cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleotide sequence and analysis of a gene encoding anthranilate synthase component I in Spirochaeta aurantia.

Abstract A Spirochaeta aurantia DNA fragment containing the trpE gene and flanking chromosomal DNA was cloned, and the sequence of the trpE structural gene plus 870 bp upstream and 1,257 bp downstream of trpE was determined. The S. aurantia trpE gene codes for a polypeptide of 482 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 53,629 that showed sequence similarity to TrpE proteins from other organisms. The S. aurantia TrpE polypeptide is not more closely related to the other published spirochete TrpE sequence (that of Leptospira biflexa) than to TrpE polypeptides of other bacteria. Two additional complete open reading frames and one partial open reading frame were identified in the sequenced DNA. One of the complete open reading frames and the partial open reading frame are upstream of trpE and are encoded on the DNA strand opposite that containing trpE. The other open reading frame is downstream of trpE and on the same DNA strand as trpE. On the basis of the results of a protein sequence data base search, it appears that trpE is the only tryptophan biosynthesis gene in the sequenced DNA. This is in contrast to L. biflexa, in which trpE is separated from trpG by only 64 bp.
Disease, Health, and Aging

In this chapter we consider how understanding health can add to the study of developmental psychology. Developmental psychology sees health primarily as a topic of worry and concern to aging persons. Poor health is a source of stress, requires coping, and can start a cascade of life events. Health is an extremely important contextual variable which exerts considerable influence on many areas of individual lives. Cognition is perhaps the most important aspect of development that is changed when health is compromised. Relationships between health and cognition are bi-directional. Not only do changes in health status precede changes in personality, cognition, and social functioning, for example, but changes in health status can also be the result of basic developmental changes in other area of life. Disease, on the other hand, is an entity physicians treat. It is the province of medicine and for psychologists, behavioral medicine. In this chapter we focus on new realities confronting the study of aging for the next century: (1) The explosion of input from other disciplines, (2) the emphasis on Alzheimer's Disease and what this has meant for research, (3) changes in the health status of aging populations reflected in demography and centenarian studies, and (4) the genetic revolution and its impact on developmental psychology. Keywords: aging; coping; disease; health; life events; stress
KANADI regulates organ polarity in Arabidopsis

Leaves and floral organs are polarized along their adaxial–abaxial (dorsal–ventral) axis. In Arabidopsis, this difference is particularly obvious in the first two rosette leaves, which possess trichomes (leaf hairs) on their adaxial surface but not their abaxial surface1,2,3. Mutant alleles of KANADI (KAN) were identified in a screen for mutants that produce abaxial trichomes on these first two leaves. kan mutations were originally identified as enhancers of the mutant floral phenotype of crabs claw (crc), a gene that specifies abaxial identity in carpels4,5. Here we show that KAN is required for abaxial identity in both leaves and carpels, and encodes a nuclear-localized protein in the GARP family of putative transcription factors. The expression pattern of KAN messenger RNA and the effect of ectopically expressing KAN under the regulation of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CAMV) 35S promoter indicate that KAN may also specify peripheral identity in the developing embryo.
From Two Dot to Turkey: Reaching Online Library Users via Web Conferencing

Librarians at Montana State University (MSU) find themselves in a dual role with respect to the idea of urban versus rural. When MSU librarians serve students at a distance, sometimes these distance clientele are in metropolitan communities much larger than MSU’s home, Bozeman. At the same time, many of their distance students are located in tiny rural towns of a couple hundred or fewer, such as Two Dot, Montana. Regardless of where they reside while taking courses, students want access to the full spectrum of the institution’s resources and services, including the library. Whether students are rural or urban, MSU librarians strive to provide equivalent services to all students and faculty. For the past two and a half years, librarians at MSU have utilized Adobe Connect web conferencing software to teach research skills to online students in real-time. This article will describe the MSU library’s services to all library users including the successful implementation of synchronous library instruction. The discovery of best practices, the use of assessment involving both students and faculty, and institutional support were integral components of this project. After several years of using web conferencing, the need for marketing to grow support for the program became evident to MSU librarians.
Glutathione-Dependent Bioactivation

The classical view of the glutathione (GSH) conjugation pathway involves GSH S-transferase (GST)-dependent formation of thioether conjugates between GSH and an electrophilic substrate, processing to yield the corresponding cysteine S-conjugate, which is then converted to an N-acetylcysteine conjugate (or mercapturate). Mercapturates of most GST substrates are rendered more polar and thus readily excreted in urine. In contrast, there is a growing number of GST substrates that, rather than being detoxified, are bioactivated. These substrates include several halogenated solvents, many of which are nephrotoxic because of the tissue distribution of GSH conjugation pathway enzymes and membrane transporters, and prodrugs of certain chemotherapeutic agents. Although the initiating steps are the same regardless of whether the substrate is detoxified or bioactivated, the cysteine conjugate functions as a branch point. Bioactivated cysteine S-conjugates are metabolized in the kidneys by either cysteine conjugate β-lyase or flavin-containing monooxygenase to produce a reactive intermediate. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 34:6.12.1-6.12.16. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: glutathione conjugation; glutathione S-transferases; γ-glutamyltransferase; cysteine conjugate β-lyase; flavin-containing monooxygenase; N-acetyltransferase; acylase
Organolanthanide-catalyzed synthesis of phosphine-terminated polyethylenes. Scope and mechanism.

