cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic control and autogenous regulation of nit-3, the nitrate reductase structural gene of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract In Neurospora crassa, the expression of nit-3, the structural gene which encodes nitrate reductase, is highly regulated and requires both nitrate induction and nitrogen catabolite derepression. The major nitrogen regulatory gene, nit-2, acts in a positive fashion to turn on the expression of nit-3 and other nitrogen-related genes during nitrogen derepression. A second regulatory gene, designated nmr, acts in a negative fashion to repress the expression of nitrate reductase and related enzymes, and nmr mutants are partially insensitive to nitrogen repression. Using cloned genes as specific hybridization probes, we demonstrated that nmr does not affect the transcription of nit-2 but does appear to control nit-3 gene expression. Unlike nmr+ expression, nit-3 expression occurred to some degree even under nitrogen repression conditions in nmr mutant cells. In wild-type cells, nitrate reductase gene expression was dependent upon the presence of nitrate as an inducer. In sharp contrast, nit-3 mRNA expression occurred to a full extent in three different nit-3 mutants, even in the complete absence of any added inducer. Similarly, a nit-1 mutant which was devoid of nitrate reductase activity because it lacked an essential molybdenum cofactor expressed nit-3 without a requirement for induction by nitrate. These results suggest that nitrate reductase autogenously regulates its own expression and that this control is exerted at the transcriptional level.
Quasi-static characteristic of a shielded cylindrical coupled microstrip transmission line by finite-element method

This paper presents a finite-element method of numerical analysis for a system of a shielded cylindrical coupled microstrip transmission lines. The complete polynomial field of the high order element up to fourth is used in this study. The microstrip line consists of two coupled dielectric circular cylinders characterized by permittivity /spl epsiv//sub 1/ and /spl epsiv//sub 2/ and partially embedded in the ground plane. The two infinitesimally thin strips with arbitrary size are clad on the coupled dielectric circular cylinders. The coupling between the two conducting strips of the coupled microstrip line is investigated. The first and higher order elements are used in the finite-element method to calculate for the quasi-static potential and the corresponding field distribution in the microstrip line. The capacitance per unit length of the line is obtained from a variational expression and the effective dielectric constant, characteristic impedance, and phase velocity are also computed. A perturbational method is used to calculate the losses due to conductor and dielectric dissipation. >
The memory of the accreting plate boundary and the continuity of fracture zones

A detailed aeromagnetic anomaly map of the Mesozoic seafloor-spreading lineations southwest of Bermuda reveals the dominant magnetic grain of the oceanic crust and the character of the accreting boundary at the time of crustal formation. The magnetic anomaly pattern is that of a series of elongate lobes perpendicular to the fracture zone (flowline) trends. The linear sets of magnetic anomaly peaks and troughs have narrow regions of reduced amplitude anomalies associated with the fracture zones. During the period of Mesozoic geomagnetic polarity reversals (when 1200 km of central North Atlantic seafloor formed), the Atlantic accreting boundary consisted of stationary, elongate, spreading center cells that maintained their independence even though sometimes only minor spatial offsets existed between cells. Normal oceanic crustal structure was formed in the spreading center cells, but structural anomalies and discontinuities characteristic of fracture zones were formed at their boundaries, which parallel flowlines of Mesozoic relative plate motion in the central North Atlantic. We suggest that the memory for a stationary pattern of independent spreading center cells resides in the young brittle lithosphere at the accreting boundary where the lithosphere is weakest; here, each spreading center cell independently goes through its cylce of stress buildup, stress release, and crustal accretion, after which its memory is refreshed. The temporal offset between the peaks of the accretionary activity that takes place within each cell may provide the mechanism for maintaining the independence of adjacent spreading center cells through times when no spatial offset between the cells exists.
Characterization of the mitochondrial association of hepatitis B virus X protein, HBx.

Abstract Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is strongly associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx, a protein encoded by HBV is believed to contribute to the development of HCC. HBx was recently shown to associate with mitochondria. In this study, we mapped region(s) of HBx necessary for mitochondrial targeting and showed that a putative transmembrane region (aa 54–70) is required for mitochondrial association. In addition, amino acids in the putative alpha helical regions (aa 75–88 and aa 109–131) seem to aid in the mitochondrial targeting of this protein. We further show that the majority of HBx localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane based on its sensitivity to trypsin and resistance to alkaline treatment. These studies suggest that the association of HBx with the outer mitochondrial membrane is its intrinsic property. These characterizations define transmembrane and alpha-helical regions of this viral protein as domains of mitochondrial targeting. These studies are further useful in the investigations concerning the physiological significance of the HBx's association with mitochondria and its impact on liver disease pathogenesis.
Effects of supplemental intra-articular lubricin and hyaluronic acid on the progression of posttraumatic arthritis in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient rat knee.

