cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
770 REGIONAL ASSIGNMENT OF HUMAN PBG-DEAMINASE (PBGD) AND ESTERASE A4 (ESA4) TO 11q23 11qter

Human porphobilinogen (PBG) deaminase, the heme biosynthetic enzyme deficient in acute intermittent porphyria, and ESA4 have been mapped to the long arm of chromosome 11 by somatic cell hybridization techniques. Man-mouse hybrids derived from the fusion of 2S mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) TK− cells and human HGPRT− fibroblasts have been used for studies on the induction and expression of human PBGD. PBGD was examined by isoelectric focusing, immunoprecipitation and rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Among 120 sub-clones generated from one primary clone (XX-8), a clone was found which contained a single human chromosome consisting of a 4/11 translocation (4q12::11q11). This clone was human PBGD and ESA4 positive and LDHA negative. From examination of other primary and secondary clones, it was possible to rule out assignment of PBGD to chromosome 4. Further regional localization was achieved by characterization of 2S MEL (HGPRT−) x human fibroblast (GM 3552) hybrids containing an X/11 translocation (X;11) (q25-26; q23). One clone (MX/11-2) contained only the intact X/11 translocated chromosome and was LDHA positive. In a second clone (MX/11-3)(LDHA negative), the 11p portion of the translocated chromosome was deleted and the remainder was translocated to a mouse chromosome. Both clones were negative for human PBGD and ESA4. These results demonstrate that human PBGD and ESA4 are encoded on human chromosome 11 in the region 11q23 → 11qter.
Accountability and global governance: challenging the state-centric conception of human rights

In this paper I analyze some conceptual difficulties associated with the demand that global institutions be made more democratically accountable. In the absence of a world state, it may seem inconsistent to insist that global institutions be accountable to all those subject to their decisions while also insisting that the members of these institutions, as representatives of states, simultaneously remain accountable to the citizens of their own countries for the special responsibilities they have toward them. This difficulty seems insurmountable in light of the widespread acceptance of a state-centric conception of human rights, according to which states and only states bear primary responsibility for the protection of their citizens’ rights. Against this conception, I argue that in light of the current structures of global governance the monistic ascription of human rights obligations to states is no longer plausible. Under current conditions, states are bound to fail in their ability to protect the human rights of their citizens whenever potential violations either stem from transnational regulations or are perpetrated by non-state actors. In order to show the plausibility of an alternative, pluralist conception of human rights obligations I turn to the current debate among scholars of international law regarding the human rights obligations of non-state actors. I document the various ways in which these obligations could be legally entrenched in global financial institutions such as the WTO, the IMF, and the World Bank. These examples indicate feasible methods for strengthening the democratic accountability of these institutions while also respecting the accountability that participating member states owe to their own citizens. I conclude that, once the distinctions between the obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights are taken into account, no conceptual difficulty remains in holding states and non-state actors accountable for their respective human rights obligations. Keywords: accountability; Beitz; global governance; global institutions; human rights; IMF; inclusion; non-state actors; World Bank; WTO (Published: 1 September 2010) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 3, No. 3, 2010, pp. 193-215. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v3i3.5507
What effect does asthma treatment have on airway remodeling? Current perspectives

Airway remodeling, or structural changes of the airway wall arising from injury and repair, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Remodeling is characterized as structural changes involving the composition, content, and organization of many of the cellular and molecular constituents of the bronchial wall. These structural changes can include epithelial injury, subepithelial thickening/fibrosis, airway smooth muscle hyperplasia, goblet cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and angiogenesis. Historically, these changes are considered a consequence of long-standing airway inflammation. Recent infant and child studies, however, suggest that remodeling occurs in parallel with inflammation in asthmatic subjects. Despite advancements in the recognition of key cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in remodeling, there remains a paucity of information about which treatments or interactions are most likely to regulate these processes. Furthermore, it is unclear as to when is the best time to initiate treatments to modify remodeling, which components to target, and how best to monitor interventions on remodeling. Indeed, inhaled corticosteroids, which are generally considered to have limited influence on remodeling, have been shown to be beneficial in studies in which the dose and duration of treatment were increased and prolonged, respectively. Moreover, several studies have identified the need to identify novel asthma indices and phenotypes that correlate with remodeling and, as a consequence, might specifically respond to new therapies, such as anti-IgE, anti–IL-5, and anti–TNF-α mAbs. Our review will evaluate the development of remodeling in asthmatic subjects and the effects of treatment on these processes.
Sex Hormones And β2-adrenergic Stimulation Regulate Slow Delayed-rectifier Potassium Current In Control And Heart Failure Rabbits

