cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The negative ion photoelectron spectrum of cyclopropane-1,2,3-trione radical anion, (CO)3(•-)--a joint experimental and computational study.

Negative ion photoelectron (NIPE) spectra of the radical anion of cyclopropane-1,2,3-trione, (CO)3•–, have been obtained at 20 K, using both 355 and 266 nm lasers for electron photodetachment. The spectra show broadened bands, due to the short lifetimes of both the singlet and triplet states of neutral (CO)3 and, to a lesser extent, to the vibrational progressions that accompany the photodetachment process. The smaller intensity of the band with the lower electron binding energy suggests that the singlet is the ground state of (CO)3. From the NIPE spectra, the electron affinity (EA) and the singlet–triplet energy gap of (CO)3 are estimated to be, respectively, EA = 3.1 ± 0.1 eV and ΔEST = −14 ± 3 kcal/mol. High-level, (U)CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ//(U)CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ, calculations give EA = 3.04 eV for the 1A1′ ground state of (CO)3 and ΔEST = −13.8 kcal/mol for the energy gap between the 1A1′ and 3A2 states, in excellent agreement with values from the NIPE spectra. In addition, simulations of the vibrationa...
Carbon flux to seabirds in waters with different mixing regimes in the southeastern Bering Sea

The southeastern Bering Sea is characterized by three mixing regimes, separated by fronts associated with the 50, 100, and 200 m isobaths. Phytoplankton to zooplankton transfer-rates are high in waters over the outer shelf and slope (seaward of the 100 m front) relative to transfer in waters over the middle shelf (between the 50 and 100 m fronts). To see whether this difference is reflected at a higher trophic level, we computed carbon flux to the 11 commonest seabird species. Bird-density data (for the period 1975 through 1979) were combined with daily caloric requirement, which is an allometric function of body size in this endothermic group. Minimum transfer to seabirds over a 153 d period (April–August) was 30 mg C m-2 for the middle shelf and 48 mg C m-2 for outer shelf and slope waters. Trophic transfer to subsurface-feeding birds (shearwaters, murres and auklets) differed little between regions. In contrast, trophic transfer to surface-feeding birds (fulmars, petrels, and kittiwakes) in the outer shelf and slope waters was 3 times greater than in the waters of the middle shelf. Thus, for seabirds as a whole, pathways of energy transfer differed more between regions than did total carbon flux.
Methylmercury-induced changes in gene transcription associated with neuroendocrine disruption in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Methyl-mercury (MeHg) is a potent neuroendocrine disruptor that impairs reproductive processes in fish. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize transcriptomic changes induced by MeHg exposure in the female largemouth bass (LMB) hypothalamus under controlled laboratory conditions, (2) investigate the health and reproductive impacts of MeHg exposure on male and female largemouth bass (LMB) in the natural environment, and (3) identify MeHg-associated gene expression patterns in whole brain of female LMB from MeHg-contaminated habitats. The laboratory experiment was a single injection of 2.5 μg MeHg/g body weight for 96 h exposure. The field survey compared river systems in Florida, USA with comparably lower concentrations of MeHg (Wekiva, Santa Fe, and St. Johns Rivers) in fish and one river system with LMB that contained elevated concentrations of MeHg (St. Marys River). Microarray analysis was used to quantify transcriptomic responses to MeHg exposure. Although fish at the high-MeHg site did not show overt health or reproductive impairment, there were MeHg-responsive genes and pathways identified in the laboratory study that were also altered in fish from the high-MeHg site relative to fish at the low-MeHg sites. Gene network analysis suggested that MeHg regulated the expression targets of neuropeptide receptor and steroid signaling, as well as structural components of the cell. Disease-associated gene networks related to MeHg exposure, based upon expression data, included cerebellum ataxia, movement disorders, and hypercalcemia. Gene responses in the CNS are consistent with the documented neurotoxicological and neuroendocrine disrupting effects of MeHg in vertebrates.
Supramolecular catalysis at work: diastereoselective synthesis of a molecular bowl with dynamic inner space.

The supramolecular assistance to Pd(0)/Cu(I)-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of stannylated norbornene 7 has been investigated to give molecular bowl 1syn in a stereoselective fashion. Following a divergent strategy, racemic norbornene 7 was synthesized in satisfactory yield. Self-coupling, promoted by Pd(0)/Cu(I) catalysis acting in synergy with CsF, yielded molecular bowl 1syn in a moderate 30% yield. The reaction diastereoselectivity is affected by the concentration of Cu(I) and Cs+: increasing quantities of the cations enhanced the syn/anti ratio of the isolated cyclotrimer from statistical (1:3) to a more desirable (4.5:1) ratio, in favor of the molecular bowl 1syn. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies suggested the coordinating affinity of 1syn toward transition metals Cu(I), Ag(I), and Au(I), to account for the observed templation effect. In particular, the tridentate 1syn has been shown to bind to one Ag(I) cation in the assembly process that is driven with enthalpy (ΔH° = −19 ± 2 kcal/mol, ΔS° = −45 eu). T...
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum): their use for cross-species amplification and differentiation between the two species