Background: Lubricin and hyaluronic acid lubricate articular cartilage and prevent wear. Because lubricin loss occurs after anterior cruciate ligament injury, intra-articular lubricin injections may reduce cartilage damage in the anterior cruciate ligament–deficient knee.Purpose: This study was conducted to determine if lubricin and/or hyaluronic acid supplementation will reduce cartilage damage in the anterior cruciate ligament–deficient knee.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: Thirty-six male rats, 3 months old, underwent unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection. They were randomized to 4 treatments: (1) saline (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]), (2) hyaluronic acid (HA), (3) purified human lubricin (LUB), and (4) LUB and HA (LUB+HA). Intra-articular injections were given twice weekly for 4 weeks starting 1 week after surgery. Knees were harvested 1 week after the final injection. Radiographs of each limb and synovial fluid lavages were obtained at harvest. Histologic analysis was...
Electrokinetic Movement of Settled Spherical Particles in Fine Capillaries

In certain soil remediation schemes using electrical fields, through the soil's porous network there may be transport of colloidal and larger-than-colloidal particles, which can affect remediation in several ways. In the first visual investigation of the electrokinetic motion of particles in fine capillaries, an experi- mental methodology is described for studying the effects of capillary diameter, ionic strength and pH. The technique is applied to the case of negatively charged spherical particles having a diameter of 6.76 μm, after they have been allowed to settle inside cylindrical capillaries with diameters of 10, 110, and 700 μm, respectively. Electrokinetic velocities are reported at several values of applied electric field. In most cases, the direction of the particles' movement is toward the cathode, implying that electroosmotic flow is dominant. At pH 4 and in the 10-μm capillary, the direction of electrokinetic movement depends on the applied field. At low electric fields, the particles move tow...
Free-radical addition polymerization : effects of chain length, viscosity, and solvent power on diffusion-controlled termination at low conversion

Letude de la polymerisation radicalaire du styrene demontre l'influence de la longueur de chaine des macroradicaux de terminaison sur la cinetique de reaction et montre que la variation inverse de la constante de vitesse de terminaison avec la viscosite est au mieux une simplification importante, la viscosite et la conformation des macroradicaux influencant la vitesse de diffusion
Dentition patterns among Pacific and Western Atlantic butterflyfishes (Perciformes, Chaetodontidae): relationship to feeding ecology and evolutionary history

The jaw dentition of fifteen species of Pacific and Western Atlantic chaetodontid butterflyfishes was examined in light of their feeding habits and phylogenetic relationships. The ancestral tooth pattern is typical of many of the butterflyfishes, and variations on this basic pattern involve changes in the arrangement, length and number of teeth, and tooth shape to a lesser extent. Many of the more derived conditions can be explained by simple changes in relative jaw shape and size. Despite what appears to be adequate time for evolutionary changes to occur between the Pacific and Western Atlantic faunas, many species retain the generalized tooth arrangement permitting efficient exploitation in a very generalized manner. However, Pacific species as a whole show more specialized morphologies for hard coral feeding than do Western Atlantic species. Cases of parallel and divergent evolution are identified between and among the two faunas. Most morphological change associated with feeding in butterflyfishes is confined to the anterior region of the head, and particularly a few key elements. Suggestions for future morphological studies on the chaetodontids are outlined.
Structure of walstromite, BaCa2Si3O9, and its relationship to CaSiO3-walstromite and wollastonite-II

The crystal structure of walstromite, ideally BaCa2Si3O9, was refined with data from single-crystal X-ray diffraction on a natural specimen from the type locality Esquire No. 8 claim, Big Creek, Fresno County, California, U.S.A. It is triclinic, with space group P1 and unit-cell parameters a = 6.7335(2), b = 9.6142(3), c = 6.6859(2) A, = 69.638(2), = 102.281(2), = 96.855(2), and V = 396.01(2) A 3 . The only previously published structure for walstromite was based on photographic film intensity data collected from synthetic BaCa2Si3O9 (Dent Glasser and Glasser 1968). Due to uncertainty in oxygen positions, the reported final R-factor was 0.16. The current refinement yielded an R-factor of 0.030 with the inclusion of anisotropic displacement parameters. Walstromite is a Ba-Ca cyclosilicate characterized by Si3O9 three-membered rings. It is related to the important calcium silicate group of minerals, especially to CaSiO3-walstromite, through the substitution of Ba into one of the three distinct Ca sites. Joswig et al. (2003) suggested that the structural changes caused by the replacement of Ba 2+ by Ca 2+ are minimal and that walstromite is isomorphic with CaSiO3-walstromite, but topologically different from high-pressure wollastonite-II (Ca3Si3O9). Our study demonstrates that wollastonite-II and CaSiO3-walstromite are identical phases, and are isostructural with walstromite. This isomorphism implies that the high-pressure CaSiO3 phase may be a potential host for large cations in deep Earth environments.
Toll-like receptor 4-dependent upregulation of cytokines in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Background Aβ deposits in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are closely associated with innate immune responses such as activated microglia and increased cytokines. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that innate immune/inflammatory responses play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD: either beneficial or harmful effects on the AD progression. The molecular mechanisms by which the innate immune system modulates the AD progression are not well understood. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are first-line molecules for initiating the innate immune responses. When activated through TLR signaling, microglia respond to pathogens and damaged host cells by secreting chemokines and cytokines and express the co-stimulatory molecules needed for protective immune responses to pathogens and efficient clearance of damaged tissues. We previously demonstrated that an AD mouse model homozygous for a destructive mutation of TLR4 has increases in diffuse and fibrillar Aβ deposits as well as buffer-soluble and insoluble Aβ in the brain as compared with a TLR4 wild-type AD mouse model. Here, we investigated the roles of TLR4 in Aβ-induced upregulation of cytokines and chemokines, Aβ-induced activation of microglia and astrocytes and Aβ-induced immigration of leukocytes.
Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia-type IV

