cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Morphology of the Third Chromosome in the Salivary Gland of Drosophila Melanogaster and a New Cytological Map of This Element.

The present article is the second of a series of three papers dealing with the morphology of the chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster as these appear in the salivary glands of larvae, and to the presentation of a new type of chromosome map. As in my paper on the X chromosome, which appeared recently in this journal, the brief descriptions and the numerous figures have been presented primarily with the view of assisting other investigators in the ready identification of the various landmarks along the two arms of the third chromosome, because it is clear that study of salivary gland material is going to play an important part in the future genetic studies on Drosophila. The cytological map we are able to present now is little more than a skeleton, in spite of the fact that some 33 translocations have been analyzed. The reason for this is two-fold. In the first place, a great many of the breaks are bunched between rather narrow genetic limits. Thus out of a total of 36, 17 fall between the genetic limits of scarlet and pink. In the second place, the markers used in the original experiment were rather widely scattered and neither the time nor, in some instances, have the necessary stocks been immediately available for the finer analyses needed to determine more exactly the genetic limits of these breaks. Miss META SUCHE is making these determinations and by the time this article goes to the printer we should be able to add new data.' I n the meantime, the morphological positions of the breaks will be indicated. No doubt many other investigators have breaks in the third chromosome, the genetic limits of which have been relatively exactly determined, and it is believed that they will have no difficulty in placing these cytologically with the aid of the topographical maps presented in this study. In this way within a few years we should have a large number of gene loci placed within narrow morphological limits. Aside from the usefulness of the topographical maps for the study of all types of chromosome rearrangements and the problems associated with this branch of cytogenetics, perhaps the points of greatest general interest center around the question of chromosome structure. For the present study shows very clearly that the third chromosome is differentiated
ANTIMYCOTIC PROPERTIES OF HOP EXTRACT IN REDUCED WATER ACTIVITY MEDIA

The effect of three levels of hop extract (0.5, 1.5, 2.5%) on the formation of mold colonies in laboratory culture media, adjusted to six levels of water activity between 0.98 and 0.77, was investigated. Nutrient agar plates containing hop extract were inoculated with dilute suspensions of asexual spores of Penicillium and two Aspergilli isolated from intermediate moisture food. The plates were wrapped with a moisture barrier and oxygen permeable film to prevent drying, and incubated at room temperature for 30 days. The data suggest that at levels of 1.5–2.5%, the hop extract inhibited vegetative growth of all three organisms. Reduction in the number of visible colonies was caused independently by both the reduced water activity and the presence of the hop extract. Hop extract inhibited mycelial growth and allowed development of the germ tube. The combined effect of reduced water activity and the addition of hop extract may be usable in imparting biological stability to intermediate moisture foods.
"People are all about appearances": A focus group of teenagers with Moebius Syndrome.

This focus group study examined the social experiences of 10 adolescents aged 12–17 years with Moebius Syndrome, a rare condition involving congenital facial paralysis. Content analysis revealed five themes: social engagement/disengagement, resilience/sensitivity, social support/stigma, being understood/misunderstood, and public awareness/lack of awareness of Moebius Syndrome. Compared to previous research on adults with Moebius Syndrome, adolescents were more likely to experience bullying and social strain. Like adults, teenagers displayed resilience and communication skills. Greater public awareness is key to reducing the stigma associated with this condition, and social skills programs should be developed to support those who struggle with social functioning.
Vascular β -Adrenergic Receptor Adenylyl Cyclase System in Maturation and Aging

The objective of this study was to determine how maturation and aging affects beta (beta)-adrenergic receptor (AR) control of arterial vasorelaxation. Left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics and arterial vasorelaxation in thoracic artery segments were studied in Brown Norway, Fisher 344 cross rats at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 23 months of age. We defined changes in maturation as occurring between 6 weeks and 6 months of age and changes in aging as occurring between 6 months and 23 months of age. With maturation, isoproterenol resulted in a downward shift in heart rate and an upward shift in both LV dP/dt and peripheral vascular resistance responses. Similar changes were noted with aging except for the downward shift in LV dP/dt isoproterenol response. There was a dose-dependent increase in arterial vasorelaxation in response to isoproterenol in all age groups, but the 6-week-old animals had a 5-fold (P<0.01) increase in vasorelaxation compared to other age groups. The isoproterenol-induced arterial vasorelaxation response was not altered by removal of the endothelium. The vasodilatory responses to nitroglycerin, acetylcholine, and adenosine were diminished (P<0.05) with aging. The vasorelaxation responses to forskolin and IBMX were unchanged with maturation and diminished with aging. Incubation of arterial rings in cholera toxin resulted in a reduction in relaxation only in arteries from 6-week-old rats. Maturation resulted in no change in beta -AR density [20.2+/-0.7 v. 18.5+/-0.5 fmol/mg protein, P=n.s., 6 weeks (n=2, 18 aortas were combined v 6-month-old rats)]. With maturation, there was no change in G alpha(i)level. However, beta ARK1 levels were increased (55. 4+/-2.1 v. 40.8+/-0.4, arbitrary densitometry units) and G alpha(s)levels were decreased (29.5+/-0.8 v. 49.9+/-1.9, arbitrary densitometry units). Aging resulted in no change in beta -AR density (15.3+/-1.7 v. 18.5+/-0.5 fmol/mg membrane protein), but decreases in basal, isoproterenol-, naF-, and forskolin-stimulated AC activities. Compared to 6 week data, 23-month-old rats exhibited no change in either G alpha(i)or beta ARK1, however, G alpha(s) was decreased. In summary, beta -AR-stimulated arterial vasorelaxation is depressed during maturation and aging. Since there is no change in beta -AR density but a decrease in G alpha(s)and in basal/stimulated AC activities, the defect in beta -AR signaling during maturation and aging is probably a post receptor defect, i.e. possibly in the receptor-G protein coupling.
Researches on Automatic Software Testing Techniques

