cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced progesterone action during endometrial maturation: a potential risk factor for the development of endometriosis.

Objective To discuss the role that reduced endometrial responsiveness to progesterone (P) might play in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Design A review of experimental evidence regarding the failure of P to regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Conclusion(s) Progesterone and locally produced differentiation factors act cooperatively to reduce MMP expression by maternal endometrial cells within the pro-inflammatory micro-environment of early pregnancy. Our in vitro studies with normal human endometrium demonstrate that prior P exposure not only down-regulates MMP expression, but also limits the ability of locally produced proinflammatory cytokines to stimulate expression of these enzymes. In contrast, endometrial tissues from women with endometriosis demonstrate an altered response to P, allowing a continuous expression of MMPs throughout the secretory phase. Although the factors that influence the loss of P sensitivity in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis have not yet been defined, alterations in cell–cell communication seem to contribute to dysregulated MMP expression. Specifically, proinflammatory cytokines produced by epithelial cells oppose stromal cell responses to P, inhibiting production of key differentiation factors necessary for cell-specific MMP regulation. The resulting loss in normal MMP regulation enhances the invasive capacity of endometrial tissue, promoting ectopic establishment in an experimental model.
Effects of ethanol on cultured fetal serotonergic neurons.

In utero ethanol exposure impairs the development of several neurotransmitter systems, including the serotonergic system. However, at present the mechanism by which in utero ethanol exposure damages the developing brain is unknown. This research examined the possibility that ethanol directly impairs the development of serotonergic neurons. This hypothesis was assessed by examining the content of serotonin (5-HT), 5-HT uptake, and 5-HT immunopositive neurons in cultures of fetal rhombencephalic neurons that were exposed to ethanol for 4 days in vitro. In addition, the effects of in vitro ethanol exposure on protein and DNA content of cultured rhombencephalic neurons were determined. These studies demonstrated that a 4-day exposure of cultured rhombencephatic neurons to 50 to 300 mg ethanol/dl did not affect 5-HT content, 5-HT uptake, or the proportion of 5-HT immunopositive neurons. In addition, this ethanol exposure had no significant effect on protein or DNA content. Additional studies, using a 4-day exposure to 450 mg ethanol/dl also did not detect significant differences in 5-HT uptake or in protein or DNA content. The marked differences in the findings of the present in vitro and previous in vivo studies may be due to the fact that the ethanol exposure in vivo was longer than that in vitro, and included the period of early development of serotonergic neurons and their progenitors. Alternatively, the differences may be due to ethanol-associated alterations in maternal or fetal factors (e.g., hormones, amino acids, and growth factors) that are necessary for the normal development of the serotonergic system in vivo. Normal concentrations of such factors in the serum-containing media may have protected the cultured neurons from the damaging effects of ethanol.
PERCEPTION OF DISTRESS CALLS IN MALLARD DUCKLINGS (ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS)

Three experiments examined mallard ducklings' perception of conspecific distress calls, as measured by their tendency to alternate their own vocalizations with tape-recorded test calls. This alternation response involved a duckling inhibiting its own calls during the tape-recorded stimuli, and then calling during the interstimulus intervals. 1. In Experiments 1 and 2, when ducklings were tested with calls having note periods that were substantially shorter or longer than the normal note period for distress calls, they showed a significant decrement in their call alternation response. The effects of shortening and lengthening note period, however, were not symmetrical: shortening note period by a given amount had a greater effect on responding than lengthening note period by that same amount. This response asymmetry may be due to a selection pressure operating to enable ducklings to discriminate between distress calls and another conspecific vocalization, contentment calls, which have shorter note periods than distress calls. 2. Experiment 3 examined the effect on ducklings of simultaneously manipulating two acoustic features known to be important for duckling recognition of distress calls: the temporal patterning of the notes within the call, and the frequency sweep found at the end of each distress note. Ducklings tested with a call having both a shortened note period, and the terminal frequency sweep removed from each note, displayed a significantly worse alternation response than ducklings tested with calls having either shortened note periods, or deleted frequency sweeps, but not both. The ducklings in the latter two treatments, in turn, had a significantly worse alternation response than ducklings tested with a normal call. Thus, the effects of manipulating these two acoustic features summated. 3. These results are consistent with a model of auditory perception in mallard ducklings in which recognition of a species-typical call depends on the summation of outputs from a set of perceptual filters each tuned to a specific acoustic feature of the call. Experiments are currently in progress to examine whether this model can be applied to mallard duckling perception of a second species-typical vocalization, the duckling contentment call.
Solution, thermal and optical properties of bis(pyridinium salt)s as ionic liquids

