cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of feeding and metabolism by neuronal and peripheral clocks in Drosophila

Studies in mammals have indicated a connection between circadian clocks and feeding behavior, but the nature of the interaction and its relationship to nutrient metabolism are not understood. In Drosophila, clock proteins are expressed in many metabolically important tissues but have not been linked to metabolic processes. Here we demonstrate that Drosophila feeding behavior displays a 24 hr circadian rhythm that is regulated by clocks in digestive/metabolic tissues. Flies lacking clocks in these tissues, in particular in the fat body, also display increased food consumption but have decreased levels of glycogen and a higher sensitivity to starvation. Interestingly, glycogen levels and starvation sensitivity are also affected by clocks in neuronal cells, but the effects of neuronal clocks generally oppose those of the fat body. We propose that the input of neuronal clocks and clocks in metabolic tissues is coordinated to provide effective energy homeostasis.
Cultured human keratinocytes cannot metabolize vitamin D3 to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.

The metabolism of [3H] vitamin D3 was studied in cultured human keratinocytes (CHK). Intact CHK were incubated for 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h with [3H] vitamin D3 and the lipid soluble fractions from the media and cells were extracted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Vitamin D3 and its metabolites, 25-OH-D3, 24,25(OH)2D3 were added to the extracts, as markers, prior to HPLC, HPLC analysis of the lipid extracts did not reveal any monohydroxylated metabolites. CHK incubated for one hour with [3H]25-OH-D3 showed a 10±4% conversion to [3H]1,25,(OH)2D3 whereas no conversion to [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 was observed in control CHKs that were boiled prior to incubation with [3H]25-OH-D3. These findings suggest that cultured neonatal keratinocytes are incapable of metabolizing vitamin D3 to 25-OH-D3.
Selective bladder conservation using transurethral resection, chemotherapy, and radiation: management and consequences of Ta, T1, and Tis recurrence within the retained bladder.

Abstract Objectives. Although radical cystectomy remains the standard of care for invasive bladder cancer in the United States, many groups are exploring the use of trimodality therapy using transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, radiation, and chemotherapy in an attempt to spare patients the need for cystectomy. As transitional cell carcinoma often arises from a urothelial field change, there is concern that the retained bladder is at risk of subsequent superficial (Ta, T1, Tis) tumors, some of which may have lethal potential. This study reports the outcomes of those patients with superficial relapse of transitional cell carcinoma after trimodality therapy. Methods. One hundred ninety patients were treated using a series of trimodality therapy protocols between 1986 and 1998. All patients received induction chemotherapy and radiation and were selected for bladder preservation on the basis of a cytologic and histologic complete response. One hundred twenty-one patients had a complete response and formed the subjects of this study. Results. With a median follow-up of 6.7 years for patients still alive, 32 experienced a superficial relapse (26%). The median time to this failure was 2.1 years. Sixty percent of the superficial failures were carcinoma in situ (Tis) and 67% arose at the site of the original invasive tumor. The risk of superficial failure was higher among those who had Tis associated with their original muscle-invasive tumor. Twenty-seven of these 32 cases were managed conservatively with transurethral resection and intravesical therapy. The irradiated bladder tolerated this therapy well and only 3 patients required treatment breaks. The 5 and 8-year survival was comparable for those who experienced superficial failure (68% and 54%, respectively) and those who had no failure at all (n = 74, 69% and 61%, respectively). However, a substantially lower chance of being alive with the native bladder owing to the need for late salvage cystectomies (61% versus 34%) was found. Cystectomy became necessary in 31% (10 of 32) either because of additional superficial recurrence (n = 7) or progression to invasive disease (n = 3). Conclusions. A trimodality approach to transitional cell bladder cancer mandates lifelong cystoscopic surveillance. Although most completely responding patients retain their bladders free from invasive relapse, one quarter will develop superficial disease. This may be managed in the standard fashion with transurethral resection of the bladder tumor and intravesical therapies but carries an additional risk that late cystectomy will be required.
Cross-Sectional Time Series and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines Models Using Accelerometry and Heart Rate Predict Energy Expenditure of Preschoolers

