cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Evolution and Phylogeny of the Drosophila saltans Species Group Inferred from the Xdh Gene

The Drosophila saltans group of the subgenus Sophophora consists of five species subgroups whose phylogenetic relationships are poorly known. We have analyzed 2085 coding nucleotides from the xanthine dehydrogenase (Xdh) gene in six species, at least one from each subgroup. We follow a model-based maximum likelihood framework. We first model the substitution process using a tree topology that is approximately accurate. Then we evaluate several candidate tree topologies using a working model of nucleotide substitution. We found that a minimally realistic description of the substitution process along the Xdh region should allow two transition and four transversion rate parameters and different fixed rates for codon positions, which are distributed statistically according to different gamma distributions. The phylogeny obtained using this description differs in significant respects from a phylogeny based on anatomical criteria. We have also analyzed data from five additional (three nuclear and two mitochondrial) gene regions. In our analysis, these relatively short DNA sequences, either separately or jointly, fail to discriminate statistically among alternative phylogenies. When the data for these five gene regions are combined with the Xdh sequences, the strong phylogenetic signal emerging from Xdh becomes somewhat diluted rather than reinforced. The phylogeny of the species and biogeographical considerations suggest that the D. saltans group originated in the tropics of the New World, similarly as the closely related D. willistoni group.
Information displays and preference reversals

Abstract Preference reversals occur when a decision maker prefers one option to another in one response mode but reverses that ordering when preferences are elicited in another response mode. We report the results of two experiments which significantly impact the frequency of preference reversals. Specifically, when the probabilities are displayed in a format which appears harder to process, the frequency of reversals is increased. Process-tracing evidence suggests that decision-makers also shifted information processing strategies as a function of information format. We discuss the implications for theories of preference reversals and strategy selection, and for the design of information displays.
Impact of nutrition knowledge on food evaluations.

This study explored whether nutrition knowledge interacted with evaluations of a food's healthiness to influence food attitudes (ie, global evaluations). Since attitudes guide behavior, understanding factors that impact food attitudes is one way to understand food selection and why factors such as nutrition knowledge have only a modest impact on food selection. We hypothesized that the relation between health evaluations and food attitudes would be stronger for people high in nutrition knowledge. We also explored the macronutrient composition of foods, and how it related to attitudes and health evaluations. Survey employing multilevel analyses to examine within- and between-subject influences on food attitudes. Student unions at two universities in the Southwestern US. A total of 138 participants (mean age=19.8; 69 males, 67 females, two unreported). Participants indicated their attitudes toward; experience with; and health, flavor, and affective evaluations of 24 foods before and after lunch and completed questionnaires assessing individual difference variables. Experience and evaluations of healthiness, flavor, positive affect, and negative affect all predicted food attitudes. Health evaluations were more strongly associated with attitudes for people high in nutrition knowledge. These findings suggest a mechanism through which individual differences impact food attitudes and thus likely influence food selection. This research was supported in part by Grant MH47167-07 from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Kindler Syndrome: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

: We evaluated two patients Mrith hereditary bullous polkiloderma. Both had acral buliae, generalized poiidloderma with prominent atrophy, and acral keratoses. One patient, with sporadic disease, hj, in addition, urethral and subgiottic stenoses, weiabing of digits, and poor dentition. Hie other patient, whose disease was dominantiy inherited, had koiionychia. The resuits of cutaneous histopathology, electron microscopy, and immunofiuorescice mapping studies are presented, it is possible that Kindler syndrome and Weary's hereditary acrokeratotic poikiioderma are variants of the same disease.
The role of the native soil community in the invasion ecology of spotted (Centaurea maculosa auct. non Lam.) and diffuse (Centaurea diffusa Lam.) knapweed

Diffuse (Centaurea diffusa Lam.) and spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa auct. non Lam.) are damaging exotic plant invaders of North American rangelands. Although existing weed management techniques can successfully reduce negative impacts of knapweeds, these plants continue to spread in an unpredictable manner. The successful spread of knapweeds into native plant communities may be driven, in part, by interactions between these plants and native soil communities. This study was conducted to evaluate the relative benefit of native soil communities to two native plants and two knapweeds and to investigate the growth of these plants in soil from knapweed infestations and from adjacent native rangelands. Individual plants of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), spotted and diffuse knapweed were grown in a greenhouse in field collected soil. The relative benefit of the native soil community was determined by comparing emergence and production of native plants and exotic knapweeds in autoclaved versus unautoclaved native rangeland soil. Emergence and production were also determined in the greenhouse for native plants and exotic knapweeds grown in soil collected from the core and perimeter of knapweed infestations and in soil from the adjacent, uninvaded native rangeland. The native soil community had a negative effect on the growth of bluebunch wheatgrass (P. spicata (Pursh) A. Love) and diffuse knapweed, but a positive effect on spotted knapweed emergence. The interactions between yarrow (A. millefolium L.) and the native soil community were variable. The native soil community appears to be more beneficial to spotted knapweed than to the other plants studied, including diffuse knapweed. Therefore, it appears that two closely related knapweeds have very different interactions with soil biota and perhaps different strategies for invasion. Soil from diffuse and spotted knapweed infestations did not prevent growth of two native plants. Diffuse knapweed growth was not promoted by soil from within a diffuse knapweed infestation, but soil from the core of a spotted knapweed infestation did increase emergence of spotted knapweed.
Pancreatic tumor margin detection by oblique incidence diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

