cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANTIGENICITY OF SOME BRUCELLA MELITENSIS CELL FRACTIONS

Glenchur, Harry (Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital, and University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis), Ulysses S. Seal, Horace H. Zinneman, and Wendell H. Hall. Antigenicity of some Brucella melitensis cell fractions. J. Bacteriol. 85:363–368. 1963.—The components of a Brucella melitensis strain were obtained by differential centrifugation and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography. Rabbit antisera to these Brucella fractions were tested for agglutinins, precipitins, and blocking phenomena. Dermal hypersensitivity was also determined in rabbits. Insoluble (cell-wall) fractions provoked agglutinins, blocking antibodies and skin sensitivity, and precipitins for soluble antigens. Most soluble antigen fractions were capable of producing all the secondary immunological phenomena.
A Multicomponent Lattice Boltzmann Model for Multiphase Convection, Diffusion, and Reaction in Two Dimensions

The lattice Boltzmann method is a promising technique for modeling of multiphase fluids. In this paper, a multicomponent multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) model is developed for mass and momentum transport. In this model, diffusion of mass is defined in a fundamentally correct manner - gradients of chemical potential are the driving force for this movement. As a result, distinct fluid phases form or disappear as a result of diffusion toward a local chemical equilibrium. Numerical analysis of the model proves that the desired mass and momentum transport is being achieved and the multiphase performance of the model is tested numerically.
Assessing Equating Results on Different Equating Criteria

The performance of three equating methods— the presmoothed equipercentile method, the item response theory (IRT) true score method, and the IRT observed score method—were examined based on three equating criteria: the same distributions property, the first-order equity property, and the second-order equity property. The magnitude of the difficulty differences in the alternate forms was found to affect the extent to which the three equating properties hold. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) standardization data and simulated data were analyzed in the study. The results showed that when the raw score distributions of alternate forms are similar, all three methods lead to adequate equating regardless of the criterion used. When the raw score distributions are dissimilar, to preserve the first order equity property, the IRT true score method performs best; to preserve the same distributions and second order equity properties, the equipercentile method and the IRT observed score method both perform well. T...
Inhibition of Protein Synthesis by Polypeptide Antibiotics I. Inhibition in Intact Bacteria

Ennis, Herbert L. (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.). Inhibition of protein synthesis by polypeptide antibiotics. I. Inhibition in intact bacteria. J. Bacteriol. 90:1102-1108. 1965.-The mechanism of inhibition of growth of cells by the polypeptide antibiotics of the PA 114, vernamycin, and streptogramin complexes was studied. This inhibition apparently was due to the selective inhibition of protein synthesis by these antibiotics. Ribonucleic acid synthesis was unaffected by concentrations of the antibiotics which completely inhibited protein synthesis. Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was slightly inhibited. These antibiotics are composed of a number of components. Mixtures of equal amounts of PA 114 A and PA 114 B or vernamycin A and Balpha were more active in stopping protein synthesis in intact cells than each of the components of the antibiotic complex alone. Mutants resistant to one of the antibiotics were resistant to all of the group and, in addition, were resistant to erythromycin and oleandomycin.
Terpenoid Resin Distribution in Conifer Needles with Implications for Red Tree Vole, Arborimus longicaudus , Foraging

Tree voles are dietary specialists, feeding almost exclusively on conifer needles and bark. They reduce their exposure to conifer chemical defenses by physically removing resin ducts from many needles before ingesting the remaining tissue. The portion of needle removed differs among tree species, depending on the location of the resin ducts. To evaluate the amount of resin avoided by this behavior we removed the resin ducts from Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce needles and used gas chromatography to compare volatile resin concentrations in needles with and without the resin ducts removed. Needle tissues without resin ducts contained no terpenoid resin, demonstrating that tree voles can regulate the nutritional quality of their diet by controlling the amount of resin ingested. We suggest that differences in the physical structure (and possibly chemical composition of terpenes) of the needles make it difficult for voles to easily switch between tree hosts.
Internationalizing Urban Theory: Toward Collaboration

This commentary responds to Jennifer Robinson's argument about internationalizing urban theory by focusing on the ways that connections across cities and space may be rethought to include non-academics and non-English speakers. I suggest that urban research may learn from other fields such as migration studies to enhance comparative methods. Collaborations, in particular those advocated by transnational feminist research and activism, provide useful avenues toward further internationalizing and advancing progressive political agendas in urban theory.
Evolving Roles of Radiologists, Nephrologists, and Surgeons in Endovascular Hemodialysis Access Maintenance Procedures

