cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of sequence requirements and trans-acting functions necessary for regulated expression of a human cytomegalovirus early gene.

Abstract We analyzed the regulation of expression of a human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) early transcription unit encoded by EcoRI fragments R and d (map units, 0.682 to 0.713), located within the long unique segment of the genome. This region specified a 2.2-kilobase class of spliced transcripts which encode several related proteins. To define important upstream regulatory elements of this gene, we generated hybrid plasmids in which 5'-promoter sequences were fused to the Escherichia coli chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene and tested these hybrid genes in transient expression assays in human fibroblast cells. The stimulation of CAT activity in HCMV-infected cells was found to reflect an induction of correctly initiated hybrid mRNA, which was dependent on the de novo synthesis of some virally induced factor(s). A time course experiment showed the correct early kinetics of CAT expression. Analysis of a series of 5'-promoter deletion plasmids, ending between -323 and -7 base pairs relative to the transcription start site, showed a stepwise reduction in inducible CAT activity, suggesting that this HCMV early promoter consists of multiple elements. One of these elements resembles the binding site of a previously identified cellular "transcription" factor. We also examined the role of specific virus-encoded factors in the transactivation of this promoter. Cotransfection of human fibroblasts with the 2.2-kilobase RNA promoter-CAT construct and plasmids containing different immediate-early genes showed that expression of CAT from this promoter was stimulated by the region of the HCMV genome encoding the immediate-early 1 and 2 gene products.
Studies on the induction and repression of enzymes in rat liver: Characteristics of the l-tryptophan and cortisone-mediated induction of serine dehydratase in the livers of intact and adrenalectomized rats☆☆☆

Abstract Liver serine dehydratase differs in its response to the administration of cortisone and l -tryptophan in intact and adrenalectomized rats. While the enzyme synthesis de novo is increased by the administration of tryptophan or cortisone in intact rats, cortisone but not tryptophan stimulates synthesis of the enzyme in adrenalectomized animals. The magnitude of the enzyme's increase after tryptophan administration depends on the protein content of the diet and the length of starvation of the animals prior to the induction. While the combination of cortisone with tryptophan does not result in a further enhancement of hepatic serine dehydratase in rats with intact adrenal glands, glucagonmediated induction of the enzyme in these animals can be further increased by giving the amino acid. No such effect was found in adrenalectomized animals. Both the increase of serine dehydratase activity caused by tryptophan in intact, and by cortisone in adrenalectomized rats is associated with the appearance of form I of serine dehydratase as well as an increase in the total activity of the enzyme.
All Speech is Not Free: The Ethics of "Affirmative Action Pedagogy"

All speech is not free. Power inequities institutionalized through economies, gender roles, social class, and corporate-owned media ensure that all voices do not carry the same weight. As part of Western democracies, different voices pay different prices for the words one chooses to utter. Some speech results in the speaker being assaulted, or even killed. Other speech is not free in the sense that it is foreclosed: our social and political culture predetermines certain voices and articulations as unrecognizable, illegitimate, unspeakable. Similarly, neither are all expressions of hostility equal. Some hostile voices are penalized while others are tolerated. Hostility that targets a marginalized person on the basis of her or his assumed inferiority carries more weight than hostility expressed by a marginalized person towards a member of the dominant class. Efforts to legislate against “hate speech” within public spaces cannot, in principle, recognize the differential weight and significance of hate speech directed at different individuals or groups.
Bioeffects and Safety of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Characteristics of rf Radiation-Induced Heating During MR Procedures 3 MR Procedures and the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of rf Radiation 4 Assessment of Thermal and Other Physiological Responses to rf Radiation-Induced Heating During an MR Procedure 5 Thermal and Other Physiological Responses to rf Radiation-Induced Heating during an MR Examination 6 MR Procedures and Temperature-Sensitive Organs: The Testis and Eye 7 MR Procedures and ‘Hot Spots’ 8 Future Studies of rf Radiation-Induced Heating During MRI 9 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Substrate interactions with the alpha-subunit of the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase. A kinetic study of the wild-type alpha-subunit.

