cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlations between activity of motor cortex cells and arm muscles during operantly conditioned response patterns

Monkey motor cortex cells were recorded during isolated, isometric contractions of each of four representative arm muscles -- a flexor and extensor of wrist and elbow -- and comparable response averages computed. Most cells were coactivated with several of the muscles; some fired the same way with all four and others with none. Results suggest that many precentral cells have a higher order relation to muscles than motoneurons. Operantly reinforced bursts of cell activity were associated with coactivation of specific muscles, called the cell's "motor field"; the most strongly coactivated muscle was usually the one whose isolated contraction had evoked the most intense unit activity. During active elbow movements most cells fired in a manner consistent with their isometric patterns, but clear exceptions were noted. Differential reinforcement of unit activity and muscle suppression was invariably successful in dissociating correlations. The strength of each unit-muscle correlation was assessed by the relative intensity of their coactivation and its consistency under different response conditions. Several cells exhibited the most intense coactivation with the same muscle during all conditions. Thus, intensity and consistency criteria usually agreed, suggesting that strong correlations so determined may operationally define a "functional relation". However, correlations in the sense of covariation are neither necessary nor sufficient evidence to establish anatomical connections. To test the possibility of direct excitatory connections we stimulated the cortex, but found lowest threshold responses in distal muscles, even from points where most cells had been strongly correlated with proximal muscles. Post-spike averages of rectified EMG activity provided scant evidence for cell-related fluctuations in firing probabilities of any muscles.
Urokinase production by embryonic endocardial-derived cells: regulation by substrate composition.

Abstract Early events in cardiovascular morphogenesis are characterized by cell migrations and extensive tissue remodeling. We are interested in the role played by the extracellular serine protease urokinase in these events. Elevated urokinase activity and mRNA levels have been shown to be associated with the onset of ventricular trabeculation and mesenchymal cell migration in the endocardial cushion tissues of the artioventricular canal and the outflow tract of the quail embryo. In this study, urokinase production by isolated endocardial-derived cells was found to be affected by the composition of the matrix to which the cells were exposed. Interaction of cells with a 45-kDa gelatin-binding fragment of fibronectin upregulated the production of urokinase by nearly threefold. This increase in urokinase activity had profound influences on cell motility and spreading.
Processing locational and orientational information

In choice reaction time (RT) tasks, college students verified the truth of displays expressing spatial relations between two objects. The relations werelocational (A is left of B) ororientational (A and B are horizontal). The objects were names of states in the United States, symbols, or letter arrays. The objects were memorized prior to the display (states and letters) or were presented as part of the display (symbols and letters). In the location tasks with both states and symbols, locatives were spatial (right, left, above, below) or compass (north, south, east, west). Distance between states was also varied. When location was judged, horizontally aligned stimuli resulted in slower responses than vertically aligned stimuli, independently of materials and locative set. Reaction time was inversely related to distance. When orientation was judged, responses to horizontal pairs of states were slower than responses to vertical pairs of states, responses to horizontal pairs of letters were faster than responses to vertical pairs, and RT did not depend upon the orientation of symbols. This pattern of results suggests that orientational judgments are influenced by type of materials and the entext to which the material has been encoded (i.e., memorized). Locational judgments reflect a potent source of difficulty not present in orientation tasks, namely, telling left from right. Alternative explanations of the right-left effect are discussed.
Macromolecules in nonhomogeneous flow fields: a general study for dumbbell model macromolecules

The hydrodynamics of bead-spring model macromolecules in nonhomogeneous flows has recently been worked out. By taking a non-infinite distance between the beads (relative to the bead size) into account a hydrodynamic driving force was found. In this paper we explore the kinetic theory consequence of that force and show that non-uniform (polymer) concentration profiles are to be expected in nonhomogeneous flows. The diffusion equation for a dilute polymer solution is derived from the continuity equation for the distribution function. Arguments, leading to a well-ordered pertubation expansion of the continuity equation are advanced and the zeroth order function of this hierarchy is studied for models with linear springs. Details for the channel flow system are worked out with special emphasis on the relation between the polymer concentration and the parameters of the system. Explicit results are presented for models with linear springs. It is shown that if the Oseen tensor is not preaveraged, inadmissible results emerge.
Room Temperature Electron Spin Resonance Distance Measurements in T4 Lysozyme using Trityl-Based Spin Labels

