cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An electron microscopic and radioautographic study of hypostomal regeneration inHydra viridis.

The gastrodermal secretory cells inHydra viridis are limited to specific regions in the body column. There are two types of mucous cells present, and they are limited to the hypostome. The zymogen cells are absent from the hypostome, but they extend along the body column from the tentacles to the peduncle. Transection beneath the tentacles produces a proximal portion of the hydra devoid of mucous cells. This piece regenerates new tentacles and a normal hypostome, filled with mucous cells, within four days. The following events were observed during regeneration. The zymogen cells formed an aggregate within twenty-four hours in the region of the presumptive hypostome. These cells organized and formed lobes of zymogen cells that were positioned similarly to the arrangement of mucous cells in the normal animal. Sparsely distributed small basophilic cells were also present in the reforming hypostome. Using corresponding thick and thin sections we identified the cells incorporating radiosulfate: 1) The zymogen cells in the distal aggregate. 2) Small basophilic cells, some filled with free ribosomes, and others with a well-developed E. R. 3) Secretory cells containing both mucous and serous granules. 4) Secretory cells with granules similar to the granules in mouse Paneth cells. The fate of the secretory granules in the zymogen cells in the distal aggregate is unknown. Some are autolysed within the cell, and others are extruded. However, some observations suggest that there may be a direct transformation of some of the serous granules to mucous granules. The E. M. observations, the radiosulfate incorporation data, and the migrations of cells to the wound site, suggest that both the zymogen cells and basophilic cells transform to mucous cells. Identification of the early stages of mucous synthesis in these basophilic cells enabled us to study the sequence of mucous granule maturation of both the hypostomal mucous cells. The two most significant questions which we feel remain unaswered are: 1) What are the ultrastructural events during the zymogen cell transformation to a mucous cell ? 2) What is the origin of the small gastrodermal basophilic cells ?
A geophysical investigation of the active Hockley Fault System near Houston, Texas

ABSTRACTSedimentation and deformation toward the Gulf of Mexico Basin cause faulting in the coastal regions. In particular, many active (but non-seismic) faults underlie the Houston metropolitan area. Using geophysical data, we have examined the Hockley Fault System in northwest Harris County. Airborne LiDAR is an effective tool to identify fault scarps and we have used it to identify several new faults and assemble an updated map for the faults in Houston and surrounding areas. Two different LiDAR data sets (from 2001 to 2008) provide time-lapse images and suggest elevation changes across the Hockley Fault System at the rate of 10.9 mm/yr. This rate is further supported by GPS data from a station located on the downthrown side of the Hockley Fault System indicating movement at 13.8 mm/yr. To help illuminate the subsurface character of the faults, we undertook geophysical surveys (ground-penetrating radar, seismic reflection, and gravity) across two strands of the Hockley Fault System. Ground-penetrating ...
METABOLIC EFFECTS OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE DERIVED FROM EMBALMED BODIES.

We have previously shown that growth hormone (GH) can be extracted from the pituitaries of embalmed bodies. In the present work, we have studied the effects in man of GH from the embalmed sources. The metabolic effects of GH from embalmed and non-embalmed sources were compared, using 2 preparations which were equal in biologic activity, and the response to a single injection in 14 normal adult males was found to be similar both quantitatively and qualitatively. Metabolic balance studies were carried out on 2 children with pituitary dwarfism and the response to GH from embalmed sources was similar to that seen with other active preparations of human GH. No untoward effects were observed during either the single or multiple injection studies. It is concluded that GH from embalmed sources is suitable for treatment of human subjects.
True But Not False Memories Produce a Sensory Signature in Human Lateralized Brain Potentials

False memories (e.g., recognition of events that did not occur) are considered behaviorally and subjectively indistinguishable from true memories. We report that brain activity differs when true and false memories are retrieved. Strongly associated lists of words were presented to one or the other cerebral hemisphere at study. This led to lateralized brain activity for these words during a centrally presented recognition test, reflecting their lateralized encoding. This activity was absent for nonstudied but strongly associated words falsely recognized as studied items. These results indicate that studied words leave sensory signatures of study experiences that are absent for false memories. In addition, hemifield effects emerged, including a slower reaction time (RT) for false recognition of nonstudied words whose associated lists were presented to the left hemifield (i.e., right hemisphere). These false recognition responses were accompanied by frontal slow wave activity, which may reflect a differential ability of the two hemispheres with respect to semantic processing.
Graphene domain boundaries on Pt(111) as nucleation sites for Pt nanocluster formation

Abstract The growth of Pt nanoclusters on a graphene layer on Pt(111) was studied with ultra high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy. Different periodicities in the moire patterns of the graphene layer are observed corresponding to different orientations with respect to the Pt(111) lattice. Various graphene orientations are possible because of a relatively weak graphene–Pt interaction. Following Pt deposition onto the graphene-covered surface, small Pt nanoclusters are observed to preferentially form along the moire domain boundaries. The weak interaction of graphene with Pt(111) leads to a weak corrugation in the superlattice compared to other transition metals, such as Ru, but it is found even this weak corrugation is sufficient to serve as a template for the formation of mono-dispersed one-dimensional Pt nanocluster chains. These Pt nanoclusters are relatively stable and only undergo agglomeration at annealing temperatures above 600 K.
White-Metzner models for rod climbing in A1