Abstract Bis(pyridinium salt)s containing different alkyl chain lengths and various organic counterions were prepared by the ring-transmutation reaction of bis(pyrylium tosylate) with aliphatic amines in dimethyl sulfoxide at 130–135 °C for 18 h and their tosylate counterions were exchanged to other anions such as triflimide, methyl orange, and dioctyl sulfosuccinate by the metathesis reaction in a common organic solvent. Their chemical structures were established by using 1H, 19F, and 13C NMR spectra. The thermal properties of bis(pyridinium salt)s were studied by DSC and TGA measurements. Some of the dicationic salts provided low melting points below 100 °C and some of them displayed amorphous properties. Polarized optical microscopy studies revealed the crystal structures prior to melting temperatures in some cases. Their optical properties were examined by using UV–Vis and photoluminescent spectrometers; and they emitted blue light both in the solution and solid states regardless of their microstructures, counterions, and the polarity of organic solvents. However, most of these salts exhibited hypsochromic shifts in their emission peaks in the solid state when compared with those of their solution spectra. Due to unique properties of methyl orange anion as a pH indicator, two of the salts showed different color change in varying concentrations of triflic acid in common organic solvents, demonstrating their potential use as an acid sensor in methanol, acetonitrile and acetone.
The Poetics of Old English

The Poetics of Old English TIFFANY BEECHY Farnham, Ashgate, 2010 x + 142 pp., ISBN: 978-0-7546-6917-3, £50.00 In The Poetics of Old English, Tiffany Beechy addresses the “poetic” quality of much Ol...
HOW SCIENTISTS THINK; ABOUT ‘NATIVES’, FOR EXAMPLE. A PROBLEM OF TAXONOMY AMONG BIOLOGISTS OF ALIEN SPECIES IN HAWAII

L'auteur s'interesse a la maniere dont les biologistes etudiant les especes « invasives » a Hawai classifient, notamment dans les eaux epistemologiquement troubles de l'archipel, les organismes « indigenes » et « exotiques ». En placant l'analyse dans le cadre du debat entre Sahlins et Obeyesekere, l'article esquisse l'idee que loin d'etre une simple question de definition biologique, cette classification met a jour une problematique politique et taxonomique, en particulier a Hawai ou le mot « indigene » est associe a des descripteurs utilises par et pour les autochtones de l'archipel. Sur les bases d'une recherche ethnographique dans les univers imbriques des biologistes de la vie marine, d'une part, et des educateurs et activistes hawaiens d'autre part, l'article examine les frontieres fluctuantes de la nature, de la culture, de l'intentionnalite et du temps dans la pratique classificatrice de la « biologie de l'invasion ». A travers le cas particulier des descriptions des « algues exotiques » et des crustaces amphidromes, l'article explore la maniere dont le « contexte » encadre diversement la description des creatures marines indigenes et exotiques a Hawai. L'auteur conclut par une reflexion sur les modes de classification metataxonomique et parataxonomique.
Mechanisms of pyrite and marcasite formation from solution: III. Hydrothermal processes

Abstract The formation of pyrite and marcasite from solutions between 100 and 300°C has been examined experimentally, and the solubility product for the initial precipitate upon mixing of Fe2+ and H2S solutions has been determined. Below 300°C, pyrite and marcasite form via an FeS precursor. The precursor phase is crystalline, nearly stoichiometric FeS with a solubility product of 102.9±0.2 ( K = a Fe 2 +a H 2S (a H + ) 2 ). It reacts progressively to mackinawite, hexagonal pyrrhotite, and/orgreigite before forming pyrite or marcasite. In the presence of elemental sulfur, thiosulfate, or polysulfides, the rate of reaction is extremely fast (minutes at 150°C). Without these sulfur species and only hydrogen sulfide or bisulfide present, the conversion rate drops significantly ( 1 h at 300°C). In the absence of any aqueous sulfur source, the conversion proceeds at an indetectably slow rate. Because the rate of direct FeS2 nucleation is insignificant in (slightly) acidic solutions below 300°C, most pyrite and marcasite in hydrothermal ores form via the conversion of an FeS precursor.
Supercritical CO2 Processing for Submicron Imaging of Fluoropolymers

To keep pace with the ever-shrinking feature sizes required in the microelectronics industry, suitable developers with high diffusivities, selectivity, and adjustable solvating power are required. ...
Self-Cleaning Diffractive Macroporous Films by Doctor Blade Coating

Here we report a scalable bottom-up technology for creating three-dimensionally highly ordered macroporous polymer films with excellent water-repelling and optical diffractive properties. A simple doctor blade coating process is first utilized to create silica colloidal crystal−polymer nanocomposites. The close-packed silica spheres are selectively removed to fabricate flexible macroporous polymer films with crystalline arrays of voids which are interconnected through small nanopores. The size of the voids can be easily controlled by tuning the duration of an oxygen reactive-ion etching process prior to the removal of the templating silica spheres. After surface functionalization with fluorosilane, superhydrophobic surface with large apparent water contact angle and small sliding angle can be obtained. The water-repelling property can be quantitatively explained by adapting the Cassie’s dewetting model. We further demonstrate that self-cleaning functionality can be achieved on superhydrophobic macroporous...
Multiple-quantum electron-electron double resonance