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the changing relative roles of radiologists, nephrologists, and surgeons performing endovascular hemodialysis access maintenance procedures. Methods Medicare Physician Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files from 2001 through 2008 were analyzed for procedure codes for hemodialysis access angiography, angioplasty, percutaneous thrombectomy, and open surgical interventions. Using physician specialty code data, component procedure volume for all 3 endovascular services was extracted for radiologists, nephrologists, and surgeons. Percentage changes were calculated for all groups. National trends in percutaneous and open interventions were compared. Results Between 2001 and 2008, the total Medicare fee-for-service component procedure volume for dialysis access angiography, angioplasty, and percutaneous thrombectomy increased by 102%, 171%, and 52%, respectively. In 2008, radiologists performed 50% of angiography, 47% of angioplasty, and 46% of declotting procedures, down from 82%, 82%, and 84%, respectively, in 2001. In contrast, nephrologists increased from 4%, 5%, and 4% to 22%, 27%, and 21% of services, and surgeons increased from 7%, 5%, and 4% to 22%, 19%, and 16%. As percutaneous procedures increased in frequency, open surgical interventions declined by 43%. Conclusion Nationally, endovascular hemodialysis access maintenance procedures have increased as open surgical interventions have declined. Nephrologists and surgeons have both experienced marked relative increases in endovascular procedure volumes as radiologists, previously by far the predominant providers of these services, now only perform approximately half.
The importance of phase-encoding order in ultra-short TR snapshot MR imaging.

We show the importance of phase-encoding order in ultra-short TR (< 10 ms) snapshot MR imaging. Contrast is more heavily dictated by the contrast preparation phase early in the measurement phase than later. When the low spatial frequencies are measured first, the resultant image contrast more closely resembles that established by the preparation phase. The transient nature of the data acquisition causes a k-space filter to be applied to the data. The effects of this filter can be minimized by appropriate choice of scan parameters. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
A smooth nonparametric quantile estimator from right-censored data

Abstract : Based on randomly right-censored data, a smooth nonparametric estimator of the quantile function of the lifetime distribution is studied. The estimator is defined to be the solution x sub n (p) to F sub n (p)) = O, where F sub n is the distribution function corresponding to a kernel estimator of the lifetime density. The strong consistency and asymptotic normality of x sub n (p) are shown. Some simulation results comparing this estimator with the product of the bandwidth required for computing F sub n is investigated using bootstrap methods. Illustrative examples are given. (Author)
Experimental folding of rocks under confining pressure: Part VII. Partially scaled models of drape folds

Abstract Drape folds are created experimentally at 0.5 kb confining pressure and displacement rates of 6.6 · 10 −3 cm/sec by displacement of a steelblock forcing-assembly (2 by 3 by 12 cm) along lubricated, arcuate, precut surfaces into a veneer of two to six initially intact layers (variable thicknesses to nearly 1.3 cm by 11 cm long) of chalk (ductile), dolomite (brittle), lead (ductile), limestone (ductile), and sandstone (brittle). Various forcingmember configurations produce a wide variety of fault-fold systems, several of which are produced during a single test. The various materials used for the veneer were chosen so that their relative-ductility contrasts would be similar to those of the three main “mechanical”, stratigraphie units of the Rocky Mountain foreland: the Cambrian shales, Paleozoic carbonate rocks, and Mesozoic clastic rocks. The layers are machined to scaled thickness of 1 mm ∼- 300 m. Deformations of the layered sequences are studied macroscopically and compared to previously published descriptions of experimental drape folds. Variations of rock type, layer thickness, and relative-ductility contrast in the multilithologic, layered veneer produce drape folds, the overall geometry of which is nearly identical to that of some natural structures. Rigid-body translations and rotations of brittle layers, cataclastic flow, faulting, fracture, and bedding-plane slip are present in all ductile-brittle-very ductile (top to bottom), layered sequences. In addition to dip-section movements, displacements parallel to the fold axis occur in all specimens. The role of very ductile material within the layered sequence is primarily to damp high stress-concentrations and broaden the area of folding.
Sensory cues involved in social facilitation of reproduction in Blattella germanica females.

Cockroaches, like many other animal species, form aggregations in which social stimuli from conspecifics can alter the physiology, morphology, or behavior of individuals. In adult females of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, social isolation slows oocyte development, sexual maturation, and sexual receptivity, whereas social interactions as minimal as between just two females accelerate reproduction; however, the sensory modalities and pathways that mediate these physiological and behavioral changes are poorly understood. We explored the roles of visual, olfactory, and tactile cues in the reproductive physiology of German cockroach females, and whether their effects are species-specific and related to circadian time. Our results show that tactile cues are the primary sensory input associated with social conditions—with no evidence for involvement of the visual and olfactory systems—and that the antennae play an important role in the reception of these tactile cues. This conclusion is supported by the observation that interactions with other insect species of similar or larger size and with similar antennal morphology also stimulate oocyte development in B. germanica. Social facilitation of reproduction is expected to be influenced by the circadian timing system, as females engage in more social contact during the day when they shelter in aggregations with conspecifics. Surprisingly, however, the female's reproductive rate was unresponsive to social interactions during the photophase, whereas social interactions as short as two hours during the scotophase were sufficient to induce faster reproduction. We discuss the adaptive significance of these sensory-neuroendocrine responses in the German cockroach.
Surface structure solution by X-ray diffraction: structure completion with positivity and atomicity constraints

