cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Religious Characteristics Are Related to Attitudes toward GLB Individuals and GLB Rights

Two studies conducted in the United States investigated whether individuals’ religious characteristics (e.g., orthodoxy, evangelism, literal interpretism, quest, extrinsic religiosity) affect their attitudes toward gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) individuals and GLB rights (marriage, adoption, sexual behavior). Orthodoxy, literal interpretism, evangelism, and extrinsic religiosity were all related to less support for GLB rights and less positive attitudes toward GLB individuals. Quest was not related to any measure. Results highlight the complexity of attitudes; for instance, a religious characteristic might predict attitude toward one right, but might not predict attitudes toward other rights. Findings further show what is known about how religious characteristics relate to support for GLB individuals and GLB rights.
Endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella species.

Purpose To investigate clinical settings, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes associated with endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella species. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Record review of patients with endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella (1984 through2003). Results Clinical settings included cataract surgery (one eye), trauma (two), perforated corneal ulcer (one), and endogenous associated with hepatic abscess (one). Pretreatment vision was hand motions or better in four eyes (80%). Initial treatment was enucleation (one eye), pars plana vitrectomy (two), and vitreous tap and injection (two); intravitreal antibiotics were administered to all nonenucleated eyes. Klebsiella was sensitive to one or more antibioticsadministered initially in all cases. In nonenucleated eyes, final acuity was ≥20/400 in two, 1/200 in one, and light perception in one. Conclusion Despite treatment with appropriate antibiotics, endophthalmitis caused by Klebsiella species is associated with generally poor visual outcomes.
The density of cholinergic receptors at the endplate postsynaptic membrane: ultrastructural studies in two mammalian species.

Electron-microscope autoradiography of diaphragm endplates of the American brown bat, labeled to saturation with tritiated α-bungarotoxin, has been used as a means to localize and quantitate the acetylcholine receptor there. Analysis of the grain distribution in these autoradiographs reveals that the receptor sites in this endplate are located on the postsynaptic membrane at an average density of 8,800/μ2. The sites are distributed asymmetrically along that membrane, being concentrated at the crests of the postjunctional folds—that portion nearest to the presynaptic membrane. The receptor site density at these regions of the postsynaptic membrane is estimated to be 20,000–25,000/μ2 of membrane surface. A comparison of these membrane site densities with those of endplates of red and white fibers of the mouse reveals a close similarity. On this basis, it is suggested that the receptor site density at the crests of the folds may be a characteristic feature of endplates of vertebrates. In contrast to the acetylcholine receptor sites, cholinesterase sites (determined autoradiographically in3H-diisopropylfluorophosphate-labeled endplates) are largely distributed in a uniform manner over the postjunctional folds. The function of the secondary folds is, therefore, reassessed. Ultrastructural evidence available from other laboratories on the spatial characteristics of transmitter release and of postsynaptic dense particles is in accord with a model drawn for this molecular architecture at the vertebrate endplate.
Radiological methods of studying the orbit

The orbit is a challenge diagnostically to the ophthalmologist and the radiologist because of its small size and enclosed nature. As a result, a variety of radiological tests have been devised to study the orbit, although no one test is entirely definitive. Conventional X-rays, the use of ultrasound techniques, and the injection of contrast into either the orbit per se or the vasculature of the orbit are extremely useful. However, none of these techniques can produce clear, cross-sectional and unsuperimposed images, such as those obtained from computed tomography. The use of color-coding is useful in enhancing even high quality gray-scale scans. Above all, the technique of computed tomography offers the advantages of noninvasive study.
The Best of Both Worlds: Combining ECE and ECSE Philosophies and Best Practices Through a Coteaching Model

As more children with disabilities are served in early childhood settings, preservice training programs have a responsibility to provide future early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate as a team member in meeting the needs of young children with disabilities. This article provides a description of the rationale and process that a professor in early childhood special education (ECSE) and an instructor in early childhood education (ECE) used as they designed and implemented a coteaching model in the methods and materials prekindergarten course. Specific activities that were incorporated into the class to promote a better understanding of special education and how to meet the needs of all children are shared. Last, each instructor shares what he or she learned from the experience.
Multiple pore conformations driven by asynchronous movements of voltage sensors in a eukaryotic sodium channel

Voltage-dependent Na(+) channels are crucial for electrical signalling in excitable cells. Membrane depolarization initiates asynchronous movements in four non-identical voltage-sensing domains of the Na(+) channel. It remains unclear to what extent this structural asymmetry influences pore gating as compared with outwardly rectifying K(+) channels, where channel opening results from a final concerted transition of symmetric pore gates. Here we combine single channel recordings, cysteine accessibility and voltage clamp fluorimetry to probe the relationships between voltage sensors and pore conformations in an inactivation deficient Nav1.4 channel. We observe three distinct conductance levels such that DI-III voltage sensor activation is kinetically correlated with formation of a fully open pore, whereas DIV voltage sensor movement underlies formation of a distinct subconducting pore conformation preceding inactivation in wild-type channels. Our experiments reveal that pore gating in sodium channels involves multiple transitions driven by asynchronous movements of voltage sensors. These findings shed new light on the mechanism of coupling between activation and fast inactivation in voltage-gated sodium channels.
Introduction to the special section on virtual endoscopy