Little is known about sex differences in slow delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKs) in response to β-adrenergic stimulation.Here, we assess the role of sex hormones on IKs in response to β1- & β2-AR stimulation in control and heart failure (HF) rabbits. IKs in control male increased in response to isoproterenol (ISO, 500nM) (at +50mV, Step: 1.07±0.10 to 1.79±0.23 pA/pF; Tail: 0.57±0.04 to 0.93±0.07 pA/pF, p<0.05), an effect blocked by β2-AR antagonist ICI-118,551,150 nM (at +50mV, Step: 1.16±0.14 pA/pF; Tail: 0.61±0.06 pA/pF), but not by β1-AR antagonist CGP-20712A, 300nM. IKs in control female was significantly less (p<0.01) than control male, but did not increase with ISO (at +50mV, Step: 0.62±0.04 to 0.71±0.04 pA/pF; Tail: 0.35±0.02 to 0.41±0.03 pA/pF). After castration, IKs in control male did not change with ISO (at +50mV, Step: 0.89±0.07 to 1.10±0.11 pA/pF; Tail: 0.50±0.03 to 0.62±0.05 pA/pF, p=NS), and after ovariectomy, IKs in control female now showed enhancement with ISO (at +50mV, Step: 0.74±0.06 to 1.27±0.09 pA/pF; Tail: 0.41±0.03 to 0.72±0.05 pA/pF,p<0.01 (a 72% increase in IKS step comparable to the 64% increase in IKs step in control male)). With HF, sex differences in IKs responsiveness to ISO went away. HF male exhibited reduced IKs (vs control male) but IKs did not enhance with ISO (at +50mV, Step: 0.46±0.02 to 0.50±0.03 pA/pF; Tail: 0.28±0.01 to 0.30±0.01 pA/pF,p=NS). HF female still showed no significant IKs enhancement with ISO (at +50mV, Step: 0.61±0.06 to 0.76±0.11 pA/pF; Tail: 0.34±0.03 to 0.42±0.05 pA/pF, p=NS). Thus, there are important sex differences in β-AR stimulation of IKs, that are mediated by β2-AR, and which are modulated by sex hormones. With HF, sex differences in basal IKs and its alterations during HF may underlie sex-based differences in arrhythmogenicity.
CT angiography of the visceral vasculature

CT angiography (CTA) is a minimally invasive technique that has proven to be clinically useful in evaluating the vasculature of the abdominal viscera. In many instances, the diagnostic information obtained from abdominal CTA is sufficient to avoid the expense and morbidity of conventional angiography. This article reviews the indications, technique, and pitfalls of abdominal CTA with specific emphasis on disorders of the hepatic, splenic, and superior mesenteric arteries and the portal venous system.
Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of xanthotoxin by Papilio multicaudatus

Within the genus Papilio, the P. glaucus group contains the most polyphagous Papilio species within the Papilionidae. The majority of Papilio species are associated with hostplants in the families Rutaceae and Apiaceae, and characterizing most are secondary metabolites called furanocoumarins. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest that furanocoumarin metabolism is an ancestral trait, with the glaucus group derived from ancestors associated with furanocoumarin-containing Rutaceae. In this study, we examined this relationship by conducting a gravimetric analysis of growth that used various concentrations of the furanocoumarin xanthotoxin. Papilio multicaudatus, the putative ancestor of the glaucus group, includes at least one furanocoumarin-containing rutaceous species among its hostplants; this species can consume leaf tissue containing up to 0.3% xanthotoxin with no detectable effect on relative growth rate, relative consumption rate, or efficiency of conversion of ingested food. As is the case for other Papilio species, xanthotoxin metabolism is mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s). Ingestion of xanthotoxin by ultimate instar P. multicaudatus increases activity up to 30-fold in a dose-dependent fashion. Midguts of induced larvae can also effectively metabolize six other furanocoumarins, including both linear (bergapten, isopimpinellin, imperatorin) and angular (angelicin, sphondin) forms. A metabolite of xanthotoxin in the frass from xanthotoxin-treated larvae, identified as 6-(7-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumaryl)-acetic acid by MS-MS and NMR analyses, is identical to one from the frass of P. polyxenes. The occurrence of this metabolite in two swallowtails and the presence of a second metabolite of xanthotoxin, 6-(7-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumaryl)-hydroxyethanol in the frass of both P. polyxenes and Depressaria pastinacella are consistent with the suggestion that lepidopterans share as the first step of xanthotoxin metabolism the P450-mediated epoxidation of the furan ring 2'-3' double bond.
The effect of intravenous magnesium therapy on the duration of intrathecal fentanyl labor analgesia

Abstract Background Magnesium has been reported to augment the analgesic effects of opioids when co-administered into the cerebrospinal fluid. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of intravenous magnesium therapy administered for preeclampsia on the duration of intrathecal fentanyl analgesia for labor. Methods Thirty-four nulliparous parturients having labor induced for preeclampsia and receiving intravenous magnesium therapy were recruited. Thirty-four nulliparous patients having labor induced for elective or medical reasons were recruited as controls. At request for analgesia, baseline serum magnesium levels were obtained and combined spinal–epidural analgesia was initiated with intrathecal fentanyl 25μg. Before injection of fentanyl, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid was obtained for magnesium assay. An epidural catheter was sited but no additional medications were administered until the second request for analgesia. The primary outcome was duration of intrathecal fentanyl analgesia. Results There was no difference in the median duration of analgesia between the magnesium [79min (95% CI 76 to 82)] and control groups [69min (95% CI 56 to 82)] (difference between medians: 10min (95% CI −4 to 21min; P =0.16). There was neither a relationship between the serum and cerebrospinal fluid magnesium concentrations nor the cerebrospinal magnesium concentration and duration of intrathecal fentanyl analgesia. Conclusions Intravenous magnesium therapy at doses typically used for seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia did not influence the duration of intrathecal fentanyl labor analgesia. However, this study may have been underpowered to detect a difference and future study is warranted.
A fundamental quadratic variational principle underlying general relativity