Prediction equations of energy expenditure (EE) using accelerometers and miniaturized heart rate (HR) monitors have been developed in older children and adults but not in preschool-aged children. Because the relationships between accelerometer counts (ACs), HR, and EE are confounded by growth and maturation, age-specific EE prediction equations are required. We used advanced technology (fast-response room calorimetry, Actiheart and Actigraph accelerometers, and miniaturized HR monitors) and sophisticated mathematical modeling [cross-sectional time series (CSTS) and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS)] to develop models for the prediction of minute-by-minute EE in 69 preschool-aged children. CSTS and MARS models were developed by using participant characteristics (gender, age, weight, height), Actiheart (HR+AC_x) or ActiGraph parameters (AC_x, AC_y, AC_z, steps, posture) [x, y, and z represent the directional axes of the accelerometers], and their significant 1- and 2-min lag and lead values, and significant interactions. Relative to EE measured by calorimetry, mean percentage errors predicting awake EE (-1.1 ± 8.7%, 0.3 ± 6.9%, and -0.2 ± 6.9%) with CSTS models were slightly higher than with MARS models (-0.7 ± 6.0%, 0.3 ± 4.8%, and -0.6 ± 4.6%) for Actiheart, ActiGraph, and ActiGraph+HR devices, respectively. Predicted awake EE values were within ±10% for 81-87% of individuals for CSTS models and for 91-98% of individuals for MARS models. Concordance correlation coefficients were 0.936, 0.931, and 0.943 for CSTS EE models and 0.946, 0.948, and 0.940 for MARS EE models for Actiheart, ActiGraph, and ActiGraph+HR devices, respectively. CSTS and MARS models should prove useful in capturing the complex dynamics of EE and movement that are characteristic of preschool-aged children.
A newsvendor approach to compliance and production under cap and trade emissions regulation

Abstract Since the 1990s, governmental agencies have increasingly turned to market based cap and trade programs to control the emission of pollutants. Firms subject to cap and trade regulation are typically required to acquire emissions allowances via open auction markets. The cost to acquire allowances may impose a substantial financial burden on a firm. While emissions reduction efforts may eliminate some firm’s need to acquire additional allowances, there are still numerous firms that need to purchase additional allowances on the open market. This study presents a new forward buying heuristic, designed for those firms that need to purchase emissions allowances via auctions, which reduces the impact of emissions allowance acquisitions on the firms’ financial performance. The heuristic, designated as the Newsvendor Production Planning with Emissions Allowance Forward Buying (NPPAFB) method, applies a forward buying algorithm to determine the number of periods for which to forward buy allowances, the current production order up to level, and the current and future emissions allowance requirements (which serves as the order up to level for allowance purchases). Additionally, NPPAFB also authorizes unused emissions allowances to be sold when market conditions are favorable. Compared against three existing production planning and allowance procurement strategies, a simulation exercise finds that the NPPAFB method significantly reduces a firm’s emissions allowance expenditures. These results indicate that heuristic can be readily adopted by any firm that is required to procure emissions allowances via open markets in an effort to improve the firm’s profitability.
Amobarbital Sodium and the Effects of Reward and Nonreward in the Amsel Double Runway

Rats received 60 trials (Condition I) with 6 pellets reward at the second goal of a double runway and either 6 (n = 12) or 0 (n = 12) at the first goal, followed by, for all Ss, 24 trials (Conditio...
The persistence of active smooth muscle in the female rat cervix through pregnancy

Objective A controversy exists as to whether functional smooth muscle exists in the cervix before and during pregnancy, potentially continuous with the uterus. We hypothesized that cervical smooth muscle persists through pregnancy and is functional. Study Design Uteri and cervices were taken from female virgin, 11 day, and 20 day (near labor) pregnant rats. All experiments used the uterus as a positive control. Three different smooth muscle proteins (smooth muscle α-actin, SM-22α, and calponin-1) allowed immunohistochemical detection of the continuous nature of the smooth muscle from the vagina, cervix, and uterus. Tissues were also hung in isolated tissue baths for the measurement of isometric smooth muscle contraction. Uterine and cervical homogenates were also used in Western analyses to measure protein expression. Results Immunohistochemistry revealed there to be smooth muscle as validated by an expression of all 3 markers in the cervix. This smooth muscle was continuous with that of the vagina and uterus. Smooth muscle α-actin was detected in virgin tissue (291.3 ± 32.2 arbitrary densitometry units/β-actin), day 11 (416.8 ± 19.5), and day 20 pregnant tissue (293.0 ± 34.4). The virgin, day 11, and day 20 cervices contracted 2.18 ± 0.24 g, 1.46 ± 0.08 g, and 3.88 ± 0.49 g (respectively) to depolarizing KCl. Cervices contracted at day 20 to the cholinergic muscarinic agonist carbamylcholine (maximum, 133% ± 18.2% KCl contraction, n = 4). Conclusion These findings strongly support that smooth muscle is present in the cervix through pregnancy and continuous with the uterus.
Cellulose–Hemicellulose and Cellulose–Lignin Interactions during Fast Pyrolysis

Previously, the primary product distribution resulting from fast pyrolysis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin was quantified. This study extends the analysis to the examinations of interactions between cellulose–hemicellulose and cellulose–lignin, which were determined by comparing the pyrolysis products from their native mixture, physical mixture, and superposition of individual components. Negligible interactions were found for both binary physical mixtures. For the native cellulose–hemicellulose mixture, no significant interaction was identified either. In the case of the native cellulose–lignin mixture, herbaceous biomass exhibited an apparent interaction, represented by diminished yield of levoglucosan and enhanced yield of low molecular weight compounds and furans. However, such an interaction was not found for woody biomass. It is speculated that these results are due to different amounts of covalent linkages in these biomass samples. This study provides insight into the chemistry involved dur...
Monitoring individual exposure. Measurements of volatile organic compounds in breathing-zone air, drinking water, and exhaled breath

