cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Body Plan Alters Diversification of Body Shape and Genitalia in Live-Bearing Fish

Major evolutionary innovations can greatly influence subsequent evolution. While many major transitions occurred in the deep past, male live-bearing fishes (family Poeciliidae) more recently evolved a novel body plan. This group possesses a three-region axial skeleton, with one region—the ano-urogenital region—representing a unique body region accommodating male genitalic structures (gonopodial complex). Here we evaluate several hypotheses for the evolution of diversity in this region and examine its role in the evolution of male body shape. Examining Gambusia fishes, we tested a priori predictions for 1) joint influence of gonopodial-complex traits on mating performance, 2) correlated evolution of gonopodial-complex traits at macro- and microevolutionary scales, and 3) predator-driven evolution of gonopodial-complex traits in a post-Pleistocene radiation of Bahamas mosquitofish. We found the length of the sperm-transfer organ (gonopodium) and its placement along the body (gonopodial anterior transposition) jointly influenced mating success, with correlational selection favoring particular trait combinations. Despite these two traits functionally interacting during mating, we found no evidence for their correlated evolution at macro- or microevolutionary scales. In contrast, we did uncover correlated evolution of modified vertebral hemal spines (part of the novel body region) and gonopodial anterior transposition at both evolutionary scales, matching predictions of developmental connections between these components. Developmental linkages in the ano-urogenital region apparently play key roles in evolutionary trajectories, but multiple selective agents likely act on gonopodium length and cause less predictable evolution. Within Bahamas mosquitofish, evolution of hemal-spine morphology and gonopodial anterior transposition across predation regimes was quite predictable, with populations evolving under high predation risk showing more modified hemal spines with greater modifications and a more anteriorly positioned gonopodium. These changes in the ano-urogenital vertebral region have facilitated adaptive divergence in swimming abilities and body shape between predation regimes. Gonopodium surface area, but not length, evolved as predicted in Bahamas mosquitofish, consistent with a previously suggested tradeoff between natural and sexual selection on gonopodium size. These results provide insight into how restructured body plans offer novel evolutionary solutions. Here, a novel body region—originally evolved to aid sperm transfer—was apparently co-opted to alter whole-organism performance, facilitating phenotypic diversification.
Parenting Self-Efficacy Mediates the Association between Chinese Parents’ Depression Symptoms and their Young Children’s Social and Emotional Competence

This study investigated the mediating role of parenting self-efficacy in the relationship between Chinese parents’ depressive symptoms and their young children’s social and emotional competence and tested whether the mediating relationship differed for fathers and mothers. Parents (N = 250) of children aged 3-to-8 years old in the eastern coastal region of China completed a cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires assessed parental depressive symptoms, parenting self-efficacy, and children’s social and emotional competence. Research questions were tested using mediation and moderated mediation within a multiple regression framework. Results supported a significant indirect effect of parental depressive symptoms on young children’s social and emotional competence through parenting self-efficacy, indicating that parenting self-efficacy served as a mediator. The mediational process did not differ for mothers and fathers. Parenting self-efficacy appears to be a mechanism in explaining the influence of parental depression on young children’s social and emotional development in a Chinese sample. Findings suggest that interventions with depressed parents should seek to improve parenting self-efficacy to support young children’s healthy development in the context of parental depression.
Recombinant Herpesvirus Vectors: Durable Immune Responses and Durable Protection against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239 Acquisition.

A prophylactic vaccine that confers durable protection against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) would provide a valuable tool to prevent new HIV/AIDS cases. As herpesviruses establish lifelong infections that remain largely subclinical, the use of persistent herpesvirus vectors to deliver HIV antigens may facilitate the induction of long-term anti-HIV immunity. We previously developed recombinant (r) forms of the gamma-herpesvirus rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (rRRV) expressing a replication-incompetent, near-full-length simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVnfl) genome. We recently showed that 8/16 rhesus macaques (RMs) vaccinated with a rDNA/rRRV-SIVnfl regimen were significantly protected against intrarectal (i.r.) challenge with SIVmac239. Here we investigated the longevity of this vaccine-mediated protection. Despite receiving no additional booster immunizations, the protected rDNA/rRRV-SIVnfl vaccinees maintained detectable cellular and humoral anti-SIV immune responses for more than 1.5 years after the rRRV boost. To assess if these responses were still protective, the rDNA/rRRV-SIVnfl vaccinees were subjected to a second round of marginal-dose i.r. SIVmac239 challenges, with eight SIV-naive RMs serving as concurrent controls. After three SIV exposures, 8/8 control animals became infected, compared to 3/8 vaccinees. This difference in SIV acquisition was statistically significant (P = 0.0035). The three vaccinated monkeys that became infected exhibited significantly lower viral loads than those in unvaccinated controls. Collectively, these data illustrate the ability of rDNA/rRRV-SIVnfl vaccination to provide long-term immunity against stringent mucosal challenges with SIVmac239. Future work is needed to identify the critical components of this vaccine-mediated protection and the extent to which it can tolerate sequence mismatches in the challenge virus. IMPORTANCE We report on the long-term follow-up of a group of rhesus macaques (RMs) that received an AIDS vaccine regimen and were subsequently protected against rectal acquisition of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. The vaccination regimen employed included a live recombinant herpesvirus vector that establishes persistent infection in RMs. Consistent with the recurrent SIV antigen expression afforded by this herpesvirus vector, vaccinees maintained detectable SIV-specific immune responses for more than 1.5 years after the last vaccination. Importantly, these vaccinated RMs were significantly protected against a second round of rectal SIV exposures performed 1 year after the first SIV challenge phase. These results are relevant for HIV vaccine development because they show the potential of herpesvirus-based vectors to maintain functional antiretroviral immunity without the need for repeated boosting.
The international financial market and US interest rates