This article briefly describes the background and the advantages of the automatic software testing technology research, summarizes the development, the features, and the research directions of the automatic software testing technology, and then example of analyses the testing process and factors of automatic software testing technology based on the C-ATFM automatic test model.
SHIRX--A High-Resolution Rocket-Borne X-Ray Spectrometer

A rocket-borne x-ray spectrometer is described which used cooled lithium-drifted semiconductor detectors to measure the differential x-ray energy spectrum of Sco XR-1 in the range 0.6-20 keV.
Disability Prevalence in 21,415 Children Ages 5-17 Years in the 1994 National Health Interview Survey ♦ 537

Our purpose was to estimate national population prevalence rates of functional limitations in children ages 5-17 years. We developed a methodology for measuring severity of mobility, self-care, communication and learning ability using the 1994 National Health Interview Survey-Disability Supplement (NHIS-D). NHIS-D included 45,705 households, involving 116,179 people of whom 21,415 were children. Our framework for analysis included the National Centers of Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) framework of pathophysiology, impairment, fucntional limitations, disability, and handicap. We used categories from the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure(WeeFIM®) to clarify functional limitations in self-care/continency, mobility-locomotion, communication, and social-cognitive/learning skills. Sociodemographic risk factors included race, household structure, education of adult caretaker, and family income. Activity limitation included no limits, non-school limits, school limits and unable to attend school. Perceived disability included parents and health-community professional feedback. Activity limitations were present in 9% and perceived disability in 3.4%. Mobility limitations were evident in 1.3%, self-care limitations in 0.9%, communication limitations in 5.5% and learning limitations were found in 10.6% of the sample. Overall, 12.3%of school age children have some functional limitations (minor 4.2%, severe 8.1%). OLS multivariate models were used to predict activity limitation and perceivd disability. WeeFIM categories accounted for 30% of activity limitations and 46% of perceived disability variance. Sociodemographic differences were significant between age groups in self-care and communication. There were significant differences between blacks, whites, and hispanics in communication and learning ability. Family structure, education of mother and family income had significant impacts on self-care, communication and learning ability limitations. Ordered logistic regression demonstrated strong significant impact on functional limitations for family structure, mothers education and family income. We conclude that the NHIS-D is an excellent population based system for examining functional limitations in school age children.
Engineering Perceptions of ABET Accreditation Criteria

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has recommended a revised set of accreditation criteria that is designed to assure that graduates of accredited programs are prepared t...
Candidemia in a neonatal intensive care unit: Trends during fifteen years and clinical features of 111 cases

Objective. To determine changes in the incidence of candidemia in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during a 15-year period (1981 to 1995) and to compare the prevalence and case fatality rates of Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis infections. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted of candidemia occurring in infants in a NICU between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 1995. Cases were identified through computerized searching of a microbiology blood culture database. Candidemia was considered contributory to mortality if death occurred within 3 days of positive blood cultures or if there was autopsy evidence of disseminated candidiasis. Results. One hundred eleven cases of candidemia occurred in 107 infants, representing 1% of all NICU patients during the study period. The rate of candidemia in the NICU increased from 2.5 cases per 1000 admissions in 1981 to 1985, to 4.6 per 1000 admissions in 1986 to 1990 and to 28.5 per 1000 in 1991 to 1995 (P = 0.001). C. albicans was the predominant cause of candidemia between 1981 and 1990. C. parapsilosis was the most prevalent species between 1991 and 1995, causing 53 of 89 cases (60%). The mortality from C. albicans, 13 of 50 cases (26%), was significantly higher than the mortality from C. parapsilosis, 2 of 54 (4%) (P = 0.002; relative risk, 7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 30). Conclusions. The rate of candidemia in our neonatal intensive care unit increased > 11-fold in the 15 years from 1981 to 1995; the prevalent Candida species shifted from C. albicans to C. parapsilosis; and candidemia associated with C. albicans has significantly higher mortality than with C. parapsilosis.
The B Cell Receptor Promotes B Cell Activation and Proliferation through a Non-ITAM Tyrosine in the Igα Cytoplasmic Domain

