cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributions of fluorescence decay times for synthetic melittin in water-methanol mixtures and complexed with calmodulin, troponin C, and phospholipids.

Frequency-domain measurements of the intensity decays of melittin were used to recover the distribution of decay times displayed by its single tryptophan residue. Melittin was examined in the monomeric random coil state (water), in the monomeric α-helical state (water-methanol), in the tetrameric state, and with 6M guanidine hydrochloride. In the presence of denaturant, where melittin is expected to be devoid of secondary structure, we observed a narrow distribution of lifetimes, similar to a double-exponential decay. In water the intensity decay of melittin was found to be described better by the distribution of decay times, which became progressively wider as the amount of α-helix was increased by the methanol cosolvent or upon formation of the α-helical tetrameric state. We also examined the intensity decays of melittin when complexed with calmodulin, troponin C, or lipid vesicles of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-l-α-phosphatidylcholine (POPC). The lifetime distributions of the complexes with lipid were comparable to those observed in methanol-water, suggesting a similarity of the structure and/or dynamics of the environment surrounding the tryptophan residue. A broad lifetime distribution was observed for the melittin-calmodulin complex, suggesting a rigid structure and/or heterogeneity in the form of the complex. The lifetime distribution of the melittin-troponin C complex was more narrow, suggesting a more uniform structure, at least in the region surrounding the tryptophan residue. These results demonstrate that the lifetime distributions of a single tryptophan protein can be a sensitive indicator of the conformational heterogeneity and dynamics of proteins.
Ultrastructure of the ileum of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

Abstract The ileal epithelial cells of the diapause European corn borer were found to have elongated microvilli on their apical and lateral surfaces. Fine filaments were seen extending from tips of microvilli into the intestinal lumen. Fibrous material was present in intercellular spaces, and a basement membrane of uniform thickness persisted. Numerous mitochondria occupied microvilli, cytoplasmic regions surrounding nuclei, and basal parts of the cell. Changes in mitochondrial morphology accompanied changes in the autofluorescent cycle. Progressive development of dense granules, formed from whorled basal parts of microvilli and trapped cellular organelles, was followed during the 8-hr autofluorescent period. Increased autofluorescence correlated directly with development of aggregates of whorls and formation of dense granules. Discharge of granule contents apparently occurred into the haemolymph. Microtubules were commonly seen in cytoplasmic regions of the cell particularly surrounding aggregations of whorls. The presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum rose as autofluorescence increased as did also the number of ribosomes seen free in the cytoplasm. On favourable sections small plaques were visible on outer plasma membranes of microvilli. Plaques could likewise be seen on membranes within whorls and on disintegrating membranes in dense bodies. The morphology of these cells strengthens the supposition that they are active in absorption and secretion or in ion-exchange processes.
An infinite dimensional convolution theorem with applications to random censoring and missing data models

Abstract We extend a finite dimensional convolution theorem of Pfanzagl and Wefelmeyer (1982) to an infinite dimensional situation and strengthen the conclusion of the infinite dimensional convolution theorems of Begun, Hall, Huang and Wellner (1983), Millar (1985) and van der Vaart (1988a) by obtaining a necessary and sufficient condition for a regular estimator to achieve the lower bound in the convolution theorem. We illustrate this condition in the context of random censoring and missing data models.
The Effect of Temperature and Moisture Content on the Flexural Response of Kevlar/Epoxy Laminates: Part I. [0/90] Filament Orientation*:

This study examines the effects of moisture and temperature on the flexural response of [0/90] Kevlar 49 fabric-reinforced epoxy laminates. Two high temperature (190°C) cure commercially available epoxies, Narmco 5208 and Ferro CE-9000, were used as matrix materials. Results indicate that the mechanical properties of Kevlar 49/epoxy laminates are temperature dependent over the range -55°C to 150°C. The addition of moisture magnifies temperature sensitivity. At 150°C and near saturation moisture content (5 weight percent), a strength loss of 60-70 percent and an effective stiffness loss of 40 percent from dry, room temperature values are measured. At 21°C, saturated specimens are found to be 35-40 per cent weaker than dry material. At low temperature (-55°C), strengths increase with the addition of moisture. Over the range of conditions tested, failure was not catastrophic, but was characterized by a loss in load carry ing capacity. Microscopic examination of failure modes indicates that flexural strength ...
The Reflective Model of Triadic Supervision: Defining an Emerging Modality

Current Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Eduational Programs (CACREP; 2001) standards promote the use of triadic supervision by counselor educators and supervisors. However, conceptual models of triadic supervision do not presently exist in the supervision literature. This article describes the process and structure of 1 model of triadic supervision (D. M. Kleist & N. R. Hill, 2003). This model provides a vehicle for implementing triadic supervision in response to changes in the CACREP standards and adds to the literature on triadic supervision. Implications for counselor educators and supervisors, as well as future research, are conceptualized.
Reading Personality: Avatar vs. Human Faces

