cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface area stabilization of IrAl2O3 catalysts by CaO, SrO, and BaO under oxygen atmospheres: Implications on the mechanism of catalyst sintering and redispersion

Abstract An approach for preventing sintering and maintaining high metal dispersions of Ir Al 2 O 3 catalysts in the presence of oxygen at elevated temperatures has been developed. Well-dispersed Ir Al 2 O 3 catalysts were readily sintered under oxygen at temperatures above 450 °C. If, however, Ba, Ca, or Sr oxides were impregnated onto the A1 2 O 3 support along with the Ir, then complete inhibition of sintering was observed up to 650 °C. This effect only occurred when the concentration of Ba, Ca, or Sr oxides was in excess of the concentration of acid sites on the Al 2 O 3 support. Studies of presintered Ir Al 2 O 3 catalysts to which BaO was subsequently added demonstrated that Ir could be redispersed by treating the system with oxygen at 600 °C. The oxidative stabilization and redispersion of Ir Al 2 O 3 catalysts are consistent with the capture of mobile, molecular, iridium oxide species by well-dispersed Group IIA-oxide sites. The trapping mechanism is assumed to proceed via the formation of stable, immobile surface iridates.
Antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombosis, and adenocarcinoma

Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are associated with a common thrombotic diathesis of young adults. The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and APA have also been observed in patients with infections and cancer. We herein describe the occurrence of APA in two cases of adenocarcinoma, one of them unusual. The first patient, a 60-year-old man, presented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limb followed by pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in May 2003. Even though the patient was on an international normalized ratio (INR) for [...]
Antibody Response to Immunization with Purified GD3 Ganglioside and GD3 Derivatives (Lactones, Amide and Gangliosidol) in the Mouse

GD3 is the ganglioside most abundantly expressed on the cell surface of human melanoma, and treatment with a monoclonal antibody recognizing GD3 has induced major responses in a small proportion of patients. However, we have been unable to induce production of GD3 antibodies in melanoma patients by active immunization with GD3-expressing melanoma cells or purified GD3. In this report we describe attempts to increase the immunogenicity of GD3 in the mouse by chemical modification. GD3 lactone I and II, GD3 amide and GD3 gangliosidol were synthesized, and the humoral immune response to these derivatives was compared with the response to unmodified GD3. The GD3 derivatives were more immunogenic than GD3. At a low dose all congeners induced an IgM response, with antibody titers higher than those elicited by low-dose GD3. The gangliosidol and amide derivatives also induced an IgG response. IgM antibodies induced by immunization with GD3 lactone I cross-reacted with purified GD3 and GD3-expressing melanoma cells. Titers of GD3 cross-reactive antibodies were slightly higher than after immunization with GD3 itself at the same low dose. IgM and IgG antibodies induced by the other congeners did not cross-react with GD3.
Action Potential Conduction and Sodium Channel Content in the Optic Nerve of the Myelin-Deficient Rat

Compound action potential (CAP) conduction and Na$^{+}$ channel content were studied in optic nerves from control and myelin-deficient (md) rats. Action potential propagation was approximately five times slower in the md rat, but the action potentials propagated securely and had frequency-following and refractory properties equivalent to control myelinated axons. Tritium-labelled saxitoxin [$^{3}$H]-STX) binding in md optic nerve was approximately 30% greater, per wet mass of tissue, than in the control optic nerve. However, calculations of channel density per axon based on previously published anatomical data from md and control optic nerves (Dentinger et al. 1985) show an equivalent number of sodium channels per axon, with an average density of 10 channels $\mu $m$^{-2}$ in md and 11 channels $\mu $m$^{-2}$ in control optic nerve axons. The amplitude of the CAP in both control and md optic nerves was significantly attenuated by 50 nM TTX, precluding the possibility that TTX-insensitive channels are responsible for the action potential in myelinated or amyelinated axons. In addition, the amplitudes of voltage-activated Na$^{+}$ currents in type I and type II astrocytes cultured from control and md optic nerves were similar, suggesting that the glial component of Na$^{+}$ channels is not abnormal in the optic nerve of the md rat. These results suggest that myelination (or its absence) may not directly regulate the number of axonal Na$^{+}$ channels.
Efferent connections of the basal forebrain in the cat: the nucleus accumbens.

Abstract The efferent connections of the nucleus accumbens in the cat were studied with radioautographic methods. Injections of [ 3 H]leucine were placed throughout the extent of this structure in adult cats. The results revealed the presence of a topographical organization of the projections from the nucleus accumbens to the brain stem. Fibers arising from the dorsomedial sector of the nucleus accumbens project through the medial aspect of the medial forebrain bundle to the rostral end of the ventral tegmental area. Fibers arising from the ventromedial sector of the nucleus accumbens project to slightly more caudal and lateral parts of the ventral tegmentum. In contrast, fibers which arise from lateral parts of the nucleus accumbens project through the lateral aspect of the medial forebrain bundle and medial tip of the internal capsule to terminate primarily within the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra and central tegmental field. The data also suggest that fibers from this part of the nucleus accumbens probably terminate within the dorsolateral aspect of the substantia innominata and adjacent parts of the pallidum. These findings indicate that the nucleus accumbens is linked to both the limbic system and the basal ganglia.
Preserved neuron number in the hippocampus of aged rats with spatial learning deficits.