Summary In addition to the tyrosines of the Igα and β immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), the evolutionarily conserved Igα non-ITAM tyrosine 204 becomes phosphorylated upon antigen recognition by the B cell receptor (BCR). Here we demonstrate that splenic B cells from mice with a targeted mutation of Igα Y204 exhibited an isolated defect in T cell-independent B cell activation, proliferation, and antibody response upon BCR engagement, yet normal BCR capping, antigen internalization, antigen presentation, and T cell-dependent antibody production. Mutant B cells, present in normal numbers, exhibited unimpaired BCR-induced spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) phosphorylation but reduced B cell linker protein (BLNK) phosphorylation, calcium flux, and nuclear factor κB (NFκB), c- jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. These results suggest that Igα non-ITAM tyrosine 204 promotes a distinct cellular response, namely T-independent B cell proliferation and differentiation via phosphorylation of the adaptor BLNK.
A critical evaluation of the proposal that serum apolipoproteins are the major constituents of the human erythrocyte membrane

1. The EDTA and Triton X-100 extracts of human erythrocyte ghosts gave no precipitin lines in double diffusion analyses with antibodies to either lipoprotein A, lipoprotein B, lipoprotein C, lipoprotein D, Lp(a) lipoprotein or arginine-rich apolipoprotein of normal human serum (for nomenclature for serum lipoprotein families and apolipoptoteins, see Alaupovic, P., Kostner, G., Lee, D. M., McConathy, W.J. and Magnani, HN. (1972) Expo. Annu. Biochem. Med. 31, 145-160 and Alaupovic, P., Lee, D.M. and McConathy, W.J., (1972) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 260, 689-707.) These membrane preparations also reacted negatively with commercially available antisera to alpha- and beta-lipoproteins. 2. The normal serum very low density, low density and high density lipoproteins formed no precipitin lines with antibodies to either intact or EDTA-extracted ghosts. 3. The serum apolipoproteins and their constitutive polypeptides (A-I, A-II, B, C-I, C-II, C-III, D and arginine-rich apolipoprotein) reacted negatively with antibodies to intact or EDTA-extracted ghosts. The EDTA and Triton X-100 extracts of erythrocyte ghosts gave no reaction with monospecific antibodies to serum apolipoproteins and their constitutive polypeptides. 4. Ghosts dissolved 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate gave positive immunoprecipitin lines with antisera to alpha- and beta-lipoproteins. However, the sodium dodecyl sulfate solution in concentrations greater than 0.1% also formed precipitin lines with antisera to the same lipoproteins. 5. These results do not support the suggestion (Langdon, R.G. (1974) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 342, 213-228) that serum apolipoptoteins are integral protein constituents of human erythrocyte ghosts. The immunoprecipitin lines observed in the latter study might have been due to the presence of trace amounts of serum lipoproteins loosely attached to the cellular surfaces or, more probably, resulted from nonspecific interactions between the proteins and the sodium dodecyl sulfate used as the solubilizing agent
Peripheral versus perpendicular groundwater monitoring configurations

A simulation model was used to evaluate alternative groundwater monitoring configurations for detecting landfill contamination. Using a wide range of downgradient contaminant source configurations, detection efficiency was calculated for peripheral and perpendicular monitoring networks. In the peripheral configurations, each well was located 20 m from the downgradient boundary of the landfill. Wells in perpendicular configurations were collinear, the line located 20 m from the landfill's hydraulically downgradient point(s). The perpendicular configuration consistently outperformed the conventional peripheral scheme. In most cases, the detection efficiency of a perpendicular configuration could be increased by shifting wells toward the downgradient corner of the landfill.
Monoclonal antibody 2C5-modified doxorubicin-loaded liposomes with significantly enhanced therapeutic activity against intracranial human brain U-87 MG tumor xenografts in nude mice

Liposomes, modified with monoclonal antibodies, are suitable carriers for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs into brain tumors. Here, we investigate the therapeutic efficacy of monoclonal anticancer antibody 2C5-modified long-circulating liposomes (LCL) loaded with doxorubicin (2C5-DoxLCL) for the treatment of U-87 MG human brain tumors in an intracranial model in nude mice. In vitro, 2C5-DoxLCL is significantly more effective in killing the U-87 MG tumor cells than Doxil (commercial doxorubicin-loaded PEGylated LCL) or DoxLCL modified with a non-specific IgG. 2C5-immunoliposomes also demonstrate a significantly higher accumulation in U-87 MG tumors compared to all controls in a subcutaneous model. The treatment of intracranial U-87 MG brain tumors in nude mice with 2C5-DoxLCL provides a significant therapeutic benefit over control formulations, substantially reducing the tumor size and almost doubling the survival time. Thus, monoclonal antibody 2C5-modified LCL can specifically target the anticancer drugs to brain tumors, leading to improved therapeutic treatment of brain tumor in an intracranial model, in vivo.
The vortex roll-up problem using lamb vortices for the elliptically loaded wing