As the population sizes of the black and white rhinoceroses continues to decline, more efforts are needed in multiple areas to help with the conservation efforts. One area being explored is the use of genetic diversity information to aid conservation decisions. In this study, we designed 21 microsatellite primers for white and black rhinoceroses, 16 and 17 of which amplified bands in the white and black rhinoceros, respectively. Out of these primers all 16 were polymorphic in the white rhinoceros and 12 of the 17 were polymorphic in the black rhinoceros. The mean number of alleles was 3.31 and 2.12, the expected heterozygosities were 0.420 and 0.372, and the observed heterozygosities were 0.436 and 0.322 for the white and black rhinoceroses, respectively. Seven of the primers produced different allele sizes and variations that distinguished between black and white rhinoceroses. Further genetic analyses with larger wild population sample sizes and markers are recommended to obtain a better understanding of the genetic structure of the black and white rhinoceros populations in order to be useful in the conservation efforts of these critically endangered species.
Degradation of cholesterol in human serum.

Abstract Cholesterol is a factor contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. Microbes possess enzymatic system for the breakdown of this molecule. We report that the cell-free extract of such a microbe can degrade cholesterol in human serum. To demonstrate this, an assay technique has been devised that allows serial monitoring of cholesterol levels. The possibility of in vivo application of this enzyme is discussed.
Nanoscale heat transfer on the picosecond time scale

Abstract Using the method of molecular dynamics, we have examined the decay of an instantaneously imposed heat pulse on an equilibrium model fluid similar to super-critical argon. The spatial extent of the initial pulse is quite small — on the order of 100 nm3; the amount of energy added to the system is only 5% of the total system kinetic energy. This small pulse decays quite rapidly, within several picoseconds, but the decay proceeds more slowly than predictions based on the hydrodynamic equations. During the first picosecond of the decay, the kinetic energy is not equipartitioned and a very fast process of energy transfer from kinetic energy to potential energy takes place. A good fit to the molecular dynamics data is obtained using a simple linear superposition of the hydrodynamic and free streaming theories.
Effects of several environmental factors on sweetpotato growth.

Effects of relative humidity, light intensity and photoperiod on growth of 'Ga Jet' and TI-155' sweetpotato cultivars, using the nutrient film technique (NFT), have been reported. In this study, the effect of ambient temperature regimes (constant 28 C and diurnal 28:222 C day:night) and different CO2 levels (ambient, 400, 1 000 and 10 000 microL/L-400, 1 000 and 10 000 ppm) on growth of one or both of these cultivars in NFT are reported. For a 24-h photoperiod, no storage roots were prodcued for either cultivar in NFT when sweetpotato plants were grown at a constant temperature of 28 C. For the same photoperiod, when a 28:22 C diurnal temperature variation was used, there were still no storage roots for 'TI-155' but the cv. 'Ga Jet' produced 537 g/plant of storage roots. For both a 12-h and 24-h photoperiod. 'Ga Jet' storage root fresh and dry weight tended to be higher with a 28:22 C diurnal temperature variation than with a constant 28 C temperature regime. Preliminary results with both 'Ga Jet' and 'TI-155' cultivars indicate a distinctive diurnal stomatal response for sweetpotato grown in NFT under an ambient CO2 level. The stomatal conductance values observed for 'Ga Jet' at elevated CO2 levels indicated that the difference between the light- and dark-period conductance rates persisted at 400, 1 000, and 10 000 microL/L.
Detection and quantification of fluorescent cell clusters in cryo-imaging

We developed and evaluated an algorithm for enumerating fluorescently labeled cells (e.g., stem and cancer cells) in mouse-sized, microscopic-resolution, cryo-image volumes. Fluorescent cell clusters were detected, segmented, and then fit with a model which incorporated a priori information about cell size, shape, and intensity. The robust algorithm performed well in phantomand tissue imaging tests, including accurate (<2% error) counting of cells inmouse. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that cryo-imaging and software can uniquely analyze delivery, homing to an organ and tissue distribution of stem cell therapeutics.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection Accelerates the Progression of Atherosclerosis in a Heterozygous Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Murine Model

Background— Current epidemiological data suggest that dental infections affecting tooth-supporting tissues (periodontitis) can disseminate into the systemic circulation and thereby contribute to atherosclerosis progression. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of repeated systemic inoculations with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a putative periodontal pathogen, on the progression of atherosclerosis in heterozygous apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE+/−) mice. Methods and Results— Ten-week-old, male ApoE+/− mice fed either a high-fat diet or regular chow were inoculated intravenously with live Pg (107 CFU) or vehicle once per week for 10, 14, or 24 consecutive weeks. Histomorphometry of plaque cross-sectional area in the proximal aortas, en face measurement of plaque area over the aortic trees, Pg 16S ribosomal DNA amplification with polymerase chain reaction, ELISA for systemic proinflammatory mediators, and immunolocalization of macrophages in the proximal aorta were performed. Atheroscleroti...
5-GHz mode locking of a Nd:YLF laser

A frequency-modulated Nd:YLF laser has been mode locked at a repetition rate of 5.4 GHz by using 20 mW of microwave power applied to a LiTaO3 electro-optic phase modulator in a short (2-cm) laser cavity. The 13-ps pulse duration is shorter than expected on the basis of mode-locking theory for homogeneously broadened transitions and is attributed to inhomogeneity associated with spatial hole burning.
Studies on the repetitive sequence transcripts of Xenopus oocytes.