In surgical treatment of pancreatic cancers, the effectiveness of the procedures largely depends on the ability to completely and precisely remove the malignant tumors. We present the ex-vivo use of oblique incidence diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (OIRDS) to detect and differentiate normal from neoplastic tissue. An OIRDS probe has been constructed to provide scattering and absorption information of the pancreatic tissue. To reveal the physiological origin of the difference in these optical signatures, the optical scattering coefficients were extracted along the pancreatic duct with 1-cm spacing. Experimental results show that OIDRS was able to successfully determinate the tumor margins based on the higher optical scattering on malignant tissue.
Depolarization and Activation of Dihydropyridine-Sensitive Ca2+ Channels Stimulate Inositol Phosphate Accumulation in Photoreceptor-Enriched Chick Retinal Cell Cultures

Elevated concentrations of extracellular K+ increased inositol phosphate accumulation in primary cultures of chick retinal photoreceptors and multipolar neurons. K+-evoked stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation was greater in photoreceptor-enriched cell cultures than in cultures where multipolar neurons were the predominant cell type. Destroying multipolar neurons, but not photoreceptors, with kainic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate did not reduce the K+-evoked stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation. Both of these observations indicate that the observed effects occur in photoreceptor cells. The K+-evoked stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation was blocked by omitting Ca2+ from the incubation medium or by adding the dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+-channel antagonists, nitrendipine and nifedipine. Bay K 8644, a dihydropyridine agonist, stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation and enhanced the effect of K+. omega-Conotoxin GVIA, an inhibitor of N-type Ca2+ channels, had no significant effect on K+-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin neither blocked K+-evoked inositol phosphate accumulation nor altered the inhibitory effect of nifedipine. K+-evoked inositol phosphate accumulation appears to reflect activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, as it is inhibited by U-73122. These results indicate that Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated, dihydropyridine-sensitive channels activates phospholipase C in photoreceptor inner segments and/or synaptic terminals.
Polymorphism R62W results in resistance of CD23 to enzymatic cleavage in cultured cells.

A nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the low-affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRII/CD23) gene resulting in an arginine to tryptophan exchange at amino-acid position 62 (R62W) has been associated with enhanced T-cell responses to antigen in allergic subjects. To explore the mechanism, a CD23(a) cDNA was cloned into the plasmid pCMVScript-CD23a-C with a C allele (R62). The pCMVScript-CD23a-T with T (W62) was produced using a site-directed mutagenesis approach. The pCMVScript-CD23a-C only (CC), mixture of pCMVScript-CD23a-T and pCMVSCript-CD23a-C (CT) and pCMVScript-CD23a-T only (TT) plasmids were transfected in Cos-7 cells at equivalence in transfection efficiency. No soluble CD23 was released from TT transfectants whereas a higher level of soluble CD23 was detected in CC than in CT transfectants. Human leukocyte elastase (HLE), cathepsin G, the dust mite allergen Der p I and ADAM 33 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase) were found to cleave membrane CD23 in CC but not in TT transfectants, implying the resistance of CD23 to enzymatic cleavage associated with T mutant. Addition of tunicamycin resulted in the resistance of CD23 to Der p I mediated cleavage in CC but no change in TT transfectants. These results indicate that R62W influences the stability of membrane CD23 molecules due to possibly diminished N-glycosylation.
A prospective, controlled study of Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in coronary artery disease

Abstract Objective: Recent studies have suggested that chronic infections may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. Methods: A total of 179 patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease were prospectively studied. Angiograms were read by experienced invasive cardiologists blinded to the results of H. pylori serology, which was determined by a validated multiwell ELISA assay. Results: A total of 121 patients (68%) had evidence of coronary artery disease, whereas 58 patients (32%) had normal coronary angiograms. Of the 121 patients with coronary artery disease, 29 had single vessel disease, 39 had double vessel disease, and 53 had triple vessel disease, respectively. There was no significant difference in seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with and without coronary artery disease (p = 0.63). The odds ratio (after adjustment for other known risk factors) for coronary artery disease in H. pylori-infected subjects was 0.45 (95% CI = 0.15, 1.37; p = 0.107). In patients with coronary artery disease, H. pylori infection did not increase the likelihood of severe disease (odds ratio for triple vessel disease = 0.53; 95% CI 0.18, 1.60; p = 0.201). Conclusion: H. pylori infection rates are similar in patients with normal and abnormal coronary arteries, and infection with H. pylori is not an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. In patients who have coronary artery disease, H. pylori infection is not a risk factor for more severe disease. These data argue against a causal role for H. pylori in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.
Effect of rectosigmoid stump length on restorative proctocolectomy after subtotal colectomy