Continuous wave electron-electron double resonance involves the irradiation of one line in an EPR spectrum with an intense “pumping” microwave source and the observation of the effect of that irradiation on another line of the spectrum using a weaker “observing” microwave source. In fluid samples, three ELDOR mechanisms that can be responsible for the transfer of saturation from the pumped transition to the observed transition have been identified. These are Heisenberg exchange between colliding paramagnetic molecules ( 1)) nuclear relaxation induced by rotational modulation of electron nuclear dipolar interaction ( 1)) and, in samples undergoing very slow rotational diffusion, spectral diffusion because of rotational diffusion (2, 3). The ELDOR technique and also relevant theory were introduced in Ref. (1). ELDOR is the subject of a monograph (4) and has been recently reviewed (5). The longitudinal detection of electron paramagnetic resonance involves the irradiation of a single homogeneous line by two closely spaced equally intense microwave frequencies. It was shown by workers at the University of Pisa (6, 7) that under this irradiation multiquantum transitions are induced. The M, component of magnetization oscillates at the difference between the microwave frequencies as well as at multiples of the difference. These workers directly detected these Zeeman oscillations with a pick-up coil oriented along B,,. In this paper, we report the transfer of Zeeman oscillations as induced by two closely spaced microwave frequencies that irradiate one EPR transition to another EPR transition because of liquid-phase Heisenberg exchange. Thus, three CW microwave frequencies are incident on the spin system: two closely spaced frequencies (nominally 10 kHz apart at X band) that serve together to pump a transition and a weaker third frequency used to observe another transition. All frequencies are derived from a single klystron by use of a single sideband mixer (SSM) in an unusual configuration (Fig. 1). The two inputs of the SSM are supplied by the two outputs of the Hewlett-Packard 3326A two-channel synthesizer set to two
Compensatory hypertrophy after unilateral ovariectomy and destruction of follicles in the anestrous ewe.

SummaryCompensatory ovarian changes were studied in anestrous ewes by unilateral ovariectomy or destruction of follicles in one ovary by cauterization. Growth of new follicles occurred within 4 days in ovaries that had their follicles destroyed but the resulting follicular development was not as great as in untreated ovaries (p < .01). The sum of ovarian follicular fluid weight (FFW) of one treated (follicles cauterized) and one untreated ovary was approximately as great as the sum of both ovaries of control ewes. The FFW in the untreated ovary of ewes with follicles destroyed in the opposite ovary and the FFW of the remaining ovary of unilaterally ovariectomized ewes was greater (p < .05) than the FFW of comparable ovaries of control groups. No significant differences were found between the remaining ovary in unilateral ovariectomized ewes and the untreated ovary in ewes with follicles destroyed in one ovary.It is concluded that ovarian compensatory changes take place in the anestrous ewes, which are con...
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A New Technique for Achilles Tendon Allograft Preparation

We describe a new technique in Achilles tendon allograft preparation for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that allows for secure bony interference fixation on each side of the joint and aperture fixation for all patients. In addition, preparation of the graft in this manner avoids some problems that are frequently encountered with patellar tendon allografts, including graft tunnel mismatch and limited availability. Previous studies have reported successful results with Achilles tendon allograft use in ACL reconstruction with soft tissue fixation in the tibial tunnel. Bony interference fixation on the tibial side can be achieved by suturing a free bone plug to the tendon end of an Achilles allograft. We use a 9-mm circular oscillating saw to harvest a free 30-mm length bone plug from the remaining calcaneal bone block. This is then sutured directly to the tendon end of a bone-Achilles tendon allograft with the use of No. 1 nonabsorbable suture placed through 3 equally spaced drill holes in the free bone plug. Tendon length between the bone plugs can be individually set for each patient at a distance equivalent to the length of the native ACL (intra-articular distance between the femoral and tibial tunnels). After graft passage, the construct is tensioned and secured with interference screws, similar to a traditional bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. The senior author (S.G.) has performed 40 procedures with excellent results and reports no cases of tibial fixation failure. Biomechanical and long-term follow-up studies are in progress.
Chloropalladation of 7-methylene-1-phenylbicyclo[4.1.0]-heptane: An intermediate containing carbonium ion character

Abstract The chloropalladation of 7-methylene-1-phenylbicyclo[4.1.0]heptane in methanol, provides evidence for the intermediacy of an organopalladium species with carbonium ion character in the cyclopropane ring opening.
Clinical studies of carotid artery stenting: why don't they tell us what we need to know?