Virtual endoscopy (VE) is an itegration of medical imaging and virtual reality. VE gives a computer-based alternative to standard radiological image viewing and to traditional fiberoptic endoscopy for examining the interior structures of human organs. It has evolved rapidly in the past decade, as high-resolution helical spiral computed tomography (CT) has evolved for clinical use. A total of 22 submissions were received, covering modalities of virtual colonoscopy, virtual bronchoscopy, and virtual angioscopy, with technical focus on image segmentation, registration, dynamical modeling, flight path planning, fast volumetric rendering, interactive and active navigation, and CAD.
Isotope effect in superconducting gallium

Abstract The superconducting transitions of 69 Ga, natural Ga, and 71 Ga have been measured. The transition temperatures T c were found to be 1.0897 ± 0.0003, 1.0845 ± 0.0003 and 1.0770 ± 0.0003 respectively, giving z = 0.41 ± 0.02 and ζ = 0.17 ± 0.04 as parameters in T c ∞ M - z = M -0.5(1− ζ ) .
Effect of thrombin on the platelet membrane.

Abstract A surface-exposed membrane glycopeptide has been identified in human platelets which is sensitive to the action of thrombin.
Mothers' and fathers' socialization of preschoolers' physical risk taking

This study examined how parents influence sex differences in young children's physical risk taking behaviors. Eighty three- and four-year old, mostly middle class and Caucasian children climbed across a five-foot high catwalk and walked across a three-foot high beam under their mother or father's supervision. Based on average preschooler gross motor capabilities, both of these activities posed potential threats to preschoolers' physical safety without proper parental monitoring. Analyses revealed that fathers of daughters monitored their children more closely than did fathers of sons. In contrast, mothers of daughters and mothers of sons monitored their children similarly. Differential treatment of preschool-aged girls and boys in risk taking situations is discussed as a contributor to sex differences found in children's physical risk taking and unintentional injuries.
Quasispin model of itinerant magnetism

The problem of spin waves in itinerant ferromagnets and antiferromagnets is discussed from the band-theory point of view. In the ground state, the energy bands are spin split and there is a spin-density cloud around each ion site. When a spin wave is excited, we postulate that the spin cloud of each ion precesses as a rigid unit, i.e., a quasispin. This gives rise to a modulation of the effective exchange potential, and the difference between the modulated potential and the ground-state exchange potential has the form of the $s\ensuremath{-}d$ interaction. Here the $s$ part includes all the conduction electrons and the $d$ part arises from the precession of the quasispins. The magnon energy, electron band splitting, and the magnon-magnon interaction are discussed. In every case the agreement between the result and the experiment is as good as or better than the existing theories.
Inquiry-Based Arson Investigation for General Chemistry Using GC−MS

We have developed a two-week guided-inquiry laboratory in which first-semester general chemistry students investigate a suspected arson using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry and paper chromatography. In the process of evaluating evidence from the crime scene, students develop and test hypotheses and learn the fundamentals of chromatography, including the roles of stationary and mobile phases, polarity, and the effects of molar mass, boiling point, and vapor pressure on the separation of components in a sample. In the first week, students use crime-scene samples to determine optimum experimental parameters for both chromatographic methods, which are then used during the second week to “solve” the crime. The students have responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to perform a “real-life” investigation using modern analytical instrumentation. Inclusion of the paper chromatography module gives students a clear visual representation of separation science and the opportunity to draw comparisons between...
Statistical Theory of Magnetoelectric Effects in Antiferromagnetics

It is shown on the basis of a statistical mechanical calculation involving the molecular field approximation and the free energy that the spin-orbit mechanism previously proposed by the author leads not only to the electrically induced but also to the magnetically induced magnetoelectric effect. In addition, this mechanism is found to lead to a magnetoelectric contribution to the electric susceptibility. For a two-sublattice antiferromagnet, the temperature dependence of the magnetoelectric susceptibilities is shown to be quantitatively different from but qualitatively similar to that predicted in the previous work on a phenomenological basis. Although even purely magnetic data indicate that a two-sublattice model is not strictly applicable to ${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, a comparison of the present theory with experiments suggests (with the help of data on the electric field splitting of certain paramagnetic resonance lines in ruby) that the spin-orbit mechanism accounts for a significant part of the magnetoelectric effects observed in ${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. The Appendix contains a revised derivation of some known thermodynamic relations relevant to magnetoelectric effects. It also contains a proposal, based on thermodynamic and symmetry considerations, that "piezomagnetoelectric" and "gyroelectric" effects may exist.
Fertilization stimulates an increase in inositol trisphosphate and inositol lipid levels in Xenopus eggs.