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and increased numbers of multinucleated red cell precursors in the marrow. This syndrome has been subclassified on the basis of morphologic differences in the red cell precursors. Type I is characterized by megaloblastoid erythropoiesis and macrocytosis; Type II, by normoblastic multinuclearity and normocytosis; and Type III, by frequent giant multinucleated erythroblasts and macrocytes. Type II is further distinguished from the other types by serologic and ultrastructural abnormalities. The patient presented in this report does not fit any of the above categories; her red cells are similar to Type II congenital dyserythropoietic anemia cells, but no characteristic ultrastructural or serologic abnormalities are present. It is suggested that this patient may represent an additional variant of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, Type IV.
Aluminum deposition on NiO(100): growth, structure and composition of the interface

Abstract Ultra-thin films were grown on stoichiometric NiO(100) single crystal surfaces by depositing aluminum at 250°C. The aluminum interacts very strongly with the NiO and an epitaxial Ni 3 Al(100) layer is formed at the interface. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicate that the film initially wets the NiO surface but quickly roughens with increasing film thickness. Photoemission (XPS and UPS) measurements show that the NiO substrate becomes Ni-deficient as the metallic Ni 3 Al phase grows by extracting Ni from the underlying NiO. Above an average film thickness of 10 monolayers, a polycrystalline aluminum layer forms on top of the Ni 3 Al phase when the Ni diffusion becomes rate limiting. Defects and non-stoichiometry on the NiO(100) surface intentionally created prior to growth affect the disorder and roughness of the growing film, but do not change the overall growth mechanism.
Flux-splitting finite volume method for turbine flow and heat transfer analysis

A novel numerical method was developed to deal with the flow and heat transfer in a turbine cascade at both design and off-design conditions. The Navier–Stokes equations are discretized and integrated in a coupled manner. In the present method a time-marching scheme was employed along with the time-integration approach. The flux terms are discretized based on a cell finite volume formulation as well as a flux-difference splitting. The flux-difference splitting makes the scheme rapid convergence and the finite volume technique ensure the governing equations for the conservation of mass, momentum and energy. A hybrid difference scheme for quasi-three-dimensional procedure based on the discretized and integrated Navier–Stokes equations was incorporated in the code. The numerical method possesses the positive features of the explicit and implicit algorithms which provide a rapid convergence process and have a less stability constraint. The computed results were compared with other numerical studies and experimental data. The comparisons showed fairly good agreement with experiments.
Disruption of PPT1 or PPT2 causes neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in knockout mice

PPT1 and PPT2 encode two lysosomal thioesterases that catalyze the hydrolysis of long chain fatty acyl CoAs. In addition to this function, PPT1 (palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1) hydrolyzes fatty acids from modified cysteine residues in proteins that are undergoing degradation in the lysosome. PPT1 deficiency in humans causes a neurodegenerative disorder, infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (also known as infantile Batten disease). In the current work, we engineered disruptions in the PPT1 and PPT2 genes to create “knockout” mice that were deficient in either enzyme. Both lines of mice were viable and fertile. However, both lines developed spasticity (a “clasping” phenotype) at a median age of 21 wk and 29 wk, respectively. Motor abnormalities progressed in the PPT1 knockout mice, leading to death by 10 mo of age. In contrast, the majority of PPT2 mice were alive at 12 mo. Myoclonic jerking and seizures were prominent in the PPT1 mice. Autofluorescent storage material was striking throughout the brains of both strains of mice. Neuronal loss and apoptosis were particularly prominent in PPT1-deficient brains. These studies provide a mouse model for infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and further suggest that PPT2 serves a role in the brain that is not carried out by PPT1.
Physicians’ attitudes and practices in the evaluation and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Objective. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and disordered bowel habits. Despite the high prevalence of IBS, little is known about how physicians perceive this condition. The aims of our study were to measure physicians’ understanding of IBS, to assess their attitudes towards patients with IBS, and to determine whether there are differences in the way Internal Medicine physicians (IM), Family Practice physicians (FP), and Gastroenterology physicians (GI) evaluate and treat IBS patients. Material and methods. A survey was sent to 3000 physicians nationwide, 1000 each to IM, FP, and GI. The survey contained 35 questions assessing demographics, the etiology and pathophysiology of IBS, the use of diagnostic tests, and practice patterns and attitudes. Results. Of the deliverable questionnaires, 501 were returned completed; 472 of the respondents interviewed only adult patients, representing the cohort for this analysis. The mean age of all respondents wa...
Patient characteristics and management of dermal allograft extrusions

