cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deoxyribonuclease and deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase activity during Drosophila development.

Abstract Relative DNase activity has been found to increase in extracts of different developmental stages of Drosophila in the following manner: eggs, 2-day-old pupae, 1-day-old pupae, adults, and 3-, 5-, and 7-day old larvae. Some of the activity might be of the endonuclease type. DNA polymerase activity was measured in the egg, but not in extracts of other development stages due to interference from NDases. The DNA polymerase seems to utilize either native or denatured DNA as primer.
Are We Ready for Definitive Clinical Guidelines on Xylitol/Polyol Use?

In the past decades, numerous studies have looked at the anticaries effects of polyols, particularly xylitol, and a great many studies have focused on xylitol's antimicrobial properties. Researched vehicles have mostly included chewing gums, followed by lozenges/candies, toothpastes, and others (e.g., syrup). Good evidence supports the claims that xylitol is non-cariogenic and has a dose-/frequency-dependent antimicrobial effect on dental plaque/mutans streptococci, and that polyol use is very safe. However, interpretation of caries data has been controversial, due in part to variability in study designs, formulations/dosages tested, and outcomes reported (e.g., many caries studies have a "no gum" control, limiting the interpretation of the polyol's benefit; few studies have compared different polyols side-by-side, or in adults). Even when the level/strength of high-quality anticaries evidence is still limited, most recent systematic reviews have consistently concluded that the habitual use of sucrose-free xylitol or polyol-combination chewing gum/ lozenges is an effective adjunct in coronal caries prevention. Consequently, many health organizations worldwide are supporting this recommendation for at-risk populations. However, most experts agree that well-designed, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (focusing on efficacy, feasibility, adherence, dosage, vehicle, synergism with other preventive strategies, and cost) are still needed in target populations worldwide to reach definitive caries-preventive/therapeutic recommendations.
Placement and frequency of powerless talk and impression formation

Study One examined the influence of initial use of hesitations and hedges on evaluations of witnesses and their persuasiveness in a budget hearing context. Results indicate that the negative attributions generated by the use of powerless language cannot be overcome by subsequent use of powerful talk. Study Two examined the relationship between the frequency of powerless language use and impression formation. For award/character and dynamism a perceptual threshold appeared to operate. The results of both studies suggest that auditors are very sensitive to the influence of powerless talk in formal settings.
Calculated lattice relaxation in Pu-Ga

The thermodynamic behavior of the high-temperature $\ensuremath{\delta}$ (fcc) phase of plutonium is highly anomalous. It has been well established that ab initio, local-density-approximation (LDA) calculations predict an overbonding and consequent overly large density to a much greater degree in $\ensuremath{\delta}$-plutonium than in any other metallic phases for which such calculations have been reported (including $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Pu})$. Small amounts of gallium stabilize the $\ensuremath{\delta}$ structure, at least kinetically, to below room temperature. To investigate the relaxation of Pu neighbors of Ga, presumably related to the $\ensuremath{\delta}$ stabilization, LDA force calculations are performed with a full-potential linear combination of muffin-tin orbitals method. Calculated relaxations are about one half or less of those observed by x-ray-absorption fine-structure spectroscopy, and this discrepancy is briefly discussed.
Measuring Disorder and Dynamical Properties of FG-Nucleoporins

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a massive protein structure located on the nuclear envelope serving as a selective gateway between the cellular cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. The NPC is composed of numerous protein subunits referred to as nucleoporins, half of which are intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) containing numerous phenylalanine-glycine repeats. These so-called FG-nucleoporins (FG-Nups) naturally exist in an unfolded state without tertiary structure or persistent secondary structure, yet they are believed to mediate the selective gating function of the NPC. IDPs such as FG-Nups are challenging to characterize by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations because most available analysis tools were designed for protein simulations sampling relatively small conformational spaces. Our previous molecular dynamics simulations focused on exploring average static structural properties of FG-Nups such as extension, shape, and contact maps. These studies yielded significant differences in the average shapes of different FG-Nups supporting the new “forest” model for FG-Nup organization in the NPC. We are now extending this work to study the dynamical properties of FG-Nups, with the goal of developing statistical measures that can characterize different types and degrees of disorder from MD trajectories. We are evaluating established metrics for MD convergence and sampling efficiency (such as structural decorrelation time) as well as novel methods (such as metric scaling) to characterize the rate and extent of conformational sampling in IDPs. A significant challenge to the use of MD to study IDP dynamics is the potentially dramatic undersampling of the vast conformational space available to unstructured proteins. Therefore we are studying how to apply these analysis tools on structural ensembles derived from multiple independent simulations and accelerated MD methods. Additionally, to allow much longer MD trajectories, we are evaluating the accuracy of coarse grained force fields, such as the MARTINI model, for simulating IDPs.
Intracerebral Transplantation of Testis-Derived Sertoli Cells Promotes Functional Recovery in Female Rats with 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Hemiparkinsonism