Being selected as the 34th President of The New England Society for Vascular Surgery is one of the great honors of my career. My association with this society dates back to meetings at the old Mount Washington Hotel, with 50 or so stalwarts seated on folding chairs in a tiny meeting room with a roll-up screen and a single Kodak carousel projector. In those days, we were a sideshow for the New England Surgical Society. How far we have come! Our growth to independence has mirrored the maturation of our specialty. Witnessing this growth and maturation over the past 25 years has been a great privilege. The treatment of carotid artery disease, and specifically carotid endarterectomy (CEA), has been my major academic interest in vascular surgery, and so I have been more than a little threatened by the rise of carotid artery stenting (CAS). As I am becoming a late-middle-aged dog, new tricks don’t come easily. As I have watched and studied this new procedure, I have become convinced that it has a role in the management of our patients. I simply don’t know what role. Unfortunately, the currently available clinical trials don’t help me much. Why? In this presentation, I want to review with you the current trials of CAS, assess their value and their shortcomings, look at their common features, and finally, explore why they fail to define for us the appropriate role for this new procedure. Any review of the CAS trials should start with a quick history of CEA trials and the evidence basis they provide for the role of endarterectomy in the management of our patients. I will then briefly present the major published registries and trials of CAS. I will summarize the findings of these registries and trials. I will conclude with some reflec-
Blood product transfusions in septic patients are associated with mortality, ARDS, and more days on mechanical ventilation

The objective of this study was to determine whether septic patients requiring blood product transfusions have worse outcomes compared with those who do not require transfusions. It is not uncommon for patients with sepsis to require blood product transfusions. The need for transfusions may be indicative of inflammatory consumption of blood cells, active blood loss, or impaired hematopoiesis. Regardless of the etiology, need for transfusion may be an indicator of a more severely ill patient and a valuable prognostic factor.
Charge concentration in electrospray ionization: Mass spectrometry for sensitive detection of proteins

A novel method of detecting proteins at low concentration based upon electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry and gas-phase proton transfer reactions is described. In this technique the signal that is spread over a broad mass range due to the distribution of multiply charged ions generated in electrospray is focused into a singly-charged, low mass ion. The experiments performed on a quadrupole ion trap involve accumulating the ions of the biopolymer, allowing these ions to react with a strong neutral base, and recording the intensity of the singly-charged product in a final mass analysis scan. Concentration detection limits for high-mass proteins may be improved by over two orders of magnitude using this approach. Targeted compounds can be detected at low nanomolar levels using moderate reaction times with a strong base. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep9: 523–528, 1997
Another arrow in the Drosophila quiver

What accounts for the great popularity and success of Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental organism? There are many contributing practical reasons, including the relative ease with which large numbers can be grown at minimal expense, its having just four pairs of chromosomes, and the efficiency with which its organs and ornately patterned exterior can be examined. But there are two additional inter-related historical factors that are no less important. First, many mutant lines have been generated that have specialized chromosomes or combinations of alleles that enable an unprecedented wealth of opportunities for genetic or developmental analysis. Most of these lines are curated and maintained in stock centers that provide for their worldwide distribution. Second, there has been a long history of cooperation that has encouraged many Drosophila geneticists to generate tools that benefit the community as a whole. Such efforts have produced specialized balancer chromosomes, chromosomes that can be used to efficiently produce genetic mosaics, collections of deletions that uncover most of the euchromatic segments of the genome, and large collections of insertional mutants. A report from Huet et al. in this issue of PNAS (1) describes the development of a new and potentially very powerful genetic technique that continues this great tradition.
Sources for the silver screen

Purpose– ‐‐ This article's aim is to locate and describe print and electronic reference sources pertaining to film studies for scholars studying this field and librarians collecting in this area.Design/methodology/approach ‐‐ This article surveys current reference sources to provide an overview of publications relating to modern film studies focusing primarily on performance (versus production methods), and serves as an aid in understanding film for the serious film student as well as providing perspective for an introductory survey of cinema.Findings ‐‐ Reference sources in film studies encompass cinema both broadly and quite specifically, with more recent reference works often focusing on film genres, countries of origin, or the work of specific directors. Cinema “ready reference” has moved almost entirely online, but essays with scholarly perspective and critical reviews are accessible via long‐established reference series.Originality/value ‐‐ The works and publishers covered in this article survey bot...
Characterization of free radical-induced base damage in DNA at biologically relevant levels.

