cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptor-alpha down-regulate the transforming growth factor-beta 1 promoter by antagonizing AP-1 activity

Overexpression of the multifunctional growth factor transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1) has been connected to numerous diseases in human. TGF beta 1 expression is largely governed by three AP-1 binding sites located in two different promoters of this gene. We have examined the ability of retinoid receptors to inhibit the activity of the two promoters (especially the promoter 1) by cotransfection assays in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. When the TGF beta 1 promoter activity is induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol13-acetate (an activator of AP-1-controlled gene transcription), this activity can be strongly repressed by retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR alpha), RAR beta, or retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXR alpha) as well as other members of the nuclear receptor family. Repression was hormone dependent and a function of receptor concentration. Heterodimerization of RAR alpha or RAR beta with RXR alpha did not modify the inhibition activities of these receptors, indicating that heterodimer formation is not required for antagonizing of AP-1 activity. On further examining the anti-AP-1 activity of RXR alpha we observed that three different AP-1-controlled promoters (TGF beta 1, collagenase, and cFos) can be inhibited. Using gel shift assays, we demonstrated that RXR alpha inhibits Jun and Fos DNA binding and that 9-cis RA enhances this inhibition, suggesting that a mechanism involving direct protein-protein interaction between RXR and AP-1 components mediates the inhibitory effect observed in vivo. Transfection analyses with RXR alpha point mutations revealed that residues L422, C432, and, to a lesser extent, residues L418 and L430, are involved in ligand-induced anti-AP1 activity of RXR alpha in vivo. Thus both types of retinoid receptors can inhibit AP-1-activated promoters, including the TGF beta 1 gene promoter, via a mechanism that involves protein-protein interaction.
Optical investigation of the influence of substrate orientation on spontaneous ordering in Ga0.5In0.5P alloy

Abstract The influence of substrate misorientation on the electronic structure of ordered Ga 0.5 In 0.5 P is investigated by piezomodulated reflectivity, photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. A “U”-shaped dependence of the band gap on the misorientation angle is observed. In addition, we have investigated the dependence of the crystal field and spin-orbit splitting, photoluminescence linewidth and the Stokes shift on substrate misorientation in these materials. The dependence of the crystal field and spin orbit splitting on the band gap of the alloy is found to be independent of substrate misorientation and is shown to be in reasonable agreement with a theoretical model relating these quantities to the long range order parameter in the alloy. The PL linewidth and Stokes shift both decrease with increasing band gap.
A multiscale mechanics approach for modeling textured polycrystalline thin films with nanothickness

A multiscale method is proposed for calculating elastic constants of textured polycrystalline thin films of nanothicknesses. In this method the molecular simulation and finite element method are hierarchically employed. The elastic constants for each single crystal are first calculated through the simulations of on- and off-axis tension tests of the single crystal using molecular statics. Subsequently, the constitutive relations for the single crystal are used in conjunction with a finite element code to study the macro-mechanical deformation and stresses in textured polycrystalline nanofilms. The result indicates that both film thickness and grain size influence the macro-Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the nanofilm. Specifically, for nickel, the value of the macro-Young's modulus decreases as film thickness decreases and increases as grain size decreases. The value of the macro-in-plane Poisson's ratio increases as the thickness decreases or grain size increases.
A new methodology for cloud detection and classification with ASTER data

[1] High spatial resolution sensors such as Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) have the potential to produce gridded, large area datasets of surface parameters such as elevation and emissivity. These datasets are typically derived by combining all clear-sky pixels over a given location for a specified time period necessitating the use of an automated cloud detection and classification algorithm. The current ASTER L1A cloud mask lacks several key features needed to use it for this purpose. We have developed a new cloud detection algorithm which addresses these limitations by using a 2-pass approach similar to Landsat-7 and including further spectral tests for cirrus and cloud shadows from MODIS. The new cloud detection methodology is described together with several case studies that highlight key aspects of the algorithm and comparisons with the MODIS and the current ASTER L1A cloud mask.
Suppression of allograft immunity by 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl. I. Effects of exposure on tumor rejection and cytotoxic T cell activity in vivo

Abstract There are conflicting reports in the literature concerning the immunotoxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) on cell-mediated immune responses. In the studies reported here, we show that the in vivo generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in response to allogeneic tumor challenge is sensitive to suppression by 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl [(345)2-HxCB], a poorly metabolized, toxic, Ah receptor-binding PCB isomer. C57B1/6 mice treated with a single oral dose of (345)2-HxCB two days prior to the i.p. injection of allogeneic P815 tumor cells exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in peak CTL activity in the spleen. When examined on a kinetic basis, the CTL response was reduced in magnitude on all days examined with no evidence for a shift in the kinetics of the response induced by (345)2-HxCB exposure. (345)2-HxCB exposure prior to antigen challenge (day −14, −7, or −1 relative to P815 injection on day 0) produced significant suppression of the CTL response. (345)2-HxCB exposure 6 weeks prior to antigen challenge was still significantly suppressive, although the reduced degree of suppression suggested that recovery was in progress. When (345)2-HxCB exposure occurred after antigen challenge, significant suppression was produced only when exposure occurred within the first three days of the response, suggesting that, as the CTL matured, their sensitivity to (345)2-HxCB diminished. Clearance of the allogeneic tumor cells from the peritoneal cavity was delayed in (345)2-HxCB-treated mice and was associated with an altered composition of the white blood cell infiltrate in the peritoneal cavity. Symptoms of overt toxicity as well as immunotoxicity were apparent at lower doses of (345)2-HxCB in male as compared to female mice. In addition, interactive effects of (345)2-HxCB exposure and P815 antigen challenge on body weight and thymic involution were observed in both male and female mice. Possible mechanisms for the altered CTL response in (345)2-HxCB-exposed mice are discussed.
Minimal dynamics on Menger manifolds