Recently, we demonstrated amelioration of behavioral deficits associated with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced hemiparkinsonism by transplanting rat testis-derived Sertoli cells into adult male rat brains. In the present study, we used adult female hemiparkinsonian rats to investigate whether the beneficial effects of transplantation of Sertoli cells may be differentially affected by gender of the animal transplant recipient. At 1 month posttransplantation, animals transplanted with Sertoli cells showed functional recovery as revealed by significant reductions in apomorphine-induced rotational behavior and asymmetrical elevated body swing behavior. Control animals that received medium alone did not display any visible behavioral recovery. These results suggest that transplantation of Sertoli cells is not male hormone-dependent and further support the use of these cells as a graft source for Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.
Electronic Structure of TiC and VC from the Iterative Extended Hückel Theory

The iterative extended Huckel theory has been applied to compute the electronic structure of TiC and VC by using various clusters of different sizes. The calculated valence-band structures are consistent with the results of APW calculations and with the X-ray spectro-scopy and ESCA data. The bonding is found to be mostly covalent but with an ionic contribution from positive metal atoms and negative carbon atoms in TiC and VC indicating an electron transfer from metal to carbon atoms when computed using a Mulliken population analysis. Mit der erweiterten iterativen Huckeltheorie wird die elektronische Struktur von TiC und VC berechnet, wobei verschiedene Cluster unterschiedlicher Grose verwendet werden. Die berechneten Valenzbandstrukturen sind mit den Ergebnissen von APW-Berechnungen und mit Rontgenspektroskopie- und ESCA-Werten konsistent. Es wird gefunden, das die Bindung hauptsachlich kovalent ist, jedoch mit einem ionischen Beitrag von den positiven Metallatomen und den negativen Kohlenstoffatomen in TiC und VC, was auf einen Elektro-nentransfer vom Metall zu den Kohlenstoffatomen hinweist, der in der Berechnung hei Benutzung einer Mullikan-Besetzungsanalyse auftritt.
The Co+ .CO2 electrostatic complex : geometry and potential

Abstract The electrostatic complex of Co+ with a single CO2 molecule is studied by optical excitation of a 3d74s—3d8 transition centered on the metal ion. Excited-state vibrational information is used to characterize the diabatic molecular potential in terms of spectroscopic constants. Two vibrational frequencies and five anharmonicity constants characterize the forces of complexation, all of which have been determined experimentally. Analysis of the rotational contours indicates the complex is linear in its ground electronic state with a Co+-C separation of 3.30 A (the smaller Co+-O distance: 2.14 A) in the zero-point level of the complex.
The efficacy of contingency management for adolescent cannabis use disorder: a controlled study.

ABSTRACTBackground: This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of a voucher-based reinforcement therapy (VBRT) rewarding drug-free urine for adolescents with cannabis use disorder. Methods: A controlled 10-week study where 59 adolescents aged 14–18 years were assigned by cohorts into groups of either an integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and VBRT or CBT with attendance-based reward program. Substance use was monitored by twice-weekly urinalysis. Other measures were collected at pre- and posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up. Results: There was no significant difference in the linear change between conditions for cannabis use either from Sessions 1 to 10 or between end-of-treatment to 3-month follow-up. Also, self-efficacy and coping response did not show improvement during treatment. Conclusions: In this study, the addition of contingency management (CM) to CBT in youth was not found to be more efficacious than similar compensation rewarding attendance only. Continued examination of ...
Regulation of Mg2+ homeostasis by insulin in perfused rat livers and isolated hepatocytes

Several recent studies demonstrate that adrenergic receptor stimulation evokes marked changes in Mg2+ homeostasis. As insulin counter-regulates many of the metabolic consequences of adrenergic receptor stimulation, we evaluated the potential influence of insulin on Mg2+ movements in response to adrenergic stimulation. The data demonstrate that insulin is able to block the Mg2+ efflux from perfused rat livers stimulated by isoproterenol or 8-Br-cAMP, but has little or no effect on epinephrine or phenylephrine induced Mg2+ efflux. Thus, evidence is provided demonstrating that there are redundant adrenergic pathways regulating Mg2+ efflux from liver tissue. One of these pathways, the β-adrenergic component, is selectively blocked by insulin. Furthermore, these findings may provide a cellular explanation for hypomagnesemia associated with diabetes.
Hybridization and bond properties Effects of second-order hybridization on the σ-bonds in thionyl, sulphuryl, phosphorus, phosphoryl and thiophosphoryl halides

Effects of orbital hybridization and electronegative substituents on bond angles, bond lengths, bond moments, bond dissociation energies, force constants and proton-C13 coupling constants, are reviewed. It is inferred that the s-character of an atom tends to concentrate in orbitals directed toward electropositive substituents and that this “second-order hybridization” may account, in part, for the shapes of SOF2, SO2F2, and the family of compounds PX3, PSX3, POX3, XF, Cl, Br.
A highly active carbamate kinase and its application to the regeneration and preparation of [32P] adenine nucleotides.