The objective of this study was to describe our rate of extrusion of dermal allograft material when used in anterior or posterior colporrhaphy and to review our success in treating extrusions with conservative management. A retrospective review of all subjects who underwent vaginal reconstruction using dermal allograft material from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2003 was performed. Demographics, medical history, and follow-up were evaluated. For subjects who developed an extrusion, treatment details were recorded. Sixty-nine subjects underwent colporrhaphy using dermal allograft material during the defined time period: 21 anterior, 45 posterior, and 3 both. Five subjects did not appear for follow-up. Seven subjects (10.9%) developed an extrusion: three subjects anteriorly and four subjects posteriorly. There were no differences between subjects with and without extrusions based on recorded risk factors. Median time to the discovery of extrusion was 4 weeks (range: 1–6 weeks). All patients were managed with estrogen vaginal cream. Median documented healing time was 13 weeks (range: 5–40 weeks), and no serious morbidity was encountered. Graft extrusion is an uncommon complication when reinforcing vaginal tissue with dermal allograft material and can be safely and effectively managed with vaginal estrogen and expectant management.
New Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates via Self-Assembly of Silver Nanoparticles for Perchlorate Detection in Water

Perchlorate (ClO4−) has recently emerged as a widespread contaminant in drinking water and groundwater supplies in the United States, and a need exists for rapid detection and monitoring of this contaminant. In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was studied as a means of ClO4− detection, and new sol-gel-based SERS substrates were developed by self-assembly of silver colloidal nanoparticles with various functionalized silane reagents. These substrate materials were tailored to allow detection of ClO4− in water with improved sorptivity, stability, and sensitivity and with the ability to detect ClO4− at concentrations as low as 10−6 M (or 100 μg/L) with good reproducibility. Similar techniques were used to fabricate capillary SERS flow cells by assembling functionalized silver nanoparticles capable of attracting ClO4− to the SERS surface or the internal wall of glass capillaries. These capillary flow cells could be readily configured to allow for in situ, nondestructive detection of ClO4− via fiber optics.
α,2-, α,3-, and α,4-Dehydrophenol Radical Anions: Formation, Reactivity, and Energetics Leading to the Heats of Formation of α,2-, α,3-, and α,4-Oxocyclohexadienylidene

We have regiospecifically generated the α,2-, α,3-, and α,4-dehydrophenoxide anions by collisional activation of o-, m-, and p-nitrobenzoate. The α,2 and α,4 isomers also were synthesized by reacting o-benzyne radical anion with carbon dioxide and electron ionization of p-diazophenol. All three dehydrophenol radical anions were differentiated from each other and identified by probing their chemical reactivity with several reagents. Each isomer was converted to phenoxide and its corresponding quinone as well. Thermochemical measurements were carried out on all three radical anions and their hydrogen-atom affinities, proton affinities, and electron binding energies are reported. These measured quantities are combined in thermodynamic cycles to derive the heats of formation of each of the radical anions and their corresponding carbenes (i.e., α,2-, α,3-, and α,4-dehydrophenol). These results are compared to MCQDPT2, G3, G2+(MP2), and B3LYP calculations and experimental data for appropriate reference compounds.
Longitudinal changes in intake and food sources of calcium from childhood to young adulthood: the bogalusa heart study.

Objective. To examine changes in calcium intake and food sources of calcium from childhood to young adulthood in a longitudinal sample.Methods. Information on food and nutrient intake was derived from a single 24-hour dietary recall collected on children who participated in a cross-sectional survey at age 10 and again in young adulthood. A cohort of 237 young adults who participated in the 1989–1991 young adult survey (ages 19 to 28 years) also participated in one of three cross-sectional surveys from 1973 to 1978 at 10 years of age. Repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to examine the longitudinal changes in intake of calcium and food sources from childhood to young adulthood.Results. Total calcium intake at age 10 was not significantly different than total calcium intake of those same individuals when they were young adults. Gender and ethnic differences were observed within the two age groups. In both childhood (age 10 years) and young adulthood, African-American females had significantly ...
Quality assurance and the care of patients with end-stage renal disease.

