cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral diffusion of rhodopsin in the visual receptor membrane.

If the rhodopsin on one side of an isolated rod outer segment is suddenly bleached, the rhodopsin on the other side can be observed with a microspectrophotometer to diffuse rapidly across the width of the rod. Uniform distribution is approached exponentially with a half-time at 20°C of 23 ± 3 sec in rods isolated from mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) retina and 35 ± 3 sec in rods isolated from frog (Rana catesbeiana) retina. These rods are 12 and 8 μ in diameter, respectively. Taking the geometry of the rod disk membranes into account, we obtain a lateral diffusion constant for rhodopsin in the disk membrane of (4.0 ± 1.5) × 10−9 cm2/sec for both mudpuppy and frog. No diffusion was observed if rods were first fixed with glutaraldehyde. The diffusion constant increased with temperature with a Q10 between 2 and 4 in the temperature range near 20°C. If the effective diameter of rhodopsin is assumed to be about 50 A, the Stokes–Einstein relationship implies the effective viscosity for lateral diffusion of rhodopsin is about 2 poise. This value, as well as the Q10, are essentially the same as indicated by the rapid rotational diffusion of rhodopsin previously observed by flash photometry in frog rods.1
On Criteria for Closed-Loop Sensitivity Reduction

Abstract Let δx ( t ) be a first-order variation of a system's trajectory x ( t ) due to a first-order variation δμ ( t ) of a system's parameter μ. A sufficient condition is derived for a nonlinear closed-loop system to be less sensitive than the nominally equivalent open-loop system, according to a particular integral-square measure of δx ( t ). It is shown that for this sufficient condition to be satisfied the weighting matrix must be of a specific form; this form is also shown to be necessary when one considers the closed-loop sensitivity reduction of arbitrary members of broad classes of linear and nonlinear systems.
Low-level static lip force control does not alter vibrotactile detection thresholds in the human orofacial system

Mechanosensation associated with precise orofacial force regulation may contribute considerably to processes associated with perception, proprioception and sensorimotor control due to the direct coupling between orofacial skin and the underlying musculature. Recent investigations have demonstrated that dynamic, low-level lip force control is capable of modulating vibrotactile detection thresholds of the lips in a frequency-dependent manner. What is not known is whether the mode of motor control (static versus dynamic) may represent an important control variable in the expression of these perceptual threshold changes. The purpose of this study was to assess lower-lip (LL) vibratory detection thresholds from adult subjects during the simultaneous performance of a visually regulated, static lip motor control task. Vibrotactile inputs were delivered to the right LL vermilion at test frequencies of 5, 10, 50 and 150 Hz. Psychophysical detection was performed simultaneously during a no-force baseline condition and an active static force control task performed with the lip musculature. Subjects used their analog lip force signal to maintain a static lip force posture by visually tracking a steady-state force target calibrated to a 0.1 N load. Both signals were displayed in real time on a monitor. Results suggest that, unlike dynamic lip motor control, low-level, static lip force regulation is not effective in altering LL vibrotactile detection thresholds to any test frequency. These findings are discussed in relation to published reports of movement-related sensory gating in orofacial and limb systems and the possible significance this phenomenon may have for perception and proprioception in the orofacial system.
Primary Skin Closure of Large Groin Defects After Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Penile Cancer Using an Abdominal Cutaneous Advancement Flap

ABSTRACTPurpose: Large groin defects may be created after inguinal lymphadenectomy for bulky metastatic penile cancer. We describe a new method of primary closure of a large groin skin defect.Materials and Methods: In 3 patients with large volume inguinal lymph node metastases with skin breakdown and secondary infection extensive inguinal lymphadenectomy was done with wide surgical excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue. The procedures resulted in a large groin defect. Sartorius muscle was transferred to cover the femoral vessels. An abdominal advancement cutaneous flap was placed for soft tissue and skin coverage of the wound.Results: Primary closure of a large skin defect was possible using an abdominal advancement flap. In all patients the wound healed primarily with good cosmesis. A single patient underwent postoperative external beam radiation therapy to the flap site with no untoward effect on graft survival.Conclusions: Large groin skin defects can be closed primarily using an abdominal advanceme...
Acute tabun toxicity; biochemical and histochemical consequences in brain and skeletal muscles of rat.