Primary and secondary phosphines are investigated as chain-transfer agents for organolanthanide-mediated olefin polymerization. Ethylene polymerizations were carried out with [Cp‘2LnH]2 and Cp‘2LnCH(SiMe3)2 (Cp‘ = η5-Me5C5; Ln = La, Sm, Y, Lu) precatalysts in the presence of dicyclohexyl-, diisobutyl-, diethyl-, diphenyl-, cyclohexyl-, and phenylphosphine. In the presence of secondary phosphines, high polymerization activities (up to 107 g of polymer/(mol of Ln·atm ethylene·h)) and narrow product polymer polydispersities are observed. For lanthanocene-mediated ethylene polymerizations, the phosphine chain-transfer efficiency correlates with the rate of Ln−CH(SiMe3)2 protonolysis by the same phosphines and follows the trend H2PPh ≫ H2PCy > HPPh2 > HPEt2 ≈ HPiBu2 > HPCy2. Under the conditions investigated, dicyclohexylphosphine is not an efficient chain-transfer agent for Cp‘2LaPCy2- and Cp‘2YPCy2-mediated ethylene polymerizations. Diisobutylphosphine and diethylphosphine are efficient chain-transfer agents...
Positron Emission Tomography as a Technique for Studying the Chronic Effects of Alcohol on the Human Brain

Positron emission tomography is a neuroradiographic imaging technique that is beginning to be used to study cerebral pathophysiology in detoxified alcoholics. Localized cerebral glucose utilization in alcoholics at rest is not dramatically affected in comparison to the relatively large alterations in anatomic structure, cognition, and brain electrical activity. It is anticipated that future research studies will include cognitive challenges and utilization of PET ligands being developed to bind to specific receptors in the brain.
Cover Picture: Toward Large‐Scale Alignment of Electrohydrodynamic Patterning of Thin Polymer Films (Adv. Funct. Mater. 15/2006)

By integrating lithography and self-assembly via electrohydrodynamic instabilities, Russel and co-workers are able to guide initially flat polymer films to evolve into periodic arrays of pillars over regions much greater in extent than their natural domain sizes, as detailed on p. 1992. Novel structures that involve a combination of linear ridges and pillars are also produced, mainly as as result of the dynamic merging among preformed pillars. To pattern thin polymer films via electrohydrodynamic instabilities, we design and utilize two different kinds of mask patterns to guide pillars into alignment over regions much greater in extent than their natural domain sizes. First, narrow protruding ridges that intersect to form regular patterns on the mask trigger the growth of pillars beneath. Later, square and triangular packings of pillars develop in the regions enclosed by those ridges, preserving the registry from one domain to the next over a much larger area than within individual domains in unpatterned portions of the mask. Second, small square protrusions that are prealigned into a large regular array on the mask guide the formation of square packings of pillars in domains that conform to the mask, forming a large array of pillars. Novel structures involving a combination of linear ridges and pillars are also produced mainly due to the dynamic merging among preformed pillars. Finally, we find vertex symmetry of the mask pattern is necessary for generating and preserving ordered patterns on the polymer film.
Hearing impaired children's preference for, and performance with, four combinations of directional microphone and digital noise reduction technology.

Background Before advanced noise-management features can be recommended for use in children with hearing loss, evidence regarding their ability to use these features to optimize speech perception is necessary. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between children's preference for, and performance with, four combinations of noise-management features in noisy listening environments. Research design Children with hearing loss were asked to repeat short sentences presented in steady-state noise or in multitalker babble while wearing ear-level hearing aids. The aids were programmed with four memories having an orthogonal arrangement of two noise-management features. The children were also asked to indicate the hearing aid memory that they preferred in each of the listening conditions both initially and after a short period of use. Study sample Fifteen children between the ages of 8 and 12 yr with moderate hearing losses, bilaterally. Results The children's preference for noise management aligned well with their performance for at least three of the four listening conditions. The configuration of noise-management features had little effect on speech perception with the exception of reduced performance for speech originating from behind the child while in a directional hearing aid setting. Additionally, the children's preference appeared to be governed by listening comfort, even under conditions for which a benefit was not expected such as the use of digital noise reduction in the multitalker babble conditions. Conclusions The results serve as evidence in support of the use of noise-management features in grade-school children as young as 8 yr of age.
The role of the raphe nuclei in the regulation of ponto-geniculo-occipital wave activity

