cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of proline utilization in Salmonella typhimurium: a membrane-associated dehydrogenase binds DNA in vitro.

Abstract The PutA protein is a membrane-associated enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of proline to glutamate. Genetic evidence suggests that in the absence of proline, the PutA protein also represses transcription of the putA and putP genes. To directly determine whether PutA protein binds to the put control region, we analyzed gel retardation of put control region DNA by purified PutA protein in vitro. The put control region is 420 bp. Purified PutA protein bound specifically to several nonoverlapping fragments of control region DNA, indicating the presence of multiple binding sites in the control region. Electrophoretic abnormalities and behavior of circularly permuted fragments of control region DNA indicate that it contains a region of intrinsically curved DNA. To determine whether the multiple binding sites or the DNA curvature are important in vivo, two types of deletions were constructed: (i) deletions that removed sequences predicted to contribute to DNA curvature as well as potential operator sites and (ii) deletions that removed only potential operator sites. Both types of deletions increased expression of the put genes but were still induced by proline, indicating that multiple cis elements are involved in repression. These data suggest a model for put repression that invokes the formation of a complex between PutA protein molecules bound at different sites in the control region, brought into proximity by a loop of curved DNA.
Biology and Clinical Applications of Hemopoietins in Pediatric Practice

The differentiation, proliferation, and viability of hemopoietic cells are regulated by glycoproteins variously referred to as colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), growth factors, or hemopoietins. To date, 12 interleukins, 3 CSFs, erythropoietin, and a stem cell growth factor (kit ligand, or mast cell growth factor) are known to regulate hemopoiesis. The identification and purification of human hemopoietic growth factors (cytokines) have recently permitted a more detailed analysis of their role in hemopoiesis. Cloning of the genes that encode these CSFs has led to largescale production of their protein products for clinical application. Recent clinical trials of these cytokines in adults and children with a variety of diseases affecting hemopoiesis have already yielded dramatic benefits. For example, patients with formerly serious or fatal diseases, such as cyclic neutropenia or Kostmann syndrome (congenital agranulocytosis), have shown striking reductions in infections, marked improvement in their quality of life, and no serious side effects during treatment with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). Here we summarize what is known about the biology and clinical utility of five of these CSFs (recombinant human erythropoietin [rh-EPO], rhG-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [rhGM-CSF], macrophage colony-stimulating factor [rhM-CSF], and interleukin-3 [rhIL-3]), which are in clinical use in children. We also indicate future applications for these and other hemopoietins. Table 1 outlines characteristics of the five agents, and Table 2 lists their clinical applications. HEMOPOIETINS AND HEMOPOIESIS Hemopoiesis is a complex and dynamic process during which a relatively small number of stem cells with self-renewal capacity give rise to lineage-restricted progenitor cells that mature into red blood cells, leukocytes (white blood cells), or platelets (see Figure).
International Technology Adoption

Investigates the behavior structure of technology adoption by using Davis′s (1986) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Explores the influence of culture and demand certainty on international technology adoption. Using structural equations to analyse the model, finds that attitude and behavioral intention to adopt technology depend on the perceived utilities of the technology and perceived ease of adoption. Finds that cultural affinity has a significant and positive influence on TAM through perceived ease of adoption. Results from the two‐group model reveal that, when demand is certain, the influence of culture is stronger and more positive than when demand is uncertain.
A New Method of Corporate Reorganization

In this short paper I develop an argument that chapter 11 does not give the large corporate debtor enough power, or, rather, gives too many other parties too much power. By framing chapter 11 as an open, consensual, equitable process in which all will be heard - including the federal government in the form of the United States Trustee - Congress created a system that allows parties with small or nonexistent stakes to delay the process while pursuing their own agendas. I therefore propose a new form of corporate reorganization that would allow a debtor to cancel or strip-down its unsecured debt, refinance it secured debt, and sell new equity, all without any voting by creditors or the chance for creditors to litigate most objections to the debtor's restructuring. I envision my plan as a new chapter to the current Bankruptcy Code, rather than a replacement for the current chapter 11. Debtors would then have a choice between restructuring tools. Further, the presence of this new chapter might have the additional benefit of improving the debtor's bargaining position in chapter 11. In short, corporate reorganization would improve even if no debtor ever used my proposed new chapter.
High Energy Cosmic Gamma Rays

High energy gamma rays with origin in interstellar or intergalactic space, noting radio source output
Effects of postural changes and vestibular lesions on diaphragm and rectus abdominis activity in awake cats.

Changes in posture can affect the resting length of the diaphragm, requiring alterations in the activity of both the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm to maintain stable ventilation. To determine...
Understanding the role of percutaneous biopsy in the management of patients with a small renal mass.