DNA damage induced by oxygen radicals, e.g., hydroxyl radicals generated in living cells either by cellular metabolism or external agents such as ionizing radiations, appears to play an important role in mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and aging. Elucidation of the chemical nature of such DNA lesions at biologically significant quantities is required for the assessment of their biological consequences and repair. For this purpose, a sensitive method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the selected-ion-monitoring technique (GC-MS/SIM) was developed in the present work. DNA was exposed to hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen atoms produced by ionizing radiation in N2O-saturated aqueous solution. DNA samples were subsequently hydrolyzed with formic acid, trimethylsilylated, and analyzed by GC-MS/SIM. Characteristic ions from previously known mass spectra of DNA base products as their trimethylsilyl derivatives were recorded and the area counts of each ion were integrated. From these acquired data, a partial mass spectrum of each product was generated and then compared with those of authentic materials. This technique permitted the detection and characterization of a large number of free radical-induced based products of DNA, i.e., 5,6-dihydrothymine, 5-hydroxy-5,6-dihydrothymine, 5-hydroxymethyluracil, 5-hydroxyuracil, 5-hydroxycytosine, thymine glycol, 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine, 8-hydroxyadenine, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, and 8-hydroxyguanine, simultaneously in a single sample after radiation doses from 0.1 to 10 Gy. Detectable amounts of the base products were found to be as low as approximately 10 fmol per injection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nutritional values for crop diversification matrix

Previously published crop diversification matrices scored 1000 crops species for their tolerances to annual temperature, annual precipitation, pH, and frost‐free‐drought‐free months. These same 1000 species have been classified into four categories each for 16 nutrients. The matrix system enables one to determine rapidly which crops having particular combinations of nutritional parameters will tolerate special ecological situations.
Body mass index in a US national sample of Asian Americans: effects of nativity, years since immigration and socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVE: To examine body mass index (BMI) and the proportion overweight and obese among adults age 18–59 in the six largest Asian American ethnic groups (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese), and investigate whether BMI varies by nativity (foreign- vs native-born), years in US, or socioeconomic status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional interview data were pooled from the 1992–1995 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). SUBJECTS: 254,153 persons aged 18–59 included in the 1992–1995 NHIS. Sample sizes range from 816 to 1940 for each of six Asian American ethnic groups. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported height and weight used to calculate BMI and classify individuals as overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2), age, sex, years in the US, household income and household size. RESULTS: For men, the percentage overweight ranges from 17% of Vietnamese to 42% of Japanese, while the total male population is 57% overweight. For women, the percentage overweight ranges from 9% of Vietnamese and Chinese to 25% of Asian Indians, while the total female population is 38% overweight. The percentage of Asian Americans classified as obese is very low. Adjusted for age and ethnicity, the odds ratio for obese is 3.5 for women and 4.0 for men for US - vs foreign-born. Among the foreign-born, more years in the US is associated with higher risk of being overweight or obese. The association between household income for women is similar for US-born Asian Americans and Whites and Blacks, but is much weaker for foreign-born Asian Americans. CONCLUSIONS: While these data find low proportions of Asian Americans overweight at present, they also imply the proportion will increase with more US-born Asian Americans and longer duration in the US.
World lines: A framework for exploring global pathways

Abstract Sustainability research studies the dynamics and prospects of co-evolving human and ecological systems, a subject of inherent complexity and deep uncertainty. While work proceeds on facets of the overall problem, an overarching theoretical framework for giving coherence to this new discipline is lacking. Scenario analysis has been proposed as a promising integrative approach, while a recent wave of studies has significantly improved scenario methods. Still, these studies remain most compelling in their opening frames, where quantitative modeling can track unfolding trends, and their closing frames, where qualitative description can provide rich descriptions of long-term social visions. Not surprisingly, given the formidable uncertainties, the trajectories between “now” and “then”, remain poorly specified, if addressed at all. This paper suggests ways of thinking about these pathways and pivots, the “world lines” through the terra incognita between current global realities and alternative futures. It outlines and illustrates a macro-framework, drawing fresh insight into the requirements for a transition to sustainability. It discusses major analytic elements – a systemic perspective, a scenario structure, critical uncertainties, human agency – and combines them into depictions of the broad contours of possible pathways. The analysis highlights two key uncertainties: the form of forthcoming crises and the quality of human response to global challenges. If institutional and cultural innovation fails to mute the precursor stressors of a systemic crisis, the world line could pivot toward a venal future. However, if the world begins to act with foresight, unity, and resolve, development would bend toward a resilient global civilization. This transition requires a sharp upswing in public awareness and engagement, a development that the evolving conditions of our planetary phase of history make possible, but by no means inevitable. Here, sustainability scenarios have a role in changing the future, as well as illuminating it, by expanding the horizon of what is thought possible and deemed desirable. The world lines framework offers a conceptual arena for advancing this effort.
Electrical conductivity relaxation studies of oxygen transport in epitaxial YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// thin films

The oxygen transport behavior in c-axis-oriented YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// films has been investigated by means of electrical conductivity relaxation measurements. The oxygen surface exchange coefficients have been determined from the out- and in-diffusion when the oxygen partial pressure was switched between pO/sub 2/ = 0.01 atm and 0.02 atm at temperatures of 773 K to 873 K. The results are described by a model in which oxygen molecules dissociated at two different surface sites, diffuse rapidly along the grain boundaries which act as "chimneys." The bulk stoichiometry then adjusts by fast diffusion in the ab-planes. The overall transport kinetics are limited by the surface reactions. The activation energy for both surface exchange controlled processes are /spl sim/ 1.0 eV. An understanding of the effects of grain boundaries on the transport properties of thin YBCO films is important for the potential application of these materials.
Chromosome breakage and mitotic inhibition induced by tritiated thymidine in root meristems of Vicia faba.