Pulsed Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy in combination with site-directed spin labeling is unique in providing nanometer- range distances and distributions in biological systems. Distance constraints are valuable for determining structure and structural changes, while distance distributions reflect structural heterogeneity. To date, most of the pulsed ESR techniques require cryogenic temperatures to reduce the rapid electron spin relaxation rate and to prevent averaging of electron-electron dipolar interaction due to the rapid molecular tumbling. To enable measurements at physiological temperatures, we are exploring a trityl-based spin label with a relatively long relaxation time where the protein is immobilized by attachment to a solid support. In this preliminary study, trityl radicals were attached via disulfide linkages to substituted cysteine residues at positions 65 and 80 or at positions 65 and 76 in T4 lysozyme (T4L) immobilized on Sepharose. Double quantum coherence (DQC) was applied to the two spin-labeled double mutants at room temperature. Distances extracted from DQC show a 2.2 nm and a 1.8 nm spin-spin distance, respectively, close to those expected from models of the trityl label in the T4L structure. Narrow distribution of distances was observed in each case, indicating that the trityl spin label is relatively rigid. The results show that, with the use of trityl spin label and DQC, structural constraints can be obtained to study protein structure/dynamics at physiological temperature. Furthermore, as we show, trityl labels enable micromolar sensitivity DQC distance measurements in the temperature range of 60-100 K, since their distant methyl groups only weakly contribute to the relaxation of electron spins. As an additional advantage less intense microwave pulses are needed as compared to nitroxides.
The significance of the magnetism observed in lunar rocks

Partial thermal remanence experiments on lunar igneous rocks indicate that the magnetization of lunar rocks is not a normal single component thermoremanent magnetization. The magnetization therefore may not have been acquired at the time of initial cooling of the rock and thus should be used cautiously in making estimates of the intensity of the ancient lunar magnetic field.
Intrinsic toughness of interfaces

Abstract The intrinsic delamination toughness of interfaces between thin coatings of SiC and substrates of either silicon single crystals or Pitch-55 carbon fibers can be determined accurately in many instances from the analysis of the spontaneous delamination phenomenon of such coatings when they are under residual tension or compression. When the thickness of such stressed coatings reach a critical threshold value, the elastic strain energy of material misfit stored in the coating becomes a driving force for delamination of the coatings in quasi-static equilibrium, starting from defects on the interfaces or edges. The analysis of this phenomenon has given delamination toughnesses for interfaces between SiC coatings and silicon single crystals and Pitch-55 carbon fibers, which range from 5.1 J m−2 to 5.95 J m−2. Although somewhat high, these toughness levels are well within a factor of 2 of the expected true intrinsic interface toughnesses for these systems in the absence of any accompanying inelastic deformation.
Algorithms for sensitivity information in discrete-event systems simulation

Abstract This paper considers the design, analysis, and operation of discrete event systems (DES) with performance J(θ) depending on the value of certain decision parameters θ ϵ Θ. Both engineers and managers are interested in information about the sensitivity of J(θ) with respect to certain continuous parameters θ. This sensitivity information is useful for what-if analysis, assessing the relative importance of each parameter θ, studying the local functional behavior, and construction of J(θ) over Θ. In addition to this valuable descriptive information, the sensitivity information is of prime importance in prescriptive analysis, namely optimization and goal-seeking problems where a ‘good enough’ solution is preferred. We present algorithms for obtaining sensitivity information on DES via simulation. The paper assumes an existing validated and verified simulation application in which the presented algorithms can be incorporated to provide powerful sensitivity information. Our focus is on enhancement, theoretical-unification, and some extensions of the existing algorithms. All algorithms are presented in English-like format and therefore can be implemented in a variety of operating systems and machines, providing unlimited portability.
Thermoluminescence of ZnO

Abstract The thermoluminescent behavior of polycrystalline ZnO was studied as a function of the temperature and partial pressure of oxygen of the heat treatment. Two peaks were observed, a broad peak at about 150°K and a well defined peak at 182°K. Analysis of the data obtained from the high temperature peak is consistent with the existence of a defect complex involving a copper impurity at 0.4 eV and a zinc vacancy 2.4 eV below the conduction band.
Nurse practitioners knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy for working with transgender patients

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people experience distinct health disparities and are one of the largest underserved populations in any nursing setting. Transgender health has been the subject of relatively little health research, particularly within the nursing community. Studies investigating nursing’s knowledge and attitudes towards LGBT persons suggest a gap that can affect the access and quality of care for transgender patients. The purpose of this pilot descriptive study was to explore nurse practitioner knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy in caring for transgender persons; those whose gender identity and/or gender expression does not fit their gender assigned at birth (natal gender). Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy was used as the theoretical framework. Using a sample of nurse practitioners (n=416) that provided email addresses to a nurse practitioner association questionnaires were delivered electronically which were designed to measure knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy for providing transgender health care. Twenty-six completed surveys were returned. The results indicated that the majority of the respondents’ state “full respect” and “acceptance” towards transgender patients while also reporting low self-efficacy for providing care. All respondents report no transgender content during their nurse practitioner education. Implications from this study suggest that nurse practitioners hold attitudes that promote culturally competent care while knowledge and self-efficacy are potential areas of need. Further clinical research is needed investigating nurse practitioner knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy on a larger scale while also investigating gender and sexual minority content in nursing educational programs.
A study of the induction of cell division in amphibian oocytes by insulin

