-PCR enzymes; (ii) the use of rTth (Perkin-Elmer, Foster City, CA), a heat-stable enzyme that functions as both a reverse transcriptase and DNA polymerase in a single-tube, single-buffer, elevated-temperature reaction; and (iii) the use of thermolabile uracil N-glycosylase (HK-UNG) (Epicentre Technologies, Madison, WI) to prevent PCR product carryover contamination. The new method was compared to the traditional two-enzyme, RT-PCR method for detection of Norwalk virus (NV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in buffer, stool, clam and oyster samples. The new method was at least as sensitive in NV and HAV detection compared to the traditional two-enzyme method. The internal standard control successfully detected inhibitors to RT-PCR amplification. NV and HAV PCR products generated with dUTP replacing dTTP during amplification were seeded into subsequent samples to test the prevention of PCR product carryover contamination by HK-UNG. The new method successfully eliminated PCR product carryover contamination in contrast to the traditional two-enzyme method. These improvements to viral nucleic acid detection have the potential to improve sensitivity, specificity and confidence in RT-PCR results.
The influence of heart rate on ouabain cardiotoxicity in cats with spinal cord transection

The dose, serum level and ventricular content of ouabain needed to produce cardiotoxicity were examined in control cats, cats with transected spinal cords and cats with transected spinal cords whose heart rates were restored to control values by artificial pacing. The lethal dose of ouabain was higher in cats with transected spinal cords and not paced than it was in the control group. However, the lethal dose of ouabain in spinal-sectioned cats with ventricular pacing was no different from that in controls. However, in both groups of spinal-sectioned cats, death was associated with higher ventricular and serum levels of ouabain than in controls. The ventricular ouabain content of paced animals with transected spinal cords was higher than that of controls and lower than that of unpaced spinal cats. Thus, restoration of heart rate to control levels in spinal animals appeared to accelerate myocardial ouabain uptake. The lower myocardial ouabain content in the spinal-sectioned animals which were paced suggests that pacing sensitizes the heart to cardiotoxicity. Spinal section itself appears to decrease the sensitivity to ouabain partly through a decrease in cardiac rate and partly through a loss of neurogenic influence.
First-principles studies of structures and stabilities of Pb/Si(111)

Various structures of Pb/Si(111) from 1/6 ML to 4/3 ML are investigated using first-principles calculations. Our calculations for the 1/6-ML mosaic phase and 1/3-ML $\ensuremath{\beta}$-phase yield good agreement with the experimental results. The higher coverage range $1/3l\ensuremath{\theta}l4/3\mathrm{ML}$ has been controversial experimentally, especially close to 4/3 ML with several different phases being observed $(\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{7},$ hexagonal incommensurate, striped incommensurate, etc.). We compare the unit cell energies of different structures to deduce the energetically favorable ones. Structures consisting of very flat Pb overlayers have lower energy than missing-top-layer structures or structures with stacking faults. This is in very good agreement with experiments which measure high Pb mobility on the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase.
Femtosecond time-resolved laser-induced desorption of positive ions from MgO

We have used the pump-probe technique to measure the photostimulated positive ion yield as a function of time delay between two sub-threshold femtosecond laser pulses. We find that the ion yield from UV femtosecond irradiated MgO depends critically on the laser pulse delay, Δt, in two-pulse experiments. In single-pulse experiments, excitation of MgO produces a variety of ions including Mg+, MgO+, and a significant yield of H+. In contrast, if the femtosecond laser pulse is split into two sub-threshold beams and then recombined with a variable time delay, the ion yield may be drastically altered depending on the delay between pulses. The Mg+ desorption yield displays three distinct lifetimes and persists for laser delays of over 100 ps. A pulse delay of only Δt=500 fs nearly eliminates ion desorption except for Mg+. The use of a pair of delayed femtosecond laser pulses can thus control the species of the desorbed ion. The mechanism for femtosecond laser desorption is clearly different from nanosecond laser desorption. We hypothesize that the creation of electron-hole pairs by nonresonant two-photon excitation contributes to the ultrafast desorption mechanism.
Effect of Rations on the pH and Microflora in Selected Regions of the Intestinal Tract of Chickens