Abstract A study has been made of the effect of brain stem lesions upon ponto-geniculo-occipital PGO) wave activity. The results include the following. (1) Midline lesions, in the region of the raphe nuclei, caused a transient increase in waves having the characteristics of PGO REM . After 1–4 days these waves were suppressed during wakefulness but continued to appear during slow wave sleep, as well as during REM sleep. (2) The disturbance in the regulation of PGO REM was greatest in the animals with large lesions, involving several raphe nuclei. (3) Unilateral parasagittal cuts, 1.5 mm lateral to the midline in the region of the raphe nuclei, caused changes in PGO wave activity similar to those following midline lesions of comparable extent. (4) Pentobarbital, administered several days after a raphe lesion, gave rise to a transient increase in PGO wave activity. The recordings resembled those obtained s shortly after the lesion was made. (5) The onset of drug-induced wave activity, following treatment with PCPA, was accelerated in animals with midline lesions of the raphe area. (6) Stimulation of the pacemaker region of the pons, on the side ipsilateral to an extensive parasagittal cut, consistently evoked lateral geniculate responses during slow wave sleep, as well as during REM sleep. Stimulation of the pacemaker on the opposite side of the pons evoked lateral geniculate responses only during REM sleep. These results support the hypothesis that 5-HT containing neurons, having their perikarya in the raphe nuclei, play an important role in the normal their perikarya in the raphe nuclei, play an important role in the normal regulation of PGO REM .
Methods for Radiation Testing Random Access Memories and LSI Circuits

The background to many of the current industry approaches to electrical testing of LSI devices is presented along with modifications to obtain the radiation responses of the devices. The results of several experiments conducted on CMOS RAMs using these approaches are presented. Although the CMOS technology was used in the experimental work, the basic technique is applicable to other technologies.
Simulation as a Learning Experience: Perceptions of New RNs

Abstract Background Simulation is used to augment traditional pedagogies despite gaps in what is known about learning transfer. This study aimed to describe new RNs' perceptions of the impact of simulation on learning and skill development. Methods This descriptive qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 19 new nurses from two geographical locations in the United States. Results A metaphor of simulation as a theatrical play with three underpinning themes emerged: Setting the Stage, The Performance, and Faculty as Directors. Conclusions Interviews triggered self-reflection and reframing from positive and negative simulation experiences. Simulation influenced self-efficacy and supported both direct and vicarious learning.
Adhesive bonding of fire-resistive engineered cementitious composites (ECC) to steel

Abstract Recent research has demonstrated the feasibility of developing a fire-resistive engineered cementitious composite (FR-ECC) to address the current issue of lack of durability (adhesion and cohesion) of spray-applied fire-resistive materials (SFRM) on steel structures. FR-ECC was shown to possess inherently better cohesive properties over conventional SFRM, facilitated by its relatively high tensile strength and ductility. This paper aims at tailoring the FR-ECC for enhanced adhesion and characterizing its adhesive property to steel substrate. Specifically, an acrylic latex bonding agent was used as admixture in FR-ECC and as an interfacial adhesive, and a fracture mechanics based adhesion test method was adopted to quantify the change in adhesive property. Based on the measured adhesion between latex modified FR-ECC matrix and steel, using latex as admixture and interfacial adhesives effectively improved the interfacial adhesive energy of FR-ECC matrix by 54% and 147%, respectively, compared to unmodified one. Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in composition and microstructure of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between latex modified FR-ECC matrix and steel, which resulted in the higher adhesive bond. The effect of latex addition on the mechanical performance of FR-ECC was also studied and discussed in this paper.
Measurement of isotopic abundances in collected stratospheric ozone samples

Enrichment of heavy O3 isotopes has been measured in collected stratospheric samples. A balloon-borne cryogenic sampler was used to gather six O3 samples between 26 and 35 km in three flights. Subsequent laboratory mass spectrometer analysis of rare O3 isotopes at both mass 49 and 50 has resulted in more precise measurements than have previously been reported with in situ and ground-based techniques. In one flight, (O-50)3 was enriched by 12-16 percent and (O-49)3 by 9-11 percent, both increasing with altitude. In the remaining two flights, the isotope enrichment was nearly mass-independent at 8-9 percent. The enrichments in O3 at mass 50 are less than the large 40 percent value observed in some stratospheric measurements but similar to (O-49)3 and (O-50)3 fractionations produced in laboratory-generated ozone.
Mechanism of acylation of lithium phenylacetylide with a Weinreb amide.