Abstract The Menger universal spaces are realized as invariant sets of noninvertible, expanding maps. Minimal actions on these spaces of free groups with two or three generators are exhibited.
Accessing/Assessing the Development of Beliefs and Knowledge about Effective Teaching in Prospective Teachers: A Practical Inquiry

Abstract This article describes a practical inquiry designed to access the beliefs and assess the development of beliefs of graduate preservice students enrolled in a secondary education program. The authors describe one program's attempts to surface the beliefs of its students during three semesters of coursework and fieldwork. Multiple data types are identified, described, and discussed as ways of accessing and assessing the development of beliefs. Case studies of two students reveal differences in the nature and strength of teacher beliefs and variations in the programmatic impact on these beliefs. The results of this inquiry demonstrate the importance of accessing teacher beliefs through the use of multiple forms of data and assessing the development of these beliefs across the duration of a program.
Development of microsatellite marker loci for European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) from ISSR fragments

Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) from the sequences of inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fragments and flanking regions. Twenty-five ISSR primers were used to generate fragments for cloning. Of the 520 unique sequences obtained, 41 contained long internal repeats (≥20 bp) with flanking sequences sufficient for primer design. From these, we developed 23 new polymorphic microsatellite loci. The flanking sequences were obtained for fragment ends by chromosome walking, and an additional 47 polymorphic markers were developed. Two additional polymorphic markers were developed from a GA-enriched library. The 72 new marker loci were characterized using 50 diverse hazelnut accessions. For the internal repeat loci, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 16, with a mean of 7.52. Mean values for expected heterozygosity (He), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and polymorphism information content (PIC) were 0.62, 0.59, and 0.58, respectively. The estimated frequency of null alleles (r) was ≥0.05 at six of the 23 loci. For the 47 marker loci developed from fragment ends, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 16, with a mean of 7.30. Mean values for He, Ho, and PIC were 0.62, 0.47, and 0.58, respectively. The estimated frequency of null alleles (r) was ≥0.10 at 18 of the 47 loci. Of the 70 loci developed from ISSR and flanking sequences, 50 segregated in our mapping population and were assigned to linkage groups.
Natalizumab (Tysabri) treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Background Natalizumab (Tysabri), a humanized monoclonal antibody which binds to the alpha4beta1 integrins of leukocytes, blocks attachment to cerebral endothelial cells, thus reducing inflammation at the blood-brain barrier. Two pivotal randomized trials, 1 comparing active treatment to placebo and 1 comparing active treatment to placebo in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) patients receiving intramuscular interferon beta1alpha (Avonex), demonstrated significant efficacy for relapse control, decrease in sustained disability, and reduced numbers of new lesions on MRI. Review summary Because of safety issues raised by the appearance of 2 cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in MS patients exposed to natalizumab for relapsing MS treatment has been restricted. This review briefly outlines the inflammatory nature of MS plagues, the mechanism of action of natalizumab and the pathogenesis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The mandatory guidelines for natalizumab use in the treatment of MS with natalizumab are explained. Special concerns facing the therapist electing to prescribe natalizumab are mentioned. Conclusion Natalizumab recently joined glatiramer acetate and beta interferon as an approved therapy for controlling relapsing MS. Unresolved safety issues currently restrict its use to monotherapy in patients who have had inadequate response to the other immunomodulating agents.
EXAFS STUDIES OF CESIUM COMPLEXATION BY DIBENZO-CROWN ETHERS IN TRI-N-BUTYL PHOSPHATE