Abstract Since 1973, the federal government has undertaken the financing of the major portion of the cost of the treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease. Recently, federal directives have been issued to the medical profession to establish a comprehensive process of quality assessment and quality assurance of the care delivered to these patients. We feel that an innovative approach should be formulated for this medical review to take maximal advantage of the special features of the federal mandate. We are therefore proposing a new approach to the medical review process that we feel is particularly well suited for reviewing the health care delivery to patients with end-stage renal disease.
Improving outpatient clinic staffing and scheduling with computer simulation

Patient flow in an appointment-based, outpatient internal medicine clinic involving multiple, sequential providers-registrar, triage nurse, physician, and discharger-was studied using computer simulation. Provider task time distributions were obtained through a time-motion study and then input into the computer program, which simulated the clinic situation well. Time interval and sensitivity analyses yielded insights into staffing levels, appointment times, and clinic dynamics. A bottleneck provider was shown, and patient time in the clinic was related to the time of appointment and was slowed by having too many doctors in the clinic. Subsequent operational changes significantly decreased the average observed patient total time in clinic from 75.4 (SD 34.2) minutes to 57.1 (SD 30.2) minutes (p < .001, t test).
Changes in the crater of Oldoinyo Lengai: June 1993 – February 1997

Abstract The summit crater of the volcano Oldoinyo Lengai in the Rift Valley of northern Tanzania has been the site of numerous minor eruptions of highly fluid carbonatite lava since activity resumed in early 1983. In June 1993 the nature of the activity appeared to change, in that (1) explosive activity produced ash fall on the outer slopes of the cone, (2) eruptive vents formed on the southern part of the summit crater floor, rather than on its northern or central sectors as had previously been the case, and (3) large, highly viscous flows were formed. These changes gave rise to expectations that the volcano was entering a new phase in its activity, and that major explosive activity might be anticipated in the near future. To date, major explosive activity has not taken place. On numerous occasions since June 1993, liquid lava has been observed in the summit crater, and the activity appears to have resumed its former characteristics. Eye-witness reports and photographs are used to illustrate the activity that has occurred in the summit crater between June 1993 and early 1997.
One for All: Using Focus Groups and Opinion Polls in the George H. W. Bush White House

Democratic theory promises that the public influences elected officials, and thus policy. Since the Nixon administration, presidents have employed a public opinion apparatus in order to capture and employ public attitudes. Public opinion polls, by virtue of statistical certitude, appear both scientific and representative of the public. However, there is another tool in the public opinion arsenal, albeit an unrepresentative one. President George H. W. Bush's administration employed not only public opinion polls but also focus groups during his tenure. When challenging the use of polls, the media, elites and even scholars rarely condemn the practice as poorly representative of the public; focus groups, in contrast, are discussion sections of approximately 20 people considering questions of policy, rhetoric, and performance. Using archival documents, this article compares the use of focus groups with the traditional application of the polling apparatus during the Bush presidency. Despite the inherent consequ...
Daytime ion chemistry of N2

Rocket measurements of the emission of the (0, 0) first negative band of N2+ at 3914 A in the day airglow have been made between 120 and 300 km. The solar zenith angle at the time of the flight was 60 deg, and the zenith intensity above 120 km was 1.6 kR averaged over both legs of the flight. The data are compared with a model in which charge exchange of N2 with metastable O+(2D) ions is included as an additional source of N2 ionization. Above 240 km this mechanism is dominant over the photoionization of N2 by solar extreme ultraviolet radiation. The derived N2+ density is consistent with the results of rocket-borne mass spectrometric observations.
A chaotic electroosmotic stirrer.

Two-dimensional, time-independent, and time-dependent electroosmotic flows driven by a uniform electric field in a conduit with nonuniform ζ potential distributions along its walls are investigated theoretically. The time-independent flow fields are computed with the aid of Fourier series. The series' convergence is accelerated so that highly accurate solutions are obtained with just a few terms in the series. The analytic solution is used to compute flow patterns for various distributions of the ζ potential along the conduit's boundaries. Subsequently, it is demonstrated that by time-wise periodic alternations of the ζ potentials, one can induce chaotic advection. This chaotic flow can be used to efficiently stir and mix fluids in microfluidic devices.
Comparison of taste qualities elicited by tactile, electrical, and chemical stimulation of single human taste papillae

Taste quality responses elicited by chemical, electrical, and tactile stimulation of 40 single fungiform papillae in four subjects were examined. A comparison of responses revealed differences in taste quality mediation for the three different classes of stimuli. Chemical stimulation elicited multiple taste qualities from a greater proportion of papillae than did either electrical or tactile stimulation. In addition, the chemical data revealed the presence of consistent bitter-sour and sour-salty confusions. Both tactile and electrical stimulation elicited relatively few bitter and sweet responses, as compared with either sour or salty responses. However, correct quality identification in these papillae for bitter and sweet compounds was no different from that for sour or salty compounds. In addition, electrical stimulation elicited a greater proportion of salty responses than did tactile stimulation. Comparison of the taste quality elicited by either tactile or electrical stimulation of a papilla with the taste quality exhibiting the greatest relative chemical sensitivity in the papilla also revealed independence of responding, and it was observed that both electrical and tactile stimulation elicited consistent taste quality responses from papillae in which these taste qualities could not be elicited by any concentration of any chemical test compound. The observed differences in quality judgments are discussed as possibly being the result of cross-modal gustatory associations resulting from nongustatory components of inadequate stimulation.
Imipramine in preschool autistic and schizophrenic children.