Additions of lithium phenylacetylide to a Weinreb amide are described. Dimeric lithium acetylide reacts via a monosolvated monomer-based transition structure. The robust tetrahedral intermediate forms sequentially a C1 2:2 mixed tetramer with the excess lithium acetylide and a 1:3 (alkoxide-rich) mixed tetramer. The stabilities of the mixed tetramers are consistent with a pronounced autoinhibition.
Quantitative Grading of Nerve Fiber Layer Photographs

Purpose: The authors have developed a simple method for semi-quantitative grading of atrophy of the peripapillary nerve fiber layer (NFL) in black and white photographs. Methods: An experienced observer read sets of NFL photographs using a four-level grading system. Five observers with varying levels of experience at ophthalmic examination were taught the grading system in approximately 4 hours, and their readings were compared with those of the expert. Results: The reproducibility of readings by an experienced observer was excellent. The validity of the grading system was confirmed by comparisons to visual field findings, as well as to cup-to-disc ratios in the same eyes. The agreement with the expert by the five trained graders was good. Conclusions: Grading of the NFL could be useful both to monitor development of early glaucoma damage clinically and to measure progression of glaucoma damage in clinical trials research. The grading system can be taught readily to other observers.
Effects of perfusate viscosity on the perfused rat kidney

Elevation of blood hematocrit has been shown to result in little effect upon renal blood flow despite the resulting elevation in whole blood viscosity (L. Share, Amer. J. Physiol. 171, 159–163, 1952). Perfused rat kidneys were used to study the effects of doubling the perfusate viscosity from 0.858 to 1.768 cP. A portion of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) that was present in the low viscosity perfusate (5 g% BSA) was replaced by a high molecular weight dextran (4 g% BSA + 1.4 g% dextran) so as to double the perfusate viscosity but keep the colloid osmotic pressure constant. [14C]Inulin was used to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and absolute filtrate reabsorption (TH2O). Perusion with the high viscosity perfusate reduced the arterial flow by 50% and doubled the total renal flow resistance from 4.5 ± 0.4 (SD) to 9.1 ± 0.8 mm Hg·gKw (gram kidney weight)·min·g−1. Thus, the kidney was not capable of autoregulating the perfusate flow in response to a viscosity alteration. Both GFR and TH2O were reduced with increased viscosity (GFR, 1.18 ± 0.16 (SD) to 0.96 ± 0.200 g/min/gKw (P < 0.05) and TH2O, 0.75 ± 0.07 to 0.59 ± 0.09 g/min/gKw, P < 0.005); however, these reductions were accompanied by a fall in ATP content of the kidneys from 1.43 ± 0.15 (SD) to 1.15 ± 0.11 μmoles ATP/gKw. This indicates that a reduction in metabolic rate due to lower O2 delivery (lower flow) may have been responsible for these latter results.
Chatter in micro and macrodrilling

Chatter presents one of the main problems in degrading the quality of machined surfaces limiting tool life, productivity and impairing tolerances. Chatter in milling and turning operations has been extensively analysed, but drilling operations have been largely neglected due to the complexity of drilling tools and problems that develop in the modelling of the tool. In this paper, an overview of chatter vibrations and chatter suppression in drilling has been presented. In addition, the problem of chatter analysis and suppression in micromachining processes is receiving significant attention. The differences at the macro and micro scales are explained and provide an understanding of the research direction concerning microdrilling and milling operations.
Moderate-temperature water-based bitumen recovery from tar sand

Abstract A moderate-temperature water-based separation process for the recovery of bitumen from tar sand (with an emphasis on tar sands containing bitumen of high viscosity) is presented. The new approach was evaluated using samples of Asphalt Ridge and Whiterocks tar sands, originating from the Uinta Basin in Utah. Digested tar sand slurry, subjected to dilution, was sedimented in a gravity cell and the stratified layers investigated under a microscope. Different layers formed in the gravity cell were characterized in terms of the extent of bitumen separation from sand. Selected problems associated with the design of the processing strategy are briefly discussed.
Comparison of computer analysis of mammography phantom images (CAMPI) with perceived image quality of phantom targets in the ACR phantom

Computer analysis of mammography phantom images (CAMPI) is a method for making quantitative measurements of image quality on phantom images. The purpose of this work was to determine the correlation of the CAMPI measures with the perceived image quality of the microcalcification target objects in a phantom. A large existing phantom image database was subjected to CAMPI analysis. Extracted microcalcification regions from some of these images were compared in pairs by three observers. A global maximization technique was used to determine which linear combinations of the CAMPI measures most closely predicted the paired comparison observations. An analysis was also conducted to determine the validity of the linear model. It was found that the signal-to-noise- ratio measure (SNR) and the correlation measure (COR) most strongly correlated with the observed paired comparison results. A linear combination of the measures gave a slightly, but significantly, better correlation with the observations.
Treatment of anorexia nervosa with antidepressants

Nine patients with anorexia nervosa were treated with antidepressant medications from three classes: tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and triazolopyridines. A tenth patient was treated with the combination of lithium carbonate and carbamazepine. With either the initial or a subsequent medication trial, four patients had displayed significant improvement in weight and in other anorexic and bulimic symptoms. Three additional patients had a marked or moderate improvement in bulimic symptoms, one with moderate and two without any weight gain. Two other patients had moderate weight gain. Side effects were a significant problem in many of the patients. These preliminary results suggest that antidepressants may be of benefit in the treatment of some patients with anorexia nervosa.
MEASURING LEARNING OUTCOMES IN HIGHER EDUCATION USING THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY AND PROGRESS (MAPP)

