cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Several members of the mouse carcinoembryonic antigen-related glycoprotein family are functional receptors for the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus-A59.

Abstract Mouse hepatitis virus-A59 (MHV-A59), a murine coronavirus, can utilize as a cellular receptor MHVR, a murine glycoprotein in the biliary glycoprotein (BGP) subfamily of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family in the immunoglobulin superfamily (G.S. Dveksler, M. N. Pensiero, C. B. Cardellichio, R. K. Williams, G.-S. Jiang, K. V. Holmes, and C. W. Dieffenbach, J. Virol. 65:6881-6891, 1991). Several different BGP isoforms are expressed in tissues of different mouse strains, and we have explored which of these glycoproteins can serve as functional receptors for MHV-A59. cDNA cloning, RNA-mediated polymerase chain reaction analysis, and Western immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody, CC1, specific for the N-terminal domain of MHVR showed that the inbred mouse strains BALB/c, C3H, and C57BL/6 expressed transcripts and proteins of the MHVR isoform and/or its splice variants but not the mmCGM2 isoform. In contrast, adult SJL/J mice, which are resistant to infection with MHV-A59, express transcripts and proteins only of the mmCGM2-related isoforms, not MHVR. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that the MHVR and mmCGM2 glycoproteins may be encoded by different alleles of the same gene. We studied binding of anti-MHVR antibodies or MHV-A59 virions to proteins encoded by transcripts of MHVR and mmCGM2 and two splice variants of MHVR, one containing two immunoglobulin-like domains [MHVR(2d)] and the other with four domains as in MHVR but with a longer cytoplasmic domain [MHVR(4d)L]. We found that the three isoforms tested could serve as functional receptors for MHV-A59, although only isoforms that include the N-terminal domain of MHVR were recognized by monoclonal antibody CC1 in immunoblots or by MHV-A59 virions in virus overlay protein blot assays. Thus, in addition to MHVR, both the two-domain isoforms, mmCGM2 and MHVR(2d), and the MHVR(4d)L isoform served as functional virus receptors for MHV-A59. This is the first report of multiple related glycoprotein isoforms that can serve as functional receptors for a single enveloped virus.
In-phase bottom-emitting vertical cavity laser arrays

We demonstrate the first clearly in-phase emission and first continuous-wave operation from a bottom-emitting, coherent VCSEL array. A 2×1 array with an antiguided index profile was used, representing a critical step towards coherent, high-brightness arrays.
The Evolution of Corporate Governance and Firm Performance in Transition Economies: The Case of Sellier and Bellot in the Czech Republic

This paper investigates the evolution of corporate governance and firm performance in transition economies. It focuses on barriers that impeded adoption of optimal corporate governance at Czech ammunition manufacturer Sellier and Bellot (SB it demonstrates monitoring and incentive mechanisms can create value in transition economies; it suggests effective privatisation not only involves rapid ownership transfer but careful accounting and securities regulation and legal protection.
Free energy based populations of interconverting microstates of a cyclic peptide lead to the experimental NMR data.

Analysis of nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) intensities data of interconverting microstates of a peptide is a difficult problem in nmr. A new statistical mechanics methodology has been proposed recently, consisting of several steps: (1) potential energy wells on the energy surface of the molecule are identified (the corresponding regions are called wide microstates); (2) each wide microstate is then spanned by a Monte Carlo (MC) or molecular dynamics simulation starting from a representative structure, and the corresponding relative populations are obtained from the free energy calculated with the local states method; and (3) the overall NOEs and 3J coupling constants are obtained as averages over the corresponding contributions of the samples, weighted by the populations. Extending this methodology to cyclic peptides, we are treating here the hexapeptide cyclo(D-Pro1-Phe2-Ala3-Ser4-Phe5-Phe6) in DMSO, which was studied by Kessler et al. using nmr (Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1992, Vol. 114, pp. 4805-4818). They found that at least two structures are required to explain their NOE data, a conclusion also corroborated by our analysis (Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1998, Vol. 120, pp. 800-812) and led to a novel derivation of atomic solvation parameters (ASPs) for DMSO. Thus, the overall interactions within the peptide-solvent system are described approximately by Etot = EGRO + summation operator sigmaiAi, where EGRO is the energy of the GROMOS force field, Ai is the solvent-accessible surface area of atom i, and sigmai is the ASP. In the present paper the validity of these ASPs within the framework of the entire methodology is verified. This requires taking into account 23 microstates. A very good agreement is obtained between experimental and calculated NOEs and 3J coupling constants. The free energy based populations lead to the best results, which means that entropic effects should not be ignored. We have also studied the behavior of the internal angular fluctuations of the proton-proton vectors and discovered that they have a negligible effect on the calculated NOEs; this is due to the relatively concentrated wide microstates spanned by the MC simulations. The applicability of our ASPs to other cyclic peptides in DMSO is being studied in another work and preliminary results are discussed.
Enriching PSA Cycle for the Production of Nitrogen from Air