Abstract The kinetics of the reversible reaction [indoleglycerol phosphate (InGP) ⇌ indole and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate] catalyzed by the α-subunit of the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase was examined. The forward reaction (InGP to indole) is characterized by simple Michaelis-Menton kinetics at low ( m ) InGP concentrations and is consistent with the binding of a single InGP molecule at the active site. At higher (>2 m m ) InGP concentrations, there is a very sharp decrease in rate. This concentration-dependent rate decrease parallels a sharp concentration-dependent aggregation of InGP. This rate decrease at high InGP concentrations may be due partially to this aggregation and the consequent lowering of monomeric InGP concentration. The reverse reaction (indole to InGP) is characterized by a sigmoidal response of rate of indole concentration. The data (Hill plot and double reciprocal 1 v versus 1/[indole] 2 plot) are consistent with two strongly interacting sites, an effector site and the active site. The effect of InGP on the reverse reaction is InGP concentration dependent. At low InGP concentrations, there is an inhibition with a concomitant slight decrease in the V . Under these conditions, the two indole sites are still apparent. These data are interpreted as being due to monomeric InGP binding only to the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate portion of the active site. At high InGP concentrations, there is an increased activation of the reverse reaction and nearly a doubling in V . In addition, the Hill slope approaches a value of 2 and the double-reciprocal plot ( 1 v versus 1/[indole] 2 ) is linear only at high indole concentrations. These data are consistent with the interpretation that InGP (probably the aggregate form) binds to a separate effector site and that this binding precludes the functioning of the indole effector site at low indole concentrations. The effect of 1 or 7 m m indole on the forward reaction is negligible or slightly stimulatory. At low InGP concentrations, the effect of indole may be due to a diminished activation of the active site when it is occupied by InGP rather than when it is occupied by indole and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. At high InGP concentrations, the effect of indole can be attributed to the displacement of InGP by indole in the InGP aggregate.
Time-Domain Analysis of Two-Conductor Lines

This chapter contains sections titled: The Transverse Electromagnetic Mode of Propagation and the Transmission-Line Equations The Per-Unit-Length Parameters The General Solutions for the Line Voltage and Current Wave Tracing and Reflection Coefficients A Simple Alternative to Wave Tracing in the Solution of Transmission Lines The SPICE (PSPICE) Exact Transmission-Line Model Lumped-Circuit Approximate Models of the Line Effects of Reactive Terminations on Terminal Waveforms Matching Schemes for Signal Integrity Effect of Line Discontinuities Driving Multiple Lines
Measurement of nitric oxide in biological models.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, gaseous, paramagnetic radical with a high affinity for interaction with ferrous hemoproteins such as soluble guanylate cyclase and hemoglobin. Interest in NO measurement increased exponentially with the discovery that NO or a related compound is the endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). In addition to being a potent endogenous vasodilator, NO has a role in inflammation, thrombosis, immunity, and neurotransmission. Measurement of NO is important as many of its effects (e.g., vasodilatation, inhibition of platelet aggregation) are similar to those of other substances produced by the endothelium, such as prostacyclin. NO is formed in small amounts in vivo and is rapidly destroyed by interaction with oxygen, making measurement difficult. A computerized search of the past five year's literature found NO measurements reported in fewer than 50 of 955 articles dealing with EDRF. Inhibitors of NO synthesis such as the arginine analogs or agents that inactivate NO, such as reduce...
Simulation of deep one- and two-dimensional redshift surveys

It is shown that slice or pencil-beam redshift surveys of galaxies can be simulated in a box with nonequal sides. This method saves a lot of computer time and memory while providing essentially the same results as from whole-cube simulations. A 2457.6/h Mpc-long rod (out to a redshift z = 0.58 in two opposite directions) is simulated using the standard biased cold dark matter model as an example to mimic the recent deep pencil-beam surveys by Broadhurst et al. (1990). The structures (spikes) seen in these simulated samples occur when the narrow pencil-beam pierces walls, filaments, and clusters appearing randomly along the line-of-sight. A statistical test for goodness of fit to a periodic lattice has been applied to the observations and the simulations. It is found that the statistical significance level (P = 15.4 percent) is not strong enough to reject the null hypothesis that the observations and the simulations were drawn at random from the same set.
Supine bicycle stress echocardiography: peak exercise imaging is superior to postexercise imaging.

The abilities of peak exercise (PEAK) stress echocardiography versus postexercise (POST) stress echocardiography to detect coronary artery disease were evaluated in 136 consecutive patients undergoing supine bicycle stress echocardiography and coronary arteriography: 42 (31%) had normal coronary vessels, 38 (28%) had single-vessel disease, 34 (25%) had double-vessel disease, and 22 (16%) had triple-vessel disease. The results were as follows: (1) For detection of disease in the group of patients, sensitivity of PEAK versus POST was 94% versus 83% ( p p p p p p = 0.07. There were no differences in exercise parameters between patients with and without resolution from PEAK to POST. (5) PEAK versus POST accuracy for identification of patients with multivessel disease was 93% versus 68% ( p
Optic Canal Decompression in Indirect Optic Nerve Trauma

Background: The proper management of neurogenic visual loss after blunt head trauma is controversial. Non-treatment, corticosteroids, and surgical decompression of the optic canal are all currently considered to be reasonable alternatives. The goal of this study was to identify factors affecting improvement in patients treated with canal decompression. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 31 cases in which transethmoidal decompression of the optic canal had been performed for neurogenic visual loss after closed head trauma was conducted. Each patient was alert and free of injury to the globe when evaluated before surgery. Surgery was performed within 6 days of injury, and all were given perioperative steroids. Results: Visual acuity improved in 22 (71%) patients, with 6 (19%) regaining visual acuity of 20/40 or better. The mean improvement from preoperative visual deficit was 42.0% ± 6.6%, with a median improvement of 45.2%. Both univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that vision improved more in patients who were younger than 40 years of age than in patients who were 40 years of age or older. Interval between injury and surgery, preoperative visual acuity, and the presence of optic canal fracture did not affect outcome. Conclusion: Any future randomized trials of therapy should stratify patients based on age. Enrollment of patients with no light perception or who experienced delay between injury and treatment may be reasonably considered.
The effect of political uncertainty on the cost of corporate debt