Imipramine was studied in 10 autistic and schizophrenic children 2 to 6 years of age, whose intellectual functioning ranged from low average and mild to severe mental retardation. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effects of imipramine in this patient population. Imipramine showed a mixture of stimulating, tranquilizing, and disorganizing effects. Three children improved markedly, 3 slightly, and 5 became worse (nonblind evaluations). Only 2 were rated improved by the “blind” psychiatrist. In general, this was not a good drug for this group of children. The overall effect was infrequently therapeutic and usually outweighed by the toxic effects. Epileptogenic effect, effect on psychosis, as well as possible mechanisms of action of imipramine are discussed. It is suggested that this drug merits further exploration in the most retarded, mute, anergic children, and in those with only borderline or little psychotic symptomatology.
Seed dispersal: Directed deterrence by capsaicin in chillies

The primary function of ripe, fleshy fruit is to facilitate seed dispersal by attracting consumers1,2, yet many fruits contain unpleasant-tasting chemicals that deter consumption by vertebrates3. Here we investigate this paradox in the chilli (Capsicum) and find that capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the fruit's peppery heat4, selectively discourages vertebrate predators without deterring more effective seed dispersers.
Annexin VII and Annexin XI Are Tyrosine Phosphorylated in Peroxovanadate-treated Dogs and in Platelet-derived Growth Factor-treated Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The intraperitoneal administration of peroxovanadate results in the rapid accumulation of many tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in the liver and kidney of treated animals. The availability of large pools of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins derived from normal tissues facilitates the purification and identification of previously unknown targets for cellular tyrosine kinases. Using this procedure, we have thus far identified four proteins in the liver and kidney of peroxovanadate-treated dogs. Two of these, annexin VII and annexin XI, were novel and had not been previously reported to be substrates of tyrosine kinases while the remaining two, ezrin and clathrin, have been reported to be tyrosine phosphorylated in some cell culture systems. In the present study, isolated proteins were identified both by sequence analysis and immunological methods. Annexin VII and annexin XI are present in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells and both were tyrosine phosphorylated in response to a physiological ligand, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Furthermore, the extent of tyrosine phosphorylation in response to PDGF-BB was augmented by the co-addition of peroxovanadate to cell cultures. In vitro phosphorylation assays showed that PDGF receptor, calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase (CADTK/Pyk-2), Src kinase, and epidermal growth factor receptor all were able to phosphorylate purified annexin VII and XI on tyrosine residues. These findings confirm the usefulness of phosphatase inhibition by peroxovanadate as a tool for identifying previously unknown physiological targets for cellular protein tyrosine kinases.
Two More Tests against Change of Meaning in Adjective Combinations.

In two experiments, No-Paragraph S s formed an impression of a person described by three trait-adjectives, rated the person on likableness, and then rated each component trait. Paragraph S s were treated identically after writing a paragraph describing the person in their own words. A strong positive context effect was obtained: component ratings were displaced toward the values of the other traits; quantitatively, this effect followed the parallelism prediction of information integration theory. Since this positive context effect was equal for Paragraph and No-Paragraph conditions, it was interpreted as a generalized halo effect, not as contextual change of meaning. A third experiment obtained greater context effect for larger sets of equal-valued traits, casting doubt on an assimilation of meaning explanation.
Oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics during pregnancy: Significance of microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenase

Pregnancy related changes in oxidative metabolism of model substrates were examined in CD1 mice. As compared to nonpregnant females, a significant decrease in the hepatic microsomal aminopyrine-but not in dimethylaniline-N-demethylase activity was observed in pregnant mice. The rates of microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenase-catalyzed N-oxidation of dimethylaniline remained relatively unchanged during pregnancy in the liver, lung, kidney, and uterus. In contrast to this, N-oxidase activity of placental microsomes was increased nearly 5-fold when measured at day 12 and 18 of gestation.
Experimental verification of an optical vortex coronagraph.