Abstract This paper examines the linkages between the Eurodollar and US domestic financial markets. It is shown that using weekly data allows the isolation of significant fluctuations being transmitted between markets in both directions. In particular, financial markets in the US are affected significantly by foreign events. It is impossible to reach precise conclusions about the causes of historical variation in the rates. However, this paper provides evidence that at most 40% of the variation in Eurodollar interest rates over the 1975–1978 period can be traced to domestic US sources and that between about one-fifth and two-thirds of the variation in domestic rates can be traced to foreign sources.
Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to adapt an Illness Perception Questionnaire for African Americans with diabetes: the mixed data integration process.

Background Although qualitative methods have been used to develop quantitative behavioral health measurements, studies rarely report on the exact development process of these questionnaires. In this methodological paper, we highlight the procedure of a mixed data integration process in using qualitative data to create quantitative questionnaire items. Methods We used an exploratory sequential mixed methods study design to culturally adapt the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) and address the sociocultural contexts of African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Forty African Americans with type 2 diabetes taking oral diabetes medication completed the qualitative focus groups and 170 participants completed the quantitative phase (surveys). Using the 'building approach' to integration, qualitative themes from the focus groups were matched to survey domains based on the self-regulatory model. Qualitative themes assessing perceptions of diabetes among African Americans were used to develop new survey items for a culturally adapted IPQ-R, as well as adapt original survey items. Results Important themes included the effect on friend/family relationships, lifestyle changes, food experiences (consequences domain), importance of medications (treatment control), comparisons with family members (illness coherence), fear, future worries, and anger (emotional representations). A new domain, 'sociocultural influences' was added to the adapted questionnaire based on qualitative themes of race and racism on provider roles, personal control, and community influences. Merging and integration of the qualitative and quantitative phases, (reported via a joint display) showed evidence of congruence between the illness perceptions from the qualitative focus groups and scores on the survey items. Conclusion The use of mixed methods allowed for the development of a robust and patient-centered questionnaire. Future research should consider psychometric testing of the adapted IPQ-R, so that it may be used in addressing illness perceptions among African Americans.
Age- and sex-specific effects of stress on parvalbumin interneurons in preclinical models: Relevance to sex differences in clinical neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Abstract Stress is a major risk factor for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, with the capacity to impact susceptibility to disease as well as long-term neurobiological and behavioral outcomes. Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons, the most prominent subtype of GABAergic interneurons in the cortex, are uniquely responsive to stress due to their protracted development throughout the highly plastic neonatal period and into puberty and adolescence. Additionally, PV + interneurons appear to respond to stress in a sex-specific manner. This review aims to discuss existing preclinical studies that support our overall hypothesis that the sex-and age-specific impacts of stress on PV + interneurons contribute to differences in individual vulnerability to stress across the lifespan, particularly in regard to sex differences in the diagnostic rate of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases in clinical populations. We also emphasize the importance of studying sex as a biological variable to fully understand the mechanistic and behavioral differences between males and females in models of neuropsychiatric disease.
Simplified Tests of Aggression Chemosignals in Male House Mice Suggest that a Melanocortin-Dependent Product of the Preputial Gland Reduces Attacks

Investigations of aggression chemosignals in mammals have mostly involved lesioning a chemosensory system, e.g., chemically-induced anosmia, or surgically eliminating the glandular source of putative pheromones, e.g., preputial-glandectomy (Lee and Ingersoll, 1983). Typically, interactive behavioral tests with the altered animals or their modified chemosignals have been used to assess the possible chemosensory coordination of aggression. The recent development of genetically-engineered house mice having targeted mutations or disruptions of single genes presents an innovative and highly focused level of analysis in chemosignal studies of sociosexual behaviors, not only in ascertaining the appropriate chemosensory receptors (Mombaerts, 1999), but also in identifying the cellular sources and chemical identities of pheromones (Kingsley, 1998). This report is a description of efforts to develop a behavioral test for aggression chemosignals in male house mice.
Genomic Analysis of the Root-Knot Nematode Genome