Abstract The classical roll-up of the vortex sheet trailing the elliptically loaded wing is examined here. Three factors, each of which contributed in a different, yet influential, manner were included in the analysis: use of Lamb vortices as the discrete vortices, use of a variable time step, and a redistribution of the initial vortex discretization as a variant to the traditional equal-spacing or equal-strength models. The latter two factors are used in the analysis of this problem for the first time in this study. A smooth spiral roll-up was obtained for dimensionless times which exceed those of all but one previous investigators by at least a factor of ten without an increase in computation time for similar computers. In addition, very good comparison with the results of previous investigators is obtained for similar parameters. The redistribution of the initial discretization was found to prevent an early concentration of vortices in the spiral as the integration occurs. The spiral was found to form with an equal number of turns as in other calculations, but with less tightness which we attribute to the fact that Lamb vortices were used. Double precision arithmetic was necessary to obtain meaningful results.
Determining snow depth using Ku-band interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR)

Monitoring seasonal snow accumulation is important for evaluation of snow models, for short- and long-term snow cover monitoring, and for both military and civilian activities in cold climates. Improved spatial analysis of snow depth and volume can help decision makers plan for future events and mitigate risk. Current snow depth measurement methods fall short of operational requirements. This research explored a new approach for determining snow depth using Ku-band multi-pass (monostatic) airborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). A perturbation method that isolated and compared high frequency terrain phase to elevation was used to generate Snow-Off and Snow-On DEMs from the InSAR phase data. Differencing the InSAR DEMs determined elevation change caused by accumulated snow. Comparison of InSAR snow depths to manual snow depth measurements indicated average InSAR snow depth errors of -8cm, 95cm, -49cm, 176cm, 87cm, and 42cm for six SAR pairs. The source of these errors appears to be mostly related to uncorrected slope and tilt in fitted low frequency planes. Results show that this technique has promise but accuracy could be substantially improved by the use of bistatic SAR systems, which would allow for more stable and measurable interferometric baselines.
Preliminary findings from a brief, peer-led safer sex intervention for college students living in residence halls.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a single-session peer-led safer sex intervention, based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills theoretical model, for college students residing in campus residence halls. Participants (N = 108) were assigned to either an hour long control or 5-module intervention session. Compared to the control condition, the intervention increased participants’ information and women’s subjective norms about preventative behavior. Both the control and intervention sessions increased intentions to perform preventative behaviors (e.g., keep condoms available). These preliminary results suggest that this intervention is promising for increasing constructs associated with safer sexual behavior and could easily be implemented by residence hall staff.
Membrane progestin receptors in the midbrain ventral tegmental area are required for progesterone-facilitated lordosis of rats

Progesterone (P4) and its metabolites, rapidly facilitate lordosis of rats partly through actions in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The study of membrane progestin receptors (mPRs), of the Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor (PAQR) superfamily, has been limited to expression and regulation, instead of function. We hypothesized that if mPRs are required for progestin-facilitated lordosis in the VTA, then mPRs will be expressed in this region and knockdown will attenuate lordosis. First, expression of mPR was examined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in brain and peripheral tissues of proestrous Long–Evans rats. Expression of mPRα (paqr7) was observed in peripheral tissues and brain areas, including hypothalamus and midbrain. Expression of mPRβ (paqr8) was observed in brain tissues and was abundant in the midbrain and hypothalamus. Second, ovariectomized rats were estrogen (E2; 0.09 mg/kg, SC), and P4 (4 mg/kg, SC) or vehicle-primed, and infused with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) targeted against mPRα and/or mPRβ intracerebroventricularly or to the VTA. Rats were assessed for motor (open field), anxiety (elevated plus maze), social (social interaction), and sexual (lordosis) behavior. P4-facilitated lordosis was significantly reduced with administration of AS-ODNs for mPRα, mPRβ, or co-administration of mPRα and mPRβ to the lateral ventricle, compared to vehicle. P4-facilitated lordosis was reduced, compared to vehicle, by administration of mPRβ AS-ODNs, or co-administration of mPRα and mPRβ AS-ODNs, but not mPRα AS-ODNs alone, to the VTA. No differences were observed for motor, anxiety, or social behaviors. Thus, mPRs in the VTA are targets of progestin-facilitated lordosis of rats.
Contingent Employment in British Establishments: Organizational Determinants of the Use of Fixed-term Hires and Part-time Workers

Drawing on ILM, HRM, and new structuralist perspectives, the authors examine how organizational-based factors influence the intensity of two types of contingent worker use, fixed-duration contract hires and part-time employees, using a representative sample of UK establishments. Consistent with an organizational-based perspective, they find that the use of contingent workers depends on organizational-level structures which facilitate or inhibit the adoption of flexible employment strategies. Findings suggest that while firms seek to reduce their costs and increase their flexibility their ability to capitalize on flexible employment systems depends heavily on organizational characteristics such as organization size and age, the quality of management-labor relations, governance structures, the organization of work job control technology and recruitment options that can promote or derail such use
Use of Written Material in Learning Self-Control of Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is usually considered the easiest of the sexual dysfunctions to treat. Contrary to psychoanalytic theories of the etiology and psychological significance of premature ejaculation, this dysfunction responds readily to a program based on simple physical retraining of the ejaculatory response.
The aqueous conformation of cyclo(1,6)Ac-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-Pen-NH2