Objective To evaluate patient and tumor characteristics associated with percutaneous renal mass biopsy (RMB) among patients with small renal masses (SRMs) and assessed the impact on clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods For 204 consecutive patients presenting with a clinical stage T1 renal mass at our institution, we collected data regarding patient demographics, comorbidity, renal function, anatomic factors, and treatment plan. We then assessed the association between these characteristics and receipt of RMB, and between biopsy results and initial treatment decision. Results Among 204 patients, 78 (38%) received RMB. Of the demographic and physiological parameters, only non-Caucasian race and family history of renal cell carcinoma were associated with biopsy (P 25 kg/m2, juxta-hilar location, and high-complexity nephrometry score remained significantly associated with RMB (P Conclusion At our institution, one-third of patients presenting with a SRM undergo RMB, most commonly among patients with complicated anatomic and/or tumor considerations. Because these factors may limit the feasibility of NSS, biopsies are being used to guide decision-making aimed at minimizing total kidney loss.
Nonlinear modeling for control of Terfenol-D-based actuators

Nonlinear modeling and control methods can be used to increase the usable range of operation of Terfenol-D. Presently, in dynamic applications the usable range of Terfenol-D is often limited to approximately 850ppm. This limitation is imposed by harmonic distortion, spurious vibration, and/or tracking error considerations. These nonlinear effects are due to large variations in the magnetoelastic parameters and hysteresis. The preliminary results of this program indicate that a large performance advantage may be gained through proper control of the nonlinearities. As an example, a recently designed reaction mass actuator that weighs 1.125lbm can produce peak forces as high as 125lbf. However, to limit the open-loop total harmonic distortion to less than 2 percent requires that peak forces be limited to roughly 65lbf. To determine the magnetoelastic parameters, quasi-static experiments were performed with a specially designed apparatus. The research included modeling and simulation based on the static nonlinear magnetoelastic equations. Under assumptions of quasi-static magnetoelastic behavior, a fourth-order linear model was extended with the static nonlinearities. The model is compared with preliminary experiments. These types of models will allow nonlinear control strategies to be developed for Terfenol-D based actuators, thus extending the harmonic-free operating range.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of Propranolol on Functional Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Pilot Study

A decrease in interaction between brain regions is observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is believed to be related to restricted neural network access in ASD. Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist, has revealed benefit during performance of tasks involving flexibility of access to networks, a benefit also seen in ASD. Our goal was to determine the effect of propranolol on functional connectivity in ASD during a verbal decision making task as compared to nadolol, thereby accounting for the potential spurious fMRI effects due to peripheral hemodynamic effects of propranolol. Ten ASD subjects underwent fMRI scans after administration of placebo, propranolol or nadolol, while performing a phonological decision making task. Comparison of functional connectivity between pre-defined ROI-pairs revealed a significant increase with propranolol compared to nadolol, suggesting a potential imaging marker for the cognitive effects of propranolol in ASD.
The regulation of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acylation by cytidine nucleotides in rat brain cerebral hemispheres

Abstract 1. 1. The optimal conditions for the incorporation of sn-[ 14 C ] glycerol -3-P into rat brain homogenates has been determined. 2. 2. Under the standard conditions, most of the radioactivity was incorporated into phosphatidic acid, but label was also found in phosphatidyl inositol and the neutral glycerides. 3. 3. The presence of CMP, CDP or CTP (0.2 mM) markedly decreased the incorporation of sn-14C]glycerol-3-P into the total lipids. This depression was due to a striking decrease in the labelling of phosphatidic acid. The incorporation into phosphatidyl inositol was increased by these nucleotides. The incorporation into the glycerides was slightly decreased or not affected. 4. 4. CDP-choline consistently increased the incorporation into the total lipids. 5. 5. These results indicate that the cytidine nucleotides, particularly CTP, can modify the acylation of sn-glycerol-3-P. Since this activity is responsible for the first step in the de novo biosynthesis of diacylglycerolipids, the effect could play an important role in the regulation of phospholipid production for membranes.
INDOMETHACIN (IND) DOES NOT BLUNT THE RESPONSE TO INHALED NITRIC OXIDE (iNO) THERAPY IN PIGLETS WITH OLEIC ACID LUNG INJURY (OALI). † 1120

INDOMETHACIN (IND) DOES NOT BLUNT THE RESPONSE TO INHALED NITRIC OXIDE (iNO) THERAPY IN PIGLETS WITH OLEIC ACID LUNG INJURY (OALI). † 1120
Expression of SR-BI (Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I) in turtle (Chrysemys picta) tissues and other nonmammalian vertebrates.