Abstract Previous experiments from our lab have suggested that the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is required for sperm-induced egg activation inXenopus laevis.Here we measure the endogenous production of both Ins(1,4,5)P3and PIP2during the sperm-induced and ionomycin-induced calcium wave in the egg and find that both increase following fertilization. Ins(1,4,5)P3increases 3.2-fold from an unfertilized egg level of 0.13 pmole per egg (0.29 μM) to a peak of 0.42 pmole per egg (0.93 μM) as the calcium wave reaches the antipode in the fertilized egg. This continuous production of Ins(1,4,5)P3during the time that the Ca2+wave is propagating across the egg suggests the involvement of Ins(1,4,5)P3in wave propagation. This increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3is smaller in ionomycin-activated eggs than in sperm-activated eggs, suggesting that the sperm-induced production of Ins(1,4,5)P3involves a PIP2hydrolysis pathway that is not simply raising intracellular Ca2+. While one might expect PIP2levels to fall as a result of hydrolysis, we find that PIP2actually increases 2-fold. The total lipid fraction in unfertilized egg exhibits 0.8 pmole PIP2per egg and this increases to 1.5 pmole as the calcium wave reaches the antipode. The PIP2concentration peaks 2 min after the completion of the calcium wave at 1.8 pmole per egg. The amount of PIP2in the animal and vegetal hemispheres of the egg was also measured by cutting frozen eggs in half. The vegetal hemisphere contained twice the amount of PIP2as the animal hemisphere but it also contained twice the amount of lipid. Thus, there was an equivalent amount of PIP2normalized to lipid in each hemisphere. Isolated animal and vegetal hemisphere cortices exhibit similar PIP2concentrations, suggesting that the 2-fold higher total PIP2in the vegetal half is not due to a gradient of PIP2in the plasma membrane, but rather implies that cytoplasmic organelle membranes also contain PIP2.
Tumor Focality Does Not Predict Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy in Men With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

Purpose: We characterized prostate cancer focality in regard to clinicopathological features, prognostic value and impact on biochemical outcome.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1,366 patients in our prospective database who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1999 and 2010 for clinically localized prostate cancer with pathological evaluation using whole mount sectioning techniques and tumor mapping. Unifocal disease was defined as the identification of a solitary cancer focus in the prostate without additional tumor foci or satellite lesions, ie multifocal disease, on histopathological evaluation. Cox regression modeling was used to identify predictors of biochemical progression among groups.Results: A total of 184 patients (13%) fulfilled our unifocal tumor criteria. Unifocal tumors tended to be smaller in volume and in greatest diameter than multifocal tumors (p <0.0001 and <0.005, respectively). Of patients with pathologically insignificant disease the relative pro...
Transport of excitations in disordered systems: Self-consistent density resummation

New self-consistent equations for the transport of excitations in disordered systems are derived based on a resummation procedure of the density expansion. Both local-time [partial-time-ordering prescription (POP)] and convolution-type [chronological-time-ordering prescription] equations are explored. Application is made to a system consisting of a random mixture of donors and traps with a general type of transfer rate $W(r)$. We calculate the probability of remaining in the original site ${G}_{0}(t)$ as well as the second moment of the distribution of excitations $〈{r}^{2}(t)〉$. The POP equations reduce to the exact Forster solution for ${G}_{0}(t)$ in the case of traps only. We analyze the long-time behavior of ${G}_{0}(t)$ and its dependence on $W(r)$. We find a percolation-type transition when $W(r)$ has a cutoff [i.e., $W(r)=0$ for $rg{r}_{0}$] but in all other cases the system is diffusive at long times [${G}_{0}(t)$ vanishes and $〈{r}^{2}(t)〉$ diverges linearly in time].
Ethylene production using a Pd and Ag-Pd-Y-zeolite catalyst in a DC plasma reactor

Abstract The interest in natural gas utilization has increased tremendously over the last decade. Natural gas is being looked at as an energy source, as well as a basis for the production of many chemicals. New technologies are needed for smaller scale, remote and niche applications to match many natural gas resources that will not be suitable for large-scale production of distillate products via syngas. Low temperature plasma reactors have been shown to be an effective method for the conversion of methane, and under some conditions have low power consumption. The advantage of low temperature processing potentially reduces the energy intensity of the process and therefore the cost. The feed reactants for this study consist of methane, hydrogen, and oxygen (less than 2.5%). For the dc plasma reactor using NaOH-treated Y-zeolite, the primary products are acetylene, hydrogen, and small amounts of carbon monoxide. However, recent efforts have focused on the in situ selective hydrogenation of the acetylene to ethylene. Palladium on a supported catalyst is commonly used in industry for the selective hydrogenation of small amounts of acetylene in the purification of ethylene produced in crackers. The addition of palladium to the NaOH-treated Y-zeolite maintains the same methane conversion (20–60%), but allows for the selective hydrogenation of the acetylene to ethylene. The catalyst is most selective around 45 °C, where it produces an ethylene to ethane ratio of about 4–1 with no acetylene. The addition of silver to the Pd–Y-zeolite serves two functions. It increases the ethylene to ethane ratio from 4 to at least 7, and as high as 11. In addition, the temperature at which the high ethylene to ethane ratio achieved is shifted to higher temperatures as well as extended over a wider temperature range. Ethylene yields as high as 30% and hydrogen yields as high as 40% have been obtained without attempting to optimize these yields; and it is expected, based on preliminary results, that higher yields can be obtained.
Reliability Analysis of Uncertain Nonlinear System Subject to Correlated Failure