The fundamental result of Lanczos is used in a new type of quadratic variational principle whose field equations are the Einstein field equations together with the Yang-Mills type equations for the Riemann curvature. Additionally, a spin-2 theory of gravity for the special case of the Einstein vacuum is discussed.
Effects of estrogen antagonists on estradiol-enhanced radiation transformation in vitro

Abstract We have previously reported that radiation and 17β-estradiol can induce transformation in vitro in C3H 10T 1 2 cells. In the present series of experiments, we have observed that antagonists of estrogen action, such as c-AMP activating agents (theophylline and dibutyryl c-AMP) and the anti-estrogen, tamoxifen, suppress radiation/17β-estradiol enhanced transformation in vitro. None of these known estrogen antagonists had a significant effect on transformation induced by radiation alone. Our results with added dibutyryl c-AMP, theophylline and tamoxifen suggest that estrogen receptor complex formation may play a role in estrogen-enhanced radiation transformation in vitro.
Use of water activity characteristics enables a simplified approach for defining the reference moisture condition for FDA cocoa powder in-house reference material.

The Food and Drug Administration uses water activity behavior characteristics when adjusting test portion mass to correct for the moisture condition of its cocoa powder in-house reference material. The cocoa powder’s moisture condition, and therefore weight, equilibrates according to the relative humidity (RH) of its surroundings. This process is predictable and defined by an isotherm. The reference values in the certificate of analysis are relative to the material’s condition at 30 % RH, which is assumed to be mid-range for typical laboratory settings. Since mass variations are relatively small within a 15–50 % RH range, the mass may be measured immediately after removing a test portion from a storage bottle and used without correction if a standard uncertainty of 0.7 % is acceptable for the mass. If greater accuracy is needed and the laboratory RH is known, a very simple and quick procedure can be used whereby the test portion is left open and exposed to the laboratory air overnight before weighing. After applying a correction, the standard uncertainty for mass measurement drops to 0.3 %.
2651 – Behavioural changes in cocaine dependent patients after group-therapy

Introduction Frequent and increasing relations among psychiatric and substance dependence disorders, have made, to date, more complex the treatment of this dependence, especially when the patient is facing the difficult task of maintaining abstinence, which requires a work of self-awareness, motivation to change and active modification of dysfunctional lifestyles. Objectives Our study has the aim to detect patients’ changes in personality between the beginning of the rehabilitative therapy and its end, trying to get information on aspects of addiction on which the treatment affects the most. Methods Our sample was formed by 153 patients, recruited at the Department of Psychiatry of Gemelli General Hospital, who were subjected to an integrated approach of treatment, both pharmacological and rehabilitative group-therapy, according to Minnesota rehabilitation model, that considers addiction as a bio-psycho-social problem. Patients, after a first psychiatric evaluation, were asked to fill out two psychometric tests, the SymptomCheckList-90 R and the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, in two times, at the first meeting and at the last one, after 20 meetings of group therapy. Results At the end of the group therapy 39 patients dropped-out, 114 patients had a significant improvement in depressive symptoms (DEP item), greater responsibility perseverance and attention in their activities and habitual contexts (GSI, DIS, W/S items), as well as better management of compulsion and impulsivity (OC item) and a lower sense of inferiority, inadequacy and discomfort in interpersonal relationships (PAR, ANX, IS, SOC. A., PSY. A. items).
Hamiltonian dynamics of fields in front form

Abstract We propose a new approach for constructing the Hamiltonian dynamics for a coupled Dirac field Ψ ( x ), quantized on the light-front t + z = 0, in which the momentum representation of fields is used to obtain the anti-commutator for Ψ ( x ) and its momentum conjugate π ( x ). Aside from the usual definition of π ( x ), the Hamiltonian, the anti-commutators and the Hamiltonian equations of motion, we need a subsidiary condition for Ψ ( x ) to make the front-form dynamics consistent and valid in any inertial frame. By treating all components of Ψ ( x ) in the same manner and retaining the subsidiary condition, we make the theory simple and elegant. In contrast to the infinite-momentum-frame approach, there is no non-covariant term in the Hamiltonian and the propagator in our approach. The resultant Feynman rules make the equivalence of the scattering matrices between the front-form dynamics and the conventional dynamics become apparent. The difference between the two forms of dynamics is also discussed.
On the virial theorem for turbulent molecular clouds