BACKGROUND: The length of the rectosigmoid stump left after subtotal colectomy and ileostomy is believed to affect postoperative complications, including sepsis, success of future restorative proctocolectomy, and long-term functional outcome. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 60 patients with toxic ulcerative colitis who were treated with subtotal colectomy leaving either a short (25) or long (35) rectosigmoid stump and who eventually underwent restorative proctocolectomy between 1983 and 1992 at a large tertiary care center. Data were collected on preoperative disease duration and steroid use, operative time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, length of stay, stool frequency, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rectosigmoid stump length does not appear to affect complications or long-term outcome in patients with toxic ulcerative colitis treated with subtotal colectomy and restorative proctocolectomy.
Iron disorders can mimic anything, so always test for them

Abstract Routinely measuring iron status is necessary because not only are about 6% of Americans in significant negative iron balance, but about 1% have iron overload. Serum ferritin is in equilibrium with body iron stores, and is the only blood test that measures them. Barring inflammation, each one ng (0.0179 pmol) ferritin/ml of serum indicates approximately 10 mg (0.179 mmol) of body iron stores. Very early Stage I positive balance is best recognized by measuring saturation of iron binding capacity. Conversely, serum ferritin best recognizes early (Stage I and II) negative balance. Deviations from normal are: 1. 1. Both stages of iron depletion (i.e. low stores, no dysfunction). Negative iron balance Stage I is reduced iron absorption producing moderately depleted iron stores. Stage II is severely depleted stores, without dysfunction. These stages include over half of all cases of negative iron balance. Treated with iron, they never progress to dysfunction, i.e. to disease. 2. 2. Both stages of iron deficiency. Deficiency is inadequate iron for normal function, i.e. dysfunction, disease. Negative balance Stage III is dysfunction without anemia; Stage IV is with anemia. 3. 3. Positive iron balance: Stage I is a multi-year period without dysfunction. Supplements of iron and/or vitamin C promote progression to dysfunction (disease). Iron removal prevents progression. Stage II is iron overload disease, encompassing years of insidiously progressive damage to tissues and organs from iron overload. Iron removal arrests progression.
Relationships between the kallikrein-kinin and prostaglandin systems

Abstract Kinins are polypeptides released from plasma protein precursor(s) by plasma and tissue enzymes termed kallikreins (1). Bradykinin and kallidin, the peptide products of plasma and glandular kallikreins respectively, exert varied actions on numerous biological systems (2). Two recent findings that suggest interrelation of the kallikrein-kinin and prostaglandin systems have greatly enlarged the potential sphere of influence of kinins. First, bradykinin was shown to stimulate release of prostaglandins (3,4). Second, aspirin-like drugs which are known to antagonize several pharmacological actions of kinins (2) were found to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis (5). This led to the proposal that prostaglandins that are released from tissues by kinins contribute to the actions of this class of peptides (4). Interactions of kinins and prostaglandins may be a feature of biological processes as diverse as those involved in inflammatory responses and in regulation of electrolyte and fluid balance (6,7). This review analyzes the relationships between the kallikrein-kinin and prostaglandin systems and discusses the functional significance of such relations.
Effect of γ-vinyl GABA on bicuculline-induced seizures

Abstract Previous reports have indicated that the GABAergic agonist γ-vinyl GABA (GVG), a specific, irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase, while effective in attenuating various types of experimental seizures, is less active in blocking convulsions induced by bicuculline and picrotoxin, GABA receptor antagonists. To better define this apparent specificity of action, mice were treated with various doses of GVG at either 4 or 24 hr prior to challenge with convulsant doses of picrotoxin, bicuculline, strychnine or isoniazid and the times to clonus, tonus and death recorded and compared. Four hours after 1500 mg/kg GVG, when brain GABA levels were 15-fold higher than control, the seizures induced by all convulsants, except bicuculline, were significantly attenuated. In contrast, 24 hr after 1500 mg/kg GVG, when the brain GABA level was 7-fold higher than control, the times to clonus and tonus were significantly increased and mortality decreased in bicuculline-treated animals, whereas the anticonvulsant action against all other agents was greatly diminished. Dose-response data indicated that the anti-bicuculline activity of GVG is not a time-dependent phenomenon since it could be observed after 4 hr with a dose of 1000 mg/kg, a time and dose which yielded a 7-fold increase in the brain GABA content. These results suggest that, under the proper conditions, GVG is a potent inhibitor of seizures induced by bicuculline, and that the dose-dependent selectivity of this anticonvulsant may be due to different actions of the drug.
Tris(thianthrene)(2+) bis(dodecamethylcarba-closo-dodecaborate) dichloromethane tetrasolvate: a crossed triple-decker π-trimer dication