Abstract Cesium K- and L3-edge EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) have been evaluated as means of probing the interaction of cesium ions with several dibenzo-crown ethers in tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) under conditions proposed for the extraction of radiocesium from acidic nuclear wastes. K-edge EXAFS data are shown to be less satisfactory than the corresponding L3-edge data, a result of the difficulties inherent in the use of high X-ray energies, the weak spectral contributions of carbon and oxygen at long distances, the disorder characteristic of solution systems, and the low cesium concentrations present. Despite these difficulties, the EXAFS data yield information on the solution structure of the cesium-crown ether complexes that complements results obtained from liquid–liquid extraction studies. Specifically, the coordination of cesium in TBP is shown to differ from that observed in the same solvent upon addition of a dibenzo-crown ether. In addition, cesium coordination by the crown ethers is shown to be unaffected by the presence of water or the identity of the counterion. Finally, the average Cs–O bond length is shown to decrease from 3.23(3) A in the cesium di-(tert-butylbenzo)-18-crown-6 complex to 3.01(4) A in the corresponding 21-crown-7 and 24-crown-8 compounds, a result consistent with extraction studies indicating 1:1 complex formation in the 21-crown-7 and 24-crown-8 systems and a mixture of 1:1 and 1:2 complexes for the 18-crown-6.
Using GStreamer to perform real-time MRTD measurements on thermal imaging systems

The GStreamer architecture allows for simple modularized processing. Individual GStreamer elements have been developed that allow for control, measurement, and ramping of a blackbody, for capturing continuous imagery from a sensor, for segmenting out a MRTD target, for applying a blur equivalent to that of a human eye and a display, and for thresholding a processed target contrast for "calling" it. A discussion of each of the components will be followed by an analysis of its performance relative to that of human observers.
Variation in reproductivity with age in the brown pelican

-About 10% of the Brown Pelicans breeding in South Carolina are in immature plumage. In comparison to adult breeders, immatures nested later, laid a smaller clutch, nested more frequently in low ground that was flooded, lost a larger proportion of nestlings, and produced fewer downy young per nest. Factors such as experience in breeding and fishing success probably influence reproductive success of pelicans of various ages.-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland 20811 and 85 Silverwood Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30342. Accepted 10 August 1976. IN common with many other long-lived seabirds that exhibit deferred breeding (Fisher 1975), the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) breeds initially when several years old (Williams and Joanen 1974). Most Brown Pelicans apparently do not breed before acquiring adult plumage. In this study of a population of Brown Pelicans in South Carolina, we found a relatively high incidence of breeding birds in immature plumage. We describe the reproductive success and characteristics of the immature-plumaged cohort in comparison to the adult-plumaged cohort, and discuss briefly the factors influencing breeding of immature-plumaged pelicans.
Magic-angle spinning NMR studies of molecular organization in multibilayers formed by 1-octadecanoyl-2-decanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.

Magic-angle spinning 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have been employed to study 50%-by-weight aqueous dispersions of 1-octadecanoyl-2-decanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C[18]:C[10]PC) and 1-octadecanoyl-2-d19-decanoyl-PC (C[18]:C[10]PC-d19), mixed-chain phospholipids which can form interdigitated multibilayers. The 1H NMR linewidth for methyl protons of the choline headgroup has been used to monitor the liquid crystalline-to-gel (LC-to-G) phase transition and confirm variations between freezing and melting temperatures. Both 1H and 13C spin-lattice relaxation times indicate unusual restrictions on segmental reorientation at megahertz frequencies for C(18):C(10)PC as compared with symmetric-chain species in the LC state; nevertheless each chemical moiety of the mixed-chain phospholipid exhibits motional behavior that may be classified as liquidlike. Two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy (NOESY) on C(18):C(10)PC and C(18):C(10)PC-d19 reveals cross-peaks between the omega-methyl protons of the C18 chain and the N-methyl protons of the phosphocholine headgroup, and several experimental and theoretical considerations argue against an interpretation based on spin diffusion. Using NMR relaxation times and NOESY connectivities along with a computational formalism for four-spin systems (Keepers, J. W., and T. L. James. 1984. J. Magn. Reson. 57:404–426), an estimate of 3.5 A is obtained for the average distance between the omega-methyl protons of the C18 chain and the N-methyl protons of the phosphocholine headgroup. This finding is consistent with a degree of interdigitation similar to that proposed for organized assemblies of gel-state phosphatidylcholine molecules with widely disparate acyl-chain lengths (Hui, S. W., and C.-H. Huang. 1986. Biochemistry. 25:1330–1335); however, acyl-chain bendback or other intermolecular interactions may also contribute to the NOESY results. For multibilayers of C(18):C(10)PC in the gel phase, 13C chemical-shift measurements indicate that trans conformers predominate along both acyl chains. 13C Spin-lattice relaxation times confirm the unusual motional restrictions noted in the LC state; nevertheless, 13C and 1H rotating-frame relaxation times indicate that the interdigitated arrangement enhances chain or bilayer motions which occur at mid-kilohertz frequencies.
Field-Induced Decoupling of NiO-Magnetite Multilayers