Abstract In this paper we bring new empirical evidence that political uncertainty is associated with higher corporate debt financing costs. Controlling for all bond and firm characteristics that could affect a firm's cost of debt financing, the uncertainty associated with the outcome of U.S. presidential elections leads to a 34 basis point increase in corporate bond spreads, with closer campaign years associated with additional costs. Similar results hold when we use the continuous measure of the Political Uncertainty Index by Baker et al. (2012) . The uncertainty associated with gubernatorial elections, on the other hand, has no effect on the pricing of corporate bonds.
Uncertainty as a possible rationale for customs unions

Abstract Two commodity price-taking countries which face uncertainty about world commodity prices and domestic output can, when asset markets are incomplete, gain relative to free trade by forming a customs union. Once the customs union is formed, these countries have an incentive to pursue unilateral commercial policies which may undermine the collective gains brought about by the customs union.
Pericardial effusion and cardiac hemangioma in the neonate

In the absence of hydrops or sepsis, a pericardial effusion is a rare occurrence in the neonate. We report a case of a neonate with a pericardial effusion in which there was an associated intracardiac hemangioma. Our literature review found 32 cases of pericardial effusion with-out hydrops in infants under 3 months of age; twelve of these cases were associated with intracardiac and pericardial tumors; 20 others were discovered to be randomly associated with other problems.
THE HISTOGENETIC AND BIOSYNTHETIC CAPABILITIES OF URODELE CHONDROCYTES AFTER SHORT‐TERM AND PROLONGED CULTURE IN VITRO*

Urodele larval chondrocytes can be successfully maintained in long-term in vitro cultures with successive serial subculturing. In the monolayered cultures the chondrocytes actively synthesize DNA and undergo mitotic divisions, but no synthesis of mucopolysaccharide matrix takes place. The majority of the cells maintain their normal chromosome complement. Chondrocytes from short-term primary cultures, when implanted into the tail fins of host larvae, organize morphologically into typical cartilage tissue with cellular lacunae and a mucopolysaccharide matrix. When chondrocytes, which have been in monolayered cultures for long periods, are implanted as pellets into the in vivo conditions of the tail fin, they form a discrete trabecularized mass. The cells now display the capability of mucopolysaccharide matrix synthesis, but have apparently lost their histogenetic capability of forming typical cartilage tissue.
Nonlocal determination of brightness in spatially periodic patterns.

Recent data require nonlinear spatial summation processes in models for detection of spatially periodic and aperiodic patterns. Contrast matching experiments with suprathreshold grating and spot patterns suggest that nonlinear models may be required for suprathreshold contrast data, but differences between the psychophysical tasks used with periodic and aperiodic patterns make comparison difficult. A series of experiments are reported in which subjects matched local brightnesses and brightness differences within single cycles of grating patterns. This task closely resembles the matching task in classical contrast experiments with aperiodic stimuli, allowing comparison of the data from the two types of experiments. Brightnesses within a 5-cycle/degree (c/deg) sinusoidal grating were largely unaffected by addition of a large 15-c/deg modulation component in either of two phases, in spite of the resulting large change in local luminances within the pattern. As at threshold, complex models are required in order to account for apparent differences between spatial interactions within periodic and aperiodic patterns.
Brainstem auditory evoked responses in 200 patients with multiple sclerosis

Brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) were recorded from 202 patients with definite, probable, or possible multiple sclerosis (MS). Definitions of abnormality were based only on interwave separations and the wave I/wave V amplitude ratio. Thirty-two percent of the patients had abnormal BAERs, and the presence of clinically unsuspected lesions was revealed by BAER abnormalities in 7.4%. Thirty-five percent of the patients who had nystagmus and 53% of those who had internuclear ophthalmoplegia at the time of testing had BAER abnormalities. Forty-five percent of the abnormalities were elicited with stimulation of one ear only, stressing the importance of monaural stimulation. Click rates faster than 10 per second did not reveal abnormalities undetected at slower rates. BAERs were normal by these criteria in patients with labyrinthine diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, the BAER in MS can (1) confirm the presence of central lesions in pateints with suspected brainstem involvement, (2) document the presence of clinically unsuspected lesions, and (3) be followed over time to provide possible assistance in evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. The BAER is a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of MS.
Ideal-Real Discrepancies for the Beginning Group Worker: Four Case Situations