The title compound, (3C12H8S2)2+·2C13H36B11−·4CH2Cl2, contains an unusual cation–radical association comprising a π-­trimer dication of crossed thianthrenes. The thianthrene mol­ecular planes are essentially cofacial, but the S⋯S axes of adjacent mol­ecules are orthogonal to each other. The outer thianthrenes (both located on mirror planes bisecting the units at the S atoms) are bent slightly towards the inner and planar thianthrene (residing on a 2/m symmetry element with the S atoms on the twofold rotation axis), with close noncovalent separations of 3.1 A indicating strong inter­planar inter­actions within the trimeric dication. Bond-length analysis indicates that the 2+ charge is delocalized over the three stacked thianthrenes with the maximum charge on the central unit. The crossed monomer arrangement is attributed to the frontier-orbital symmetry that allows various π-bonding orientations between thianthrene mol­ecules. The CB11(CH3)12− counter-ion resides on a mirror plane. One of the CH2Cl2 solvent mol­ecules resides on a twofold rotation axis, whereas the other is located on a mirror plane.
Neurochemical evaluation of the striatum in symptomatic and recovered MPTP-treated cats.

Abstract Striatal neurochemistry and motor activity were assessed in cats treated with l-methyl-4 phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and killed either when symptomatic for a Parkinson-like motor disorder or six weeks later, when showing significant motor recovery. The results of striatal neurochemical analyses showed distinct regional differences in susceptibility to MPTP-induced damage, with dorsal striatal regions generally more severely affected than ventral striatal regions. Symptomatic animals had more severe dopamine loss in all striatal regions than did recovered animals. The dorsal lateral caudate, the cat's sensorimotor striatum, had the largest dopamine depletion in the symptomatic animals (99%) and the least recovery in recovered animals (94% depletion). In contrast, the nucleus accumbens had a 94% dopamine depletion in symptomatic animals and only a 34% depletion in recovered animals. In addition to increases in dopamine levels and dopamine utilization in the striatum in recovered animals, significant increases in serotonin levels and serotonin utilization were also observed. Therefore, motor recovery may have been due to either or both of these neurochemical changes. The fact that the cat develops Parkinson-like motor symptoms but that they are not persistent may make this an interesting model in which to study the role of dopamine in motor function and to study compensatory mechanisms of the damaged dopamine system.
How dry was dry?-Late Pleistocene palaeoclimates in the Namib Desert

Abstract Evidence for Late Quaternary changes in climate in the Namib Desert is geographically scattered and often poorly dated. The available evidence suggests periods of increased river discharge and groundwater flow centered on 8–12, 20–24, and 26–32 ka BP. Based on modern analogues, these palaeohydrologic changes likely involved increased rainfall and runoff in the escarpment zone east of the desert. There is little evidence to suggest significantly increased rainfall within the desert during these periods, except perhaps during the interval prior to 26 ka BP. These data reinforce earlier conclusions that the Namib has experienced mostly arid to hyperarid conditions throughout the Quaternary.
Organizationally supporting innovation in technology-enhanced instruction and research

Instructional and Research Technology Services (IRTS) is a new unit on the campus of Indiana State University (ISU) created to envision, explore, design, and evaluate new and emerging technologies to support teaching, research, and student learning. One of the most important tenants of this new group is to add value to ISU's information technology investments. Siegel (2003) commented, "IT matters to an organization when innovation matters". [1] Today most information technology services serve as a utility; people want them and expect them to work 100 percent of the time. It is hard to create an environment that supports innovation when stability has become the main focus. IRTS is designed to act as a catalyst; one that engages internal and external audiences in collaborative efforts where faculty are encouraged and supported to experiment and incorporate technology into their teaching and research activities. An additional goal of this group is to identify and acquire new funding sources for technology intensive teaching, learning, and research projects. This paper will describe this new unit's organizational structure, interaction with stakeholders, current projects, and an assessment of operational effectiveness.
An external construct validity study of Rorschach personality variables

This study examined (a) hypothesized relationships between Rorschach variables and self-report test measures relating to nominally similar aspects of personality functioning and (b) interrelationships among Rorschach variables. Sixty-two undergraduates were administered the Rorschach, Barron Ego Strength Scale, Kaplan Self-Derogation Scale, Eagly Self-Esteem Scale, Multiple Affective Adjective Checklist (MAACL), Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, and the Rotter Locus of Control Scale. Only a few of the predictions received confirmation: inanimate movement (m) correlated, as expected, with MAACL anxiety and hostility, the egocentricity index (3r + 2)/R (R = total responses) correlated significantly with self-esteem, and human movement with minus form level (M-) correlated (inversely) with ego strength. Among the unpredicted findings were some that appear inconsistent with standard Rorschach interpretation. Rorschach variables human movement (M), and experience actual (EA), generally interpreted as reflecting coping resources, related significantly with self-report measures of poor coping and of dysphoric affect. In general, the Rorschach appears better at identifying weaknesses in the ego rather than strengths.
Diabetes and atherosclerosis: mechanisms and management.