Abstract Ripe Xenopus oocytes, 1.4 mm in diameter, arrested in prophase of meiosis I undergo meiotic cell division in vitro upon exposure to insulin. The role of insulin binding in mediating the response of the oocyte has been investigated. Scatchard analysis of specific insulin binding to oocytes revealed curvilinear kinetics with a K D of 1.4 n M and 4 × 10 7 receptors per oocyte for the high-affinity component. However, the EC 50 for induction of cell division by insulin was 12 n M in the presence of 10 mg/ml bovine serum albumin. Oocytes treated with Pronase to remove all residual follicle cells still responded to sodium insulin, indicating induction occurred at the level of the oocyte. Using high levels of human anti-insulin receptor antibody, which was demonstrated to bind specifically to the oocyte, 50% of specific insulin binding was prevented. Under these conditions, neither the dose-response curve for induction of cell division by insulin nor the time course was changed by the presence of antireceptor antibody. Other studies demonstrate that pure insulin-like growth factor can induce cell division in oocytes. These results indicate that the induction of cell division in amphibian oocytes by insulin is not mediated by the high-affinity component of insulin binding and may involve interaction of insulin with insulin-like growth factor receptors.
On the applicability of finite order perturbative QCD calculations of jet rates in e+ e- annihilation

We have studied the measurement of α s using exact second order QCD matrix element calculations of jet rates ine + e −→hadrons. We investigate the dependence of α s (M 2 ), measured by experiments at theZ 0 resonance, on the choice of renormalisation scale in terms of the functional form of the three-jet matrix element. We find that only a restricted domain of the jet resolution parametery c , $$\Lambda _{\overline {MS} } $$ , and scale gives a perturbation series which is well-behaved to second order, and that this domain is different for the various jet algorithms in current use.
Distribution and efflux of sodium from frog heart ventricles perfused with normal and sodium free Ringer's solution.

The marked reduction in the rate of22Na washout in choline Ringer's allowed estimation of resting and beating influx of sodium into the myocardial cell to be made. The influx of sodium into the quiescent myocardium as determined by our technique was 2.0 p mol/cm2 sec and the influx per beat amounted to 4.4 p mol/cm2 beat. The22Na that entered the beating ventricle washed out at a much slower rate into choline Ringer than did the22Na that entered the quiescent ventricle. The sodium that entered while beating mixed with an intracellular sodium pool whose size was estimated at 4 mM Na/kg wet wgt. The total sodium content of a frog ventricle persufed for 90 min was 50 mM/kg wet wgt which was partitioned in the following manner: Inulin space 28 mM/kg interstitial bound sodium 6 mM/kg; intracellular 16 mM/kg of which 4 mM/kg is in fiber water, the remaining being compartmentalized outside the fiber water volume. In addition it was found that removal of calcium from choline Ringer increased sodium efflux by 50%.
The question of parallax-effect on radiographic assessment of short trachea in infants and children.

Disproportinately short trachea, can be recognized in AP chest radiographs of infants and older children taken during quiet respiration and showing an evaluable air tracheobronchogram, by the thoracic vertebral level of the carina (normally at T4 in neonates and infants, and at T5 in children two years of age or older). To establish the extent to which a parallax-effect of differing angles of X-ray beam relative to the patient can influence the radiologic assessment of carinal level, we measured the tracheal-vertebral distance at the carina in 29 lateral radiographs of neonates, infants and children, prepared diagrams of the loci of carinal beam intercept of the vertebral column for different angles of beam to body, from tracings of lateral radiographs of two 2-week-old infants, one with trachea of normal length and one with short trachea; of a nine-year-old child with short trachea, and of a ten-year-old with normal trachea, and made radiographs of a postmortem tracheobronchogram of a two-day-old infant at different beam angles. We conclude that tube-body angles of the order of 10–15° from vertical at 27 inches (68.6 cm) or at 40 inches (101.6 cm) FFD do not significantly affect the apparent thoracic vertebral level of the carina in AP chest radiographs, and that a beam angle of 20° or more from vertical is necessary to change the apparent level of tracheal bifurcation by one vertebral body, depending on the patient's age and on whether the patient's position relative to the X-ray beam is lordotic or anti-lordotic. Since AP chest radiographs are rarely made at such beam angles, we conclude that a parallax-effect of beam body angle is not an important variable in assessment of carinal level, and thereby of tracheal length, from AP chest radiographs of infants and children taken during quiet respiration.
Multi-Color in vivo fluorescence lifetime tomography

We present an in vivo multi-color fluorescence lifetime imaging method based on scanning laser optical tomography and Fourier fluorescence lifetime excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy. The system was tested with live transgenic zebrafish embryo.
Synthesis and Conformational Preferences of a Potential beta-Sheet Nucleator Based on the 9,9-Dimethylxanthene Skeleton.