Studies have suggested that facial appearance leads to judgment of a person's character, e.g. wide-faced males are considered aggressive and untrustworthy, large eyes make a person appear honest and non-dominant, and short ears and nose give impressions of warmth and honesty. In this study we investigate whether we make similar judgment with an avatar's face. Using Second Life avatars as stimuli, we employ Paired-Comparison Tests to determine the implications of certain facial features. Our results suggest that people judge an avatar by its look, and such judgment is sensitive to eeriness and baby facedness of the avatar.
Hydrogen sulfide plasma passivation of indium phosphide

The electrical properties of the SiO2-InP interface are improved using in-situ H2S plasma pretreatments as a reliable method of sulfidizing the InP surface prior to film deposition. High frequency (1 MHz) and quasi-static capitance-voltage measurements on metal-insulator-semiconductor structures show reduced interface trap densities. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis indicates that prior to film deposition, sulfur is bonded to phosphorus at the surface; but after film deposition, very little sulfur remains. Spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements confirm that the interface does remain modified even after film deposition, and photoluminescence data show increased signal intensity for thin SiO2 film on InP with H2S pretreatments as compared to untreated samples.
Study on Imaging Characterization of ArF High Index Immersion Lithography

In recent years, DRAM and Flash technology node has shrunk below to 45nm half pitch (HP) patterning with significant progresses of hyper numerical aperture (NA) immersion lithography system and process development. Several technologies such as extreme ultra violet (EUV) lithography, double patterning technology (DPT) and spacer patterning technology (SPT) have been developed for sub 40nm HP device. High index immersion lithography (HIL) is also one of the candidates for next generation lithography technology that has benefits of product cost, process simplification and usage for existing infrastructure though this technology must overcome critical issues--high index immersion fluid and lens optic development. In this paper, we will present simulation results on sub 40nm imaging characterization for HIL. First, we have studied the image performance for sub 40nm patterning with HIL. The image contrast, optical proximity effect and mask error enhanced factor (MEEF) are investigated through simulation. As pattern size decrease and lens NA gets bigger and bigger, the features on mask get smaller even below the wavelength of light and polarization related effects become one of the most critical issues. From comparison with results for 45nm HP patterning, we are able to suggest the reasonable process condition for HIL process. Then, we have investigated the optimum BARC condition to make preparations for 32nm HP pattering.
Ultra Low Phase Noise DSP Oscillator [DSP Tips & Tricks]

This article describes a novel complex oscillator, which is based on an interesting variation of the traditional CORDIC DDS and produces sine and cosine output samples of any specified angle. Our oscillator provides drastically improved phase noise performance (relative to a traditional CORDIC DDS) without the need for additional CORDIC iteration processing. In addition, our oscillator supports real-time output sample-by-sample digital frequency control. In describing our enhanced complex oscillator, we first present the arithmetic processing needed to generate sine and cosine samples. Next we show how that processing is implemented using the CORDIC algorithm. Then we detail the trick used to reduce oscillator phase noise errors. Finally we show how to guarantee a stable oscillator output amplitude and present an example of our oscillator's ultra low phase noise performance.
Hydrodynamic shear breakage of DNA may produce single-chained terminals

Abstract High molecular weight DNA in solution is very shear labile when passed through narrow capillaries. We previously showed that under certain conditions of hydrodynamic shear, single-chained terminals are produced on the DNA fragments. By the use of chromatography on benzoylated-naphthoylated DEAE-cellulose, a single-chain specific exonuclease, and velocity sedimentation we have investigated the physical characteristics of these shear-broken fragments. As the salt concentration is lowered or the temperature of shearing is raised, the number of shear-broken fragments containing single-chained regions is increased. Essentially all single-chained regions are removed by a single-chain specific exonuclease, indicating that these regions are located at the fragment terminals. A variety of conditions of salt and temperature do not affect the limit fragment size produced by a given diameter capillary. For certain applications, the presence of single-chained terminals on DNA fragments in the 2 · 106–30 · 106 molecular weight range may be desired. The methods detailed in this communication provide means of shearing DNA to produce, or to avoid single-chained terminals.
Variations in the size of the midgut caeca during the fifth instar of the grasshopper, Schistocerca americana (Drury)

Abstract Variation in the dry weights of the midgut caeca was studied throughout the fifth instar of Schistocerca americana . The anterior caecal arms more than doubled in weight over the first half of the instar and then declined to the initial weight or less. In insects feeding on cabbage, the caeca reached their peak size about 2 days later than in wheat-fed insects. The dry weights of the posterior caecal arms and ventriculus varied in a similar way but the changes were less extensive. Protein comprised 70% of the dry weight throughout the instar and it is suggested that the changes reflect differences in cell production and cell death. Growth of the anterior caecal arms in the first part of the instar was correlated with the utilization of nitrogen from the food. The pattern of changes in the anterior caecal arms through the instar reflects the patterns of food intake, food utilization, and, perhaps, enzyme titres. This reinforces the evidence for a major role by the anterior arms in absorption and, possibly, enzyme production. The less marked changes in the posterior caecal arms and ventriculus are in keeping with a different emphasis in the functions of these tissues.
Aspects of the family and children's television viewing content preferences.