In this study, the tissue distribution of the expression of an HDL-receptor (SR-BI; Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I) was investigated in the turtle using an antiserum to murine SR-BI. Several turtle tissues including liver, heart, small intestine, kidney, oviduct, ovary, and testis were shown to express an 82 kDa membrane protein. In addition, SR-BI expression in livers of other nonmammalian species such as the chicken, frog, goldfish, shark, and skate is also reported. Ovarian SR-BI expression varies seasonally in the turtle as do plasma levels of apoA-I and cholesterol ester. It is possible that changing levels of SR-BI, the receptor for apoA-I, is physiologically relevant to the demands of the turtle ovarian cycle and cholesterol distribution.
REACTIVATION IN VITRO OF IMMUNOCOMPETENCE IN IRRADIATED MOUSE SPLEEN

The restoration of immunological competence to irradiated adult mouse spleen was studied using an in vitro assay system. Competence of the spleen to evoke a graft versus host reaction in vitro was lost upon sublethal irradiation (550 R). Regeneration of immune competence occurred when such spleens were grown for 2–3 days in the presence of thymus tissue, but not when grown in the presence of a variety of other tissues. This thymic activity was demonstrated to occur across an intervening Millipore filter barrier. When lethal doses of irradiation were used, reactivation of immune competence did not occur unless both thymus and bone marrow were present. In this experimental situation the bone marrow appeared to supply the immunocompetent cells.
Argentina's Landmark 2003 Presidential Election: Renewal and Continuity

This article provides an analysis of the political and socioeconomic context of the April 2003 presidential elections, focusing particularly on the campaign platforms of candidates, the outcome of the first round and the election's consequences for the party system. The election's results were far reaching in many respects. Argentina's longstanding two-party system came to an end with the virtual vanishing of the Radical party (UCR) at the national level. An evolved political culture resulted in new, more rigorous criteria for the selection of candidates. Finally, new political parties (MNR and ARI) emerged that could conceivably improve the quality of democratic governance in the future. In short, the 2001–2002 crisis fostered a significant degree of political renewal. Contrary to some predictions, however, the societal rejection of political parties did not result in either the complete demolition of the party system or the wholesale renovation of the political class. In particular, the Peronist party showcased its staying power and uncanny ability to adapt to new political environments.
Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Intact and Pepsin-Derived Fragments of Laminin from Human Placenta

Human laminin, in intact form and as pepsin cleaved fragments, was isolated and purified from placenta. The intact laminin was extracted by 1-M NaCl at neutral pH in the presence of 10-mM EDTA and 3% Triton X-100. This recovered material was purified by DEAE-cellulose and agarose gel chromatography. The laminin fragments P1, P2 and P3 were prepared by limited pepsin proteolysis. Antibodies were prepared against fragment P2. The laminin and its fragments were characterized by amino acid composition, NaDoSO4-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunochemistry. Results from these studies show that substantial quantities of laminin can be prepared from placenta in this manner.
NaK 22Σ+ → 11Σ+ band optically pumped laser near 1.02 μm

Optically pumped laser emission has been observed on the NaK 2(A)1Σ+ → 1(X)1Σ+ electronic state transition. The emission occurs between 1.015 and 1.035 μm when a sodium-potassium heat-pipe oven is pumped with 695–745 nm pulsed dye laser radiation. The laser emission occurs on many ro-vibrational transitions without the use of cavity mirrors. However, the addition of a simple cavity increases both the number of observed lasing transitions and the amplitude of the emission on each line. We report our results for the dependence of the emission intensity on pump laser power, oven temperature, and buffer gas pressure.
The Mobile Tourist Guide: An OR Opportunity

Nowadays, an average tourist plans a vacation using web sites, magazine articles and guidebooks. The inability to modify this holiday plan in real-time motivates the need for a Next Generation Mobile Tourist Guide (MTG). The MTG, a handheld embedded device, is aware of the tourist's preferences, attraction values and trip information. Based on real-time and reliable data, the device can immediately suggest new integrated holiday plans. To develop these holiday plans, additional OR research and very specific decision models are required. In this paper, the Tourist Trip Design Problem (TTDP) is defined as an extension of the Orienteering Problem (OP).
Minding history and world-scale dynamics in hazards research: the making of hazardous soils in The Gambia and Hungary

Hazards can result from combined social and environmental processes. However, it remains commonplace to treat the occurrence of hazards as if isolated from what happens in other, at times faraway places and as if history did not matter. To illustrate how world-scale interconnections and historical processes impinge on the appearance of current hazards, I discuss case studies of soil acidification from The Gambia and Hungary. In the former, pressures from international financial institutions to raise export-oriented cash-crop productivity resulted in the 1980s construction of large-scale dams for wet rice cultivation and other development projects. The result has been the progressive activation of acid sulphate soils that threaten lowland cultivation and freshwater sources. In Hungary, internal social turmoil and contradictions influenced by the US-USSR conflict led to rapid industrialisation of farming and the intensification of export-oriented agricultural production in the mid-1960s. The consequent incr...
Rheumatoid Vasculitis Manifesting as Intra-abdominal Hemorrhage