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats injected s.c. with an acute non-lethal dose (200 μg/kg) of ethyl N,N- dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate (tabun) showed onset of hypercholinergic activity within 10–15 min. The maximal severity of toxicity signs was evident within 0.5–1 h and persisted for 6 h. Except for mild tremors no overt toxicity signs were evident after 24 h. Within 1 h a dramatic decline of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity occurred in all the brain structures ( ) and skeletal muscles ( in soleus and hemi-diaphragm; and 32% in extensor digitorum longus (EDL)). No significant recovery was seen up to 48–72 h. Within 7 days rats became free of toxicity signs and AChE activity had recovered to about 40% in brain structures (except cortex, 14%) and 65–70% in skeletal muscles. Within 1 h the 16 S molecular form of AChE located at the neuromuscular junction was most severely inhibited in solues, followed by hemi-diaphragm and least in the EDL, and had fully recovered in all the muscles when examined after day 7. Muscle fiber necrosis developed within 1–3 h in soleus and hemi-diaphragm and after a delay of 24 h in EDL. The highest number of necrotic lesions in all muscles was seen at 72 h with the hemi-diahragm maximally affected and EDL the least. To determine detoxification of tabun by non-specific binding, the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and carboxylesterase (CarbE) was measured. The inhibition and recovery pattern of BuChE activity was quite similar to that of AChE, except that the rate of recovery was more rapid. Within 1 h the remaining activity of CarbE was 10% in plasma, about 30% in brain structures, and 79% in liver; recovery was complete within 7 days. The inhibition of BuChE and CarbE can severe as a protective mechanism against tabun toxicity by reducing the amount available for AChE inhibition. The prolonged AChE inhibition in muscle and brain may indicate storage of tabun and delayed release from non-enzymic sites. Since tabun is a cyanophosphorus compound, the toxic effects from the released cyanide (CN) could be another reason for the delayed recovery after tabun.
Primary multiple malignancy of the colon and rectum: report of 230 cases.

A series of 2,508 patients with malignancy of the large intestine has been reviewed to determine the incidence of primary multiple neoplasms, which proved to be 9.1 per cent. Attention is directed to the frequency of involvement of the colon, rectum and other organs. It is recommended that prior to performing surgical operations on the colon, the various systems be thoroughly evaluated; that during the operation, meticulous exploration be performed and colonoscopy be utilized. After surgery, all patients should be checked clinically and radiologically at regular intervals.
Electron microscopic observations of bone tissue prepared by ultracryomicrotomy

Freshly dissected bone from embryonic chicks and young postnatal mice has been prepared for electron microscopy by ultracryomicrotomy. Nuclei, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and a large number of dense mitochondrial granules within osteogenic cells are observed in unfixed, undecalcified, and unstained sections, obtained with dry knives in the temperature range of −60 to −80°C. The presence of granules in mitochondria from tissues not exposed to solvents strongly suggests that the granules contain a solid phase of calcium phosphate in vivo . Small clusters of lathe-shaped and dense needle-like particles are observed in the extracellular tissue space closest to the osteoblasts. Tilting of unstained frozen sections indicates that the needle-like particles are platelets viewed obliquely or on edge. The rapid and massive changes in the amount of mineral deposited arise principally by an increase in the number of mineral particles, rather than their growth in size. Sections prepared by alternative methods combined with ultracryomicrotomy present similar features.
On the identification of the afferent axon terminals in the nucleus lateralis of the cerebellum an electron microscope study

Axon terminals in the neuropil of the lateral nucleus can be divided into six classes, each with a specific constellation of characteristics that consistently occur together. Two of these classes have synaptic varicosities with elliptical synaptic vesicles, one in a dense, the other in a sparse matrix, and both make axosomatic and axodendritic synapses. The remaining four classes all have round synaptic vesicles and do not make axosomatic synapses. In the first of these four, the vesicles are tightly packed in a dense matrix, in another they are loosely dispersed, and in the third they are clustered. In the fourth, large granular vesicles predominate. Of these six classes, the most numerous belong to the axons of the Purkinje cell terminal arborization. These boutons resemble their counterparts in the cerebellar cortex, the recurrent collaterals of the Purkinje axon. They have elliptical and flat synaptic vesicles in a dark matrix. The varicosities terminate on somata and dendrites of large and small neurons and constitute the majority of their input. Purkinje axons constitute 86% of the total population of terminals on large neuronal perikarya and 50% of those on their dendrites, but only 78% on the somata of small neurons and 31% on their dendrites. The terminals of climbing fiber collaterals are recognized by their resemblance in electron micrographs to the terminals of the climbing fiber arborization in the cerebellar cortex. They bear round synaptic vesicles packed into a dense axoplasmic matrix and make Gray's type 1 axodendritic synapses with large and small neurons. These axons are restricted to the lateral and ventral aspects of the nucleus and constitute 5% of the terminals on large cell dendrites and 6% of those on small neurons. The axons tentatively identified as collaterals of mossy fibers are myelinated fibers with a light axoplasm containing round synaptic vesicles, dispersed throughout their varicosities. They make Gray's type 1 synapses and constitute a fair percentage of the total axodendritic contacts in the neuropil, 22% on large neurons and 28% on small neurons. The bases for these tentative identifications are discussed in detail, as are the various synaptic relationships undertaken by each class of axon. The remaining 4 classes of axons of the neuropil will be described in subsequent papers.
Glipizide-Induced Prevention of Diabetes and Autoimmune Events in the BB Rat

Abstract To determine whether glipizide, a sulfonylurea, can prevent diabetes in the diabetic-prone BB rat model, rats were studied from 35 to 240 days of age. Treated animals received oral glipizide (10 or 100 mg/kg/day) from 35 to 200 days of age, and control rats received oral placebo. From 80 to 135 days of age at both drug doses, glipizide decreased the incidence of diabetes, thus delaying disease onset (P
The effects of methamphetamine and cocaine on motor behavior and extracellular dopamine in the ventral striatum of Lewis versus Fischer 344 rats