Abstract Hippocampal neuron loss is widely viewed as a hallmark of normal aging. Moreover, neuronal degeneration is thought to contribute directly to age-related deficits in learning and memory supported by the hippocampus. By taking advantage of improved methods for quantifying neuron number, the present study reports evidence challenging these long-standing concepts. The status of hippocampal-dependent spatial learning was evaluated in young and aged Long-Evans rats using the Morris water maze, and the total number of neurons in the principal cell layers of the dentate gyrus and hippocampus was quantified according to the optical fractionator technique. For each of the hippocampal fields, neuron number was preserved in the aged subjects as a group and in aged individuals with documented learning and memory deficits indicative of hippocampal dysfunction. The findings demonstrate that hippocampal neuronal degeneration is not an inevitable consequence of normal aging and that a loss of principal neurons in the hippocampus fails to account for age-related learning and memory impairment. The observed preservation of neuron number represents an essential foundation for identifying the neurobiological effects of hippocampal aging that account for cognitive decline.
Technology, culture and persuasiveness

In this paper we examine the impact of technology and culture and their interaction on the process and outcomes of group decision making. The conceptual foundation for this research draws on three domains: GSS, cross-cultural and group polarization. This paper uses the theory of persuasive arguments for studying group behavior in a computer-mediated, cross-cultural setting. Our findings illustrate that group decisions are a function of the medium of communication and the cultural setting in which the decision is attempted. In addition, the protocol analysis conducted demonstrates that the process of decision making in groups varies in terms of persuasive arguments exchanged as a function of the interaction between the medium of communication and the cultural setting observed. These results have both theoretical and practical implications for GSS research.
THE METABOLISM OF GLYCEROL BY INTESTINAL MUCOSA.

Abstract Consistent with recent observations that glycerol is metabolized by the intestinal mucosa evidence is presented for the presence of an active intestinal glycerokinase. Two spectrophotometric assays were used to demonstrate the enzyme activity. In addition l -α-[ 14 C]glycerophosphate was isolated from homogenates incubated with [ 14 C]glycerol. The glycerokinase of the rat and hamster mucosa was one-fourthto one-tenth that found in rat and hamster liver, respectively. The pH optimum of the intestinal glycerokinase was found to be 9.4 which is similar to that of glycerokinase (EC 2.7.1.30) from other sources. The enzyme activity in the lower two-thirds of the gut was slightly higher than in the upper segment. These findings are discussed in relation to previous work on intestinal glycerol metabolism.
Manganese toxicity in the central nervous system: the glutamine/glutamate‐γ‐aminobutyric acid cycle

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element that is required for maintaining proper function and regulation of numerous biochemical and cellular reactions. Despite its essentiality, at excessive levels Mn is toxic to the central nervous system (CNS). Increased accumulation of Mn in specific brain regions, such as the substantia nigra, globus pallidus and striatum, triggers neurotoxicity resulting in a neurological brain disorder, termed manganism. Mn has been also implicated in the pathophysiology of several other neurodegenerative diseases. Its toxicity is associated with disruption of the glutamine (Gln)/glutamate (Glu)-γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) cycle (GGC) between astrocytes and neurons, thus leading to changes in Glu-ergic and/or GABAergic transmission and Gln metabolism. Here we discuss the common mechanisms underlying Mn-induced neurotoxicity and their relationship to CNS pathology and GGC impairment.
Internet recruiting: the effects of web page design features

In this study, the authors investigate the effects of two web site design features on prospective applicants' evaluations of a hiring company's online recruitment image. A total of 175 students navigated one of four web sites to locate and review a job advertisement. Participants visited a web site that was easy or difficult to surf and viewed a job ad that was presented in bullets or paragraphs of text. Afterward, they completed a survey that measured their impressions of the recruitment image, reactions to the hiring organization, and their willingness to apply for a position. The results provide partial support for the anticipated favorable effect of navigational ease on participants' impressions of recruitment image. Contrary to the authors' prediction, however, organizing the text in bulleted rather than paragraph format did not significantly improve evaluations of the company's recruitment image.
Comparison of First-Generation and Second-Generation Blood Glucose Meters for Use in a Hospital Setting:

This study evaluated and compared a first- and a second-generation blood glucose meter for precision, accuracy, and user preference. Two separate capillary blood glucose fingersticks were performed on 25 outpatients and 60 inpatients with diabetes. Samples were drawn for serum glucose determinations immediately following the capillary fingersticks. Comparison of the Accu-Chek II and Satellite G meters in the outpatient setting gave results similar to the reference laboratory's. When the meters were tested on inpatients, the blood glucose results were significantly higher than those obtained from the hospital laboratory. The Accu-Chek II was more precise than the Satellite G on both normal and high blood glucose samples. Nursing staff indicated preference for the Satellite G because of its quick testing time but not for other preference factors surveyed. Both meters provided more accurate assessments of blood glucose concentration than were obtained from the serum glucose samples routinely processed by our...
The bandwidth crunch: Can wireless technology meet the skyrocketing demand for mobile data?