RGD peptides are known as important ligands for integrin receptors in the cell adhesion process. The selectivity of RGD peptides for a certain integrin receptor is partly dependent on the RGD conformation and the residues surrounding the RGD sequence. This paper investigates the effect of the addition of a phenylalanine residue on the RGD conformation in cyclo(1,6)Ac-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-Pen-NH2 (1) as compared to the previously studied cyclo(1,5)Ac-Pen-Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys-NH2 (2). The conformational study of peptide 1 was done in aqueous solution using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. This work will increase the understanding of the flanking residue's effect in RGD peptides.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Relationship between Aperture Dimension and Signal-to-Noise Optimization in Thermal Lens Spectroscopy

The effect of three types of experimental laser noise on conventional thermal lens spectroscopy are considered. Theoretical calculations of noise and signal-to-noise ratio as a function of aperture size are included to determine ideal aperture dimensions for systems limited by laser pointing instabilities, flicker noise, and/or shot noise. Experimentally determined noise curves are also presented and discussed in the context of the theoretical results. The results show that for most thermal lens configurations based on lock-in detection, optimum S/N is obtained at an aperture-to-beam-size ratio of 0.6.
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy ~Application to Tissue Analysis~

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is applied to characterize animal tissue samples. Samples include brain, kidney, liver, lung, muscle and spleen tissues.
Effects of soil types and forms of arsenical pesticide on rice growth and development

For decades, repeated and widespread use of arsenical pesticides has significantly contributed to arsenic contamination in soils. Residues from the overuse of these arsenicals may result in phytotoxicity to crops, which will depend on soil types, plant species and the toxicity of arsenical pesticides. A greenhouse column study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two pesticides, i.e. one organic (dimethylarsinic acid) and one inorganic (sodium arsenate), on the vegetative response of rice as a function of soil properties. Four soils with varying arsenic retention capabilities at two different pesticide amendment rates (675 and 1500 mg/kg) representing the worst case scenarios in superfund sites were used. Results showed that arsenic availability to rice was mainly influenced by soil physico- chemical properties. The soil with the lowest arsenic retention capacity had the highest arsenic concentration in the leachate as well as in the plant tissue. In contrast, for soils with higher arsenic retention capacity, higher concentrations of arsenic were found in the surface soil which resulted in the inhibition of plant growth. There was no significant difference between labile arsenic / plant-available arsenic irrespective of the form of arsenical pesticide used. Plant growth parameters such as biomass, shoot height, root length decreased with increased arsenic concentrations in all soils. A significant negative correlation (P<0.05) was observed between the phytoavailable arsenic and plant growth response. Interestingly, the form of arsenical pesticide used did not impact arsenic uptake or shoot growth but significantly impacted root growth.
The Politics of Local Biology in Transnational Drug Testing: Creating (Bio)Identities and Reproducing (Bio)Nationalism Through Japanese “Ethnobridging” Studies

Next to the United States, Japan is the second-largest pharmaceutical market in the world in terms of expenditures. However, the regulatory issues and long clinical testing and approval time for dr...
Effects of 4-aminopyridine on protein phosphorylation in heat-blocked peripheral nerve

The topical application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) reverses within 1-3 min the partial conduction block that results from heating 5-mm segments of rat posterior tibial, peroneal and sural nerves to 45 degrees C for several minutes. Nerves previously blocked in vitro or in vivo were incubated in vitro in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP. The rate of phosphorylation of soluble nerve proteins that had entered the media was determined. Labeled proteins were separated electrophoretically and autoradiograms prepared. We found that 5 mM 4-AP increases the phosphorylation rate in heat-blocked nerve by approximately 50-fold. The process is calcium-dependent and is heat-labile. Soluble proteins with a molecular weight in the 53-55 kDa range are preferentially but not exclusively phosphorylated in the presence of 4-AP at levels effective in restoring conduction. The results suggest that the potassium channel blocker 4-AP may restore conduction by inducing changes in channel proteins.
Reactivation of VX-Inhibited Cholinesterase by 2-Pam and Hs-6 in Rats

ABSTRACTAtropinized rats intoxicated with ethyl-S-2-diisopropyl aminoethyl methyl phosphonothioate (VX), 15 mg/kg iv, were divided into three groups and were treated with normal saline, iv, 30 mg/kg of 2-PAM Cl, iv, and 30 mg/kg of HS-6, iv. One hr after administration of therapy they were decapitated and cholin-esterase (ChE) activity was determined on blood, brain and diaphragm tissue. Both 2-PAM Cl and HS-6 markedly reactivated VX-inhibited blood and diaphragm ChE. Brain ChE activity was not significantly reactivated by either oxime. The effectiveness of these oximes in restoration of VX-inactivated ChE in vivo offers an explanation as to why conventional atropine/oxime therapy is so effective against VX intoxication.
Can Binary Stars Test Solar Models