The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education emphasizes accountability in higher education as one of the key areas of interest. The Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA) was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of general public college education. This study examines how student progress in college, indicated by the performance difference between freshmen and seniors after controlling for admission scores, can be measured using the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP) test. A total of 6,196 students from 23 institutions were included in this study. Results indicated that MAPP was able to differentiate the performance between freshmen and seniors after controlling for SAT®/ACT scores. The institutions were classified into 10 groups on the basis of the difference in the actual vs. expected MAPP performance. This study provides an example of how MAPP can be used to evaluate value-added performance in college education. Issues such as student sampling and test-taking motivation are discussed.
Role of Interleukin-2 and Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in Central Nervous System Demyelination in Mice

We have reported previously that ocular infection of different strains of mice with recombinant herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) constitutively expressing interleukin-2 (IL-2) provokes central nervous system (CNS) demyelination and optic neuropathy, as determined by changes in visual evoked cortical potentials and pathological changes in the optic nerve and CNS, whereas recombinant viruses expressing IL-4, gamma interferon, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, or IL-12p70 do not induce this neuropathy. The goal of this study was to dissect the mechanism underlying the interplay between the immune system (elevation of IL-2) and an environmental factor (infection with HSV-1) that elicits this pathology. Similar results were obtained upon delivery of IL-2 into the mouse brain using osmotic minipumps or injection of mice with recombinant IL-2 protein, IL-2 DNA, or IL-2 synthetic peptides prior to infection with wild-type (wt) HSV-1 strains McKrae and KOS. The critical role of IL-2 is further supported by our data, indicating that a single mutation at position T27A in IL-2 completely blocks the HSV-1-induced pathology. This study shows a novel model of autoimmunity in which viral infection and enhanced IL-2 cause CNS demyelination.
Sturmian theorems for a class of elliptic equations of order 4m

Sturm fundamental comparison theorems deal with solutions of two ordinary differential equations . The purpose of this paper is to prove comparison theorems for the two partial differential equations: where m and n are positive integers, is the Laplacian, and δ m is the mth iterated Laplacian, Separation theorems are also proved.
Computation of metabolic fluxes and efficiencies for biological carbon dioxide fixation

With rising energy prices and concern over the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption, the push to develop biomass derived fuels has increased significantly. Although most global carbon fixation occurs via the Calvin Benson Bassham cycle, there are currently five other known pathways for carbon fixation; the goal of this study was to determine the thermodynamic efficiencies of all six carbon fixation pathways for the production of biomass using flux balance analysis. The three chemotrophic pathways, the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway, the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle and the dicarboxylate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle, were found to be more efficient than photoautotrophic carbon fixation pathways. However, as hydrogen is not freely available, the energetic cost of hydrogen production from sunlight was calculated and included in the overall energy demand, which results in a 5 fold increase in the energy demand of chemoautotrophic carbon fixation. Therefore, when the cost of hydrogen production is included, photoautotrophic pathways are more efficient. However, the energetic cost for the production of 12 metabolic precursors was found to vary widely across the different carbon fixation pathways; therefore, different pathways may be more efficient at producing products from a single precursor than others. The results of this study have significant impact on the selection or design of autotrophic organisms for biofuel or biochemical production. Overall biomass production from solar energy is most efficient in organisms using the reductive TCA cycle, however, products derived from one metabolic precursor may be more efficiently produced using other carbon fixation pathways.
Dividing attention between auditory and visual perception.

To what extent is simultaneous visual and auditory perception subject to capacity limitations and attentional control? Two experiments addressed this question by asking observers to recognize test tones and test letters under selective and divided attention. In Experiment 1, both stimuli occurred on each trial, but subjects were cued in advance to process just one or both of the stimuli. In Experiment 2, subjects processed one stimulus and then the other or processed both stimuli simultaneously. Processing time was controlled using a backward recognition masking task. A significant, but small, attention effect was found in both experiments. The present positive results weaken the interpretation that previous attentional effects were due to the particular duration judgment task that was employed. The answer to the question addressed by the experiments appears to be that the degree of capacity limitations and attentional control during visual and auditory perception is small but significant.
Smooth density estimation with moment constraints using mixture distributions

Statistical analysis often involves the estimation of a probability density based on a sample of observations. A commonly used nonparametric method for solving this problem is the kernel-based method. The motivation is that any continuous density can be approximated by a mixture of densities with appropriately chosen bandwidths. In many practical applications, we may have specific information about the moments of the density. A nonparametric method using a mixture of known densities is proposed that conserves a given set of moments. A modified expectation–maximisation algorithm for estimating the weights of the mixture density is then developed. The proposed method also obtains an estimate of the number of components in the mixture needed for optimal approximation. The proposed method is compared with two popular density estimation methods using simulated data and it is shown that the proposed estimate outperforms the others. The method is then illustrated by applying it to several real-data examples.
Amphetamine self-administration and dopamine function: assessment of gene × environment interactions in Lewis and Fischer 344 rats