Abstract It is concluded that when used at low tritium levels with a long autoradiographic exposure duration, tritiated thymidine can be used as an efficient label for chromosomes without significant interference with cellular processes.
Titanic: A fresh look at the evidence by a former Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents

For readers beginning to be interested in the events of Titanic - presented without the trace of either a literary or antiquarian purpose (just the facts ma'am, just the facts) - they could do much...
Synthesis of thiol substituted oligoanilines for molecular device candidates

The synthesis of thioacetate derivatized oligoanilines designed for molecular electronic device purposes is described. Reversible oxidation between the non-conductive leuco base and conductive emeraldine salt forms of these compounds may produce switching effects and device behavior. The targeted compounds contain a sulfur moiety as a means to connect the molecules to metallic electrodes.
High-optical-isolation low-loss moderate-switching-speed nematic liquid-crystal optical switch.

A bulk polarization-rotation-based 1 × 2 optical switch is demonstrated by use of a birefringent-mode parallel-rub nematic liquid-crystal cell and a calcite Thompson-prism polarizing beam splitter. With 633-nm linearly polarized light the switch output ports exhibit a >36-dB optical isolation with less than ~0.75 dB of optical insertion loss. A 30 dB of optical isolation and −1.45 dB of optical loss.
In vivo parathyroid hormone stimulates in vitro bone resorption by bovine monocytes.

Abstract Cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage have been thought to play a role in bone resorption. We examined the effects of in vitro administration of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 on the ability of monocytes to degrade bone in vitro. Administration of parathyroid hormone for 4 d resulted in sustained hypercalcemia and a transient 1-d increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 . Parathyroid hormone significantly stimulated bone degradation by monocytes 2.6 times more than that of pretreatment controls. Parathyroid hormone treatment significantly enhanced (threefold) release of superoxide anion by monocytes stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and increased migration of monocytes to bone particles in vitro. Continuous 7-d infusion of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (50μg/d) elevated plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 until infusions were discontinued. Increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 was associated with hypercalcemia, which continued for several days postinfusion. In vitro administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitarnin D 3 did not affect in vitro ability of monocytes to degrade bone. We concluded that in vitro administration of parathyroid hormone enhanced in vitro responsiveness of isolated monocytes in a manner consistent with a role for monocytes in bone remodeling. Furthermore, these data suggested that circulating monocytes could be a useful experimental model for further studies on parathyroid hormone responsiveness and bone resorption for the cow with milk fever.
Education, Culture, and Outcomes

(1999). Education, Culture, and Outcomes. Journal of the Learning Sciences: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 147-155.
Prediction and measurement of the stability of a deep-sea trimooring

Abstract The three-dimensional array of current velocity and temperature sensors for the Internal Wave Experiment (IWEX) was supported on a tripod mooring rising from the sea floor to a height of 5 km in water 5- sol:1 2 km deep. The mooring was so designed that its current-induced motions would be small, as required by the experiment. Sensitivity of the mooring excursions to cable buoyancy, leg inclination, apex buoyancy and cable size was examined by computer simulation to optimize the design. When deployed the mooring carried nine precision pressure recorders to monitor its configuration and stability. After removal of the tidal pressure variations, the pressure records confirmed vertical excursions small enough to contribute only insignificant noise to the velocity measurements. Comparison of the measured excursions with those predicted by computer simulation using actual current measurements showed good agreement.
Family costs associated with severe mental illness and substance use

The study's aim was to document the economic assistance in the form of money, in-kind contributions, and time spent in caregiving by families of adults with both severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Methods: A total of 1l9 families of adults with dual disorders were compared with a similar group of 127 families whose adult children had no chronic illnesses. in telephone interviews, parents reported the amount of money, goods, and direct care family members gave to a designated adult child. Two methods were used to estimate the value of family time: opportunity costs, based on the average wage for production workers in the study area, and the cost of paid substitutes for the task being performed. Results: Parents of adults with dual disorders reported that family members gave significantly more money and time to the adult child than did parents of adults with no chronic illnesses. The estimated value of family assistance in the dual disorder group was $9,703 using the opportunity-cost method ...
Commissioning results of MMT-POL: the 1-5um imaging polarimeter leveraged from the AO secondary of the 6.5m MMT