A 4,5-disubstituted-9,9-dimethylxanthene-based amino acid (10) has been synthesized for incorporation into peptide sequences which have a propensity to adopt β-sheet structure. Molecular dynamics s...
Partial melting in the deepest mantle

[1] We have compared the travel times of direct (P, S) and core-reflected (PcP, ScS) phases recorded in southern Africa from earthquakes occurring in the Scotia Arc region. The low-velocity region beneath the south Atlantic is explored by calculating ScS-S and PcP-P travel-time residuals to determine the correlation and magnitude of Vs and Vp reductions in the deepest mantle. Residual calculations yield extraordinary results as PcP-P is about 1 second larger than expected while ScS-S is >7 seconds larger for a great circle arc distance of 54°. We investigate models of P and S velocity reductions in the deepest mantle that may explain these residuals to provide constraints on the velocity structure of the D” region in this extremely slow zone. The reductions in P and S velocity needed to match the data are consistent with partial melting in the deepest mantle for a wide range of 1D models.
Photoreduction of CO2 on p-type Silicon Using Re(bipy-But)(CO)3Cl: Photovoltages Exceeding 600 mV for the Selective Reduction of CO2 to CO

Hydrogen-terminated p-type silicon was used as a photocathode for the selective photoreduction of CO2 to CO in the presence of Re(bipy-But)(CO)3Cl (bipy-But = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine) as an electrocatalyst. The reduction of CO2 to CO on p-type silicon was achieved at a potential more than 600 mV lower than that required with a Pt electrode. A Faradaic efficiency of 97 ± 3% and an overall efficiency of 9.3% and 10% for the conversion of monochromatic and polychromatic light, respectively, to electricity were observed for the CO2 photoreduction process. A short-circuit quantum efficiency of 61% for light-to-chemical energy conversion was observed for the conversion of CO2 to CO.
Creating a Hospitality Sales Management Course on the Web: Lessons for the Beginner

What can traditionally experienced faculty expect when training for, designing, and implementing his or her first undergraduate university Web-based course? This case study describes one faculty person's experience in converting his traditionally taught hospitality sales management course to Web-based instruction. In an extended metaphor, the novice faculty person is viewed as a gold prospector who needs a map to the territory, tools and provisions, and first hand stories to provide guidance. Similarly, the faculty person making this journey is provided: (a) a Project Management Model, (b) basic Web course tools, and (c) the author's lessons learned.
Implicit Continuum Mechanics Approach to Heat Conduction in Granular Materials

In this paper, we derive a properly frame-invariant implicit constitutive relationship for the heat flux vector for a granular medium (or a density-gradient-type fluid). The heat flux vector is commonly modeled by Fourier’s law of heat conduction, and for complex materials such as nonlinear fluids, porous media, or granular materials, the coefficient of thermal conductivity is generalized by assuming that it would depend on a host of material and kinematic parameters such as temperature, shear rate, porosity, concentration, etc. In this paper, we extend the approach of Massoudi [Massoudi, M. Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 2006, 29, 1585; Massoudi, M. Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 2006, 29, 1599], who provided explicit constitutive relations for the heat flux vector for flowing granular materials; in order to do so, we use the implicit scheme suggested by Fox [Fox, N. Int. J. Eng. Sci. 1969, 7, 437], who obtained implicit relations in thermoelasticity.
Thin-layer chromatographic separation of methylene blue and related thiazine dyes

Abstract Methylene blue, azures A, B and C, thionine and their oxidation- and photodegradation products can best be separated by triple development with 95% ethanol-chloroform-acetic acid (85:10:5) on commercial Silica Gel G thin-layers. Serious errors are caused by photo-degradation of the dyes during development; the chromatograms must be carefully shielded from light. At least ten components can be clearly separated. Other sources of error and uncertainty are also described.
Learning ion–solid interactions hands-on: An activity based, inquiry oriented, graduate course

Abstract Experimental work, using state of the art instrumentation, is integrated with lectures in a “real life”, learning by discovery approach, in the Ion–Solid Interactions graduate/undergraduate course offered by the Department of Physics of the University of Central Florida. The lecture component of the course covers the underlying physical principles, and related scientific and technological applications, associated with the interaction of energetic ions with matter. In the experimental section the students form small groups and perform a variety of projects, experimental and computational, as part of a participative, inquiry oriented, learning process. In the most recent offering of the class, the students deposited a compound semiconductor thin film by dual-gun sputtering deposition, where each group aimed at a different stoichiometry of the same compound (Zn 1− x S x O y ). Then they analyzed the composition using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, measured electrical transport properties using Hall effect and conductivity measurements, and determined the band gap using spectrophotometry. Finally the groups shared their results and each wrote a ‘journal-like’ technical article describing the entire work. In a different assignment, each group also developed a Monte Carlo computer program (‘TRIM-like’) to simulate the penetration of ions into a solid, in ion implantation, calculating the stopping cross-sections with approximate models, taught in class, which can be analytically solved. The combination of classroom/laboratory activities is very well received by the students. They gain real life experience operating state of the art equipment, and working in teams, while performing research-like projects, and simultaneously they learn the theoretical foundations of the discipline.
A comparison of lipoprotein secretion, bile production and hepatic morphology in isolated rat livers perfused with a perfluorocarbon emulsion or rat erythrocytes