Abstract A procedure for the preparation of highly active carbamate kinase from streptococci has been presented. The purified preparation at 38° and pH 7·4 catalyzes the transfer of 780 μmoles of phosphate per mg per min from carbamyl phosphate to adenosine diphosphate. The usefulness of the purified enzyme for adenosine triphosphate regeneration and for 32 P labelling of adenine nucleotides has been discussed. As examples, the preparation and use (completed in I h in some cases) of the following compounds have been described: ATP labelled solely in the γ phosphate, in the β position, or equally in β and γ, and ADP labelled in the β position.
Heart Rate Control in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Referred for Exercise Testing

Clinical practice guidelines for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) recommended a heart rate (HR) of 60 to 80 beats/min at rest and 90 to 115 at moderate exercise. The degree to which HR control at rest and with exercise in patients with AF complies with these recommendations is unknown. HR at rest and at peak exercise was retrospectively examined in 1,097 consecutive patients with AF referred for exercise myocardial perfusion imaging. In a subgroup of 195 patients, HR was also measured at an intermediate “moderate” level. Median HR at rest was 80 beats/min, at the upper end of the recommended range of 60 to 80. Only patients administered a β blocker (BB; 31%) had lower (p
STUDIES ON THE INCORPORATION OF [14C]AMINO ACIDS INTO PROTEIN BY ISOLATED RAT BRAIN NUCLEI1

—Various parameters of the in vitro incorporation of [14C]amino acids into protein by cell nuclei isolated and purified from rat brain and liver were investigated. Nuclei purified through 2.2 m sucrose solution were capable of amino acid incorporation in vitro; and washing procedure to eliminate hypertonic sucrose before incubation was essential since sucrose in high concentration was inhibitory. Microbial contamination was found to be a serious source of error and the use of sterile conditions for incubation were necessary to obtain reproducible and valid results. Using completely sterile conditions, Na +, K+, RNase, DNase, puromycin, cycloheximide and chloramphenicol were without any effect on the ability of brain and liver nuclei to incorporate labelled amino acids into protein. Results of time-course and preincubation experiments revealed that some factors essential for amino acid incorporation pass out of the nucleus into the medium. In addition, approximately 15 per cent of the labelled nuclear proteins with higher specific radioactivity was recovered in the incubation medium. Incorporation of [14C]leucine was proportional to the concentration of labelled amino acid and to the number of nuclei, and it is suggested that carefully controlled conditions of incubation are essential to obtain valid comparisons between different types of nuclei in terms of their relative abilities to incorporate amino acids in vitro. No evidence was obtained indicating isotope dilution phenomenon in these experiments. Whether or not in vitro incorporation of amino acid by nuclei represents protein synthesis is discussed.
Complications from intraperitoneal radioactive phosphorus in ovarian malignancies

A retrospective study of the use of phosphorus-32 in the treatment of 73 cases of ovarian malignancy to evaluate the safety and morbidity is presented. The surgically confirmed major complication rate with P-32 alone was 4 of 54 cases (7.4%). The addition of external radiation raised the surgically confirmed complication rate to 4 of 19 cases (21%) and with the addition of those diagnosed and treated only medically the rate rose to 8 of 19 cases (42%). In Stage I cases, Grades 1 and 2, there was only 1 death in 26 patients (96%), whereas for Grade 3 tumors only 6 of 12 patients (50%) were living at the end of 2 years.
Comparison and Analysis of Zinc and Cobalt-Based Systems as Catalytic Entities for the Hydration of Carbon Dioxide

In nature, the zinc metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) efficiently catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to bicarbonate under physiological conditions. Many research efforts have been directed towards the development of small molecule mimetics that can facilitate this process and thus have a beneficial environmental impact, but these efforts have met very limited success. Herein, we undertook quantum mechanical calculations of four mimetics, 1,5,9-triazacyclododedacane, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododedacane, tris(4,5-dimethyl-2-imidazolyl)phosphine, and tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine, in their complexed form either with the Zn2+ or the Co2+ ion and studied their reaction coordinate for CO2 hydration. These calculations demonstrated that the ability of the complex to maintain a tetrahedral geometry and bind bicarbonate in a unidentate manner were vital for the hydration reaction to proceed favorably. Furthermore, these calculations show that the catalytic activity of the examined zinc complexes was insensitive to coordination states for zinc, while coordination states above four were found to have an unfavorable effect on product release for the cobalt counterparts.
Laparoscopic intracorporeal square-to-slip knot

We review a laparoscopic, intracorporeal technique of securing the square knot. It is useful when a surgeon's knot is insufficient to maintain tissue approximation. Advantages include the use of standard tying methods, lack of extracorporeal knot creation or need for a pushing device, and ability to secure the knot in difficult locations.
The Lessons of Cross‐Cultural Studies in Child Care

Review: Child Care and Culture: Lessons from Africa, by Robert A. LeVine, Suzanne Dixon, Sarah LeVine, Amy Richman, P. Herbert Leiderman, Constance H. Keefer, and T. Berry Brazelton.
Computational tool for the design of structures with built-in piezoelectric-based sensor networks