On the basis of the Bouc-Wen hysteretic model, a numerical method for the reliability analysis of stochastic multi-degree-of-freedom hysteretic system with correlated failure modes is presented. Under the first passage model, considering the random caused by hysteretic loop itself, the theory of incomplete probability information and the fourth-moment technique and Gram Charlier series are employed to develop a numerical reliability analysis method systematically. The numerical example reveals that in most of cases, though system is characterized by a set of independent random parameters, the responses are strongly correlated, and correlation coefficient between the responses is fluctuated with time. The system reliability with correlated failure modes is evaluated with proposed method, and the result obtained by this method is compared well with the Monte-Carlo simulations.
Protease-activated receptor 1 and hematopoietic cell tissue factor are required for hepatic steatosis in mice fed a Western diet.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of obesity and metabolic syndrome and contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Indeed, obese patients with metabolic syndrome generate greater amounts of thrombin, an indication of coagulation cascade activation. However, the role of the coagulation cascade in Western diet–induced NAFLD has not been investigated. Using an established mouse model of Western diet–induced NAFLD, we tested whether the thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) and hematopoietic cell–derived tissue factor (TF) contribute to hepatic steatosis. In association with hepatic steatosis, plasma thrombin-antithrombin levels and hepatic fibrin deposition increased significantly in C57Bl/6J mice fed a Western diet for 3 months. PAR-1 deficiency reduced hepatic inflammation, particularly monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and macrophage accumulation. In addition, PAR-1 deficiency was associated with reduced steatosis in mice fed a Western diet, including reduced liver triglyceride accumulation and CD36 expression. Similar to PAR-1 deficiency, hematopoietic cell TF deficiency was associated with reduced inflammation and reduced steatosis in livers of low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice fed a Western diet. Moreover, hematopoietic cell TF deficiency reduced hepatic fibrin deposition. These studies indicate that PAR-1 and hematopoietic cell TF are required for liver inflammation and steatosis in mice fed a Western diet.
Heavy ion backscattering spectrometry at the University of Central Florida

Abstract The need for increased sensitivity in the detection of metallic contamination, in microelectronics fabrication, led to the development of heavy ion backscattering spectrometry (HIBS). This technique, based on principles similar to those of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, permits one to quantitatively detect heavy impurities, at a level below 1 × 10 10 atoms/cm 2 , on the surface of an otherwise clean silicon substrate. The approach was developed at Sandia National Laboratories, in collaboration with SEMATECH member companies, and Vanderbilt University. Recently, the HIBS instrument was transferred to the Department of Physics of the University of Central Florida, with the purpose of continuing the development of this unique resource, and making it available to industrial and academic investigators. The instrument has been successfully returned to operation, and preliminary tests showed sensitivity levels similar to those obtained at Sandia. A program is being developed to further increase the sensitivity of the instrument, as well as to explore potential new applications. A progress report of these efforts is presented.
Myocardial lesions following experimental intracranial hemorrhage: Prevention with propranolol

Abstract Focal myocardial lesions were found in the hearts of 21 of 46 rats in which an intracranial injection of blood had been given five days before. Similar lesions were present in 4 of 22 rats that received a similar intracranial injection but were treated with propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. The incidence of myocardial lesions in the latter group was significantly less than in the former group (P
Automated segmentation of mouse brain images using extended MRF.

Abstract We introduce an automated segmentation method, extended Markov random field ( eMRF ), to classify 21 neuroanatomical structures of mouse brain based on three dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance images (MRI). The image data are multispectral: T2-weighted, proton density-weighted, diffusion x , y and z weighted. Earlier research (Ali, A.A., Dale, A.M., Badea, A., Johnson, G.A., 2005. Automated segmentation of neuroanatomical structures in multispectral MR microscopy of the mouse brain. NeuroImage 27 (2), 425–435) successfully explored the use of MRF for mouse brain segmentation. In this research, we study the use of information generated from support vector machine (SVM) to represent the probabilistic information. Since SVM in general has a stronger discriminative power than the Gaussian likelihood method and is able to handle nonlinear classification problems, integrating SVM into MRF improved the classification accuracy. The eMRF employs the posterior probability distribution obtained from SVM to generate a classification based on the MR intensity. Secondly, the eMRF introduces a new potential function based on location information. Third, to maximize the classification performance, the eMRF uses the contribution weights optimally determined for each of the three potential functions: observation, location and contextual functions, which are traditionally equally weighted. We use the voxel overlap percentage and volume difference percentage to evaluate the accuracy of eMRF segmentation and compare the algorithm with three other segmentation methods — mixed ratio sampling SVM (MRS-SVM), atlas-based segmentation and MRF. Validation using classification accuracy indices between automatically segmented and manually traced data shows that eMRF outperforms other methods.
Treatment of 70+-Year-Olds With Recurrent Major Depression: Excellent Short-Term But Brittle Long-Term Response