The effects of an acute systemic injection of methamphetamine (mAMP) or cocaine (COC) on motor behavior (stereotypy, locomotor activity, and rearing) and extracellular dopamine (DA) in the ventral striatum were compared in Lewis (LEW) versus Fischer 344 (F344) rats, using in vivo microdialysis in awake freely moving animals. In addition, the behavioral response to repeated mAMP injections (i.e. sensitization) was characterized in LEW and F344 rats, as was the possibility of strain differences in drug pharmacokinetics. The major findings were: (i) LEW rats showed greater behavioral activation to an acute injection of both mAMP and COC, as indicated by a shift to the left in the dose-effect curves relative to F344 rats. (ii) LEW rats were more susceptible to mAMP sensitization. (iii) An acute injection of mAMP or COC enhanced the extracellular concentration of DA to a greater extent in LEW rats, as indicated by a significant shift to the left in the dose-effect curve relative to F344 rats. (iv) Strain differences in the behavioral and neurochemical effects of these drugs were characterized largely by differences in the duration of the drug response. (v) LEW rats had higher plasma and brain levels of mAMP and COC than F344 rats, suggesting that strain differences in pharmacokinetics may contribute to strain differences in the behavioral and neurochemical effects of these drugs.
Enzyme regulation in a trypanosomatid: effect of purine starvation on levels of 3'-nucleotidase activity

Crithidia fasciculata, a nonpathogenic relative of the leishmanial and trypanosomal pathogens of humans and animals, showed a 3'-ribonucleotidase activity similar to that in Leishmania donovani. The level of 3'-nucleotidase activity in Crithidia was regulated by the availability of purines in the culture medium. Specifically, organisms obtained from culture medium depleted of purines contained elevated levels of enzyme activity compared to those grown in complete medium. The 3'-nucleotidase, located at the cell surface, may serve as a first step in purine salvage for these protozoa, which are unable to synthesize the purine ring de novo.
Implications of high-precision measurements of 13 C– 18 O bond ordering in CO 2 for thermometry in modern bivalved mollusc shells

Abstract We report a temperature calibration for Δ 47 from bivalve carbonate that lies within error of theoretical predictions (Schauble et al., 2006; Guo et al., 2009). The temperature sensitivity of this calibration is lower than several different earlier calibrations determined using either inorganic calcite, corals, foraminiferans and coccoliths, or brachiopods and bivalved molluscs, but it agrees with more recent Δ 47 -temperature relationships determined from measurements of clumped-isotopes in mollusc and brachiopod shells. We demonstrate that mollusc shell temperature calibrations originating from different laboratories that have not been corrected for instrument backgrounds may differ by as much as ∼0.07‰ in Δ 47 over the ∼0 to 30 °C temperature range even where dΔ 47 /d T agree. Because recent calibrations for Δ 47 vs. T from several different laboratories agree for bivalved mollusc shells, yet differ from an early calibration for bivalved molluscs, we suggest it is unlikely that temperature-Δ 47 variability is attributable to phylum-specific vital effects, and instead conclude that differences in calibration slope between phyla and/or inorganic calcite are more easily explained by variability in measurements made in different laboratories. Discrepancies in both calibration slopes and/or intercepts indicate that Δ 47 values measured in natural materials may be more significantly influenced by instrument-specific effects, as well as effects from sample preparation and handling and purification of CO 2 than current techniques are able to correct for, and therefore, temperatures obtained by comparing measurements of Δ 47 to independently determined calcite calibrations may err by a far greater amount than acknowledged in previous studies.
Organized Interests' Advocacy Behavior in Alliances

In this article I examine how the characteristics of a coalition can affect the incentives an organization has to contribute to a collective advocacy effort. Although groups working in coalition ha...
l-Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis in Higher Plants from l-Gulono-1, 4-lactone and l-Galactono-1, 4-lactone

Detached bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) and strawberry ( Fragaria ) fruits fed l-gulono-1,4-lactone or l-galactono-1,4-lactone convert this compound, in part, to l-ascorbic acid. When l-galactono-1,4-lactone is given as a 0.25% solution to detached bean shoots, the ascorbic acid content is tripled in less than 10 hours. l-Gulono-1,4-lactone is only 5 to 10% as effective as its epimer. Experiments with specifically labeled l-gulono-1,4-lactone and l-galactono-1,4-lactone prove that conversion is direct. Ascorbic acid is labeled at the same carbon as its precursor. A method is described for preparation of l-galactono-1,4-lactone-2- 14 C from myo -inositol-2- 14 C. This method can be extended to the preparation of l-ascorbic acid-2- 14 C on the basis of results obtained in the present study.
On the cut-off value of negative triaxiality for fracture