Objective: To discuss the association of diabetes and atherosclerosis and outline various management options. Methods: We reviewed the findings in pertinent studies in the literature. Results: Atherosclerosis accounts for virtually 80% of all diabetes-related mortality. It is also a principal reason for hospitalization of patients with diabetes. Diabetes profoundly affects the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through various mechanisms. Established cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in diabetic than in nondiabetic patients. Although trials of intensive glycemic control have been somewhat disappointing for decreasing atherogenesis, the results of trials with lipid-regulating therapies have been more encouraging. Conclusion: Atherogenesis is a multifactorial, multi-stepped process. Although established risk factors do not entirely explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes, they do seem to have a major role. Therefore, the management of patients with diabetes m...
Interaction of the Molecular Chaperone Hsp70 with Human NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (EC; DT-Diaphorase, NQO1) is predominantly a cytosolic flavoenzyme that catalyzes a two-electron reduction. Using human tumor cell lines devoid of NQO1 enzymatic activity, we have previously identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (NQO1*2 allele) in the human NQO1 gene. This mutation has been characterized as a genetic polymorphism (NQO1*2), which leads to greatly diminished levels of protein due to rapid degradation of the NQO1*2 protein by the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway (UPP). In an attempt to decipher the mechanism responsible for the differential stability of wild-type NQO1*1 and mutant NQO1*2 proteins, we have investigated the interactions of these proteins with molecular chaperones of the Hsp family. Using co-immunoprecipitation studies (co-IPs), no association was observed between Hsp90 and either wild-type NQO1*1 or mutant NQO1*2 proteins. Hsp70, however, was found to associate with NQO1*1 protein in cells when co-IPs were performed with an anti-NQO1 antibody followed by immunoblotting with an anti-Hsp70 antibody or vice versa. Hsp40 could also be detected in the immunoprecipitated protein complex. Experiments were also performed using either the NQO1*1 or NQO1*2 coding regions in an in vitro transcription/translation system employing rabbit reticulocyte lysates (RRLs). Consistent with the cellular data, co-IP experiments in RRLs demonstrated an association of Hsp70 with wild-type NQO1*1 protein but not with NQO1*2 protein. To further elucidate the role of the association of Hsp70 with the NQO1*1 protein, site-directed mutagenesis was used to modify a proposed Hsp70 binding site near the N terminus of the NQO1 protein. We generated a plasmid containing an NQO1*1 coding region with a mutated Hsp70 binding site (isoleucine to aspartic acid at position 8, NQO1*1/I8D). In contrast to the NQO1*1 protein translated in RRLs, the NQO1*1/I8D protein did not associate with Hsp70, as demonstrated by co-IP, was catalytically inactive, and was degraded by the UPP. These data suggest that the association of Hsp70 with NQO1*1 may play an important role in the stability and functionality of the NQO1 protein.
Mechanism of Nitrous Oxide Formation by Metal-Catalyzed Reduction of Nitric Oxide in Aqueous Solution

Kinetics data were collected for the palladium-catalyzed reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N2O) with cuprous chloride reductant in 2 M hydrochloric acid (2NO + 2CuCl + 2HCl → N2O + 2...
Estimation of solar backscatter ultraviolet albedo using ground‐based Umkehr measurements

A retrieval method was developed to estimate the solar backscatter ultraviolet (SBUV) satellite albedo for the ozone profiler wavelengths using ground-based ultraviolet measurements. For the present investigation the Umkehr was used as the ground-based ultraviolet measurement. Simulated SBUV data and Umkehr data theoretically computed from a priori ozone profiles observed by the SAGE II satellite were used to develop the retrieval algorithm and to test its capability. The test indicated that albedos for the SBUV ozone profiler wavelengths should allow estimates to a precision of +/- 5 percent or better, depending on the accuracy of the ultraviolet measurement. Retrievals using actual Umkehr observations were also performed to provide a preliminary look at the magnitude and annual variation of retrieved albedos. A case study was performed, comparing retrieved albedos with SBUV-measured albedos. The SBUV albedo change was seen to be approximately twice as large as the albedo changes estimated by the Umkehr method. Results of the investigation suggest that the method of estimation may be useful for determining the drift rate of the SBUV calibration.
Identification of cis-acting elements in the 3'-untranslated region of the dengue virus type 2 RNA that modulate translation and replication.