Abstract Measurements of rod climbing in A1 give rise to an apparent linear relation between the height rise h and the angular velocity Ω of the rod. We use a White-Metzner model to fit the data and we find that the height rise on the rod deviates from the quadratic dependence on the angular velocity when the viscosity or relaxation time vary with shear rate. When both the relaxation time and the viscosity change simultaneously with the shear rate, the climbing profile on the rod deviates more from the standard theory for rod climbing. A simplified argument based on the upper-convected Maxwell model and using power laws for the viscosity and the relaxation time gives rise to h (Ω) ∝ Ω n + m , where n and m are power-law indices which can be chosen to fit the data. The height rise data for A1, which is linear rather than quadratic in the shear rate at low shears, can be fitted to a White-Metzner model using measured values for the viscosity function and a long time of relaxation which decreases strongly with the rate of shear. This result suggests that a shear-decreasing relaxation time function may be useful for describing the rheology of fluids with small quadratic range.
Triazine chemistry VIII. 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazines

2,5-Dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine and some of its alkylated derivatives have been prepared. Nmr spectroscopic analysis has established that the 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo tautomers are preferred over the 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo ones. This preference, and the behavior of 1,2,4-triazines in some other chemical reactions has been interpreted in terms of electron-electron repulsions between the lone pairs of electrons of N1 and N2 in this ring system.
Information incorporation in online in-Game sports betting markets

We analyze data from $52$ online in-game sports betting markets (where betting is allowed continuously throughout a game), including 34 markets based on soccer (European football) games from the 2002 World Cup, and 18 basketball games from the 2002 USA National Basketball Association (NBA) championship. We show that prices on average approach the correct outcome over time, and the price dynamics in the markets are closely coupled with game events, agreeing with efficient market assumptions. We also examine qualitative distinctions between the two types of games.
Work in progress: Out-of-class learning: Shaping perception of learning and building knowledge of IT professions

Freshman and sophomore college students, who have just begun their academic careers in Computer Science, are challenged by difficult courses while having little insight about the job demands in the information technology (IT) industry. This study adopts an out-of-class learning approach to discover how out-of-class learning (1) shapes students' perception of learning computer science subjects, (2) promotes understanding related to the challenges in IT professions, and (3) closes the gap between computer science education and the required IT skills in industry. The preliminary findings of this study demonstrate that interviewing IT professionals sheds light on the challenges of working in IT. Subsequently, students realize the critical skills in support of future success. This study proposes that course work in project management is a useful mechanism to bridge between the critical skills and technical skills, thereby better preparing students for careers in IT.
Regulating the mucosal immune system: the contrasting roles of LIGHT, HVEM, and their various partners

LIGHT and herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) comprise a ligand–receptor pair in the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. These molecules play an important role in regulating immunity, particularly in the intestinal mucosa. LIGHT also binds the lymphotoxin β receptor, and HVEM can act as a ligand for immunoglobulin family molecules, including B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator, which suppresses immune responses. Complexity in this pivotal system arises from several factors, including the non-monogamous pairing of ligands and receptors, and reverse signaling or the ability of some ligands to serve as receptors. As a result, recognition events in this fascinating network of interacting molecules can have pro- or anti-inflammatory consequences. Despite complexity, experiments we and others are carrying out are establishing rules for understanding when and in what cell types these molecules contribute to intestinal inflammation.
Immunoelectrophoretic and serologic study of the immunologically active components of bromelin with rabbit anti-bromelin