An Eulerian, rather than Lagrangian, form of the virial theorem is derived for a turbulent, magnetized cloud embedded in a steady, turbulent, low-density intercloud medium. The role of turbulent pressure in cloud confinement is clarified, and it is shown that, in the absence of a magnetic field, a cloud can be at a somewhat lower pressure than the intercloud medium. Simple forms for the magnetic term in the virial equation are obtained. Radiation pressure is considered; its effects are relatively small under average conditions in the interstellar medium. Under typical conditions, external pressure and magnetic fields are shown to have a relatively small effect on virial estimates of the mass of self-gravitating clouds.
THE ATHLETE’S ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

The electrocardiogram performed in the competitive athlete may manifest abnormal electrocardiographic findings; these findings may indicate either normal variant syndromes as well as true cardiac pathology. The normal variant syndromes include ST-segment and T-wave abnormalities, rhythm disturbances, and intraventricular conduction delay--it must be stressed that these electrocardiographic findings are, in fact, normal variants, not indicative of underlying pathology. Other presentations in these same competitive athletes describe significant cardiac pathology, including syndromes predisposing the patient to sudden cardiac death and other potentially dangerous dysrhythmias and diagnostic of acute coronary syndrome. This article reviews the various findings in this group of patients.
Tank culture of larval sunshine bass, Morone chrysops (Rafinesque)×M. saxatilis (Walbaum), at three feeding levels

Sunshine bass, a hybrid of female white bass Morone chrysops (Rafinesque) and male striped bass M. saxatilis (Walbaum), fingerling production occurs almost exclusively in ponds. To increase production and maintain year-round production in temperate climates, indoor tank culture is required. While tank production of fingerlings has been demonstrated, little is known about feeding requirements. Sunshine bass larvae, stocked at 75 L−1 in 100 L of brackish water, were fed sequentially with rotifers Brachionus plicatilis cultured with a Nannochloropis algae paste and enriched with highly unsaturated fatty acids, decapsulated Artemia nauplii, and a microencapsulated commercial diet. The larvae in one treatment (three replicates) were initially fed rotifers at a daily rate of 20 mL−1, then nauplii at an initial rate of 2 mL−1, and then the commercial diet at 1 g. Larvae in two other treatments received two and three times as much food daily. The highest feeding rate resulted in a survival (52.9%) that was significantly higher than the survival rate (22.4%) of larvae fed the least. The total biomass produced was the highest in the treatment receiving the most food. The lowest feeding rate produced the least fish, but they were the heaviest. The intermediate feeding rate produced the shortest fish (11.3 mm).
Segmental reflex inputs to motoneurons innervating dorsal neck musculature in the cat

The responses to stimulation of upper cervical muscle and cutaneous afferents were studied in motoneurons innervating splenius, complexus, and biventer cervicis dorsal neck muscles of cats. Motoneurons innervating complexus and biventer cervicis fibers, which are in the deeper, longitudinally oriented muscles, were monosynaptically excited by ipsilateral Group I afferents from each of these muscles, but they did not receive significant input from splenius Group I afferents. Likewise, splenius motoneurons were not monosynaptically excited by ipsilateral afferents from complexus anf biventer cervicis. Stimulation of ipsilateral cutaneous afferents produced predominant excitation in splenius motoneurons, predominant inhibition in biventer cervicis motoneurons, and inhibition or mixed responses in complexus motoneurons. None of the neck motoneurons studied showed postsynaptic potentials following single or multiple shock stimulation of contralateral muscle nerves at stimulus intensities expected to excite exclusively Group I afferents. Higher intensity stimulation of contralateral muscle afferents, as well as fibers in the greater auricular nerves, produced predominant inhibition in all three neck motoneuron pools. Segmentally-excited afferents to neck motoneurons, like those from supraspinal systems, appear to evoke different patterns of synaptic responses in splenius motoneurons than they do in motoneurons innervating fibers in the deeper, longitudinally oriented complexus and biventer cervicis muscles.
Medusa: A Sample Preconcentration and GC/MS Detector System for in Situ Measurements of Atmospheric Trace Halocarbons, Hydrocarbons, and Sulfur Compounds

Significant changes have occurred in the anthropogenic emissions of many compounds related to the Kyoto and Montreal Protocols within the past 20 years and many of their atmospheric abundances have responded dramatically. Additionally, there are a number of related natural compounds with underdetermined source or sink budgets. A new instrument, Medusa, was developed to make the high frequency in situ measurements required for the determination of the atmospheric lifetimes and emissions of these compounds. This automated system measures a wide range of halocarbons, hydrocarbons, and sulfur compounds involved in ozone depletion and/or climate forcing, from the very volatile perfluorocarbons (PFCs, e.g., CF(4) and CH(3)CF(3)) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs, e.g., CH(3)CF(3)) to the higher-boiling point solvents (such as CH(3)Cl(3) and CCl(2)=CCl(2)) and CHBr(3). A network of Medusa systems worldwide provides 12 in situ ambient air measurements per day of more than 38 compounds of part per trillion mole fractions and precisions up to 0.1% RSD at the five remote field stations operated by the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE). This custom system couples gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MSD) with a novel scheme for cryogen-free low-temperature preconcentration (-165 degrees C) of analytes from 2 L samples in a two-trap process using HayeSep D adsorbent.
Cultural Studies and the Politics of Representation: Experience ↔ Subjectivity ↔ Research:

This essay examines Joan W. Scott’s (1991) essay “The Evidence of Experience” in light of cultural studies scholarship that uses personal, experiential evidence, and/or innovative/critical methodologies. The authors argue that the situated, (inter)subjective, and complex nature of this inquiry conscientiously has brought to life Scott’s call for historicizing experience, rather than blindly using it as foundational, and enthusiastically continues doing so to date. In this way, these critical methods already seek to problematize and complicate experience, even as it is used to talk toward and/ or against cultural norms.
Limit-Cycle Analysis of Planar Rotor/Autobalancer System Supported on Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing

In recent years, there has been much interest in the use of so-called automatic balancing devices (ABD) in rotating machinery. Essentially, ABDs or “autobalancers” consists of several freely moving eccentric balancing masses mounted on the rotor, which, at certain operating speeds, act to cancel rotor imbalance at steady-state. This “automatic balancing” phenomena occurs as a result of nonlinear dynamic interactions between the balancer and rotor wherein the balancer masses naturally synchronize with the rotor with appropriate phase and cancel the imbalance. However, due to inherent nonlinearity of the autobalancer, the potential for other, undesirable, non-synchronous limit-cycle behavior exists. In such situations, the balancer masses do not reach their desired synchronous balanced steady-state positions resulting in increased rotor vibration. Such automatic behavior has been widely studied and is well understood for rotor systems on idealized bearings with symmetric supports. This paper presents a comprehensive study into automatic balancing behavior of an imbalanced planar rigid rotor/ABD system mounted in two different widely-used types of hydrodynamic bearings; i) the short journal bearing with asymmetric stiffness, damping and cross-coupling terms and ii) a so-called tilting-pad bearing. In this study the non-dimensional characteristic curves of stiffness and damping of these two fluid film bearings are employed and the rotor/bearing/ABD system autobalancing behavior is studied as a function of rotor speed, bearing eccentricity and bearing journal radial clearance. These two essential bearing parameters in turn are directly determined by the rotor static loading, bearing structure, and oil viscosity. Consequently, this research focuses on the connectivity between the bearing parameters and the corresponding synchronous balancing and non-synchronous limit-cycle behavior of the system. Here, solutions for rotor limit-cycle amplitudes and corresponding autobalancer ball speeds are obtained via a harmonic balance and numerical continuation solution approach. Furthermore, an exact solution for the limit-cycle is obtained for the special case of symmetric support stiffness together with a so-called Alford’s force cross-coupling term. In each case, the limit-cycle stability is assessed via a perturbation and Floquet analysis and the coexistence of the stable balanced synchronous limit-cycle and undesired non-synchronous limit-cycle is studied. It is found that for certain combinations of bearing parameters and operating speeds, the non-synchronous limit-cycle can be made unstable thus guaranteeing global asymptotic stability of the synchronous balanced condition. Finally, the analysis is validated through numerical time-domain simulation. The findings in this paper yield important insights for researchers wishing to utilize automatic balancing devices in practical rotor systems.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Application of Composite Energy Methods to n-butyl Radical β-scission Reaction Kinetic Estimations

Hydrocarbon cracking reactions are key steps in petroleum refinery processes and understanding reaction kinetics has very important applications in the petroleum industry. In this work, G3 and complete basis set (CBS) composite energy methods were applied to investigate butyl radical β-scission reaction kinetics and energetics. Experimental thermodynamic and kinetic data were employed to evaluate the accuracy of these calculations. The CBS compound model proved to have excellent agreement with the experimental data, indicating that it is a reliable method for studying other large hydrocarbon cracking reactions. Furthermore, a reaction kinetic model with pressure and temperature effects was proposed. For P ≤ P 0, k = 2.04 × 109 × P 0.51 × e(-9745.70/T); for P > P 0, k = 9.43 × 1013 × e(-15135.70/T), where k is the reaction rate constant in units of s−1; P is pressure in units of kPa, T is temperature in units of Kelvin, and the switching pressure is P 0 = 1.53 × 109 × e(-10610.24/T). This model can be easily applied to different reaction conditions without performing additional expensive and complicated calculations.
The Polarization of Light in a Tropical Rain Forest1