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause substantial agricultural damage throughout the world, triggering as much as $100 billion in economic losses per year. Measures to control these pests are limited and include the use of agrichemicals such as methyl bromide (now available only on a “critical use exemption” basis) or the planting of crops that have natural resistance. However, the availability of chemical pesticides is decreasing and host resistance is limited. A better understanding of the complex interaction between plant-parasitic nematodes and their hosts is needed to develop new control strategies (including new chemicals). The vast majority of the damage is caused by sedentary endoparasitic forms in the order Tylenchida, which fall into clade IV of the Nematoda (Blaxter et al. 1998). In particular, the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), soybean cyst nematodes (Heterodera glycines), and potato cyst (Globodera spp.) nematodes are devastating parasites of plant roots.
The Chicago School(s) of Democratic Capitalism

Our main contention is that two different re-conceptualizations of liberal democracy took place among Chicago economists in the postwar period. The first emerged out of Frank H. Knight’s ruminations in the 1930s on the failures of liberalism. By the 1940s, Knight devoted most of his attention to the question of whether rational norms for intelligent democratic action could provide a means of avoiding those failures. The second came in the early 1950s when Aaron Director gave up both the classical liberalism of his predecessor Henry Simons and Knight’s re-conceptualization. Although both Knight and Director viewed liberalism as flawed, they sought solutions to its inadequacies in different ways. While Director asserted the fundamental role of competition in the economic realm, Knight argued that an appreciation for competition must be accompanied by recognition of the equally fundamental roles of discussion and ethics.A subsidiary contention is that Director’s re-formulation provided the underlying conception of democracy in the subsequent work of the Chicago School. While Knight may have taught the Chicago economists price theory, his emphasis on democratic discussion and ethics, coupled with their commitment to the competitive order, diminished his importance to the emerging Chicago approach. Our argument, therefore, lends support to the view that Knight played a smaller role, and Director a more important role, in the Chicago School’s development than often thought.
Self‐Similar Processes

The notion of self-similarity was already introduced in Section 3.5 Recall that a stochastic process \({\bigl (X(t),\,t \geq 0\bigr )}\) is called self-similar
Top Quark and Electroweak Mass

We describe a class of models of electroweak symmetry breaking that involve strong dynamics and top quark condensation. A new scheme based upon a seesaw mechanism appears particularly promising. Various implications for the first-stage muon collider are discussed.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Infants, Children, and Adolescents

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by inappropriate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the setting of a nondilated left ventricle. HCM is often associated with asymmetric LVH, a family history of HCM, sarcomeric genetic mutations, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. There is a wide clinical variability in HCM presenting during childhood and a relative lack of data on the pediatric population. This review will cover HCM presenting in infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Elastic wave propagation and generation in seismology

Seismology has complementary observational and theoretical components, and a thorough understanding of the observations requires a sound theoretical background. This book bridges the gap between introductory textbooks and advanced monographs by providing the necessary mathematical tools and demonstrating how to apply them. Each seismological problem is carefully formulated and its solution is derived in a step-by-step approach. The text includes student exercises (with hints), for which solutions are available on a dedicated website. This website also contains numerous downloadable programs for the computation of reflection and transmission coefficients, for the generation of P and S wave radiation patterns and synthetic seismograms, in infinite media. This book will therefore find a receptive audience among advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in developing a solid mathematical background to tackle more advanced topics in seismology. It will also form a useful reference volume for researchers wishing to brush up on the fundamentals.
Stress and the brain: individual variability and the inverted-U

It is a truism that the brain influences the body and that peripheral physiology influences the brain. Never is this clearer than during stress, where the subtlest emotions or the most abstract thoughts can initiate stress responses, with consequences throughout the body, and the endocrine transducers of stress alter cognition, affect and behavior. For a fervent materialist, few things in life bring more pleasure than contemplating the neurobiology of stress.
Automated Potentiometric Determination of Inorganic Blood Constituents (Na+, K+, H+, CI )

A system containing specific electrodes for inorganic constituents (Na+, K+, H+, Cl-)in blood has been developed which is automated with respect to sampling, calibration, and data acquisition and processing. The hardware that was built for the system included glass capillary electrodes, silver capillary electrode, special reference electrode, rotary valve, thermostatting and electrically shielding container, and probe selector-amplifier. Suitable standard solutions for the automatic calibration cycle were formulated and have been compared against primary standards. The computer programs for processing the data are briefly described. Data on the performance of the system (precision, speed, volume of specimen) are given.
Electron microscopic investigation of catalyzed oxidation of graphite

Abstract Oxidation of graphite catalyzed by the addition of FeSO4 has been studied by electron microscopy. The oxidation proceeds by pitting followed by channeling. The channels appear in the 〈1100〉 and 〈1210〉 directions of graphite. FeSO4 is converted to α-Fe2O3 which is oriented with its 〈1123〉 axis parallel to the 〈1100〉 axis of graphite. The Fe2O3-graphite interface is flat, suggesting that oxygen transfer occurs in a defined fashion between the 〈1123〉 face of α-Fe2O3 and the 〈1100〉 face of graphite.
Elixirs, diluents, and the passage of the 1938 federal food, drug and cosmetic act