Summary Anti-bromelin antibodies prepared in rabbits were employed for immuno-electrophoretic analysis and in serologic tests to define more clearly the property of bromelin responsible for agglutination of erythrocytes coated with incomplete antibody. The antiserum defined 9 antigenic components designated a through i. Immunoprecipitin band i had no proteolytic or peroxidase activity but appeared to correspond to an electrophoretic component of bromelin that contains both proteolytic and serologic activity. Antiserum was used to demonstrate that antigenic components of bromelin become attached to the red cell and to show that the proteolytic and the sensitized-erythrocyte-agglutinating factor (SEAF) of bromelin were neutralized by the anti-bromelin antibody. Resume Des immuns-serums de lapin contenant des anticorps anti-bromeline ont ete prepares; ces serums ont ete utilises pour pratiquer des analyses immunoelectrophoretiques et des tests serologiques de facon a determiner d'une maniere plus claire la raison pour laquelle la bromeline agglutine les erythrocytes revetus d'un anticorps incomplet. L'antiserum comportait neuf composants antigeniques designes de a a i. La ligne de precipitation i n'avait pas d'activite proteolytique ou peroxydasique, mais semblait correspondre a un composant electrophoretique de la bromeline contenant l'activite proteolytique serologique. L'immun anti-serum a ete utilise pour demontrer que les composants antigeniques de la bromeline pouvaient s'attacher aux erythrocytes et pour demontrer egalement que l'action proteolytique et le facteur agglutinant de l'erythrocyte sensibilise (sensitized-erythrocyte-agglutinating factor [SEAF]) de la bromeline etait neutralise par l'anticorps antibromeline. Zusammenfassung Mittels Antibromelin-Antikorpern vom Kaninchen wurden immunoelektrophoretische und serologische Untersuchungen durchgefuhrt, die daraufhinzielten, nahere Aufschlusse uber jene Bromelinkomponenten zu erhalten, die fur die Agglutination von Erythrozyten, die mit inkompletten Antikorpern beladen sind, verantwortlich sind. Das Antiserum erfaste 9 Antigenkomponenten, die mit den Buchstaben a bis i bezeichnet wurden. Die Prazipitationslinie i zeigte zwar selbst keine proteolytische oder Peroxydaseaktivitat; sie scheint aber einer elektrophoretischen Bromelinkomponente anzugehoren, die sowohl proteolytische als auch Peroxydaseaktivitat aufweist. Das Antiserum wurde weiterhin zum Nachweis von Bromelinkomponenten benutzt, die sich an Erythrozyten anlagern. Dabei wurde durch die Antibromelin-antikorper die proteolytische Aktivitat des Bromelins wie auch dessen Agglutinationsfaktor sensibilisierter Erythrozyten (SEAF) spezifisch gehemmt.
Twitter and Facebook for User Collection Requests

Libraries are offering more services through social media Web sites like Twitter and Facebook, and this presence online is encouraging more conversation between libraries and patrons, including collection development requests. A review of popular Twitter and Facebook library profiles reveals the most successful accounts to be those where the library actively engages its users online. Through these media, libraries can have direct, immediate conversations with patrons that result in patron-initiated material requests.
Tracing the roots of markup languages

Markup languages provide efficient ways of storing information on the Web and make the retrieval process easier. Indeed, its simplicity and added intelligence to the document makes it useful for messaging between clients and server.
Studies of the epithelium lining the caeca and mid-gut in the grasshopper

The alignment and condition of mitochondria in the epithelial cells indicate that secretion is apparently the chief function of the midgut and the attached caeca. In view of the response of these cells to vital dyes, and to various fixatives, other cell structures–particularly vacuoles–are uncertain evidence of cell activities. Many structures visible by means of vital dyes indicate changes in the permeability of the cell membrane, and subsequently in the cytoplasm. Hence, they are artifacts, just as truly as those found in fixed tissue.
Enhanced active piezoelectric 0-3 nanocomposites fabricated through electrospun nanowires

The use of monolithic piezoceramic materials in sensing and actuation applications has become quite common over the past decade. However, these materials have several properties that limit their application in practical systems. These materials are very brittle due to the ceramic nature of the monolithic material, making them vulnerable to accidental breakage during handling and bonding procedures. In addition, they have very poor ability to conform to curved surfaces and result in large add-on mass associated with using a typically lead-based ceramic. These limitations have motivated the development of alternative methods of applying the piezoceramic material, including piezoceramic fiber composites and piezoelectric 0-3 composites (also known as piezoelectric paint). Piezoelectric paint is desirable because it can be spayed or painted on and can be used with abnormal surfaces. However, the piezoelectric paint developed in prior studies has resulted in low coupling, limiting its application. In order to ...
Fully Quantum Mechanical Description of Proteins in Solution. Combining Linear Scaling Quantum Mechanical Methodologies with the Poisson−Boltzmann Equation

In this paper we report a method for solving the Schrodinger equation for large molecules in solution which involved merging a linear scaling divide and conquer (D&C) semiempirical algorithm with the Poisson−Boltzmann (PB) equation. We then assess the performance of our self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) approach by comparing our D&C-PB calculations for a set of 29 neutral and 36 charged molecules with those obtained by ab initio GVB and DFT (B3LYP) methods, Cramer and Truhlar's semiempirical generalized-Born SM5 model, and with the experimental solvation free energies. Furthermore, we show that our SCRF method can be used to perform fully quantum mechanical calculations of proteins in solution in a reasonable amount of time on a modern workstation. We believe that all electrostatic interactions in biological systems require a quantum mechanical description in order to obtain an accurate representation. Thus, our new SCRF method should have an impact on the computational study of physical and chemical ...
Upwind parameters for the numerical solution of the compressible flow Euler equations

Abstract The present work generalises the earlier work in which a variational principle technique was presented in order to evaluate the magnitude of upwind required to solve the compressible flow equations. The technique proposed allows the choice of nodes where upwind is required in each of the relevant equations. It is a simple and mathematically consistent way of evaluating the amount of upwind or artificial viscosity to be introduced at every node and every equation involved.
Evaluation of the sealing capability of implants to titanium and zirconia abutments against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum under different screw torque values