Predictions abound on the growth of mobile data traffic driven by smart phones and tablet PCs that come with an expectation of broadband Internet connectivity everywhere and a demand for high quality video. The FCC's National Broadband Plan indicated that mobile data traffic in North America would increase by roughly 20 to 45 times between 2009 and 2014, and current data suggests these numbers may be exceeded. This paper examines how wireless technology can address the bandwidth challenge. We consider not only the track of cellular technology, but new approaches that promise improved spectral efficiency, use new spectrum, and rely on new network architectures. We recap cellular evolution from second generation through LTE-Advanced, address enhancements such as Coordinated Multipoint Transmission (CoMP) and examine other innovative multi-cell technology. More ambitious changes to cellular architecture such as relay nodes and terminal-to-terminal communications are discussed. Pico-cells, femto-cells, and forward-looking dense deployments are presented as promising approaches. New spectrum, including the use of TV white space is considered. We provide a quantitative assessment -perhaps a goal or perhaps another prediction - of what can be achieved.
Colonoscopy-specific fears in African Americans and Hispanics.

Although fears of colonoscopy may deter African Americans and Hispanics from having a screening colonoscopy, little is known about these fears. This study examined the proportion of African Americans and Hispanics who experience colonoscopy-specific fears and identified factors associated with these fears. Data were collected at an academic hospital in New York City between 2008–2010. African Americans (N = 383) and Hispanics (N = 407) who received a recommendation for a screening colonoscopy completed a questionnaire that assessed: colonoscopy-specific fears, demographics, and psychological variables. Presence of colonoscopy-specific fears was endorsed by 79.5% of participants. Being female (p < 0.001), speaking English (p < 0.001), having greater perceived risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) (p < 0.01), greater worry about risk of CRC (p < 0.01), greater fear of CRC (p < 0.001) and lower levels of self-efficacy of having a colonoscopy (p < 0.01) were associated with greater colonoscopy-specific fears. Resul...
Nitrogen and Argon Adsorption and SEM Characterization of C60 and C60/C70 Fullerenes: Comparison with Graphite

The surface and pore structure properties of the C60 and C60/C70 fullerene powders were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, helium pycnometry, and 77.4 K nitrogen and argon adsorption. The pore structure of fullerene powders is macroporous and consists mainly of the voids between the fullerene aggregates. In the major part of the adsorption monolayer, both nitrogen and argon interactions with fullerenes are weaker than with graphite, possibly because of the reduction of the gas molecule−mirror image effect in the case of fullerenes. In Henry's law limit, however, nitrogen and argon adsorption on fullerenes is quantitatively similar to that on graphite because of the adsorption potential enhancement in the spaces between the surface fullerene molecules. In the multilayer regime, nitrogen adsorption on both fullerenes becomes similar to that on graphite. Both fullerenes behave similarly with respect to the adsorption of the studied gases.
Atomistic modelling of stoichiometry effects on dislocation core structure in NiAl

Abstract Dislocation core structures in stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric NiAl have been analyzed. Atomistic computer simulation with embedded atom method potentials was used for the study of the configuration of the material in the vicinity of dislocation cores. The results were analyzed in terms of the stress tensor as a function of position, giving the detailed shape of the dislocation core. A non-stoichiometric Ni-rich alloy was generated by random substitution of Al atoms by Ni atoms in the perfect lattice structure. The results show that a 2% deviation from stoichiometry affects the shapes of the dislocation cores, in that they tend to lose their preference for the well-defined crystallographic planes seen in the stoichiometric alloy. Stoichiometry deviations also increase the non-planar spreading of the core. This increased non-planar spreading of the core in Ni-rich NiAl is in agreement with the experimental results of high resolution electron microscopy. In addition, it was found that Al vacancies are greatly attracted to the distribution core and produce more significant changes in the core structure. The Peierls stresses were found to increase significantly for the non-stoichiometric alloys. The interaction of antisites with the dislocation core is not as strong, although the Peierls stress is still found to increase.
Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and initial crystallographic analysis of transcription elongation factors GreB from Escherichia coli and Gfh1 from Thermus thermophilus.

The Escherichia coli gene encoding the transcription cleavage factor GreB and the Thermus thermophilus gene encoding the anti-GreA transcription factor Gfh1 were cloned and expressed and the purified proteins were crystallized by the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion technique. The GreB and Gfh1 crystals, which were improved by macroseeding, belong to space group P41212 (or P43212), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 148, c = 115.2 A and a = b = 59.3, c = 218.9 A, respectively. Complete diffraction data sets were collected for the GreB and Gfh1 crystals to 2.6 and 2.8 A resolution, respectively. Crystals of the selenomethionine proteins were obtained by microseeding using the native protein crystals and diffract as well as the native ones. The structure determination of these proteins is now in progress.
Consistency of Assignment of Ratings in Recognition Memory

It is demonstrated that Ss employ ratings in a consistent manner in recognition memory tasks when exposed to conditions yielding a wide range of recognition scores.
Initial plasma results from the Electric Tokamak