A computational tool has been developed to analyze structures with built-in piezoelectric-based sensor networks. The tool serves two purposes: to understand fundamentally the interaction not only between diagnostic wave and damages, but also between sensors/actuators and the host structures in ultrasonic frequency ranges; and to optimize the design of sensor networks for maximizing sensor sensitivity and energy efficiency. A spectral element approach was adopted in this study. The software includes an equation solver and an interface program to link with commercial pre/post-processing software. The elasto-dynamic equation solver based on the spectral element method and explicit time integration scheme was developed, which provided an excellent solution convergence in ultrasonic wave propagation problems. Furthermore, the solver included an algorithm to directly solve the coupled electro-mechanical field in piezoelectric materials. The interface programs linked to commercial finite element-based CAD/ CAE programs to grant access to the geometrical complexity of host structures and to facilitate understanding of the physical phenomena. This paper reports the efficiency and accuracy of the code comparing to the finite element method. The code was also verified by matching the numerical solution of the spectral element method with experimental data. Furthermore, the potential of this code to integrated with the diagnostic methods for damage detection will be examined.
Safety of prolonging peripheral cannula and IV tubing use from 72 hours to 96 hours

Abstract Objective: To compare the rates of phlebitis of peripheral intravenous lines left in place for 72 hours versus rates of those left in place 96 hours. Design: A prospective, nonrandomized study. Setting: A university teaching hospital with 375 beds. Patients: Consecutive adult patients who received peripheral intravenous lines and were admitted to the wards. Measurements: The phlebitis rates were monitored by the IV Team for 1 month according to a predetermined definition for phlebitis: palpable cord or at least two of the following: tenderness, warmth, erythema, and induration. Results: A total of 2503 peripheral lines were evaluable. The overall phlebitis rate was 6.8%. The phlebitis rates for lines left in for 72 and 96 hours were not significantly different (3.3% vs 2.6%, p = 1.000) by Fisher's Exact Test and survival analysis. It was estimated that in 1 month approximately 300 intravenous lines potentially could be prolonged beyond 72 hours; 215 lines were changed at 72 hours despite no signs of inflammation, 61 lines were kept till 96 hours, and 19 lines were kept beyond 96 hours. Conclusions: Phlebitis rate for our peripheral intravenous catheters at 96 hours was not significantly different from that at 72 hours. If intravenous cannulas and lines were prolonged to 96 hours, a potential cost saving of $61,200 per year could be realized. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 1998;26:66-70)
Comparison of an Immunoassay and the U.S.P. Bioassay for Determining Potency of Extracted Insulin

An immunoassay procedure is described for determining the potency of extracted insulin. The method, based on salt precipitation for the separation of antibody bound and free insulins originally described by Grodsky and Forsham, was modified and simplified to obtain greater precision and reliability of results. Repetitive immunoassay results, conducted on different days with pork, beef, and mixed source zinc insulins, commercial insulin products, and insulin preparations from different stages of manufacture, were compared with the corresponding U.S.P. bioassay results. Statistical analysis of the immunoassay data revealed a confidence coefficient of ±11.2 per cent ( p = 0.95) for a single immunoassay. This value is within the limits established by the U.S.P. for insulin potency bioassay. A desired variation of ±5–6 per cent is obtained by statistical combination of several bioassay results. Similar variation is achieved by repeating the immunoassay on 4 different days. An analysis of variance indicated that the immunoassay, under the conditions employed, is not subject to variations due to species specific insulins if the antigen used to produce antiserum is a mixed species insulin. The beef and pork zinc insulins, originally selected to serve as standards for immunoassay, were found to have a significantly different potency by immunoassay when compared to the potency established by bioassay. In order to establish an immunoassay secondary reference standard equivalent to the U.S.P. reference standard, the reaction of three lots of pooled insulin was determined repetitively at all standard curve values. Statistical analysis by least squares, of the data obtained at 20, 30, and 40 milliunits/ml. (munits/ml.) insulin concentrations, yielded a calculated common slope which lies within the computed individual slope confidence interval. These data further support the validity of the immunoassay in establishing the potency of extracted insulin and was given credence by comparing immunoassay and bioassay results obtained on large manufactured lots of crystalline zinc insulins.
CREATING A SPACE TO LEARN A CLASSROOM OF FUN, INTERACTION, AND TRUST

Abstract. By creating a space for fun, interaction, and trust, teachers and students together can build a learning environment that promotes engagement, deep learning, and meaning. Such a space emphasizes process, not product, personalizes learning, and contributes to whole person development. To facilitate the creation of this space, the teachers show respect for students as individuals, encourage original thinking, and expand the boundaries of the classroom through field trips and guest speakers, and the students share written reflections on critical issues that link to personal experience and conviction, contribute to dynamic class dialogues, and develop and present creative responses to environmental and social complexities.
Interleukin 2 and Psoriasis

• Immunotherapy with interleukin 2 and lymphokineactivated killer cells can result in regression of metastatic cancer. Dermatologic complications associated with this therapy include erythema, pruritus, and a mild desquamation. Three patients with a history of psoriasis received high-dose interleukin 2 alone or in conjunction with lymphokine-activated killer cells for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Two patients developed an erythrodermic exacerbation during therapy while the third patient experienced a localized flare. Topical treatment was effective in inducing remission in all three patients. Histologic analysis of serial skin biopsy specimens revealed psoriasiform changes in involved skin as well as epidermal spongiosis and a perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate. The psoriatic exacerbation from interleukin 2 did not affect antitumor response to the therapy and should not be considered a contraindication to treatment. ( Arch Dermatol 1988;124:1811-1815)
On Mesoamerican Linguistics