Abstract Methods for determining individual exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) during normal daily activities were field tested on university student volunteers in Texas and North Carolina. The equipment tested included a personal monitor employing Tenax GC® to collect organic vapors for later analysis by GC-MS, and a specially designed spirometer for collecting samples of expired human breath on duplicate Tenax cartridges. The personal monitor and spirometer proved feasible for collecting abundant quantitative data on most of the 15 target organics. Air exposures to many VOC varied widely, sometimes over three orders of magnitude, among students on the same campus who had been monitored over the same time period and day. A log-linear relationship between breathing-zone air exposures and concentrations in exhaled breath was suggested for three chemicals: tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and vinylidene chloride. Air was the main route of exposure for all target compounds except the two trihalomethanes (chloroform and bromodichloromethane), which were transmitted mainly through water. Estimated total daily intake through air and water of the target organics ranged from 0.3 to 12.6 mg, with 1,1,1-trichloroethane at the highest concentrations in both geographic areas.
Optical Imaging Diagnostics for Fusion Plasmas

Imaging diagnostics are used for spatially-and temporally-resolved quantitative measurements of plasma properties such as the ionization particle source, particle and energy loss, and impurity radiation in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Diagnostics equipped with multi-element solid-state detectors (often with image intensifiers) are well suited to the environment of large fusion machines with high magnetic fields and x-ray and neutron fluxes. We have used both conventional (16 ms/frame) and highspeed video cameras to measure neutral deuterium Hα, (6563 A) emissions from fusion plasmas. Continuous high-speed measurements are made with video cameras operating at 0.1–0.5 ms/frame; gated cameras provide snapshots of 10–100 μs during each 16-ms video frame. Digital data acquisition and absolute intensity calibrations of the cameras enable detailed quantitative source measurements; these are extremely important in determining the particle balance of the plasma. In a linear confinement device, radial transport can be determined from the total particle balance. In a toroidal confinement device, the details of particle recycling can be determined. Optical imaging in other regions of the spectrum are also important, particularly for the divertor region of large tokamaks. Absolutely calibrated infrared cameras have been used to image the temperature changes in the walls and thereby determine the heat flux. Absolutely calibrated imaging ultraviolet spectrometers measure impurity concentrations; both spatial and spectral imaging instruments are employed. Representative data from each of these diagnostic systems will be presented.
Developing the Talents of African American Male Students during the Nonschool Hours.

This article presents information that speaks of the disparity in academic achievement between African American males and other ethnic groups, male and female alike. It also shows how after-school programs could provide services that would address and decrease some of these disparities. The article is divided into three sections. The first section addresses policy issues affecting the targeted population. The second section presents four programs that have successfully improved the academic achievement of minority students. The four programs profiled in this article are generally offered during the nonschool hours. The third section addresses additional ways in which after-school programs can develop the talents of males above and beyond academic achievement.
Acquisition of spatial antonym pairs

Abstract Twenty-eight children (mean age 4.3 yr) were tested for comprehension of spatial antonym pairs with arrays which contained four objects representing both members of two antonym pairs. The results showed that: (a) the most common error was to point to an object representing the same polarity (marked-unmarked) as the word requested; (b) there was not a high degree of confusion within antonym paris; (c) unmarked antonyms tend to be acquired before marked antonyms; and (d) the order of acquisition of the pairs was: tall-short, long-short, high-low, thick-thin, deep-shallow, wide-narrow. The results were interpreted as supporting a modified semantic-feature hypothesis, in which polarity is acquired before dimension.
Word Frequency and Spelling Difficulty

determine the grade placement of words selected for spelling programs. The study reported here investigated how closely one of these criteria, the frequency of occurrence of words, is related to the difficulty children have in spelling words. The frequency of a word's occurrence has been a major criterion for its grade placement in spelling programs of elementary schools for at least 60 years. According to Patterson (1961), by 1920 there was general agreement among spelling experts that the selection of words for spelling programs must be by the criterion of written usage. In the last half of the 1920s, the belief in this rule for the grade placement of spelling words stimulated studies of the frequency of word occurrences (Anderson & Groff 1968). Hanna, Hodges, and Hanna (1971) rightly note that one especially innovative practice used by spelling-textbook writers after this time was choosing for the basic study list those words that were most frequently
Cerebrospinal Fluid and Spinal Cord Distribution of Baclofen and Bupivacaine during Slow Intrathecal Infusion in Pigs

