cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformational changes in cholera toxin B subunit-ganglioside GM1 complexes are elicited by environmental pH and evoke changes in membrane structure.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to monitor pH-dependent structural changes in the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) and the membranes with which CTB associates. The distance separating the single tryptophan (Trp88) of each CTB monomer and a pyrene probe linked to the membrane-imbedded tail of ganglioside GM1 is not influenced by pH in a range from 3.5 to 7.5, consistent with the position of Trp88 in the GM1 binding site of CTB. In contrast, the distance between the pyrene probe on GM1 and coumarin, stilbene, or fluorescein probes covalently linked to specific sites on CTB appears to increase significantly as the pH is lowered to 5.0 or less. This conformational change is not accompanied by detectable changes in the distance between Trp88 and these extrinsic probe positions in the presence of nonfluorescent GM1. However, when the distance from Trp88 to the extrinsic probes is monitored as a function of pH in the absence of GM1, a conformational change is seen which indicates that recepto...
Perioperative bowel management for gynecologic surgery

Postoperative intestinal care after major gynecologic surgery has changed considerably. The purpose of this review was to describe these changes. Our findings are that (1) preoperative mechanical bowel preparation does not lower the risk of anastomotic leakage and infection, (2) elective postoperative nasogastric tube decompression increases postoperative pneumonia and does not decrease the incidence of other postoperative complications, (3) early feeding after major gynecologic surgery reduces hospital stay and does not increase (and may decrease) pneumonia and other postoperative complications, and (4) early feeding, gum chewing, bowel stimulation, alvimopan, and ketorolac may decrease the incidence of postoperative ileus.
Cellular serine proteinase induces chemotaxis by complement activation

INFILTRATION of inflamed or injured tissues by polymorphonuclear leukocytes is a fundamental pathophysiological response. Undoubtedly, there are numerous mechanisms by which leukocytes are attracted to an area of damage. One possibility is that cellular injury could release or activate a proteolytic enzyme which could generate chemotactic factors. Extracts of parenchymatous tissues1 and cells2 are chemotactic when they are incubated with complement sufficient serum. Macrophages3 and leukocytes4 contain a proteinase which generates chemotactic peptides, and recently human polymorphonuclear leukocytes have been shown to secrete an enzyme which activates complement5. Lazarus and Barrett extracted and characterised a serine proteinase which induced polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration of the skin when injected intradermally6. Subsequently, this proteinase, which is both cytotoxic and phlogistic, has been purified to homogeneity from whole human skin7, human epidermis8, human lymphocytes9 and cultures of newborn mouse epithelium (G.S.L., unpublished). This report demonstrates that this proteinase is significantly more active than trypsin, plasmin or Pronase in generating polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation and that chemotactic activity is largely dependent on complement activation.
Effects of chronic descending tractotomy on the response patterns of neurons in the trigeminal nuclei principalis and oralis.

Abstract Unilateral, descending, trigeminal tractotomy was carried out on adult cats using aseptic technique. Unit activity, evoked by bipolar noxious stimulation of the tooth pulp and by innocuous mechanical stimulation of other receptive fields, was recorded from neurons in the trigeminal principalis and oralis nuclei, 7 to 13 weeks after tractotomy. Seventy neurons from the lesion side of the brain stem and 59 from the control side were studied. All units responded to pulpal stimuli and the great majority to mechanical stimuli. Three general response configurations were produced by each of the two forms of stimulation: brief bursts of 1 to 5 spikes, trains of 6 to 20 spikes, and multiple component discharges consisting of sequences of brief bursts. No statistically significant differences between the two populations were found for peripheral field size or location, for discharge characteristics such as latency, configuration, or mean density, or for responsiveness to the two types of stimuli. However, a statistically greater proportion of control units fired dense impulse trains (more than eight spikes) to intense pulpal stimuli. The results provide evidence that the response patterns of most somatosensory neurons in nuclei principalis and oralis are unaffected by descending trigeminal tractotomy and that stimulus modality is not coded by the response characteristics of polymodal units in these nuclei. Although some modulatory influence is exerted on polymodal neurons in the rostral nuclei by the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, it appears doubtful that this is a significant factor in determining whether a peripheral stimulus is perceived as noxious or innocuous.
Protein Kinase C Regulation of ATP-Induced Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis in Bovine Aorta Endothelial Cells

AbstractThis study investigated the mechanism of protein kinase C-mediated inhibition of ATP-induced phospholipase C activation in cultured bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAEC). In BAEC labeled with 3H-inositol, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) prevented ATP-induced inositol bisphosphate and inositol trisphosphate formation. In membranes prepared from these PMA-treated cells, Ca2+-, sodium fluoride,- GTPγS-, and ATP plus GTPγS-stimulated inositol bisphosphate, but not inositol trisphosphate, formation was inhibited. Inositol trisphosphate phosphatase activity was not altered in membranes from PMA-treated BAEC. These results suggest that 1) protein kinase C inhibits ATP-induced phospholipase C activation in BAEC through interference with the coupling of phospholipase C with a G-protein and through an effect on phospholipase C itself, and 2) different mechanisms are responsible for the inhibition by protein kinase C of the phospholipase C-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate and phosphat...
Favorable prognosis of brain metastases in small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Brain metastases are found at diagnosis in 10% of patients with small cell lung cancer. To clarify the effect of central nervous system metastases on prognosis, the records of 429 patients...
In vitro evolution of a Friedel–Crafts deoxyribozyme