We propose a method for the solution of surface structures from X-ray diffraction based on the phasing of measured structure factor amplitudes in two stages. First, incorporation of calculated amplitudes and phases of the structure factors of the known underlying bulk structure, together with an iterative algorithm that ensures the positivity of the electron density enables the determination of the amplitudes and phases of the surface structure factors contributing to the crystal truncation rods. Second, inclusion of these structure factors in an iterative algorithm based on Sayre's equations enables the phasing of the superstructure rods.
Endothelial Cell Permeability and Alignment Quantification Under Shear Flow

Atherosclerosis develops when a breach in the protective endothelium allows macrophages and fatty lipids to enter into the intima. Atherosclerotic plaque material can harden the vessel or constrict blood flow through the vessel. In some cases, the plaque can detach and initiate a cardiac event (1). Hemodynamic shear can act as a mechanical factor that regulates the endothelial barrier by initiating a cellular mechanotransduction response that remodels the structure of individual endothelial cells (2).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (HCT) THERAPY IN HYPERTENSIVE (HT) AND RENAL INSUFFICIENT (RI) CHILDREN: ELIMINATION KINETICS AND METABOLIC EFFECTS

The interrelationships between electrolyte and uric acid metabolism, renal function and HCT pharmacokinetics have been studied to determine whether modifications in current dosing practices would be beneficial in HT or RI children. Outpatients (OP) on chronic HCT therapy received one-half their daily dose (0.6-2.75 mg/kg) in the morning and steady state HCT, Na, K, creatinine, BUN and uric acid levels determined. In-patients (IP) received a single HCT dose on a fixed protocol. Blood specimens were obtained at 0,1,2,4,8,12 and 24 hours and urine specimens at 0-2,2-4,4-8,8-12 and 12-24 hours. HCT was assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography. Serum HCT levels varied directly with dosage and inversely with Ccr. When Ccr exceeded 70 ml/min, OP receiving 1-1.5 mg/kg had HCT levels ranging from 130-190 μg/ml whereas levels between 260-600 μg/ml were found with doses of 2.0-2.75 mg/kg. When Ccr was below 50 ml/min extraordinarily high HCT levels (1000-4000 μg/ml) were observed even with doses less than 1.0 mg/ml. Serum half-life and elimination rates were inversely proportional to renal clearance in IP. These data suggest that HCT accumulates in RI patients if no dosage adjustment is made. No positive correlation was established between elevated serum HCT levels and adverse reactions. (Supported by USPHS Grant HD-08580.)
Some numerical experiments with DIFSUB

One of the best general purpose differential equation solvers is Gear's variable order, variable step Adams code DIFSUB [1]. (It is combined with methods for the solution of stiff problems but we are only concerned with the Adams methods here.) We have done extensive numerical testing of the code, which complement the excellent comparative tests of Hull and his co-workers [2], in order to understand its design and performance. We shall report some of our observations in the hope that others will find them useful.
Half-Life of Plasma Progesterone in Turkey Layers and Non-Layers

Abstract Large White turkey layers and non-layers were used in this study of progesterone half-life. The half-life was determined from regression of linear decrease in plasma progesterone after a single injection of unlabelled progesterone. Blood samples were collected every 10 min for a period of 2 hr after hormone injection. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure progesterone in all plasma samples. The half-life of plasma progesterone in layers (63.7 ± 3.3 min.) was significantly lower than in non-layers (91.8 ± 6.0 min.). Our results indicated that progesterone synthesis or release in turkey layers could have been much greater than non-layers. This would also suggest that the uptake of progesterone by receptors in target tissues could be much more in layers than non-layers.
Morphological factors influencing transepithelial permeability: a model for the resistance of the zonula occludens.

Epithelial cells are joined at their apical surfaces byzonulae occludentes. Claude and Goodenough (1973) demonstrated a correlation between the structure of thezonula occludens as seen in freeze-fracture preparations and the passive electrical permeability of several simple epithelia. In epithelia with high transepithelial resistance, thezonula occludens consisted of many strands. In epithelia with low transepithelial resistance thezonula occludens was much reduced, sometimes consisting of only one strand. Evidence is reviewed here that indicates that in a number of simple epithelia the structure of thezonula occludens is largely responsible for the magnitude of transepithelial conductance. An equation is derived relating transepithelial junctional resistance to the number of junctional strands:R=R min p −n whereR is the transepithelial resistance of thezonula occludens,R min is the minimum resistance of the junction (as when there areno strands in the zonula occludens),p is the probability a given strand is “open” andn is the number of strands in the junction. Using published experimental values ofR andn for different epithelia, the calculated value ofp was found to be as high as 0.4, which suggests that the strands in thezonula occludens are remarkably labile. Other morphological parameters relevant to transepithelial permeability are also considered, such as the width and depth of the intercellular spaces, and the size of the epithelial cells themselves.
Spontaneous regression of an epidermoid cyst of the cavernous sinus