Statement of problem When evaluating long-term implant success, clinicians have always been concerned with the gap at the implant-abutment junction, where bacteria can accumulate and cause marginal bone loss. However, little information regarding bacterial leakage at the implant-abutment junction, or microgap, is available. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate sealing at 2 different implant-abutment interfaces under different screw torque values. Material and methods Twenty sterile zirconia abutments and 20 sterile titanium abutments were screwed into 40 sterile implants and placed in test tubes. The ability of a bacterial mixture of Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum to leak through an implant-titanium abutment seal under 20 and 35 Ncm torque values and an implant-zirconia abutment seal under 20 and 35 Ncm torque values was evaluated daily until leakage was noted. Once a unit demonstrated leakage, a specimen was plated. After 4 days, the number of colonies on each plate was counted with an electronic colony counter. Plating was used to verify whether or not bacterial leakage occurred and when leakage first occurred. The implant-abutment units were removed and rinsed with phosphate buffered saline solution and evaluated with a stereomicroscope. The marginal gap between the implant and the abutment was measured and correlated with the amount of bacterial leakage. The data were analyzed with ANOVA. Results Bacterial leakage was noted in all specimens, regardless of material or screw torque value. With titanium abutments, changing the screw torque value from 20 to 35 Ncm did not significantly affect the amount of bacterial leakage. However, with zirconia abutments, changing the screw torque value from 20 to 35 Ncm was statistically significant ( P Conclusion The results of this study showed that, over time, bacteria will leak through the implant-abutment microgap at the implant-abutment interface. Implants with a titanium abutment demonstrate a smaller microgap than implants with a zirconia abutment. Tightening the zirconia abutment screw from 20 to 35 Ncm decreases the size of the microgap, which suggests a more intimate fit between the implant and the abutment.
Effect of deposition distance and temperature on electrical, optical and structural properties of radio-frequency magnetron-sputtered gallium-doped zinc oxide

Abstract Films of gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) were deposited on glass substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering using a ceramic target of Ga:ZnO (4 at.% Ga vs. Zn). Both the substrate temperature ( T s ) and the target–substrate distance ( d ts ) were varied and the effect on electrical, optical and structural properties of the resulting films were measured. The highest conductivity of 3200 S/cm was obtained at a deposition temperature of 250 °C, at a d ts of 51 mm. This sample had the highest carrier concentration in this study, 9.6 × 10 20 /cm 3 . Optical transmittance of all films was d ts = 51 mm was smaller than the grain size for films grown with a shorter d ts ; moreover, the films with d ts = 51 mm exhibited the smoothest surface, with a root mean square surface roughness of 2.7 nm. Changes in T s have a more pronounced effect on conductivity compared to changes in d ts ; however, variations in structure do not appear to be well-correlated with conductivity for samples in the 2000–3200 S/cm range. These results suggest that incorporation and activation of Ga is of key importance when attempting to obtain GZO films with conductivities greater than 2000 S/cm.
Celiac disease in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and review of literature

Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition of the gut with a known autoimmune pathogenesis. Many similarities exist between the pathogenesis of CD and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); it is still unknown whether there is an association. There are 13 case reports in the literature of both diseases occurring simultaneously. We report another patient who was diagnosed with SLE and 8 years later, developed CD. A review of the literature is also presented.
Phenotypic Aberrations of CD3+ and CD4+ Cells and Functional Impairments of Lymphocytes at Low-Level Occupational Exposure to Lead

Abstract To study the immunological effects of low-level occupational exposure to lead, we have examined the phenotypic parameters and functional integrity of peripheral blood lymphocytes in a group of firearms instructors and compared the data to those obtained from healthy unexposed controls. Our results indicate that, among individuals with mildly elevated blood lead levels (>25 μg/dl), detrimental effects on the host's immune functions occur. Such dysfunctions are multicellular as to mechanism and dose dependent in nature. The absolute percentage and number of CD3+ and CD4+ cells were significantly reduced, while the values for CD8+ cells were unchanged. Functional integrity of T cells as determined by responses to mitogens was impaired while that of T-cell-dependent B-lymphocyte function appeared to be within normal range at all stages of maturation. These data suggest the presence of a defective feedback loop which regulates T-cell-dependent functions and cell-to-cell cooperation. Furthermore, the marked deficiency in MLC responses that was also observed suggests that the adverse effect of lead may be due to its high affinity for the TCR and HLA-DR surface receptors thereby interfering with antigen processing from monocytes to T lymphocytes.
Growth or penetration of Salmonella into citrus fruit is not facilitated by natural-light labels