The authors compared response rates, by age (60–69 vs. 70+), to acute, continuation, and 1-year maintenance depression treatment. Patients (N=180) received open combined treatment with nortriptyline (NT)/placebo and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). Patients who recovered then entered randomized, double-blind maintenance treatment with NT or placebo or received maintenance monthly IPT (combined with NT or placebo). Comparison of time-to-remission and recovery and absolute rates of remission, relapse, recovery, and recurrence yielded similar times to/rates of remission and recovery; however, older patients had far more recurrence during the first year of maintenance therapy. Although responses to acute and continuation treatment with combined NT and psychotherapy were similar, the older group had more recurrence in the first year of maintenance. Continuation of combined medication and psychotherapy may represent the best long-term treatment.
Pistillate Papaya Flower: A Morphological Anomaly

The pistillate flower of Carica papaya is a pleurogynous unisexual form derived intraspecifically from a perigynous bisexual ancestor. It is a morphological anomaly in that the ovary consists of two cycles of carpels which, in the ancestor, arise on the receptacle at different levels as dissimilar orders of organs. The bulk of the pentamerous ovary and the dorsal carpellary vascular system are derived from a cycle of five stamens in the ancestor. The ventral carpellary system is inherited intact from the ancestor which has normal morphology in the sense that the carpels consist of a single cycle of sporophylls.
Polygenic Determinants of Alzheimer's Disease: Modulation of the Risk by α‐1‐Antichymotrypsina

The identification of apolipoprotein E (APOE) as a genetic risk factor modifying the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) has opened the possibility that other susceptibility genes exist that either independently modify the risk of developing AD or alter the risk imparted by APOE. We have identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) as a potential risk gene, by virtue of the interactive effect of either of its two alleles (A and T) on the risk of AD associated with the APOE epsilon 4 allele. In a large population of AD (n = 308) and control (n = 579) cohorts, we found the expected elevation in the APOE epsilon 4 allele frequency in the AD cases compared to controls, with threefold and sevenfold increases in the risk of AD for APOE epsilon 4/X and APOE epsilon 4/epsilon 4, respectively. Of the three ACT genotypes, the ACT A/T genotype did not affect the risk of AD beyond that which is conferred by the APOE epsilon 4 allele. However, the ACT A/A genotype greatly increased the risk associated with APOE epsilon 4 homozygosity. On the other hand, the ACT T/T genotype suppressed the gene dosage effect of the APOE epsilon 4 allele; the risk of AD in APOE epsilon 4/epsilon 4, ACT T/T cases was the same as that of APOE epsilon 4/X. A variety of potential mechanisms for interactions of ACT and APOE are discussed.
Theoretical Period Changes in Yellow Giant Pulsators

Period changes in RR Lyrae variables and Cepheids, known for more than 60 years, can possibly be explained by small changes in a helium composition gradient below the hydrogen and helium convection zones. The particular cases for the globular cluster M15 double-mode RR Lyrae variable V53 and the Cepheid Polaris are studied. For the last 80 years, the fundamental mode period of V53 has been decreasing while the overtone mode period in this same star has been increasing. The rather steady overtone mode period increase for Polaris stopped very recently, and the period now seems constant. Diffusive settling of helium in these kinds of stars has been known to be slight because of the two convection zones and the long diffusion timescale below them. But a small amount of helium settling, even before the star begins to pulsate, and then a dredge-up of just a little helium by an occasional overshooting can change surface layer structures and periods. This dredge-up can have a timescale as short as the convection turnover time, i.e., a few days. A slight helium dredge-up episode may now have temporarily stopped the decaying pulsations and period increase of Polaris. Such an episode cannot explain the double-mode V53 case, but possibly the helium composition gradient is deepened enough by matter accretion in only 80 years to explain its observed opposite period changes. Another mechanism that might be important for period changes is tidal mixing of the small composition gradients caused by occasional close encounters of stars in clusters. Significant stellar rotation would keep the surface layer composition homogeneous and not allow the anomalous period changes discussed here.
In vitro incubations of presumptive adrenocortical cells from the opisthonephros of the adult sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus

Abstract Presumptive adrenocortical cells from the glomus region of the opisthonephros of the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus , were incubated with [4- 14 C] progesterone, cholesterol, 11-deoxycortisol, and 11-deoxycorticosterone in a buffered medium for 4 hr with an NADPH generating system. After extraction and chromatographic purification of the incubation media, a considerable amount of 14 C radioactivity was observed in the cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone areas in several of the incubations. Following the addition of the appropriate authentic tritium labeled steroid and further purification by chromatography and recrystallization the formation of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone was confirmed from progesterone. The formation of progesterone from cholesterol may also have occurred but definitive evidence was lacking. Cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 11-deoxycorticosterone were not detected in these incubations.
HIV-1 replication and latency are regulated by translational control of cyclin T1.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exploits cellular proteins during its replicative cycle and latent infection. The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is a key cellular transcription factor critical for these viral processes and is a drug target. During viral replication, P-TEFb is recruited via interactions of its cyclin T1 subunit with the HIV Tat (transactivator of transcription) protein and TAR (transactivation response) element. Through RNA silencing and over-expression experiments, we discovered that nuclear factor 90 (NF90), a cellular RNA binding protein, regulates P-TEFb expression. NF90 depletion reduced cyclin T1 protein levels by inhibiting translation initiation. Regulation was mediated by the 3′ untranslated region of cyclin T1 mRNA independently of microRNAs. Cyclin T1 induction is involved in the escape of HIV-1 from latency. We show that the activation of viral replication by phorbol ester in latently infected monocytic cells requires the posttranscriptional induction of NF90 and cyclin T1, implicating NF90 in protein kinase C signaling pathways. This investigation reveals a novel mechanism of cyclin T1 regulation and establishes NF90 as a regulator of HIV-1 replication during both productive infection and induction from latency.
Polaron effects in the nearly atomic limit of the Hubbard model

Abstract The Hubbard Model of electron correlation effects in solids is unified with Holstein's molecular crystal model for small polarons as a first step in studying electron-phonon coupling in π-bonded organic solids. Some implications of the electron-lattice coupling on both the single particle excitation spectrum and the effective Heisenberg exchange energy are discussed.
Does Consortium Research Belong in My Business Strategy

We are seeing a revolution in the way that R&D affects the strategic plans of businesses and governments. Business and government leaders are acutely aware that the future belongs to those who can capture the benefits of rapidly advancing technology. Yet for many companies, the cost of developing and commercializing advanced technology is becoming prohibitive. While the complexity and risk of developing advanced technology are escalating, the time cycle for successful market introduction is shrinking. To manage corporate costs, more private organizations are downsizing their R&D functions.
A simple method to study microbial coal solubilization using Pluronic F-127-amended media

Microbial coal solubilization and the extraction of solubilized coal products were carried out in media amended with polyol (Pluronic F-127), an agent which gels above 18°C but reverts to a liquid state at low temperature (4°C). The solubilized coal products, the unsolubilized coal particles and the mycelial mat were separated effectively by centrifugation at 4°C. The amount of coal solubilization was 30–50% higher in polyol-amended media than in agar media regardless of the microorganism. On the other hand, the amount of coal solubilization in polyol-amended control media was less compared to agar-amended control media.
An Investigation of some Assumptions and Characteristics of the Pass-Fail Grading System

AbstractThis study investigated selected factors relevant to the frequently stated justification for the use of the pass-fail grading at the undergraduate level. Three samples of seventy-five students each were used to investigate the relation between overall, within major, and outside major GPA’s. The outside major GFA was significantly below the overall and within major GPA’s. Stratified random samples of students from four overall GPA ranges were selected from students who had elected a pass-fail course. For each GPA strata, the actual grades earned in pass-fail courses, for within and outside the major, were significantly lower than the previously earned GPA’s.
The hand in metastatic disease and acral manifestations of paraneoplastic syndromes

Metastatic tumors to the hand and wrist are rare, accounting for approximately 0.1% of all metastatic lesions to the skeleton. The biochemically mediated pathways of bone metastases, the location of the hand at the distal extremity, and the small amount of marrow in the bones of the hand and wrist account for the low prevalence of acrometastases. More rarely, hand dermatologic and soft tissue changes of paraneoplastic syndromes herald an occult malignancy.
Interannual variability in net CO2 exchange of a native tallgrass prairie

Year-round eddy covariance flux measurements were made in a native tallgrass prairie in north-central Oklahoma, USA during 1997–2000 to quantify carbon exchange and its interannual variability. This prairie is dominated by warm season C4 grasses. The soil is a relatively shallow silty clay loam underlined with a heavy clay layer and a limestone bedrock. During the study period, the prairie was burned in the spring of each year, and was not grazed. In 1997 there was adequate soil moisture through the growing season, but 1998 had two extended periods of substantially low soil moisture (with concurrent high air temperatures and vapor pressure deficits), one early and one later in the growing season. There was also moisture stress in 1999, but it was less severe and occurred later in the season. The annual net ecosystem CO2 exchange, NEE (before including carbon loss during the burn) was 274, 46 and 124 g C m−2 yr−1 in 1997, 1998, and 1999, respectively (flux toward the surface is positive), and the associated variation seemed to mirror the severity of moisture stress. We also examined integrated values of NEE during different periods (e.g. day/night; growing season/senescence). Annually integrated carbon dioxide uptake during the daytime showed the greatest variability from year to year, and was primarily linked to the severity of moisture stress. Carbon loss during nighttime was a significant part of the annual daytime NEE, and was fairly stable from year to year. When carbon loss during the burn (estimated from pre- and post-burn biomass samples) was incorporated in the annual NEE, the prairie was found to be approximately carbon neutral (i.e. net carbon uptake/release was near zero) in years with no moisture stress (1997) or with some stress late in the season (1999). During a year with severe moisture stress early in the season (1998), the prairie was a net source of carbon. It appears that moisture stress (severity as well as timing of occurrence) was a dominating factor regulating the annual carbon exchange of the prairie.
Visualizing oil displacement with foam in a microfluidic device with permeability contrast.