Abstract Case situations illustrate some ideal-real discrepancies faced by beginning group workers. The training and supervision approach used shows how managing discrepancies can be assisted.
Content-based image retrieval via adaptive multifeature templates

The use of image content analysis and image clustering techniques to organize an image database with a great variety of collections is investigated in this work. The objective is to bridge the gap between low-level features and their high level semantic meanings. We attempt this goal by using both coarse and fine classifications in image database organization. Image content analysis serves as the major tool in coarse classification. A set of typical image collections are studied by training their low-level feature vectors. Clusters of representative low-level features are further provided in form of semantic templates to provide fine-level classification clues for achieving a good query performance and serving as a supporting tool for browsing. With these multiple feature semantic templates, an interactive retrieval process can be conveniently implemented to incorporate user's feedback to achieve the desired query.
Effect of chain length compatibility on micellar stability in sodium dodecyl sulfate/alkyltrimethylammonium bromide solutions

The effect of chain length compatibility on the micellar stability was investigated for mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and alkyltrimethylammonium bromides (CnTAB, n = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16) at a 20/1 molar ratio. It was observed that the surface properties of surfactant solutions were influenced by the chain length compatibility of the surfactant molecules. The slow micellar relaxation time (τ2), which directly correlates to the micellar stability, was determined using the pressure-jump technique. The addition of CnTAB to SDS solutions results in a significant increase in the relaxation time compared to SDS alone, showing a maximum for the SDS/C12TAB system. The high micellar stability results in minimum surface tension, maximum surface viscosity, maximum micellar lifetime, maximum foam stability, and minimum foamability. The higher micellar stability as observed for SDS/C12TAB is attributed to both the chain length compatibility and the Coulombic interaction of the surfactant head groups, resulting...
TRACE METAL CONTROL OF BACTERIAL FLAGELLATION.

SPECIFIC alterations in the normal battery of biosynthetic processes often occur when moderate changes are made in the balance of metallic ions in the environment. In microbial systems, for example, the quantities synthesized of organic acids, porphyrins, vitamins, antibiotics, toxins, enzymes, lipids, and polysaccharides are controlled by precise balances of metallic ions that permit, but are not necessarily optimal for, vegetative growth. Likewise, the execution of such physiological processes as cell division; sporulation; germination; plasmodia and vesicle formation; and adsorption, induction, and synthesis of bacterial viruses depends on concentrations of specific metallic ions that differ from the minimum quantities needed for synthesis of protoplasm. Indeed, the tolerance of normal vegetative growth to fluctuation of the metallic ion environment is considerably greater than the fluctuation tolerated by a specific biosynthetic or physiological process1.
Cancellative commutative semigroups

The study of t.c.r. (=totally cancellative reduced) real semigroups (which are just convex cones in real vector spaces, with the induced addition) enables us to answer some questions about t.c.r. semigroups in general. For example, a finite-dimensional divisible commutative semigroups is locally free if and only if it is t.c.r. and has the Riesz Interpolation Property.
Management and control in the real-time hybrid analog/digital video network environment

Video transmission in a local area network consumes a great deal of network resources. Hybrid Analog/Digital Video Networks (ADViNet) can remedy this deficiency. ADViNet allows users to send real-time full-screen motion images through an analog communication medium without slowing down regular network activities. In this paper we are going to consider a multilayer control and management protocol that will allow users to supervise the analog medium through the digital one. Several groups of new protocol commands will be introduced. The first group covers the operations that directly change the ways of distributing video information through the analog medium. The second group includes network administration commands. Some of the ADViNet functions are intelligent: besides data transmission, they include data processing and/or decision-making elements.
Describing grey literature again: a survey of collection policies

At Oregon State University, we are exploring the differences between collections formed by digitizing existing materials on our shelves and those created by identifying and acquiring digital objects beyond our library. One example is the proposed Tsunami Digital Library (TDL) that would support a growing research program with users needing access to diverse information, much of it grey. The TDL is conceptualized as an information portal designed to coordinate the access and distribution of Internet based tsunami related information. The distributed collection is maintained by contributing partner sites within a digital library system. Yet, defining this digital collection presents challenges that differ from our traditional approach to collection development as the audience goes well beyond OSU, materials are created and housed elsewhere, and the formats are not consistent. Building on our needs assessment of potential users of the TDL, we surveyed librarians active in the field of digital collections on their practical and theoretical approaches to collecting digital grey literature. Their insights and a careful review of the literature of digital grey collections provide a context for creating a specific collection development policy. Our experience is transferable to any librarian collecting digital grey literature. Planning for a Digital Collection of Grey Literature Digital collections of Internet resources place important information close at hand. They facilitate the dissemination of new research faster, and create access for wider audiences. Rather than searching the entire Internet, a collection limits resources to those pertinent to a subject. A collection also suggests that material has been identified as useful by a qualified librarian or subject expert. The emergence of digital collections and the increasing amount of digital grey literature challenges the library’s ability to consistently collect information using our traditional tests and tools. Some of the standard criteria of authority and relevance to the institution’s mission remain critical. Other standards, such as longevity and access, are more problematic to apply. One challenge is the lack of consensus among librarians on a definition
Highly Aromatic Planar all-cis-[10]Annulene Derivatives