A coronagraph designed for high contrast imaging applications has been experimentally tested using coherent laser light and a vortex mask of topological charge $m=2$. Intensity contrast values of 95% were achieved in this first verification of the scheme. Improvements for approaching the theoretical value of 100% are suggested.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cholangiocarcinogenesis: Are Biliary Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Intraductal Papillary Neoplasms of the Bile Duct Precursors to Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare, malignant neoplasm that can develop from any site within the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tree. Although the key steps of cholangiocarcinogenesis remain unknown, it has been hypothesized that CC may develop through two key premalignant precursor lesions: biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB). These lesions probably are analogous to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, respectively. This article outlines the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinogenesis through the BilIN and IPNB pathways. It highlights the genetic mutations that alter cellular proliferation, tumor suppression, and impairment of critical mucinous, cell-adhesion, and matrix proteins.
Unusual Finding of an Intact Moth During Routine Colonoscopy.

Case Report There is scant literature describing inadvertent ingestion of insects visualized during endoscopy.1,2 Previously described insects include ants, wasps, bees, yellow jackets, and cockroaches. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with a normal colonoscopy except for the discovery of a lifeless winged insect between folds of the transverse colon (Figure 1). In the image, the insect is ventral side up on the colon lining. Two compound eyes and abdomen are visible, but the thorax and portions of the wings are overexposed. Six legs can be discerned, and the insect had roughly a 6-mm craniocaudal length and a 12-mm wingspan. The image was later identified by an entomologist as a moth belonging to order Lepidoptera. Moths typically have scales covering the body and wings, but these scales are easily removed when exposed to an acidic environment. A loss of these scales explains the whitish coloration of the moth, as most of the pigmentation is found on the scales. Although these ingestions are of little consequence to the patient, they are quite rare and may even be startling to the endoscopist. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a moth described within the gastrointestinal tract.
Not Cut Out to Be an Administrator: Generations, Change, and the Career Transition From Teacher to Principal

This article, based on qualitative interviews conducted between 2007-2008 with 12 middle-career educators in the greater Boston area in Massachusetts, details teachers’ career and leadership aspira...
Subharmonic oscillations in harmonically excited mechanical systems with cyclic symmetry

Abstract The third-order subharmonic oscillations in weakly non-linear cyclic symmetric structures with multiple degrees of freedom are studied. These strongly coupled cyclic structures, in their linear approximation, are known to possess pairwise double-degenerate natural frequencies with orthogonal normal modes. The asymptotic method of averaging is used to study the nonlinear interactions between the pairs of modes with nearly identical natural frequencies when the external excitation is nearly three times the natural frequency of the modes being excited. A careful local bifurcation analysis of the averaged equations is conducted to study the effects of frequency mistuning and excitation amplitudes, as well as the modal damping in the system. Subharmonic standing and travelling wave type solutions, Hopf bifurcation from travelling wave solutions to quasiperiodic responses, period-doubling bifurcations, and Silnikov type chaos are found to exist in the averaged system.
Autonomous Wind-Generated Electricity for Induction Motors

A wind turbine with variable-voltage, variable-frequency electrical output was used to power resistive loads and induction motors in an autonomous system. The AC system was selected because AC motors, in multiple kilowatt sizes, can be more practical than DC motors. A wind turbine which produces electricity has a lower overall efficiency than a system producing mechanical power but offers more flexibility in adapting to varying loads and in locating the wind turbine near the load. A permanent magnet alternator designed to operate with a rotor speed from 70 to 150 r/min was first operated in the laboratory. The frequency of the output varied from 30 to 65Hz, while the voltage changed from 85 to 218 V, resulting in voltage to frequency ratios (V/f) from 2.6 to 3.3 with various loads. The alternator, with a maximum rated output of 9kW, provided power to resistive load or induction motor loads. The tests revealed that standard three-phase, 240 V, 60 Hz, AC induction motors will operate with any input of 85 V and 30 Hz. A motor temperature rise of 40/sup 0/C above ambient was not exceeded when power was supplied by the alternator to a 7.6 kW motor. System efficiencies were nearlymore » equivalent to those obtained with utility power, even though the V/f was below that calculated from the motor's nameplate. The wind energy conversion system (WECS) was then operated in windspeeds of 3.5 m/s or greater. The WECS was capable of providing power to satisfactorily operate induction motors in an autonomous system.« less
A prospective study of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Severe immunosuppression is an established risk factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but an association with subclinical immune dysfunction is unclear. We conducted a case-control study nested in the Physicians' Health Study and the Nurses' Health Study cohorts to determine whether patterns of antibody response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were associated with NHL risk. We measured antibody titers against viral capsid antigen, early antigen, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA-1 and EBNA-2) in blood samples collected before diagnosis from 340 cases and 662 matched controls. Using conditional logistic regression, we estimated rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for elevated versus normal titers and the ratio of anti–EBNA-1 to anti–EBNA-2 titers (≤ 1.0 vs > 1.0). We found no association between EBV serostatus, elevated titers, or an EBNA-1/EBNA-2 ratio ≤ 1.0 and NHL risk overall. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, suggestive associations were noted for elevated anti–EBNA-2 (RR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.99-3.05), anti–viral capsid antigen (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.79-3.14), and EBNA-1/EBNA-2 ratio ≤ 1.0 (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.91-2.55). There was no evidence of heterogeneity by subtype. Overall, we found no evidence that EBV antibody profile predicts NHL risk in immunocompetent persons, with the possible exception of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Functional anatomy of the tarsier foot