Abo, Takaji, Byron W. Bender, Alfred Capelle, and Tony DeBrum 1976 Marshallese-English Dictionary. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii. Brown, Cecil H. 1977 Folk Botanical Life-Forms: Their Universality and Growth. American Anthropologist 79:317-342. 1979 Folk Zoological Life-Forms: Their Universality and Growth. American Anthropologist 81:791-817. Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Samuel H. Elbert 1971 Hawaiian Dictionary. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Conversion of Mixed Waste Office Paper to Ethanol by Genetically Engineered Klebsiella oxytoca Strain P2

Unsorted, mixed waste office paper (MWOP) is an excellent substrate for conversion into fuel ethanol using a recombinant strain of Klebsiella oxytoca which ferments cellobiose and cellotriose to ethanol at near theoretical yields, eliminating the need for supplemental β-glucosidase. This organism was tested with commercial fungal cellulase in optimized simultaneous saccharification and fermentation experiments (SSF) using MWOP as a substrate (pH 5–15.2, 35 °C). Similar rates and yields were obtained with dilute acid-pulped (hydrolysis of hemicellulose) and water-pulped MWOP on a dry weight basis although viscosity was reduced by the acid pretreatment. In simple batch fermentations, 40 g/L ethanol was produced after 48–72 h with 100 g/L MWOP and 1000 filter paper units (FPU) of cellulase/L, a yield of 550 L of ethanol/metric ton. Cellulase usage was further reduced by recycling SSF residues containing bound enzymes in multistage fermentations. This approach reduced the requirement for fungal cellulase while retaining rapid ethanol production and high ethanol yield. In our optimal design, broths containing an average of 39.6 g/L ethanol were produced in three successive stages with an average fermentation time of 80 h (567 FPU of fungal cellulase/L; 6.1 FPU/g of substrate). This represents a yield of 0.426 g of ethanol/g of substrate, 539 L/metric ton, 129 gal/U.S. ton. MWOP contains approximately 90% carbohydrate. Thus the combined efficiency for saccharification and fermentation to ethanol was 83.3% of the theoretical maximum.
Renal work, glutathione and susceptibility to free radical-mediated postischemic injury.

Renal work, glutathione and susceptibility to free radical-mediated postischemic injury. Studies were performed to determine whether renal glutathione (GSH) is an important free-radical scavenger following ischemia and reperfusion, whether alterations in renal transport work affect renal GSH levels, and whether a decrease in renal work decreases susceptibility to postischemic renal injury via the first two effects. Following administration of either intravenous GSH to increase renal GSH or intraperitoneal diethylmaleate to decrease renal GSH, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 60 minutes of renal ischemia. In animals with high renal GSH following GSH infusion, GFR 24 hours after ischemia was 0.43 ± 0.08ml/min compared to 0.15 ± 0.02ml/min in saline-infused control animals (P
Insights into host responses against pathogens from transcriptional profiling

DNA microarrays have allowed us to monitor the effects of pathogens on host-cell gene expression programmes in great depth and on a broad scale. The comparison of results that have been generated by these studies is complex, and such a comparison has not previously been attempted in a systematic manner. In this review, we have collated and compared published transcriptional-profiling data from 32 studies that involved 77 different host-pathogen interactions, and have defined a common host-transcriptional-response. We outline gene expression patterns in the context of Toll-like receptor and pathogen-mediated signalling pathways, and summarize the contributions that transcriptional-profiling studies have made to our understanding of the infectious disease process.
New Measurements of the Solar Limb Emission in the O I 777.4 and 844.6 Nanometer Lines

Slit spectra of the solar limb emission in the 777.4 and 844.6 nm O I lines are calibrated against the solar disk center brightness. Data from CCD spectrograph instruments at two different observatories show limb emission with identical line intensities and measure a value of R≡I(844.6 nm)/I(777.4 nm)=0.20±0.02, very different from the ratios computed from early photographic measurements of these lines. Implied by this new value of R4 is that O I lines in the solar chromosphere are formed in regions with electron densities log(Ne) > 11.5 and that collisional excitation is more important than the photoexcitation by accidental resonance mechanism.
Electrochemistry of pteridine

Summary Over the pH range 1–12, pteridine is reduced at the dropping mercury electrode (DME) and pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) by way of three polarographic or voltammetric processes. The first, least negative process, is a reversible 2 e -2H + reduction of pteridine to 5,8-dihydropteridine. The latter species reacts with pteridine in a base-catalyzed Michael reaction producing a dihydro dimer, probably 7,7′,8,8′-tetrahydro-7,7′-dipteridyl. The second process involves reduction of the monohydrated form of pteridine (3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxypteridine) which exists in major amounts at low pH which is also reduced in a 2 e -2H + reaction to 5,8-dihydropteridine but in an irreversible process. Again the latter compound reacts with pteridine to give a dimer. The third process is reduction of the anion of 3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxypteridine in the same overall process as is observed for the two previous reactions forming, ultimately, the same dihydropteridine dimer. The latter dimer is also reducible electrochemically in a 2 e -2H + irreversible process to give 7,8-dihydropteridine. Rate constants have been obtained for the reversible electron transfer and for the dimerization reaction of 5,8-dihydropteridine with pteridine.
Crystal Structure Of Full-length Kcsa Trapped In Open Conformation Reveals That C-terminal Domain Fine Tunes Activation And Coupled Inactivation