Isolated rat livers were perfused with an oxygenated perfluorocarbon emulsion, FC-43 emulsion for 1 to 4 hr. FC-43 emulsion contained 20% FC-43 (wt/vol) perfluorotributylamine (the fluorocarbon component for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide) emulsified with 2.56% Pluronic F-68 (a nonionic surfactant) in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer. FC-43 emulsion also contained 3% hydroxyethyl starch as an oncotic agent and 1.8 mg/ml glucose. The viability (oxygen consumption), bile secretion, structural integrity and secretion of nascent lipoproteins by FC-43-perfused rat livers was compared with livers perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer that contained rat erythrocytes (25% hematocrit) and 1.5 mg/ml glucose (red blood cell medium). Oxygen consumption was somewhat higher in livers perfused with FC-43 emulsion. Bile secretion of livers perfused with FC-43 emulsion for 4 hr was reduced significantly to 40% of that by red blood cell medium. The structural integrity of livers perfused with FC-43 emulsion varied from normal to marked cellular damage. Lightmicroscopical examination of rat livers perfused with FC-43 emulsion showed ballooning of sinusoids, presence of vacuoles in sinusoidal lining cells in some hepatocytes and detachment of endothelium in sinusoids. The number of vacuoles progressively increased in longer perfusions. Electron-microscopical studies showed the presence of small (60 to 100 nm) vesicles of varying electron density, presumably fluorocarbon particles inside the vacuoles in sinusoidal lining cells (Kupffer and endothelial) and hepatocytes. After 4 hr of perfusion with FC-43 emulsion, most of the sinusoidal endothelia were denuded, and the microvilli of the hepatocytes all but disappeared. In contrast, the ultrastructure of rat livers perfused with red blood cell medium for 4 hr was unaltered. The accumulation of nascent lipoproteins in perfusates of FC-43-perfused livers was markedly reduced, and no normal very-low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein were isolated. Chemical analysis showed the presence of Pluronic F-68 in all lipoprotein fractions. Our data strongly suggest that, during recirculating liver perfusions with FC-43 emulsion (between 1 and 4 hr), the nonionic surfactant detergent Pluronic F-68 dissociated from the emulsion and markedly affected hepatic structure, lipoprotein secretion and the composition of lipoproteins isolated from perfusate. Therefore FC-43 emulsion is not a suitable liver-perfusion medium for studies of lipoprotein metabolism. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:340–351.)
Isolation and characterization of glycoproteins from canine tracheal pouch secretions.

Canine tracheal pouch secretions were solubilized with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and visualized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose-acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Intact mucus, and water-soluble and insoluble fractions of mucus were shown to be composed of high molecular weight glycoproteins (Mr ⩾ 3 · 106) and three major classes of proteins of lower molecular weight (Mr ≈ 4 · 105, 2 · 105, and 6 · 104). When the mucus secretions were further treated with a reducing agent, the glycoproteins were dissociated into subunits which appeared on the gel as three discrete bands. Separation of the high molecular weight glycoproteins from the other proteins was achieved by gel filtration on Biogel A-15m in the presence of 1% dodecyl sulfate following reduction and alkylation of mucus. These glycoproteins were further resolved, using DEAE cellulose chromatography in the presence of 6 M urea, into two protein fractions. Both fractions contained approximately 87% carbohydrate, high amounts of serine and threonine but differed significantly in contents of N-acetyl glucosamine and sialic acid; their mobility on gel electrophoresis was also different. Significant contents of cysteine were noted in both fractions. Results of this study indicate that the canine tracheal pouch preparations provide normal tracheal secretions which bear similarity in structure to the tracheobronchial secretions obtained from human patients.
Osmium: Organometallic Chemistry

Organometallic complexes of osmium include those with sigma bonds between the metal and the organic moiety, such as metal–alkyl complexes, or π bonds, such as metal–alkene complexes. The osmium alkyl complexes include homoleptic alkyls and complexes with ancillary carbonyl, cyclopentadienyl, arene, or alkene ligands. Because osmium complexes are stable in higher oxidation states than either ruthenium or iron, oxidative addition of CH bonds to form alkylidene and alkylidyne complexes is very common. Metal–ligand bonds also tend to be stronger in osmium complexes than in complexes of the lighter elements of this group. Because of the stability of OsOs bonds, there are many bimetallic and cluster complexes of osmium and these species have an extensive reaction chemistry. Selective oxidation reactions of unsaturated organic molecules dominates the catalytic chemistry of this metal. Mechanistic studies on the activation of molecular oxygen and oxygen transfer reactions by organoosmium complexes have provided insights into catalytic oxidation chemistry. Keywords: osmium; alkyl; aryl; carbonyl; oxidation; carbene; carbyne; cluster
Functional assignment of Erwinia herbicola Eho10 carotenoid genes expressed in Escherichia coli