The Elixir Sulfanilamide disaster of 1937 was one of the most consequential mass poisonings of the 20th century. This tragedy occurred shortly after the introduction of sulfanilamide, the first sulfa antimicrobial drug, when diethylene glycol was used as the diluent in the formulation of a liquid preparation of sulfanilamide known as Elixir Sulfanilamide. One hundred five patients died from its therapeutic use. Under the existing drug regulations, premarketing toxicity testing was not required. In reaction to this calamity, the U.S. Congress passed the 1938 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which required proof of safety before the release of a new drug. The 1938 law changed the drug focus of the Food and Drug Administration from that of a policing agency primarily concerned with the confiscation of adulterated drugs to a regulatory agency increasingly involved with overseeing the evaluation of new drugs. The Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, its effect on drug regulations, and the history of other diethylene glycol and diluent mass poisonings are discussed.
The role of alcohol expectancies in drinking behavior among women with alcohol use disorder and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder.

AbstractUnderstanding how alcohol expectancies relate to alcohol use among individuals with concurrent alcohol use disorder (AUD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is important to understanding and treating this comorbidity. This study examined the role of positive and negative alcohol expectancies and PTSD symptoms in drinking behavior in a comorbid female sample. Participants were women (n = 33; 56% Caucasian) seeking AUD and PTSD treatment in an outpatient community co-occurring disorders program. Hypotheses related to drinking days and alcohol problems outcomes were evaluated using negative binomial hierarchical regression. PTSD symptoms were associated with fewer reported days of alcohol-related problems. Negative expectancies related to negative changes in social behavior associated with drinking days and cognitive and motor impairment associated with problems. Both the general positive expectancies score and specific global positive change subscale were uniquely associated with drinking and ...
Structure-Activity Relationships of Cationic Shell-crosslinked Knedel-like Nanoparticles: Shell Composition and Transfection Efficiency/Cytotoxicity

Cationic nanoparticles are a promising class of transfection agents for oligonucleotide and gene delivery, but vary greatly in their effectiveness and cytotoxicity. Recently, we developed a new class of cationic transfection agents based on cationic shell-crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticles (cSCKs) that efficiently transfect mammalian cells with both oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA. In an effort to further improve transfection efficiency without increasing cytotoxicity, we examined the effects of the composition of primary amine (pa), tertiary amine (ta) and carboxylic acid (ca) groups in the shell of these nanoparticles. A series of discrete complexes of the cSCKs with plasmid DNA (pDNA) or phosphorothioate 2'-OMe oliogonucleotides (ps-MeON) were prepared over a broad range of amine to phosphate ratios (N/P ratio) of 4:1-40:1. The sizes of the complexes and the ability of the nanoparticles to completely bind ODNs were found to depend on the cSCK amine to DNA phosphate (N/P) ratio and the cSCK buffering capacity. The cSCKs were then evaluated for their ability to transfect cells with plasmid DNA by monitoring fluorescence from an encoded EGFP, and for delivery of ps-MeON by monitoring luminescence from luciferase resulting from ps-MeON-mediated splicing correction. Whereas the cationic cSCK-pa(25)-ta(75) was found to be best for transfecting plasmid DNA into HeLa cells at an N/P ratio of 20:1, cSCK-pa(50)-ta(50), at an N/P ratio 10:1 was best for ps-MeON delivery. We also found that increasing the proportion of tertiary relative to primary amine reduced the cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that a dramatic improvement in gene and oligonucleotide delivery efficiency with decreased cytotoxicity in HeLa cells can be achieved by incorporation of tertiary amines into the shells of cSCKs.
Neuroenergetic basis of regional temperature dynamics in brain

Maintaining near constant brain temperature (Tt) over a wide range of metabolic activity is critical for normal brain function 1. However brain temperature is an often ignored parameter in neuroscience and clinical studies. Time-dependent variations in Tt are likely to be caused by fluctuations of CBF and CMRO2, both of which are seemingly coupled to alterations in neuronal activity. To this end, we combined magnetic resonance, optical imaging, temperature sensing, and electrophysiological methods in -chloralose anesthetized rats to obtain multi-modal measurements during forepaw stimulation. Localized changes in neuronal activity were co-localized with regional increases in Tt (by 0.2%), CBF (by 95%), and CMRO2 (by 73%). The time-to-peak for Tt (4211 s) was significantly longer than those for CBF and CMRO2 (52 and 184 s, respectively). Net heat (Qnet) in the region of interest (ROI) was modeled as being dependent on the sum of heats attributed to changes in CMRO2 (Qm) and CBF (Qf) as well as conductive heat loss from the ROI to neighboring regions (Qc) and to the environment (Qe). Although tissue cooling due to Qf and Qc can occur and are enhanced during activation, the net increase in Tt corresponded to a large rise in Qm, whereas effects of Qe can be ignored. The study shows that Tt increases slowly (by 0.1 C) during physiologic stimulation in -chloralose anesthetized rats. Since the potential cooling effect of CBF depends on the temperature of blood entering the brain, Tt is mainly affected by CMRO2 during functional challenges. While the importance of the "uncoupling" between changes in CMRO2 and CBF and the temperature of arterial blood for the cooling efficiency of the brain are obvious, our current experimental and theoretical results reveal the significance of the resting CBF and more importantly resting CMRO2 for temperature regulation in the brain. Although the changes in brain temperature recorded for the entire study were spread over a wide range, the stimulation-induced change of 0.1 C in the ROI was significant for the majority of the experiments. The small changes in Tt were reproducibly measured from layer 4 of the rat's somatosensory cortex where the highest neural activity changes (induced by forepaw stimulation) were localized. The current temperature measurements from the brain are in accord with previous functional studies in animals 2, 3. This is the first study which provides a neuroenergetic basis of regional temperature changes in the brain. The results have implications for functional studies and temperature regulation. (See Figure 1).
Irradiation-grafted polymeric films. I. Preparation and properties of acrylic acid-grafted polyethylene films