Abstract NUMEROUS investigations have been conducted on the pH pattern of the chicken’s digestive tract (Olson and Mann,. 1935; Mayhew, 1935; Heller and Penquite, 1936; Mussehl et al., 1935; and Beach, 1935). Evidence has also been presented that the carbohydrate component of a chicken’s ration can affect the flora recovered from fecal droppings (Johansson et al., 1948; and Wiseman, 1953). In Wiseman’s study, definitely lower average bacterial counts were observed in nearly ail the intestinal regions of chickens fed rations containing either B-grade molasses or low-grade sugar as the major carbohydrate component of the ration, in contrast with bacterial counts from chickens fed yellow corn meal. It was not possible to explain the differences in the representation of the bacterial groups, inasmuch as it was not known to what extent the various carbohydrate feedstuffs influenced the pH and the microflora in each region of the chicken’s alimentary canal. The investigation reported …
Relating pulmonary oxygen uptake to muscle oxygen consumption at exercise onset : in vivo and in silico studies

Assessment of the rate of muscle oxygen consumption, UO2m, in vivo during exercise involving a large muscle mass is critical for investigating mechanisms regulating energy metabolism at exercise onset. While UO2m is technically difficult to obtain under these circumstances, pulmonary oxygen uptake, VO2p, can be readily measured and used as a proxy to UO2m. However, the quantitative relationship between VO2p and UO2m during the nonsteady phase of exercise in humans, needs to be established. A computational model of oxygen transport and utilization—based on dynamic mass balances in blood and tissue cells—was applied to quantify the dynamic relationship between model-simulated UO2m and measured VO2p during moderate (M), heavy (H), and very heavy (V) intensity exercise. In seven human subjects, VO2p and muscle oxygen saturation, StO2m, were measured with indirect calorimetry and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), respectively. The dynamic responses of VO2p and StO2m at each intensity were in agreement with previously published data. The response time of muscle oxygen consumption, \(\tau_{{\rm UO}_{{2{\rm m}}}},\) estimated by direct comparison between model results and measurements of StO2m was significantly faster (P < 0.001) than that of pulmonary oxygen uptake, \(\tau_{{\rm VO}_{{2{\rm p}}}},\) (M: 13 ± 4 vs. 65 ± 7 s; H: 13 ± 4 vs. 100 ± 24 s; V: 15 ± 5 vs. 82 ± 31 s). Thus, by taking into account the dynamics of oxygen stores in blood and tissue and determining muscle oxygen consumption from muscle oxygenation measurements, this study demonstrates a significant temporal dissociation between UO2m and VO2p at exercise onset.
Low Cost Region Detection from Distributed Sensor Observations

The applications of wireless sensor networks often require region representations of the phenomena that the networks monitor for visualization and interaction with spatial databases. However, there is a fundamental gap between the point-based sensor observation of non-regular sensor deployment and the spatio-temporal phenomena represented by regions. This paper proposes to bridge the gap by providing low-communication-cost approaches to create regions from the distributed sensors. The solution is based on Spatial Grid partition and the task is distributed among a set of sensors called ``cell leaders''. We formalize the problem of cell-leader selection with the objective of minimizing sensor communication cost. We propose two heuristic algorithms, i.e., Greedy Lattice Search and Subregion Centroid Approximation. We also propose Energy-Aware Local Update model to allow the dynamic re-assignment of cell leaders. The experiments performed on a real sensor observation dataset demonstrated that our heuristic approaches can achieve much better communication cost compared with the baseline methods.
Uterine artery embolization as a treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a review of literature and case report.