The Electric Tokamak, a low field ITER sized device with R = 5 m, has been operating with well equilibrated clean plasmas since January 2000. Short, 0.9 s, discharges with a central energy confinement time τE(0) = 150 ms are now routinely obtained at a toroidal field B = 0.1 T with kTe, kTi120 eV. The discharges are feedback controlled in up/down position and in plasma current. Biased electrode driven H modes have been obtained that compare well with the results obtained on CCT by R.J. Taylor and align with the `neoclassical bifurcation' theory of K.C. Shaing. Very successful second harmonic ion heating has been demonstrated with the ICRF antenna outside the vacuum system and with 50% single pass absorption. ICRF heated discharges indicate that poloidal rotation sufficient for edge bifurcation (H mode) may soon be achieved by ICRF induced fast ion losses. The threshold electrode biasing current required for bifurcated poloidal rotation has so far been reduced by 70% owing to ICRH driven ion orbit loss. The remaining critical ICRF item needed for the exploration of high beta plasma equilibria is the demonstration of the required current profile shaping. It is expected that mode conversion in the ion-ion hybrid regime, with high field side launch, will allow the current drive required to approach and exceed the Troyon beta limit. In 1-D full wave calculations, high harmonic current drive appears most promising at higher beta. Achieving the goal of plasma equilibration near unity beta will require 10 s long discharges (at kT = 3 keV, ne = 3×1019 m-3, B = 0.25 T) because of current profile shaping requirements.
RESULTS FOR THE CANTILEVER BEAM MOVING IN CROSSED MAGNETIC FIELDS

Problem 12 of the TEAM (Testing Electromagnetic Analysis Methods) Workshops for Eddy Current Code Comparison is a cantilever beam in crossed steady and time‐varying magnetic fields. A total of six solutions to this coupled problem are described and compared with experimental results. Most solutions treated the electromagnetic aspects of the problem numerically, but the mechanical motion aspects analytically with a single degree of freedom. In general, the numerical predictions are in very good agreement with experiments.
RPE65, Visual Cycle Retinol Isomerase, Is Not Inherently 11-cis-specific SUPPORT FOR A CARBOCATION MECHANISM OF RETINOL ISOMERIZATION

The mechanism of retinol isomerization in the vertebrate retina visual cycle remains controversial. Does the isomerase enzyme RPE65 operate via nucleophilic addition at C11 of the all-trans substrate, or via a carbocation mechanism? To determine this, we modeled the RPE65 substrate cleft to identify residues interacting with substrate and/or intermediate. We find that wild-type RPE65 in vitro produces 13-cis and 11-cis isomers equally robustly. All Tyr-239 mutations abolish activity. Trp-331 mutations reduce activity (W331Y to ∼75% of wild type, W331F to ∼50%, and W331L and W331Q to 0%) establishing a requirement for aromaticity, consistent with cation-π carbocation stabilization. Two cleft residues modulate isomerization specificity: Thr-147 is important, because replacement by Ser increases 11-cis relative to 13-cis by 40% compared with wild type. Phe-103 mutations are opposite in action: F103L and F103I dramatically reduce 11-cis synthesis relative to 13-cis synthesis compared with wild type. Thr-147 and Phe-103 thus may be pivotal in controlling RPE65 specificity. Also, mutations affecting RPE65 activity coordinately depress 11-cis and 13-cis isomer production but diverge as 11-cis decreases to zero, whereas 13-cis reaches a plateau consistent with thermal isomerization. Lastly, experiments using labeled retinol showed exchange at 13-cis-retinol C15 oxygen, thus confirming enzymatic isomerization for both isomers. Thus, RPE65 is not inherently 11-cis-specific and can produce both 11- and 13-cis isomers, supporting a carbocation (or radical cation) mechanism for isomerization. Specific visual cycle selectivity for 11-cis isomers instead resides downstream, attributable to mass action by CRALBP, retinol dehydrogenase 5, and high affinity of opsin apoproteins for 11-cis-retinal.
Impedance tomography and its application in deep venous thrombosis detection

The authors have developed an impedance imaging prototype system and tested its functionality. They describe some enhancements made to their previous system and three algorithms for reconstructing impedance images. The system is capable of reconstructing cross-sectional impedance distributions from surface measured data. They discuss some experimental results with the saline tank and a preclinical study of applying the electrical imaging technique to detect deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Other potential applications include monitoring pulmonary edema, imaging the lungs, and noninvasive temperature monitoring during hyperthermia treatment. >
The thermal chemistry of ammonia on Ni(110)