Foam mobility control and novel oil displacement mechanisms were observed in a microfluidic device representing a porous media system with layered permeability. Foam was pre-generated using a flow-focusing microfluidic device and injected into an oil-wet, oil-saturated 2-D PDMS microfluidic device. The device is designed with a central fracture flanked by high-permeability and low-permeability zones stratified in the direction of injection. A 1 : 1, 1% blend of alpha olefin sulfonate 14–16 (AOS) and lauryl betaine (LB) surfactants produced stable foam in the presence of paraffin oil. The oil saturation and pressure drop across the microfluidic device were measured as a function of time and the injected pore volume, indicating an increase in apparent viscosity for foam with an accompanying decrease in oil saturation. In contrast to the control experiments, foam was shown to more effectively mobilize trapped oil by increasing the flow resistance in the fracture and high-permeability zones and by diverting the surfactant solution into adjacent low-permeability zones. The foam was observed to separate into gas-rich and aqueous-rich phases depending on matrix permeability, suggesting that it is not appropriate to treat foam as a homogeneous dispersion of gas and liquid.
SYMPOSIUM ON PREPARATION OF SAMPLES FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSAY

The precision and reliability of most of the In samples heated to destroy the natural encommonly used microbiological assay techniques zymes, 5 mg of chicken pancreas enzyme effected have been fairly well established. Many of the maximum release of folic acid from 1 gm of problems encountered in obtaining satisfactory spinach. Samples could be autoclaved over a pH analyses are due, not to the assay procedure per range of 5 to 13 without any loss of folic acid se, but to difficulties in preparation of the sample activity. for assay. With the growing popularity of microIn the extraction of pantothenic acid from biological methods, there has been an increase foods, a double enzyme system of alkaline intesin the complexity of the materials that are subtinal phosphatase and pigeon liver enzyme was jected to analysis, and consequent emphasis on superior to mylase-P. Maximum release was obthe need for good extraction procedures. This served when samples were incubated in the pressymposium was organized to focus attention on ence of both enzymes. A hog kidney enzyme some of the problems encountered, and to discuss preparation was found to be as effective as a few of the specific methods which have been pigeon liver enzyme in the double enzyme system. extensively studied. Care must be exercised in the preparation and Toepfer and Reynolds, whose paper was preuse of either of these enzymes to prevent loss of sented by their colleague, Dr. O'Barr, discussed conjugase activity and consequent low pantothe preparation of samples for vitamin assay, thenic acid values. Evidence of the efficiency of with particular reference to folic acid, pantothe double enzyme system in releasing pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Working thenic acid from conjugates in several foods primarily with various foods, they found that, was provided by the results of parallel microbiowith the exception of vitamin B12, enzymatic logical and bioassays. digestion of food samples generally was necessary In assaying selected food for vitamin B6 acto assure complete liberation of these vitamins in tivity with Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, autoforms available to the assay organisms used. claving samples for 15 min with 0.055 N HCl, Of several enzyme preparations tested for the followed by overnight incubation with clarase or release of folic acid from a variety of foods, intestinal phosphatase was as effective as autochicken pancreas enzyme was found to be suclaving for 5 hr in 0.055 N HCl in releasing this perior to papain, takadiastase or hog kidney vitamin. These enzymes also were effective in enzyme. Using dried spinach as a substrate, they releasing pyridoxal from pyridoxal phosphate. found naturally occurring enzymes in unheated Current evidence indicates that enzymatic disuspensions which were about as effective as gestion generally is not required in the preparachicken pancreas enzyme in releasing folic acid. tion of samples for microbiological assay of vita-
Immiscible Transition from Carbonate-rich to Silicate-rich Melts in the 3 GPa Melting Interval of Eclogite + CO2 and Genesis of Silica-undersaturated Ocean Island Lavas

We explore the partial melting behavior of a carbonated silicadeficient eclogite (SLEC1; 5 wt % CO2) from experiments at 3 GPa and compare the compositions of partial melts with those of alkalic and highly alkalic oceanic island basalts (OIBs). The solidus is located at 1050–1075 C and the liquidus at 1415 C. The sub-solidus assemblage consists of clinopyroxene, garnet, ilmenite, and calcio-dolomitic solid solution and the near solidus melt is carbonatitic ( 20 wt %), may be plausible sources or contributing components to melilitites and melilititic nephelinites from oceanic provinces, as they have strong compositional similarities including their SiO2, FeO*, MgO, CaO, TiO2 and Na2O contents, and CaO/Al2O3 ratios. Carbonated silicate partial melts from eclogite may also contribute to less extreme alkalic OIB, as these lavas have a number of compositional attributes, such as high TiO2 and FeO* and low Al2O3, that have not been observed from partial melting of peridotite CO2. In upwelling mantle, formation of carbonatite and silicate melts from eclogite and peridotite source lithologies occurs over a wide range of depths, producing significant opportunities for metasomatic transfer and implantation of melts.
Hiperprolactinemia y disfunción sexual en el primer episodio psicótico tratado con risperidona