RNA of the mature Xenopus oocyte was hybridized with an isolated repetitive DNA fraction of the Xenopus genome representing about 40% of the DNA and containing a major component with an average sequence-repetition frequency of about 1600. Ribonuelease-resistant hybrids which bind to hydroxyapatite represent the most stable fraction of the repetitive RNA-DNA duplexes. These hybrids were studied with CsCl equilibrium sedimentation, gel electrophoresis, and thermal chromatography from hydroxyapatite. It was concluded that after ribonuclease treatment the hybrids which bind to hydroxyapatite retain relatively long regions of duplex structure (over 10^2 nucleotides) but that, even so, they include significantly more nucleotide mismatch than do non-repetitive DNA-RNA hybrids formed with the same RNA. Hybrids were also detected by Cs_2SO_4 buoyant-density sedimentation in the material failing to bind to hydroxyapatite after ribonuclease treatment. These hybrids apparently retain only short duplex regions. RNA-driven hybridization reactions were carried out to obtain an estimate of the amount of repetitive DNA related in sequence to the RNA stored in the mature oocyte. In this procedure, the hybrids are not exposed to ribonuclease before binding to hydroxyapatite, and hybrids representing about 3.5% of the repetitive DNA were obtained. It was concluded that 2 to 5% of the total oocyte RNA is repetitive sequence transcript and that these transcripts are present in the oocyte at a much higher concentration than non-repetitive sequence transcripts.
Validating the construct of theoretical orientation in reading instruction.

WHILE IT is generally accepted that the teacher is an important factor related to success in learning to read, studies exploring the teacher variable have resulted in more questions than answers. This is due partly to measurement problems; reliable instrumentation and research methodologies simply have not been developed. This study validated an instrument to determine a teacher's theoretical orientation to reading instruction. The instrument, the DeFord Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile (TORP), uses a Likert scale response system to determine teacher beliefs about practices in reading instruction. Three phases of data collection were utilized to evaluate the reliability of the instrument: (a) Administration to a sample of 90 teachers of known theoretical orientation; (b) comparison of responses by three judges from the field of reading as to their concordance on the profiles expected from phonics, skills and whole language respondents; and (c) observation of 14 teachers by trained observers who in turn predicted the responses of the teachers on the instrument. Through use of descriptive data, factor analysis and discriminant analysis, the TORP was proven a reliable, valid instrument for discriminating teachers as to their theoretical orientation to reading.
Heat transfer and body temperature in honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) drones and workers

Honey bee, Apis mellifera L., drones and workers were used to examine how differences in morphology, physiology, and behavior affect heat exchange and thorax temperature ( Tth ) during flight. Drones had twice the body mass ( Mb ) of workers (199.4 ± 2.5 versus 101.8 ± 3:3 mg) and exhibited Tth > 2°C higher. Drones were unable to lower Tth through regurgitation or through shunting heat to the abdomen. Heat production during hovering increased with Mb whereas total heat loss increased with Mb and with flight speed ( V ). Despite their larger size and higher Tth , drones flew slower than workers. A heat budget model predicted that Tth would decrease sharply with V , increase with body mass, and increase with the ratio of thorax mass to body mass. The model closely predicted the Tth difference between drones and workers and demonstrated that the higher Tth of drones is primarily (75%) an effect of large Mh , somewhat (15%) a result of the high ratio of thorax to body mass and, to a lesser degree (10%), a result of slower V . These morphological and behavioral traits are sufficient to account for the difference in Tth between drones and workers.
A Minute Dose of 14C-β-Carotene Is Absorbed and Converted to Retinoids in Humans

Our objective was to quantify the absorption and conversion to retinoids of a 1.01-nmol, 3.7-kBq oral dose of (14)C-beta-carotene in 8 healthy adults. The approach was to quantify, using AMS, the elimination of (14)C in feces for up to 16 d after dosing and in urine for up to 30 d after dosing. The levels of total (14)C in undiluted serial plasma samples were measured for up to 166 d after dosing. Also, the levels of (14)C in the retinyl ester (RE), retinol (ROH), and beta-carotene fractions that were isolated from undiluted plasma using HPLC were measured. The apparent digestibility of the (14)C was 53 +/- 13% (mean +/- SD), based on the mass balance data, and was generally consistent with the area under the curve for zero to infinite period of (14)C that was eliminated in the feces collections made up to 7.5 d after dosing. Metabolic fecal elimination, calculated as the slope per day (% (14)C-dose/collection from d 7.5 to the final day), was only 0.05 +/- 0.02%. The portion of the (14)C dose eliminated via urine was variable (6.5 +/- 5.2%). Participants [except participant 6 (P6)] had a distinct plasma peak of (14)C at 0.25 d post-dose, preceded by a shoulder at approximately 0.1 d, and followed by a broad (14)C peak that became indistinguishable from baseline at approximately 40 d. Plasma (14)C-RE accounted for most of the absorbed (14)C early after dosing and P1 had the longest delay in the first appearance of (14)C-RE in plasma. The data suggest that plasma RE should be considered in estimating the ROH activity equivalent of ingested beta-carotene.
Isometric contractile properties of single isolated smooth muscle cells.