Ring strain precludes D{sub 10h} symmetry for the parent [10]-annulene (1). The considerable 10{pi} electron aromaticity of 1 is overwhelmed by the energy required to deform the CCC angles to 144{degree}. We now describe strategies which take advantage of strain to overcome the planarity problem in simple all-cis derivatives of 1. Our ab initio explorations have located and characterized several promising planar 10-membered-ring systems 2-5. Not only the theoretical structures and energies but also the computed magnetic properties demonstrate the considerable aromaticity in these `next higher` analogs of benzene. We now report the structure of 2, and characterize 3-5 computationally. 17 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Intravesical Tumor Involvement of the Trigone Is Associated With Nodal Metastasis in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

Objective To evaluate the influence of intravesical tumor location on nodal metastasis and mortality after cystectomy. The microvascular anatomy of the urinary bladder is variable in distinct regions of the bladder and thus tumor location may influence the tumors' ability to access lymphatic and vascular structures. Materials and Methods An observational cohort study was conducted of all patients undergoing radical cystectomy at a single institution between January 2000 and July 2008. Tumor location was classified into the following 6 locations: lateral wall, posterior wall, anterior wall, trigone, dome, and bladder neck. The association between tumor location with nodal metastasis and cancer-specific mortality was assessed. Results A total of 545 patients were identified in this cohort. Location of tumor at the bladder trigone was associated with an increased likelihood of nodal metastasis on univariate (odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.62) and multivariate (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% CI 1.11-2.99) analysis. In addition, trigone location was associated with a decreased cancer-specific survival on univariate (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.03-2.16) and multivariate (hazard ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.11-2.55) analysis. Conclusion Patients with bladder tumor in the trigone have a greater risk of lymph node metastasis at cystectomy and decreased cancer-specific survival. Tumor location may be a useful prognostic factor in risk stratification of patients with invasive bladder cancer.
On Controlling an Uncertain System With Polynomial Chaos and H2 Control Design

This paper applies the H 2 norm along time and parameter domains. The norm is related to the probabilistic H 2 problem. It is calculated using polynomial chaos to handle uncertainty in the plant model. The structure of expanded states resulting from Galerkin projections of a state space model with uncertain parameters is used to formulate cost functions in terms of mean performances of the states, as well as covariances. Also, bounds on the norm are described in terms of linear matrix inequalitys. The form of the gradient of the norm, which can be used in optimization, is given as a Lyapunov equation. Additionally, this approach can be used to solve the related probabilistic LQR problem. The legitimacy of the concept is demonstrated through two mechanical oscillator examples. These controllers could be easily implemented on physical systems without observing uncertain parameters.
Discovery of dual-action membrane-anchored modulators of incretin receptors.

Background The glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors are considered complementary therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes. Using recombinant membrane-tethered ligand (MTL) technology, the present study focused on defining optimized modulators of these receptors, as well as exploring how local anchoring influences soluble peptide function. Methodology/Principal Findings Serial substitution of residue 7 in membrane-tethered GIP (tGIP) led to a wide range of activities at the GIP receptor, with [G7]tGIP showing enhanced efficacy compared to the wild type construct. In contrast, introduction of G7 into the related ligands, tGLP-1 and tethered exendin-4 (tEXE4), did not affect signaling at the cognate GLP-1 receptor. Both soluble and tethered GIP and GLP-1 were selective activators of their respective receptors. Although soluble EXE4 is highly selective for the GLP-1 receptor, unexpectedly, tethered EXE4 was found to be a potent activator of both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Diverging from the pharmacological properties of soluble and tethered GIP, the newly identified GIP-R agonists, (i.e. [G7]tGIP and tEXE4) failed to trigger cognate receptor endocytosis. In an attempt to recapitulate the dual agonism observed with tEXE4, we conjugated soluble EXE4 to a lipid moiety. Not only did this soluble peptide activate both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors but, when added to receptor expressing cells, the activity persists despite serial washes. Conclusions These findings suggest that conversion of a recombinant MTL to a soluble membrane anchored equivalent offers a means to prolong ligand function, as well as to design agonists that can simultaneously act on more than one therapeutic target.
Synthesis and thermal evolution of structure in alkoxide-derived niobium pentoxide gels