Rationale Previous research suggests both genetic and environmental influences on substance abuse vulnerability.
Role of the Nuclear Localization Sequence in Fibroblast Growth Factor-1-stimulated Mitogenic Pathways

Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is a potent mitogen for mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived cell types in vitro. However, a mutant FGF-1 with deletion in its nuclear localization sequence (NLS, residues 21-27) is not mitogenic in vitro. We demonstrated that synthetic peptides containing this NLS were able to stimulate DNA synthesis in a FGF receptor-independent manner after they were delivered into living NIH 3T3 cells by a cell-permeable peptide import technique. The stimulation of maximal DNA synthesis by these peptides required the presence of peptides during the entire G1 phase of the cell cycle. The mitogenic effect was specific for the NLS of FGF-1 because a peptide with double point mutations at lysine residues was inactive in stimulating DNA synthesis. Our results suggest that the NLS plays an important role in the mitogenic pathway initiated by exogenous FGF-1 by its direct involvement in the nuclear transport and signaling of internalized FGF-1.
A new device for measuring fluctuations in plant stem diameter: Implications for monitoring plant responses : Note.

An electrical device capable of continuously measuring micronsized changes in stem diameter of woody and herbaceous plants is described. Fumigation of sunflowers with automotive exhaust was used to test the ability of the device to detect short-term plant responses.
Device performance of ferroelectric/correlated oxide heterostructures for non-volatile memory applications.

Ferroelectric field effect devices offer the possibility of non-volatile data storage. Attempts to integrate perovskite ferroelectric materials with silicon semiconductors, however, have been largely unsuccessful in creating non-volatile, nondestructive read memory elements because of difficulties in controlling the ferroelectric/semiconductor interface. Correlated oxide systems have been explored as alternative channel materials to form all-perovskite field effect devices. We examine a non-volatile memory using an electric-field-induced metal–insulator transition in PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3/La1 − xSrxMnO3 (PZT/LSMO), PZT/La1 − xCaxMnO3 (PZT/LCMO) and PZT/La1 − xSrxCoO3 (PZT/LSCO) devices. The performance of these devices in the areas of switching time and retention are discussed.
The face-to-face light detection paradigm: A new methodology for investigating visuospatial attention across different face regions in live face-to-face communication settings

We introduce a novel paradigm for studying the cognitive processes used by listeners within interactive settings. This paradigm places the talker and the listener in the same physical space, creating opportunities for investigations of attention and comprehension processes taking place during interactive discourse situations. An experiment was conducted to compare results from previous research using videotaped stimuli to those obtained within the live face-to-face task paradigm. A headworn apparatus is used to briefly display LEDs on the talker's face in four locations as the talker communicates with the participant. In addition to the primary task of comprehending speeches, participants make a secondary task light detection response. In the present experiment, the talker gave non-emotionally-expressive speeches that were used in past research with videotaped stimuli. Signal detection analysis was employed to determine which areas of the face received the greatest focus of attention. Results replicate previous findings using videotaped methods.
Some of the chemical properties of the tobacco etch virus and its protein and nucleic acid components

Abstract Purified tobacco etch virus, on the basis of a negative diphenylamine test, nucleotide ratios (20.1% cytidylic acid, 30.0% adenylic acid, 22.8% guanylic acid, and 27.1% uridylic acid), and phosphorus content (0.46% ± 0.02%) contains approximately 5% single-stranded RNA. Amino acid analyses and evaluation of the number of peptides resulting from tryptic digestion of the virus protein indicated that it has approximately 194 amino acid residues with a combined molecular weight of about 22,000.
Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurement Of Vapor Concentration Surrounding Evaporating Droplets

Fuel droplet evaporation plays an important role in liquid fuel combustion systems. Laser-induced iodine fluorescence can be used to make nonintrusive concentration measurements in a plane with good spatial and temporal resolution. Iodine seeded droplets were suspended on a hypodermic needle, and fluorescence was induced in the resulting vapor cloud. Photographs or video images of iodine seeded 1-octanol droplets provided direct measurement of concentration. Quantitative analysis of free falling droplets was obtained by using a photomultiplier tube to image a single point near the droplet. Reconstructions from multiple photomultiplier recordings indicate that the region of maximum concentration is displaced from the droplet axis and moves behind the drop with increasing Reynold's number.
Theory of impurity photo-ionization spectrum of semiconductors in magnetic fields