Epidermoid cysts are rare lesions in the pediatric population. The natural history of epidermoids is usually that of slow growth, although rupture and cases of malignant transformation have been reported. Spontaneous regression of an intracranial epidermoid cyst has not previously been described to our knowledge. We present a 3-year-old boy who presented with severe vertigo. MRI was performed which revealed a 2cm non-enhancing lesion in the right cavernous sinus. The lesion was T1-hypoinsense, T2-hyperintense, and with evidence of restricted diffusion, consistent with an epidermoid cyst. The patient was followed with annual MRI studies over the next 3years, demonstrating progressive reduction in the size of the lesion over time, with complete resolution after 3years. The child's symptoms also resolved during this period. Long-term follow-up imaging at 5years showed no evident lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting spontaneous regression of an intracranial epidermoid cyst. While isolated, this finding demonstrates the potential for involution of epidermoids and lends support to the clinical practice of careful observation of these lesions, especially when located in areas associated with high potential surgical morbidity. Importantly, the novelty of this observation suggests a need for further study to better elucidate the underlying mechanism of this regression.
Characterization of a micromachined vertically deformable varying-pitch grating for a spectrometer

A new type of micromachined vertically deformable varying-pitch grating is designed and fabricated. Its characterization and its feasibility as a spectrometer are presented. The deformable grating shows a 0.7 ?m working range and 3.6 kHz bandwidth. Its characterization and its feasibility as a spectrometer are presented. The varying-pitch grating has the ability to detect an individual wavelength with a single detector by physical scanning. Its deformable capability can increase intensity and resolution at a specific wavelength. Those two capabilities are experimentally demonstrated.
Interleukin-4 activates androgen receptor through CBP/p300.

BACKGROUND Aberrant activation of androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in the progression of castration resistant prostate cancer. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) enhances AR activation in the absence of androgen and stimulates castration resistant growth of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells. However, the mechanism of IL-4 mediated AR activation has not yet been revealed. METHODS The effect of IL-4 on CBP/p300 expression was examined by Western blot analysis. The effect of IL-4 on the interactions of AR and CBP/p300 was examined by co-immunoprecipitation and ChIP assays. CBP/p300 siRNA was used to knockdown CBP/p300 expression to examine the role of CBP/p300 expression on IL-4 mediated AR activation. RESULTS We found that IL-4 increases CBP/p300 protein expression and enhances interaction of AR with CBP/p300 proteins through an increase in the recruitment of CBP/p300 protein to the androgen responsive elements in the promoters of androgen responsive genes. Down regulation of CBP/p300 expression using CBP/p300 specific siRNA abolished IL-4 mediated AR activation, suggesting that CBP/p300 is responsible for AR activation induced by IL-4. Furthermore, AR activation can be enhanced by AR acetylation induced by IL-4 in prostate cancer cells. The IL-4 mediated AR acetylation can be blocked by knocking down CBP/p300 expression using CBP/p300 specific siRNA. CONCLUSION These results suggest that IL-4 activates AR through enhanced expression of CBP/p300 and its histone acetyltransferase activity. Prostate 69: 126–132, 2009. © 2008 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
The parallel development of ODD and CD symptoms from early childhood to adolescence

This study examined the developmental relations between symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) from early childhood to adolescence. Specifically we tested, according to parent-reported problems, whether symptoms of ODD precede the development of CD symptoms, whether ODD and CD symptoms are reciprocally associated across time, or whether ODD and CD symptoms develop parallel to each other across time. Participants were a community-based sample (at time 1: N = 485, 48% boys) assessed biannually five times from age 4 to 6 until age 12–14. The findings suggested that, with control for stability effects, baseline SES, and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ODD and CD symptoms develop parallel to each other. No gender differences were obtained. We conclude that without the initial presence of CD symptoms, ODD symptoms are not developmental precursors to CD symptoms.
Density dependence slows invader spread in fragmented landscapes.

Abstract: Patchiness is a defining characteristic of most natural and anthropogenic habitats, yet much of our understanding of how invasions spread has come from models of spatially homogeneous environments. Except for populations with Allee effects, an invader’s growth rate when rare and dispersal determine its spread velocity; intraspecific competition has little to no influence. How this result might change with landscape patchiness, however, is poorly understood. We used simulation models and their analytical approximations to explore the effect of density dependence on the spread of annual plant invaders moving through heterogeneous landscapes with gaps in suitable habitat. We found that landscape patchiness and discrete invader population size interacted to generate a strong role for density dependence. Intraspecific competition greatly slowed the spread of invasions through patchy landscapes by regulating how rapidly a population could produce enough seeds to surpass habitat gaps. Populations with ...
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro activity of dendrimer-streptokinase conjugates.