Using chaperone-assisted crystallography, we have recently determined the crystal structure of full-length (FL) KcsA in its closed conformation. The FL structure reveals that the C-terminal domain (CTD) extends ~70 A towards the cytoplasm as a canonical four helix bundle stabilizing the closed state. Electrophysiological analysis of KcsA/Fab4 complex demonstrates that CTD remains as a bundle during activation gating. This motivated us to crystallize open conformation (OC) of FL KcsA using the same antibody fragments and a recently developed constitutively open mutant, which was crystallized in its truncated form. We solved the FL KcsA/Fab2 complex structure in the open state at 3.9 A resolution. FL open-structure bends at G104 and exhibits ~10 A displacement at the V115 creating four side windows large enough to accommodate hydrated K+ ions right below the gate. The CTD remains as four helix bundle, exerting strain on the bulge helices which connects the bundle and the transmembrane domain.Based on the current structure and an earlier set of truncated KcsA structures displaying different degree of openings, we suggest that the cytoplasmic domain not only stabilizes the closed state but also fine tunes the level of opening at the activation gate and thus determine the level of inactivation occurring at the selectivity filter. Brownian Dynamics, simulation, electrophysiological studies and electrostatic calculation are ongoing efforts to dissect the ion permeation pathway.
Adhesion of copper films to aluminum oxide using a spinel structure interface

Abstract A new technology for the deposition and promotion of adherence of copper films to aluminum oxide substrates is presented. The method makes use of a gradual change in structure and chemical bonding between the metal film and oxide substrate. The adhesion is enhanced by the formation of the compound CuAl2O4 incorporating both the oxide substrate and the oxide of the metal film in its crystal structure. This method is superior to existing technology and ensures the attainment of the bulk resistivity of copper in the films.
Optimal Time and Dosage of Phenyl N-Tert-Butyl Nitrone (PBN) for the Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase Induction in Mice

Abstract We have previously reported that phenyl N- tert -butyl nitrone (PBN) inhibits the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and, thus, prevents the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO), resulting in the reduction of endotoxin-mediated death in mice. In this study, to examine the effect of PBN in detail, we investigated the dose- and administration-timing dependence of PBN on endotoxin-induced NO generation in mice. NO generation was monitored in the mouse liver after administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by the in vivo NO-spin trapping method using the iron complex of N -methyl- d -glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD) as a spin trap, followed by ex vivo EPR measurement of the liver tissue. PBN was effective in reducing liver NO generation monitored 6 h after endotoxin injection when it was administered shortly before or after LPS injection. The maximum inhibition of liver NO was obtained when PBN was administered 30 min before LPS injection. ID 50 for the inhibition was estimated to be approximately 200 mg/kg when the LPS dose of 50 mg/kg was used. Expression of mRNA for iNOS in the liver as estimated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was decreased when PBN was given 30 min before LPS injection, indicating that the reduction of expression of iNOS protein by PBN, which has been shown previously, is at least in part caused by a decrease in mRNA expression. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.
Model-based asessment of an in-vivo predictive relationship from CA1 to CA3 in the rodent hippocampus

Although an anatomical connection from CA1 to CA3 via the Entorhinal Cortex (EC) and through backprojecting interneurons has long been known it exist, it has never been examined quantitatively on the single neuron level, in the in-vivo nonpatholgical, nonperturbed brain. Here, single spike activity was recorded using a multi-electrode array from the CA3 and CA1 areas of the rodent hippocampus (N = 7) during a behavioral task. The predictive power from CA3?CA1 and CA1?CA3 was examined by constructing Multivariate Autoregressive (MVAR) models from recorded neurons in both directions. All nonsignificant inputs and models were identified and removed by means of Monte Carlo simulation methods. It was found that 121/166 (73 %) CA3?CA1 models and 96/145 (66 %) CA1?CA3 models had significant predictive power, thus confirming a predictive 'Granger' causal relationship from CA1 to CA3. This relationship is thought to be caused by a combination of truly causal connections such as the CA1?EC?CA3 pathway and common inputs such as those from the Septum. All MVAR models were then examined in the frequency domain and it was found that CA3 kernels had significantly more power in the theta and beta range than those of CA1, confirming CA3's role as an endogenous hippocampal pacemaker.
Expression of cytotactin in the normal and regenerating neuromuscular system.