NiO-magnetite multilayers exhibit long range antiferromagnetic order with the magnetite ferrimagnetic correlations confined to a single layer due to stacking faults of the spinel structure at the interfaces. A systematic study of the field-dependence of the interlayer coupling in a series of NiO-magnetite multilayers has been made using neutron diffraction. Both NiO and magnetite single thin films were included in the measurements for comparison. In the magnetite film, intensity changes with magnetic field are consistent with domain reorientation of the net ferrimagnetic moments, while in the NiO film there are essentially no intensity changes. There is no significant field dependence of the magnetic correlation lengths in either film. For multilayers where the ratio of NiO to magnetite layer thickness is far from unity, the field dependence approximates that of the bulk films. However, for a Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} (68{angstrom}){vert_bar}NiO (34{angstrom}) multilayer the NiO antiferromagnetic intensity decreases with increasing field, and there is a broadening of the NiO peak on the order of 30%. Concomitantly, the magnetite spins rotate collinear with the field, as expected, due to the net 4.2 {micro}{sub B} moment per unit-cell. The NiO moments appear to rotate into domains where the direction of propagation of the ferromagneticmore » sheets is closer to the field direction.« less
Wind shear observations in thunderstorm density currents

Acoustic sounder observations of thunderstorm density currents reveal a complicated but ordered internal structure. Fast-response anemometers on a 150-m tower reveal a succession of internal shear layers which occur following the leading portion or nose of the current. The measured wind shear revealed by the anemometers is found to be a function of the temperature differential between the ambient air and the interior of the gust, measured near the surface. An heuristic model is developed to explain this observation.
Adenyl cyclase and hormone action III. Calcium requirement for ACTH stimulation of adenyl cyclase

Abstract ACTH sensitivity of adenyl cyclase in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions from bovine adrenal cortex and in ghosts from rat fat cells can be abolished by the Ca complexing agent EGTA and restored by addition of Ca. EGTA also increases basal levels of cyclase activity in both systems and the degree of epinephrine stimulation in ghosts. Added Ca ion is inhibitory for basal and hormone stimulated activity in both systems. Ca may thus regulate 3′,5′-AMP formation both in the absence and presence of hormones.
Descartes and Cartesianism

Nathan D. Smith and Jason P. Taylor (eds): Descartes and Cartesianism. Newcastle: Cambridge Scholars Press, 2005, xxii + 206 pp. ISBN 1-904303-45-5 Why would anyone today examine critically the ide...
Learning about combat stress from Homer's Iliad

Vietnam Veterans with severe post-traumatic stress disorder often report the following combat experiences: a leader's betrayal of “what's right,” lost responsiveness to claims outside a tiny circle of combat-proven comrades, grief and guilt for a dead special comrade, lust for revenge, renunciation of homecoming, feeling “already dead,” going berserk, dishonoring the enemy, and atrocities. These elements are all in Homer'sIliad account of Achilles, allowing the reader to witness them as they happen, so to speak. Homer's view of healing and regained humanity is discussed in relation to theIliad's final scene. TheIliad offers a cross-cultural look at men in battle, and raises questions about some assumptions in American military culture, particularly regarding grief and the need to degrade the enemy to make men fight. Betrayal of “what's right” and the berserk state are suggested as key pathogens for PTSD in combat soldiers.
Mapping epibenthic assemblages and their relations to sedimentary features in shallow-water, high-energy environments

Abstract Knowledge of spatial relationships among benthic biota and sedimentary features in shallow-water ( 1 month to rework surficial sands since their transformation by physical processes. Linear regressions of ripple characteristics against sand dollar or tube worm densities were not significant, although such relationships would be highly dependent on temporal scale. The survey method described here can be used at more frequent intervals to explore such interactions between epibenthic animals and sediment-transport dynamics.
MEASUREMENT OF GEL WATER‐BINDING CAPACITY BY CAPILLARY SUCTION POTENTIAL

A new simple method has been developed which may be applicable in the measurement of the water-binding capacity (WBC) of moist foods and gels which easily deform under pressure. This study was designed to establish the procedure conditions using gels. The material to be measured is placed in a special cup, layered with filter paper of a predetermined moisture content and held at 6°C for 72 hr. From the change in moisture content of the filter paper after equilibration, the suction potential in N/m2 of the measured material is read off a standard curve. This curve was prepared by measuring the water lost from filter paper in a standard soil test cell as a function of applied pressure. On this basis, the suction pressure as a function of moisture content can be determined at very high water contents.
Competitive inhibition of an L-fucose isomerase activity by dithiothreitol

Abstract Dithiothreitol was found to be a competitive inhibitor for a purified L-fucose isomerase from Aerobacter aerogenes , inhibiting enzyme activity for the isomerization of both L-fucose and D-arabinose. The kinetics of inhibition showed that the oxidized form was the more potent inhibitor. The Ki for both sugars was the same. Dithioerythitol and certain polyalcoholic sugars also appeared to function as competitive inhibitors of the enzyme.
Endoscopic ultrasound: impact on survival in patients with esophageal cancer.