Graft copolymers of low-density polyethylene film and acrylic acid have been prepared by the direct grafting technique. The properties of 27.4, 33.9, 41.2, and 46.4 wt-% poly(acrylic acid) graft copolymer films have been compared. Measurements include degree and uniformity of grafting, gel water content, degree of swelling on wetting, tensile strength, elongation, ion-exchange capacity, water-vapor transmission, and water flux and solute rejection under reverse osmosis conditions. These properties were found to vary as the composition of the graft copolymer changed; most properties were found to be a linear function of the degree of grafting.
Inattention as a key predictor of tobacco use in adolescence.

The authors examined the prediction from inattention to tobacco use among 2 cohorts (ages 7 and 13) of a community sample followed to young adulthood. Changes in self-reported tobacco use were tested with marginal transitional regression models, using parent and teacher ratings of inattention, hyperactivity– impulsivity, and other psychopathology, along with other factors, as predictors. Inattention, but not hyperactivity–impulsivity, significantly predicted adolescent tobacco use and young adult daily tobacco use. Peer substance use, parental substance use, and conduct disorder also predicted increases in tobacco use. African American ethnicity was strongly protective against later tobacco use. The results support the hypothesis that problems of inattention play a key role in increased tobacco use.
Identification and characterization of nuclear receptors from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are classified by the presence of a well-conserved DNA-binding domain and a less conserved ligand-binding domain and function as key control points in diverse signaling and metabolic pathways. NRs are switched on and off by small molecule ligands with properties similar to insecticides. Therefore, NRs are attractive targets for developing new insecticides. Nineteen canonical and two Knirps family NRs were identified in the genome of Tribolium castaneum. RNAi analysis showed that 10 out of the 19 canonical NRs, TcE75, TcHR3, TcHR4, TcEcR, TcUSP, TcFTZ-F1, TcHR51, SVP, TcHR38, TcHR39 are important for metamorphosis. Knocking down the expression of five NRs, TcTll, TcDsf, TcHNF4 and TcHR78 caused defects in production of offspring. TcHNF4, TcHR78, TCHR51 and TcDsf affected egg production and TcTll affected embryonic development. Knocking down the expression of non-canonical NR Knirps-like affected adults and caused reduction in egg production. The other Knirps family member, Eagle, and five canonical NRs, TcE78, TcHR83, TcHR96, TcPNR-like and TcERR did not show much effect on metamorphosis or production of offspring. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase analysis showed that the mRNA levels of all NRs tested were reduced in DsRNA injected larvae when compared to their levels in control larvae injected with bacterial malE DsRNA suggesting that the RNAi worked well but reduction in expression levels of some of the NRs did not affect metamorphosis or production of offspring.
Ghost lines in the solar spectrum of Burton and Ridgeley

Ghost lines in the grating spectrum of the sun are considered. The following formula lambda g= lambda (n plus or minus =270m/N) where lambda g= wavelength of the ghost, on the ghost order and n the diffraction order of the parent line of wavelength h, provides an interpretation of the observed solar spectrum. (AIP) Index Headings: Gratings; Speetra; Hydrogen; Sun.
Synthesis and characterization of Ag-doped p-type ZnO nanowires

P-type ZnO nanowires with silver (Ag) doping were synthesized via a chemical vapor deposition process. The incorporation of Ag was confirmed by selected-area energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The formation of acceptor states was demonstrated by temperature and excitation power-dependent photoluminescence measurements. Characterization of field-effect transistors using Ag-doped ZnO nanowires as channels showed p-type conductivity of the nanowires with a hole concentration of 4.9×1017 cm−3 and a carrier mobility of approximately 0.18 cm2 V−1 s−1.
The Mobility of Fractal Aggregates: A Review