Niobium pentoxide gels in the form of transparent monoliths and powder have been synthesized from the controlled hydrolysis and polycondensation of niobium pentaethoxide under different experimental conditions using various mole ratios of Nb(OC2H5)5:H2O:C2H5OH:HCl. Alcohol acted as the mutual solvent and HCl as the deflocculating agent. In the absence of HCl, precipitation of colloidal particles was encountered on the addition of any water to the alkoxide. The gels were subjected to various thermal treatments and characterized by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and infra-red spectroscopy. After drying at 400°C, the gels were amorphous to X-rays. The amorphous powder crystallized into the low temperature orthorhombic form of Nb2O5 at ~ 500°C, which transformed irreversibly into the high temperature monoclinic α-Nb2O5 between 900 to 1000°C. The kinetics of crystallization of the amorphous niobium pentoxide have been investigated by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry. The crystallization activation energy was determined to be 399 kJ mol−1.
erotic anthropology: “ritualized homosexuality” in Melanesia and beyond

Anthropologists studying homosexualities frequently make a distinction between sexual activities or practices on the one hand and sexual identities on the other. This chapter reviews anthropological uses of the construct of "ritualized homosexuality" in Melanesia and examines related theoretical problems in the cross-cultural study of sexualities, homosexualities, and erotics. It argues that identifying as "ritualized homosexuality" the semen practices through which boys are made into men in some Melanesian societies engages and relies on Western ideas about sexuality that obscure the indigenous meanings of these practices. The chapter also argues that age and gender hierarchies and a substance-based model for the constitution of social identities together comprise a more useful and accurate framework for understanding boys' initiatory practices in Melanesia. It demonstrates the need for a more self-critical and self-aware stance as well as a more refined theoretical apparatus for the larger project of theorizing sexualities cross-culturally.
Instrument for measuring the volume scattering function in the backward direction

A unique underwater optical instrument is described that measures the volume scattering function (VSF) in the retro (180 degree(s)) direction, i.e., (beta) ((pi) ). The instrument, referred to as Beta Pi, was designed and built at SRI International and was recently deployed in Monterey Bay. Spectral measurements of direct backscatter are achieved by imaging the backward scattered light from a laser beam with a charged-coupled device (CCD) camera. A large beam splitter, approximately 23 cm in diameter, is used to obtain the necessary monostatic geometry for imaging light scattered from the beam in the retro direction. With a 200 mm focal length, f/2 lens, measurements of volume scattering over the angular range from exactly 180 degree(s) to about 179 degree(s) are achieved. The angular resolution of the CCD/lens system is 0.0057 degree(s). The resolution of the scattering measurements, however, is determined by the divergence half-angle of the beam, which is about 0.02 degree(s). A fiber optic cable transmits the laser flux from the surface to a collimator in the underwater housing, so that almost any laser with a fiber optic coupler can be used as the source. An in-water calibration scheme is described and it is shown that the accuracy of the measured VSF at 180 degree(s) is only slightly less than the accuracy of the measured spectral beam attenuation coefficient. A measurement of the VSF from 179 degree(s) to 180 degree(s), made in shallow waters in Monterey Bay using a Nd:YAG (532 nm) laser, is shown.
Distinct Roles for Neuropilin1 and Neuropilin2 during Mouse Corneal Innervation

Trigeminal sensory innervation of the cornea is critical for protection and synthesis of neuropeptides required for normal vision. Little is known about axon guidance during mammalian corneal innervation. In contrast to the chick where a pericorneal nerve ring forms via Npn/Sema signaling, mouse corneal axons project directly into the presumptive cornea without initial formation of an analogous nerve ring. Here we show that during development of the mouse cornea, Npn1 is strongly expressed by the trigeminal ganglion whereas Npn2 is expressed at low levels. At the same time Sema3A and Sema3F are expressed in distinct patterns in the ocular tissues. Npn1sema−/− mutant corneas become precociously and aberrantly innervated by nerve bundles that project further into the corneal stroma. In contrast, stromal innervation was not affected in Npn2−/− mutants. The corneal epithelium was prematurely innervated in both Npn1sema−/− and Npn2−/− mutants. These defects were exacerbated in Npn1sema−/−;Npn2−/− double mutants, which in addition showed ectopic innervation of the region between the optic cup and lens vesicle. Collectively, our data show that Sema3A/Npn1 and Sema3F/Npn2 signaling play distinct roles and both are required for proper innervation of the mouse cornea.
Potent inhibition of human folylpolyglutamate synthetase by a phosphinic acid mimic of the tetrahedral reaction intermediate.

Abstract A phosphorous-containing pseudopeptide folate analog (Valiaeva et al ., J Org Chem 2001;66:5146–54) was designed to mimic the tetrahedral intermediate formed in the ATP-dependent reaction catalyzed by folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). This analog, methotrexate-phosphinate (MTX-phosphinate; 4-amino-4-deoxy-10-methylpteroyl- l -Glu-γ-[Ψ{P(O)(OH)CH 2 }]glutarate), is a highly potent ( K is , 3.1±0.5 nM), competitive inhibitor of recombinant human cytosolic FPGS. Within experimental limits, FPGS inhibition was not time-dependent, and preincubation of FPGS, inhibitor, and ATP did not potentiate the inhibition. These results suggest that slow phosphorylation to produce a more potent inhibitor form is not involved. MTX-phosphinate was not growth inhibitory to human CCRF-CEM leukemia cells at 1 μM (70-fold above the concentration of MTX giving 50% growth inhibition), probably because of poor transport. Because of its exceedingly high potency as an FPGS inhibitor, MTX-phosphinate represents a lead structure from which cell-permeable analogs may be developed to test the hypothesis that FPGS inhibition is therapeutically efficacious.
THE LIGHT-INDUCED FORMATION OF RAPIDLY PHOSPHORYLATED COMPOUNDS IN CHLOROPLASTS.