THE use of multicellular strips to study contractile properties of smooth muscle cells rests on the assumption that properties of individual cells are directly reflected in the behaviour of whole tissues. Both the heterogeneity of the contractile state of the cell population in the intact strip, and the complex interconnections between cells and extracellular fibrous elements, however, must influence measured mechanical properties. Methods for isolating viable single smooth muscle fibres from the stomach of the toad, Bufo marinus1,2 now make it possible to make direct measurements of force generation in single cells. I report here a technique for isometrically measuring the force of contraction of a single isolated smooth muscle cell. The method was used to investigate the kinetics and magnitude of force development in a single smooth muscle cell. The results reveal that the maximum force per cm2 of a single cell is comparable with that of whole tissue. The onset of active force development after stimulation is exceptionally slow. Analysis of this delay suggests that it resides in step(s), perhaps unique to smooth muscle, whereby Ca2+ activates the contractile machinery.
Characterization of binding properties of ICAM-1 peptides to LFA-1: inhibitors of T-cell adhesion.

In the present study, we characterized the binding site of two intercellular adhesion molecule-1-derived cyclic peptides, cIBC and cIBR, to the LFA-1 on the surface of T cells. These peptides had been able to inhibit LFA-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 signal by blocking the signal-2 of immune synapse. Both peptides prefer to bind to the closed form of LFA-1 I-domain, indicating that two peptides act as allosteric inhibitors against intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Binding site mapping using monoclonal antibodies proposes that cIBC binds to around residues 266–272 of LFA-1 I-domain where this site is adjacent to the metal ion-dependent adhesion site. On the other hand, cIBR binds to the pocket called L-site where is distant from metal ion-dependent adhesion site. Cross-inhibition mapping between two peptides show that cIBR could inhibit the binding of cIBC but not vice versa, suggesting that cIBR has some properties that allow this peptide bind to more than one site. Structural comparison between cIBC and cIBR reveals that cIBR is more flexible than cIBC, allowing this peptide bind to exposed region, such as cIBC-binding site as well as cramped pocket like L-site. Our findings are important for understanding the selectivity of cIBC and cIBR peptides; thus, they can be conjugated with drugs and transported specifically to the target.
Decomposing an N-ary relation into a tree of binary relations

We present an efficient algorithm for decomposing an n-ary relation into a tree of binary relations, and provide an efficient test for checking whether or not the tree formed represents the relation. If there exists a tree-decomposition, the algorithm is guaranteed to find one, otherwise, the tree generated will fail the test, then indicating that no tree decomposition exist. The unique features of the algorithm presented in this paper, is that it does not apriori assume any dependencies in the initial relation, rather it derives such dependencies from the bare relation instance.
Investigation on Structure and Dynamics of Heterodimeric SAM:SAM Complexes using Micro-Second Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The sterile alpha motif (SAM) for protein-protein interactions is encountered in over 200 proteins. But the structure and the binding dynamics are just becoming clear. We analyzed the structure and dynamics of the EphA2-SHIP2 SAM:SAM heterodimeric complexes using micro-second molecular dynamics simulations. Starting from three different initial configurations that had been suggested by experimental NMR restraints for the complex by our group, several mutants were built to stabilize specific configurations. Compared to the original SAM:SAM complexes, the mutated complexes showed a preference for alternate structures in the simulations. Analyzing the binding behavior of the protein complex, we found that both the mutant residues and the initial structure of the complex can influence the stability of the protein complex. Mutations also frequently cause protein complex separation. During the separating process of two SAM proteins, the contacting surfaces first experienced a conformational change, which led to unfavorable electrostatic interactions between proteins. We are investigating the role of water molecules in the separation process. To our knowledge this is the first time protein-protein dissociation has been simulated extensively at the all atom-level.
Myth and Legend in Family Therapy: Maintaining the Distinction Between the Sacred and Secular in Family Process

Family therapy has blurred the distinction between the sacred (myth) and the secular (legend) with resultant ethical implications, and has also created problematic cross-cultural considerations with its use of “myth.” The objectives of this paper are (a) to briefly introduce the evolution of the concept of “myth” in folklore; (b) to identify specific problems resulting from the current utilization of the term “myth” by family therapists; and (c) to demonstrate how appropriate usage of the concepts “myth” and “legend” from folklore theory radically decreases the confusion created in comparison to the present reliance on the term “myth” alone.
Religions, philosophies, and philosophy of religion