A review of the experimental and theoretical literature describing the mobility of fractal aggregates over the previous three decades is presented. Aggregates are those formed via both diffusion and reaction limited cluster-cluster aggregation processes, DLCA and RLCA, which form aggregates with fractal dimensions and prefactors of ca. 1.78 and 1.3 and 2.1 and 0.94, respectively. Emphasis is placed on DLCA aggregates. The entire Knudsen number range from continuum to free molecular is reviewed. The review finds a simple and general consensus description of mobility for the entire range.
Regulation of galactokinase (GAL1) enzyme accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The regulation of GAL1 RNA and enzyme synthesis has been investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have shown that the induction of GAL10 and GAL1 RNAs is coordinate. GAL1 RNA transcripts appear within 4.5 to 6 min and galactokinase synthesis within 6 to 9 min. Steady-state RNA levels were reached within 50 min and the steady-state rate of galactokinase enzyme synthesis within 40–50 min. From these kinetic studies, the initial induction of GAL1 enzyme activity is apparently under transcriptional control. In addition, during early induction, two galactokinase enzyme activities were detected; a major stable form and a minor unstable form.
A reciprocal phase shifter using novel pseudochiral or ω medium

Here we introduce an idea for a reciprocal phase shifter using a novel class of material, which we name pseudochiral or ω medium. We describe this complex material electromagnetically by a set of bianisotropic constitutive relations, and present the physical insights into the coupling mechanism exhibited in such media. We analyze theoretically the dispersion characteristics of guided modes in a rectangular waveguide loaded partially with a slab of this material. It is shown that the propagation constant β of guided modes can be shifted due to coupling coefficients present in the medium. It is also shown that, unlike the case of magnetically biased ferrite-loaded waveguide, the dispersion relations here are independent of the direction of propagation, and thus reciprocal phase shifting can be achieved. Potential applications and motivations behind this study are also mentioned.
PIXE calibration and absorption corrections with the aid of proton scattering

Abstract The computer programme HEX (a modification of programme REX) is a nonlinear, least squares, matrix minimization code for evaluation of Si(Li) detector X-ray spectra induced by charged particle bombardment. Correction to the Gaussian areas to allow for low energy tailing of peaks and secondary fluorescence has been included in the calculation. For our detector, this correction is largest (9%) for phosphorous and decreases with X-ray energy to less than 1% for copper. Since our present range of energies observed extends from 0.6–40 keV, absorption errors are usually large for the softer X-rays. Inclusion of L X-ray line intensities (down to 0.897 keV, Z = 28) into the fitting process allows for evaluation of absorption. In addition, the amount of absorption correction for sodium in air particulate field samples (where particle size effects dominate) has been assessed by comparison with results from the proton scattering (PESA) method.
Bicyclic azasugars containing a glycosidic heteroatom 2: D-lyxose analogues

Abstract Bicyclic azasugar analogues of D-xylose containing a glycosidic heteroatom have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds in which the glycosidic heteroatom is N (substituted with H or CH3), O, and S have been prepared, and the ring fused to the azasugar ring has been 5- or 6-membered; 7-membered analogues are either unstable or do not form. α-Anomers are present when the glycosidic heteroatom is O or S but not N, and even then they are less favored than the corresponding β-anomers.
Redox modulation of the hepatitis C virus replication complex is calcium dependent

Reactive species and perturbation of the redox balance have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many viral diseases, including hepatitis C. Previously, we made a surprising discovery that concentrations of H(2)O(2) that are nontoxic to host cells disrupted the hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication complex (RC) in Huh7 human hepatoma cells in a manner that suggested signaling. Here, we show that H(2)O(2) and interferon-gamma have comparable effects on the HCV subgenomic and genomic RNA replication in Huh7 cells. H(2)O(2) induced a gradual rise in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Both rapid and sustained suppression of HCV RNA replication by H(2)O(2) depended on this calcium elevation. The peroxide-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation was independent of extracellular calcium and derived, at least in part, from the endoplasmic reticulum. Likewise, the suppression of the HCV RC by H(2)O(2) was independent of extracellular calcium but required an intracellular calcium source. Other agents that elevated [Ca(2+)](i) could also suppress the HCV RC, suggesting that calcium elevation might be sufficient to suppress HCV RNA replication. In conclusion, oxidants may modulate the HCV RC through calcium. Effects on the infectivity and the morphogenesis of HCV remain to be determined. These findings suggest possible regulatory roles for redox and calcium signaling during viral infections.
An Indirect Method for the Estimation of the Iodine Content in Raw Milk

Abstract The measurement of iodine in milk by conventional chemical procedures is tedious and expensive. An ion selective electrode was evaluated in comparison to a microchemical method. Mean concentrations of iodine in a comparative study of 116 raw milk samples by the chemical method and ion selective electrode were 324 and 347 μg/kg. Mean concentrations of iodine in 63 market milks by the chemical method and ion selective electrode were 359 and 409 μg/kg milk. Correlations between methods were .95 and .87 for raw milk and market milk samples. The ion selective electrode can be used for monitoring iodine concentrations in raw milk but probably not in processed milk.
Dictyostelium discoideum plasmid containing an AP-endonuclease upstream sequence: bleomycin induction of a luciferase reporter.