Rheumatoid vasculitis, an extra-articular component of rheumatoid arthritis, causes a wide spectrum of manifestations that range from clinically insignificant to life-threatening disease. As a systemic necrotizing arteritis, rheumatoid vasculitis is usually characterized by end-organ ischemia. Herein we describe a patient with abdominal pain and syncope due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery in the setting of rheumatoid vasculitis. Although the intra-abdominal hemorrhage was the unusual manifestation of rheumatoid vasculitis in this patient, he had a history of prior extra-articular rheumatoid disease, including pulmonary fibrosis and Sjogren's syndrome with associated parotid lymphoproliferative disease. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have abdominal pain and an unexplained rapidly decreasing hemoglobin concentration, the diagnosis of intra-abdominal hemorrhage from a ruptured visceral aneurysm due to rheumatoid vasculitis should be considered, even in the absence of other indications of systemic vasculitis.
Radiation pressure and the linear momentum of light in dispersive dielectric media

We derive an exact expression for the radiation pressure of a quasi-monochromatic plane wave incident from the free space onto the flat surface of a semi-infinite dielectric medium. In order to account for the total optical momentum (incident plus reflected) that is transferred to the dielectric, the mechanical momentum acquired by the medium must be added to the rate of flow of the electromagnetic momentum (the so-called Abraham momentum) inside the dielectric. We confirm that the electromagnetic momentum travels with the group velocity of light inside the medium. The photon drag effect in which the photons captured in a semiconductor appear to have the Minkowski momentum is explained by analyzing a model system consisting of a thin absorptive layer embedded in a transparent dielectric.
The Right Book on the Right Shelf: Missing and Misshelved Books—How Bar Code Scanning Inventories Can Solve the Patrons’ Dilemma

After more than 30 years of failing to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the book collection at a large liberal arts library, our patrons complained that they could not find one in five books. A study of the problem indicated that in fact 20% of our books were either missing or misshelved. This article discusses the investigation of the problem and the impact after five years of conducting an annual inventory by using handheld devices to gather bar codes and interface these with our catalog records to find the missing and misshelved books. The missing book rate dropped from 5.6% to less than one half percent. The misshelved book rate dropped steadily every year from 11.6% to 3.1%. The number of books reported as missing by our patrons dropped 90%.
Toward intelligent support of authoring machinima media content: story and visualization

The Internet and the availability of authoring tools have enabled a greater community of media content creators, including nonexperts. However, while media authoring tools often make it technically feasible to generate, edit and share digital media artifacts, they do not guarantee that the works will be valuable or meaningful to the community at large. Therefore intelligent tools that support the authoring and creative processes are especially valuable. In this paper, we describe two intelligent support tools for the authoring and production of machinima. Machinima is a technique for producing computer-animated movies through the manipulation of computer game technologies. The first system we describe, ReQUEST, is an intelligent support tool for the authoring of plots. The second system, Cambot, produces machinima from a pre-authored script by manipulating virtual avatars and a virtual camera in a 3D graphical environment.
Rehabilitation program for children with brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injury

An aggressive and integrated physical and occupational therapy program is essential in the treatment of congenital brachial plexus injuries and other severe upper extremity nerve injuries. This article addresses the evaluation, identification of needs, establishment of goals, and the approaches to rehabilitation treatment for patients with brachial plexus palsy and other peripheral nerve injuries. Rehabilitative therapy can preserve and build on gains made possible by medical or surgical interventions; however, therapy is vital to these children regardless of whether surgery is indicated. The therapist uses a problem-solving approach to evaluate the patient and select appropriate occupational and physical therapy treatment modalities. Therapy is continually adjusted based on each child's unique needs. An understanding of the therapy principles aids in making appropriate referrals and prescriptions, and helps to coordinate care between the therapist, pediatrician, neurologist, and surgeon.
Heavy metal and sulfur transport during subcritical and supercritical hydrothermal alteration of basalt: Influence of fluid pressure and basalt composition and crystallinity

Crystalline basalt, diabase and basalt glass have been reacted with a Na-Ca-K-Cl fluid of seawater ionic strength at 350–425°C, 375–400 bars pressure and fluid/rock mass ratios of 0.5–1.0, to assess the role of temperature, basalt/diabase chemistry and texture on heavy metal and sulfur mobility during hydrothermal alteration. Alteration of basalt/diabase is characterized by cation fixation and hydrolysis reactions which show increased reaction progress with increasing temperature at constant pressure. Correspondingly, pH in a series of 400 bar experiments ranges from 4.8 to 2.7 at 350 and 425°C, respectively and is typically lower for alteration of a SiO2-rich crystalline basalt than for other rock types, due, in part, to relatively high SiO2 concentrations in solution. High SiO2 concentrations stabilize hydrous Na- and Ca-rich alteration phases, causing pH to decrease according to reactions such as: 3.0 CaAl2Si2O8 + 1.0 Ca++ + 2.0 H2O = 2.0 Ca2Al3Si3O12(OH) + 2.0 H+ Phases experimentally produced include: mixed layer chlorite/smectite, Ca-rich amphibole and clinozoisite. Clinozoisite was identified as a replacement product of plagioclase from diabase-solution interaction experiments. In direct response to H+ production, dissolved Fe, Mn and H2S concentrations increase dramatically. For early-stage reaction, H2S typically exceeds Fe and Mn. However, at 425°C and after long-term reaction at 400°C, H2S is lost from solution, apparently in response to pyrite replacement of oxide and silicate phases. Pyrrhotite formed at temperatures ≤ 375°C, whereas magnetite was identified in all run products, except from basalt glass alteration. Cu and Zn concentrations in solution are not simple functions of pH. These metals achieve greatest solubility in fluids from experiments at 375–400°C, except when basalt glass is used as a reactant. The relatively low concentrations of these species in solution during basalt glass reaction may be due to adsorption by fine grained alteration phases.
Isolation of an ankyrin-band 3 oligomer from human erythrocyte membranes