The position in the H-R diagram of the approximately solar-mass component of the Hyades eclipsing binary, HD 27130, is compared with the predictions of stellar structure theory. The stellar models are calibrated by matching a model with the solar heavy element composition and age to the solar radius and luminosity. The comparison to the Hyades binary then is a test of the prediction that the initial solar luminosity was only about 0.7 times the present solar luminosity. The agreement is satisfactory, lending a measure of confidence to the solar model employed, provided that the initial helium abundance of the Hyades stars is not greater than that of the sun and is not less by more than about 0.03 in Y. Unless the model is grossly incorrect, the inference of Stromgren, Olsen, and Gustafsson (1982) from the 'Hyades anomaly' in intermediate-band photometry that Y(Hyades) is less than Y(solar) by 0.1 or 0.15 is rejected by the observed properties of HD 27130.
Epithelial tight junction alterations in nasal polyposis

Objective To explore alterations in expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in nasal polyposis and in respiratory epithelium under inflammatory conditions. Our hypothesis is that exposure of nasal and respiratory epithelium to inflammatory cytokines results in the altered expression of specific TJPs. Methods Human sinonasal mucosa (3 nasal polyp specimens and 3 nonpolypoid controls) were stained with immunofluorescent markers specific for TJPs claudin-1 and occludin and examined with confocal scanning laser microscopy. A complementary in vitro experiment involving exposure of cultured human bronchial epithelium to interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was also performed. Alterations in claudin-1 and occludin were localized by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy and quantified by western blotting. Results Nasal polyp epithelium from human tissue specimens had reduced claudin-1 expression along the basal aspect of the mucosal layer, whereas occludin expression was reduced in the apical and basal epithelial zones. In vitro experiments demonstrated stable or increased TJP expression after 24 hours of cytokine exposure (43% increase for claudin-1, 9% increase for occludin). However, a reduction in TJP expression was observed after 72 hours of cytokine exposure (18% reduction for claudin-1, and 43% reduction for occludin). Conclusion Nasal polyposis is associated with epithelial TJP alterations. Further, the expression of TJPs in a model of inflamed respiratory mucosa is reduced in a similar fashion. Research on the histopathology of other epithelial inflammatory disorders suggests TJP alterations contribute to a self-perpetuating inflammatory state. Findings of this preliminary study support a similar process in nasal polyposis. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Set Theory, Type Theory, and Absolute Generality

In light of the close connection between the ontological hierarchy of set theory and the ideological hierarchy of type theory, Oystein Linnebo and Agustin Rayo have recently offered an argument in favour of the view that the set-theoretic universe is open-ended. In this paper, we argue that, since the connection between the two hierarchies is indeed tight, any philosophical conclusions cut both ways. One should either hold that both the ontological hierarchy and the ideological hierarchy are open-ended, or that neither is. If there is reason to accept the view that the set-theoretic universe is open-ended, that will be because such a view is the most compelling one to adopt on the purely ontological front.
Site of Monoterpene Biosynthesis in Majorana hortensis Leaves

Excised epidermis of Majorana hortensis Moench (sweet marjoram) leaves incorporates label from [U-14C]sucrose into monoterpenes as efficiently as do leaf discs, while mesophyll tissue has only a very limited capacity to synthesize monoterpenes from exogenous sucrose. These results strongly suggest that epidermal cells, presumably the epidermal oil glands, are the primary site of monoterpene biosynthesis in marjoram. Using a leaf disc assay, it was demonstrated that label from [U-14C]sucrose is incorporated into monoterpenes most efficiently in very young leaves.
The Strategy of Rhetoric: Campaigning for the American Constitution

This book, the last work of an eminent political scientist, is an innovative study of political persuasion during the 1787-88 campaign to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Employing historical and rational choice analysis to examine the rhetoric and strategic maneuvers the victorious Federalists used, William H. Riker develops new tools and approaches to advance the science of political campaigns.
Specific and Slow Inhibition of the Kir2.1 K+ Channel by Gambogic Acid

Although Kir2.1 channels are important in the heart and other excitable cells, there are virtually no specific drugs for this K+ channel. In search of Kir2.1 modulators, we screened a library of 720 naturally occurring compounds using a yeast strain in which mammalian Kir2.1 enables growth at low [K+]. One of the identified compounds, gambogic acid (GA), potently (EC(50) < or = 100 nm) inhibited Kir2.1 channels in mammalian cells when applied chronically for 3 h. This potent and slow inhibition was not seen with Kv2.1, HERG or Kir1.1 channels. However, acutely applied GA acted as a weak (EC(50) = approximately 10 mum) non-selective K+ channel blocker. Intracellular delivery of GA via a patch pipette did not potentiate the acute effect of GA on Kir2.1, showing that slow uptake is not responsible for the delayed, potent effect. Immunoblots showed that total Kir2.1 protein expression was not altered by GA. Similarly, immunostaining of intact cells expressing Kir2.1 with an extracellular epitope tag demonstrated that GA does not affect Kir2.1 surface expression. However, the 3-h treatment with GA caused redistribution of Kir2.1 and Kv2.1 from the Triton X-100-insoluble to the Triton X-100-soluble membrane fraction. Thus, GA changes the K+ channel membrane microenvironment resulting in potent, specific, and slow acting inhibition of Kir2.1 channels.
Dual imaging of arterial walls: intravascular ultrasound and fluorescence spectroscopy