MMT-POL is an adaptive optics optimized imaging polarimeter designed for use at the 6.5m MMT. By taking full advantage of the adaptive optics secondary mirror of the MMT, this polarimeter offers diffraction-limited polarimetry with very low instrumental polarization and minimal thermal background. MMT-POL permits observations as diverse as protoplanetary discs, comets, red giant winds, (super)novae and ejecta, galaxies, and AGN. We report on the initial on-sky commissioning results of the instrument including a description of the instrument.
Quantitative trait mapping reveals a regulatory axis involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, PRDM16, transforming growth factor-β2 and FLT3 in hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis is the process whereby BM HSCs renew to maintain their number or to differentiate into committed progenitors to generate all blood cells. One approach to gain mechanistic insight into this complex process is the investigation of quantitative genetic variation in hematopoietic function among inbred mouse strains. We previously showed that TGF-β2 is a genetically determined positive regulator of hematopoiesis. In the presence of unknown nonprotein serum factors TGF-β2, but not TGF-β1 or -β3, enhances progenitor proliferation in vitro, an effect that is subject to mouse strain-dependent variation mapping to a locus on chr.4, Tb2r1. TGF-β2–deficient mice show hematopoietic defects, demonstrating the physiologic role of this cytokine. Here, we show that TGF-β2 specifically and predominantly cell autonomously enhances signaling by FLT3 in vitro and in vivo. A coding polymorphism in Prdm16 (PR-domain-containing 16) underlies Tb2r1 and differentially regulates transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), identifying lipid PPAR ligands as the serum factors required for regulation of FLT3 signaling by TGF-β2. We furthermore show that PPARγ agonists play a FLT3-dependent role in stress responses of progenitor cells. These observations identify a novel regulatory axis that includes PPARs, Prdm16, and TGF-β2 in hematopoiesis.
Burden of alcohol-related injuries on radiology services at a level I trauma center.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the burden of alcohol-related injuries on a radiology department at a level 1 trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We linked the trauma registry (2005-2009) of Harborview Medical Center to billing department data and extracted patient demographic and injury-related characteristics and the radiology services provided. Multivariate negative binomial analysis was used to evaluate the association between blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and CT and MRI utilization rates. RESULTS: A total of 125,776 CT and 4681 MRI examinations were performed on 27,274 patients during the study period. Higher BAC was generally associated with higher utilization rates for all types of CT even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Compared with patients with a BAC of 0, the greatest increases in utilization were observed in individuals with a BAC of 240 mg/dL or more for head CT (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.43; 95% CI, 1.32-1.54), cervical spine (IRR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.32-1.58), and maxillofacial (IRR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.42-1.95), with no increase observed for MRI. This association was more prominent in less severely injured patients with utilization rates for head CT (IRR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.56-2.13), abdomen (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.32-1.63), and thorax (IRR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.30-1.89) in individuals with a BAC of 240 mg/dL or more compared with those with a BAC of 0. CONCLUSION: Higher BAC was associated with increased CT utilization for most body region-specific CT scans and was more strongly associated in patients with less severe injuries. Any guideline that could potentially decrease unnecessary imaging for patients with alcohol-involved injuries would represent a cost-saving strategy. Language: en
Stabilization of distributed networked control systems with constant feedback delay

In this paper we study a delay-dependent stability condition for networked control systems with distributed control. We assume a constant processing and communication delay. We use an augmented Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional combined with the Leibniz-Newton formula to find a network stability condition that guarantees the global asymptotical stability of the entire networked control system under delayed feedback. To design the control network, we propose a method involving a constrained quadratic program (QP) and a convex feasibility problem.
Cognitive Bases of Stereotyping: The Relationship between Categorization and Prejudice

Subjects observed a slide and tape presentation of a political discussion group involving three men and three women. They then rated all speakers on measures of competence and completed a recall task matching up which speaker had said what. Subjects evidenced substantial prejudice toward female speakers relative to males. They also made substantial within-sex recall errors but relatively few cross-sex errors, indicating the u were organizing incoming information according to sex of the speaker; this strategy was more evident in sex-typed than androgynous individuals. However, recall errors and prejudice effects were uncorrelated, suggesting that the cognitive and affective components of stereotyping are relatively autonomous. A simple categorization model of stereotyping is challenged by these results.
News as Reality TV: Election Coverage and the Democratization of Truth

Two days before the third and ﬁnal presidential debate of the 2004 campaign, ChrisMatthews interviewed the veteran television journalist Bob Schieffer, host of CBS’s Facethe Nation, and moderator for the upcoming debate. Matthews asked Schieffer if therewas a journalistic tension between reporting dubious factual claims and sustaining thedrama of campaign events. Portions of the original unedited MSNBC transcript arereprinted here.
Connexin 43-Enhanced Suicide Gene Therapy Using Herpesviral Vectors