We report the in vitro selection of a single-stranded 72-nucleotide DNA enzyme (deoxyribozyme) that catalyzes a Friedel–Crafts reaction between an indole and acyl imidazole in good yield and in aqueous solvent. Appreciable Friedel–Crafts product requires addition of copper nitrate and the deoxyribozyme. We observe deoxyribozyme-mediated bond formation for both in cis and in trans Friedel–Crafts reactions.
vLab, a high speed multi-accesses parallel processing remote laboratory access for FPGA design technology

An innovative approach is utilized to design a remote access system to communicate with hardware design laboratories, called virtual laboratory (vLab). Through a server vLab provides multiple and concurrent accesses to FPGA design facilities in a laboratory located at Northern Illinois University. By using parallel communication channel (EPP) and MS Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) vLab is shown to provide a high speed, multi-access, parallel processing services to distance applications. vLab carries two client interface viewers (GUI) for each user, one to provide the image of the physical FPGA board located in a remote lab, and the other one directly utilizes the FPGA chip capabilities, customized according to the users' application needs. Because it uses RDP capability vLab inherits the benefits of resource (e.g. files) sharing between the server and client environments. vLab has also the capability of handling multiple boards (processors) for a single user without adding any extra hardware.
Curative factors in alcohol and drug treatment: behavioral and disease model perspectives

Unlike the general psychotherapy field which has been subjected to extensive process analysis, there are no systematic studies of treatment processes in the alcohol and drug treatment literature. As a necessary first step to study treatment process, the alcohol and drug literature was culled for references to treatment processes. Thirty-five separate processes were identified and were broadly categorized as either disease model, behavioral or general psychotherapy processes. A national survey of treatment expert's views on treatment processes was conducted to determine whether certain processes would be considered as most important in the treatment of alcohol or drug problems. Results of this survey indicate that experts tend to rate certain processes as most important in the resolution of alcohol and drug problems. Results suggest that it is possible to identify core disease model and behavioral treatment processes. These processes might be used to assess the relative effectiveness of each therapeutic approach. Finally, results indicated that while disease model and behavioral experts tended to differ strongly on their ratings of the importance of some processes, there seems to be a trend toward integrating behavioral processes into a traditional disease model framework. The use of these results in constructing an instrument to measure processes used in alcohol and drug treatment is discussed.
An assessment model: a systemic examination of the psychosocial needs of patients with epilepsy.

Abstract The major problems that a person with epilepsy faces are functions of the age of onset, severity of the disorder, and how the patient/family system copes with the seizures. The author summarizes these problems and deals with those variables that must be considered for an adequate psychosocial assessment of persons with epilepsy. The author also provides a model/ schema that should help both to individualize patients with epilepsy and to identify appropriate points of intervention for treatment and rehabilitation.
Fourier analysis of acetabular shape in native American Arikara populations before and after acquisition of horses.

The goal of this study was to identify changes in acetabular morphology associated with the use of horses by Native Americans. Previous studies reported "elongate" acetabula in horseback-riding members of the Omaha and Ponca populations. Such a difference in acetabular shape is a potentially useful osteological marker of habitual horseback riding. This report compares acetabula of adult males from two Native American Arikara populations known to have differed substantially in their use of horses. Population samples were from separate sites in South Dakota: Larson (non- riding) and Leavenworth (riding). Outlines of acetabular rims were digitized and analyzed, using a simplified 12-point Fourier analysis. A Fourier series with six terms accurately described acetabular shape. Significant differences (P , 0.10) between riding and nonriding populations were observed in two Fourier coefficients. Acetabula of riding Arikara were found to have smaller B4 coefficients (P 5 0.061) and more positive B2 coefficients (P 5 0.080), indicating expanded anterior-superior borders relative to acetabula of non- riding Arikara. Am J Phys Anthropol 113:473- 480, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
NILPOTENT INNER DERIVATIONS ON SOME SUBRINGS OF Mn(ℝ)