Abstract The thermal chemistry of NH3 on Ni(110) surfaces has been investigated using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The thermal activation of ammonia-saturated Ni(110) leads primarily to molecular desorption, but some decomposition is identified by the appearance of hydrogen and nitrogen TPD peaks ca 400 and 800 K, respectively. Previous reports have shown that ammonia dehydrogenation is readily induced by mild electron bombardment, but this study found dehydrogenation to persist despite the absence of any electron current at the surface, indicating that both thermal- and electron-induced dissociation processes are possible in the NH3/Ni(110) system. Our experimental data also identified the onset of the thermally-activated ammonia dehydrogenation at about 300 K. Evidence is given to suggest that the surface intermediate formed subsequent to this dehydrogenation is NH2,ads. Further activation of the NH2,ads moiety by the Ni(110) surface results in its dehydrogenation to NHads and Nads around 380 K, but also to some NH2,ads+Hads recombination to NH3(g) ca 360 K. After considering this recombination step, it was calculated that as much as 23% of adsorbed ammonia dissociates by thermal activation, a much greater value than previously reported.
The sibling uncertainty hypothesis: Facial resemblance as a sibling recognition cue

Abstract For the same reason that fathers could not have been certain their mates’ offspring were their genetic progeny during human evolutionary history, full siblings could not have been certain that they shared paternal genes. Previous kin recognition research suggests facial resemblance is a cue men use to help solve the adaptive problem of paternity uncertainty and identify their biological offspring. Facial resemblance may also be a cue individuals use to identify siblings who share paternal genes. In the current study, facial resemblance between siblings was hypothesized to be positively associated with their emotional closeness and altruism, and inversely related with their frequency of conflict. Within families, individuals reported greater closeness and altruism toward siblings who more closely resembled them. In contrast with previous offspring recognition research, the effects of resemblance were not sex-differentiated, suggesting that facial resemblance is a cue both sexes use in sibling recognition.
Electromagnetic heating of tissue‐equivalent phantoms with thin, insulating partitions

The electromagnetic power absorption in tissue-equivalent phantoms that are used for evaluation of diathermy and hyperthermia applicators is analyzed for the purpose of determining the effect of an insulating partition that is frequently used to facilitate separation of the phantom for thermographic analysis of heating distributions. An analysis that is based on the plane wave spectrum decomposition of the electromagnetic field is applied to a simplified model of the medium. The simplified model is valid whenever the insulating partition does not significantly alter the fields in the medium. The curves that are presented indicate that thin partitions do not significantly alter the power absorption for most situations of therapeutic interest. Data on the effects of partition thickness and electrical parameters are presented for microwave and radiofrequencies of interest for diathermy and hyperthermia.
Juvenile xanthogranuloma with ocular involvement

Summary “Juvenile xanthogranuloma” issuggested as the best diagnostic term for the condition characterized by yellowish-brown nodules of the skin present at birth or shortly thereafter. The blood lipids are normal and the general health is unaffected. Spontaneous involution of the lesions occurs. The histologic picture consists of proliferation of histiocytes and xanthomatous giant cells. One case of nevoxantho-endotheliomawith involvement of the eye is reported. Inasmuch as the lesions are benign and tend to regress, the ocular globe should be left intact with the hope of eventual return of vision.
Effect of transforming growth factor-β on DNA synthesis by growth plate chondrocytes: Modulation by factors present in serum

Chondrocytes in the growth plate undergo rapid proliferation during the process of enchondral ossification. The factors that regulate this proliferative activity have not been defined although several local autocrine or paracrine growth factors have recently been discovered in cartilage. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta) is an important regulator of cell metabolism and growth and is present in cartilage. The present study was designed to examine the influence of TGF-beta on DNA synthesis in chick epiphyseal chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were plated in serum-free (BSA-supplemented) medium or medium containing 10% FBS, and after 24 hours in monolayer culture, were treated with TGF-beta in identical medium. A 24 hour incubation with TGF-beta caused a biphasic dose-dependent increase in thymidine incorporation. The effect was greatly increased in serum-containing cultures where a maximal 20-fold increase in thymidine incorporation occurred compared with the 2 1/2-fold maximal increase obtained in serum-free cultures. The effect was present by 12 hours and maximal between 0.3 and 1.0 ng/ml of TGF-beta. Higher concentrations of TGF-beta were less stimulatory. The serum enhancement was dependent upon the simultaneous presence of TGF-beta and serum factors and was abolished when chondrocytes were plated and exposed to TGF-beta in medium containing dialyzed FBS (12-14 kD MW membrane). The nature of the uptake and incorporation of thymidine into DNA by individual chondrocytes appeared to be the same in both TGF-beta-treated and control cultures as the apparent Kms were similar. The present study indicates that TGF-beta increases DNA synthesis by growth plate chondrocytes. The effect is enhanced by factors present in serum.
The physiologic impact of transnasal flexible endoscopy.