The light environment within forests presents complex patterns of brightness and spectral distribution of light. The polarized light field is no less complex. Using an imaging polarized light analyzer, we examined the natural fields of linearly polarized light in the tropical rain forest of Guatopo National Park, Venezuela. We found that the celestial polarization pattern remains visible underneath the forest canopy, although cloud and fog coverage may diffuse the light and reduce the polarization signal. We characterized several distinct light environments, each having a characteristic polarized light field. Furthermore, objects throughout the forest reflect light that is polarized in a predictable fashion depending upon the material, structure, and orientation of the reflecting surface. As a consequence of these patterns in the distribution of polarized light, some functions of polarization vision, such as navigation, must be limited to the spaces exposed to several extended portions of the sky, while others, such as remote sensing of surface orientation, object detection, and breaking of camouflage would be useful throughout the forest. The polarization of light adds another dimension to the complexity of the rain forest photic environment. RESUMEN La luz ambiental dentro de la jungla presents complejos patrones de brillo y distribucion espectral de luz. El campo de la luz polarizada no es menos complejo. Usando un analizador de imagenes de luz polarizada, nosotros examinamos los campos naturales de luz polarizada linear en el bosque tropical del Parque Nacional de Guatopo, Venezuela. Encontramos que el patron de polarizacion celestial permanece visible debajo de la cubierta del bosque, aun cuando una cubierta de nubes y neblina puede dispersar la luz y reducir la senal de polarizacion. Nosotros caracterizamos varios ambientes de luz diferente, cada uno teniendo un campo de luz polarizada caracteristico. Ademas, objetos en todo el bosque reflejan la luz que es polarizada en una forma predecible dependiendo sobre el material, estructura y orientacion de la superficie reflectante. Como una consequencia de estos patrones en la distribucion de la luz polarizada, algunas funciones de vision polarizada, tales como la navegacion, deben estar limitadas a los espacios expuestos a grandes extensiones de cielo, mientra otras, tales como la percepcion remota de la orientacion de superficies, la deteccion de objetos, y el quebrantar el camuflage puede ser utiles dentro del bosque. La polarizacion de la luz adiciona otra dimension a la complejidad del ambiente fotico del bosque.
A novel human amino acid transporter, hNAT3 : cDNA cloning, chromosomal mapping, genomic structure, expression, and functional characterization

Abstract Amino acid transporters are proteins that transport amino acids across the membrane. We report here the isolation and characterization of a novel human cDNA clone encoding a protein of 547 amino acids. This protein shares ∼50% amino acid sequence homology with the amino acid transporters mouse mNAT and its orthologs, rat SN1 and human g17, and mouse GlnT/ATA1 and ATA2. Expression of this cRNA in Xenopus oocytes revealed that the strongest transport activities were specific for l -alanine. In addition, hNAT3 is a Na+- and pH-dependent, low-affinity transporter and partially tolerates substitution of Na+ by Li+. Since this protein has sequence and functional similarities to the previously identified system N amino acid transporters, we named this protein hNAT3. The genomic DNA sequence encoding the transcript of hNAT3 spans over 14 kb with 16 exons and 15 introns. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we mapped the hNAT3 gene to human chromosome 12q12–q13. By RT-PCR of embryonic and adult human tissues, hNAT3 was detected to be predominately expressed in the liver and to a much lesser extent in the muscle, kidney, and pancreas. The data obtained in this study are likely to offer critical clues for identification of amino acid transporter-associated diseases.
Landscape structure analysis of Kansas at three scales

Abstract Recent research in landscape ecology has sought to define the underlying structure of landscape pattern as quantified by landscape pattern metrics. One method used by researchers to address this question involves statistical data reduction techniques. In this study, principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on 27 landscape pattern metrics derived from a Kansas land cover data base at three spatial resolutions: 30 m, 100 m, and 1 km. A hexagonal sampling grid was used to subset the landscape and FRAGSTATS software was used to calculate landscape pattern metrics. The PCA reduced the number of variables from 27 to 5. A five-component PCA solution explained between 81 and 89% of the variation in the data set. The components were interpreted as overall landscape texture, patch shape and size, cropland and grassland class-specific metrics, patch interspersion, and a nearest neighbor attribute. These five dimensions were identified at each resolution level. The first component was stable throughout the resolution levels, whereas the order of importance changed for the latter four components. That most components consistently appeared at each resolution level supports the use of the same subset of pattern metrics for landscape monitoring in the region at different resolutions. The individual metrics emerging as most important were similar to those noted in other research and include the modified Simpson’s diversity index, the area-weighted mean patch fractal dimension, the interspersion and juxtaposition index, and the largest patch index for grasslands.
Chronicity of acetic acid ulcer in the rat stomach

Experimental gastric ulcers, produced by submucosal injection of acetic acid in rats were studied in relationship to healing. Small ulcers healed completely within 40 days after induction; moderately severe ulcers were sometimes found at 150 days, and probably resulted from repeated healing and reulceration. Large severe ulcers partially healed and then became reexacerbated; they frequently increased in size up to 250 days, thus resembling chronic gastric lesions. Throughout the experimental periods, adhesion of the ulcer base with adjacent organs and delayed gastric emptying were found in most animals. After ulceration, an increase in gastric volume and acid output and a decrease in protease activity of gastric contents were found in chronic fistula rats with experimental ulcers. The secretory changes observed here may have been secondary to gastric ulceration and/or delayed gastric emptying. The factors responsible for the reexacerbation of the experimental ulcer remain unidentified.
Bipartite adenoviral vector encoding hHGF and hIL-1Ra for improved human islet transplantation.