Using the massively parallel genetic algorithm for RNA folding, we show that the core region of the 3′-untranslated region of the dengue virus (DENV) RNA can form two dumbbell structures (5′- and 3′-DBs) of unequal frequencies of occurrence. These structures have the propensity to form two potential pseudoknots between identical five-nucleotide terminal loops 1 and 2 (TL1 and TL2) and their complementary pseudoknot motifs, PK2 and PK1. Mutagenesis using a DENV2 replicon RNA encoding the Renilla luciferase reporter indicated that all four motifs and the conserved sequence 2 (CS2) element within the 3′-DB are important for replication. However, for translation, mutation of TL1 alone does not have any effect; TL2 mutation has only a modest effect in translation, but translation is reduced by ∼60% in the TL1/TL2 double mutant, indicating that TL1 exhibits a cooperative synergy with TL2 in translation. Despite the variable contributions of individual TL and PK motifs in translation, WT levels are achieved when the complementarity between TL1/PK2 and TL2/PK1 is maintained even under conditions of inhibition of the translation initiation factor 4E function mediated by LY294002 via a noncanonical pathway. Taken together, our results indicate that the cis-acting RNA elements in the core region of DENV2 RNA that include two DB structures are required not only for RNA replication but also for optimal translation.
Problems in organizing curricula for land information science

Abstract An important obstacle to realizing multipurpose land information systems in the United States is the lack of a cadre of specialists who are broadly educated in Land Information Science and able to manage the complex process of developing these systems. Professional education in this new, interdisciplinary field will require a depth of resources available at only a few universities in this country. To be recognized as a “Center of Excellence in Land Information Science” an institution should have an established department which offers surveying and mapping education and which is prepared to play a leadership role.
Shadow-insensitive material detection/classification with atmospherically corrected hyperspectral imagery

Shadow-insensitive detection or classification of surface materials in atmospherically corrected hyperspectral imagery can be achieved by expressing the reflectance spectrum as a linear combination of spectra that correspond to illumination by the direct sum and by the sky. Some specific algorithms and applications are illustrated using HYperspectral Digital Imagery Collection Experiment (HYDICE) data.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis and comparison between two wind farms consisting of 500kW midsize turbines and 1.5MW turbines

This paper compares the characteristics of two wind farms of same power capacity having two different size generators. The research compares the performance of mid-size turbines to large turbines. The systems were modeled in MATLAB-Simulink. With rapid development in wind power generation it's necessary to study the different characteristics of wind farms having different generator configurations. A 9MW wind farm consisting of eighteen Fixed Speed Induction Generators (FSIG) with STATCOM at the terminals of the wind farm is compared to a 9MW wind farm consisting of six Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIG) interfaced with Power Electronics on the rotor. The models of FSIG wind power generation system and DFIG wind power generation system connected to the grid are built. An analysis on total power available for transmission, reactive power consumption at different wind speeds (cut in, rated, cut off), power loss due to loss of turbines.
Entry costs and outsourcing decisions: evidence from the U.S. overseas assembly provision

Abstract This paper studies the decision to participate in outsourcing through the U.S. overseas assembly provision or OAP. When the program is observed at the country–industry level of detail, one notable element is the high degree of persistence in production decisions. To capture this feature, a model of outsourcing decisions in the presence of sunk entry costs is proposed and tested. The results show that country costs influence firms’ OAP production decisions. However, production persistence arises in a fashion that is consistent with sunk entry costs that temper firm responses to cost changes. The phenomenon and its connection to industry capital intensity are explored.
Perceptually unequal spatial frequencies do not yield stereoscopic tilt.

Stereoscopic tilt can be obtained by presenting vertical grating patterns differing in their spatial frequencies to the two eyes (Blakemore, 1970). Following monocular adaptation, theperceived spatial frequency of a test grating is different in the adapted and unadapted eyes by an amount that would yield stereoscopic tilt if corresponding physical spatial frequencies were presented (Experiment 1). Perceptually unequal (but physically identical) gratings presented to the two eyes do not yield stereoscopic tilt, but tilt is obtained if differences in physical spatial frequency exist (Experiment 2). Changes in perceived spatial frequency for a binocular test grating following monocular adaptation are smaller than those measured in the adapted eye but larger than those in the unadapted eye (Experiment 3). These results suggest that (1) stereopsis is immune to perceptual distortions of the monocular stimuli, and (2) perceived spatial frequency reflects the pooled activity of monocular and binocular neurons.
Economics, Ethics and Thanatology: Lessons from the Ancients