The most dramatic change in the study of religion in the last twenty-five years has been the vast increase in the knowledge, by Western scholars, of the world’s diverse religious traditions. Although there remain important conceptual questions about the nature of religion as such, many scholars would prefer the operative phrase to be the study of religions, not the study of religion. 1 A number of factors have contributed to this change.
Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory Observations of CO J = 7→6 and J = 4→3 Emission toward the Galactic Center Region

We present position-velocity strip maps of the Galactic center region in the CO J ¼ 7 ! 6a ndJ ¼ 4 ! 3 transitions observed with the Antarctic Submillimeter Telescope and Remote Observatory located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Emission from the two rotational transitions of 12 CO was mapped at b ¼ 0 � for 3=5 > l > � 1= 5o n a1 0 grid with a FWHM beam size of 58 00 at 806 GHz and 105 00 at 461 GHz. Previous observations of CO J ¼ 4 ! 3 (C. L. Martin et al., in preparation) and of [C i] emission (Ojha et al.) from this region show that these lines are distributed in a manner similar to CO J ¼ 1 ! 0 (Stark et al.); the (CO J ¼ 4 ! 3)/(CO J ¼ 1 ! 0) line ratio map is almost featureless across the entire Galactic center region. In contrast, the CO J ¼ 7 ! 6 emission from the Galactic center is strongly peaked toward the Sgr A and Sgr B molecular complexes. A large velocity gradient analysis shows that, aside from the two special regions Sgr A and Sgr B, the photon-dominated regions within a few hundred parsecs of the Galactic center are remarkably uniform in mean density and kinetic temperature at n ¼ 2500–4000 cm � 3 and T ¼ 30–45 K. The (CO J ¼ 7 ! 6)/(CO J ¼ 4 ! 3) line temperature ratios near Sgr B are a factor of 2 higher than those observed in the nuclear region of the starburst galaxy M82 (Mao et al.), while the CO(J ¼ 7 ! 6)/ CO(J ¼ 4 ! 3) line temperature ratios around Sgr A are similar to M82. The line ratio on large scales from the Galactic center region is an order of magnitude less than that from M82. Subject headings: Galaxy: abundances — Galaxy: center — ISM: general — ISM: molecules — submillimeter
Identification, Chromosomal Location, and Genome Organization of Mammalian G-Protein-Coupled Receptors

Vertebrate G-protein-coupled receptors are encoded by a diverse multigene family. Thirteen distinct G-protein-coupled receptors (Gpcr) were cloned from mouse germline cDNA following amplification in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with degenerate oligonucleotide primers complementary to the third and sixth transmembrane domains. Eleven Gpcr clones were mapped to single sites in the mouse genome following interspecific backcross analysis. One clone was mapped to two sites and another was not polymorphic in the cross and could not be mapped. Gpcr loci were well dispersed throughout the mouse genome and mapped to chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 17, and 18. Six Gpcr clones likely represent mouse homologs of already identified receptors, one Gpcr clone may identify a third type of IL-8 receptor, and three Gpcr clones appear to encode novel G-protein-coupled receptors. Further, three factor crosses and Southern blot analyses demonstrated that Gpcr16 maps proximally within the Spr deletion on mouse chromosome 1, near the Vil and Bcg loci. Human chromosomal locations for most Gpcr loci could be predicted based on linkage homologies that have been identified between human and mouse. Mapping additional G-protein-coupled receptors against the panel of murine interspecific backcrosses should expand our understanding of mammalian Gpcr gene evolution and genome organization.
Teaching Future Teachers about Vocation: Lessons from Mr. Hatch and Miss Rumphius

The author shows how student teachers can explore the idea of vocation by reading and discussing two children’s books. She begins her paper with the examination of the concept of “vocation” held by writers Parker Palmer and David Hansen.
Malignant Hyperthermia or Not Malignant Hyperthermia A Diagnostic Conundrum

In an acute event, the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in patients in the ICU can be challenging. Initial presentation may be attributed to a gamut of causes, making the diagnosis complicated. This example is the case of a 46-year-old African American man who was admitted to the Stroke Service and intubated for respiratory distress. To facilitate intubation, he was given etomidate and succinylcholine. Within an hour, a sustained increase in arterial carbon dioxide concentration, rhabdomyolysis, and later on, hyperthermia, developed. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics, aggressive fluid hydration, and mechanical ventilation. He had had one previous uneventful anesthesia exposure and he denied having any family member having anesthesia complications. With a very convoluted presentation, a high degree of suspicion for MH warranted appropriate treatment to avoid significant morbidity and/or mortality. Moreover, until the diagnosis is confirmed, education regarding the disease process to pati...
Isolation, identification, and quantitation of glycosaminoglycans synthesized by human gingival fibroblasts in vitro.

The glycosaminoglycans synthesized by diploid fibroblasts obtained from healthy human gingivae of three donors were isolated, identified, and quantified. Degradation with specific enzymes identified the glycosaminoglycans as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and heparan sulfate; hyaluronic acid predominating. The distribution of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the cell layer and the medium was not the same. The cells contained mainly heparan sulfate (48.3%) and the medium mainly dermatan sulfate (47%).
Some tools and methodologies for domain ontology building.