Purpose Ex vivo gene therapy can improve the outcome of islet transplantation for treating type I diabetes. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) increases β-cell proliferation and promotes revascularization of islets, while interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (hIL-1Ra) inhibits islet cell apoptosis.
The Evolution of Online Identity

The author proposes that we must significantly improve how we authenticate ourselves on various computer systems to address growing security and privacy threats. As part of that process, we must adopt an identity metasystem that relies on in-person proofing and the passing of identity claims (such as claims about name, age, residency, or any other identity attribute). When people and organizations have the ability to transmit and consume such claims, they will be better able to engage safely in personal and commercial transactions.
The long-term effect of sludge application on Cu, Zn, and Mo behavior in soils and accumulation in soybean seeds

A long-term greenhouse column experiment using two soils of different textures amended with dewatered, composted and alkaline-stabilized sludges (biosolids) tested the effect of aging on trace metal solubility, mobility and crop uptake over 15 cropping cycles. Specifically, soil chemical properties and extractability of Cu, Zn and Mo were measured after each cropping cycle, and soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown as the final crop were analyzed for those metal concentrations in the seeds. Significant Cu loss from the surface soil through leaching, and increased Zn extractability resulting from soil acidification were evident in the early cropping cycles shortly after sludge application, with the degree of Cu mobilization and soil acidification strongly dependent on the type of soil and sludge. Liming to counter acidification in later cycles enhanced Mo extractability and bioavailability substantially, with some sludge treatments producing soybean seeds with Mo concentrations up to 5 times greater than the control. Aging effects were difficult to discern for trace metals in this long-term study, since soil pH changes caused by sludge and liming amendments dominated metal solubility and crop uptake.
Alginate Biosynthesis: A Model System for Gene Regulation and Function in Pseudomonas

Alginate is an exopolysaccharide of industrial and medical importance. Understanding the biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology of alginate biosynthesis by P. aeruginosa is undergoing rapid development. The alginate biosynthetic pathway has been partially deduced. Transcriptional activation of alginate gene(s) appears to be a critical step in the establishment of mucoidy. Studies on the regulation and function of the alg gene complex will significantly increase our knowledge of gene expression in Pseudomonas, and hopefully allow better control of the proliferation of mucoid strains in Cystic Fibrosis patients.
ECHO-AGE: an innovative model of geriatric care for long-term care residents with dementia and behavioral issues.

Abstract Objectives To design, implement, and assess the pilot phase of an innovative, remote case-based video-consultation program called ECHO-AGE that links experts in the management of behavior disorders in patients with dementia to nursing home care providers. Design Pilot study involving surveying of participating long-term care sites regarding utility of recommendations and resident outcomes. Setting Eleven long-term care sites in Massachusetts and Maine. Participants An interprofessional specialty team at a tertiary care center and staff from 11 long-term care sites. Intervention Long-term care sites presented challenging cases regarding residents with dementia and/or delirium related behavioral issues to specialists via video-conferencing. Methods Baseline resident characteristics and follow-up data regarding compliance with ECHO-AGE recommendations, resident improvement, hospitalization, and mortality were collected from the long-term care sites. Results Forty-seven residents, with a mean age of 82 years, were presented during the ECHO-AGE pilot period. Eighty-three percent of residents had a history of dementia and 44% were taking antipsychotic medications. The most common reasons for presentation were agitation, intrusiveness, and paranoia. Behavioral plans were recommended in 72.3% of patients. Suggestions for medication adjustments were also frequent. ECHO-AGE recommendations were completely or partially followed in 88.6% of residents. When recommendations were followed, sites were much more likely to report clinical improvement (74% vs 20%, P Conclusions The results suggest that a case-based video-consultation program can be successful in improving the care of elders with dementia and/or delirium related behavioral issues by linking specialists with long-term care providers.
A partial-step algorithm for enlarging the convergence region of the nonlinear estimation problem

Weighted least squares nonlinear estimation problem, presenting partial step algorithm for convergence region enlargement
Psychotherapy quality control: the statistical generation of expected recovery curves for integration into an early warning system

The results of the development of expected recovery curves for an empirically driven patient profiling system are presented. Patients undergoing a course of psychotherapy (N = 11 492) repeatedly took the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45). Scores across all patients were combined into an aggregate dataset for use in generating expected recovery curves based on severity of symptoms at intake. SAS PROC MIXED was used to create a mixed linear model of recovery curves based on OQ-45 scores across sessions and the log transformation of session number. Mean estimates were established for each session from one to 20. Tolerance intervals were then created around each estimated mean score. Expected recovery curves were combined with tolerance intervals to create an early warning system capable of identifying patients whose slow progress suggests that they might be expected to have a negative therapy outcome (terminate treatment prior to obtaining a clinically significant benefit). Current efforts to establish a systematic quality improvement procedure using these curves are discussed. Charts of expected recovery values are plotted, and a straightforward system of patient profiling, early identification of treatment failures, and feedback to clinicians is described. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the superoxide dismutase of the denitrifying bacterium,Bacillus halodenitrificans