TANGNEY, JUNE PRICE. Aspects of the Family and Children's Television Viewing Content Preferences. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1988, 59, 1070-1079. Previous research indicates that parent-child conflict and dysfunctional parenting attitudes are related to heavy television viewing among offspring. More specific aspects of viewing behavior, however, remain unaddressed. In 2 samples of upperelementary school-aged white children, the relations of children's television content preferences to children's perceptions of parent-child conflict and parents' child-rearing attitudes were examined. Results indicated that parental empathy, sensitivity, and adaptive role expectations were inversely related to children's preference for fantasy-oriented content and children's programming, particularly among males. Parental supervision of children's television viewing behavior did not appear to mediate the relation between dysfunctional parenting attitudes and children's viewing patterns, but a number of alternative interpretations of these results are entertained. Regardless of the causal nature of the observed relations, these results raise concerns regarding potential developmental effects of such viewing patterns for children already disadvantaged by virtue of dysfunctional parent-child relationships.
Learning to argue with parents and peers

The infant's first natural response when faced with opposition or when he opposes others' actions is to cry. As this kind of behavior becomes ineffective, the responses of the individuals with which he interacts force him to adopt more conventional — especially verbal — patterns of arguing, leading him to rational argumentation. The purpose of the present paper is to observe progressions in children's earliest verbal arguments and to see how and when they learn to adjust their strategies for different kinds of opponents (peers; parents; other adults). In order to examine the emergence of such persuasive strategies, and their distribution according to the different categories of opponents, systematic audiotape recordings of two Spanish-speaking girls between 2 and 3 years were analyzed. The data suggest that, although there were some differences in how the girls argued with parents versus peers, they were only beginning to adjust their speech to make it appropriate for one or the other type of listener. In general, they resorted to one dominant strategy for all listeners (insist, repeat, cry, scream, ...). Each girl, however, developed a small number of less frequently used strategies that she reserved for a subcategory of opponents. For example, one of them, Nancy, only threatened and insulted peers, while the other, Marisa, only used “please” and a temporizing strategy with parents. The girls used less adaptive, more agressive strategies (e.g. threats and insults) with their peers. With one exception, all of the girls' moves were self-centered. In fact, the girls had not yet reached the stage of rational argumentation.
Induction of HLA-DR expression in endometrial epithelial cells by endometrial T-cells: potential regulatory role of endometrial T-cells in vivo.

Endometrial epithelial cells express HLA-DR molecules of the major histocompatibility complex in vivo adjacent to aggregates of T-cells in the endometrial stroma. To test whether HLA-DR expression on endometrial epithelium is mediated by T-cells, endometrial T-cells were isolated from human endometrium by the sheep red blood cell rosetting technique. In contrast to the resting T-cells from peripheral blood and similar to the peripheral blood T-cells activated with Conconavalin-A, endometrial T-cells formed colonies in vitro. Direct addition of the endometrial T-cells to epithelial cell cultures derived from autologous glands induced both morphological changes as well as HLA-DR molecules in the epithelial cells. The intensity of the immunostained HLA-DR molecules in the epithelial cells as well as the percentages of the HLA-DR-positive epithelial cells correlated with the number of T-cells added to the epithelial cell cultures. T-Cells were bound to the HLA-DR-positive epithelial cells as single cells or a...
Splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura: long-term results and treatment of postsplenectomy relapses.

Information regarding prognostic determinants of outcome after splenectomy for adult immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and the management of postsplenectomy relapse is limited. Among 140 adult patients with ITP who had therapeutic splenectomy at our institution, 88% achieved either a complete (platelets >150×109/l) or a partial (platelets ≥50×109/l) response that was sustained for at least 1 month. At 3, 6, and 12 months after splenectomy, time-adjusted complete response rates were 77%, 71%, and 74%, respectively. The 5-year relapse-free survival was 75%; all but three relapses occurred within 2 years of splenectomy. In multivariate analysis, younger age and higher peak postsplenectomy platelet counts were significantly associated with a favorable response to splenectomy. None of several preoperative or perioperative variables was predictive of a relapse after an initial response to splenectomy. Corticosteroids, danazol, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide were often effective in the treatment of patients who were either refractory to or had a relapse after splenectomy. One patient responded to rituximab after not responding to corticosteroids, azathioprine, and vincristine. After a median follow-up of 37.5 months (range: 0–183) from splenectomy, there were 25 deaths, including 2 from postoperative complications, 1 from gastrointestinal bleeding related to thrombocytopenia, and 1 from overwhelming sepsis related to the splenectomized state. The current study provides additional data on both the long-term outcome of splenectomy in adults with ITP and the management of postsplenectomy relapse.
How to adjust ACE inhibitors and ARBs in diabetes

(2004). How to adjust ACE inhibitors and ARBs in diabetes? Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 115, No. 5, pp. 9-10.
K/GaAs(110) interface: Initial stages of growth and the semiconductor-to-metal transition.