It is known that the degree of nilpotency of a nilpotent derivation on a prime ring including the ring of n × n matrices must be an odd number. In this article we introduce subrings of the ring of of n × n matrices that admit derivations with an even degree of nilpotency.
Contrast-detail detectability analysis: comparison of a digital spot mammography system and an analog screen-film mammography system.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors compared the contrast-detail detectability properties of an optically coupled charge-coupled device (CCD) digital mammography system with those of a conventional analog screen-film mammography system. Methods. A proprietary contrast-detail phantom was imaged with both systems. Twelve observers viewed analog and digital images obtained at seven different mean glandular doses. Contrast-detail-dose curves were generated on the basis of the readers' visual perceptions. Interobserver errors were also calculated. In addition, the authors applied a theoretical model for lesion detectability to calculate and compare the digital and analog mammography systems. Results. The readers' contrast-detail detectability was significantly superior with the digital system in the detail and contrast ranges evaluated ( P Conclusion. The performance of the readers paralleled the performance predicted by the theoretical model for the two imaging systems. The following features account for the superior performance of the digital mammography system: ( a ) higher quantum efficiency of the phosphor, ( b ) wider dynamic range, ( c ) better contrast transfer characteristics, and, most important, ( d ) greater photon flux at the phosphor entrance.
Submersed Macrophyte Vegetation and Distribution Within Lakes: Line Transect Sampling

ABSTRACT Line transects often provide a practical basis for quantitative, nondestructive sampling of aquatic vegetation; here four types of line transect arrangements are briefly compared: 1) transects perpendicular to the shoreline have been widely used, but may oversample nearshore areas where shorelines are convex; 2) transects parallel to each other at regular intervals may provide the best basis for mapping an area; but 3) parallel transects at (stratified) random intervals may reasonably represent different areas within the site and avoid possible biases of regular sampling. The tendency of all three methods to oversample some depth ranges and to combine data from different community types may be obviated by using 4) transects along depth contours near a given shoreline of nearly uniform exposure. Line transects may in some cases be sampled with a line intercept method, which is probably best suited for floating-leaved species, but most often a belt transect consisting of contiguous quadrats is more...
A technique for accurate identification of alpha frequency in the EEG

An economical and highly accurate electronic filter for the detection of narrow frequency bands in the electroencephalogram (EEG) is described. The apparatus employs solid state integrated circuits and digital logic to detect and provide feedback output. In the example given, this device acts as an alpha rhythm discriminator and provides the accuracy of a more expensive computer simulated filter.
Sulphocysteine in the urine of the blotched Kenya genet.

THE urinary amino-acid excretion of the blotched Kenya genet was first shown to be unusual by Datta and Harris1. In a survey of the urinary amino-acid excretion of various animals from the London Zoo, they found that the genet had an exceptionally high excretion of cystine. This was determined by paper chromatographic and polarographic analysis. A large quantity of cysteic acid was formed on oxidation of the urinary amino-acids, and it was reported that the cystine excretion was 1.0–1.5 mg per ml. This was unusual as it represented a greater solubility than that obtained by dissolving known cystine in a solution containing an equivalent concentration of salts and urea2. In cystinuria, a human inherited metabolic disorder, cystine is excreted at this concentration but gives rise to frequent calculus formation, and there was no evidence that the genet ever formed calculi. The other interesting feature was that in human cystinuria there was a failure of tubular reabsorption of lysine, arginine and ornithine as well as cystine, whereas the genet had no disorder of basic amino-acid excretion.
Comparison of 2D conventional, 3D conformal, and intensity-modulated treatment planning techniques for patients with prostate cancer with regard to target-dose homogeneity and dose to critical, uninvolved structures

The purpose of this study was to compare 2-dimensional (2D), 3-dimensional (3D) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques for external-beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Dose homogeneity within the target volume and doses to critical, uninvolved anatomic structures were evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) scans of 3 patients with localized prostate cancer (T2NOM0) were acquired and transferred to the treatment planning systems. The target volume and uninvolved structures were contoured on axial CT slices throughout the volume of interest. A comparison of the 3 treatment techniques was performed using isodose distributions, dose statistics, and dose-volume histograms. Dose homogeneity was found to be most uniform with the 2D technique; however, the 2D technique delivers unnecessary radiation doses to the rectum and bladder. The dose conformity observed with IMRT is increased compared with that observed with the 3D technique, as is the sparing of critical uninvolved structures; however, dose homogeneity appears to be worse with IMRT than with the 3D technique. Overall, of the 3 techniques, IMRT offers the most conformity in delivery of tumoricidal doses to the prostate while sparing dose to critical, uninvolved structures. Association of Medical Dosimetrists.
Formation of taurine and isethionic acid in rat brain

Abstract Sulfur of methionine is shown to flow into cysteine via the transsulfuration pathway and ultimately into taurine and sulfate via hypotaurine. Labelled intermediates, homocysteine and cystathionine, were detected in rat brain slices after the incubation with [35]methionine. [35S]Cysteine was identified as cystine after addition of carrier and crystallization. Cysteine sulfur is shown to flow into taurine and sulfate via cysteine sulfinate and hypotaurine. The identification of hypotaurine gives strong support to the proposed pathway of taurine formation. Taurine is shown to undergo reactions to yield isethionic acid in very small amounts. The mechanism of the conversion has not been worked out but proof is furnished that the conversion is enzymatic.
Connected Classroom Technology Facilitates Multiple Components of Formative Assessment Practice