Background Increasing numbers of patients are receiving chronic intrathecal infusions of local anesthetics, baclofen, opioids, and other analgesics via implanted pumps. These infusions typically deliver drugs at rates measured in microliters per hour. However, to date, there have been no studies aimed at characterizing drug distribution within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and spinal cord during these slow infusion rates. Therefore, this study was designed to address this knowledge gap. Methods Anesthetized pigs were instrumented with eight intrathecal microdialysis probes placed at multiple points along the neuroaxis in both the anterior and posterior intrathecal space to permit continuous CSF sampling for measurement of bupivacaine and baclofen concentrations. Animals were divided into three groups and received bupivacaine and baclofen infusions at 20 or 1,000 microl/h or as a 1,000-microl bolus over 5 min every hour. Drug administration continued for 8 h, at which time the animals were killed, and the spinal cord was removed and divided into 1-cm-long sections that were further divided into anterior and posterior portions for measurement of bupivacaine and baclofen concentrations. Results In all groups, drug concentration in CSF and spinal cord decreased rapidly as a function of distance from the site of administration, with most drug found within a few centimeters. In addition, there were significant anterior-posterior differences in both CSF and spinal cord drug concentrations. Conclusions During slow intrathecal infusion, drug distribution in CSF and spinal cord is severely limited in all groups, although significantly more so in the 20-microl/h infusion group.
Cell-mediated Protection in Influenza Infection

Current vaccine strategies against influenza focus on generating robust antibody responses. Because of the high degree of antigenic drift among circulating influenza strains over the course of a year, vaccine strains must be reformulated specifically for each influenza season. The time delay from isolating the pandemic strain to large-scale vaccine production would be detrimental in a pandemic situation. A vaccine approach based on cell-mediated immunity that avoids some of these drawbacks is discussed here. Specifically, cell-mediated responses typically focus on peptides from internal influenza proteins, which are far less susceptible to antigenic variation. We review the literature on the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell–mediated immunity in influenza infection and the available data on the role of these responses in protection from highly pathogenic influenza infection. We discuss the advantages of developing a vaccine based on cell-mediated immune responses toward highly pathogenic influenza virus and potential problems arising from immune pressure.
Development of a minimally invasive technique for coronary revascularization in a porcine model

Abstract Background . This porcine model was designed to develop a minimally invasive method for internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting using an anterior mediastinal approach and without routine use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods . Assessment was made of IMA mobilization through a small parasternal incision, the feasibility of coronary artery grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass using this approach, and conditions for off-pump bypass grafting. Results . In group 1, 6 pigs underwent IMA mobilization through a 5-cm horizontal midparasternal incision. Of the 2 group 2 pigs, 1 underwent IMA grafting to the left anterior descending coronary artery and the other, bilateral IMA grafting to the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries using femoral-vessel cardiopulmonary bypass. In group 3, 4 of 10 pigs had successful off-pump grafting during retrograde regional coronary venous perfusion of arterial blood. Retrograde coronary venous perfusion could not be established in the other 6 pigs, and attempts at off-pump grafting failed. Conclusions . The study demonstrates that coronary artery grafting with the IMA by this minimally invasive off-pump method is feasible, although it draws attention to areas of concern and potential methods of correction. The model provides a realistic and important learning platform for the surgical issues involved with this minimally invasive technique.
Standard nomenclature for mass transfer processes

Abstract A standard nomenclature does not exist for publications involving mass transfer. Because there are six possible driving potentials and six associated mass transfer coefficients, it is difficult to read such publications. This paper proposes a standard nomenclature for definition of the six different forms of the driving potential and the mass transfer coefficient. Our study also shows that there is no consistent definition for the Lewis number. We propose that the Lewis number be defined as the ratio Sc/Pr. This is supported by the majority of the 23 books surveyed.
Role of the nerve in determining fetal skeletal muscle phenotype.

To determine the role of the nerve on the establishment of myofiber diversity in skeletal muscles, the lumbosacral spinal cord of 14-day gestation mice (E14) was laser ablated, and the accumulation of the myosin alkali light chains (MLC) mRNAs in crural (hindleg) muscles was evaluated just prior to birth with in situ hybridization. Numbers of molecules of each alkali MLC/ng total RNA in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles were determined with competitive polymerase chain reaction. Transcripts for all four alkali MLCs accumulate in aneural muscles. Data suggest that: (1) the absence of the nerve to either future fast or slow muscles results in less accumulation of MLC1V transcript. Moreover, the presence of the nerve is required for the enhanced accumulation of this transcript in future slow muscles; (2) the absence of innervation of future slow, but not fast, muscles decreases the accumulation of MLC1A transcript. Since increased accumulation of MLC1A and MLC1V transcripts are found in future slow muscles at birth, the nerve is necessary for the development of the slow phenotype during myogenesis; (3) MLC1F and MLC3F transcripts do not display any preferential accumulation in future fast muscles during the fetal period. Therefore, the establishment of the differential distribution of these mRNAs, based on fiber type, is a postnatal phenomenon. The nerve is required during the fetal period to allow accumulation of MLC3F messages above a basal level in future fast as well as slow muscles; whereas, the absence of the innervation to future fast, but not slow, muscles reduces the accumulation of MLC1F. Thus, the accumulation of the various alkali MLC mRNAs shows a differential, rather than coordinate, response to the absence of the nerve, and this response may vary depending on the future fiber type of the muscles. Dev. Dyn. 1998;211:177–190. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Do frail older persons need more protein