The normative presuppositions motivating rational choice decision-making based on optimizing objectives amount to a thin account of ethical economic behavior. Ancient thought offers insights that can provide a firmer basis both for personal, individual choice as well as for public policy. After a brief review of Epicurean and Stoic ethical principles, a comparison is made of modern economic and Hellenistic conceptions of rationality and rational behavior. These competing conceptions are then applied to an examination of a contemporary public policy problem, namely health care, particularly as this applies to “end-of-life” issues. The argument concludes that decision-making based on a eudaimonic conception of the good has the potential to provide us with a more efficient health care system as well as one that more satisfactorily addresses the needs of the chronically ill and dying patients who account for a highly disproportionate share of health care expenditures.
Some general theorems on the motion of incompressible viscous fluids

Some standard theorems about the motion of single fluids are reviewed and extended to the case of several fluids moving through each other. Some further results are obtained which do not have a counterpart in the case of a single fluid.
Imperforate anus and colon atresia in a newborn

Imperforate anus is an uncommon congenital anomaly. Colon atresia is even more infrequent. This report describes a newborn with the simultaneous occurrence of these 2 anomalies, a condition that is exceedingly rare.
Family Businesses’ Views on Internationalization: Do they Differ by Generations?

The purpose of this exploratory study is to compare the views on internationalization (i.e., global business attitudes) of family businesses run by ‘first’, ‘second’ and ‘third’generation owners. It is common to investigate/ acertain different generational perspectives and its impact on strategy and performance. It is hoped that conclusions can be derived as to the impact of succeeding generational owners on internationalization. A mail survey of US family business owners based in Ohio was conducted. The results revealed remarkable consistency and similarity in views pertaining to internationalization by the first, second, and third generation owners. Family business owners irrespective of their generation do not monitor foreign markets, desire relations with foreign family owned businesses, etc. They also felt their businesses were not affected by foreign competitors.
Relationship between visual field testing and scanning laser polarimetry in patients with a large cup-to-disk ratio

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between quantitative nerve fiber layer measurements and visual field testing in patients with large cup-to-disk ratios. METHODS: Seventy-six patients with vertical cup-to-disk ratios by contour of at least 0.8 on stereoscopic photographs and 50 normal subjects were included. One eye was randomly selected for study. All patients underwent standard achromatic automated perimetry, short-wavelength automated perimetry, and retinal nerve fiber layer measurements with scanning laser polarimetry. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences between the subject groups. Significance of pairwise comparisons was determined using the Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in nerve fiber layer measurements between patients with large cup-to-disk ratios and both abnormal standard achromatic automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry (n = 22) and patients with large cup-to-disk ratios and both normal standard achromatic automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry (n = 42) were found for superior nasal ratio, maximum modulation, ellipse modulation, and the linear discriminant function (Tukey–Kramer less than .05). There was no significant difference in patients with abnormal short-wavelength automated perimetry only (n = 9) as compared with patients with both normal standard achromatic automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry and patients with both abnormal standard achromatic automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry. Statistically significant differences between the normal subjects and patients with large cup-to-disk ratios and both abnormal standard achromatic automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry were found for all retinal nerve fiber layer parameters, with the exception of symmetry, superior ratio, and inferior ratio. CONCLUSION: Our results show considerable overlap in nerve fiber layer measurements in eyes with large cup-to-disk ratio and abnormal visual fields as compared with eyes with large cup-to-disk ratios and normal visual fields. This may limit the clinical usefulness of scanning laser polarimetry for detection of early glaucoma in patients with large cup-to-disk ratios. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine if patients with large cup-to-disk ratios with normal standard achromatic automated perimetry and abnormal short-wavelength automated perimetry subsequently develop standard achromatic automated perimetry defects and if scanning laser polarimetry can concurrently detect progression of nerve fiber layer damage.
Use and Awareness of Prostate Specific Antigen Tests and Race/Ethnicity

Purpose: This study is an assessment of racial and ethnic differences in the awareness and use of prostate specific antigen tests.Materials and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the 2000 National Health Interview Survey cancer control supplement. The subsample was 4,717 men 50 years old or older without prior prostate cancer. Outcomes were awareness and use of prostate specific antigen in a lifetime or the last year. Covariates included race/ethnicity, family income, education, age, perceived risk, health insurance and usual source of care. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of race/ethnicity on awareness and use of prostate specific antigen, controlling for covariates. Survey analysis procedures were used to account for the complex survey design.Results: The association of race/ethnicity and the outcomes of awareness and lifetime prostate specific antigen use persisted when controlling for socioeconomic status, access and other variables. The largest differences were betwee...
Dentate gyrus destruction and spatial learning impairment after corticosteroid removal in young and middle-aged rats.