Abstract A cytoskeleton-associated population of band 3 has been isolated in milligram quantities from human erythrocyte membranes as a stable complex with ankyrin. The major population of band 3 (free band 3) was solubilized from ghosts with 0.1 M KCl/Triton X-100. A detergent-insoluble assembly of proteins (cytoskeletons) contained 10–15% of the band 3, as well as ankyrin, spectrin, band 4.1, actin and other minor polypeptides. The remaining band 3 and ankyrin were extracted in a 1:1 molar ratio from the cytoskeletons with 1 M KCl/Triton X-100, and were copurified with the same 1:1 stoichiometry during DEAE-chromatography, and gel filtration. Free band 3 was isolated by the same procedures, and was clearly resolved from ankyrin-associated band 3 on DEAE-chromatography and gel filtration. Direct evidence that ankyrin and band 3 were associated in a complex was provided by immunoprecipitation with anti-ankyrin IgG of band 3 from the native complex, but not of free band 3 or after denaturation of the complex. Ankyrin-associated band 3 contained a reactive site for H2DIDS (the dihydroanalog of 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid) and thus has an anion transport site. Comparison of 125I-labeled α-chymotryptic peptide fragments of free band 3 and ankyrin-associated band 3 revealed extensive homology with 28 out of 30 identical fragments. The ankyrin-band 3 oligomer is arranged as an αβ dimer with one polypeptide chain of each component, based on the molecular weight calculated from hydrodynamic parameters in dilute solution. Free band 3 behaved under the same conditions as a homodimer. Ankyrin-associated band 3 was capable of band 3 dimerization at concentrations of 1–3 μM, since chemical cross-linking of the oligomer with Cu2+/ o phenanthroline produced a 190 000 M r band 3 dimer on SDS gels.
Excretion of benzoate in bovine urine after the administration of thiopental.

Abstract Bovine urine, collected over a 4-day period after the administration of thiopental, contained an appreciable amount of a compound later identified as benzoic acid. The compound was characterized by ultraviolet, infrared and mass spectroscopy. The excretion of this compound was greatest on the second and third day after the administration of thiopental; it declined on the fourth day. Although rumen microorganisms may synthesize benzoic acid from a variety of sources, benzoic acid is not normally synthesized by animals, and ingested benzoic acid is excreted in herbivorous animals after conjugation, as hippuric acid. In vitro , conjugation of glycine and hippuric acid by bovine liver homogenate was inhibited by the presence of thiopental. It is concluded that the presence of thiopental interfered with the conjugating enzymes in the liver, thus causing the urinary excretion of unconjugated benzoic acid.
Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources Powered by Radiatively Efficient Two-Phase Super-Eddington Accretion onto Stellar-Mass Black Holes

A hard power-law component dominates the radiation spectra of many of the brightest ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). Therefore, a hot, optically thin corona likely powers the emission by Comptonizing seed photons emitted by a cooler, optically thick accretion disk. Before its dissipation and conversion into coronal radiation, the randomized gravitational binding energy responsible for powering ULXs must separate from the mass of its origin by a means quicker than electron-scattering-mediated radiative diffusion. Therefore, the accretion power released in ULXs is not necessarily subject to photon trapping, as long as it occurs in a corona. Motivated by these considerations, we present a model of ULXs powered by geometrically thin accretion onto stellar-mass black holes. In the innermost region of the disk, where the majority of the binding energy is released, an adjacent corona covering the entire disk surface Comptonizes the cool thermal radiation. The intense photoionizing flux and subsequent high ionization level produces an albedo near unity for X-ray photons. Therefore, the amount of reprocessed emission in this region is small relative to the non-thermal output. If dissipation takes place within an optically thin corona, Compton drag and the wind's low optical depth hamper the driving of a wind. If the magnetic field geometry of the corona is primarily closed, then fields of modest strength can, in principle, prevent the launching of a wind. In the outer region, the albedo is lower, and the surface area is larger. Therefore, the disk emits lower temperature thermal radiation resulting from both viscous dissipation within the body of the disk and reprocessed coronal power. Thus, this model qualitatively reproduces the main features of most highly luminous ULX spectra.
Cardiovascular effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the pithed rat: comparison with substance P.