Objectives/hypothesis Diagnostic transnasal flexible endoscopy (TNFE) is a commonly used office procedure in otolaryngology. Currently there is a paucity of data on the impact of TNFE on physiologic parameters. This is relevant with the advent of office-based endoscopic procedures. The goal of this study is to measure the impact of topical decongestion, anesthesia, and diagnostic TNFE on vital signs: systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and oxygenation (O(2) sat). Study design Prospective case control study, in which the patient is his/her control. Methods Vital signs were obtained at baseline, immediately after the application of Neosynephrine, after the application of lidocaine, 5 minutes later, with the scope in the nasopharynx and hypopharynx, and upon completion of the procedure. Results Compared to the baseline data, there was a statistically significant increase in HR after the procedure (mean change, 4.06 ± 10.15 bpm; range, -14 to 42 bpm, P = .01). There was also a change in O(2) sat (mean change, 0.42% ± 1.36%; range -3% to 3%, P = .03) after the application of lidocaine. When comparing each data point to the preceding point, there was a statistically significant change in SBP with the scope in the nasopharynx (mean change, 5.34 ± 10.65 mm Hg; range, -22 to 28 mm Hg, P = .001) and in HR with the scope in the hypopharynx (mean change, 3.76 ± 6.41 bpm; range, -9 to 19 bpm, P = .0004). Conclusions Diagnostic TNFE and topical lidocaine can have an impact on physiologic parameters; however, these changes are unlikely to be clinically significant.
Further investigation of the Monty Hall Dilemma in pigeons and rats.

Abstract In the Monty Hall Dilemma (MHD), three doors are presented with a prize behind one and participants are instructed to choose a door. One of the unchosen doors not containing the prize is revealed, following which the participant can choose to stay with their chosen door or switch to the other one. The optimal strategy is to switch. Herbranson and Schroeder (2010) found that humans performed poorly on this task, whereas pigeons learned to switch readily. We found that pigeons performed only slightly better than humans and that pigeons stayed nearly exclusively when staying and switching were reinforced equally and when staying was the optimal strategy ( Stagner et al., 2013b ). In Experiment 1 of the present research, rats were trained under these same conditions to observe if possible differences in foraging strategy would influence performance on this task. In Experiment 2, pigeons were trained in an analogous procedure to better compare the two species. We found that both species were sensitive to the overall probability of reinforcement, as both switched significantly more often than subjects that were reinforced equally for staying and switching or reinforced more often for staying. Overall, the two species performed very similarly within the parameters of the current procedure. “This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Tribute to Tom Zentall.”
Repeat variability of spatial QRS and T vectors.

In spite of the increasing literature on spatial electrocardiographic vectors, no information on their repeat variability is available. Such data are presented in this paper and compared with the repeat variability of conventional electrocardiographic items, as background for interpretation of changes in direction and magnitude of spatial vectors in patients.
TBK1 Protects Vacuolar Integrity during Intracellular Bacterial Infection

TANK-binding kinase-1 (TBK1) is an integral component of Type I interferon induction by microbial infection. The importance of TBK1 and Type I interferon in antiviral immunity is well established, but the function of TBK1 in bacterial infection is unclear. Upon infection of murine embryonic fibroblasts with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella), more extensive bacterial proliferation was observed in tbk1−/− than tbk1+/+ cells. TBK1 kinase activity was required for restriction of bacterial infection, but interferon regulatory factor-3 or Type I interferon did not contribute to this TBK1-dependent function. In tbk1−/−cells, Salmonella, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes escaped from vacuoles into the cytosol where increased replication occurred, which suggests that TBK1 regulates the integrity of pathogen-containing vacuoles. Knockdown of tbk1 in macrophages and epithelial cells also resulted in increased bacterial localization in the cytosol, indicating that the role of TBK1 in maintaining vacuolar integrity is relevant in different cell types. Taken together, these data demonstrate a requirement for TBK1 in control of bacterial infection distinct from its established role in antiviral immunity.
CaT1 contributes to the stores-operated calcium current in Jurkat T-lymphocytes.

T-lymphocyte activation requires sustained Ca2+ signaling dependent upon capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE). The protein(s) that forms the stores-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC) responsible for CCE has long been sought but has not been definitively identified. Members of the TRPV family (transient receptor potential superfamily-vanilloid receptor subfamily) of channel genes have been proposed to encode SOCCs responsible for CCE in non-excitable cells. Here we present evidence that a member of the TRPV group, CaT1, is involved in generating ICRAC, the CCE current that is necessary for T-cell activation. CaT1 is expressed in Jurkat T-lymphocytes. When overexpressed in Jurkat cells, CaT1 produces a Ca2+ entry current that mimics the endogenous ICRAC in its dependence on external Ca2+, inactivation by elevated concentration of internal Ca2+, and pharmacological block by capsaicin. Overexpressed CaT1 is partially regulated by the release of internal Ca2+ stores via thapsigargin or receptor-mediated generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. A pore-region mutant of CaT1, TRIA-CaT1, fails to carry Ca2+ currents and associates with co-expressed wild type CaT1 to functionally suppress permeation of Ca2+ ions. Expression of the TRIA-CaT1 mutant in Jurkat cells results in suppression of the endogenous ICRAC. Taken together these results indicate that CaT1 is the channel protein that contributes to T-lymphocyte SOCCs either alone or as a subunit in a heterogeneous channel complex.
Incorporation of saturated and cis- and trans-unsaturated long chain fatty acids in rat myocytes and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias.