The K/GaAs(110) interface has been studied to explore the initial stages of formation of a model metal-semiconductor interface. For K deposition at room temperature, thermal-desorption spectroscopy measurements showed that the K overlayer saturates at a coverage that we define as ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{sat}}$. K adsorption results in a work-function decrease of \ensuremath{\sim}2.9 eV by \ensuremath{\sim}0.4 ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{sat}}$ with no distinct minimum being observed up to ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{sat}}$. Electron-energy-loss measurements of the developing interface at room temperature revealed a continuous narrowing of the interfacial band gap for increasing K coverages, being reduced to \ensuremath{\sim}200 meV at ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{sat}}$. Finite excitation intensity within the band gap at room temperature was quenched at low temperatures, suggesting the existence of a true interfacial band gap at coverages \ensuremath{\le}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{sat}}$. At a coverage of \ensuremath{\sim}1.2 ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{sat}}$, obtained by low-temperature (\ensuremath{\sim}135 K) deposition onto a room-temperature saturated layer, the semiconductor-to-metal transition was observed. In contrast, rapid metallization of the interface was observed upon low-temperature deposition of K onto clean GaAs(110), indicating a distinctly different growth mode.
Conformational stability of Syrian hamster prion protein PrP(90-231).

Many transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are believed to be caused by a misfolded form of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) known as PrPSc. While PrPSc is known to be exceptionally stable and resistant to protease degradation, PrPC has not shown these same unusual characteristics. However, using ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IMS-MS), we found evidence for at least one very stable conformation of a truncated form of recombinant PrPC consisting of residues 90-231, which resists unfolding in the absence of solvent at high injection energies and at temperatures in excess of 600 K. We also report the first absolute collision cross sections measured for recombinant Syrian hamster prion protein PrP(90-231).
Correlation between π-orbital overlap and conductivity in bis-phthalocyaninato lanthanides

Conductivity measurements on praseodymium, neodymium, gadolinium, holmium, erbium and lutetium phthalocyanine sandwich compounds of the general formula H[M(Pc)2] taken with both d.c. and a.c. techniques on pressed pellet samples show a direct correlation with the intraplanar separation between the phthalocyanine ligands. Conductivity measurements on the iodine-doped bis-phthalocyaninato lanthanides, H[M(Pc)2Ix], show an average increase of four orders of magnitude when measured with d.c. techniques, and two orders of magnitude when measured with a.c. techniques. The high-temperature conductivity behavior may be explained by using the mobility model. The low-temperature data show hopping conduction behaviour.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Latinos With Multiple Sclerosis

This study identifies characteristics associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Latinos with multiple sclerosis (MS). Data were collected from 99 Latinos with MS, with multiple linear regression models utilized to analyze these data. Marital status, MS symptoms, depressive symptoms, treatment at MS clinics, and satisfaction with insurance coverage of MS-related care were significantly linked with physical HRQOL. Marital status, employment, access to MS-focused care, and need for mental health care were significantly associated with mental health dimensions of HRQOL. Identifying characteristics associated with better HRQOL among Latinos with MS should facilitate approaches that address the health needs of this community.
Effects of Time-Specific F-Strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum Inoculation Overlays on Prelay ts11-Strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum Inoculation on Performance Characteristics of Commercial Laying Hens

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma bacteria are virtually ubiquitous in layer chicken flocks, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the species of greatest concern to commercial egg producers. Live M. gallisepticum vaccines were initially approved by the USDA for use in commercial layers in 1988 to help control M. gallisepticum outbreaks. In the present study, 2 trials were conducted to determine the effects of 2 currently available live Mycoplasma vaccines (the ts11-and F-strains) when used together. The following 4 inoculation treatments were used: 1) sham inoculation at 10 wk of age, 2) ts11 at 10 wk, 3) ts11 at 10 wk overlaid by the F-strain at 22 wk, and 4) ts11 at 10 wk overlaid by the F-strain at 45 wk. In each trial, at various ages between 18 and 57 wk of age, hen mortality; BW; egg weight; egg production; eggshell breaking strength; incidences of egg blood spots, egg meat spots, and eggshell pimpling; and eggshell weight per unit of surface area were assessed. The effects of inoculation treatment on egg weight at 27, 37, and 38 wk were inconsistent and variable. Eggshell pimpling and egg blood spot incidences at 56 wk were highest in eggs belonging to the ts11 at 10 wk/F-strain at 45 wk group. Despite increases in pimpling and blood spot incidences very late in production because of the ts11 at 10 wk/F-strain at 45 wk treatment, performance in layers was not adversely affected by a 10-wk ts11 inoculation alone or in conjunction with subsequent overlay inoculations of the F-strain during lay. It is therefore suggested that the 10-wk inoculation of commercial layers with ts11 may reduce the negative impacts of a prelay F-strain inoculation on performance, as reported in earlier studies, while providing protection against subsequent field strain M. gallisepticum infections. Furthermore, the ts11- and F-strain M. gallisepticum treatment combinations may overcome some of the inadequacies that prelay ts11- or F-strain M. gallisepticum vaccines may have when given independently.
Plant water-use efficiency as a metric of urban ecosystem services