La hiperprolactinemia y las disfunciones sexuales son complicaciones frecuentes, pero poco estudiadas del tratamiento con risperidona. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de hiperprolactinemia y disfunciones sexuales en un grupo de personas jovenes con esquizofrenia, tratadas con risperidona. Metodos: Un total de 40 pacientes (19 mujeres, edad promedio: 27 anos) completaron el Cuestionario de Funcionamiento Sexual del Hospital General de Massachussets y el Cuestionario sobre Calidad de Vida: Satisfaccion y Placer. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados con las escalas PANSS y UKU y se determino su nivel plasmatico de prolactina. Resultados: El 90% de los pacientes presenta hiperprolactinemia, con valores significativamente mas altos para las mujeres. El 62,5% de los pacientes, informo padecer alguna disfuncion sexual, sin diferencias con la contraparte no afectada, en cuanto a genero, edad ni tiempo de tratamiento. Aunque no se encontro relacion con la prolactinemia, ni con la dosis de risperidona, quienes reportaron alguna disfuncion sexual obtuvieron mayores puntajes de efectos adversos psiquicos y neurologicos en la escala UKU. Las disfunciones sexuales se asociaron con los sintomas negativos y generales de la PANSS y con menores puntajes en las subescalas de salud fisica y animo del Cuestionario sobre Calidad de Vida: Satisfaccion y Placer. Conclusiones: Los resultados confirman la elevada frecuencia de disfunciones sexuales e hiperprolactinemia en las personas enfermas de esquizofrenia. Nuevos estudios se requieren para clarificar, en la practica clinica habitual, la asociacion entre disfuncion sexual y el empleo de la risperidona, y su impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.
The Pervasive and Persistent Influence of Caste on Child Mortality in India

This study examines the effect of caste on child mortality and maternal health care utilization in rural India using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2) carried out during 1998-1999. Results from multilevel discrete- time hazard models indicate that, net of individual-level and community-level controls, children belonging to low castes have higher risks of death and women belonging to low castes have lower rates of antenatal and delivery care utilization than children and women belonging to upper castes. At the same time, the controls account for most of the differences within the low castes. Further analysis shows that the mortality disadvantage of low castes is more pronounced in poorer districts. These results highlight the need to target low caste members in the provision of maternal and child health services.
Visualization of ventricular fibroelastoma with a video-assisted thoracoscope

Left ventricular papillary fibroelastomas are associated with a high risk of cerebral embolization. Two-dimensional echocardiography and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography are helpful in diagnosing tumors, planning a surgical approach, and achieving adequate excision. A video-assisted thoracoscope via the left atrium was used to visualize a left ventricular papillary fibroelastoma. Thoracoscopic visualization facilitated excision of a mass within the chordae tendineae between the anterolateral papillary muscle and the left ventricular wall. Video-assisted thoracoscopy greatly facilitates exposure/excision of deeper intracavitary left ventricular masses.
Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Subtype Mediates Phospholipase A2–Dependent Signaling in Rabbit Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells

We investigated the ability of angiotensin II (Ang II) or the stable analogue [Sar 1 ]-Ang II to increase intracellular and extracellular free arachidonic acid in primary cultures of rabbit proximal tubular epithelial cells to better characterize the receptor subtype and orientation of phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 )–mediated signaling. Proximal tubular cells were labeled with [ 3 H]arachidonic acid for 4 hours and then treated with Ang II or [Sar 1 ]-Ang II. Lipids were extracted from labeled cells, separated by thin-layer chromatography, and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Ang II (10 μmol/L, 1 minute) stimulated an increase in intracellular free [ 3 H]arachidonic acid from 21.0±2.0 to 32.2±2.8 disintegrations per minute/μg protein, an effect that was potentiated by EGTA. [Sar 1 ]-Ang II stimulated a time- and concentration-dependent increase in [ 3 H]arachidonic acid release from labeled cells. Release of [ 3 H]arachidonic acid was maximal at 10 μmol/L [Sar 1 ]-Ang II, with an EC 50 of approximately 3 μmol/L. Ang II receptor antagonists caused concentration-dependent inhibition of [Sar 1 ]-Ang II–stimulated [ 3 H]arachidonic acid release with the following order of potency: CGP 42112=PD 123319>losartan. Furthermore, in proximal tubular epithelial cells grown on polyester membrane filters, the Ang II receptor that mediated arachidonic acid release was predominantly apical rather than basolateral. These observations are consistent with activation of a Ca 2+ -independent, apical PLA 2 isoform in epithelial cells through an Ang II type 2 receptor subtype.