Formative assessment has been demonstrated to result in increased student achievement across a variety of educational contexts. When using formative assessment strategies, teachers engage students in instructional tasks that allow the teacher to uncover levels of student understanding so that the teacher may change instruction accordingly. Tools that support the implementation of formative assessment strategies are therefore likely to enhance student achievement. Connected classroom technologies (CCTs) include a family of devices that show promise in facilitating formative assessment. By promoting the use of interactive student tasks and providing both teachers and students with rapid and accurate data on student learning, CCT can provide teachers with necessary evidence for making instructional decisions about subsequent lessons. In this study, the experiences of four middle and high school science teachers in their first year of implementing the TI-Navigator™ system, a specific type of CCT, are used to characterize the ways in which CCT supports the goals of effective formative assessment. We present excerpts of participant interviews to demonstrate the alignment of CCT with several main phases of the formative assessment process. CCT was found to support implementation of a variety of instructional tasks that generate evidence of student learning for the teacher. The rapid aggregation and display of student learning evidence provided teachers with robust data on which to base subsequent instructional decisions.
The contribution of family cohesion and the pain-coping process to depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia.

This research evaluated a model for examining the role of family cohesion and the pain-coping process in predicting depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder of unknown etiology. Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent in this patient group. Fifty-nine percent of the sample met or exceeded the cutoff score of 16 for depression on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), while slightly greater than 50% exceeded the cutoff score of 19, a figure that is suggested for evaluating depression in chronic pain populations. Multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic factors and medication use, revealed that low family cohesion (either reported by the patient or the patient’s spouse), high pain, high helplessness, and high passive coping contributed independently to greater CES-D scores. Pain also was related to higher depression scores indirectly through its association with greater helplessness and passive coping. In contrast, no indirect effects of family cohesion were found on depressive symptoms through pain, helplessness, and passive coping. Structural equation modeling procedures provided confirmatory evidence of the significance of these relationships, indicating a high degree of goodness-of-fit with the model examined. The data illustrate the import of a multidimensionalframeworkfor conceptualizing physical, psychological, and social determinants of depressive disturbance in fibromyalgia.
Quality of Life and Outcomes in Glioblastoma Management

This article explores the effects of modern treatment on the health-related quality of life in patients who suffer from glioblastoma multiforme.
Genetic Analysis of the Regulation of Type IV Pilus Function by the Chp Chemosensory System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The virulence of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa involves the coordinate expression of many virulence factors, including type IV pili, which are required for colonization of host tissues and for twitching motility. Type IV pilus function is controlled in part by the Chp chemosensory system, which includes a histidine kinase, ChpA, and two CheY-like response regulators, PilG and PilH. How the Chp components interface with the type IV pilus motor proteins PilB, PilT, and PilU is unknown. We present genetic evidence confirming the role of ChpA, PilG, and PilB in the regulation of pilus extension and the role of PilH and PilT in regulating pilus retraction. Using informative double and triple mutants, we show that (i) ChpA, PilG, and PilB function upstream of PilH, PilT, and PilU; (ii) that PilH enhances PilT function; and (iii) that PilT and PilB retain some activity in the absence of signaling input from components of the Chp system. By site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that the histidine kinase domain of ChpA and the phosphoacceptor sites of both PilG and PilH are required for type IV pilus function, suggesting that they form a phosphorelay system important in the regulation of pilus extension and retraction. Finally, we present evidence suggesting that pilA transcription is regulated by intracellular PilA levels. We show that PilA is a negative regulator of pilA transcription in P. aeruginosa and that the Chp system functionally regulates pilA transcription by controlling PilA import and export.
The effect on dissonance of surprise consequences

Abstract The hypothesis that volition in commitment is a sufficient condition for later negative consequences to create dissonance has not been supported by recent evidence. The more specific hypothesis that the magnitude of dissonance aroused by a commitment will be reduced or increased by subsequent, unexpected, positive and negative consequences, respectively, was suggested and tested in the following way. Under the guise of consumer research, subjects were given a choice between two attractive LP records. Some of the subjects were forewarned that by selecting the right record they could also win two free movie tickets, while other subjects were not forewarned. After the choice, half of the forewarned and half of the unforewarned subjects learned that they had won two free movie tickets by their selection of a record, while the other half learned that they had not won the two free tickets by their selection. A control condition without mention of tickets established the amount of dissonance reduction from the choice per se. A measure of change in attractiveness of the records from before and after the choice indicated that the magnitude of dissonance was affected by winning or not winning the tickets only when subjects were forewarned. It was concluded that surprise consequences probably do not affect the magnitude of pre-existent dissonance and that “felt responsibility” for consequences may be an appropriate concept for understanding the relevant evidence.
Creating partnerships that pay off