Abstract Background Esophageal carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy and long-term survival is poor. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an additional staging modality to assess locoregional extent of this disease. We hypothesized that EUS may improve survival through more effective staging and better optimization of treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients presenting with esophageal cancer at our institution from 1993 to 2003 ( n = 97) and compared outcomes between patients who underwent staging EUS and computed tomography (CT) versus CT alone. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared between groups using the log-rank test. Mean survival was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods. Results Overall 3-, 6-, and 12-month survival did not differ between the 2 groups (EUS: 92%, 84%, and 80% and CT: 83%, 67%, and 43%, log-rank P = .1), which held true despite stratification by treatment modality (all P >.1). The mean survival for the EUS group was 16 ± 3 months and for the CT group, 12 ± 1.5 months ( P = .2). Further analysis by stage showed no difference in survival between the 2 groups (all P >.1). However, stage 2A and 3 surgical patients had better survival than nonsurgical patients (both P = .02) irrespective of staging modality. EUS patients were no more likely to receive surgical, neoadjuvant, or definitive chemoradiation than CT patients (all P >.1). Conclusions Overall survival as well as survival by stage did not differ between patients who underwent staging via EUS and CT versus CT alone, and patients staged with EUS were not more likely to receive any one intervention. Irrespective of staging modality, stage 2A and 3 patients who underwent surgical intervention had better survival than those who did not receive an operation.
Social Class Privilege and Adolescent Women's Perceived Career Options.

This qualitative study examined the perceived career options of 10 White adolescent young women who experienced social class privilege in their families of origin. The model of contextual privilege and career selection for adolescent White women emerged from the data, and it describes how social class privilege, gender, achievement expectations, experiences, and verbal messages may influence perceived occupational possibilities. The model includes 4 categorical groups: (a) Social Class Identity and Perceptions, (b) Shared Perceptions of Achievement and Expectations, (c) Exposure, and (d) Evaluating Career Options. The findings suggest that social class privilege contributes to the perception of numerous career options. Yet it also contributes to a process wherein participants unintentionally limit their career aspirations to a very narrow range of options.
Influence of induced polarization in inductive methods

Abstract This paper considers the influence of induced polarization (I.P.) on frequency and transient responses for three configurations used in the inductive methods of electroprospecting. Special attention is paid to the influence caused by the presence of relatively conductive inhomogeneities and to various approaches allowing one to separate the inductive effect from the induced polarization. It is shown that the quadrature component is less sensitive to the I.P. effect than the inphase component. Also the transient field at the late stage is strongly affected by induced polarization. It is also shown that the dipole-dipole array is least sensitive to the I.P. effect.
Laboratory Validation and Field Verification of a New Passive Air Monitoring Badge for Sampling Ethylene Oxide in Air

A new diffusion colorimetric air monitoring badge for sampling ethylene oxide is described. The Du Pont Pro-Tek® C-70 badge has been laboratory validated over the range of 4–375 ppm-hours (0.5–47 ppm on an 8-hour TWA) using standard spectrophotometer readout in 1 centimeter (10 mm) cells. The lower range can be extended to 2 ppm-hours (0.25 ppm) by using 4 cm (40 mm) cells. The badge has an overall sampling and analytical method accuracy of ±13.5%. It meets NIOSH accuracy criteria and has a mean coefficient of variation The badge has no temperature, pressure, relative humidity or face velocity effects over practical ranges. The response time is adequate to sample peak concentrations over short time periods. The badge may be used to determine ambient formaldehyde levels if suspected to be present along with ethylene oxide. Badges are shown to agree very well with the industry accepted and proposed ASTM pump/charcoal tube method in three extensive plant field tests. Badges were more precise than the charcoa...
Effects of carbon additions on the high temperature mechanical properties of molybdenum disilicide

Abstract Additions of up to 4 wt.% C to MoSi2 caused elimination of the siliceous grain boundary phase in hot pressed samples as well as the formation of small quantities of β-SiC and Mo5Si3C. Both the hardness and fracture toughness of the carbon-containing alloys exceeded those of the carbon-free (and oxygen-rich) materials. The toughness for all carbon-containing alloys at 800–1400°C was independent of the level of carbon addition, although the hardness at all temperatures up to 1000°C increased with the level of carbon addition. Unstable fracture was exhibited by all alloys tested below 1200°C, while stable cracking and high toughness (greater than or equal to 11.5 MPa m 1 2 ) was obtained in the 2 wt.% C alloy at 1400°C.
Investigation of the form of selenium in the hydrogenase from chemolithotrophically cultured Bradyrhizobium japonicum

It has been established that the hydrogenase from autotrophically cultured Bradyrhizobium japonicum contains selenium as a bound constituent. About 80% of the enzyme selenium remains bound during precipitation with 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). However, 85% of the selenium bound to the enzyme is released by a combined treatment of urea, heat and TCA. Neither selenomethionine nor selenocysteine could be detected on analysis of anaerobically hydrolyzed enzyme. These results are consistent with the report showing that the structural genes for this enzyme do not contain a TGA codon (Sayavedra-Soto et al. 1988) which has been reported to code for selenocysteine incorporation into several proteins (Chambers et al. 1986; Zinoni et al. 1986; Stadtman 1987). We have demonstrated that 75Se from the labeled hydrolyzed enzyme forms the derivative' selenodicysteine. The form of selenium resulting in the synthesis of this derivative apparently is SeOinf3sup=or a compound such as Se= which is easily oxidized to SeOinf3sup=. In a separate approach it was established that 12–16% of the total 75Se in the native enzyme reacted with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene indicating that this fraction was present as SeOinf3sup=. The remaining 75Se was bound to the enzyme protein. From this research, we concluded that Se in Bradyrhizobium japonicum hydrogenase is present in a labile bound form. In this respect, this enzyme is similar to xanthine dehydrogenase and nicotinic acid hydroxylase, both of which contain labile Se constituents that have not been defined.
Glyceride metabolism in the myopathic hamster