Bacillus halodenitrificans produced a dimeric, manganese-containing superoxide dismutase constitutively when grown either aerobically or as a denitrifier. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined by sedimentation equilibrium to be 41.4±3 kDa with each subunit estimated at 26 kDa. Plasma emission spectroscopy indicated the presence of 1.22 mol manganese atoms/mol holoenzyme. The electronic absorption spectrum displayed a broad band centered at approximately 474 nm (e=560 mM−1 · cm−1) and a shoulder at 595 nm. In the ultraviolet range, the spectrum exhibited split maxima at 278 nm and 283 nm and a shoulder at 291 nm, thus resembling the spectra of superoxide dismutase fromBacillus subtilis andEscherichia coli. The amino acid composition of theB. halodenitrificans enzyme differed slightly quantitatively but little qualitatively from counterpart enzymes from other sources. Like the superoxide dismutases ofMycobacterium lepraemurium and human mitochondria, theB. halodenitrificans enzyme exhibited several cysteine residues. As expected from the capacity superoxide dismutase exhibits for protecting NO as neutrophil cytotoxicity factor, theB. halodenitrificans superoxide dismutase did not interfere with accumulation of NO produced by the organism's nitrite reductase.
Using imperfect secondary structure predictions to improve molecular structure computations.

MOTIVATION Until ab initio structure prediction methods are perfected, the estimation of structure for protein molecules will depend on combining multiple sources of experimental and theoretical data. Secondary structure predictions are a particularly useful source of structural information, but are currently only approximately 70% correct, on average. Structure computation algorithms which incorporate secondary structure information must therefore have methods for dealing with predictions that are imperfect. EXPERIMENTS PERFORMED: We have modified our algorithm for probabilistic least squares structural computations to accept 'disjunctive' constraints, in which a constraint is provided as a set of possible values, each weighted with a probability. Thus, when a helix is predicted, the distances associated with a helix are given most of the weight, but some weights can be allocated to the other possibilities (strand and coil). We have tested a variety of strategies for this weighting scheme in conjunction with a baseline synthetic set of sparse distance data, and compared it with strategies which do not use disjunctive constraints. RESULTS Naive interpretations in which predictions were taken as 100% correct led to poor-quality structures. Interpretations that allow disjunctive constraints are quite robust, and even relatively poor predictions (58% correct) can significantly increase the quality of computed structures (almost halving the RMS error from the known structure). CONCLUSIONS Secondary structure predictions can be used to improve the quality of three-dimensional structural computations. In fact, when interpreted appropriately, imperfect predictions can provide almost as much improvement as perfect predictions in three-dimensional structure calculations.
Quantitative assessment of four men using above-elbow prosthetic control

Abstract We studied the relationship between kinematically unconstrained activities of daily living (ADL) tasks and a kinematically constrained task in above-elbow (AE) amputee subjects using myoelectrically controlled prostheses. Four men, 24 to 49 years old, with unilateral AE amputation wore a prosthesis interfaced to a programmable controller to emulate two different elbow control schemes, conventional velocity and a new "natural" controller. Subjects were timed during three ADL tasks—cutting meat, donning socks, and rolling dough—with both controllers. The prosthesis emulator was then connected to a crank device with a handle, and the subjects turned the crank from bottom to top positions in a vertical plane using each controller. Synergistic shoulder-elbow joint coordination required for crank turning was quantified as the maximum slope of the change in elbow torque versus the change in crank-angle. Performance between the two controllers differed significantly for the crank test but not for ADL tasks. One subject did not complete all crank turning tests. Positive canonical correlation of 0.77 was found between time and crank domain measures. We conclude that biomechanical assessments should be integrated with time-based clinical tests to comprehensively evaluate performance of AE amputee subjects with a myoelectric device.
Innate immune responses to Encephalitozoon species infections

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular, eukaryotic fungi, which have gained recognition as opportunistic parasites in immunocompromised patients. Resistance to lethal microsporidia infections requires a Th1 immune response; how this protection is initiated against Encephalitozoon species is the focus of this review article.
Deformation of Stomatal Guard Cell Lips and Microfabricated Artificial Topographies during Appressorium Formation by Uromyces

Abstract Terhune, B. T., Bojko, R. J., and Hoch, H. C. 1993. Deformation of stomatal guard cell lips and microfabricated artificial topographies during appressorium formation by Uromyces. Experimental Mycology 17, 70-78. The inductive signal, stomatal guard cell lips or 0.5-μm-high plastic ridges, for appressorium formation in urediospore germlings of Uromyces appendiculatus was examined for signs of physical deformation during the course of appressorium development. The normally erect stomatal guard cell lips were usually observed prostrate at most stages of appressorium development; and, there were no persistent or significant indentations into the fungal cell that might have been caused by the topographical features. To further evaluate the events that occurred at the lip-appressorium interface in situ, polycarbonate and/or polystyrene ridges (0.5 μm high and 0.25 μm wide), mimicking stomatal guard cell lips of Phaseolus vulgaris, were cast on specifically microfabricated silicon templates. These artificial lips induced appressoria and became deformed approximately 30 min after initial contact by the germ tube apex as recorded and observed with time-lapsed video light microscopy. The collapsed nature of the ridges was further evaluated by both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. These results suggest that mechanical forces imposed by a combination of cell turgor pressure and adhesion of the appressorium to the substrate were responsible for deformation of the inductive topography.