Dendrimer conjugation with low molecular weight drugs has been of increasing interest recently for improving pharmacokinetics, targeting drugs to specific sites, and facilitating cellular uptake. Opportunities for increasing the performance of relatively large therapeutic proteins such as streptokinase (SK) using dendrimers are being explored in this study. Using the active ester method, a series of streptokinase−poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) G3.5 conjugates were synthesized with varying amounts of dendrimer-to-protein molar ratios. Characterization of these conjugates by GPC, IEC, and native-PAGE suggested that the conjugation reaction was successful, resulting in relatively pure SK−dendrimer conjugates. The conjugate made with an equimolar ratio of dendrimer to streptokinase (1:1) exhibited the highest enzymatic activity retention (∼80% retained) that has been reported so far for conjugated streptokinase with macromolecules such as PEG or dextran. SK conjugates with higher streptokinase-to-dendrimer molar r...
Epitaxial Manganese Oxide Thin Films with Connected Porosity: Topotactic Induction of Crystallographic Pore Alignment

Epitaxial thin films of ZnMn_2O_4, grown from an aqueous solution on (100) and (111) spinel MgAl_2O_4 substrates, have been topotactically reduced and leached to produce epitaxial rock salt MnO on the same substrates. The volume change accompanying the conversion of ZnMn_2O_4 to 2MnO associated with a loss of Zn and O_2 manifests as a network of interconnected, 50−100 nm pores. The topotactic nature of the transformation ensures that the pores are crystallographically aligned with the substrate: on the (100) MgAl_2O_4 substrate, pores with rectangular cross-sections are aligned parallel to the surface normal. On the (111) MgAl_2O_4 substrate, the pores are aligned at constant, fixed angles with respect to the substrate normal.
THE EXTRACTION OF HIGHLY DISTORTED SPECTRA

Digital spectra of point sources can be extracted with maximum signal-to-noise ratio by applying appropriate weights across the profile of the object. The first stage in computing these weights involves determination of the fraction of the flux of the object which falls into each pixel. The published methods differ at this stage, and none can cope with some commonly available types of data. An improved method for fitting the object profile is presented, which is particularly suited to the extraction of tilted and distorted spectra, as produced by data taken with cross dispersers and image tubes.
Preliminary study of interfacial shear strength between PMMA precoated UHMWPE acetabular cup and PMMA bone cement.

Followed by successful demonstration of high interfacial tensile strength in a new design of cemented all-polyethylene acetabular cup, interfacial shear strength was investigated in this study, with the use of canine-size prototypes of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) precoated UHMWPE acetabular cups. In addition to the PMMA precoated prototypes, three different types of controls were also prepared and tested: grooved UHMWPE cups, PMMA (bone cement) cups, and noncoated, plain UHMWPE cups. The interfacial shear strength of the precoated prototypes was 10.1 +/- 0.69 MPa (n = 6), whereas it was 24.3 +/- 0.78 MPa (n = 2) for the PMMA cup, 6.95 +/- 0.21 MPa (n = 2) for the grooved UHMWPE cup, and 0.34 +/- 0.47 MPa (n = 2) for the UHMWPE cup. These results indicate benefits of the PMMA precoating to stabilize the polyethylene acetabular cup securely when applied with bone cement in simulated clinical applications. Analysis of the failed PMMA precoated UHMWPE prototype cups suggested that the chemically induced bonds between precoated PMMA layer and bone cement played a key role in developing high shear strength. After the interfacial shear test of the PMMA precoated prototypes, major disruptions at the interface between treated UHMWPE and precoated PMMA layer were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which was a unique failure pattern, not found with other prototypes.
Humanitarianism, Mercantilism, or Comprehensive Security? Disbursement Patterns of Japanese Foreign Aid

In 1967, The American Challenge appeared on the best-seller list of popular books in Europe.' Written by French author Jean-Jacques S rvanSchreiber, it warned about the economic power and innovative capacity of U.S. firms and the danger that they posed to the political autonomy of West European countries. This concern with U.S. hegemony, however, seemed rather quickly displaced by events pointing to the rapid ascendance of Japan in international trade and finance. In 1979, barely a dozen years after the appearance of The American Challenge, Ezra Vogel published Japan as Number 1: Lessons for America.2 This book was followed by others with titles such as The Eastasia Edge,3 America Versus Japan,4 and Trading Places.5 Their authors expressed a combination of admiration for Japan's economic achievements and alarm over the escalating international tension resulting from the relative status adjustments (especially for the United States) implied by these achievements. Often American analysts emphasize the closed nature of Japan's society and economy and the relentless drive for foreign economic advantages by that country's government and corporate leaders. While erecting various formal and informal barriers for keeping foreign capital and goods out of their home islands, the Japanese have supposedly exploited to the fullest extent the easy accessibility of the American society and economy to obtain valuable technologies, market shares, and investment opportunities. Thus, their economic
A Tale of “Benevolent” Governments: Private Credit Markets, Public Finance, and the Role of Jewish Lenders in Medieval and Renaissance Italy