Analysis of plasma lipids of 30- and 185-day-old BIO 82.62 myopathic hamsters and age-matched normal controls revealed a decrease in only the concentration of cholesteryl esters of 185-day-old diseased animals. Measurement of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in heart, muscle, and adipose tissue showed no difference between the activity of the enzyme in the heart and muscle of the cardiomyopathic hamsters and that of the age-matched controls. In adipose tissue, however, LPL activity was depressed in the diseased animals in both age groups. No difference was found in the activity of hormone sensitive lipase. Incorporation of sn[U-14C] glycerol-3-phosphate into total lipids was found to be depressed in homogenates of heart, muscle, and adipose tissue but unchanged in liver homogenates of diseased animals. It was concluded that the decrease in the capacity to synthesize glycerides, rather than limiting substrate concentrations, could be the cause of the decrease in the lipid content in some tissues of the cardiomyopathic hamster.
The 1985 C. H. McCloy Research Lecture Practical Problems in Exercise Physiology Research

Abstract This paper examines the contribution of exercise physiology research to improvements in sports performance. By using illustrations from studies on competitive swimmers, attempts have been made to show the need to develop tests that evaluate the factors essential for success in sports. Such testing should be used to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the athlete, and to offer the athlete and coach valid information to gauge the benefits of training. Aside from the value of monitoring the adaptations to sports training, the primary role of physiological research in sports should be to solve problems that will ultimately aid athletes to achieve their full potential. This paper will conclude with examples of problem solving research and its contribution to performance.
Effect of graded reductions of coronary pressure and flow on myocardial metabolism and performance: A model of “hibernating” myocardium

The term "hibernating" myocardium has been applied to chronic left ventricular dysfunction without angina or ischemic electrocardiographic changes in patients with coronary artery disease that is reversed by therapy that increases myocardial blood flow. To investigate the relation between coronary blood flow and ventricular function experimentally, graded reductions in coronary artery pressure were produced in isolated perfused rat hearts as contractile performance (peak systolic pressure and its first derivative [dP/dt]) and metabolic variables were measured using phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. As coronary pressure and flow were reduced, significant reductions in myocardial oxygen consumption and contractile performance were observed, which returned to control levels when coronary artery pressure and flow were restored to baseline values. Two phases of metabolic abnormality were observed. With modest reductions in coronary perfusion, proportionate reductions in myocardial oxygen consumption and contractile behavior were accompanied by a slight reduction in creatine phosphate but no significant lactate production. With greater reductions in coronary artery pressure and flow, creatine phosphate decreased more, adenosine triphosphate levels and myocardial pH decreased significantly and myocardial lactate production increased. The balanced reductions in myocardial contractility and oxygen consumption without metabolic abnormalities traditionally associated with "ischemia" observed in the first phase provides evidence in normal hearts for resetting of the myocardial contractile behavior and oxygen consumption in the presence of reduced coronary flow (that is, hibernating myocardium). The data suggest that reductions in adenosine diphosphate and the index of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (lactate formation) do not explain the coupling between coronary artery pressure and flow and myocardial oxygen consumption as contractile performance decreases.
Microcin Amyloid Fibrils A Are Reservoir of Toxic Oligomeric Species

Microcin E492 (Mcc), a low molecular weight bacteriocin produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae RYC492, has been shown to exist in two forms: soluble forms that are believed to be toxic to the bacterial cell by forming pores and non-toxic fibrillar forms that share similar biochemical and biophysical properties with amyloids associated with several human diseases. Here we report that fibrils polymerized in vitro from soluble forms sequester toxic species that can be released upon changing environmental conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and upon dilution. Our results indicate that basic pH (≥8.5), low NaCl concentrations (≤50 mm), and dilution (>10-fold) destabilize Mcc fibrils into more soluble species that are found to be toxic to the target cells. Additionally, we also found a similar conversion of non-toxic fibrils into highly toxic oligomers using Mcc aggregates produced in vivo. Moreover, the soluble protein released from fibrils is able to rapidly polymerize into amyloid fibrils under fibril-forming conditions and to efficiently seed aggregation of monomeric Mcc. Our findings indicate that fibrillar forms of Mcc constitute a reservoir of toxic oligomeric species that is released into the medium upon changing the environmental conditions. These findings may have substantial implications to understand the dynamic process of interconversion between toxic and non-toxic aggregated species implicated in protein misfolding diseases.
Physiological and biomechanical analysis of treadmill walking up various gradients in men and women.