Abstract The demonstration of at least two rapidly formed phosphorylated compounds (presumably proteins) by phosphorylating spinach chloroplasts has been accomplished. Characterization of the more rapidly labeled compound shows it to be stable to alkaline dialysis and labile to acid dialysis. Migration of an alkaline digest of the phosphorylated chloroplast material during high-voltage electrophoresis suggests that it is neither protein-bound phosphohistidine nor protein-bound phosphoserine. Ammonium chloride (4 × 10 −3 M ) inhibits both the formation of the phosphorylated compound and the total formation of ATP. Trace amounts of ADP (4.5 μ M ) are needed for maximal formation of the protein-bound phosphate. Either phenazine methosulfate or flavin mononucleotide enhances incorporation of P i 32 into the protein-bound phosphate fraction. Addition of either excess ADP or excess ATP to the reaction mixture reduces the incorporation of P i 32 into the protein-bound fraction. The possibility that this compound represents a phosphorylated intermediate in photosynthetic phosphorylation is discussed.
Beyond Migration: Islam as a Transnational Public Space

Recent studies of transnational religious phenomena have emphasised the importance of distinguishing between transnational processes of migration and movement on the one hand, and diasporic forms of consciousness, identity, and cultural creation on the other. While this distinction is useful, it risks directing the study of transnational social phenomena in certain, limited directions. Migration and diaspora insufficiently take into account the possibility of quite distinct self‐understandings about boundaries and legitimacy on the part of both ‘host’ countries and ‘immigrant’ populations. Taking ‘Islam in France’ as an illuminating case in point because each of its two constitutive terms challenges the possibility of self‐defining through migration and diaspora, I argue that transnational Islam creates and implies the existence and legitimacy of a global public space of normative reference and debate, and that this public space cannot be reduced to a dimension of migration or of transnational religious m...
Weighted Nadaraya–Watson regression estimation

Abstract In this article, we study nonparametric estimation of regression function by using the weighted Nadaraya–Watson approach. We establish the asymptotic normality and weak consistency of the resulting estimator for α-mixing time series at both boundary and interior points, and we show that the weighted Nadaraya–Watson estimator not only preserves the bias, variance, and more importantly, automatic good boundary behavior properties of local linear estimator, but also makes computation fast. Furthermore, the asymptotic minimax efficiency is discussed. Finally, comparisons between weighted Nadaraya–Watson approach and local linear fitting are given.
Suitability of selected crops and soil for garden symphylan populations (Symphyla, Scutigerellidae: Scutigerella immaculata Newport)

The suitability of selected crops and soil for the growth of garden symphylan (Scutigerella immaculata, Newport) populations was studied in the laboratory and field. In the laboratory, we measured changes in S. immaculata population density after 8 weeks from a starting density of 35 in pots of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., var. Bloomsdale Savoy), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., var. Early Girl), sweet corn (Zea mays, L. var. Early Sunglow), potato (Solanum tuberosum L., var. Russet Burbank) and soil alone. Population growth was significantly greater on spinach than on tomato, sweet corn, potato or soil alone, and significantly lower on potato than on spinach, corn, tomato or soil alone. In the field, temporal population trends were described by sampling S. immaculata twice-weekly through the growing season of sweet corn (var. Early Sunglow) in 2000, and of potato (var. Russet Burbank)/squash (Cucurbita pepo L. var. Delicata) and corn/squash rotations in 2001 and 2002. Temporal population trends appeared to be related to the crop species present, with populations decreasing dramatically in 2001 in potatoes (var. Russet Burbank) as compared with sweet corn (var. Early Sunglow) or clean fallow. These results provide evidence that crop rotation may significantly influence S. immaculata population densities.
Medical aspects of hypoglycemia

THIS paper is devoted to a general discussion of the various types of hypoglycemia, with a report of representative cases. Elsewhere (1) an effort has been made to separate hyperinsulinism. from all other causes of hypoglycemia. The term “hyperinsulinisin” should be reserved for those patients in whom a hyperfunctioning tumor of the islets of Langerhans has been demonstrated, or who have received an injection of an excessive amount of insulin. Many other causes of hypoglycemia will be found in the classification by Conn (2) (Table 1), some of which are discussed later in the paper. The term “functional hypoglycemia” as defined by him (2) refers to a disturbance in the nervous regulation of the concentration of blood sugar, manifested by hypoglycemic symptoms following meals of average or high carbohydrate content in a patient with increased emotional instability. Throughout this paper, the values given for blood sugar were determined by the Folin-Wu method.
An extrinsic characterization of addressable data graphs