Trees in urban ecosystems are valued for shade and cooling effects, reduction of CO2 emissions and pollution, and aesthetics, among other benefits. However, in arid and semiarid regions, urban trees must be maintained through supplemental irrigation. In these regions it is desirable to identify tree species that are especially efficient in the balance between water loss and carbon uptake. We used a common-garden approach to compare water-use efficiency (WUE) at leaf and tree scales for commonly planted, nonnative tree species in the Los Angeles Basin (California, USA), in order to evaluate WUE as a metric of the trade-off between water use and growth in urban trees. Leaf-level gas exchange, sap flux density, leaf δ13C, and stem growth measurements were conducted on eight species within the Los Angeles County Arboretum: Brachychiton discolor, B. populneus, Eucalyptus grandis, Ficus microcarpa, Jacaranda chelonia, Gleditsia triacanthos, Lagerstroemia indica, and Koelreuteria paniculata. We found species wit...
A 50 nm gate length InN tri-gate FET design with g m of 1.07 mS/μm and f t of 495 GHz

Among III-N semiconductors, InN has long been attractive for high-frequency devices because of its predicted high electron velocity (> 3 × 107 cm/s) and low effective mass [1]. However, experimental devices have been hard to demonstrate due to high n-type unintentional doping densities (UID) (> 1017 cm-3) and large surface conduction. In this work, through comprehensive simulation, we show that through judicious design of a tri-gate InN device and polarization engineering, a FET operation is realized even with high UID. The simulated 50 nm gate length device shows excellent DC and RF performance with calculated values of gm 1.07 mS/μm, ft 495 GHz, intrinsic fmax 760 GHz, and off state current of 0.007 mA/ μm.
The design of autonomous DNA nano-mechanical devices: Walking and rolling DNA

We provide designs for the first autonomous DNA nanomechanical devices that execute cycles of motion without external environmental changes. These DNA devices translate along a circular strand of ssDNA and rotate simultaneously. The designs use various energy sources to fuel the movements, include (i) ATP consumption by DNA ligase in conjunction with restriction enzyme operations, (ii) DNA hybridization energy in trapped states, and (iii) kinetic (heat) energy. We show that each of these energy sources can be used to fuel random bidirectional movements that acquire after n steps an expected translational deviation of O(√n). For the devices using the first two fuel sources, the rate of stepping is accelerated over the rate of random drift due to kinetic (heat) energy. Our first DNA device, which we call walking DNA, achieves random bidirectional motion around a circular ssDNA strand by use of DNA ligase and two restriction enzymes. Our other DNA device, which we call rolling DNA, achieves random bidirectional motion without use of DNA ligase or any restriction enzyme, and instead using hybridization energy. We also describe how to modify the design for the rolling DNA device to include a ``latching mechanism'' that fixes the wheels position at specified location along the road, so as to provide for overall unidirectional translational movement.
Medication-induced performance deficits: analgesics and narcotics

Pain is the most common medical complaint, and analgesic drugs are often used for its management. Seven out of 10 Americans took nonprescription pain relievers in the last year. Analgesics are classified as nonnarcotics (acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), narcotics (which include the morphine-like drugs), and analgesic adjuvants (a heterogeneous group of drugs, including antihistamines, phenothiazines, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants), which may have intrinsic analgesic efficacy for specific pain syndromes or may be used as co-analgesics in combination with the traditional nonnarcotic and narcotic agents. Although these agents can be used safely most of the time by patients with acute or chronic pain, all classes of analgesics may impair cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric functioning, which may influence job performance in specific instances. Language: en
Terahertz wave generation with multi-physics mechanisms

A technique of enhancing terahertz (THz) wave radiation from large aperture photoconductive (PC) antenna is presented in this paper. In this technique, the PC antenna is excited by both the optical and previously-generated THz pulses by a laser induced air plasma created in front of PC antenna, an enhanced THz wave signal is obtained. The technique shown in this paper can be very useful for THz imaging and spectroscopy.
On Being a Scientist in a Rapidly Changing World

The practice of biological science has changed dramatically since mid-century, reshaped not only by a rapid series of landmark discoveries, but also by governmental directives, institutional policies, and public attitudes. Until 1964, the major influences were the mentor, who provided direction and indoctrination into the culture of science, and in dentistry, the newly established NIDR, which fueled the research engine with an expanding research and training program. The 1965-74 period witnessed the advent of the Institutional Review Board, an increased social involvement of biological scientists, and a recognition of the need for biological and physical safeguards in the conduct of research. The most turbulent years were 1975-89, when there was a confluence of animal rights activism and regulation, growing concerns with scientific fraud and publication malpractice, and the stresses and strains (and opportunities) resulting from the rapid expansion of the academic-industrial complex. The current period is...
Purification and properties of glutamine synthetase from liver of Squalus acanthias.