Abstract Although yield condition of metals does not strongly depend on it, mean stress plays an important role in fracture of metals. A cut-off value of the stress triaxiality equal to −1/3, below which fracture never occurs, was derived analytically from the fracture locus in the principal strain space experimentally reported from upsetting tests. It was found that this result is consistent with tensile tests under hydrostatic pressure (Bridgman tests). Numerical simulations performed in this study with the cut-off value in fracture loci successfully captured the main features observed in tensile tests under hydrostatic pressure by Bridgman and others, and simulated the tests on 1045 steel performed by Kao et al.
Connectionist models: not just a notational variant, not a panacea

Connectionist models inherently include features and exhibit behaviors which are difficult to achieve with traditional logic-based models. Among the more important of such characteristics are 1) the ability to compute nearest match rather than requiring unification or exact match; 2) learning; 3) fault tolerance through the integration of overlapping modules, each of which may be incomplete or fallible, and 4) the possibility of scaling up such systems by many orders of magnitude, to operate more rapidly or to handle much larger problems, or both. However, it is unlikely that connectionist models will be able to learn all of language from experience, because it is unlikely that a full cognitive system could be built via learning from an initially random network; any successful large-scale connectionist learning system will have to be to some degree "genetically" prewired.
Drug abstinence: exploring animal models and behavioral treatment strategies

Background and rationale An enormous amount of resources has been devoted to the development of pharmacotherapies for drug addiction, with relatively little or no long-term successreported. Thecurrent reviewarguesthatasuccessfuldrug addiction treatment program will likely be one that focuses on both theneuralmechanismsand the environmental contingencies that mediate drug use. Further, because the neural mechanisms and environmental factors that support abstinence in humans are similar in laboratory animals, several animal models of abstinence and relapse have been developed. Thus, this review also compares the similarities in the mechanisms that lead to abstinence between animals and humans. Objective We evaluate the construct and face validities of the behavioralstrategiesthathelpsupporthumandrugabstinence. Further, we crucially evaluate animal models by assessing their validity and utility in addressing human behavior that leads to long-term abstinence. Conclusions We found that the behavioral strategies with the greatest likelihood of supporting long-term abstinence are those that are carried out in drug addicts’ natural setting(s) and while drug is readily available. Further, the behavioral strategies that may be most successful in supporting abstinence in humans are those that employ both positive consequences for abstinent related behavior and negative consequences for continued drug seeking or taking. Moreover, the animal models of abstinence and relapse that more closely represent the factors that support long-term abstinence in humans are those that limit their use of extinction or forced abstinence and present negative consequences for drug seeking and taking.
A check-list of the species of the genus Leucocytozoon (Apicomplexa, Plasmodiidae).

SYNOPSIS. A list is given of 67 named species of Leucocytozoon considered valid at present. Another list is given of 1 reptilian and 146 avian hosts of named species of Leucocytozoon. A 3rd list is given of 34 synonyms. Leucocytozoon has been named from about 0.7% of the approximately 8600 species of birds that exist. The following new taxonomic names are included: L. danilewskyi var. hirundinis Sergent & Sergent, 1905 is emended to L. hirundinis; Saurocytozoon tupinambi Lainson & Shaw, 1969 is changed to Leucocytozoon (Saurocytozoon) tupinambi (Lainson & Shaw, 1969).
Primary tumor location impacts breast cancer survival

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of tumor location in breast cancer remains unclear. To better understand this relationship, we evaluated the Department of Defense tumor registry. METHODS: Patients with infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma or lobular carcinoma over a 10-year period were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 13,984 tumors, 7,871 (58%) originated from the upper-outer quadrant or axillary tail, whereas the remainder were found at the nipple complex (9%), upper-inner quadrant (14%), lower-inner quadrant (9%), and lower-outer quadrant (10%). Univariate analysis of cancer-specific survival revealed a significant difference based on location of the primary breast cancer. Upper-outer quadrant lesions were associated with an independent contribution toward a survival benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Upper-outer quadrant breast cancers have a more favorable survival advantage when compared with tumors in other locations. Factors that negatively impacted survival included high-grade tumors, advanced stage, and race.
Combination of γ-irradiation and dendritic cell administration induces a potent antitumor response in tumor-bearing mice: Approach to treatment of advanced stage cancer

We investigated a new approach to the treatment of advanced stage cancer, a combination of apoptosis-inducing therapy and dendritic cell (DC) administration. MethA sarcoma and C3 tumor containing defined tumor-specific antigens in form of peptides' epitopes were selected as experimental mouse models. Sites of established subcutaneous tumors were gamma-irradiated with 10 Gy 3-5 times with 4-5 day interval. DCs generated from bone marrow of syngeneic mice were injected i.v. and s.c. after each irradiation. A large number of cell tracker-labeled DCs accumulated at the site of the irradiated tumor after s.c. injections. This effect was not observed in non-irradiated tumors. Almost all of these DCs bound GFP-labeled MethA cells in tumor tissue. Interferon-gamma production by splenocytes in response to the tumor-specific MHC class I matched peptides was determined by ELISPOT assays. The combination of gamma-irradiation and DC administration, but not each of the treatments alone resulted in a significant increase in T cell response to the specific, but not to the control peptides. An increased proportion of tumor peptide-specific CD8(+)-cells was found only in that group of mice using staining with tetramers. DCs with defective presentation of antigen via MHC class I or MHC class II pathways were unable to induce peptide-specific T cell response. The combination of gamma-irradiation and DC administration but not each of the treatments alone resulted in a dramatic antitumor effect. A substantial proportion of mice completely rejected their tumors (80% in case of MethA sarcoma and 40% in case of C3 tumor). In the rest of the mice, tumor growth was notably suppressed or completely blocked. These data suggest that the combination of apoptosis-inducing therapy and DC administration may be an attractive approach to the treatment of advanced cancer.
A four-thirds law for phase randomization of stochastically perturbed oscillators and related phenomena