Erwinia herbicola is a nonphotosynthetic bac- terium that is yellow pigmented due to the presence of carotenoids. When the Erwinia carotenoid biosynthetic genes are expressed in Escherichia coli, this bacterium also displays a yellow phenotype. The DNA sequence of the plasmid pPL376, carrying the entire Erwinia carotenoid gene cluster, has been found to contain 12 open reading frames (ORFs). Six of the ORFs have been identified as carotenoid biosynthesis genes that code for all the enzymes required for conversion of farnesyl py- rophosphate (FPP) to zeaxanthin diglucoside via ger- anylgeranyl pyrophosphate, phytoene, lycopene, (3- carotene, and zeaxanthin. These enzymatic steps were assigned after disruption of each ORF by a specific mu- tation and analysis of the accumulated intermediates. Carotenoid intermediates were identified by the absorp- tion spectra of the colored components and by high pressure liquid chromatographic analysis. The six carotenoid genes are arranged in at least two operons. The gene coding for (~-carotene hydroxylase is tran- scribed in the opposite direction from that of the other carotenoid genes and overlaps with the gene for phy- toene synthase.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Caused by Anti-D

A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia of the “warm” antibody type is described. The patient is of Rh Phenotype D+, C+, E-, c-, e+ for a probable Rh genotype of R1R1. During the first 19 weeks of the course of the study, his serum and eluates made from his red blood cells were found to contain a potent, autoreactive, anti-D and, at times, a second, weaker antibody. The second antibody reacted with all test cells available except Rhnull. At the end of the eight-month period of study, the eluate was found to be nonreactive with Rhnull and LW-negative cells. Apparently as the autoimmune disease progressed, the specificity of the causative antibody changed.
Abnormal norepinephrine and aldosterone responses to upright posture in nonmodulating hypertension.

The subgroup of patients with nonmodulating hypertension demonstrates a number of abnormalities of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. We previously identified abnormalities in plasma and urinary dopamine in nonmodulators and posited that this may be in part due to a generalized defect in sympathetic nervous system activity. In the present study we assessed the state of activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system in normal subjects and patients with modulating, nonmodulating, and low renin essential hypertension during sodium depletion and change from supine to upright posture. Levels of plasma norepinephrine were higher in non-modulators during the posture study (P < 0.05). PRA rose with upright posture in all groups, but low renin subjects had a blunted response. Nonmodulators and low renin subjects had lower aldosterone levels both supine (P< 0.05) and upright (P< 0.01). However, the aldosterone/PRA increment ratio was increased in low renin subjects (P< 0.01), whe...
Immunization of pediatric solid-organ transplantation candidates : Immunizations in transplant candidates

Many children who receive solid-organ transplants have not completed their primary immunizations prior to transplantation. This leaves pediatric transplant recipients susceptible to the vaccine preventable illness of childhood, which if acquired post-transplantation are associated with increased rates of complications, hospitalization, graft rejection and mortality. The administration of vaccines to transplant candidates earlier and more rapidly than in the healthy child will improve vaccination rates among transplant recipients while not compromising immunogenicity. The recommended vaccines and vaccine schedule are discussed in detail.
Sustained Ca2+ entry elicits transient postsynaptic currents at a retinal ribbon synapse

Night (scotopic) vision is mediated by a distinct retinal circuit in which the light responses of rod-driven neurons are faster than those of the rods themselves. To investigate the dynamics of synaptic transmission at the second synapse in the rod pathway, we made paired voltage-clamp recordings from rod bipolar cells (RBCs) and postsynaptic AII and A17 amacrine cells in rat retinal slices. Depolarization of RBCs from -60 mV elicited sustained Ca2+ currents and evoked AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated EPSCs in synaptically coupled amacrine cells that exhibited large, rapidly rising initial peaks that decayed rapidly to smaller, steady-state levels. The transient component persisted in the absence of feedback inhibition to the RBC terminal and when postsynaptic AMPA receptor desensitization was blocked with cyclothiazide, indicating that it reflects a time-dependent decrease in the rate of exocytosis from the presynaptic terminal. The EPSC waveform was similar when RBCs were recorded in perforated-patch or whole-cell configurations, but asynchronous release from RBCs was enhanced when the intraterminal Ca2+ buffer capacity was reduced. When RBCs were depolarized from -100 mV, inactivating, low voltage-activated (T-type channel-mediated) Ca2+ currents were evident. Although Ca2+ influx through T-type channels boosted vesicle release, as reflected by larger EPSCs, it did not make the EPSCs faster, indicating that activation of T-type channels is not necessary to generate a transient phase of exocytosis. We conclude that the time course of vesicle release from RBCs is inherently transient and, together with the fast kinetics of postsynaptic AMPARs, speeds transmission at this synapse.
Anterior acromioplasty for the chronic impingement syndrome in the shoulder