The Laboratory for Applied Ontology (OntoLab) is a distributed structure (Rome and Trento) of the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technology (a section of the Italian National Research Council). It performs basic and applied research on the ontological foundations of conceptual modelling, exploring the role of ontologies in different fields, such as knowledge representation, knowledge engineering, database design, information retrieval, natural language processing and the semantic web. OntoLab is coordinated by Nicola Guarino, and currently employs five full-time research scientists (besides the author and the coordinator): S. Borgo, C. Masolo, A. Oltramari, D.M. Pisanelli and G. Steve. The group is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach that combines computer science, philosophy and linguistics and relies on logic as a unifying paradigm. Although its core interest is in methodologies and theories, the research of OntoLab addresses, or makes use of, artifacts developed in all the basic areas of ontology engineering:
A new look at an old protocol

Analyses of the Needham-Schroeder protocol using the logics SVO and BAN are discussed. It is shown that the protocol may fail to meet goals derived in the [BAN89] analysis of it. The features of SVO analysis revealing the limitations on appropriateness of these goals are indicated.
Degradation of microfilled posterior composite.

Abstract The substantial improvement in the chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics of posterior composites has contributed to their increased use in recent years. However, some troubling characteristics of these materials are their susceptibility to wear, marginal leakage, and recurrent caries. Numerous studies have dealt with the wear resistance of posterior composites. Only a few have investigated the mechanisms of failure, particularly those containing submicron-sized fillers. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to analyze the clinical characteristics of a posterior composite to determine the mechanisms responsible for marginal degradation. Using a series of optical standards, it was determined that the generalized wear-rate was linear, averaging 8 μm/year. Furthermore, it was shown that the marginal defect was cohesive in nature and that this type of defect, which is inherent in submicron-type posterior composites, was probably due to tensile fatigue failure.
Evaluating pseudorange multipath effects at stations in the National CORS Network

A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the amount of pseudorange multipath at 390+ sites in the National Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) Network. The National CORS Network is a cooperative effort involving over 110 different agencies, universities, and private companies who seek to make GPS data from dual-frequency receivers located throughout the United States and its territories available to the general public. For CORS users, pseudorange multipath can seriously degrade the accuracy of any application that relies on precise measurements of the pseudorange observable over a short period of time, including differential pseudorange navigation, kinematic and rapid-static surveying, and ionospheric monitoring. The main objectives of this study were to identify the most affected and least affected sites in the network, to closely investigate problematic sites, and to compare various receiver/antenna combinations. Dual-frequency carrier phase and pseudorange measurements were used to estimate the amount of L1 and L2 pseudorange multipath at each site over a one-year period. Some of the most severely affected sites were maritime Differential GPS and Nationwide Differential GPS (DGPS/NDGPS) sites. Photographs obtained for these sites verified the presence of transmission towers and other reflectors in close proximity to the GPS antennas. Plotting the variations of the L1 and L2 pseudorange multipath with respect to azimuth and elevation further verified that even above a 60° elevation angle there was still as much as five meters of pseudorange multipath at some sites. The least affected sites were the state networks installed in Ohio and Michigan; these sites used excellent antenna mounts, choke ring antennas, and new receiver technology. A comparison of the 12 most commonly used receiver/antenna combinations in the CORS Network indicated that newer receivers such as the Ashtech UZ-12, Leica RS-500, and Trimble 5700 help to significantly mitigate pseudorange multipath, while the receivers/antennas at some DGPS/NDGPS sites, and the antennas formerly used at the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) sites, are among those most affected by pseudorange multipath. The receiver/antenna comparison did not take into account the potential presence of reflectors at the sites (i.e., it is possible that a well-performing receiver/antenna combination could have been consistently placed at very poor site locations, and vice-versa).
Poly(sodium styrene sulfonate‐alt‐sodium‐N(4‐sulfophenyl)maleimide): A new water‐soluble alternating copolymer

Copolymerisation radicalaire alternee en milieu aqueux. Le copolymere resultant est un nouveau polyelectrolyte sulfonate. Il peut aussi etre prepare par modification du poly (styrene-alt-anhydride maleique)
Sex-specific transcriptional regulation of the C. elegans sex-determining gene her-1.

Expression of the sex-determining gene her-1 is required in C. elegans for the normal male development of XO animals. Abnormal expression in XX animals, which normally develop as hermaphrodites, results in aberrant male development. We have isolated a molecular clone of the her-1 gene and have identified two transcripts that are present in XO animals at all stages of development: an abundant 0.8 kb transcript and a less abundant 1.2 kb transcript. In preparations of XX animals, the 0.8 kb transcript was observed only at very low levels in embryos or Ll larvae and the 1.2 kb transcript was not detected. Two gain-of-function her-1 mutations result in high levels of the 1.2 and 0.8 kb transcripts in XX animals. The levels of these transcripts are also elevated in XX animals carrying a loss-of-function mutation in either sdc-1 or sdc-2 , consistent with the proposed roles of these genes as negative regulators of her-1 . These results demonstrate that expression of the her-1 gene in males and hermaphrodites is controlled at the level of transcript synthesis or accumulation. This mode of regulation contrasts with that found for the Drosophila sex-determining genes, whose sex-specific expression is controlled by differential splicing in males and females.
A new approach to gas material balance in tight gas reservoirs