Cytotactin is an extracellular glycoprotein found in a highly specialized distribution during embryonic development. In the brain, it is synthesized by glia, not neurons. It is involved in neuron-glia adhesion in vitro and affects neuronal migration in the developing cerebellum. In an attempt to extend these observations to the peripheral nervous system, we have examined the distribution and localization of cytotactin in different parts of the normal and regenerating neuromuscular system. In the normal neuromuscular system, cytotactin accumulated at critical sites of cell-cell interactions, specifically at the neuromuscular junction and the myotendinous junction, as well at the node of Ranvier (Rieger, F., J. K. Daniloff, M. Pincon-Raymond, K. L. Crossin, M. Grumet, and G. M. Edelman. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 103:379-391). At the neuromuscular junction, cytotactin was located in terminal nonmyelinating Schwann cells. Cytotactin was also detected near the insertion points of the muscle fibers to tendinous structures in both the proximal and distal endomysial regions of the myotendinous junctions. This was in striking contrast to staining for the neural cell adhesion molecule, N-CAM, which was accumulated near the extreme ends of the muscle fiber. Peripheral nerve damage resulted in modulation of expression of cytotactin in both nerve and muscle, particularly among the interacting tissues during regeneration and reinnervation. In denervated muscle, cytotactin accumulated in interstitial spaces and near the previous synaptic sites. Cytotactin levels were elevated and remained high along the endoneurial tubes and in the perineurium as long as muscle remained denervated. Reinnervation led to a return to normal levels of cytotactin both in inner surfaces of the nerve fascicles and in the perineurium. In dorsal root ganglia, the processes surrounding ganglionic neurons became intensely stained by anticytotactin antibodies after the nerve was cut, and returned to normal by 30 d after injury. These data suggest that local signals between neurons, glia, and supporting cells may regulate cytotactin expression in the neuromuscular system in a fashion coordinate with other cell adhesion molecules. Moreover, innervation may regulate the relative amount and distribution of cytotactin both in muscle and in Schwann cells.
Two Developments in the Mind of Early Homo

Abstract Analysis of early stone tools from a perspective of developmental cognitive psychology reveals that the transition from Homo habilis to Homo erectus was accompanied by important developments in cognitive ability. From the spatial concepts used in stone knapping, and the nature of the shared intentionality required for the manufacture of bifaces, two specific cognitive abilities stand out. The first, termed relative decentration, was the ability to divorce action more completely from the direct perception of ego, thereby allowing Homo erectus to construct a more complex external world. The second was the ability to coordinate a greater number and variety of concepts at the same time. Both of these abilities indicate that Homo erectus could have used much more complex organizational schemes in its day to day behavior than those used by Homo habilis.
Spontaneous Magnetization of Composite Fermions

It is argued that the composite fermion liquid is a promising candidate for an observation of the elusive, interaction-driven magnetization first proposed by Bloch seven decades ago. In analogy to what is theoretically believed to be the case for the idealized electron gas in zero magnetic field, this spontaneously broken symmetry phase is predicted to occur prior to a transition into the Wigner crystal.
Lower track science students' argumentation and open inquiry instruction

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of open inquiry instruction with low achieving, marginalized high school students. Students with long histories of scholastic failure were asked to participate in question generation, experimental design, and argument construction as a part of their General Science course instruction. Videotapes were collected from daily science instruction, and entrance and exit instruction interviews were conducted using identical open-ended problems. From this dataset, comparisons were made between students' entrance and exit interview responses representing change over time. Shifts in student responses coincided with renegotiated classroom norms for scientific discourse. Results are reported for five students in the form of assertions. Students' arguments were observed to shift toward those more consistent with the nature of the scientific arguments including: (1) students' tentativeness of knowledge claims, (2) students' use of evidence, and (3) students' views regarding the source of scientific authority. Implications are discussed for research and practice in light of the national standards' call for universal scientific literacy. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 807–838, 2000
New Frontiers for the Treatment of Noncardiac Chest Pain: The Adenosine Receptors

Emerging data suggest that noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a very common disorder of international proportions. In the United States alone, an estimated 69 million patients suffer from NCCP. The clinical spectrum of patients with NCCP being referred to gastroenterologists seems to be changing to those failing to respond acid inhibition therapy or those who may not have gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in the first place. For these individuals there is an important need to find effective therapeutic options. These patients are the subject of the study that appears in this issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology (Rao et al.,). Rao et al. report data from their tertiary center on consecutive patients with recurrent NCCP failing an 8-wk therapeutic trial of double-dose PPI or lacking evidence of GER on 24-h pH testing. They found that theophylline--a nonspecific adenosine receptor antagonist--when compared with placebo, improved the biomechanical and sensory properties of the esophageal wall and chest pain frequency, severity, and duration. This study underscores the potential role of adenosine receptors in visceral pain.
Electronic Portfolios in Evolution.