Abstract Ammonia assimilation for urea synthesis by liver mitochondria in marine elasmobranchs involves, initially, formation of glutamine which is subsequently utilized for mitochondrial carbamoyl phosphate synthesis [ P. M. Anderson and C. A. Casey (1984) J. Biol. Chem.259, 456–462 ]. The purpose of this study was to determine if the glutamine synthetase catalyzing this first step in urea synthesis has properties uniquely related to this function. Glutamine synthetase has been highly purified from isolated liver mitochondria of Squalus acanthias, a representative elasmobranch. The purified enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 400,000 in the presence of Mg2+, MgATP, and l -glutamate, but dissociates reversibly to a species with a molecular weight of approximately 200,000 in the absence of MgATP and l -glutamate. Association with the glutamine- and acetylglutamate-dependent carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, also located in the mitochondria, could not be demonstrated. The subunit molecular weight is approximately 46,000. The pH optimum of the biosynthesis reaction is 7.1–7.4. The purified enzyme is stabilized by MgATP and glutamate and by ethylene glycol, and is activated by 5–10% ethylene glycol. The apparent Km values for MgATP, l -glutamate, and ammonia (NH4+-NH3) are 0.7, 11.0, and 0.015 m m , respectively. Mg2+ in excess of that required to complex ATP as MgATP is required for maximal activity; Mn2+ cannot replace Mg2+. The enzyme is activated by low concentrations of chloride, bromide, or iodide; this effect appears to be related to decreases in the apparent Km for glutamate. The enzyme is inhibited by physiological concentrations of urea, but is not significantly affected by physiological concentrations of trimethylamine-N-oxide. Except for activation by halogen anions and the very low apparent Km for ammonia, this elasmobranch glutamine synthetase has properties similar to those reported for mammalian and avian glutamine synthetases. The very low apparent Km for ammonia may be specifically related to the unique role of this glutamine synthetase in mitochondrial assimilation of ammonia for urea synthesis.
Comment on ``Selection of the Saffman-Taylor Finger Width in the Absence of Surface Tension: An Exact Result''

A Comment on the Letter by Mark Mineev-Weinstein, Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 2113 (1998). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Simulated gravitational response to hydraulic testing of unconfined aquifers

Abstract The gravitational response to hydraulic testing of shallow unconfined aquifers ( −8 m/s 2 ) at the pumping well. The response at the 1 μGal level can extend hundreds of meters away from the pumping well. At a distance of 1 m, survey resolutions between 0.002 to 0.15 and 0.03 to 2 μGal are required to delineate incremental drawdown at the 0.02- and 0.3-m levels, respectively, below the point of measurement.
Nouns and verbs: A comparison of definitional style

The present investigation is a study of the definitional style of nouns and verbs in typically developing school-age children. A total of 30 children in upper-elementary grades provided verbal definitions for 10 common high-frequency nouns (e.g., apple, boat, baby) and 10 common high- frequency verbs (e.g., climb, sing, throw). All definitions were coded and scored for semantic content (meaning) and grammatical form (syntax). Results revealed no significant difference between noun and verb definitions for content scores. For form, however, noun definition scores were significantly higher than verb definition scores. A supplementary analysis was conducted to explore development of noun and verb definitions in upper-elementary grades. Input factors, word frequency, as well as theory of the organization of the mental lexicon are discussed in relation to definitional skill.
Defects in beta cell Ca2+ signalling, glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in a murine model of KATP channel-induced neonatal diabetes mellitus

Aims/hypothesis Mutations that render ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels insensitive to ATP inhibition cause neonatal diabetes mellitus. In mice, these mutations cause insulin secretion to be lost initially and, as the disease progresses, beta cell mass and insulin content also disappear. We investigated whether defects in calcium signalling alone are sufficient to explain short-term and long-term islet dysfunction.
Electron and Neutron Damage in MgF2 Crystals

A comparison of electron- and neutron-radiation damage in MgF2 single crystals has been made by studying changes in the optical absorption. It is found that reactor irradiation introduces many more cluster centers than does electron irradiation. Annealing studies show that above 700 °K F-centers are apparently mobile and aggregate to form M-centers. Zero phonon and phonon-assisted lines are observed at 382.6, 384.5, 385.7, and 387.3 nm and have been shown to be associated with the broad absorption band at 370 nm which is due to M-centers. Durch Untersuchung der optischen Absorption wurde in MgF2-Einkristallen ein Vergleich von Elektronen- und Neutronendamage durchgefuhrt. Es wurde gefunden, das eine Reaktorbestrahlung viel mehr Clusterzentren erzeugt als eine Elektronenbestrahlung. Temperungsuntersuchungen zeigen, das oberhalb 700 °K F-Zentren wahrscheinlich beweglich sind und M-Zentren bilden. Null-Phononen- und phononen-assistierte Linien werden bei 382,6; 384,5; 385,7 und 387,3 nm beobachtet. Es wird gezeigt, das sie mit breiten Absorptionsbanden bei 370 nm verbunden sind, die von M-Zentren herruhren.
3D Models of MBP, a Biologically Active Metabolite of Bisphenol A, in Human Estrogen Receptor α and Estrogen Receptor β