This investigation was undertaken to examine the physiological and biomechanical responses during treadmill walking up various gradients in men and women. Groups of 11 men and 11 women took part in four experiments consisting of 8 min treadmill walks at 1.3 m·s–1 up gradients of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. The subjects also underwent an anthropometric assessment during which their height, body mass (BM), percentage (%) body fat, lean body mass (LBM), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were obtained. During exercise, each subject was videotaped during three walking cycles so that sagittal kinematics including stride length (SL) and frequency (SF) and ranges of motion achieved at the shoulder, hip and knee during a walking cycle could be determined using a motion analysis system. The motion capture was followed by a measurement of steady-state oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) using indirect calorimetry and a HR monitor. Compared to men, women were higher in % body fat, but lower in height, BM, LBM, and WHR. The VO2 in millilitres per kilogram per minute and HR were similar between men and women at 0% and 5%, but greater in women than men at 10% and 15%. The SL and SF were greater and smaller, respectively, in men than women up all gradients. Shoulder extension was greater up gradients of 10% and 15% in women than men, whereas no sex difference in shoulder flexion was noted. Hip extension and flexion as well as knee flexion remained the same between men and women up all gradients. An inverse relationship was observed between VO2 in millilitres per kilogram per minute and BM, LBM, and WHR when men and women were combined. In conclusion, the mass-specific metabolic cost of treadmill walking up high gradients is greater in women than men. Such an increase in relative metabolic cost may be attributable to the fact that women are smaller in size, and/or have relatively more BM distributed peripherally. This sex difference may also be due to a greater movement of the upper limbs in women during walking uphill, although direct evidence is needed to support this contention.
Special track on Applications of Evolutionary Computation: editorial message

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are inspired by the mechanisms that underlie biological evolution: reproduction with variation, selection according to fitness, and repetition. An EA maintains a population of data structures that encode candidate solutions to the target problem instance. These data structures are usually strings of symbols and are called chromosomes. Associated with each chromosome is a numerical fitness that indicates the quality of the solution it represents, and chromosomes of better fitness are selected to be parents. Operators abstracted from genetic crossover and mutation, and bearing those names, generate novel chromosomes from the selected parents. As generations of chromosomes follow each other, representations of better solutions evolve. The algorithm halts and returns the best solution represented in its population after a specified number of generations or when the algorithm identifies a solution of adequate fitness.
Assessment of facial self-image by means of a distorting mirror and its relationship to personality

Abstract A flexible distorting mirror was used to give a distorted image of volunteers, who then attempted to alter the mirror to give a true reflection of their faces. Their accuracy in performing this task was correlated with age, sex, extroversion, neuroticism and also with total body and facial self- image as obtained from questionnaires. On average, subjects could not accurately define the size of their faces to within 5 cm, and the higher the body image score on the questionnaire, the less well subjects performed on the flexible mirror.
Margin to Craton Expansion of Late Ordovician Benthic Marine Invertebrates

A biostratigraphic survey of 57 Late Ordovician marine shelly invertebrates from the Climacograptus manitoulinensis zone of eastern Canada supports suggestions that throughout the Early Phanerozoic benthic marine speciations occurred preferentially in marginal marine environments. The species subsequently spread onto the craton. There is no obvious positive correlation between the times of first appearance of new associations or novel communities along the continental margin and the first appearance on the craton of the species making up these communities. Taxonomic similarities between marine communities that occupied both marginal and cratonic regimes may reflect a more static local ecology than the evolutionary dynamics of a piecemeal species-by-species reassembly.
The test of significance in psychological research.

The vast majority of investigations which pass for research in the field of psychology today entail the use of statistical tests of significance. The critical assumption involved in testing significance is that, if the experiment is conducted properly, the characteristics of the population have a designably determinative influence on samples drawn from it; that, for example, the mean of a population has a determinative influence on the mean of a sample drawn from it. One of the most viable alternatives to the use of the test of significance involves the theorem of Bayes’. The psychological literature is filled with misinterpretations of the nature of the test of significance. With the acceptance of the Fisher approach the psychological research worker also accepted, and then overused, the test of significance, employing it as the measure of the significance, in the largest sense of the word, of his research efforts.
Piezoelectrically actuated microcantilevers : An experimental nonlinear vibration analysis

With daily growth of using microcantilevers in microelectromechanical systems, comprehensive analysis on their dynamical behavior is necessary since they are mostly utilized as the main sensing device. In this paper, out-of-plane vibrations of a piezoelectrically actuated microcantilever are experimentally investigated. The microcantilever's top layer is covered with a piezoelectric material (here, ZnO) through which it can be excited. The nonlinear frequency response of the microcantilever is studied and the resulting shift in natural frequency due to nonlinearity is examined. By observing the subharmonics of the fundamental frequencies at second and third order, it is experimentally shown that there exist cubic and quadratic nonlinearities in the microcantilever. Mathematical models based on these experimental tests are then proposed and verified. The out-of-plane measurements provide the experimental ability to observe both transversal and torsional modes. In addition, the modes in which the microcantilever acts like a plate are observed and discussed.
Diet of shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon in the free‐flowing Mississippi River