Abstract A summary of the experiences of students in one cohort at Brigham Young University is presented. The trials and errors along the journey in creating electronic portfolios are discussed. The development of electronic portfolios was an evolutionary process. Because it is an evolutionary process, adjustments will continually be made to improve the learning and growth that can take place when students create electronic portfolios.
Selectively Clocked CMOS Logic Style for Low-Power Noise-Immune Operations in Scaled Technologies

This paper proposes a selectively clocked logic (SCL) style, based on skewed logic, for noise-tolerant low-power high-performance applications. Variations of the logic style, with multiple threshold voltage (MV/sub th/-SCL) and multiple oxide thickness (Mt/sub ox/-SCL) techniques, are also studied. Simulation results indicate that SCL, MV/sub th/-SCL, and Mt/sub ox/-SCL circuits reduce the total power consumption (leakage plus switching power) of the ISCAS benchmark circuits by 51.5%, 53.1%, and 69.6%, respectively, with over 25% improvement in noise immunity compared to Domino circuits with comparable performance.
Non-Binary Protograph-Based LDPC Codes: Enumerators, Analysis, and Designs

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of nonbinary low-density parity check (LDPC) codes built out of protographs. We consider both random and constrained edge-weight labeling, and refer to the former as the unconstrained nonbinary protograph-based LDPC codes (U-NBPB codes) and to the latter as the constrained nonbinary protograph-based LDPC codes (C-NBPB codes). Equipped with combinatorial definitions extended to the nonbinary domain, ensemble enumerators of codewords, trapping sets, stopping sets, and pseudocodewords are calculated. The exact enumerators are presented in the finite-length regime, and the corresponding growth rates are calculated in the asymptotic regime. An EXIT chart tool for computing the iterative decoding thresholds of protograph-based LDPC codes is presented, followed by several examples of finite-length U-NBPB and C-NBPB codes with high performance. Throughout this paper, we provide accompanying examples, which demonstrate the advantage of nonbinary protograph-based LDPC codes over their binary counterparts and over random constructions. The results presented in this paper advance the analytical toolbox of nonbinary graph-based codes.
The XAPS3 Architecture

The Xaps3 production-system architecture was designed to be used in the modeling of goal hierarchies and chunking. It is a new architecture, but it builds upon the work done in the development of theXaps2 architecture. In their presentation of Xaps2, Rosenbloom and Newell (1982a) began by discussing a set of constraints that must be met by any architecture within which the chunking theory of learning is implemented. We don’t claim that these constraints are known to be necessary — the arguments are not that tight. But this permits (and encourages) attempts to show how the constraints can be circumvented.
Lacibacter cauensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the phylum Bacteroidetes isolated from sediment of a eutrophic lake.

A novel strain, NJ-8T, was isolated from sediment of the eutrophic Taihu Lake (China) and was subjected to a taxonomic study by using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain was aerobic and formed orange-pigmented colonies on R2A agar. Cells were Gram-negative single rods that were motile by means of gliding. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NJ-8T belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes, with Niastella yeongjuensis DSM 17621T (92.3 % gene sequence similarity) and Niastella koreensis DSM 17620T (92.0 % similarity) as its closest relatives. The major fatty acids (>5 % of the total) were iso-C15 : 0 (27.8 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (15.4 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (14.5 %) and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH; 13.9 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 46.6 mol%. Based on molecular and phenotypic data, strain NJ-8T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Lacibacter cauensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species of the genus, Lacibacter cauensis, is NJ-8T (=CGMCC 1.7271T=NBRC 104930T).
VERTEBRATE DISPERSAL OF SEED PLANTS THROUGH TIME

▪ Abstract Vertebrate dispersal of fruits and seeds is a common feature of many modern angiosperms and gymnosperms, yet the evolution and frequency of this feature in the fossil record remain unclear. Increasingly complex information suggests that (a) plants had the necessary morphological features for vertebrate dispersal by the Pennsylvanian, but possibly in the absence of clear vertebrate dispersal agents; (b) vertebrate herbivores first diversified in the Permian, and consistent dispersal relationships became possible; (c) the Mesozoic was dominated by large herbivorous dinosaurs, possible sources of diffuse, whole-plant dispersal; (d) simultaneously, several groups of small vertebrates, including lizards and, in the later Mesozoic, birds and mammals, could have established more specific vertebrate-plant associations, but supporting evidence is rudimentary; and (e) the diversification of small mammals and birds in the Tertiary established a consistent basis for organ-level interactions, allowing for t...
Comparative effects of angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin II on piglet pial arterioles.

Recent investigations indicated that degradation fragments of angiotensins could be involved in the regulation of the cerebral circulation and that their effects might be mediated by prostaglandins. The present study was designed to examine the effect of angiotensin-(1-7), a major endogenous heptapeptide fragment, on cerebral arteriolar diameter and compare it with the octapeptide angiotensin II, and further to determine whether prostaglandins mediate their effects.Newborn, anesthetized pigs were equipped with a closed cranial window, and the diameter of one pial arteriole was measured using intravital microscopy.Topical application of angiotensin-(1-7) (n = 9) increased the diameter by 6.8 +/- 5.3% (mean +/- SEM), 10.4 +/- 5.2%, 14.3 +/- 5.9%, and 17.5 +/- 7.7% (P < .05) at 10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5), and 10(-4) mol/L, respectively (baseline, 94 +/- 3 microns). Topical application of angiotensin II (n = 8) increased the diameter by 9.6 +/- 7.0%, 9.6 +/- 7.6%, 11.3 +/- 8.4% (P < .05), and 5.5 +/- 7.9% at 10(-...