This paper describes a combined ultrasonic and spectroscopic system for imaging both the structure and chemical composition of atherosclerotic plaque. Using this system, ultrasound pulse echo distance estimations can be used to accurately compensate detected tissue fluorescence intensities for a wide range of tissue-detector separations, D. Compensation is achieved using an empirical model, wherein fluorescence intensity decreases as 1/Dn with n equals 1.1 for tissue detector separations from 2.5 to 5 mm and 1.4 for separations of 5 to 15 mm. This behavior indicates that fluorescence exiting the tissue surface is not isotropic.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The origin of alternation of generations in land plants: a focus on matrotrophy and hexose transport

A life history involving alternation of two developmentally associated, multicellular generations (sporophyte and gametophyte) is an autapomorphy of embryophytes (bryophytesphytes + vascular plants). Microfossil data indicate that Mid Late Ordovician land plants possessed such a life cycle, and that the origin of alternation of generations preceded this date. Molecular phylogenetic data unambiguously relate charophycean green algae to the ancestry of monophyletic embryophytes, and identify bryophytes as early-divergent land plants. Comparison of reproduction in charophyceans and bryophytes suggests that the following stages occurred during evolutionary origin of embryophytic alternation of generations: (i) origin of oogamy; (ii) retention of eggs and zygotes on the parental thallus; (iii) origin of matrotrophy (regulated transfer of nutritional and morphogenetic solutes from parental cells to the next generation); (iv) origin of a multicellular sporophyte generation; and (v) origin of non-flagellate, walled spores. Oogamy, egg/zygote retention and matrotrophy characterize at least some modern charophvceans, and are postulated to represent pre-adaptative features inherited by embryophytes from ancestral charophyceans. Matrotrophy is hypothesized to have preceded origin of the multicellular sporophytes of' plants, and to represent a critical innovation. Molecular approaches to the study of the origins of matrotrophy include assessment of hexose transporter genes and protein family members and their expression patterns. The occurrence in modern charophyceans and bryophytes of chemically resistant tissues that exhibit distinctive morphology correlated with matrotrophy suggests that Early-Mid Ordovician or older microfossils relevant to the origin of land plant alternation of generations may be found.
PHOTOPERIODIC CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENT AND PHENOTYPE IN A SUBARCTIC POPULATION OF PIERIS OCCIDENTALIS (LEPIDOPTERA: PIERIDAE)

Pieris occidentalis nelsoni W. H. Edwards from Fairbanks, Alaska, was reared under a variety of photoperiod–temperature regimes. The source population is presumably univoltine and monophenic, with a phenotype resembling the vernal one produced by multivoltine, diphenic P . o . occidentalis Reakirt in Colorado and California. Photoperiods of 10 or 15 h produced 100% diapause pupae at 15 °C and circa 65% at 25 °C. Under continuous light 22% diapaused at 15 °C and P . o . occidentalis , which is unknown in wild P . o . nelsoni . Although nelsoni is more likely to diapause than the nominate subspecies from the Sierra Nevada, its potential for direct development and polyphenism is interpreted as evidence that it is derived from a multivoltine ancestor.
RNA's as catalysts: A new class on enzymes

Analysis of two RNA's that act as enzymes, upsetting the long-held position that all enzymes are proteins.
The Community Reinforcement Approach: History and New Directions

This article provides an overview of 2 closely linked treatment approaches for the substance abusing client: The Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). In 1973, Hunt and Azrin created CRA in an attempt to restructure an individual’s “community” so that a sober lifestyle was more rewarding than one dominated by alcohol. One salient CRA premise was that an individual’s substance abuse recovery was heavily influenced by his or her social and occupational environment. Sisson and Azrin (1986) later built upon this premise in their work with a new type of client; the loved one of an alcoholic individual who refused to enter treatment. This program was an early version of CRAFT, which is an intervention that works through a nonusing individual to affect the behavior of a substance abuser. This article provides an empirical review of the evolution of these 2 interventions, including their application to illicit drug using clients. It also outlines the clinical procedures that comprise CRA and CRAFT, and considers future research directions.
Generic Schemes for Single-Molecule Kinetics. 3: Self-Consistent Pathway Solutions for Nonrenewal Processes