Previous characterizations of the class of addressable data graphs have been intrinsic in nature. In this note, the auxiliary concept of a monoid system is used to derive an extrinsic characterization of the class. Specifically, a partial transformation of the class of data graphs is found which fixes (up to isomorphism) precisely the addressable data graphs.
The CR (Renazzo-type) carbonaceous chondrite group and its implications

A petrologic, geochemical, and oxygen isotropic study of the CR chondrites including Renazzo, Al Rais, El Djouf 001 and the paired Acfer meteorites, EET87770 and the paired samples, MAC87320, Y790112, Y793495, and Y791498 is presented. It is concluded that the CR group is characterized by abundant large multilayered, Fe, Ni metal-rich, type I chondrules; abundant matrix and dark inclusions; unique assemblages of serpentine and chlorite-rich phyllosilicates and Ca-carbonates; Ca-carbonate rims on chondrules; abundant Fe, Ni metal with a positive Ni vs. Co trend and a solar Ni:Co ratio; and amoeboid olivine aggregates with Mn-rich and Mn-poor forsterite.
Reliability of potential clinical measures of muscle tone in the elbows of patients after stroke

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the reliability of joint resting position (EJP), resistance to passive movement (ERM), and the angle of appearance of the resistance (EAR) as measures of muscle hypertonus of elbow flexors in patients after stroke. Previously, similar measures had been found reliable when applied to measuring shoulder and wrist hypertonus in patients after stroke. METHOD Forty-five subjects with stroke were randomly selected from occupational therapy admissions at two rehabilitation centers. Tone of elbow flexors was measured twice at the same sitting by two examiners. EJP and EAR were measured with a goniometer, and ERM was measured with a resistance rating scale. Correlations were calculated between first and second measurements by center and by high tone and poor upper extremity function subgroups (with correction for multiple correlations) to determine reliability. RESULTS Each of the three measures was highly reliable as demonstrated by a high correlation in at least one of the subgroups (Center 1: EJP, r = .964 for high tone subgroup; ERM, r = .789, EAR, r = .902, both in poor upper extremity function subgroup; and Center 2: EJP, r = .892, ERM, r = .938, both in poor upper extremity function subgroup; EAR, r = .666 for all subjects; all p values < .05). Correlations were especially high when data for subjects with high upper extremity function were eliminated. CONCLUSION Reliability of these three methods of measuring upper extremity muscle tone enhances their usefulness as well as therapists' confidence in their judicial application.
Transient Characteristics or Current Transformers During Faults-II

The range of application of current transformers in bus differential protective systems is limited by saturation in the transformer cores under fault conditions, which may sometimes result in improper relay operations. It is shown that the addition of impedance in the relay circuit will reduce the relay current under fault conditions so as to increase the range of applications for which standard current transformers may be used.
Noncatalytic solid-gas reaction in a fluidized reactor

Abstract The performance of solid-gas reactions in a fluidized bed reactor is simulated by a model based on information of the bubble behavior and the movement of solids. The computational procedures for the cases in which the solids are fed continuously to the bottom of the bed and withdrawn from the top, and vice versa are developed. The applicability of this method has been tested using the experimental data of the roasting of zinc sulphide.
Situational factors and performance: An overview

Abstract The relationship between situational constraints and individual job performance has received increasing attention by researchers within the past decade. This overview provides a review of the literature on this relationship and outlines some of the key issues that have implications for both research and practice, including the identification of constraints, the measurement of performance, evidence for a direct negative relationship between these variables, the perception of situational constraints and performance, and the incorporation of constraints into performance appraisal.
Viscosity‐adjustable block copolymer for DNA separation by capillary electrophoresis

The viscosity-adjustable property of F127 block copolymer PEO99PPO69PEO99, PEO and PPO being poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide), respectively, was found to be useful for the development of automated capillary electrophoresis (CE). The polymer solution can form a gel-like structure with sieving ability and can also serve as a dynamic coating material, thereby effectively suppressing the electroosmotic flow induced by the ionization of the silanol group on the quartz capillary inner wall. When applied to CE as a separation medium, F127 block copolymer can provide the advantages of high separation resolution, easy injection and replacement of the triblock copolymer solution and convenient capillary column treatment. High reproducibility of DNA electrophoretic migration time in CE by replenishing F127 solution in acid-washed capillary tubings can be achieved. The relative standard deviation of the DNA migration time is less than 2%. In the investigation of F127 concentration and temperature effects on the performance of DNA separation in CE, we have found that the DNA electrophoretic migration behavior in the F127 gel-like solution cannot be described by any one of the existing models.