Impingement on the tendinous portion of the rotator cuff by the coracoacromial ligament and the anterior third of the acromion is responsible for a characteristic syndrome of disability of the shoulder. A characteristic proliferative spur and ridge has been noted on the anterior lip and undersurface of the anterior process of the acromion and this area may also show erosion and eburnation. The treatment of the impingement is to remove the anterior edge and undersurface of the anterior part of the acromion with the attached coracoacromial ligament. The impingement may also involve the tendon of the long head of the biceps and if it does, it is best to decompress the tendon and remove any osteophytes which may be in its groove, but to avoid transplanting the biceps tendon if possible. Hypertrophic lipping at the acromio-clavicular joint may impinge on the supraspinatus tendon when the arm is in abduction and, if the lip is prominent, this joint should be resected. These are the principles of anterior acromioplasty.
Cytoadherence of erythrocytes invaded by Plasmodium falciparum: Quantitative contact-probing of a human malaria receptor

Cytoadherence of red blood cells (RBCs) invaded by Plasmodium falciparum parasites is an important contributor to the sequestration of RBCs, causing reduced microcirculatory flow associated with fatal malaria syndromes. The phenomenon involves a parasite-derived variant antigen, the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), and several human host receptors, such as chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), which has been explicitly implicated in placental malaria. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cytoadherence requires quantitative evaluation, under physiologically relevant conditions, of the specific receptor-ligand interactions associated with pathological states of cell-cell adhesion. Such quantitative studies have not been reported thus far for P. falciparum malaria under conditions of febrile temperatures that accompany malarial infections. In this study, single RBCs infected with P. falciparum parasites (CSA binding phenotype) in the trophozoite stage were engaged in mechanical contact with the surface of surrogate cells specifically expressing CSA, so as to quantify cytoadherence to human syncytiotrophoblasts in a controlled manner. From these measurements, a mean rupture force of 43pN was estimated for the CSA-PfEMP1 complex at 37°C. Experiments carried out at febrile temperature showed a noticeable decrease in CSA-PfEMP1 rupture force (by about 23% at 41°C and about 20% after a 40°C heat treatment), in association with an increased binding frequency. The decrease in rupture force points to a weakened receptor-ligand complex after exposure to febrile temperature, while the rise in binding frequency suggests an additional display of nonspecific binding molecules on the RBC surface. The present work establishes a robust experimental method for the quantitative assessment of cytoadherence of diseased cells with specific molecule-mediated binding.
History and the Rhetoric of Legitimacy: The Ma Tsu Cult of Taiwan

Worshippers of the goddess Ma Tsu constitute Taiwan's most encompassing ritual community. The cult's close association with Taiwanese history and cultural identity is well known to Sinological anthropologists. Every year pilgrimage groups (usually organized by local territorial cults) converge on cult centers at Pei-kang, Hsin-kang, Chang-hua, Lu-kang, T'u-ch'eng, and Tainan, among others (see Figure 1). These centers compete actively for cult supremacy, and the arguments invoked in this rivalry are mainly of an historical nature. The question I explore here is, Why is history so important in establishing the authenticity and charisma of this goddess?
Puerto Rican Fathers' Involvement with Their Preschool-Age Children.

The relationships between fathers 'functional styles within the family, social support, and fathers' involvement with their preschool-age children in the home were assessed in 40 mainland Puerto Ri...
Generational Influences in Academic Emergency Medicine: Teaching and Learning, Mentoring, and Technology (Part I)

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:190–199 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract For the first time in history, four generations are working together—traditionalists, baby boomers, generation Xers (Gen Xers), and millennials. Members of each generation carry with them a unique perspective of the world and interact differently with those around them. Through a review of the literature and consensus by modified Delphi methodology of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Aging and Generational Issues Task Force, the authors have developed this two-part series to address generational issues present in academic emergency medicine (EM). Understanding generational characteristics and mitigating strategies can help address some common issues encountered in academic EM. Through recognition of the unique characteristics of each of the generations with respect to teaching and learning, mentoring, and technology, academicians have the opportunity to strategically optimize interactions with one another.
Flutter Margins for Multimode Unstable Couplings with Associated Flutter Confidence

The Zimmerman-Weissenburger approach presents an innovative tool for the prediction of the onset of flutter during a flight test. This approach computes flutter margins as the distance from any test point to that onset point by noting that a flutter function, which relates the stability of the aeroelastic dynamics, has approximately a quadratic dependency on dynamic pressure. The approach has assisted envelope expansion for many flight tests; however, it is limited to the consideration of two-mode coupling for the flutter instability. This paper introduces an extension to the Zimmerman-Weissenburger approach that accounts for multimode coupling in the flutter instability. The resulting flutter margins are actually computed by analyzing a combinatorial set of modal pairings that may be related through a multiplicative or norm formulation. Also, a metric of flutter confidence is formulated that associates how well the data used to generate these flutter margins adhere to the theoretical assumptions used in the approach. Flutter margins are computed for a modified 747 aircraft with a four-mode instability to show that the multimode approach with associated confidence is able to accurately predict the onset of flutter.
Regulation of Cell Motility by Tyrosine Phosphorylated Villin