We recently developed a pathway analysis framework (paper 1) for describing single-molecule kinetics for renewal (i.e., memoryless) processes based on the decomposition of a kinetic scheme into generic structures. In our approach, waiting time distribution functions corresponding to such structures are expressed in terms of self-consistent pathway solutions and concatenated to form measurable probability distribution functions (PDFs), affording a simple way to decompose and recombine a network. Here, we extend this framework to nonrenewal processes, which involve correlations between events, and employ it to formulate waiting time PDFs, including the first-passage time PDF, for a general kinetic network model. Our technique does not require the assumption of Poissonian kinetics, permitting a more general kinetic description than the usual rate approach, with minimal topological restrictiveness. To demonstrate the usefulness of this technique, we provide explicit calculations for our general model, which w...
Effect of Monensin and Lysocellin on Growth and Fermentation by Pure Cultures of Ruminal Bacteria

Abstract In an effort to gain further insight into factors that cause increased ruminal propionate when ionophores are fed to ruminants, ruminal bacteria were tested for their susceptibility and fermentation end-product response to monensin or lysocellin. Growth of two strains each of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens in broth media was inhibited by 2μg monen-sin/ml (2 ppm), whereas this concentration did not inhibit the growth of two strains each of Megasphaera elsdenii or Selenomonoas ruminantium, or three strains of Succinimonas amylolytica. Monensin at 2 ppm in the media did not change the ratio of VFA formed by pure cultures of the above strains or by 40 other ruminal bacteria representing a wide variety of acetate and propionate producers. In additional studies, Fibrobacter succinogenec and Lachnospira multiparus were more resistant to lysocellin than to monensin, while B. fibrisolvens, M. elsdenii, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminobacter amylophilus, Selenomonas ruminantium, S...
Female Adolescent Subjectivities in Las Vegas: Poststructural Thoughts on the Intersections of Gender, Sexuality, Consumer Logic and Curriculum.

In this article, data collected from an ethnographic study of adolescent girls growing up in the city of Las Vegas in the US is used to further our understanding of the role of mediated sex and consumer culture and in relationship to emerging adolescent female identities. Girls in this study articulated a clear sense of their abilities to make choices; however the ubiquitous visual of women as the body subject and object of the male gaze in this landscape, the accepted discourse of liberal feminism and certain acquiescence to the pervasive consumer logic complicate resistance among girls. Resistance, although apparent through forms of post‐punk representation, depicts the futility of challenge. The fluidity of postmodern theories helps explain and respond to the specificity of this context in ways that facilitate greater understanding of gender oppression in many western societies. The author argues for a curriculum that deconstructs cultural practices and illuminates multiple discourses to problematize i...
Dietrich receives 2010 G. K. Gilbert Award: Response

[1] William E. Dietrich received the 2010 G. K. Gilbert Award at the 2010 AGU Fall Meeting, held 13–17 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “a scientist who has either made a single significant advance or sustained significant contributions to the field of Earth and planetary surface processes, and who has in addition promoted an environment of unselfish cooperation in research and the inclusion of young scientists into the field.”
Empirical scheme for the classification of gas chromatographic stationary phases based on solvatochromic linear solvation energy relationships

Due to the plethora of materials that have been used as stationary phases in gas chromatography it is clearly necessary to have some method for classifying phases to facilitate systematic method development. The most popular classification scheme is the Rohrschneider—McReynolds procedure which is based on the Kovats retention indices of a variety of probe solutes. Although this is a very useful approach, it is highly empirical and has been criticized on several grounds. In this word we explored the use of solvatochromic measures of solute dipolarity-polarizability (π*2), hydrogen bond donor acidity (α2) and hydrogen bond acceptor basicity (β2) to classify a variety of common capillary gas chromatographic stationary phases. Preliminary studies show that the use of only the solvatochromic parameters as explanatory variables leads to rather poor precision. However, when log capacity factors on two extreme types of phases are included among the explanatory variables quite high precision, typically an average standard deviation of less than 0.07 log units, is obtained and all columns tested were easily classified. The two reference phases should be a low-polarity phase and a high-polarity, hydrogen bond acceptor phase.
Putting intel® threading building blocks to work

Intel® Threading Building Blocks (TBB) was designed to simplify programming for multi-core platforms. By introducing a new way of expressing parallelism, developers can focus on efficient scalable parallel program design and avoid dealing with low level details of threading. This talk will focus on the task-based approach to threading of the Intel® TBB. We will show step by step what needs to be done in order to take advantage of the TBB task based programming model in your code.
Time of neuron origin in the anterior olfactory nucleus and nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract of the mouse: an autoradiographic study.

Time of neuron origin in the anterior olfactory nucleus (AO) and nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (NTOL) was determined autoradiographically in adult mice which received tritiated thymidine once during development. Each subdivision of AO has an individualized period and pattern of neuron origin. All subdivisions contain neurons which arise on E11; but the medial, dorsal, and external subdivisions complete their complement by E18 whereas posterior and lateral neurons continue to arise through P1. No gradients along the caudorostral axis were discerned. Neurons of NTOL arise early (E10-14), typical of large neurons and similar to those of the surrounding anterior amygdaloid area.