Abstract In natural-light labeling of fruits and vegetables, the desired information is etched onto the produce surface using a low-energy carbon dioxide laser beam (10,600 nm). Etched characters are formed by surface depressions in the epidermis that may facilitate entrance of decay and pathogenic organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of natural-light labeling and different postharvest treatments on Salmonella populations' ability to survive/grow and penetrate into citrus fruit. A five-strain cocktail of Salmonella was spot inoculated onto Valencia orange in different application sequences with wax and natural-light etching. Samples were stored at 10, 26 °C, or combinations of both, for up to 42 days. Etched peels and corresponding juices were extracted from whole oranges following storage and enumerated for Salmonella. No set of conditions involving natural-light labeling promoted the growth of Salmonella on the fruit surface or resulted in the detection of Salmonella from the juice of sound fruit. Survival of Salmonella populations on the peel surface did not differ between any of the treatment and control samples. In all cases, Salmonella declined between 1.5 and 3.0 log CFU/orange after 30 days, with faster decline noted at 10 °C. Based on the data obtained from all treatments and under conditions extremely unfavorable and unrealistic in terms of fruit storage, natural-light labeling citrus fruit peels and subsequent waxing in any order did not allow for the growth or influence the natural decline of Salmonella populations on citrus fruit surfaces, or movement into juices, as compared to controls.
Human apolipoprotein C-I: concentration in blood serum and lipoproteins.

Abstract A radial immunodiffusion assay for apolipoprotein C-I in human serum and lipoproteins was developed and validated by comparison with analysis of these proteins in very-low-density and high-density lipoproteins by quantitative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In normotriglyceridemic subjects, only about 10% of apoprotein C-I was in very-low-density lipoproteins; almost all of the remainder was in high-density lipoproteins. In subjects with widely varying serum triglyceride levels, apoprotein C-I comprised about 4% of the total apoprotein of the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. In normotriglyceridemic subjects, apoprotein C-I comprised about 3% of the total apoprotein of high-density lipoproteins; this value was about twice as great in the high-density lipoproteins of density 1.063–1.125 g/ml as in those of density 1.125–1.21 g/ml. With increasing serum triglyceride level, the percentage of apoprotein C-I in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins increased and that in high-density lipoproteins fell progressively. Whereas apoprotein C-I comprised about 9% of the mass of the proteins of low molecular weight (
Extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure Einstein frequency and moments of the phonon spectrum: An experimental and theoretical study

Extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure measurements of the nearest-neighbor mean-square relative displacements (MSRD) for the fcc materials Ni, Cu, Yb, Pt, Au, Pb, and Th are presented. It is shown experimentally that the temperature dependence of the MSRD is well characterized by a single parameter ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{E}$, the Einstein frequency. This frequency was found to be equal to the square root of the second moment of the phonon density of states 〈${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}$${〉}^{1/2}$ in all cases studied. Theoretical calculations are presented which show that if nearest-neighbor interactions dominate, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{E}$ should equal 〈${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}$${〉}^{1/2}$ to within 5%.
Integration of Internal Concepts and External Factors Extending the Knowledge of Learning Disabled Adolescents

An individual's development of concepts to represent situations or events in memory is contingent upon the relevancy of new information to the individual's existing concepts. Learning disabled (LD) adolescents have been characterized as not having the ability to effectively recall existing (internal) concepts and relate those concepts to new information. Comparisons were made among three interactive instructional strategies and a teacher-directed instructional strategy. The influence of integrating internal concepts with external factors in LD adolescents' learning was studied. Results indicated that students experiencing difficulties in developing new concepts benefited from interactive settings where cooperative efforts among peers and teachers are encouraged. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating internal concepts and external factors for learning.
Electron energetics in a helium pulsed nanosecond discharge

Summary form only given. Pulsed, nanosecond discharges (PNDs) are notable for their large volumes and nonthermal nature. The large volume is attractive for material processing and the nonthermal electron can be used to drive reactions with minimal gas or substrate heating. However, the stochasticity of such plasmas presents a challenge for simulations, while the short time scales and large fields limit experimental diagnostics. This has led to a degree of uncertainty in the electron energetics of PNDs, particularly when nonlocal electron effects become important. This uncertainty also inhibits the predictive capabilities for PNDs. This work examines the population kinetics of a helium PND, and uses them to infer conclusions about the electron energetics. Specifically, the absolute triplet metastable densities are measured with laser-absorption spectroscopy. These densities are used in combination with a global model of a helium plasma to predict plasma emissions. These emissions are compared with the measured plasma emissions. As this method assumes electron locality, the degree of agreement between the two should reflect the accuracy of this assumption. The results are discussed in the context of the electron energetics, and compared to preliminary results of PIC-MCC simulations.
Studies on gluconeogenesis

Summary Following stimulation with adrenal steroids a series of metabolic changes occur leading to increased protein catabolism and increased glucose production. Specific hepatic enzymes whose activities are known to increase under these conditions are: glucose-6-phosphatase, phosphohexose isomerase, fructose diphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, trypophan pyrrolase, alanine-α-ketoglutarate transaminase, tyrosine-αketoglutarate transaminase, glutamic dehydrogenase, arginase, argininosuccinase and arginine synthetase. Acceleration of all of these reactions would be expected to contribute to glucose formation. At present, it is not known whether the activities of these enzymes increase as a direct consequence of steroid action, or whether they are sequentially induced as the result of metabolic events resulting from a single primary interaction of the hormone.
Reversible proximal conduction block underlies rapid recovery in Guillain-Barré syndrome