Bisphenol A [BPA] is a widely dispersed environmental chemical that is of much concern because the BPA monomer is a weak transcriptional activator of human estrogen receptor α [ERα] and ERβ in cell culture. A BPA metabolite, 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene [MBP], has transcriptional activity at nM concentrations, which is 1000-fold lower than the concentration for estrogenic activity of BPA, suggesting that MBP may be an environmental estrogen. To investigate the structural basis for the activity of MBP at nM concentrations and the lower activity of BPA for human ERα and ERβ, we constructed 3D models of human ERα and ERβ with MBP and BPA for comparison with estradiol in these ERs. These 3D models suggest that MBP, but not BPA, has key contacts with amino acids in human ERα and ERβ that are important in binding of estradiol by these receptors. Metabolism of BPA to MBP increases the spacing between two phenolic rings, resulting in contacts between MBP and ERα and ERβ that mimic those of estradiol with these ERs. Mutagenesis of residues on these ERs that contact the phenolic hydroxyls will provide a test for our 3D models. Other environmental chemicals containing two appropriately spaced phenolic rings and an aliphatic spacer instead of an estrogenic B and C ring also may bind to ERα or ERβ and interfere with normal estrogen physiology. This analysis also may be useful in designing novel chemicals for regulating the actions of human ERα and ERβ.
The Role of Pictograms for Enhancement of Patient Prescription Medication Information in the US

Background:Approximately half of American adults have trouble understanding and acting on health information. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) pictograms are standardized graphic images that help c...
Denoising through wavelet shrinkage: an empirical study

Techniques based on thresholding of wavelet coefficients are gaining popularity for denoising data. The idea is to transform the data into the wavelet basis, where the ''large'' coefficients are mainly the signal, and the ''smaller'' ones represent the noise. By suitably modifying these coefficients, the noise can be removed from the data. We evaluate several 2-D denoising procedures using test images corrupted with additive Gaussian noise. We consider global, level-dependent, and subband-dependent implementations of these techniques. Our results, using the mean squared error as a measure of the quality of denoising, show that the SureShrink and the BayesShrink methods consistently outperform the other wavelet-based techniques. In contrast, we found that a combination of simple spatial filters lead to images that were grainier with smoother edges, though the error was smaller than in the wavelet- based methods. © 2003 SPIE and IS&T. (DOI: 10.1117/1.1525793)
Treatment alternatives for Attention-Deficit! Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Objective: To review alternate treatments (Tx) of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)those other than psychoactive medication and behavioral/psychosocial Tx-for the November, 1998 Natio...
Development and Maintenance of the Oviductal Epithelium during the Estrous Cycle in the Bitch

The epithelium of the ampulla of the bitch oviduct was studied by light and electron microscopy during representative stages of the normal estrous cycle. Anestrus and early proestrus cells were characteristically low cuboidal and of uniform staining density. The disappearance of large patches of condensed chromatin from the nucleus and the enlargement of the nucleolus during midproestrus was the first evidence of differentiation in the parenchyma. Hypertrophy and ciliation of about 60% of the cells were characteristic of late proestrus. The apical cytoplasm of the ciliated cells contained a row of basal bodies, numerous mitochondria, and a complex network of fine filaments. Maximum secretory cell differentiation was not reached until midestrus at which time these cells were characterized by dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), enlarged Golgi apparatus, and apical secretory granules. During metestrus there was an atrophy of the secretory cells, a loss of cilia, and an increase in the nucleocytoplasnaic ratio. This marked the onset of a sequence of regressive events leading back to the anestrus state where low cuboidal basal cells are predominant. The results are correlated with ovarian steroid plasma levels. The differentiation sequence observed during proestrus and early estrus in the oviductal epithelium of the bitch is directly correlated with, and appears to be the result of, an estrogen surge which occurs at the onset of proestrus. The dedifferentiation sequence observed throughout metestrus is correlated with, and may be the result of, a progesterone surge which occurs during midestrus and reaches a peak early in metestrus. In addition, hormonal and morphological events are so timed that when the ova are released during early estrus, ciliation and secretion are at a maximum for ova/zygote transport and maintenance. To date, no fine structural study of the
Amblyomma cajennense is an intrastadial biological vector of Theileria equi

Background The apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasite Theileria equi is one of the etiologic agents causing equine piroplasmosis, a disease of equines that is endemic throughout large parts of the world. Before 2009 the United States had been considered to be free of this parasite. Occasional cases had occurred but there was no evidence for endemic vector-borne transmission in the U.S. until a 2009 outbreak in Texas in which Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma cajennense were implicated as vectors. Although D. variabilis has previously been shown to be a competent laboratory vector, studies suggested A. cajennense was not a competent transstadial vector, even though the presence of this tick species on horses in South American is epidemiologicaly correlated with higher a prevalence of infection. In this study we tested the transstadial and intrastadial vector competence of D. variabilis and A. cajennense for T. equi.
Soot and Tar Production in a Jet-Stirred/Plug-Flow Reactor System: High and Low C2H2 Concentration Environments