Purpose: To provide a case presentation and review of the literature on uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a treatment alternative for symptomatic uterine fibroids and to guide the nurse practitioner (NP) in patient selection, education, and periprocedural management of patients undergoing this procedure. Data sources: Research articles, clinical articles, and case studies pertaining to UAE. Conclusions: UAE is a safe, well tolerated, and effective nonsurgical treatment option for symptomatic uterine fibroids. This uterus-sparing procedure has low complication rates with excellent clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction rates. The majority of women who undergo UAE report marked reduction in the severity of fibroid specific symptoms and significant improvement in their quality of life. Implications for practice: Uterine fibroids are common in women and often produce symptoms that have a negative impact on quality of life. The NP is instrumental in identifying which patients may be appropriate candidates for UAE, educating them about the risks and benefits of the procedure, and managing these patients before and after the procedure.
Photoproduction of high-mass kaon pairs

This paper reports a measurement of the photoproduction of charged-kaon pairs from hydrogen which was carried out to search for high-mass resonances in the mass range from 1.4 to 2.4 GeV. The only structure observed in the mass spectrum was a dip near 1.83 GeV. An analysis of the data indicates that this structure could be produced by a high-mass meson with a mass of about 1.83 GeV and a width of roughly 120 MeV which interfers with the kaon Soeding amplitude.
Electron transfer and transient radicals in organometallic chemistry

Abstract The variety of reactions available with metal carbonyls, both as mononuclear species and polynuclear clusters, is used to underscore the importance of electron transfer, transient radicals and ion radicals in organometallic chemistry.
The Field of Nonprofit and Voluntary Action Research: Then and Now

The author assesses the development of research on voluntary associations and nonprofit organizations in the twenty years since he founded the Association for Voluntary Action Scholars and the Journal of Voluntary Action Research, predecessors of the current Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action and the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. The discussion pays particular attention to the growth of research centers, the publication of seminal books reviewing the field, and the expansion of research money available to scholars.
Effects of chronic exposure to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine on inner retinal structures.

Effects of chronic exposure to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine on inner retinal structures
Many but not all Genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are Regulated by the Circadian Clock

: Total RNA from autotrophic Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultures grown in constant dim light and 17 °C constant temperature was subjected to Northern blot analyses. The mRNAs for cytochrome c, β-tubulin, HSP70B (a chloroplastic heat shock protein of the 70 kD family), chloroplastic fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, and GAS3 (a “gamete-specific” protein of unknown function with high expression in gametes but low expression in vegetative cells) each exhibit a clear circadian rhythm in abundance. The rhythms differ significantly in phase and amplitude. The findings show that the genes for cytochrome c and β-tubulin indeed are regulated by the circadian clock, as previously suggested. Experiments with cultures grown at 27 °C instead of 17 °C further revealed that the rhythms in mRNA abundance for HSP70B, chloroplastic aldolase, and GAS3 also occur with a similar period at the higher temperature. Thus, the rhythms conform to the criterion of temperature compensation for the period and therefore represent true circadian rhythms. In contrast, the combined amount of mRNA for ubiquitin 52 amino acid fusion protein and ubiquitin 78 to 81 amino acid fusion protein stays constant under both temperature conditions. Because the combined amount of mRNA for the ubiquitin fusion proteins was previously shown to cycle under diurnal conditions when cell division activity is high, our data suggest a regulation of these genes by the cell division cycle and not the circadian clock. In summary, our data, together with several other reports, suggest that the circadian clock regulates many but not all genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Surface chemistry of CO2 – Adsorption of carbon dioxide on clean surfaces at ultrahigh vacuum

Abstract Carbon dioxide chemistry has attracted significant interest in recent years. Although the field is diverse, a current and more comprehensive review of the surface science literature may be of interest for a variety of communities since environmental chemistry, energy technology, materials science, catalysis, and nanocatalysis are certainly affected by gas–surface properties. The review describes surface phenomena and characterization strategies highlighting similarities and differences, instead of providing only a list of system-specific information. The various systems are roughly distinguished as those that clearly form carbonates and those that merely physisorb CO 2 at ultra-high vacuum conditions. Nevertheless, extended sections about specific systems including rarely studied surfaces and unusual materials are included, making this review also useful as a reference.
A La Autoantigen Homologue Is Required for the Internal Ribosome Entry Site Mediated Translation of Giardiavirus