This article illustrates the impact of Jewish lenders on private credit markets and public finance in medieval and Renaissance Italian towns. In Tuscan private credit markets, Jewish lending helped households to smooth consumption, buy working capital, and provide dowries for daughters. Jewish lenders also helped the public fmances of the communes in which they resided. This article shows that public-finance considerations affected the choice of the interest-rate ceiling Jews were allowed to charge. In many instances, the communes raised the interest-rate ceiling for Jewish lenders in order to tax or borrow the proceeds.
Molecular cloning of FSH and LH β subunits and their regulation by estrogen in Atlantic croaker

The cDNAs of FSH and LH beta subunits were isolated from Atlantic croaker pituitary. The isolated genes in croaker showed 35-75% and 60-75% identities with FSH and LH beta of other teleosts, and 41% and 45% with human FSH and LH beta, respectively. The homology models of croaker FSH and LH beta were constructed using the currently known X-ray crystallography structures of human FSH beta and chorionic gonadotropin as templates. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR protocols were developed and validated to measure FSH and LH mRNAs. The FSH mRNA was higher in the pituitaries of early-pubertal croaker than that in late-maturing/mature individuals, whereas LH mRNA showed an opposite trend with substantially higher expression in late-maturing/mature fish. Administration of 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 1 and 5mug/g body weight) in early-pubertal fish significantly decreased FSH but increased LH mRNA expression in the pituitary. In late-maturing/mature females, gonadectomy significantly increased FSH mRNA while E(2) replacement suppressed the elevated expression. On the other hand, E(2) or gonadectomy with E(2) replacement did not significantly alter LH mRNA in the same experiment consistent with similar lack of effect on circulating LH levels in croaker described previously. This finding together with the existing evidence for estrogen negative feedback on GnRH-induced LH secretion in late-maturing/mature croaker suggests that the negative feedback mechanism does not involve inhibition of LH mRNA or protein and may be limited to the blockage of GnRH-induced LH release.
Optimized Torsion-Angle Normal Modes Reproduce Conformational Changes More Accurately Than Cartesian Modes

We present what to our knowledge is a new method of optimized torsion-angle normal-mode analysis, in which the normal modes move along curved paths in Cartesian space. We show that optimized torsion-angle normal modes reproduce protein conformational changes more accurately than Cartesian normal modes. We also show that orthogonalizing the displacement vectors from torsion-angle normal-mode analysis and projecting them as straight lines in Cartesian space does not lead to better performance than Cartesian normal modes. Clearly, protein motion is more naturally described by curved paths in Cartesian space.
Go contributes to olfactory reception in Drosophila melanogaster.

Background Seven-transmembrane receptors typically mediate olfactory signal transduction by coupling to G-proteins. Although insect odorant receptors have seven transmembrane domains like G-protein coupled receptors, they have an inverted membrane topology and function as ligand-gated cation channels. Consequently, the involvement of cyclic nucleotides and G proteins in insect odor reception is controversial. Since the heterotrimeric Goα subunit is expressed in Drosophila olfactory receptor neurons, we reasoned that Go acts together with insect odorant receptor cation channels to mediate odor-induced physiological responses.
Comments on "unilateral reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome after coiling of an aneurysm".

I write concerning the case described as Unilateral reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome after coiling of an aneurysm reported by Huijgen et al.1
On Timely Staging of HPC Job Input Data

Innovative scientific applications and emerging dense data sources are creating a data deluge for high-end supercomputing systems. Modern applications are often collaborative in nature, with a distributed user base for input and output data sets. Processing such large input data typically involves copying (or staging) the data onto the supercomputer's specialized high-speed storage, scratch space, for sustained high I/O throughput. This copying is crucial as remotely accessing the data while an application executes results in unnecessary delays and consequently performance degradation. However, the current practice of conservatively staging data as early as possible makes the data vulnerable to storage failures, which may entail restaging and reduced job throughput. To address this, we present a timely staging framework that uses a combination of job start-up time predictions, user-specified volunteer or cloud-based intermediate storage nodes, and decentralized data delivery to coincide input data staging with job start-up. Evaluation of our approach using both PlanetLab and Azure cloud services, as well as simulations based on three years of Jaguar supercomputer (No. 3 in Top500) job logs show as much as 91.0 percent reduction in staging times compared to direct transfers, 75.2 percent reduction in wait time on scratch, and 2.4 percent reduction in usage/hour. (An earlier version of this paper appears in [30].).
A high-speed cryogenic SiGe channel combiner IC for large photon-starved SNSPD arrays