LetI be a set of invariants and θ be a set of angle variables for a system of differential equations with anO(e) vector field. When time dependent stochastic perturbations, also ofO(e), are added to the system, we have shown that under suitable conditionsI becomes a stochastic adiabatic invariant satisfying a diffusion equation on time scales of order 1/ɛ2, in the limit as e»0. Here we show that the angle variables converge weakly to a Gaussian Markov process on an O(ɛ-4/3) time scale, and thus the phase becomes randomized at these times. Application to nearly integrable Hamiltonian systems is considered.
Snapshot capture from live high definition video stream for transmission over low-bandwidth data link

This paper will describe a method for providing a useful intelligence down a low-bandwidth output stream from a high-bandwidth input stream. Many intelligence systems take advantage of streaming video and utilize high-bandwidth data links to supply information. The issue is that high-bandwidth systems typically require larger equipment, better line-of-sight, and more complex gear to keep a reliable link. The intended platform for the system described in this paper is an unmanned aerial vehicle, so the limitations of high-bandwidth equipment become more significant in a tactical scenario. By providing snapshots from the high-definition (HD) video stream, the system is able to send data to users that may not have the capability, due to a myriad of reasons, to acquire a full HD video stream. The system was developed using a Gumstix Verdex 600Mhz computer and the frame acquisition algorithm is written in C. Testing was done using HD video files streamed by VideoLan Client (VLC). The system is capable of outputting JPEG images at a maximum interval of 30 seconds. The capture system provides a method of reaching out to more users and providing functional data.
Two pathways of electron transfer in quinol-mediated cyclic phosphorylation in spinach chloroplasts.

Abstract Low potential quinones are mediators of cyclic phosphorylation in washed spinach thylakoid membranes if they are prereduced to provide the proper redox poise. Cyclic phosphorylation catalyzed by different quinols varies in its sensitivity to the electron transfer inhibitor 2-iodo-6-isopropyl-3-methyl-2′,4,4′-trinitrodiphenyl ether (DNPINT), which is thought to inhibit electron flux from the bound plastoquinone (B) to the plastoquinone pool (Trebst, A., Wietoska, H., Draber, W. and Knops, H.J. (1978) Z. Naturforsch. 33c, 919–927). Cyclic phosphorylation catalyzed by uncharged quinols is extremely sensitive to DNPINT, whereas cyclic phosphorylation catalyzed by negatively charged quinols is approximately two orders of magnitude less sensitive. Many quinols have pK1 values in the physiological range (pH 7–9). Increasing the concentration of the deprotonated quinol either by raising the assay pH, increasing the mediator concentration, or increasing the fractional reduction of the quinone results in a decrease in the sensitivity of cyclic phosphorylation to DNPINT. At very high DNPINT concentrations, cyclic phosphorylation catalyzed by all quinols (and ferredoxin) is inhibited, but not phenazine methosulfate catalyzed cyclic phosphorylation. These data suggest that the deprotonated form of the quinol can donate electrons directly to the plastoquinone pool, whereas the uncharged quinol most obligately transfer electrons through the bound plastoquinone ‘B’. A second site of DNPINT action after the plastoquinone pool is also observed, which requires much higher DNPINT concentrations for inhibition of phosphorylation.
A new journal is born

The last 30 years have witnessed unprecedented advances in scientific knowledge across a range of disciplines. Many of these have impacted profoundly on the practice of modern medicine, and the trend is likely to continue and gain momentum, particularly in the post-genomic era and with the advent of personalized medicine.
Aromatic diamines of high fluorine content

Abstract Fluorine-containing aromatic diamines have been synthesized as monomers for an investigation of polyimides of low dielectric constant. For most compounds, the synthetic route has been based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution of alcohols and phenols, on appropriate aromatic nitro compounds, and subsequent hydrogenation of the dinitro compounds obtained. The separation and purification of products was attained by flash column chromatography, and characterization of the products by molecular weight determination and elemental analysis.
The role of TNF‐α in inflammatory olfactory loss