Most persons residing in nursing homes are frail and/or have a number of disabilities.1e9 Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, and together with alterations in muscle function, it leads to loss of muscle strength, power, and limited mobility.10e20 Sarcopenia is a major component of frailty.21,22 The amount of protein available plays a key role in the ability to develop muscle mass and strength.23 Highquality protein, such as whey based (high leucineebalanced essential amino acids), stimulates protein synthesis by activation of the mTOR system.24 For these reasons, it is reasonable to postulate that adequate protein ingestion plays a key role in maintenance of function in older persons. In this issue of the Journal, Tieland et al25 found that a twice-daily 15-g protein supplementation over 24 weeks improved both muscle strength and physical performance in frail older adults. Protein supplementation did not increase muscle mass. This is in keeping with a previous study in the Journal showing a protein-calorie supplement increased performance in older persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)26 and another showing improvement in the 6-minute walk.27 COPD muscle wasting may be more attributable to cachexia (increased inflammatory cytokines) than to sarcopenia.24,28e31 In another study, protein supplementation improved weight and decreased functional limitations following hospitalization in malnourished individuals.32 This would be expected in view of the large number of articles demonstrating the negative effects of anorexia of aging.33,34 The Framingham study has suggested that a higher protein intake will reduce falls.35 Essential amino acids have been shown to attenuate the muscle and strength loss seen during immobilization in older persons.36,37 These findings are compatible with the fact that aging does not decrease the muscle response to a protein-rich meal.23 In a companion article, the authors found that protein supplementation is necessary for the effect of muscle mass gain during exercise.38 Creatine supplementation has also been demonstrated to improve exercise performance in some, but not all, studies in older persons.39,40 Resistance exercise, either alone or together with aerobic exercise, has been shown to have a variety of positive effects on both function as well as cognitive performance in older persons.41e46 Exercise appears to protect the loss of muscle, but not bone, when older persons diet.47 Dieting is associated with an increase in hip fractures48 and weight loss49 in older persons.
Describing Plan Configuration According to the Covisibility of Surfaces

In this paper we propose and illustrate analytic techniques for the analysis of plans. Two issues are addressed: first, the characterization of individual surfaces according to the local and global patterns of visual connectivity between surfaces; second, the pattern of the smallest set of positions from which all surfaces become completely visible.
PA‐IgG on platelet subpopulations of different buoyant densities: High levels on the low density population is an artifact

We isolated subpopulations of normal blood platelets from platelet rich plasma (PRP) and, in parallel, from platelet rich saline (PRS) on the basis of their buoyant densities. The MPV, being smallest in the lightest subpopulation, correlated significantly with platelet buoyant density (P < 0.002). In agreement with previous reports, we showed that the least dense platelet subpopulation, separated from PRP, had a high level of PA-IgG (3,486 mol/plt). This value was significantly greater (P < 0.02) than PA-IgG in the lightest subpopulation separated from PRS (693 mol/plt). We believe that the procedure of separating platelets from PRP artificially increased PA-IgG in the least dense subpopulation. Our data showed that when Subpopulations were prepared from PRS, PA-IgG correlated with platelet buoyant density (P < 0.002), and that the subpopulation with the highest density had the highest level of PA-IgG. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structure of the surface layer protein of the outer membrane of Spirillum serpens

The outer membrane of the Gram negative bacterium, Spirillum serpens VHA, possesses an ordered surface-layer protein. A morphological model of this protein is proposed on the basis of electron micrographs that have been obtained of unstained, hydrated specimens as well as of negatively stained specimens. The molecular weight of the protein monomer in this model is consistent with the surface-layer protein molecular weight obtained by gel electrophoresis and estimated to be 140,000. In addition, gel electrophoresis reveals the presence of proteins of MW approx. = 35,000 and MW approx. = 78,000, which remain associated with the outer membrane under conditions where the ordered surface-layer protein is released in soluble form.
ON THE MECHANISM OF GENETIC RECOMBINATION IN TRANSFORMING BACILLUS SUBTILIS.