A sequence of 1624 bp 5' to the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease structural gene of Dictyostelium discoideum (APEA) has been inserted upstream of the luciferase reporter gene in pVTL2, an autonomously replicating nuclear plasmid in this organism. Cells transformed with this plasmid, designated pVTL-AL, displayed strong luciferase induction during treatment with the DNA-damaging agent bleomycin. For example, a luciferase activity of 45-fold above the constitutive level was observed for 20 hours of growth in axenic medium with 0.002 U/mL of bleomycin. The response was bleomycin concentration-dependent. Cell survival was greater than 90% for all treatments. The level of luciferase expression was highly dependent on the cell growth conditions, with the greatest induction observed for stationary phase axenically-grown cells. This effect may be related to a variation of plasmid copy number with growth conditions.
A protocol describing the principles of cis-regulatory analysis in the sea urchin

cis-Regulatory analysis (CRA) is the precise identification of the cis-acting genomic sequences regulating gene transcription. As such, CRA provides essential mechanistic insight into key biological processes such as development. The first phase of this protocol involves identification of a large (approximately 100 kb) clone of genomic material surrounding the gene of interest and use of this clone to establish a reliable and unambiguous reporter assay. In the second phase, phylogenetic footprinting is used to identify candidate regulatory modules; these genomic sequences are then recursively tested for reporter activity. In the final phase, potential transcription factor binding sites are identified and disrupted in reporter constructs for individual testing. The strengths of this method reflect the use of large clones containing all relevant genomic regulatory sequences to establish a reporter assay with high fidelity. Given these foundational elements, predicted or suspected regulatory inputs can be rigorously tested and novel regulatory inputs identified. Although the expected time line varies greatly with the depth of information required, results may be obtained in as little as 4-6 months, but more detailed analyses will require several years to complete.
A phenomenological study of AC gas panels fabricated with vacuum-deposited dielectric layers

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of ac gas display panel parameters. The ignition and extinction voltages were measured for panels filled with Ne-0.1% Ar gas to pressures ranging from 0.75 × 104 Pa to 8 × 104 Pa (50 torr to 600 torr). The panels were constructed with chamber spacings, d, of 0.56 × 10-2 cm to 2 × 10-2 cm, and electrode widths, x, of 1.5 × 10-3 cm to 0.1 cm. Scaling of the Paschen minimum was not found to hold for the narrowest chamber spacing. The dependence of ignition voltage on linewidth was found to be proportional to exp (-1.6 x/d) for (x/d) <1. An electron diffusion process was invoked to explain this behavior.
E. coli galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase: N-terminal and C-terminal sequences.

A modified procedure for the purification of E. coli galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (E.C. 2.7.6.12) was developed which reproducibly gives pure enzyme. The purified enzyme was shown to be a dimeric protein with a subunit molecular weight of 41,000 and its amino acid composition and content of free sulfhydryl groups were determined. The N-terminal and C-terminal amino acid sequences were found to be NH2-thr-gln-phe-asn-pro-val-asp and -ser(val leu)-ala-COOH respectively. This N-terminal sequence allowed the identification of the start of the transferase gene in the DNA sequence determined by GRINDLEY. Furthermore it appears to define a nine base intercistronic region between the epimerase and transferase genes.
Effect of preload on the transmural distribution of diastolic coronary blood flow

Abstract This study tests the hypothesis that ventricular geometry at low preloads (near empty ventricles) impairs diastolic regional coronary flow and, therefore, plays a role in production of myocardial ischemic injury observed after cardiopulmonary bypass and hypovolemic shock. There was no effect of preload on the left ventricular transmural distribution of diastolic coronary resistance. It is concluded that this is not the mechanism of myocardial injury in normal hearts.
Effects of pentylenetetrazol and trimethadione on feline brain monoamine metabolism

Abstract The effects of pentylenetetrazol on behavioral excitation and brain monoamine metabolism were compared by monitoring the EEG and assaying feline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for monoamine metabolites. After a non-convulsant dose of pentylenetetrazol, neither the concentrations of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), nor the dopamine(DA) metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA), were altered in CSF if the rectal temperature of the cat was maintained. After a convulsant dose there was an increase in 5-HIAA and HVA levels. The norepinephrine (NE) metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG), was also increased, but returned to control within 3 hr, while 5-HIAA and HVA levels were elevated for 24 hr. Trimethadione produced a transient decrease in HVA levels. When the convulsions, but not EEG excitation, are prevented by trimethadione pretreatment, brain monoamine metabolism is increased. Plasma tryptophan levels decreased after convulsant doses of pentylenetetrazol. Pentylenetetrazol was not detectable in plasma or CSF 24 hr after injection, while CSF 5-HIAA and HVA levels were still increased. These data show that pentylenetetrazol directly increases brain NE, DA and 5-HT metabolism while causing EEG excitatory changes, an effect which may precede convulsions.
Substrate-induced DNA strand misalignment during catalytic cycling by DNA polymerase λ