Background Despite the significant health impact of olfactory loss in chronic rhinosinusitis, the underlying pathophysiology is incompletely understood. A transgenic mouse model of olfactory inflammation induced by TNF-α has provided new insights into the cellular and molecular basis of inflammatory olfactory loss. Here, we utilize systemic corticosteroids to suppress downstream cytokine expression, in order to study the direct role of TNF-α in CRS-associated olfactory dysfunction.
CONVERTIBLE DEBT AND INVESTMENT INCENTIVES

In this paper we examine the effect of convertible debt on the investment incentives facing stockholders. The effect depends critically on the value of existing assets relative to the firm's investment requirements. With a restrictive dividend covenant, convertible debt mitigates the overinvestment incentive associated with risky debt but exacerbates the underinvestment incentive at higher values of existing assets. A less-restrictive dividend covenant exacerbates overinvestment under straight debt financing but reduces the underinvestment incentive induced by the conversion feature. In this context, a convertible debt contract with a less-restrictive dividend covenant maximizes firm value.
Magnetism and metal-insulator transition in Fe ( Sb 1 − x Te x ) 2

We have investigated structural, magnetic, and transport properties of $\text{Fe}{({\text{Sb}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Te}}_{x})}_{2}$ single crystals. Whereas metallic ground state is induced for $x=0.001$, canted antiferromagnetism is observed for $0.1\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.4$ with an intermediate ferromagnetic phase for $x=0.2$. With higher Te doping, semiconducting behavior is restored and the variable range hopping conduction mechanism dominates at low temperatures for $0.4\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.6$. We discuss our results within the framework of inverted metal to insulator in correlated electron insulators.
Phosphorylation of ATP-Citrate Lyase by Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase

Rat liver nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) and PC12 cell cytosol were used to determine whether NDPK could function as a protein kinase. NDPK was phosphorylated on its catalytic histidine using ATP, and the phosphorylated NDPK separated from [γ-32P]ATP. The addition of phosphorylated NDPK to dialyzed PC12 cell cytosol resulted in the phosphorylation of a protein with a subunit molecular mass of about 120 kDa. This phosphorylation appeared to occur by a direct transfer of a phosphoryl group from the catalytic histidine of NDPK to a histidine on the 120-kDa protein. The 120-kDa protein was partially purified and shown by peptide sequencing to be ATP-citrate lyase. ATP-citrate lyase is the primary source of cytosolic acetyl-CoA. NDPK phosphorylated the histidine at the catalytic site of ATP-citrate lyase. This histidine can also be phosphorylated by ATP, and its phosphorylation is the first step in the conversion of citrate and CoA to oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA by ATP-citrate lyase. The level of phosphorylation of PC12 cell ATP-citrate lyase by phosphorylated NDPK was comparable with that by ATP. Thus, in addition to its nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity, NDPK can function as a protein kinase.
The order of presentation of conditioned stimuli during extinction

Three experiments examined the effects of prior extinction with nontarget CSs on a target CS’s rate of extinction and amount of associative loss. After fear was conditioned to several CSs, rats received extinction training with the target CS either before or after extinction with nontarget CSs. In general, neither rate of extinction nor amount of associative change, as measured by reinstatement and relearning, were significantly affected by order of extinction. The present results do not support Rescorla’s interpretation of extinction.
Uptake of nickel and cadmium by vegetables grown on soil amended with different sewage sludges

Abstract Four sewage sludges were applied at 90 and 180 t ha −1 as a single application in 1976 to a sandy loam soil and radish ( Raphanus sativus L. cv. ‘White Icicle’), carrots ( Daucus carota L. cv. ‘Chantenay’), cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. cv. ‘Market Topper’), kale ( Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) (only one year), green bush beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. ‘Tenderette’), and tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. ‘West Virginia '63’) were grown for five successive years. Cadmium concentrations in the edible parts of plants from sludge treated plots were usually less than 1.0 mg kg −1 . In radish leaves from plots receiving a sludge with 20 mg of Cd kg −1 , Cd was present at 4, 2, −1 for the years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Thus, some Cd became available to crops during the fifth growing season. Nickel from two sludges, which were high in water soluble Ni, was available in significantly greater amounts than the control for 5 years for radish roots, radish leaves, and green beans. Some Ni from the same two sludges was also available after the first year and found in carrot roots, cabbage, kale, and tomato fruit. Availability of metals from sludges is usually high during the application year with a steady decrease in availability with time. This did not happen for Cd and Ni in this study. Extractability of metals from sludges with water was useful in evaluating uptake of Ni but not Cd by vegetables. Better ways to characterize the chemical form of metals in sewage sludge are needed to predict uptake into edible crops.
Robust Control of Nonlinear Tape Transport Systems With and Without Tension Sensors

Web-winding systems, such as tape drives, are often modeled as linear and time-invariant, but at least two nonlinearities are common in these systems. First, the reel radii and moments of inertia change as web media spools from one reel to another. Second, friction can draw a thin layer of air between the layers of web media wrapped on the take-up reel, making the system’s spring and damping characteristics nonlinear by allowing a greater length of media to vibrate freely. In addition to these nonlinearities, there is often uncertainty in the motor parameters. In the first part of this paper, feedback linearization ideas motivate state feedback and changes of variables that transform the system into decoupled and intuitively meaningful tension and velocity loops. For the case where tension measurements are available, Lyapunov redesign techniques are then used to develop control laws that are robust with respect to these nonlinearities and uncertainties. The second part of this paper then develops an observer-based controller for the case where no tension measurements are available. Performance is established analytically for both the measurement-based and observer-based schemes. Simulations illustrate this performance.
Localization of rhodomelanochrome in melanosomes of leaf frogs