Abstract The impurity photo-ionization magneto-optic (IPMO) effect is the effect of an external magnetic field on the optical photo-ionization spectrum of impurities in semiconductors. A theory of the IPMO effect has been developed for simple semiconductors. Two cases can be distinguished, depending on whether the impurity ionization energy for zero field is larger or smaller than 1 2 h ω c = h eH/2m ∗ c . In the low-field case, the photo-ionization spectrum consists of a series of rather strong peaks corresponding to transitions from bound levels to the various magnetic sub-bands of the continuum. In the high-field case, the photo-ionization spectrum consists of one, or at most two, strong peaks if the temperature is such that only the lowest bound level is appreciably occupied. Detailed calculations are presented of the high-field absorption spectrum for donor impurities in InSb, based on wave functions similar to those of Yafet, Keyes and Adams .
The Impact of Fathers' Absence on African American Adolescents' Gender Role Development

Gender role development was assessed in 52 father-absent and 54 father-present African American adolescents. Father-present boys, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, had higher perceptions of their masculinity than did father-absent boys. Lower income father-absent girls perceived themselves to be higher in masculinity than did all other girls. Consequently, father-present adolescents tended to have more traditional gender role orientations than did those in father-absent homes. It is argued that mothers' and fathers' different socializing strategies balance out in two-parent homes. However, in father-absent homes, mothers' tendency to rely on and pressure their daughters fosters relatively more masculine girls, whereas a lack of father socialization fosters less masculine boys. Implications for theory and future research are also discussed.
Evaluation of surface sampling techniques for collection of Bacillus spores on common drinking water pipe materials

Drinking water utilities may face biological contamination of the distribution system from a natural incident or deliberate contamination. Determining the extent of contamination or the efficacy of decontamination is a challenge, because it may require sampling of the wetted surfaces of distribution infrastructure. This study evaluated two sampling techniques that utilities might use to sample exhumed pipe sections. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cement-lined ductile iron, and ductile iron pipe coupons (3 cm × 14 cm) cut from new water main piping were conditioned for three months in dechlorinated Cincinnati, Ohio tap water. Coupons were spiked with Bacillus atrophaeus subsp. globigii, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis. Brushing and scraping were used to recover the inoculated spores from the coupons. Mean recoveries for all materials ranged from 37 ± 30% to 43 ± 20% for brushing vs. 24 ± 10% to 51 ± 29% for scraping. On cement-lined pipe, brushing yielded a significantly different recovery than scraping. No differences were seen between brushing and scraping the PVC and iron pipe coupons. Mean brushing and scraping recoveries from PVC coupons were more variable than mean recoveries from cement-lined and iron coupons. Spore retention differed between pipe materials and the presence of established biofilms also had an impact. Conditioned PVC coupons (with established biofilms) had significantly lower spore retention (31 ± 11%) than conditioned cement-lined coupons (61 ± 14%) and conditioned iron coupons (71 ± 8%).
Alcohol and Cigarette Use among Early Adolescents.

Five hundred and ninety-six fifth through seventh graders in Western Pennsylvania were assessed regarding their cigarette and alcohol behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. Approximately one third of...
Neighborhood‐contingent indirect interactions between native and exotic plants: multiple shared pollinators mediate reproductive success during invasions

Native and exotic plants can influence one another's fecundity through their influence on shared pollinators. Specifically, invasion may alter abundance and composition of local floral resources, affecting pollinator visitation and ultimately causing seedset of natives in more-invaded and less-invaded floral neighborhoods to differ. Such pollinator-mediated effects of exotic plants on natives are common, but native and exotic plants often share multiple pollinators, which may differ in their responses to altered floral neighborhoods. We quantified pollinator-mediated interactions between three common forbs of western Washington prairies (native Microseris laciniata and Eriophyllum lanatum and European Hypochaeris radicata) in three floral neighborhoods: 1) high native and low exotic floral density, 2) high exotic floral density and low native density, and 3) experimentally manipulated low exotic floral density. Pollinator visitation rates varied by floral neighborhood, plant species identity, and their interaction for all three plant species. Similarly, pollinator functional groups (eusocial bees, solitary bees, and syrphid flies) contributed differing proportions of total visitation to each species depending upon neighborhood context. Consequently, in exotic neighborhoods H. radicata competed with native M. laciniata, reducing seed set, while simultaneously facilitating visitation and seed set for native E. lanatum. Seed set of H. radicata was also highest in exotic neighborhoods (with high densities of conspecifics), raising the possibility of a positive feedback between exotic abundance and success. Our results suggest that the outcome of indirect interactions between native and exotic plants depends on the density and the composition of the floral neighborhood and of the pollinator fauna, and on context-dependent pollinator foraging.
A stochastic model for localized disturbances and its applications

A stochastic model for local disturbances, particularly for a temporal harmonic with random modulations in amplitude and/or phase, is proposed in this paper. Results for the second moment responses of a linear single-degree-of-freedom system to this type of stochastic loading demonstrate a significant change in response characteristics due to a small uncertainty. A local phenomenon may last much longer and resonance may be smeared to a broad range. Integrated with wavelet transform, the proposed approach may be used to model a random process with non-stationary frequency content. Especially, it can be effectively used for Monte Carlo simulation to generate large size of samples that have similar characteristics in time and frequency domains as a pre-selected mother sample has. The technique has a great potential for the case where uncertainty study is warranted but the available samples are limited.
Simulation of the quasi-static mechanics and scalar transport properties of ideal granular assemblages