Summary Gut contents of shovelnose and pallid sturgeon from the lower and middle Mississippi River were obtained by colonic flushing, a safe and easily implemented alternative to gastric lavage. Diets of both species were dominated numerically by immature Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Diptera. Primary prey, based on volume, for shovelnose sturgeon were Trichoptera, and for pallid sturgeon were various fishes. Geographic and seasonal nuances in diet were observed for both species, but the general dichotomy of shovelnose sturgeon as browser on invertebrates and pallid sturgeon as predator on fishes did not change. Data indicate that both species require hard substrates for feeding. Data demonstrate that colonic flushing is an effective technique for describing diet and inferring ecological and behavioral information about sturgeon.
A distribution-free test for anomalous gamma-ray spectra

Abstract Gamma-ray spectra are increasingly acquired in monitoring cross-border traffic, or in an area search for lost or orphan special nuclear material (SNM). The signal in such data is generally weak, resulting in poorly resolved spectra, thereby making it hard to detect the presence of SNM. We develop a new test for detecting anomalous spectra by characterizing the complete shape change in a spectrum from background radiation; the proposed method may serve as a tripwire for routine screening for SNM. We show that, with increasing detection time, the limiting distribution of the test is given by some functional of the Brownian bridge. The efficacy of the proposed method is illustrated by simulations.
Preparing Teachers for Hispanic Immigrant Children: A Service Learning Approach

One response to the need to prepare future teachers as multicultural educators is to use service learning with an immigrant population as part of a teacher education program. This article documents the impact of a project that engaged preservice teachers in tutoring struggling young English language learners. Content analysis was used at the thematic level on student journals written to accompany the semester-long experience of tutoring. Overall, the preservice teachers gained an understanding of the challenges facing the immigrant families, developed respect for the families' home cultures, and gained confidence in their ability to teach children from diverse backgrounds.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of retinoid-chalcones as inhibitors of colon cancer cell growth

Abstract Based on the observed anticancer activity of chalcones and retinoids, a novel class of retinoid-chalcone hybrids was designed and synthesized. As part of our ongoing studies to discover natural product based anticancer compounds, the retinoid-chalcone hybrids were tested against the colon cancer cell line HT-29. Retinoid like moiety was introduced through Friedel–Crafts alkylation of toluene. Among the synthesized compounds, the cyano derivative ( E )-3-(3-oxo-3-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)prop-1-enyl)benzonitrile 8 showed submicromolar inhibitory activity with an IC 50 of 0.66 μM.
Fluorescence quenching of reconstituted NCD-4-labeled cytochrome c oxidase complex by DOXYL-stearic acids.

It has been known for some time that dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) inhibits the proton translocation function of the cytochrome c oxidase complex (CcO) and that there is one major site in subunit III which is modified upon reaction with DCCD (Glu-90 for the bovine enzyme). We have examined the reaction of bovine CcO with N-cyclohexyl-N'-(4-dimethylamino-alpha-napthyl)carbodiimide (NCD-4), a fluorescent analog of DCCD. NCD-4 labeling of CcO is strongly inhibited by DCCD implicating Glu-90 of subunit III as the site of chemical modification by NCD-4. The fluorescence of reconstituted NCD-4-labeled bovine CcO is strongly quenched by hydrophobic nitroxides, whereas hydrophilic nitroxides and iodide ions have a reduced quenching ability. It is concluded that the Glu-90 of subunit III resides near the protein-lipid interface of the membrane spanning region of the enzyme. Different quenching abilities of 5-, 7-, 10-, 12-, and 16–4,4-dimethyl-3-oxazolinyloxy-stearic acids suggest that the NCD-4 label is located in the membrane bilayer in the region near the middle of the hydrocarbon tail of stearic acid. In light of these results, it is unlikely that Glu-90 is part of a proton channel that is associated with the proton pumping machinery of the enzyme but the outcome of this study does not eliminate an allosteric regulatory role for this residue.
Effect of Cr and Ni Contents on the Oxidation Behavior of Ferritic and Austenitic Model Alloys in Air with Water Vapor

Ferritic and austenitic model alloys with various contents of Cr and Ni ranging between 10–20% and 0–30%, respectively, were oxidized in air + 10% water vapor during 1 hr cyclic oxidation at 650°C and 800°C. Depending on the alloy composition and temperature, either a thin protective oxide scale was observed or accelerated attack occurred which sometimes included spallation. For austenitic model alloys, increasing either the Cr or Ni contents delayed the accelerated attack. For lower Cr and Ni contents at 800°C, accelerated attack, including spallation, occurred at short exposure times. No spallation was observed for the ferritic model alloys. However, accelerated attack can occur quickly with low Cr contents. Increasing the temperature delayed the breakaway observed on ferritic alloys whereas it reduced the protective-oxide-growth stage for austenitic alloys.