The molecular fate of transforming DNA in competent Bacillus subtilis has been studied. The physical differentiation of transforming DNA and the genetic material of recipient bacteria was effected by employing the isotopes 15 N and 32 P. Competent bacteria labeled with 15 N and 31 P were allowed to incorporate 14 N 32 P-labeled transforming DNA intracellularly. DNA was isolated from these recipient cells and centrifuged in cesium chloride. Analysis of drop fractions collected at equilibrium showed the presence of radioactivity in a region of density corresponding to recipient DNA. Material contribution from donor DNA to the resident DNA did not occur when genetically inert Bacillus cereus DNA was substituted for homologous DNA. It was concluded that radioactivity appearing in the unlabeled resident DNA was not the result of degradation of input [ 32 P]DNA and subsequent incorporation by normal metabolic processes. Since single-stranded DNA of donor origin was not detected, nor was there evidence for the non-specific aggregation of donor and recipient DNA, it was concluded that the observed physical association of transforming and recipient DNA occurs as a result of genetic recombination in transformed B. subtilis.
The impact of firm strategies on stock market value in the biotechnology industry

To what degree do stock holders extend or withhold external finance to or from publicly traded biotech firms and why? To address this question, two firms are considered here; the results suggest that the most significant events favourably altering investor valuation of firms in the diagnostic segment of the biotechnology market are those which are distributional and knowledge-gathering in nature. Buyouts of firms in the therapeutic segment of the biotechnology market play a large role in the extraction of external finance, particularly because the purchasing of another firms’ previous labours can significantly lower the costs of bringing new products to market.
The nonobvious social psychology of happiness.

There are several classic findings in social psychol ogy that behavioral scientists recognize as having ex erted a profound influence on people's understanding of the world. The stars of our field, such as Milgram, Zimbardo, Darley, and Latane, have demonstrated the power of social situations to influence behavior, for ex ample in obedience, bystander intervention, confor mity, and altruism. Another classic set of findings of social psychology describes in-group biases, and how group membership profoundly influences people's perceptions of events. The "They Saw a Game" study by Hastorf and Cantril (1954)-which showed how Dartmouth and Princeton fans recalled two very differ ent football games, although they viewed the same game-is a wonderful example in this area. John Bargh and others have begun a research tradition on
Factor Structure of the Wisc-R Mexicano

Factor structures were compared for a Spanish language version of the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, administered to 300 children from Baja California, Mexico, and for the English version administered to 613 Latino and 668 Anglo children from California. Children were randomly selected from public schools in their respective states, stratified by ethnicity and sex. The parallel analysis criterion suggested a three-factor solution for the Mexican sample. These three factors were identifiable as Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Freedom from Distractibility. Coefficients of congruence indicated that these factors were highly similar to those found for Anglos and Latinos in the United States.
Atmospheric modulation transfer function for desert and mountain locations: r 0 measurements.

Measurements of the vertical-path atmospheric modulation transfer function (MTF) have been completed at both desert and mountain locations for daytime and nighttime conditions. The average atmospheric MTF characterized by the parameter r0 is found to be virtually identical, 34 mm, for both the desert and the mountain locations during the day, whereas a ratio of 1.7 is observed at night, 47 mm versus 82 mm, respectively. Relative peaks in r0 for both the mountain and the desert sites corresponding to the daily air-surface temperature crossover periods are observed. By collecting data at both 2 and 8 m above the desert surface, the effects of tower height are investigated.
Predictive toxicodynamics : Empirical/mechanistic approaches

A major objective of the toxicological sciences is to predict the in vivo toxicological consequences of human exposure to pure chemicals, complex mixtures and commercial formulations. Historically, the experimental approach to this goal has been to investigate toxicological processes in whole animal models and extrapolate the results obtained to predict human risk using various extrapolation procedures (high-dose/low-dose extrapolation, interspecies extrapolation and route-to-route extrapolation). Can in vitro methods be more widely employed in quantitative risk assessment? One major limitation to the broader application of in vitro toxicity testing methods is the lack of validated techniques for the extrapolation of in vitro-derived toxicodynamic data to the in vivo situation. The objective of this paper is to describe some approaches to the development of techniques to extrapolate in vitro toxicity testing data to predict in vivo toxicological responses. An empirical approach within the context of a mechanistic framework is explored. The basic hypothesis is that the in vivo response can be constructed from a cellular toxicity factor that accounts for the cellular response and a toxicodynamic factor that relates toxicological events at the cellular level to the observable in vivo responses. A predictive paradigm to describe the in vivo acute target organ toxicity (hepatotoxicity) of a model chemical (cadmium) is discussed. The cellular toxicity factor is derived from in vitro toxicity testing studies using isolated rat hepatocytes. The toxicodynamic factor is derived through Biologically-Based Response (BBR) modelling techniques to predict target organ toxicity markers (i.e. plasma hepatic enzyme levels as markers for acute hepatotoxicity). The ultimate goal is to develop validated extrapolation procedures that can be applied to predicting target organ toxicity quantitatively in human populations based on in vitro toxicity studies using human cellular models.
The importance of mouse models to define immunovirologic determinants of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severely debilitating and often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in immunosuppressed individuals caused by JC polyomavirus (JCV), a ubiquitous human pathogen. Demyelination results from lytically infected oligodendrocytes, whose clearance is impaired in the setting of depressed JCV-specific T cell-mediated CNS surveillance. Although mutations in the viral capsid and genomic rearrangements in the viral noncoding region appear to set the stage for PML in the immunosuppressed population, mechanisms of demyelination and CNS antiviral immunity are poorly understood in large part due to absence of a tractable animal model that mimics PML neuropathology in humans. Early studies using mouse polyomavirus (MPyV) in T cell-deficient mice demonstrated productive viral replication in the CNS and demyelination; however, these findings were confounded by spinal cord compression by virus-induced vertebral bone tumors. Here, we review current literature regarding animal models of PML, focusing on current trends in antiviral T cell immunity in non-lymphoid organs, including the CNS. Advances in our understanding of polyomavirus lifecycles, viral and host determinants of persistent infection, and T cell-mediated immunity to viral infections in the CNS warrant revisiting polyomavirus CNS infection in the mouse as a bona fide animal model for JCV-PML.
Pump-induced bleaching of the saturable absorber in short-pulse Nd:YAG/Cr/sup 4+/:YAG passively Q-switched microchip lasers