Neonatal rat heart myocytes cultured for 3 days in fatty acid-enriched (5 × 105 M stearate, oleate, linoleate, linoelaidate or arachidonate at a 3 : 1, fatty acid (FA/albumin ratio) were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the FA content of their neutral lipid, glyco-cardiolipid and phospholipid fractions and were tested for their susceptibility to arrhythmias produced by hypoxic/normoxic medium changes. Increases in the relative amount of FA in the above lipid fractions were generally in the order: elaidate = linoelaidate > linoleate = arachidonate > stearate = oleate. Cell morphology was unaffected by such treatment, but the cultures were more susceptible to induced arrhythmias. Cultures enriched with trans-FA, elaidate or linoelaidate, became markedly arrhythmic; arrhythmias in stearate-enriched cultures were of short duration; whereas the other FA produced intermediate increases. Susceptibility to arrhythmias could not be correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/saturated fatty acid (SATFA) ratios of FA in the phospholipid fraction.
HUGH GOVERNS? Regime and Education Policy in Charlotte, North Carolina

ABSTRACT: Motivated by concerns about economic development, business leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, have been intimately involved in education policy for the past 25 years. In the 1970s, they played a key role in implementing a landmark busing plan. Support for busing was an important aspect of the business elite's alliance with the leadership of the black community. That alliance, decisive in mayoral elections from the 1960s to 1987, was a defining characteristic of Charlotte's regime during this period. However, the growth facilitated by that regime helped undermine both it and the busing plan by bringing to Charlotte many newcomers with minimal economic and ideological attachments to the city's desegregation accomplishments. Fearing that future development would be jeopardized, Charlotte's long-time business leaders threw their support behind the dismantling of the busing plan and its replacement by magnets. Additional reasons for business involvement in education are also discussed, as is the extent of business influence on education policy.
Monitoring adverse reactions to food additives in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Technological advances in food science have resulted in the development of numerous food additives, most of which require premarket approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Concomitant with the benefits of these additives, such as extending the shelf life of certain food commodities, is the potential for various risks. These potential risks include the possibility of the consumer experiencing an adverse reaction to the additive. In order to ascertain the character and the gravity of alleged adverse reactions to food products which it regulates, the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has developed the Adverse Reaction Monitoring System (ARMS). This postmarketing surveillance system for food additives is designed to analyze consumer reports of adverse reactions in order to alert FDA officials about any potential public health hazard associated with an approved food additive, and to delineate specific syndromes which may lead to focused clinical investigations. To date, among the products routinely monitored in the ARMS, sulfiting agents and the artificial sweetener aspartame have generated the largest volume of consumer reports describing adverse reactions. An overview of the analyses of the sulfite and aspartame adverse reaction reports is presented, along with a description of the mechanics of the postmarketing surveillance system, and a detailed discussion of its limitations.
Inferior turbinate reduction: An application for the microdebrider

Nasal obstruction can be a major contributor to sleep disordered breathing in children. Attention to the inferior turbinate is necessary when turbinate hypertrophy occludes the anterior nasal passage. Overlooking the nasal passage will compromise surgical results. Turbinate reduction with the microdebrider is a simple and safe technique to treat the problem.
Smokers have reduced nitric oxide production by conducting airways but normal levels in the alveoli.

Air exhaled by cigarette smokers contains reduced amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Measurement of NO at different expiratory flow rates permits calculation of NO production by the conducting airways (VawNO) and alveolar concentration of NO (PALV). An independent measurement of diffusing capacity of the alveolar compartment (DLNO) multiplied by PALV allows calculation of NO production by the alveoli (VLNO). Twelve asymptomatic cigarette smokers and 22 age-matched nonsmokers had measurements of DLNO and expired NO at constant expiratory flow rates varying from 60 to 1500 ml/s. VawNO in smokers was only 22 ± 11 nl/min (mean ± standard deviation, SD) compared to 70 ± 37 nl/min in nonsmokers (p < .0001). In contrast, VLNO showed no significant difference (smokers: 203 ± 104 nl/min, nonsmokers: 209 ± 74 nl/min, p = .86). These data show that the diminished NO expired by smokers results from diminished NO production by the tissues of the conducting airways but normal values produced by the alveoli.
Synthesis and turnover of late H2b histone mRNA in developing embryos of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus☆

Abstract In sea urchins, “early” histone proteins are synthesized during cleavage and blastula formation, “late” histone proteins in subsequent stages of development. To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for this ontogenic switch in histone subtype synthesis, we determined the absolute amounts, rates of synthesis, and rates of turnover of late H2b histone mRNAs during development. We showed previously that late H2b mRNA comprises several mRNA isotypes. In this study, we used both a class-specific DNA probe to measure the amounts of the late H2b mRNA isotypes collectively, and a gene-specific probe to measure amounts of a particular late H2b mRNA encoded by a gene known as L1. We found that the amount of late H2b mRNA increased dramatically from 85,000 molecules per embryo in the 16-hr blastula to a peak of 670,000 molecules per embryo in the 24-hr mesenchyme blastula, and fell to 380,000 molecules per embryo in the 72-hr pluteus larva. The L1 late H2b mRNA achieved its maximum abundance earlier than the late H2b mRNA class as a whole, reaching a peak of 34% of total late H2b in the 14-hr blastula and declining to 7% in the pluteus larva. Measurements of the rate of incorporation of [ 3 H]uridine into late class H2b mRNA, performed by a novel in vivo isotope incorporation method, enabled us to calculate both synthesis rates and half-lives of late H2b mRNA during development. These calculations showed (1) that the increase in late H2b mRNA level between 16 and 24 hr postfertilization is regulated primarily if not entirely at the level of mRNA synthesis; and (2) that the half-life of late H2b mRNA is comparatively short, around 20 min, at all stages examined.
Sequential evolution of bacterial morphology by co-option of a developmental regulator