Rhodomelanochrome, a new pigment extracted from the skin of leaf frogs is localized in the fibrous portion of the large melanosome typical of these frogs. Skin extracted with NaOH contains melanosomes possessing a diminished fibrous component and melanophores in thin sections of skin treated with NaOH are filled with melanosomes that lack large areas of the fibrous zone. The appearance of the electron-dense core of the melanosome of untreated skin is unchanged and it is suggested that the leaf frog melanosome is composed of an inner kernel of eumelanin and an outer fibrous component of rhodomelanochrome.
Applications of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) in molecular ecology

Molecular genetic markers have been developed into powerful tools to analyse genetic relationships and genetic diversity. As an extension to the variety of existing techniques using polymorphic DNA markers, the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique may be used in molecular ecology to determine taxonomic identity, assess kinship relationships, analyse mixed genome samples, and create specific probes. Main advantages of the RAPD technology include (i) suitability for work on anonymous genomes, (ii) applicability to problems where only limited quantities of DNA are available, (iii) efficiency and low expense.
Immobilization of fission iodine by reaction with insoluble natural organic matter

Iodine-129 is a fission product and highly mobile in the environment. Along with other stable isotopes of iodine, 129I is released during reprocessing of nuclear fuel and must be trapped to prevent the release of radioactivity to the environment. Past studies have provided evidence that iodine can become associated with natural organic matter (NOM). This research explores the use of NOM (sphagnum peat and humic acid) to sequester iodine from the vapor and aqueous phases. NOM-associated iodine may be stable for geological storage. NOM-sequestered iodine can be recovered by pyrolysis to prepare target materials for transmutation. The nature of the NOM-iodine association has been explored.
The importance of subsyndromal depression in older primary care patients: prevalence and associated functional disability.

OBJECTIVE: Existing diagnostic categories for depression may not encompass the majority of older people suffering clinically significant depressive symptoms. We have described the prevalence of subsyndromal depressive symptoms and tested the hypothesis that patients with subsyndromal depression have greater functional disability and general medical burden than nondepressed subjects but less than patients with diagnosable depressions. METHODS: Subjects were 224 patients, aged 60 years and older, recruited from private internal medicine offices or a family medicine clinic. Validated measures of psychopathology, medical burden, and functional status were used. The subsyndromal depression group was defined by a score of more than 10 on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and by the absence of major or minor depressive disorder. Analyses included multiple regression techniques to determine the presence of group differences adjusted for demographic covariates. RESULTS: Subsyndromal depression was common (estimated point prevalence of 9.9% compared with 6.5% for major depression, 5.2% for minor depression, and .9% for dysthymic disorder), associated with functional disability and medical comorbidity to a degree similar to major or minor depression, and often treated with antidepressant medications. CONCLUSIONS: Although depressive conditions are common and are associated with considerable functional and medical morbidity in older primary care patients, many patients with clinically significant depressive symptoms are not captured by criteria-based syndromic diagnostic categories. Future work should include intervention studies of subsyndromally depressed older persons as well as attention to the course and biopsychosocial concomitants of diagnosable and subsyndromal depressions in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 47:647–652, 1999.
Addition and deprotonation in reactions of hydroxide ion with a β-hydroxysilane

Abstract The reaction of hydroxide ion with a β-hydroxysilane, 2-trimethylsilylmethyl-2-propanol, has been studied in an ion cyclotron resonance Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Using labeled hydroxide, details of deprotonation of the hydroxyl group versus addition to silicon were established. The rate of deprotonation at the hydroxyl group is about one-half of addition to silicon.
The role of intelligence in posttraumatic stress disorder: does it vary by trauma severity?

Background Only a small minority of trauma victims develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that victims vary in their predispositions to the PTSD response to stressors. It is assumed that the role of predispositions in PTSD varies by trauma severity: when stressors are less severe, predispositions play a bigger role. In this study, we test whether the role of intelligence in PTSD varies by trauma severity. Specifically, does low intelligence plays a bigger part among victims of lower magnitude stressors than among victims of extreme stressors? Methods Data come from a longitudinal study of randomly selected sample in Southeast Michigan (n = 713). IQ was measured at age 6. PTSD was measured at age 17, using the NIMH-DIS for DSM-IV. Stressors were classified as extreme if they involved assaultive violence (e.g. rape, sexual assault, threatened with a weapon); other stressors in the list (e.g. disaster, accidents) were classified as lower magnitude. Assaultive violence victims had experienced assaultive violence plus other event types or only assaultive violence. Victims of other stressors were participants who had never experienced assaultive violence. We compared the influence of age 6 IQ on PTSD among persons exposed to assaultive violence vs. other stressors, using multinomial logistic regression. Results Relative risk ratio (RRR) for PTSD associated with a one point drop in age 6 IQ among victims of assaultive violence was 1.04 (95% CI 1.01, 1.06); among victims of other stressors, it was 1.03 (95% CI 0.99, 1.06). A comparison of the two RRRs indicates no significant difference between the two estimates (p = 0.652). IQ does not play a bigger role in PTSD among victims of other stressors than it does among victims of assaultive violence. Conclusions Lower IQ exerts an adverse PTSD effect on trauma victims, with no evidence of variability by the severity of trauma they have experienced.
The D1 trisomy syndrome