Abstract Recently it has been shown that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) are coexisting in central and peripheral nerve endings of sensory neurons. In the present study we compared the vasodepressor and plasma extravasating activity of CGRP with that of SP. Systemic administration of CGRP to pithed, vagotomized rats evoked a dose dependent, long lasting vasodilation accompanied by a parallel rise in heart rate. The tachycardic response to CGRP may indicate a direct positive chronotropic action on the heart since this effect could not be blocked by β-adrenoceptor blockade. For any equimolar dose the hypotensive effect of CGRP was much larger than that of SP. Both, CGRP and SP, showed a more pronounced decrease in mean arterial blood pressure after elevation of basal blood pressure levels by constant infusion of either phenylephrine, arginine-vasopressin, or angiotensin II. After systemic administration in equimolar doses CGRP was much less effective in producing plasma extravasation than SP. In conclusion, at equimolar doses CGRP is 10 times more potent than SP in producing vasodilatation but it possesses less than a third of the potency of equimolar doses of SP in producing plasma extravasation.
Migration timing and its determinants for nocturnal migratory birds during autumn migration

1. Migration is a common strategy used by birds that breed in seasonal environments, and multiple environmental and biological factors determine the timing of migration. How these factors operate in combination during autumn migration, which is considered to be under weaker time constraints relative to spring migration, is not clear. 2. Here, we examine the patterns and determinants of migration timing for nocturnal migrants during autumn migration in the north-eastern USA using nocturnal reflectivity data from 12 weather surveillance radar stations and modelled diurnal probability of occurrence for 142 species of nocturnal migrants. We first model the capacity of seasonal atmospheric conditions (wind and precipitation) and ecological productivity (vegetation greenness) to predict autumn migration intensity. We then test predictions, formulated under optimal migration theory, on how migration timing should be related to assemblage-level estimates of body size and total migration distance within the context of dietary guild (insectivore and omnivore) and level of dietary plasticity during autumn migration. 3. Our results indicate seasonal declines in ecological productivity delineate the beginning and end of peak migration, whose intensity is best predicted by the velocity of winds at migration altitudes. Insectivorous migrants departed earlier in the season and, consistent with our predictions, large-bodied and long-distance insectivorous migrants departed the earliest. Contrary to our predictions, large-bodied and some long-distance omnivorous migrants departed later in the season, patterns that were replicated in part by insectivorous migrants that displayed dietary plasticity during autumn migration. 4. Our findings indicate migration timing in the region is dictated by optimality strategies, modified based on the breadth and flexibility of migrant's foraging diets, with declining ecological productivity defining possible resource thresholds during which migration occurs when winds at migration altitudes are mild. These observations provide the basis to assess how avian migration strategies may be affected by adjustments in seasonal patterns of atmospheric circulation and ecological productivity that may occur under global climate change.
Mover‐Stayer Models for Analyzing Event Nonoccurrence and Event Timing With Time‐Dependent Covariates: An Application to An Analysis of Remarriage

This paper introduces a novel extension of mover-stayer models for duration data that allows time-dependent covariates to be used for both a pair of regression equations, one that identifies the determinants of event timing and one that identifies the determinants of the probability of ultimate event nonoccurrence. Existing models intended to distinguish covariate effects on event timing from those on event nonoccurrence cannot use time-dependent covariates in the equation for the probability of ultimate event nonoccurrence. This paper applies the new model to an analysis of remarriage among American women. The analysis generally demonstrates that some covariates effect remarriage timing while others affect the probability of ultimate remarriage nonoccurrence. Some differences in patterns of remarriage between black women and white women are also reported. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Electrophysiological correlates of rod outer segment disc shedding in rabbit retina

We hypothesize that the b-wave of the electroreginogram (ERG) can provide a precise, noninvasive measure of the morning rod disc shedding event. ERGs were recorded in the dark from photoentrained rabbits using a 500 nm test light. Histological examination of the pigment epithelium confirmed that an increase in large phagosome content occurred shortly after light onset. In albino rabbits the b-wave decreased in amplitude at about 30 min after the time of normal light onset. The corresponding decrease in sensitivity required to produce this change in amplitude was 0.11 log unit. No ERG effect was seen in pigmented rabbits.
Synthesis and selected micro-mechanical properties of titanium nitride thin films by the pyrolysis of tetrakis titanium in ammonia

Thin films of titanium nitride were chemical vapor deposited on (100)-oriented single-crystal silicon substrates from tetrakis (dimethylamino) titanium, Ti( (CH3)2N)4, and ammonia gas mixtures in a cold-wall reactor at 623 K and 655 Pa. The films were characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron spectroscopy. The nano-scale hardness of the film, measured by nanoindentation, was 12.7±0.6 GPa. The average kinetic friction coefficient against unlubricated, type- 440C stainless steel was determined using a computer-controlled friction microprobe to be -0.43.
The Role of the Mu1 Opioid Receptor Subtype in the Regulation of Prolactin and Growth Hormone Secretion by Beta‐Endorphin in Female Rats: Studies with Naloxonazine