The current article reports on the further development of a new technique for the computer simulation of the quasi-static mechanics and scalar transport properties of sphere assemblages. In an extension of a previous 2D simulation to 3D, we have developed an improved computation based on several innovations: a shuffling algorithm to rapidly generate random loose-packed configurations of particles; a microcell-adjacency method to accelerate particle-contact search; a relaxation method to overcome singularities in the static transport equations; and a simulated mechanical compression to generate dense random initial states. The improved algorithm allows for 3D simulations on a workstation platform. As major results, the dilatancy (volume expansion) computed for random dense-packed assemblages is found to depend on interparticle friction, contrary to the classical Reynolds hypothesis. Also, the use of linear-elastic contacts is found to be valid near the rigid-particle limit of interest here. Experimental data from (''triaxial'' compression) tests agree well with the simulations of both the shear strength and the electrical conductivity of sphere assemblages, when proper account is taken of the actual electrical contact resistance between steel balls as a function of load. One major conclusion is that scalar transport can serve as a useful macroscopic probe of particle-contact topology in granular media.
Transmission of Compressed-Video Signals Via FM Subsidiary Communications Authorization

A method of transmitting stationary TV pictures within the bandwidth of an FM subsidiary communications authorization (SCA) subchannel and utilizing conventional cameras and monitors is discussed. Time-domain and frequency-domain representations of the compressed-video baseband signal are examined. Processing of the baseband signal for SCA transmission is then considered. Experimental results of actual SCA transmission including an STL are presented. Areas for further investigation are suggested.
MicroRNA-451 regulates LKB1/AMPK signaling and allows adaptation to metabolic stress in glioma cells.

To sustain tumor growth, cancer cells must be able to adapt to fluctuations in energy availability. We have identified a single microRNA that controls glioma cell proliferation, migration, and responsiveness to glucose deprivation. Abundant glucose allows relatively high miR-451 expression, promoting cell growth. In low glucose, miR-451 levels decrease, slowing proliferation but enhancing migration and survival. This allows cells to survive metabolic stress and seek out favorable growth conditions. In glioblastoma patients, elevated miR-451 is associated with shorter survival. The effects of miR-451 are mediated by LKB1, which it represses through targeting its binding partner, CAB39 (MO25α). Overexpression of miR-451 sensitized cells to glucose deprivation, suggesting that its downregulation is necessary for robust activation of LKB1 in response to metabolic stress. Thus, miR-451 is a regulator of the LKB1/AMPK pathway, and this may represent a fundamental mechanism that contributes to cellular adaptation in response to altered energy availability.
Bridging the Research Gap Between Acute and Long-Term Care of Older Adults

Nursing research has emphasized the study of older adults residing in nursing homes. But acute care and home care settings are also part of long-term health care of older adults, with common clinical concerns across settings. Issues for long-term care and nursing research are presented, followed by the description of a study that has potential for bridging the gap between acute and long-term care of older adults.
Saturation transfer EPR studies of membrane alteration in hereditary spherocytosis

Abstract Our earlier spin label electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) erythrocyte revealed the existence of structural alteration(s) when the membrane is subjected to heat stress. We have now used saturation transfer EPR to show restricted motion in membrane proteins even without subjecting membrane to stress. The abnormal motional behavior is amplified when membranes are incubated at 47°C and is readily detectable by conventional EPR. Gel electrophoresis and lipid assays show that proteins but not lipids are released upon heating. Thus, the more restricted motions in HS membranes may be due to a different membrane protein organization, ultimately resulting in the abnormal morphology of HS cells.
Quantification of benzocaine and its metabolites in channel catfish tissues and fluids by HPLC

Methods for extraction and gradient HPLC quantification were developed for benzocaine (BZ) and three of its metabolites to be used in conjunction with a reverse isotope technique. The metabolites were p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), acetyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (AcPABA) and acetylbenzocaine (AcBZ). The matrixes studied were white muscle, red muscle, skin, liver, trunk kidney, head kidney, plasma and the bile of channel catfish. Analytes were validated for each of the compounds at 25 and 100 nmol per sample in the various tissues and fluids. The intraday variability (R.S.D.) was less than 13% in all tissues and fluids except for BZ in the liver. Recoveries varied from matrix to matrix for each analyte. The highest recoveries were obtained from plasma which ranged from 82.8-99.8% depending on the concentration. The average recovery of the compounds from tissues was between 50 and 78%, except for liver where the recovery of PABA and BZ was below 30%. Detection was by UV absorbance at 286 nm and the linear range was 2.5-15 nmol 100 ml-1 for all analytes. The method was selective; no interference peaks coeluted with the analytes.