This paper further defines the phenotype which results from trisomy for a particular autosome of the D group (13–15) in the cells of the developing embryo. From our 7 patients plus 7 additional cases reported by others, the principal pattern of anomalies in these grossly malformed babies is presented. Though there is variability in the expression of the D 1 trisomy from patient to patient, the total pattern of anomalies is specific enough to allow for clinical recognition in the nursery for newborn infants. As with the other autosomal trisomy syndromes (Down's syndrome and the 18 trisomy syndrome), this condition occurs more commonly at older maternal age.
Altered functioning of the executive control circuit in late-life depression: episodic and persistent phenomena.

Objective: To characterize the functional neuroanatomy of late-life depression (LLD) by probing for both episodic and persistent alterations in the executive-control circuit of elderly adults. Design: Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected while participants performed an executive-control task. Setting: Participants were recruited through a depression-treatment study within the Pittsburgh, PA, Intervention Research Center for Late-Life Mood Disorders. Participants: Thirteen nondepressed elderly comparison participants and 13 LLD patients. Intervention: The depressed patients underwent imaging before initiating and after completing 12 weeks of paroxetine. Measurements: Regional fMRI activity was assessed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC: BA9 and BA46 bilaterally) and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Functional connectivity was assessed by correlating the fMRI time-series in the dLPFC and dACC. Results: Both depressed and comparison participants performed the task as expected, with greater response latency during high versus low-load trials. The response-latency load-effect did not differ between groups. In contrast to the null findings for behavioral data, pretreatment, depressed patients showed diminished activity in the dLPFC (BA46 left, t(25) = 1.9, p=0.035) and diminished functional connectivity between the dLPFC and dACC. Moreover, right dLPFC (BA46 right, t (25) = 2.17, p Conclusions: These results support a model of both episodic and persistent neurobiologic components of LLD. The altered functional connectivity, perhaps due to vascular damage to frontal white matter, appears to be persistent. Further, at least some of the prefrontal hypoactivity (in the right dLPFC) seems to be an episodic characteristic of acute depression amenable to treatment.
A model for the tertiary structure of transfer ribonucleic acids.

In view of the possible changes of the structure of DNA at different relative humidities, a similar model for tRNA is proposed. In the native form, the sugar phosphate backbone folds repeatedly on itself resulting in a circular rod structure of about 50 A in length and about 25 A in diameter. Both the amino-acyl end and the anticodon site are surrounded by segments of base sequences common to different tRNA’s.
The three‐dimensional structure of a helix‐less variant of intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein

Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) is a cytosolic 15.1-kDa protein that appears to function in the intracellular transport and metabolic trafficking of fatty acids. It binds a single molecule of long-chain fatty acid in an enclosed cavity surrounded by two five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheets and a helix-turn-helix domain. To investigate the role of the helical domain, we engineered a variant of I-FABP by deleting 17 contiguous residues and inserting a Ser-Gly linker (Kim K et al., 1996, Biochemistry 35:7553-7558). This variant, termed delta17-SG, was remarkably stable, exhibited a high beta-sheet content and was able to bind fatty acids with some features characteristic of the wild-type protein. In the present study, we determined the structure of the delta17-SG/palmitate complex at atomic resolution using triple-resonance 3D NMR methods. Sequence-specific 1H, 13C, and 15N resonance assignments were established at pH 7.2 and 25 degrees C and used to define the consensus 1H/13C chemical shift-derived secondary structure. Subsequently, an iterative protocol was used to identify 2,544 NOE-derived interproton distance restraints and to calculate its tertiary structure using a unique distance geometry/simulated annealing algorithm. In spite of the sizable deletion, the delta17-SG structure exhibits a backbone conformation that is nearly superimposable with the beta-sheet domain of the wild-type protein. The selective deletion of the alpha-helical domain creates a very large opening that connects the interior ligand-binding cavity with exterior solvent. Unlike wild-type I-FABP, fatty acid dissociation from delta17-SG is structurally and kinetically unimpeded, and a protein conformational transition is not required. The delta17-SG variant of I-FABP is the only wild-type or engineered member of the intracellular lipid-binding protein family whose structure lacks alpha-helices. Thus, delta17-SG I-FABP constitutes a unique model system for investigating the role of the helical domain in ligand-protein recognition, protein stability and folding, lipid transfer mechanisms, and cellular function.