Tumor cell transduction with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase (tk) gene and treatment with ganciclovir (GCV) is a widely studied cancer gene therapy. Connexin (Cx)-dependent gap junctions between cells facilitate the intercellular spread of TK-activated GCV, thereby creating a bystander effect that improves tumor cell killing. However, tumor cells often have reduced connexin expression, thus thwarting bystander killing and the effectiveness of TK/GCV gene therapy. To improve the effectiveness of this therapy, we compared an HSV vector (TOCX) expressing Cx43 in addition to TK with an isogenic tk vector (TOZ.1) for their abilities to induce bystander killing of Cx-positive U-87 MG human glioblastoma cells and Cx-negative L929 fibrosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that low-multiplicity infection of U-87 MG cells with TOCX only minimally increased GCV-mediated cell death compared with infection by TOZ.1, consistent with the endogenous level of Cx in these cells. In contrast, bystander killing of L929 cells was markedly enhanced by vector-mediated expression of Cx. In vivo experiments in which U-87 MG cells were preinfected at low multiplicity and injected into the flanks of nude mice showed complete cures of all animals in the TOCX group following GCV treatment, whereas untreated animals uniformly formed fatal tumors. TOCX injection into U-87 MG intradermal and intracranial tumors resulted in prolonged survival of the host animals in a GCV-dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that the combination of TK and Cx may be beneficial for the treatment of human glioblastoma.
Reduction criterion for separability

We introduce a separability criterion based on the positive map Γ:ρ→(Tr ρ)-ρ, where ρ is a trace-class Hermitian operator. Any separable state is mapped by the tensor product of Γ and the identity into a non-negative operator, which provides a simple necessary condition for separability. This condition is generally not sufficient because it is vulnerable to the dilution of entanglement. In the special case where one subsystem is a quantum bit, Γ reduces to time reversal, so that this separability condition is equivalent to partial transposition. It is therefore also sufficient for 2×2 and 2×3 systems. Finally, a simple connection between this map for two qubits and complex conjugation in the “magic” basis [Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 5022 (1997)] is displayed.
DUPLEX STABILIZATION BY DNA-HOECHST 33258 CONJUGATES : EFFECTS OF BASE PAIR MISMATCHES

Abstract Three types of DNA-Hoechst conjugates are examined for duplex stability in the presence of single-site base pair mismatches. Two of the complexes have the Hoechst ligand tethered to an internal phosphate residue, while the third complex employs terminally labeled conjugate. The presence of the mismatched base pair reduces the Tm values for the non-conjugate duplexes as is expected. Addition of the conjugated Hoechst ligand enhances the Tm values for the mismatched duplexes, but these values remain significantly below that obtained for the native conjugated duplex. While stabilization by the tethered ligand is observed for both cognate and non-cognate sequences, the differences suggest that significant sequence selectivity is still apparent for these conjugates.
Sense, If Not Sensibility

Birkhead mixes informative accounts of avian sensory systems with stories about the research that has developed our current knowledge of them.
Assessing Needs of Alcohol-Related Services: A Social Indicators Approach

In an effort to assess alcoholism service needs, the social indicators technique was employed. Data on 15 relevant indicators were collected. A three-step analysis was performed. First, cluster/multiple discriminant analyses were conducted to obtain scores reflecting the clustering of cases. Second, factor analysis was employed to derive scores spanning the space covered by the 15 variables. Third, results of both strategies were combined to obtain an overall need index score for each area.
Role of allosteric switch residue histidine 195 in maintaining active-site asymmetry in presynaptic filaments of bacteriophage T4 UvsX recombinase.

Recombinases of the highly conserved RecA/Rad51 family play central roles in homologous recombination and DNA double-stranded break repair. RecA/Rad51 enzymes form presynaptic filaments on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that are allosterically activated to catalyze ATPase and DNA strand-exchange reactions. Information is conveyed between DNA- and ATP-binding sites, in part, by a highly conserved glutamine residue (Gln194 in Escherichia coli RecA) that acts as an allosteric switch. The T4 UvsX protein is a divergent RecA ortholog and contains histidine (His195) in place of glutamine at the allosteric switch position. UvsX and RecA catalyze similar strand-exchange reactions, but differ in other properties. UvsX produces both ADP and AMP as products of its ssDNA-dependent ATPase activity—a property that is unique among characterized recombinases. Details of the kinetics of ssDNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis reactions indicate that UvsX-ssDNA presynaptic filaments are asymmetric and contain two classes of ATPase active sites: one that generates ADP, and another that generates AMP. Active-site asymmetry is reduced by mutations at the His195 position, since UvsX-H195Q and UvsX-H195A mutants both exhibit stronger ssDNA-dependent ATPase activity, with lower cooperativity and markedly higher ADP/AMP product ratios, than wild-type UvsX. Reduced active-site asymmetry correlates strongly with reduced ssDNA-binding affinity and DNA strand-exchange activity in both H195Q and H195A mutants. These and other results support a model in which allosteric switch residue His195 controls the formation of an asymmetric conformation of UvsX-ssDNA filaments that is active in DNA strand exchange. The implications of our findings for UvsX recombination functions, and for RecA functions in general, are discussed.