In this paper, the design and characterization of a cryogenic eight-channel pixel combiner circuit designed to readout superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) is presented. The circuit is designed to amplify, digitize, edge detect, and combine the output signals of an array of eight SNSPDs. The design has been enabled by the development of novel large-signal cryogenic HBT simulation models. The circuit has been fabricated and measurement results demonstrate excellent agreement with simulation.
Toward a Concrete Concept of Effective Competition

In presenting a concept of effective competition—that is, of a socially desirable state of affairs in an industry or a market—a writer should be specific about the issues, definite about his own views, explicit about necessary versus sufficient conditions, realistic about whether desirable conditions are attainable, discriminating in judging between a condition and its effects, comprehensive in listing market deficiencies, and stringent in describing his ideal. By this author's standards, a market is effectively competitive if and only if it is free of 25 flaws: unsatisfactory products, underuse or overuse, inefficient exchange, inefficient production, bad externalities, spoliation, exploitation, unfair tactics, wasteful advertising, irrationality, undue profits or losses, inadequate research, predation, pre‐emption, tying arrangements, resale price maintenance, refusals to deal, undesirable discrimination, misallocation of risk, undesirable mergers, undesirable entry, misinformation, inefficient rules of trading, and misregulation.
Carbon monoxide and methane distribution and consumption in the photic zone of the Sargasso Sea

Abstract Spatial and temporal distributions of carbon monoxide and methane along with microbial oxidations of these substances were examined on three cruises to the highly oligotrophic southeastern Sargasso Sea between June 1986 and May 1987. Dissolved CO profiles were similar to those reported by previous researchers, with the highest concentrations in the near-surface waters (0–20 m). CO concentrations ranged from 5.8 nM in the photic zone to 0.1 nM in the aphotic zone. CO concentrations decreased steadily throughout the rest of the water column. CH4 concentrations were more uniform in their distribution and typically decreased only slightly in the top 500 m of the water column. The microbial oxidation rates of both CO and CH4 were extremely slow when compared with more productive waters. Turnover times for CO ranged from 25 to 2922 h while those for CH4 ranged from 5 to > 100 years. These low oxidation rates may explain why no discernible diurnal variation in CO concentration was observed and why CH4, which is usually more conservative than CO, and CO distributions were similar during the June 1986 cruise. Ratios of CH4/CO oxidation indicate that the ammonium oxidizing bacteria could be responsible for much of the CO and CH4 oxidation in these waters. Due to the long turnover times for CO and CH4, the oxidation of these trace gases by bacteria is unlikely to represent a significant link within the carbon cycle in these highly oligotrophic waters.
Fibronectin (LETS) Does Not Support Epithelial Cell Spreading

The dependence of epithelial cell spreading on fibronectin-containing media has been investigated, using purified human plasma fibronectin, and two in vitro assays: (1) epidermal outgrowths from measured pieces of mouse ear skin, and (2) spreading of dissociated cells from trypsinized guinea pig epidermis. Using these systems, appreciable spread occurred in media containing whole plasma and plasma deficient in fibronectin but no significant spread occurred in media enriched only in fibronectin. Returning fibronectin to deficient plasma did not enhance or reduce optimal cell spreading. These studies suggest that the factor(s) in human plasma which supports epithelial cell spreading in vitro is not fibronectin and that the chemistry of epithelial and fibroblast cell spreading is different.
The Oprah shows I would like to see

This essay addresses how Oprah's book choices are inevitably affective but not necessarily feminist. By reading Oprah's book choices as highly individualistic, I analyze how her choices might be more aggressive and more complex, thereby offering a sense of community rather than the power of individuality to her huge audiences. My argument is based on a belief in Oprah's communicative power, and especially if her book choices were invested with more complications than individual resolutions.
Platelet Decline: An Avenue for Investigation Into the Pathogenesis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Associated Dementia

Background The identification of biomarkers identifying onset of human immunodeficiency virus–associated dementia (HIV-D) is critical for diagnosis and the elucidation of pathophysiologic pathways. Objective To examine the association between platelet decline from baseline and HIV-D. Design Prospective cohort study within the North-East AIDS Dementia cohort. Setting Four participating referral centers in the United States. Participants A total of 396 subjects with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection recruited between 1998 and 2003 and undergoing serial neurologic assessments. Eligibility criteria required CD4 cell counts less than 200/μL or less than 300/μL with evidence of cognitive impairment. A cohort subset without prevalent HIV-D at baseline and without incident HIV-D at the visit immediately after baseline was analyzed (n = 146). Main Outcome Measure Time to first diagnosis of HIV-D. Results After a median follow-up of 31.1 months, 40 subjects developed HIV-D. Platelet decline from baseline was associated with the development of HIV-D when examined as a time-dependent variable lagged by 6 to 12 months before outcome (multivariate hazard ratio [HR], 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-5.02;P = .02). This association was stronger during the first 2 years of follow-up (multivariate HR, 6.76; 95% CI, 2.36-19.41;P Conclusions These results suggest that individuals with declining platelet counts are at greater risk for HIV-D and that the dynamics of circulating platelets vary with respect to the temporal progression of HIV-D. This highlights an avenue to be explored in the understanding of HIV-D pathogenesis.
Dipicolinic Acid Content, Heat-Activation and the Concept of Dormancy in the Bacterial Endospore