The simple deletion of nucleotides is common in many organisms. It can be advantageous when it activates genes beneficial to microbial survival in adverse environments, and deleterious when it mutates genes relevant to survival, cancer or degenerative diseases. The classical idea is that simple deletions arise by strand slippage. A prime opportunity for slippage occurs during DNA synthesis, but it remains unclear how slippage is controlled during a polymerization cycle. Here, we report crystal structures and molecular dynamics simulations of mutant derivatives of DNA polymerase λ bound to a primer–template during strand slippage. Relative to the primer strand, the template strand is in multiple conformations, indicating intermediates on the pathway to deletion mutagenesis. Consistent with these intermediates, the mutant polymerases generate single-base deletions at high rates. The results indicate that dNTP-induced template strand repositioning during conformational rearrangements in the catalytic cycle is crucial to controlling the rate of strand slippage.
Germinal derivatives of the En controlling-element system in maize: Characterization of colored, pale and colorless derivatives a2-m

Several stable germinal derivatives, with varied phenotypic expression have been recovered from testcrosses of four different a2 mutable alleles (a2m-7 8018, a2m-6 8144, a2m-6 8140, and a2m-1 1511) under the control of the En controlling-element system. These are colored, pale, and colorless aleurone types; the former two represent mutations of a2-m→A2′ type. The phenotypic variation among colored and pale derivatives has been confirmed by quantitative determination of anthocyanin content in the aleurone tissue of the kernels.
Technique for preservation of penile skin in genital reconstruction: free graft to the scrotum.

Objective To describe a new technique to preserve the penile epithelium with good cosmetic results when additional surgery is a significant possibility. Complex genital reconstruction can require multiple procedures. Methods Seven patients underwent grafting of the penile epithelium to the scrotum during genital reconstruction to bank the tissue for potential future use. The graft size was 8-40 mm in the maximal length. Results The median age at surgery was 8.1 months. The median interval to the last follow-up examination after surgery was 13.5 months. All 7 patients demonstrated excellent wound healing with good cosmetic results. Conclusion In patients with complex genital anomalies, nonhair-bearing epithelium is a valuable asset. At times, the paucity of available local tissue necessitates autografting with nongenital epithelium. The need for nongenital tissue can be reduced if excess penile skin is banked for potential use at a later date. We describe a technique in which the penile skin is preserved for potential future reconstruction using free grafting to the scrotum.
Time dependency and kin recognition of cannibalistic behavior among poeciliid fishes

Poeciliid fishes are live bearers that may cannibalize their young, both in their natural habitat and in the aquarium. Time dependency and non-kin-related cannibalism have not been studied in poeciliid fishes. The object of this study was to observe the frequency of cannibalism during the days following parturition and to determine whether kin recognition is involved during cannibalism. The two species of fish observed were Poecilia reticulata (the common guppy) and Poecilia sphenops (the black molly). Females who had just given birth to fry were observed for 6 days, with daily exposures to their own young and the young of another female. There was no variation in the occurrence of cannibalism during a day (morning vs afternoon); however, there was a significant decrease in the occurrence of cannibalism between the 2nd and 4th day following parturition. In addition, female poeciliids preferentially cannibalized the young of another female rather than their own. Growth changes in the young and kin recognition by both the mother and the young are postulated to account for these results.
Genetic role of rat macrophage cytotoxicity against tumor.

Macrophages from the Lewis (Le) rat strain are significantly more cytotoxic to a Moloney sarcoma tumor, both in vivo and in vivo, than are macrophages from the Brown Norway (BN) strain. Activity of macrophages from (Le × BN) F1 rats that are histocompatible with the Moloney sarcoma tumor is directed toward tumor and/or virus-associated antigens and is expressed as a dominant genetic trait. Experiments with backcross rats suggest that the genetic factors are unrelated to the major histocompatibility locus (AgB) of the rats. BN macrophages, although not active against tumor and/or viral antigens, can become cytotoxic to cells displaying Le alloantigens. Rǒle Genetique De La Cytotoxicite Des Macrophages De Rat Contre La Tumeur Les macrophages de la souche de rats Lewis (Le) sont beaucoup plus cytotoxiques envers un sarcome de Moloney, tant in vivo qu' in vivo, que les macrophages de la souche Brown Norway (BN). L'activite des macrophages des rats (Le × BN)F1 qui sont histocompatibles avec le sarcome de Moloney, est dirigee contre les antigenes associes a la tumeur et/ou au virus et constitue un caractare genetique dominant. Les experiences effectuees avec des rats retrocroises conduisent a penser que les facteurs genetiques ne sont pas lies au principal locus d'histocompatibilite (AgB) des rats. Les macrophages BN, qui n'agissent pas contre les antiganes tumoraux et/ou viraux, peuvent devenir cytotoxiques envers les cellules portant les alloantiganes Le.
Method of Folding a Piecewise Polynomial Function in the Delta Function Integral Representation

A simple procedure is presented for determining the folded form of a piecewise polynomial function in the delta function integral representation. The procedure is useful in evaluating the autocorrelation function by means of the algebraic convolution technique developed by Polge and Hays.