Purpose – To assist library development staff in redefining who their library donors and constituency are in order to broaden the donor pool.Design/methodology/approach – Uses strategies developed by fund‐raising efforts at the University of Michigan.Findings – Cooperative development initiatives can lead to untapped fund‐raising opportunities by looking across campus and considering developing new relationships with departments and colleagues, thinking creatively about cultivation opportunities, and educating and finding ways to reward new friends.Originality/value – Suggests ideas that lead to a library development program that can engage and touch lives on campus and in the community, which also can translate into fund‐raising opportunities.
Myocyte Recovery After Mechanical Circulatory Support in Humans With End-Stage Heart Failure

Background—The failing myocardium is characterized by decreased force production, slowed relaxation, and depressed responses to β-adrenergic stimulation. In some heart failure patients, heart function is so poor that a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is inserted as a bridge to transplantation. In the present research, we investigated whether circulatory support with an LVAD influenced the functional properties of myocytes from the failing heart. Methods and Results—Myocytes were isolated from human explanted failing hearts (HF-myocytes) and failing hearts with antecedent LVAD support (HF-LVAD-myocytes). Studies of myocyte function indicated that the magnitude of contraction was greater (9.6±0.7% versus 6.9±0.5% shortening), the time to peak contraction was significantly abbreviated (0.37±0.01 versus 0.75±0.04 seconds), and the time to 50% relaxation was reduced (0.55±0.02 versus 1.45±0.11 seconds) in the HF-LVAD-myocytes compared with the HF-myocytes (P<0.05). The HF-LVAD-myocytes had larger contrac...
Evidence for phosphine production and emission from Louisiana and Florida marsh soils

Abstract A diffusion chamber and solid adsorbent preconcentration technique followed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography were developed for quantifying phosphine production and emission from wetland soils. The first quantifiable emissions of phosphine from wetlands to the atmosphere are reported measured in Louisiana brackish (0.42-3.03 ng pH3/m2/h) and salt (0.91-6.52 ng PH3/m2/h) marshes. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that Florida Everglades marsh soil can also produce phosphine (1.57 ± 2.9 pg PH3/g wet sediment/h), and these values can be increased significantly, by adding additional phosphate and energy source (to 380 ± 70 pg PH3/g wet sediment/h).
Relationship factors associated with gay male couples' concordance on aspects of their sexual agreements: Establishment, type, and adherence

Factors associated with gay male couples’ concordance on aspects of sexual agreements remain understudied. The present study examined which relationship factors, self-reports of UAI, and patterns of HIV testing may be associated with men who were concordant about having a sexual agreement, the same type of sexual agreement, and adhering to their sexual agreement with their main partner. Various recruitment strategies were used to collect dyadic data from 142 gay male couples. Concordance on aspects of sexual agreements varied within the sample. Results indicated that relationship satisfaction was significantly associated with couples who were concordant about having and adhering to their sexual agreement. Predictability and faith of trusting a partner, and value in one’s sexual agreement were also positively associated with couples’ adhering to their sexual agreement. More research is needed to better understand how relationship dynamics, including sexual agreements, affect HIV risk among gay male couples in the U.S.
Blastogenesis induced in human lymphocytes by neuraminidase-galactose oxidase treated autologous and allogeneic cells.

Oxidation of human peripheral leucocytes with galactose oxidase following treatment by neuraminidase endows them with the ability to induce blastogenic transformation in autologous or allogeneic lymphocytes. Neuraminidase-galactose oxidase treated HeLa cells are similarly capable of inducing transformation of human lymphocytes. Glass-adherent cells are required in either the stimulating or stimulated populations when transformation is induced by oxidized leucocytes. Stimulation by oxidized HeLa cells does not require the presence of glass-adherent cells. The induction of blastogenesis by oxidized cells can be prevented by agents which either reduce or form adducts with carbonyl groups on the oxidized cells.
A Century of Rangeland Conservation in the Forest Service

A century of rangeland conservation in the Forest Service. DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v27i3_bosworth
Stability and response studies of multicolor electrochromic polymer modified electrodes prepared from tris(5,5′-dicarboxyester-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)

Abstract A monomeric metal complex, tris(5,5′-dicarbo(3-acrylatoprop-1-oxy)-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) as its p-toluene sulfonate salt, can be spin coated onto optically transparent SnO2 and thermally polymerized to yield a polymer modified electrode with multicolor (7 color) electrochromic properties. The polymer shows rapid electrochemical response (as short as 250 ms for total conversion through seven oxidation states) and good stability. The response and stability characteristics of the polymer have been examined with respect to polymerization conditions, electrode substrate pretreatment, solvent, supporting electrolyte, and potential excitation vs. time program
Films of Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles with Polycations or Myoglobin from Alternate-Layer Adsorption†