Bleaching of the saturable absorber by pump light increases the length of the pulse generated in a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr/sup 4+/:YAG microchip laser and decreases the pulse energy. This effect is greatest when transmitted pump light is nearly focused in the Cr/sup 4+/:YAG and when pumping is sufficiently intense to bleach the absorption of the Nd:YAG. Both effects are important in short-pulse microchip lasers. The maximum repetition rate of a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG/Cr/sup 4+/:YAG microchip laser is correlated with the pulsewidth. In general, it decreases as the pulsewidth gets shorter.
Surface Treatment of Carbon Fibers Using Low Temperature Plasma

Abstract Low temperature plasma treatment experiments were conducted on AS4 and AU4 type fibers in the presence of air, argon and nitrogen to study their effects on the resulting fiber-matrix adhesion in the composites fabricated with the fibers. Optimum conditions for the introduction of maximum surface oxygen and nitrogen functional groups on AS4 and AU4 fiber surfaces were derived. X-ray photelectron spectroscopy was performed on the fiber surfaces to determine the effect of plasma treatment on the amount and types of surface functional groups introduced. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on the fiber surfaces and the amount of surface etching and pitting was correlated to the plasma treatment conditions. Transverse tensile specimens were fabricated from treated fibers representing a few plasma treatment conditions, and their transverse tensile strengths were measured experimentally. An attempt was made to determine the effects of factors such as amount of chemical groups on the fiber surfaces...
Memorable encounters: Ideology, information acquisition, and television news

Abstract Many consumers of television news perceive the ideological position held by certain networks as being either consonant with, or dissonant from, their own political beliefs. This raises the question of how the perceived consonance or dissonance of media sources influences the viewer's ability to acquire and recall information. It is possible that being exposed to a consonant media source could lead an individual to pay more attention, whereas the individual would be more inclined to dismiss a dissonant media source. In contrast, however, it is also possible that an individual may pay extra attention to the dissonant media source because it presents a perspective that differs from the one that individual currently holds. Utilizing an experimental research design, I am able to demonstrate that individuals are better able to acquire and recall information presented to them by a media source that they perceive to be ideologically dissonant from their own political position.
The Coupling of Submillimeter Corner-Cube Antennas to Gaussian Beams

We have calculated a number of experimentally useful properties of 90° corner-cube antennas. These are the orientation and waistsize of the best-matched Gaussian beam, the power coupling efficiency to this beam, and the radiation resistance. The coupling calculation incorporates all known effects, including main beam efficiency, polarization mismatch, aberrations. It is found that the conventional prescription for antenna length, L = 4λ, and spacing from the dihedral, d = 1.2λ, does not yield optimal coupling. Exploring a grid in the L-d plane, we find optimal coupling to be obtained for L = 1.35λ, d = 0.9λ. An improvement of 1.5 db in coupling efficiency, from 55% to 78% is thereby achieved. This modification increases the width of the best-matched Gaussian beam from w 0/λ = 1.82 (FWHM = 12°) to w 0/λ = 1.24 (FWHM = 17°), and reduces the radiation impedance from 130Ω to 65Ω.
Inhibition of Human Plasma and Serum Butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) by α-Chaconine and α-Solanine

Abstract The purpose of these experiments was to determine the reversibility of α-chaconine and α-solanine inhibition of human plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). For the substrate α-naphthylacetate, optimal assay conditions were 0.50 M sodium phosphate buffer and a substrate concentration of 3–5 × 10 −4 M . Dibucaine (1 × 10 −5 M ) indicated the usual phenotype for all subjects; α-chaconine and α-solanine at 2.88 × 10 −6 M inhibited BuChE about 70 and 50%, respectively. One- and 24-hr incubations at 1 × 10 −5 M with α-chaconine, α-solanine, paraoxon, eserine, and ethanol yielded reversible inhibition with dilution except for paraoxon. Twenty-four-hour dialyses of incubations showed no inhibition except for paraoxon. PAGE enzyme activity gels of 1- and 24-hr incubations also showed no inhibition except for paraoxon. α-Chaconine and α-solanine are reversible inhibitors of human butyrylcholinesterase. At estimated tissue levels, α-chaconine, α-solanine, and solanidine inhibited BuChE 10–86%. In assays which combined α-chaconine, α-solanine, and solanidine, inhibition of BuChE was less than additive. No inhibition of albumin α-naphthylacetate esterase (an arylesterase) was noted with any inhibitor. The importance of these data to adverse toxicological effects of potato alkaloids is discussed..
2-[Bis(1-adamantantyl)phosphino]-N,N-dimethylaniline