Temporal and spatial regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is vital for cell migration. Here, we show that an epithelial cell actin-binding protein, villin, plays a crucial role in this process. Overexpression of villin in doxycyline-regulated HeLa cells enhanced cell migration. Villin-induced cell migration was modestly augmented by growth factors. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of villin and villin-induced cell migration was significantly inhibited by the src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) as well as by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of c-src. These data suggest that phosphorylation of villin by c-src is involved in the actin cytoskeleton remodeling necessary for cell migration. We have previously shown that villin is tyrosine phosphorylated at four major sites. To further investigate the role of tyrosine phosphorylated villin in cell migration, we used phosphorylation site mutants (tyrosine to phenylalanine or tyrosine to glutamic acid) in HeLa cells. We determined that tyrosine phosphorylation at residues 60, 81, and 256 of human villin played an essential role in cell migration as well as in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Collectively, these studies define how biophysical events such as cell migration are actuated by biochemical signaling pathways involving tyrosine phosphorylation of actin binding proteins, in this case villin.
Ultrastructure of the Platypus and Echidna Mandibular Glands

The secretory units of the platypus and echidna mandibular glands consist of a single serous cell type. Secretory granules within the cells of the platypus mandibular gland stained intensely with the periodic acid-Schiff staining procedure but failed to stain with Alcian Blue, suggesting the granules contained neutral glycoproteins. Secretory granules within the mandibular glands of the echidna failed to stain with the methods used indicating little if any glycoprotein was associated with the secretory granules. Ultrastructurally, secretory granules of the platypus mandibular gland were electron dense with a central core of less electron-dense material and were membrane bound. In contrast, those of the echidna presented a lamellated appearance and also were limited by a membrane. These secretory granules appeared to form as a result of concentric layering of lamellae within cisternae of the Golgi membranes. The intralobular ductal system of the platypus was more extensively developed than that of the echidna. The striated ducts of both species were characterized by elaborate infoldings of the basolateral plasmalemma and an abundance of associated mitochondria.
Graphic Representations of Processing Structure: The Time-Event Matrix

Science-wide complexity theory presents strange attractors as lawful outcomes of nonlinear functions. The time-event matrices used by Streufert and associates to depict human information processing in complex task environments have similar characteristics. The use and construction of these matrices is described. The technique may be useful across sciences to depict the consequences of complex phenomena.
PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF THE SPOTTED SAND BASS, PARALABRAX MACULATOFASCIATUS: DIVERGENCE OF GULF OF CALIFORNIA AND PACIFIC COAST POPULATIONS

Have the warm tropical waters and currents of the southern Gulf of California, Mexico (also known as the Sea of Cortez), formed a barrier to gene flow, resulting in disjunct populations in the upper gulf that are isolated from the outer Pacific Coast? Phylogeographic and genetic divergences of the spotted sand bass,Paralabrax maculatofas- ciatus, from three Gulf of California and two outer Pacific coastal locations were tested using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. Sequence data from two congeners that are sympatrically distributed along the outer Pacific Coast, the barred sand bass, P. nebulifer, and the kelp bass, P. clathratus, were used to gauge the levels of genetic divergences. Differences among the three species and between the northern gulf and outer Pacific coastal populations of P. maculatofasciatus also were analyzed using 40 allozymic presumptive gene loci. Allozyme and mtDNA analyses each revealed many fixed differences among the species. Three significant allozymic frequency differences and two fixed mtDNA substitutions differentiated the gulf and outer Pacific coastal populations ofP. maculatofasciatus. Three unique mtDNA haplotypes and three unique allozyme alleles were identified from the outer Pacific coastal population. The gulf sites contained four unique mtDNA haplotypes and six unique allozyme alleles. Partitioning of the mtDNA variation revealed that 72% of the variance occurred between the gulf and outer Pacific Coast, 20% between sampling sites in the two regions, and 8% within the sites. There appears to be little gene flow across the waters of the southern Baja Penninsula, producing divergence estimated as 120,000 to 600,000 years between the outer Pacific coastal and the Gulf of California populations. This separation level may date to a hypothesized seaway closure near La Paz, Mexico, during the mid-Pleistocene, and characterizes other fish populations. A second pattern of deeper allopatric species-level divergences in some other fishes may date to a Pliocene closure of a mid- Baja Penninsular seaway. Significant differences also were discerned in P. maculatofasciatus between the San Diego and central Baja California coastal sites and between the upper/central and the lower gulf locations. Variation between locations in the two regions may be indicative of larval retention and low adult migration, which needs to be tested further.