Alternate adsorption of manganese oxide nanoparticles with polycations poly(dimethyldiallylammonium) (PDDA) or myoglobin (Mb) onto silver, quartz, and rough pyrolytic graphite gave stable, porous, ultrathin films. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and UV−vis absorbance revealed regular film growth at each adsorption step for MnO2 and PDDA and for SiO2 nanoparticles and Mb. Scanning electron microscopy of MnO2/PDDA films showed smooth surfaces on the 20 nm scale and cross sections consistent with individual nanoparticles. QCM during growth of films of Mb and MnO2 reflected a competition for adsorption of the protein by the film surface and dispersed MnO2 nanoparticles. Nevertheless, films of Mb and MnO2 up to 30 nm thick on rough pyrolytic graphite electrodes could be constructed. These novel films featured reversible interconversion of the protein's heme FeIII/FeII redox couple with 10 electroactive layers of protein, considerably more than for polyion−Mb films on smooth gold (ca. 1.3 electroactive layers...
Helix 3–helix 5 interactions in steroid hormone receptor function☆

Abstract Steroid hormones working through their receptors regulate a wide variety of physiologic processes necessary for normal homeostasis. Recent years have witnessed great advances in our understanding of how these hormones interact with their receptors, and have brought us closer to the era of directed drug design. We previously described a novel intramolecular interaction between helix 3 and helix 5 which is responsible for a Mendelian form of human hypertension. Further studies revealed that this interaction is highly conserved throughout the steroid hormone receptor family and functions as a key regulator of steroid hormone receptor sensitivity and specificity. Here, we review the contribution of helix 3–helix 5 interaction to steroid hormone receptor activity, with an eye towards how this knowledge may aid in the creation of novel therapeutic agonists and antagonists.
Rectovaginal Constriction (RVC) in Jersey Cattle: VI. Immunohistochemical Studies of Collagen

Summary Immunohistochemical analysis of collagen types within the external anal sphincter muscle was carried out. The analysis revealed increases in types I, III, and V collagen in RVC affected animals. In addition, staining for type II collagen was positive in affected and carrier individuals but was negative in normal animals. This finding may represent a novel method for the detection of animals heterozygous for the RVC condition. Zusammenfassung Rectovaginale Constriction (RVC) bei Jersey-Rindern IV. Immunohistochemische Untersuchungen des Kollagens Es wurde eine immunohistochemische Analyse der Kollagen-Typen im externen analen Sphincter durchgefuhrt. Dabei stellte sich eine Zunahme der Kollagen-Typen I, III und V bei RVC-Tieren heraus. Ferner war die Farbung fur Typ-II-Kollagen bei Tieren mit RVC sowie bei RVC-Tragern im Gegensatz zu normalen Tieren positiv. Aufgrund dieses Befundes konnen zukunftig bezuglich der RVC heterozygote Tiere moglicherweise identifiziert werden.
Effects of a Literacy Curriculum That Supports Writing Development of Spanish-Speaking English Learners in Head Start

This article reports the results of a preliminary study that applied a randomized posttest-only design to evaluate the effectiveness of a literacy curriculum that incorporated explicit opportunitie...
In situ solid state 11B MAS-NMR studies of the thermal decomposition of ammonia borane: mechanistic studies of the hydrogen release pathways from a solid state hydrogen storage material

The mechanism of hydrogen release from solid state ammonia borane (AB) has been investigated via in situ solid state 11B and 11B{1H} MAS-NMR techniques in external fields of 7.1 T and 18.8 T at a decomposition temperature of 88 °C, well below the reported melting point. The decomposition of AB is well described by an induction, nucleation and growth mechanistic pathway. During the induction period, little hydrogen is released from AB; however, a new species identified as a mobile phase of AB is observed in the 11B NMR spectra. Subsequent to induction, at reaction times when hydrogen is initially being released, three additional species are observed: the diammoniate of diborane (DADB), [(NH3)2BH2]+[BH4]−, and two BH2N2 species believed to be the linear (NH3BH2NH2BH3) and cyclic dimer (NH2BH2)2 of aminoborane. At longer reaction times the sharper features are replaced by broad, structureless peaks of a complex polymeric aminoborane (PAB) containing both BH2N2 and BHN3 species. The following mechanistic model for the induction, nucleation and growth for AB decomposition leading to formation of hydrogen is proposed: (i) an induction period that yields a mobile phase of AB caused by disruption of the dihydrogen bonds; (ii) nucleation that yields reactive DADB from the mobile AB; and (iii) growth that includes a bimolecular reaction between DADB and AB to release the stored hydrogen.
Bush Administration and the Democratic Senate Wrestle With Health Care