Three patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome underwent electrophysiological examination prior to and during a period of rapid clinical recovery. In each case, improved strength of the abductor digiti minimi coincided with electrophysiologic evidence of a marked reversal of proximal conduction block. In contrast, the degree of distal conduction block remained relatively unchanged after stimulation at the wrist, elbow, axilla, and Erb's point. These findings indicate that rapid motor recovery, early in the course of Guillain-Barre syndrome, can result from reversal of proximal conduction block and explains the often noted dissociation between clinical improvement and conventional distal nerve conduction studies.
Kinetic Chiral Resolutions of 1,2-Diols and Desymmetrization of Glycerol Catalyzed by Glycerol Kinase

Enantioselective phosphorylation catalyzed by glycerol kinase (EC 2.7.1.30) facilitated the kinetic chiral resolution of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, 3-fluoro-1,2-propanediol, 3-butene-1,2-diol, and 1,2,4-butanetriol. Both enantiomers of each compound were isolated in free diol or triol form, in excellent enantiomeric purity (91 to >99.5% ee) and in moderate to good yield (60−94% of theoretical). The enantioselectivities of glycerol kinase from different sources were compared, using 1,2,4-butanetriol as the substrate. The effect of elevated temperatures on enzymatic activity, stability, and enantioselectivity were studied, and procedures for the isolation of diol and triol products were optimized. Glycerol kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation facilitated the three-step chemoenzymatic conversion of glycerol to (S)-1,2-O-isopropylideneglycerol in 83% yield and >99.5% ee).
Cloning and expression of mouse 60 kDa ribonucleoprotein SS-A/Ro

Autoantibodies to SS-A/Ro are among the most common found in sera of patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. These autoimmune diseases can affect various organ systems of the body and are variable in their manifestations and presentation. One of the autoimmune targets is the 60 kDa SS-A/Ro protein known to be associated with small cytoplasmic Y RNAs. To study systematically the expression of the protein, we have cloned the mouse full length 60 kDa SS-A/Ro cDNA using 5′ RACE based on a cDNA sequence reported in the mouse genome project. The recombinant protein derived from the putative full-length construct was shown to react with human prototype anti-SS-A/Ro serum Ge in western blot and immunoprecipitation and comigrated with cellular 60 kDa SS-A/Ro protein in 3T3 cells. Cellular expression, measured by RT-PCR, was highest in mouse brain, followed by lung, muscle, kindney and heart. Lower levels were found in testis, liver and spleen. Like the human 60 kDa SS-A/Ro protein, the deduced mouse homolog has 538 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed 89.9% identity and 95.0% similarity between the mouse and human proteins.
Continuous-time /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators using distributed resonators

We derive a method for using distributed resonators in /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators and demonstrate these /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators have several advantages over existing /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator architectures. Like continuous-time (CT) /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators, the proposed /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators do not require a high-precision track-and-hold, and additionally can take advantage of the high-Q of distributed resonators. Like discrete-time /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators, the proposed /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators are relatively insensitive to feedback loop delays and can subsample. We present simulations of several types of these /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators and examine the challenges in their design.
Influence of estrogen depletion and salt loading on renal angiotensinogen expression in the mRen(2).Lewis strain

The mRen(2).Lewis (mRen2) strain is an ANG II-dependent model of hypertension expressing marked sex differences in blood pressure and tissue injury that also exhibits estrogen and salt sensitivity. Because estrogen and salt influence angiotensinogen (AGT), circulating and renal expression of the protein were assessed in the mRen2 using a sensitive and specific ELISA. Hemizygous female and male mRen2 were placed on normal (1% NaCl, NS)- or high (8% NaCl, HS)-salt diets from 5 to 15 wk of age while a separate NS cohort was ovariectomized (OVX). The OVX mRen2 exhibited higher blood pressure (184 ± 6 vs. 149 ± 5 mmHg, n = 6), a 16-fold increase in urinary AGT (uAGT) (0.2 ± 0.02 vs. 0.01 ± 0.01 μg·kg−1·day−1, P < 0.01), but no change in proteinuria (PROT). Excretion of AGT was correlated with blood pressure and PROT in the female groups. The HS diet led to higher blood pressure (224 ± 8 mmHg), a 180-fold increase in uAGT (1.8 ± 0.2 μg·kg−1·day−1), and increased PROT (98 ± 9 vs. 7 ± 1 mg·kg−1·day−1). Compared with females, NS males expressed higher excretion of uAGT (3.0 ± 0.4 μg·kg−1·day−1) and PROT (32 ± 5 mg·kg−1·day−1); both were increased eightfold with HS (uAGT: 23 ± 3 μg·kg−1·day−1; PROT: 285 ± 28 mg·kg−1·day−1) without a change in blood pressure. Although uAGT was markedly higher in the OVX and HS groups, neither renal cortical AGT mRNA or protein expression was increased. Moreover, AGT release in cortical slices was similar for the NS and HS females. We conclude that the increase in uAGT with estrogen depletion or HS likely may be a biomarker for glomerular damage reflecting filtration of the circulating protein in the mRen2.
Numerical Modeling of Long Bone Adaptation due to Mechanical Loading: Correlation with Experiments