TWO distinct meanings have been applied to the use of the term ‘dormancy’ as applied to the bacterial endospore. First, the expression ‘the dormant bacterial endospore’ usually describes the apparent metabolic inactivity of the spore stage as compared with the vegetative cell. Secondly, the same term has been used to describe the fact that spore suspensions respond poorly or not at all to germination agents under conditions that permit rapid germination of aged1 or heat-activated2 spores. It is in the latter sense that the term dormancy is applied in this communication.
The role of inflammasome in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease with clinical characteristics of memory loss, dementia and cognitive impairment. Although the pathophysiologic mechanism is not fully understood, inflammation has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is characterized by the activation of glial cells and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that inflammasomes, which cleave precursors of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 to generate their active forms, play an important role in the inflammatory response in the CNS and in AD pathogenesis. Therefore, modulating inflammasome complex assembly and activation could be a potential strategy for suppressing inflammation in the CNS. This review aims to provide insight into the role of inflammasomes in the CNS, with respect to the pathogenesis of AD, and may provide possible clues for devising novel therapeutic strategies.
s-process Ba, Nd, and Sm in presolar SiC from the Murchison meteorite

Ion microprobe isotopic measurements of Ba, Nd, and Sm in the K-series SiC size separates on which noble gas measurements were made by Lewis et al. (1990) are reported. All elements show isotopic abundance patterns characteristic for the s-process. The Ba-134/Ba-136 ratios are distinct from solar, indicating that s-Ba in SiC is different from that in the solar system. Ba-138/Ba-136 ratios decrease with grain size; if interpreted as being due to different neutron exposures, this trend is opposite of that shown by the Kr-86/Kr-82 ratios. Although other isotropic ratios for Ba and those for Nd and Sm differ in detail from theoretical predictions, the disagreements probably being due to uncertainties in the n-capture cross sections and simplifications in the models, the general agreement of the data with models of s-process nucleosynthesis support an AGB star origin for the relatively fine-grain SiC under consideration. Ba-136 in SiC is up to 85 percent pure s-process.
Allocating Sampling Effort to Equalize Precision of Electrofishing Catch per Unit Effort

Abstract We used a spatially explicit simulation model to examine the effects of lake shoreline length and lakewide fish density on electrofishing catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) estimates of fish density. We also tested model predictions regarding the influence of shoreline length and fish density on precision of CPUE estimates by analyzing electrofishing data from Ohio reservoirs for juvenile gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum, which is a schooling fish, and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, a more solitary fish. Our goals were to estimate the impact of these factors on variability associated with population estimates derived from CPUE and to determine how these factors influence the minimum number of transects required to sample populations with a reliable degree of precision. Neither “minimum transect number” (number of transects sampled per lake in which all of 10 replicate simulations provided density estimates within ±10% of the mean) nor “minimum variance” (variance among estimates given 20 transe...
A diagnosis scheme for a large-scale system

This paper presents a method for diagnosis in a large-scale system environment. The method utilizes the theory of hierarchical systems and hybrid diagnostic reasoning from AI (artificial intelligence). In shallow reasoning, which is a part of hybrid reasoning, the concept of entropy is used to determine which component (that might be responsible for a symptom observed) is to be tested next. The procedure is illustrated using a simulated example of a CIM (computer-integrated manufacturing) system, and is implemented on IntelliCorp's knowledge engineering environment (KEE).
Isolation and characterization of a protein corresponding to mKlk-11 clone from male mouse submandibular gland.

A protein corresponding to the predicted genomic sequence of clone mKlk-11 has been characterized from mouse submandibular gland. This protein was purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography from the submandibular glands of normal and hypertensive mice. The protein was not detected in the submandibular gland of mice selected for low blood pressure. It consists of three fragments starting at the residues 1, 98, and 141 of the predicted sequence of clone mKlk-11. The cleavage ofβ-lactoglobulin (between residues 20 and 21, Tyr-Ser, and 40 and 41, Arg-Val) and a synthetic renin substrate tetradecapeptide (residues 4 and 5, Tyr-Ile) by the protein corresponding to clone mKlk-11 showed both tryptic- and chymotryptic-type cleavages. The possibility of this protein's involvement in the regulation of local blood flow is raised.
The comfort level of internists with the prescription of psychotropic medication.

Introduction:Empirical data indicate that patients seen in internal medicine outpatient settings have substantial rates of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Surprisingly, the training req...