As his administration approaches its 6-month mark, President Bush has filled his cabinet, survived a showdown with China over a spy plane, and seen his $1.35 trillion tax cut passed by the House and Senate—just as the Republicans lost control of the Senate with the change of party by Senator James Jeffords of Vermont, who became an independent. Yet Bush and the new Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) agree that a patients’ bill of rights is a top priority. For Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), President Bush selected Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, a conservative best known for successfully pruning the welfare roles in Wisconsin. Less well known is that, to do so, he offered innovative solutions for day care and health care for the former welfare recipients entering the work place. Thompson was known as a supporter of scientific research and a critic of governmental bureaucracy, particularly at HHS and its Health Care Financing Administration, now renamed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In filling out his staff and agency directors, Thompson and the White House, advised by Senator Bill Frist, MD (R-TN), have considered hundreds of nominees (Disclosure: the author served on the Bush-Cheney Transition Committee). To run CMS, they tapped Thomas Scully, who was formerly in charge of Medicare and Medicaid budget oversight at the Office of Management and Budget under former President Bush, after which he served as Executive Director of the Federation of American Health Care Systems, the trade association for the Hospital Corporation of America, Tenet, and Humana. Scully is considered moderately conservative; several more passionate right-to-life candidates were given positions unrelated to health care. Scully is focusing now on encouraging health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to offer plans to Medicare beneficiaries and on making CMS more efficient …
Blooming stages of Turkish hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) affect essential oil composition

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), native to the Caucasus, North Western Iran, Turkish North Eastern Black Sea region, and Southern Anatolia, is a highly valued medicinal plant. The experiment was c...
CONSCIOUSNESS OR CONSCIOUSNESSES? MODELING FOR DISENTANGLING

After discussing a possible contradiction in Sloman's very challenging intervention, I stress the need for not identifying "consciousness" with phenomenal consciousness and with the "qualia" problem. I claim that it is necessary to distinguish different forms and functions of "consciousness" and to explicitly model them, also by exploiting the specific advantage of AI: to make experiments impossible in nature, by separating what cannot be separated in human behavior/mind. As for phenomenal consciousness, one should first be able to model what it means to have a "body" and to "feel" it.
Development of an integrated millimeter-wave Fourier transform spectrometer

This paper presents the concept of an integrated millimeter-wave Fourier transform spectrometer. It is proposed to integrate the interferometer through the use of planar transmission line circuits onto a single chip. The splitting and combining of the broadband signal can be realized through the use of coupled-line couplers and the sliding reflector can be realized with distributed RF-MEMS transmission lines. Calculations are given to demonstrate the feasibility of this concept.
Modulation of ovarian cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase and cytochrome aromatase messenger ribonucleic acid by prolactin in the domestic turkey.

The effect of exogenous ovine prolactin (oPRL) on preovulatory follicle P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase (C17) and aromatase (ARO) mRNA abundance was investigated in turkeys. Ovine PRL (124 IU/hen per day) was injected i.m. into four sets (n = 8) of laying turkeys for 2, 4, 8, or 14 days. Vehicle was injected into control hens for 8 days (n = 8). Blood samples were collected and serum was assayed for LH, progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E). Theca layers from the largest (F1) and the third (F3), fifth (F5), and seventh (F7) largest preovulatory follicles and from small white follicles (SWF) were examined for C17 and ARO mRNA contents. The number of atretic follicles increased from 0 (vehicle-injected controls) to 9 (14-day-oPRL-injected hens). Serum E, T, and LH levels decreased, while P levels remained unchanged. There was a transient increase in theca C17 mRNA abundance of 2- and 4-day-oPRL-treated hen follicles. Cytochrome P450 ARO mRNA levels were reduced in SWF and F7 in response to oPRL. Thecal C17 and ARO mRNA content was reduced during follicular maturation in laying hens. ARO mRNA was not detectable in granulosa cells. The progressive decline in C17 and ARO mRNA content associated with follicular maturation as well as the absence of ARO mRNA in granulosa cells is consistent with the secretory activity of P, T, and E in preovulatory follicles. These findings suggest that reduced circulating E may be a consequence of suppressed ARO gene expression whereas the oPRL suppression of T secretion may not be coupled to C17 gene expression.
An experimental study of the dilation factor in sandstone under anisotropic stress conditions

Dilation factor (R) is defined as the ratio of relative change in velocity to relative change in deformation. R has significant implications for time-lapse(4D) seismic studies where it can be used to infer reservoir compaction or overburden expansion from seismic changes. In situ stresses are usually unequal in the vertical and horizontal directions. And these anisotropic stress conditions are a dominant factor controlling acoustic velocities and strain. We conducted deformation and ultrasonic experiments to study the effect of triaxial stress on dilation factor. Two different sandstone samples with different porosities were used in the experiments. Measured absolute R values ranged from 6 to 91. R values are dependent on the deformation mechanisms causing the strain. Dynamic Young’s modulus (low amplitude) is generally higher than the static Young’s modulus (high amplitude) as they correspond to different deformation mechanisms. Hence, theoretical models that use the same mechanisms to describe both wave propagation and macroscopic deformation are not valid. The ratio of dynamic to static moduli depends on the direction of stress applied with respect to the density and placement of compliant pores. R values were also found to be strongly dependent on the stress states, hence using a constant value of R from the seafloor to the reservoir depth should be avoided. Reduced stress sensitivity of velocities at higher confining pressures led to lower absolute values for R. R values are different for P and S waves, especially in the presence of fluids.
Measuring cognitive impairment in substance abusers with psychiatric comorbidity using the screening test for the Luria‐Nebraska neuropsychological battery: Comments regarding positive predictive power and diagnostic prevalence