2-Bis(adamant-1-yl)(dimethylaminophenyl)phosphine [1219080-77-9] C28H40NP (MW 421.6) InChI = 1S/C28H40NP/c1-29(2)25-5-3-4-6-26(25)30(27-13-19-7-20(14-27)9-21(8-19)15-27)28-16-22-10-23(17-28)12-24(11-22)18-28/h3-6,19-24H,7-18H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = MILNYLCUWRWYBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (ligand employed in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions) Alternate Name: Me-DalPhos. Physical Data: mp 237–242 °C. Solubility: soluble in most polar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: white to pale yellow powder or crystals. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR, Elemental Analysis. Preparative Method: Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2-bromo-N,N-dimethylaniline and diadamantyl phosphine.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the phosphine is not particularly sensitive to air or moisture although precautions, such as storage under inert atmosphere in a cool place, should be taken during long-term storage.
Readiness to change as a predictor of drug-related behaviors in a sample of rural felony probationers.

Objective: Relationships between readiness to change and common drug-related behaviors were explored in a sample (N = 776) of rural probationers in the state of Kentucky. Methods: Self-reported data was gathered on measures of readiness to change, frequency of marijuana use, possession of drugs/related paraphernalia, and driving while under the influence of drugs/alcohol at time periods before and after arrest. Results: Independent of the influence of demographic characteristics such as age, gender, race, and treatment history, increases in readiness to change scores were accompanied by reductions in all three drug-related behaviors. Conclusion: Readiness to change has important implications for treatment involving rural probationers.
On the Ecological Validity of Behavior Modification

Perhaps the single most significant characteristic of the 20th century has been the logarithmic development and unbridled application of new technology. Technological advances in sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology have been promulgated at an outstanding rate, bringing with them dramatic increases in the perceived quality of life. Spurred by public demand and often supported by monies appropriated for research and development, scientists have grasped hungrily at new innovations, adopting the maxim “if it can be done, it should be done.”
Thin oxide thickness extrapolation from capacitance-voltage measurements

Five oxide-thickness extrapolation algorithms, all based on the same model (metal gate, negligible interface traps, no quantum effects), are compared to determine their accuracy. Three sets of parameters are used: (acceptor impurity concentration, oxide thickness, and temperature): (10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/, 250 /spl Aring/, 300 K), (5/spl times/10/sup 17/ Cm/sup -3/, 250 /spl Aring/, 300 K), and (5/spl times/10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/, 50 /spl Aring/, 150 K). Demonstration examples show that a new extrapolation method, which includes Fermi-Dirac statistics, gives the most accurate results, while the widely-used C/sub o//spl sime/C/sub g/ (measured at the power supply voltage) is the least accurate. The effect of polycrystalline silicon gate is also illustrated.
Barotropic tidal mixing effects in a coupled climate model: Oceanic conditions in the Northern Atlantic

Abstract Impacts of mixing driven by barotropic tides in a coupled climate model are investigated by using an atmosphere–ocean–ice–land coupled climate model, the GFDL CM2.0. We focus on oceanic conditions of the Northern Atlantic. Barotropic tidal mixing effects increase the surface salinity and density in the Northern Atlantic and decrease the RMS error of the model surface salinity and temperature fields related to the observational data.
Allee Effects, Propagule Pressure and the Probability of Establishment: Risk Analysis for Biological Invasions

Colonization is of longstanding interest in theoretical ecology and biogeography, and in the management of weeds and other invasive species, including insect pests and emerging infectious diseases. Due to accelerating invasion rates and widespread economic costs and environmental damages caused by invasive species, colonization theory has lately become a matter of considerable interest. Here we review the concept of propagule pressure to inquire if colonization theory might provide quantitative tools for risk assessment of biological invasions. By formalizing the concept of propagule pressure in terms of stochastic differential equation models of population growth, we seek a synthesis of invasion biology and theoretical population biology. We focus on two components of propagule pressure that affect the chance of invasion: (1) the number of individuals initially introduced, and (2) the rate of subsequent immigration. We also examine how Allee effects, which are expected to be common in newly introduced populations, may inhibit establishment of introduced propagules. We find that the establishment curve (i.e., the chance of invasion as a function of initial population size), can take a variety of shapes depending on immigration rate, carrying capacity, and the severity of Allee effects. Additionally, Allee effects can cause the stationary distribution of population sizes to be bimodal, which we suggest is a possible explanation for time lags commonly observed between the detection of an introduced population and widespread invasion of the landscape.