ABSTRACT We demonstrate that carbon molecular weight growth chemistry can continue to occur when polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), produced by localized fuel rich pockets within an incinerator, disperse into the near-stoichiometric bulk flow characteristic of the unit. Naphthalene, a model PAH, was added to a near-stoichiometric (φ = 1.2) post-flame combustion flow produced by premixed C2H4/O2/N2/Air combustion in a jet-stirred/plug-flow reactor system (JSR/PFR), and the results compared against those from a fuel rich (φ = 2.2) post-flame combustion flow without naphthalene addition. In both experiments, the PFR was sampled for soot (CH2Cl2 insolubles), tar (CH2Cl2 solubles; PAH), C2H2 and other light gases. The results indicate that naphthalene addition to the φ = 1.2 flow produces PAH in the naphthalene (M W = 128) to cyclopenta[cd]pyrene(MW = 226) fraction at exactly the same total mass concentration as observed in the φ = 2.2 flow without naphthalene addition. Similarly, the rate of growth of so...
Belief in the Inevitability of Suicide: Results from a National Survey

To examine public opinion regarding the effectiveness of means restriction as an approach to preventing suicide we asked a national sample of 2,770 respondents a hypothetical question about what effect a suicide barrier might have had on the ultimate fate of the more than 1,000 people who have jumped to their death from the Golden Gate Bridge. Thirty-four percent of respondents believed that every single jumper would have found another way to complete suicide and an additional 40% believed that “most” would have completed suicide using other means. The strongest predictors of belief in complete substitution were firearm ownership and cigarette smoking. Belief in the inevitability of suicide may be a political impediment to adopting potentially effective suicide prevention efforts.
Most of Us are Family Some of the Time: Interracial Unions and Transracial Kinship in Eastern Trinidad

In this article I explore naturalizing ideologies tied to Trinidadian conceptions of race by examining interracial unions and transracial kinship between Indians and Creoles in a community in eastern Trinidad. Such unions and kin ties are cultural resources used to make claims of similarity or difference. Ideas of race and kinship are based on cultural assumptions about biology ; such claims are linked to these biological assumptions. As a result, Trinidadians are able to naturalize these claims strategically, although the interaction of cultural ideas of kinship and race impose a distinctive pattern on claims of similarity and difference. The differing affiliation patterns of Creoles and Indians play a role in determining the relative strength of transracial kinship ties and consequent claims of similarity and difference. These patterns suggest that unions consisting of Creole women and Indian men provide the strongest foundation for the assertion of transracial similarities
Who is Responsible and What are They Responsible For? Contextual Features Matter in Judgments of Responsibility and Helping

A contribution of Marjanovic and colleagues’ work (2011) is its investigation of helping in the context of natural disasters—a distinctive context in which to study judgments of responsibility and helping. Unlike many other contexts, it is atypical to regard victims of natural disasters as the ultimate cause of their own plight. Furthermore, when thinking about responsibility for a disaster's fallout, people may be likely to focus on groups rather than individuals. In other words, when making judgments of responsibility for natural disasters, people's judgments are likely shaped by what they are assigning blame for (i.e., onset or offset responsibility) and what kind of targets are to blame (individuals or collectives). This commentary discusses how these contextual features may impact attributional reasoning.
Hot-wire Measurements in Low Reynolds Number Hypersonic Flows

Measurements were made of the heat loss and recovery temperature of a fine hot-wire at a nominal Mach number of 5.8. Data were obtained over an eight-fold range of Reynolds numbers in the transitional regime between continuum and free-molecule flow. At high Reynolds numbers, the heat transfer data agree well with the results of Laufer and McClellan, which were obtained at lower Mach numbers. At lower Reynolds numbers, the results indicate a monotonic transition between continuum and free molecule heat transfer laws. The slope of the heat transfer correlation also appears to vary monotonically, with Nu=√Re at high Reynolds numbers and Nu ~ Re for Re < < 1. Data on the wire recovery temperature (corresponding to zero net heat transfer) were obtained for free-stream Knudsen numbers between 0.4 and 3.0. Comparison with previous data suggests that for Mach numbers greater than about two the normalized variation of recovery temperature in the transitional regime is a unique function of the free-stream Knudsen number. The steady-state hot-wire may be used to obtain two thermodynamic measurements: the rate of heat transfer from the wire and the wire recovery temperature. An illustrative experiment was performed in the wake of a transverse cylinder, using both hot-wire and pressure instruments in a redundant system of measurements. It was shown that good accuracy may be obtained with a hot-wire even when the Reynolds number based on wire diameter is small.
Absorbing boundary conditions for FDTD simulations of photonic crystal waveguides

We present a novel numerical scheme for the reduction of spurious reflections in simulations of electromagnetic wave propagation in photonic crystal waveguides. We use a distributed Bragg reflector waveguide termination to reduce reflection from photonic crystal waveguide ends by improving k-matching for photonic crystal waveguided modes. We describe computational procedures and show that a significant reduction in reflection amplitude can be achieved across a large part of the guided mode spectrum. This method enables one to reduce simply and effectively the computational requirements in photonic crystal waveguide simulations.