The μ opioid receptor subtype has been reported to mediate the prolactin secretory response to opioids. This receptor subtype has been implicated in the morphine-induced prolactin increase, as well as the prolactin response to μ-specific opioid peptides. Subtypes of the μ receptor have been proposed and the μ(1) , site has been postulated as the receptor subtype involved in the morphine-induced prolactin secretory response. However, the role of this receptor subtype in mediating the endocrine effects of the endogenous opioid peptides has not been characterized. In order to determine the physiological significance of this receptor subtype, animals were pretreated with saline, WIN 44,441-3 (a μ, δ and κ antagonist) or naloxonazine (a μ(1) antagonist) followed by a stimulatory dose of morphine or β-endorphin. A dose response study for β-endorphin was conducted to determine the minimal stimulatory dose of β-endorphin on the prolactin and growth hormone (GH) secretory response. The dose response study indicated that β-endorphin is a more potent stimulus for prolactin release than for GH. A dose as low as 25 ng increased prolactin levels as much as 100-fold in both lactating and diestrous female rats. In contrast, 2.5 μg β-endorphin was required in order to consistently and significantly increase circulating levels of GH by 2- to 3-fold. WIN 44,441-3 antagonized the stimulatory effects of β-endorphin on both prolactin and GH secretion. Naloxonazine pretreatment abolished the morphine-induced prolactin secretory response, without affecting the GH increase in diestrous females. Naloxonazine also antagonized the prolactin response to β-endorphin in both lactating and diestrous females. In addition, it attenuated the GH secretory response but did not totally abolish it. These data indicate that β-endorphin elicits an increase in prolactin release through an opioid specific receptor which appears to be the μ(1) opioid receptor subtype. They further suggest that β-endorphin may increase GH levels, at least partially, via its action at this μ(1) site.
Automated and certified conformance to responsiveness policies

Certified code systems protect computers from faulty or malicious code by requiring untrusted software to be accompanied by checkable evidence of its safety. This paper presents a certified code solution to a problem in grid computing, namely, controlling the CPU usage of untrusted programs. Specifically, we propose to endow the runtime system supervising local execution of grid programs with a trusted "yield" operation, and require the untrusted code to execute this operation with at least a certain frequency. Compliance with this requirement is enforced by a special typed assembly language, which we describe.We also describe a compilation strategy for a general-purpose programming language that can enforce and certify conformance to such policies automatically without any sophisticated program analyses. This means that owners of hosts participating in the computation network can be confident that executing foreign code will not compromise the availability of their machines for running their own processes, and application programmers do not need to modify their coding style in order to produce compliant software.
Band Structure of NiS as Calculated Using a Simplified Linear-Combination-of-Muffin-Tin-Orbitals Method

Hexagonal NiS undergoes a first-order metal-to-nonmetal transition as the temperature is lowered below 264 K. NiS appears to be a "normal Pauli-paramagnetic $d$-band metal" above the transition temperature ${T}_{t}$, while below ${T}_{t}$ it is antiferromagnetic (moment $\ensuremath{\sim}1.7{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$) and either metallic or semimetallic. By use of a simplified (linear-combination-of-muffin-tin-orbitals) method that no longer requires a secular equation to be calculated as a function of energy, the band structure for NiS is calculated. These results indicate that the S $p$ bands overlap the bottom of the $d$ bands as hypothesized by White and Mott. It appears that this overlap increases with temperature, as a result of lattice vibrations which are included in the calculation through a Debye-Waller factor. We suggest a Mott-Hubbard transition occurs for a critical electron-phonon coupling which may be associated with a critical temperature.
Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and monoamine and metabolite levels in cryopreserved human fetal ventral mesencephalon.

Abstract Both fresh and cryopreserved-thawed human fetal ventral mesencephalon have been used for preclinical research and implantation into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. Further characterization and an evaluation of the effects of cryopreservation on immunocytochemical and neurochemical markers of monoamine neurons in human fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue are reported here. Fresh and cryopreserved-thawed human fetal mesencephalic tissue of 7-10 weeks fetal age was analyzed for the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity and levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine, serotonin, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid. After fixation, cryopreserved-thawed mesencephalic tissue exhibited cellular tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity identical to that seen in fresh tissue. The levels of DA, norepinephrine, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid in the cryopreserved thawed tissue were the same as the levels in fresh tissue. The levels of DOPAC were higher, and those of HVA were lower, in the cryopreserved-thawed tissue compared to the levels in fresh tissue. The changes in the levels of the DA metabolities, DOPAC and HVA, without corresponding change in the levels of the parent monoamine in cryopreserved-thawed tissue, indicate ongoing metabolic activity in DA-containing neurons. These results further suggest that cryopreservation and subsequent thawing does not have a measurable adverse effect on DA biosynthesis in the human fetal mesencephalon. The presence of the monoamines and their metabolites in the ventral mesencephalon at 7-10 weeks of fetal age coincides well with the early presence of immunocytochemical markers of monoamine neurons and reflects the early function of the nuclear groups containing specific monoamine neurotransmitters.
ON ROBUSTNESS OF THE NORMAL-THEORY BASED ASYMPTOTIC DISTRIBUTIONS OF THREE RELIABILITY COEFFICIENT ESTIMATES