What mechanisms underlie the transitions responsible for the diverse shapes observed in the living world? Although bacteria exhibit a myriad of morphologies, the mechanisms responsible for the evolution of bacterial cell shape are not understood. We investigated morphological diversity in a group of bacteria that synthesize an appendage-like extension of the cell envelope called the stalk. The location and number of stalks varies among species, as exemplified by three distinct subcellular positions of stalks within a rod-shaped cell body: polar in the genus Caulobacter and subpolar or bilateral in the genus Asticcacaulis. Here we show that a developmental regulator of Caulobacter crescentus, SpmX, is co-opted in the genus Asticcacaulis to specify stalk synthesis either at the subpolar or bilateral positions. We also show that stepwise evolution of a specific region of SpmX led to the gain of a new function and localization of this protein, which drove the sequential transition in stalk positioning. Our results indicate that changes in protein function, co-option and modularity are key elements in the evolution of bacterial morphology. Therefore, similar evolutionary principles of morphological transitions apply to both single-celled prokaryotes and multicellular eukaryotes.
Photodissociation of exohedral transition metal–C60 complexes

Abstract Laser ablation/vaporization of solid metal samples coated with thin films of C60 is employed in a pulsed-nozzle cluster source to produce various transition metal–C60 complexes. Mass spectra contain species of the form Mx(C60)y, where x = 1–5 and y = 1,2. Mass-selected photodissociation studies investigate the structural and bonding properties of these complexes. Photodissociation shows primarily the elimination of metal in all complexes, demonstrating that the complexes are exohedral. Atomic and molecular desorption of metal are observed in different situations, suggesting that these complexes have metal dispersed to some degree as “films” on the fullerene surface. Some clusters fragment by loss of metal carbides (e.g. C59Fe+, V3C4+), indicating insertion of metal into the fullerene cage wall. Keywords: Clusters; Metallo-fullerenes; Photodissociation
Characterization of the membrane bound Mg2+-ATPase of rat skeletal muscle.

A procedure was developed to isolate a membrane fraction of rat skeletal muscle which contains a highly active Mg2+-ATPase (5–25 μmol Pi/mg min). The rate of ATP hydrolysis by the Mg2+-ATPase was nonlinear but decayed exponentially (first-order rate constant ≥0.2 s−1 at 37°C). The rapid decline in the ATPase activity depended on the presence of ATP or its nonhydrolyzable analog 5′-adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AdoPP[NH]P). Once inactivated, removal of ATP from the medium did not immediately restore the original activity. ATP- or AdoPP[NH]P-dependent inactivation could be blocked by concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin or rabbit antiserum against the membrane. Additions of these proteins after ATP addition prevented further inactivation but did not restore the original activity. Low concentrations of ionic and nonionic detergents increased the rate of ATP-dependent inactivation. Higher concentrations of detergents, which solubilize the membrane completely, inactivated the Mg2+-ATPase. Cross-linking the membrane components with glutaraldehyde prevented ATP-dependent inactivation and decreased the sensitivity of the Mg2+-ATPase to detergents. It is proposed that the regulation of the Mg2+-ATPase by ATP requires the mobility of proteins within the membrane. Cross-linking the membrane proteins with lectins, antiserum or glutaraldehyde prevents inactivation; increasing the mobility with detergents accelerates ATP-dependent inactivation.
Fiber-optic colorimeter for submicroliter samples

Abstract We have described the construction and testing of a microcolorimeter which has a 1.2 cm path and requires a sample volume of less than 0.2 μl. In addition, we have described the results of some tests which indicate the limits and potentials of the use of fiber-optic material for microfluo ometers as well as for microcolorimeters.
LilyPond: an online community for sharing e-textile projects

LilyPond is a new online community that enables people to document, share and browse e-textile projects---projects that blend electronics, computation and textiles. It was designed to be a project repository and a community gathering place for students, educators, and hobbyists who are creating e-textiles. In this paper, we describe the developing website and its user community. We examine the demographics of this community, its patterns of site usage and its emerging tastes and preferences.
Market power in transportation: Spatial equilibrium under Bertrand competition

We examine spatial competition along a waterway when shippers are distributed over space. Competition is between barge and rail companies and among barge companies. Equilibrium prices are derived for two variations: oligopolistic rivalry between barge and rail operators, and oligopolistic rivalry among barge operators with terminals located at different points on the waterway. In the first variant, each mode has an advantage over some shippers and transporters׳ overprice cost advantages (price differences are too small in equilibrium). The second variant delivers a “chain-linked” system of markets, whereby cost changes in one market are passed through equilibrium prices to other markets. Barge operators with cost advantages parlay these into market size advantages.