Translation of Giardiavirus (GLV) mRNA is initiated at an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the viral transcript. The IRES localizes to a downstream portion of 5′ untranslated region (UTR) and a part of the early downstream coding region of the transcript. Recent studies indicated that the IRES does not require a pre-initiation complex to initiate translation but may directly recruit the small ribosome subunit with the help of a number of trans-activating protein factors. A La autoantigen homologue in the viral host Giardia lamblia, GlLa, was proposed as one of the potential trans-activating factors based on its specific binding to GLV-IRES in vitro. In this study, we further elucidated the functional role of GlLa in GLV-IRES mediated translation in Giardia by knocking down GlLa with antisense morpholino oligo, which resulted in a reduction of GLV-IRES activity by 40%. An over-expression of GlLa in Giardia moderately stimulated GLV-IRES activity by 20%. A yeast inhibitory RNA (IRNA), known to bind mammalian and yeast La autoantigen and inhibit Poliovirus and Hepatitis C virus IRES activities in vitro and in vivo, was also found to bind to GlLa protein in vitro and inhibited GLV-IRES function in vivo. The C-terminal domain of La autoantigen interferes with the dimerization of La and inhibits its function. An over-expression of the C-terminal domain (200–348aa) of GlLa in Giardia showed a dominant-negative effect on GLV-IRES activity, suggesting a potential inhibition of GlLa dimerization. HA tagged GlLa protein was detected mainly in the cytoplasm of Giardia, thus supporting a primary role of GlLa in translation initiation in Giardiavirus.
Correcting for unreliability in nonlinear models of attitude change

The paper opens with a brief discussion of the problems in testing nonlinear models of attitude change. The regression artifacts produced by unreliability are shown in both the linear and nonlinear case. Classical solutions for the linear case are quickly reviewed. A “new” solution to the linear case is presented and applied to the nonlinear case. It is shown to work well under a broad set of conditions. Regression artifacts in bivariate regression are then discussed. If the predictors are independent, then the univariate correction procedure can be applied to each predictor separately. But if the predictors are correlated, a joint correction procedure must be used. One such procedure is defined and shown to work perfectly in the case of linear regression and reasonably well in a broad set of conditions in which the regression is nonlinear.
Effect of enzyme supplementation of milk replacers on the growth of calves.

Summary Two experiments were carried out to determine the effect of supplementing milk replacers with enzymes. In the first experiment, a vegetable milk replacer was predigested with malt diastase, papain, and a combination of these enzymes. Fifty-five pounds of milk were fed through the 20th day and 30.5lb. of the treated milk replacer were fed through the 40th day. The experiment was terminated at 60 days. There was no significant improvement in growth or feed consumption with any of the treatments at either 40 or 60 days. Decreased growth and appetite, and increased mortality, although not significant, tended to indicate that the use of papain produced deleterious effects in this experiment. In the second experiment, soybean flour–corn, soybean flour–cerelose, and skimmilk-cerelose milk replacers were supplemented with pepsin but were not predigested. All other aspects of this experiment were similar to the first one. Pepsin produced no improvement in growth with any of the replacers. The skimmilk–cerelose replacer produced significantly greater growth than the other replacers at 40, and the soybean flour–cerelose replacer at 60, days. The soybean flour-cerelose replacer significantly decreased the rate of starter consumption through 40 days.
THE CORRUPT CONTRACT: PROBLEMS IN CONJOINT THERAPY WITH PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Problems in setting up appropriate contracts are encountered in both individual and conjoint therapy. In conjoint therapy, where parents and children are seen, problems in contract setting are complicated by an additional factor—which combination to see. There is a danger that the initial contract can be a corrupt one, facilitating neurotic patterns of relating instead of interrupting them and encouraging therapeutic change. Case examples are presented, and suggestions offered to help avoid unwitting participation in such contracts.
A simple insurance model: optimal coverage and deductible

An insurance model, with realistic assumptions about coverage, deductible and premium, is studied. Insurance is shown to decrease the variance of the cost to the insured, but increase the expected cost, a tradeoff that places our model in the Markowitz mean-variance model.