We investigated the functional and behavioral implications of chronic corticosteroid removal in young and middle-aged rats. Prepubertal and 13-month-old rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) or sham operated (SHAM). The young ADX rats were divided further into three groups: ADX with no hormone replacement, ADX given corticosterone chronically, (chCORT), and ADX given corticosterone acutely at the time of Morris water maze testing (acCORT). All rats were run on the Morris water maze 12 weeks after surgery. They were then sacrificed and the brains were removed for histological analysis. The results showed that prolonged corticosteroid absence caused ma- jor damage to the dentate gyrus and learning impairment on the Morris water maze. The chCORT rats had little dentate gyrus cell loss and were as efficient as the controls in Morris water maze performance, whereas the acCORT rats had dentate gyrus cell loss and were impaired in the spatial acquisition task. Furthermore, exogenously administered corti- costerone had an interactive effect on ADX rats. Water maze performance was improved in dentate gyrus damaged rats (acCORT) compared to ADX rats not given corticosterone, whereas ADX rats with very little dentate gyrus damage (chCORT) did not exhibit better water maze performance relative to controls. Middle-aged ADX rats lost cells only in the dorsal blade of the dentate gyrus but they did not show a learning impairment in the Morris water maze relative to the middle-aged controls. These re- sults indicate that corticosteroids are trophic for the dentate gyrus, that mature granule cells are less affected by adrenalectomy, that cortico- steroid absence is responsible for some water maze impairment in ADX rats, but that in addition to corticosteroid absence, a substantial amount of dentate gyrus damage is necessary to impair spatial learning. D 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of hydroquinone derivatives as novel inhibitors of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase.

Abstract Analogues of the compound 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) are capable of inhibiting the enzyme sarco/endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA) in the low micromolar and submicromolar concentration ranges. Not only are SERCA inhibitors valuable research tools, but they also have potential medicinal value as agents against prostate cancer. This study describes the synthesis of 13 compounds representing several classes of BHQ analogues, such as hydroquinones with a single aromatic substituent, symmetrically and unsymmetrically disubstituted hydroquinones, and hydroquinones with ω-amino acid tethers attached to their hydroxyl groups. Structure–activity relationships were established by measuring the inhibitory potencies of all synthesized compounds in bioassays. The assays were complemented by computational ligand docking for an analysis of the relevant ligand/receptor interactions.
Epidermal growth factor decreases thyroid hormone receptors and attenuates thyroid hormone responses in GH4C1 cells.

The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of long term exposure to epidermal growth factor (EGF) on thyroid hormone responses as well as the concentration of specific nuclear thyroid hormone receptors in GH4C1 rat pituitary tumor cells. GH4C1 cells were first incubated for 48 h in medium with 5% fetal calf serum depleted of thyroid hormones by ion exchange resin. EGF had no effect on thyroid hormone receptors after 2 h, but decreased [125I]T3 binding to 56% of control values at 24 h and 68% at 48 h. L-T3 (0.5 nM) caused down-regulation of thyroid hormone receptors, and addition of EGF caused a further decrease. T3 alone (0.5 nM) caused a 2- to 3-fold induction of GH after 48 h, and GH induction was significantly inhibited by the addition of 10 nM EGF. Scatchard analysis of specific nuclear [125I]T3 binding showed that 48-h incubation with 10 nM EGF decreased T3 receptors from a Bmax of 2.35 to 1.26 pmol/mg DNA in thyroid hormone-depleted medium without affecting receptor affinity (Kd, 80 pM)....
Effect of undercooling on the microstructure of Ni-35 at. pct Mo (eutectic) and Ni-38 at. pct Mo (hypereutectic) alloys

Ni-35 at. pct Mo (eutectic) and Ni-38 at. pct Mo (hypereutectic) alloy specimens have been solidified from various levels of undercooling in the differential thermal analysis (DTA) and the electromagnetic levitation (EML) units in a pyrex/vycor bed. The evolution of the microstructure in the solidified specimens has been examined in terms of the degree of undercooling, the nature of the first phase to nucleate from the melt, and the specimen cooling rate. The melt has been observed to undercool more in the presence of intermetallic NiMo (β) phase as compared to that in the presence of nickel-rich solid solution (γ). The “anomalous eutectic” type of microstructure has been shown to result from the initial formation of the dendritic skeleton of either of the two phases, its segmentation due to convection and ripening, and the subsequent nucleation of the other phase in the interdendritic liquid regions. The recalescence behavior has been examined as a function of undercooling and the nature of the phase nucleating first in the melt.
The management of glaucoma and intraocular hypertension: current approaches and recent advances

In the last decade, numerous novel ocular hypotensive agents have been introduced for the control of intraocular pressure (IOP). Clinicians now have more options than ever in the selection of medical therapy for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. When selecting an ocular hypotensive medication for their patients, clinicians should consider not only the IOP-lowering efficacy of an agent, but also the ability of the drug to allow patients to achieve target levels of IOP that are low enough to stop the progression of glaucomatous damage. Other considerations should include how well the drug controls diurnal IOP, the likelihood of serious adverse events, the versatility of the medication for use as an adjunctive agent, as well as other potential attributes (ie, neuroprotection).