Tarsiers possess a very odd musculoskeletal foot anatomy that goes beyond their acknowledged specialized leaping adaptations. Tarsius has evolved a fundamentally different method of bone rotation to achieve an inverted foot position during grasping and has developed an unusual muscular system for holding onto vertical supports. Although galagos and tarsiers possess elongated foot bones as adaptations for leaping, galagos utilize many more types of movements, have specialized osteological surface for inversion, and have a more common type of muscle development in the foot and leg than tarsiers possess. Likewise, the Omomyidae, the ancestral lineage of Tarsius, exhibit a lack of morphological similarity with Tarsius in the known foot joints.
The pace of intermediate-product introductions

This paper models frequency of introductions of newer generations of an intermediate-product sold by an upstream ‘developer’ firm to downstream manufacturer firms. The manufacturers use the intermediate product to manufacture final products, and are heterogeneous in the time it takes them to develop and introduce final products based on the latest generation of the intermediate product. This downstream heterogeneity could arise, for example, from heterogeneity in manufacturers' technical skills or existing patent regimes. Among other results, we show that the optimal frequency of introduction of the intermediate-product can increase or decrease in the extent of this downstream heterogeneity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity of commercially available engineered nanoparticles to Caco-2 and SW480 human intestinal epithelial cells

The effects of ingestion of engineered nanoparticles (NPs), especially via drinking water, are unknown. Using NPs spiked into synthetic water and cell culture media, we investigated cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammatory effects of silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs on human intestinal Caco-2 and SW480 cells. ZnO NPs were cytotoxic to both cell lines, while Ag and TiO2 NPs were toxic only at 100 mg/L to Caco-2 and SW480, respectively. ZnO NPs led to significant cell death in synthetic freshwaters with 1 % phosphate-buffered saline in both cell lines, while Ag and TiO2 NPs in buffered water led to cell death in SW480 cells. NP exposures did not yield significant increased reactive oxygen species generation but all NP exposures led to increased IL-8 cytokine generation in both cell lines. These results indicate cell stress and cell death from NP exposures, with a varied response based on NP composition.
Nonhuman primate models for Epstein-Barr virus infection

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that infects nearly all humans by adulthood and is associated with a spectrum of human diseases including Infectious Mononucleosis, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, and lymphomas in immunosuppressed hosts. Nonhuman primate (NHP) animal models provide important experimental systems for studying EBV infection. There has been significant progress in studies of EBV-related herpesviruses, or lymphocryptoviruses (LCV), that naturally infect New and Old World NHPs. Prototypes for New and Old World LCV have been cloned and sequenced, humoral and cellular immune responses to LCV in NHP have been characterized, experimental LCV infections in naive rhesus macaques have been successful, and a genetic system to manipulate specific viral genes in rhesus LCV (rhLCV) has been developed. These advances have led to new insights in the dynamic interactions with the host during acute and persistent EBV infection and can provide a novel platform for EBV vaccine development. Further development and utilization of the rhLCV animal model would be greatly enhanced by expansion of LCV-free breeding colonies as a reliable source of naive animals for experimental studies. NHP animal models for EBV infection provide unique opportunities for understanding the biology of EBV infection in humans and translating that knowledge into effective vaccines against EBV-induced diseases.
Temporal Annotation of Clinical Text

We developed a temporal annotation schema that provides a structured method to capture contextual and temporal features of clinical conditions found in clinical reports. In this poster we describe the elements of the annotation schema and provide results of an initial annotation study on a document set comprising six different types of clinical reports.
Differentiation of embryonic stem cells conditionally expressing neurogenin 3

Expression of the proendocrine gene neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) is required for the development of pancreatic islets. To better characterize the molecular events regulated by Ngn3 during development, we have determined the expression profiles of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) uniformly induced to overexpress Ngn3. An mESC line was created in order to induce Ngn3 by adding doxycycline to the culture medium. Genome-wide microarray analysis was performed to identify genes regulated by Ngn3 in a variety of contexts, including undifferentiated ESCs and differentiating embryoid bodies (EBs). Genes regulated by Ngn3 in a context-independent manner were identified and analyzed using systematic gene ontology tools. This analysis revealed Notch signaling as the most significantly regulated signaling pathway (p = .009). This result is consistent with the hypothesis that Ngn3 expression makes the cell competent for Notch signaling to be activated and, conversely, more sensitive to Notch signaling inhibition. Indeed, EBs induced to express Ngn3 were significantly more sensitive to gamma-secretase inhibitor-mediated Notch signaling inhibition (p < .0001) when compared with uninduced EBs. Moreover, we find that Ngn3 induction in differentiating ESCs results in significant increases in insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin expression.