The process of external bone adaptation in cortical bone is modeled mathematically using finite element (FE) stress analysis coupled with an evolution model, in which adaptation response is triggered by mechanical stimulus represented by strain energy density. The model is applied to experiments in which a rat ulna is subjected to cyclic loading, and the results demonstrate the ability of the model to predict the bone adaptation response. The FE mesh is generated from micro-computed tomography (μCT) images of the rat ulna, and the stress analysis is carried out using boundary and loading conditions on the rat ulna obtained from the experiments [Robling, A. G., F. M. Hinant, D. B. Burr, and C. H. Turner. J. Bone Miner. Res. 17:1545–1554, 2002]. The external adaptation process is implemented in the model by moving the surface nodes of the FE mesh based on an evolution law characterized by two parameters: one that captures the rate of the adaptation process (referred to as gain); and the other characterizing the threshold value of the mechanical stimulus required for adaptation (referred to as threshold-sensitivity). A parametric study is carried out to evaluate the effect of these two parameters on the adaptation response. We show, following comparison of results from the simulations to the experimental observations of Robling et al. (J. Bone Miner. Res. 17:1545–1554, 2002), that splitting the loading cycles into different number of bouts affects the threshold-sensitivity but not the rate of adaptation. We also show that the threshold-sensitivity parameter can quantify the mechanosensitivity of the osteocytes.
Doing the Right Thing: A Mixed-Methods Study Focused on Generosity and Positive Well-Being

This mixed-methods study was designed to demonstrate how an increase in generous actions influences an individual’s self-reported long-term happiness. Participants were 74 college students randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental conditions—the generosity intervention group and the control group. Data collected on psychological well-being and life satisfaction were analyzed using multivariate analyses of covariance. The quantitative results indicated that even though all participants showed increased levels of satisfaction with life and overall positive psychological well-being after 5 weeks of a writing intervention, there were no differences between the generosity group and the writing group. Additional results from a qualitative analysis further revealed that generosity themes toward oneself centered on (a) material acquisition, (b) luxury, and (c) self-care. The findings support the positive effect of a multilevel, intentional focus on generous activities among young adults.
The Immorality of Promising

Philosophers Richard Fox and Joseph DeMarco challenge both popular wisdom and traditional moral philosophy by arguing that all the standard received theories on promising are wrong. Against those who uphold promising as an exemplary moral practice, they attempt to prove that promising is immoral. Against those who believe that promising creates a moral obligation, they maintain that promises have no such power. Some traditional philosophers have supported the view that the duty to keep promises is self-evident, while others have claimed that it is supported by reason, and still others that it is prescribed by social practice.Social contract theorists in fact have taken the extreme position that all moral rights and duties are founded on promises, as promises are thought to be the foundation of contracts. All these doctrines are mistaken, according to Fox and DeMarco, because promising cannot all by itself create any obligations and because promising is in the final analysis morally unjustified. "The Immorality of Promising" elucidates paradoxes and dilemmas that go to the very foundations of ethics and morality, and will be of great interest to professional philosophers and students of ethics alike.
A generalization of the method of stimulated emission pumping

Drawing on the results of an analysis of the nature of the pulse that generates complete transfer of population from one to another level in a system with a discrete spectrum, a generalization of the method of stimulated emission pumping is proposed. It is shown that a small subset of the Fourier components of the optimal pulse will, if their relative amplitudes are the same as in the optimal pulse, generate almost as efficient a population transfer, thereby generating the opportunity to prepare a system in a selected state with a selected population.
Psychosocial Subgroups in Persons With Spinal Cord Injuries and Chronic Pain

Abstract Widerstrom-Noga EG, Felix ER, Cruz-Almeida Y, Turk DC. Psychosocial subgroups in persons with spinal cord injuries and chronic pain. Objectives To define adaptational subgroups in people with chronic pain and spinal cord injury (SCI), and to compare these subgroups with respect to demographic factors, level of injury, functional independence, pain disability, depressed mood, social support, and life satisfaction. Design Interviews. Setting Veterans Affairs medical center and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Participants Persons with SCI and chronic pain (N=190). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure The Multidimensional Pain Inventory, SCI version. Results Cluster analysis revealed 3 subgroups: (1) dysfunctional (34.6% of all participants), characterized by higher pain severity, life interference, and affective distress scores, and lower levels of life control and activities scores; (2) interpersonally supported (33.0% of participants), characterized by moderately high pain severity, and higher life control, support from significant others, distracting responses, solicitous responses, and activities scores; and (3) adaptive copers (32.4% of participants), characterized by lower pain severity, life interference, affective distress, support from significant others, distracting responses, solicitous responses, activities and higher life control scores. Compared with the dysfunctional subgroup, the interpersonally supported subgroup reported significantly greater social support and life satisfaction and less pain disability and emotional distress, despite moderately high pain severity. Conclusion Three subgroups, independent of sex, pain duration, and functional status, were identified. Although severe pain significantly decreases life satisfaction after SCI, its impact is moderated by perceived social support.
A note on the confidence interval for the availability ratio