This paper studies the asymptotic distributions of three reliability coefficient estimates: Sample coefficient alpha, the reliability estimate of a composite score following a factor analysis, and the estimate of the maximal reliability of a linear combination of item scores following a factor analysis. Results indicate that the asymptotic distribution for each of the coefficient estimates, obtained based on a normal sampling distribution, is still valid within a large class of nonnormal distributions. Therefore, a formula for calculating the standard error of the sample coefficient alpha, recently obtained by van Zyl, Neudecker and Nel, applies to other reliability coefficients and can still be used even with skewed and kurtotic data such as are typical in the social and behavioral sciences.
Quasifunctional equations for Ste. Genevieve Limestone facies and lithology

Equations describing ten microfacies of Ste. Genevieve Limestone established previously on qualitative analysis of petrographic features are derived here in terms of measured lithic parameters. Mean values of each lithic parameter for each facies comprise independent variables with eigenvalues from discriminant analysis serving as coefficients for quasifunctional equations. This provides a unique quantitative expression for each qualitative microfacies, the dependent variable. Although these equations are not truly functional equations, they do provide explicit description of Ste. Genevieve Limestone facies. Quasifunctional equations form a necessary first step toward establishment of true functional equations describing unit lithology as functions of depositional parameters. Functional equations for lithic units offer a potential for an ultimate unification of classifications for all geologic materials. An immediate value of these quasifunctional equations resides in their explicit description and identification of subjective lithic classifications (facies), their utilization in comparative studies of lithic components in one or more stratigraphie units, their facility for an objective and automated digital reduction and graphic presentation of data, and their invitation for more careful examination and critical evaluation of natural relationships.
Effect of calcium glucarate on β-glucuronidase activity and glucarate content of certain vegetables and fruits.

Glucarate is normally present in tissues and body fluids and is in equilibrium with D-glucaro-1,4-lactone, a natural inhibitor of beta-glucuronidase activity. Dietary calcium glucarate, a sustained-release from of glucarate, elevates the blood level of D-glucaro-1,4-lactone which suppresses blood and tissue beta-glucuronidase activity. A single dose of CaG (4.5 mmole/kg body weight) inhibited beta-glucuronidase activity in serum and liver, lung, and intestinal microsomes by 57, 44, 37, and 39%, respectively. A chronic administration of calcium glucarate (4% in diet) also decreased beta-glucuronidase activity in intestinal and liver microsomes. Maximal inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity in serum was observed from 12 noon to 2:00 PM. In contrast, maximum inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity in intestinal and liver microsomes occurred during mornings, although a secondary depression in intestinal microsomes also occurred around 4 PM. A 4% calcium glucarate supplemented diet also inhibited beta-glucuronidase activity by 70% and 54%, of the bacterial flora obtained from proximal (small intestine) and distal (colon) segments of intestine, respectively. Due to the potential effect of dietary glucarate on net glucuronidation and on other metabolic pathways, glucaric acid levels in various foods were determined. The glucaric acid content varied from a low of 1.12-1.73 mg/100 g for broccoli and potatoes to a high of 4.53 mg/100 g for oranges.
App development in user services: oxymoron or incubator?

User Services attracts all types. This talent develops differently, and opportunity can knock on many doors. At New York University (NYU) School of Law, we had a few Helpdesk technicians who took a web development class. When our new exam software came without robust administrative/management tools, opportunity did knock. We started off in PHP, scarfed some data from our database guys, and cobbled together a working web app in about 6 weeks. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done. One year later, our next iteration implemented a framework (Zend), version control (Git), and staged environments (development/testing/production). Yet another year later, we added new features, satisfying both administrative and student clients. Today we have a small, versatile team that handles lightweight projects, and fits them into a Helpdesk schedule to accommodate an ever-growing demand for new web applications. Remarkably, we do this all without sacrificing our core mission of providing top-notch user support. While it does require better time management, it's amazing to see how flexible your Helpdesk can be with their time. Coming from the user services group, we have a solid relationship with the end users and consequently understand their needs better than traditional programmers. Working with the core development team allowed our Helpdesk programmers to learn faster, and helped the real code-monkeys understand valuable user support fundamentals, which makes them better, too! Finally, this created professional development opportunities within the organization. While we found equilibrium in User Services, you could also have internal moves within your larger organization. Either way, you preserve organizational knowledge and make the entire IT department stronger. While this kind of professional development opportunity may not be for everyone in your group, you can reward individuals who take initiative, have an interest in learning new technologies, and show strong time-management skills.
The structure of tatsinine, a novel c19-diterpenoid alkaloid from delphinium tatsienense franch

A novel C19-diterpenoid alkaloid designated as tatsinine has been isolated from the roots of Delphinium tataienence and its structure (3) has been derived from 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic evidence.