Gas material balance in conventional, volumetric reservoirs is described by a linear relationship between pressure/z-factor (p/z) and cumulative production. Unfortunately, tight gas reservoirs do not exhibit this type of behavior, but instead develop a nonlinear trend, which is not amenable to conventional analysis. The nonlinearity is a function of two items: the testing method (time) and the reservoir characteristics. For these type of reservoirs the testing time is insufficient to reach average reservoir pressure and from a practical viewpoint, it is not possible to shutin for extended periods of time. Therefore, a method has been developed to use key intersection points and slopes from a tight gas material balance plot to better understand the reservoir behavior. This work begins by explaining the nature of the nonlinear trend in terms of flow regimes. The primary objective is to improve the estimate of gas-in-place and recovery in a tight gas reservoir. Typically, gas-in-place is underestimated using conventional techniques. It is demonstrated that by using the appropriate slope with the initial pressure an improved (increased) estimate of gas-in-place is achieved. Furthermore, it is possible to distinguish the effect of infill wells and subsequently determine the incremental recovery. Included are field examples from the San Juan Basin and southeast New Mexico, which demonstrate the technique.
Two Photon Induced Luminescence of BSA Protected Gold Clusters

In this short letter, we have synthesized the BSA protected Au25 nanoclusters and studied their two photon luminescence behavior. We demonstrate that BSA Au25 nanoclusters can be used as a probe with two photon excitation capability. Our results show a quadratic relation between excitation power and emission intensity whereas with one photon excitation shows a linear dependence. The emission spectrum of BSA Au25 nanoclusters with one photon and two photon excitation shows no appreciable change. Due to its long wavelength emission (650 nm) and two photon excitation, BSA Au25 can be potentially used as a probe for deep tissue imaging.
Fast Multi-Modality Image Matching

Automated image matching has important applications, not only in the fields of machine vision and general pattern recognition, but also in modern diagnostic and therapeutic medical imaging. Image matching, including the recognition of objects within images as well as the combination of images that represent the same object or process using different descriptive parameters, is particularly important when complementary physiological and anatomical images, obtained with different imaging modalities, are to be combined. Correlation analysis offers a powerful technique for the computation of translational, rotational and scaling differences between the image data sets, and for the detection of objects or patterns within an image. Current correlation-based approaches do not efficiently deal with the coupling of the registration variables, and thus yield iterative and computationally-expensive algorithms. A new approach is presented which improves on previous solutions. In this new approach, the registration variables are de-coupled, resulting in a much less computationally expensive algorithm. The performance of the new technique is demonstrated in the matching of MRI and PET scans, and in an application of pattern recognition in linear accelerator images.
Maximal dynamic polymatroid flows and applications

Abstract The concept of dynamic polymatroid flows is introduced. It is shown that the time expanded network algorithm which is well known for dynamic network flows works for polymatroid flows as well. As applications we discuss dynamic matroid intersection and dynamic matroid partitionings.
Ocular Involvement in Yersinia Enterocoliticainfection Presenting as Parinaud's Oculoglandular Syndrome

Ocular involvement in Yersinia enterocolitica infection presenting as a Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome occurred in a 77-year-old woman with diabetes. Yersinia enterocolitica was recovered from cultures of the conjunctiva, cornea, fistula tract, and blood. The patient responded to parenteral and topical administration of gentamicin and a corneal transplant. While hospitalized, she developed peritonsillar inflammation and enlarged, tender lymph nodes in the preauricular, submaxillary, and submandibular areas. The combination of the unilateral granulomatous conjunctivitis and enlarged regional lymph nodes was consistent with the diagnosis of Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome. Yersinia enterocolitica may be another cause of Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome.
Adenosine A1 receptor mediated protection of the globally ischemic isolated rat heart

The purpose of this study was to determine if the cardioprotective effect of adenosine on the ischemic myocardium is mediated by interaction with specific adenosine receptor subtypes. Isolated rat hearts perfused at constant flow were subjected to global normothermic (37 degrees C) ischemia and the time to onset of ischemic contracture (TOIC) was used as a marker of myocardial ischemic injury. Hearts treated with adenosine and R-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA), an adenosine A1 receptor agonist, exhibited a significantly greater TOIC than control hearts (18.60 +/- 0.40 and 16.64 +/- 1.15 min, respectively vs 9.12 +/- 0.66 min), whereas phenylaminoadenosine, an adenosine A2 receptor agonist, had no effect on TOIC (11.73 +/- 0.87 min). BW A1433U, an adenosine receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of adenosine and PIA on ischemic contracture time, and BW A1433U did not alter the ability of nifedipine or propranolol to delay the onset of ischemic contracture, thus indicating the specificity of this compound for the adenosine receptor. PIA-treated hearts exhibited significantly greater ATP levels throughout the ischemic period compared to control hearts, whereas hearts treated with BW A1433U showed a rapid decline in ATP content. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of adenosine on the ischemic myocardium are mediated by interaction with adenosine A1 receptors, and that endogenously formed adenosine plays a role in attenuating myocardial ischemic damage.
Use of the Genogram and Process Questions to Address Conflict Among Collegiate Student-Athletes