Abstract If one is interested in determining the worth of equipment to perform a given task, often the primary concerns are reliability, maintainability, and availability. Availability consider both reliability and maintainability since it is a measure of the ratio of the operating time of the system to the operating time plus the downtime or time to repair. One method commonly used to establish a confidence interval for availability is to establish a confidence interval for the meantime between failure of the equipment and then determine a confidence interval for the meantime to repair the equipment. These two confidence intervals may then be utilized to obtain an “at least” type confidence interval for availability. This approach is not entirely satisfactory since points outside of both of the above mentioned intervals can give points inside the confidence interval for availability. This paper proposes a method for establishing an exact confidence interval for availability under the assumption that the time between failures and the time to repair are independent gamma and lognormal random variables respectively. The method requires computations of the distribution of W = u v , where Ut X2(q) and V t Λ(0, β 2 n ) . In order to make the results usuable, tables of the cumulative distribution of W are included.
Divergent effects of a combined hormonal oral contraceptive on insulin sensitivity in lean versus obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a commonly used combined hormonal oral contraceptive (OC) on carbohydrate metabolism in obese as compared with lean women. DESIGN: 6-month prospective study. SETTING: Clinical research center at an academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Premenopausal nondiabetic women with body mass index 30 kg/m(2) (n = 14). INTERVENTION(S): Ethinyl estradiol (35 mug) and norgestimate (0.18/0.215/0.25 mg) for 6 cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Insulin sensitivity by frequent sampling intravenous glucose tolerance test; other indices of insulin sensitivity (homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity index [ISI HOMA] the Matsuda index); fasting lipid panel. RESULT(S): Insulin sensitivity changed from 6.62 +/- 3.69 min(-1)/mIU/L (baseline) to 8.23 +/- 3.30 min(-1)/mIU/L (6 months) in lean women and from 4.36 +/- 2.32 to 3.82 +/- 2.32 min(-1)/mIU/L in obese women. Divergent effects on insulin sensitivity were also observed with ISI HOMA and the Matsuda index. Low-density lipoprotein increased by approximately 20 mg/dL in both the lean and obese groups. CONCLUSION(S): Lean and obese women exhibit differential changes in insulin sensitivity when given 6 months of a commonly used oral contraceptive. The mechanisms of these differences and whether these divergent effects persist in the long term require further investigation. Copyright (c) 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Creating small transcription activating RNAs

We expanded the mechanistic capability of small RNAs by creating an entirely synthetic mode of regulation: small transcription activating RNAs (STARs). Using two strategies, we engineered synthetic STAR regulators to disrupt the formation of an intrinsic transcription terminator placed upstream of a gene in Escherichia coli. This resulted in a group of four highly orthogonal STARs that had up to 94-fold activation. By systematically modifying sequence features of this group, we derived design principles for STAR function, which we then used to forward engineer a STAR that targets a terminator found in the Escherichia coli genome. Finally, we showed that STARs could be combined in tandem to create previously unattainable RNA-only transcriptional logic gates. STARs provide a new mechanism of regulation that will expand our ability to use small RNAs to construct synthetic gene networks that precisely control gene expression.
Synthesis of sterically demanding phenoxide derivatives of Ti(IV) and Zr(IV), M(O-2,4,6-(t-Bu)3C6H2)2X2 (X NMe2, M Ti, Zr; X Cl, M Ti): x-ray crystal structure of Ti(O-2,4,6-(t-Bu)3C6H2)2(NMe2)2

Abstract The interaction of M(NMe2)4 with excess 2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenol yields M{O-2,4,6-(t-Bu)3C6H2}2(NMe2)2[M  Ti (1) (82%); M = Zr (2) (88%)]. Further reaction of 1 with neat Me3SiCl yields M{O-2,4,6-(t-Bu)3C6H2}2Cl2 (3) (90% yield). The solid-state structure of 1 has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The coordination geometry around Ti is a distorted tetrahedron.
Theoretical analysis of ammonium removal in an immobilized urease and zeolite reactor-separator

We have developed a theoretical model for predicting the column profiles and effluent histories of a fixed-bed reactor-separator which consists of an immobilized enzyme and an ion exchanger for removing a reaction product. The enzymatic reaction follows the Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The ion exchange process is at local equilibrium and can be described by a linear or a convex isotherm. We have examined the case of urea hydrolysis in a reactor-separator of immobilized urease and zeolite. A step input of urea produces a NH+ 4 concentration wave that increases in amplitude as it propagates through the bed. For a convex isotherm, the peak of the wave propagates through the reactor at an increasing speed. At high reaction rates, a shock (discontinuity of concentration) can develop al t he peak. After the shock formation, the speed of propagation then decreases to almost a constant value. Both the ion exchange parameters and the kinetic parameters affect the shape, the amplitude, and the speed of the wave. A sl...