The present study examined the diagnostic accuracy of the Screening Test for the Luria‐Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (ST‐LNNB). Specifically, the ability of the ST‐LNNB to detect cognitive impairment versus nonimpairment among psychiatrically involved substance abusers was assessed. In light of the fact that cognitive impairment is relatively common within this population and given the paucity of research on the ST‐LNNB, such data would be instrumental in clarifying the conditions under which the ST‐LNNB validly assesses cognitive impairment. Subjects consisted of 183 male and 89 female substance abusing inpatients with psychiatric comorbidity residing in a private psychiatric hospital. Level of cognitive functioning was assessed by the Shipley Institute of Living Scale (SILS), with Abstraction Quotients less than or equal to 90 denoting cognitive impairment. Results indicated that under conditions of low to moderate diagnostic prevalence (less than about .45), the ST‐LNNB evidenced low positive pre...
Thermal Characteristics of Mixed Electroosmotic and Pressure-Driven Microflows

Analytical solutions for the temperature distribution, heat transfer coefficient, and Nusselt number of steady electroosmotic flows with an arbitrary pressure gradient are obtained for two-dimensional straight microchannels. The thermal analysis considers interaction among advective, diffusive, and Joule heating terms in order to obtain the thermally developing behavior of mixed electroosmotic and pressure-driven flows with isothermal boundary conditions. Heat transfer characteristics are obtained for low Reynolds number microflows where the viscous and electric field terms are very dominant. The electroosmotic component of the flow velocity is modelled with Helmholtz-Smoluchowski slip velocity, and the mixed flow velocity is presented as linear superposition of pure electroosmotic velocity and plane Poiseuille velocity. In mixed flow cases, the governing equation for energy is not separable in general. Therefore, we introduced a method that considers the extended Graetz problem. Analytical results show that the heat transfer coefficient of mixed electroosmotic and pressure-driven flow is smaller than that of pure electroosmotic flow. For the parameter range studied here (Re<0.7), the fully developed Nusselt number is independent of the thermal Peclet number for both pure electroosmotic and mixed electroosmotic-pressure driven microflows. In mixed electroosmotic and pressure-driven flows, the thermal entrance length increases with the imposed pressure gradient.
General solution to gradient-induced transverse and longitudinal relaxation of spins undergoing restricted diffusion

We develop an approach, by calculating the autocorrelation function of spins, to derive the magnetic field gradient-inducedtransverse(T2)relaxationofspinsundergoingrestricteddiffusion.Thisapproachisanextension to the method adopted by McGregor. McGregor’s approach solves the problem only in the fast diffusion limit; however, our approach yields a single analytical solution suitable in all diffusion regimes, including the intermediate regime. This establishes a direct connection between the well-known slow diffusion result of Torrey and the fast diffusion result. We also perform free induction decay measurements on spin-exchange optically polarized 3 He gas with different diffusion constants. The measured transverse relaxation profiles are compared with the theory and satisfactory agreement has been found throughout all diffusion regimes. In addition to the transverse relaxation, this approach is also applicable to solving the longitudinal relaxation (T1) regardless of the diffusion limits. It turns out that the longitudinal relaxation in the slow diffusion limit differs by a factor of 2 from that in the fast diffusion limit.
Gorenstein subrings of invariants under Hopf algebra actions

Abstract This paper concerns conditions on the action of a finite dimensional semisimple Hopf algebra on an Artin–Schelter regular algebra that force the subring of invariants to satisfy the Artin–Schelter Gorenstein condition. Classical results such as Watanabe's Theorem and Stanley's Theorem are extended from the case of a group action to the context of a Hopf algebra action. A Hopf algebra version of the homological determinant is introduced, and it becomes an important tool in the generalization from group actions to Hopf algebra actions.
Reflections on “The Graph”

This article responds to arguments by Skidmore and Thompson (this issue of Educational Researcher) that a graph published more than 10 years ago was erroneously reproduced and “gratuitously damaged” perceptions of the quality of education research. After describing the purpose of the original graph, the author counters assertions that the graph changed perceptions or that this was anything more than a case of unintentional editorial sloppiness.
Isoscalar g-factors of odd-odd N = Z nuclei

It is known that the measured and calculated g-factors of 21+ states in even-even N=Z nuclei have values g0.5. Both the collective model and the LS limit of the shell model (with L=2, S=0) can explain this. Here we note that the isoscalar g-factors of low-lying 1+, 3+, and 5+ T=0 states in medium-mass odd-odd N=Z nuclei have also been measured to have values close to 0.5. An up-to-date compilation of the experimental values is presented. Also included are the results of large-scale shell model calculations which agree very well with the experimental data. We show that the isoscalar g-factors in N=Z nuclei also approach 0.5 in the large-l limit for a single-j shell model.