A growing number of collegiate student-athletes experience a variety of stressors such as extensive time demands, loss of the identity such as “star status” that many had experienced in high school...
Structure, composition, and state of the core

Since 1967 two major advances in our knowledge of the core and core-mantle boundary have occurred. First, the giant large-amplitude seismic array (Lasa) in Montana provided convincing observations of reflections (PKiKP) from the inner-core boundary (ICB); second, evidence grew that a low-velocity shell existed in P and S above the mantle-core boundary (MCB). After the recent energetic studies of the upper mantle, there are signs of quickening geophysical interest in the physical state of the earth's core. The precise nature of the striking structural discontinuities that define the MCB and ICB is of importance to solid-state physics, to geochemistry, and to geophysics. In particular, laboratory shock-wave results must be matched against the seismological inferences.
A novel method for estimating the effects of job conditions on asthma and chronic lung disease.

AbstractObjective: This study uses 32 years of longitudinal job history to analyze the long-term effect of exposure to specific workplace conditions on the risk of contracting asthma or chronic lung disease later in life. Our approach allows for the estimation of occupational respiratory risks even in the absence of direct environmental monitoring. Methods: We employ a novel methodology utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), and ratings of job exposures from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), which are based on 70 years of empirical data compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor. A series of multivariable logistic regression analyses are performed to determine how long-term exposure to a particular occupational O*NET indicator (e.g., working in an extremely hot or cold environment) is related to asthma and COPD risk. Results: The risk of contracting COPD was significantly associated with long-term work in very hot or cold temperatures (OR = 1.50, CI: 1.07–2....
Enhancement of learning by cycloheximide and DDC: a function of response strength.

Treatment with either cycloheximide or diethyldithiocarbamate 30 min before training on a passive avoidance task altered learning in mice tested 24 hr after training. The observed alterations were dependent on the intensity of the footshock used during training. Retention of the avoidance response was impaired by diethyldithiocarbamate when a footshock of 1.6 mA was employed, while retention by drug-treated mice was enhanced by both drugs when a footshock of 0.10 mA was used. The effects of pretreatment with cycloheximide and diethyldithiocarbamate on the acquisition of a light-dark discriminated escape task in a T maze were also examined. Drug- and saline-treated mice were given either 0, 5, 10, or 15 training trials and then were tested 24 hr later by training to a fixed criterion. Mice given either drug prior to 5 training trials took significantly fewer trials to reach criterion than saline controls. Mice given cycloheximide prior to 10 training trials took significantly more trials to reach criterion than saline controls. There were no differences in retention between drug and saline mice given either 0 or 15 trials. The results of these experiments suggest that the strength of a learned response is an important variable in determining the effects of cycloheximide and diethyldithiocarbamate on learning. When response strength is minimal, these drugs act to enhance, rather than impair, the processes of learning.
Electron transport in bipyridinium films

Bipyridinium dications are versatile building blocks for the assembly of functional materials. In particular, their reliable electrochemical response has encouraged the design of electroactive films. Diverse and elegant experimental strategies to coat metallic and semiconducting electrodes with bipyridinium compounds have, in fact, emerged over the past two decades. The resulting interfacial assemblies span from a few nanometers to several micrometers in thickness. They incorporate from a single molecular layer to large collections of entangled polymer chains. They transport electrons efficiently from the electrode surface to the film/solution interface and vice versa. Electron self-exchange between and the physical diffusion of the bipyridinium building blocks conspire in defining the charge transport properties of these fascinating electroactive assemblies. Often, the matrix of electron-deficient bipyridinium dications can be exploited to entrap electron-rich analytes. Electrostatic interactions promote the supramolecular association of the guests with the surface-confined host matrix. Furthermore, chromophoric sites can be coupled to the bipyridinium dications to produce photosensitive arrays capable of harvesting light and generating current. Thus, thorough investigations on the fundamental properties of these functional molecule-based materials can lead to promising applications in electroanalysis and solar energy conversion, while contributing to advances in the basic understanding of electron transport in interfacial assemblies. © 2004 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 4: 204–218; 2004: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20013
A New Approach to Disordered Eating—Using an Electronic Bulletin Board to Confront Social Pressure on Body Image

Abstract In response to the relative lack of success in reaching students with eating disorders, a campus-wide Eating Concerns Committee undertook to understand the needs of these students and to advise them on appropriate services. Because social pressure to be thin is one important precursor to eating disorders and because sharing concerns is so difficult and so important, the committee used the college's computer bulletin board system to create a forum for students to discuss political, social, and personal issues about body image, food, and eating. After a cautious start, the dialogue developed intensity and became a lively tool for asking and receiving support and for sharing feelings, ideas, and concerns.