A novel 2-bed 4-step enriching pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) cycle was developed for the production of N2 from air, using an X-type zeolite, with the separation being equilibrium-driven. The four steps were low-pressure feed, countercurrent heavy product pressurization, countercurrent high-pressure heavy reflux, and cocurrent depressurization. The enriched heavy and light products (N2 and O2, respectively) were withdrawn from the system during the feed and heavy reflux steps, with both products being produced at the high pressure. In a series of 20 PVSA experiments, which were performed at a constant high-to-low-pressure ratio (π = 4.1), the effects of the feed and heavy product flow rates on the periodic state process performance were studied in terms of the O2 impurity, N2 recovery, N2 productivity, and feed throughput. The observed trends were as expected, with higher N2 recoveries (and corresponding N2 productivities) and O2 impurities generally being obtained at higher feed throughputs and ...
Chromospherically Active Stars. XX. The Giant Single-Lined Binary HD 161570

Spectroscopy of HD 161570 shows it to be a single-lined spectroscopic binary with a period of 45.623 days and a nearly circular orbit. The primary star has spectral type G7 III, and the secondary is most likely a G or K dwarf. A high-resolution spectrum of the 3950 A region confirms that the primary has Ca II H and K emission lines. The logarithm of the giant's lithium abundance is less than 0.9, indicating that it is not lithium-rich. From photometric observations covering six seasons, we detected periodic short-term light variability with an amplitude ranging from 0.02 to 0.04 mag. We interpret these short-term variations as due to stellar rotation and find that the rotation period varied somewhat from season to season, with a representative value of 64.1 days. Thus, the very different orbital and rotation periods make HD 161570 an asynchronous rotator. Low-amplitude, long-term photometric variability was also seen. The giant's weak Ca II H and K emission, low-amplitude photometric variations, and relatively low v sin i of 7.0 km s-1 indicate that this star is only modestly chromospherically active. This result, plus the spectral type and asynchronous rotation of the primary, suggest that it is just beginning to ascend the red giant branch.
Varied reward sequence and resistance to extinction in the straight alley

Five groups of rats were extinguished in a straight alley after training on one of the following reward sequences: SM, MM, LM, MS, ML. Groups SM, MM, and LM were used to test the hypothesis that smaller rewards on the first trial on a two-trial varied reward sequence increase resistance to extinction (Rn). Groups MS, MM, and ML tested the hypothesis that larger rewards on Trial 2 increase Rn in such groups. The results, in general, supported these predictions.
The surgical management of chronic parotitis

Chronic parotitis is a disorder characterized by recurrent painful swelling of the gland with purulent sialorrhea. Occasionally, the condition fails to respond to medical management and definitive surgical therapy is necessary. Sialolithiasis is the usual etiology in cases of parotitis, although occasionally severe recurrent parotid infections are superimposed on underlying Sjogren's disease. Total parotidectomy with facial nerve dissection has been used in such cases in our department and has proved to be an excellent way to manage this disease. A summary of our results indicate that the recurring infections were eradicated and that the complication rate is tolerable, considering the magnitude of the problem. We feel that it is better to use surgical management early rather than wait for the formation of fistulae or abscesses.
The Gruppo Italiano Per Lo Studio Della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardio (GISSI)-Prevenzione Trial on Fish Oil and Vitamin E Supplementation in Myocardial Infarction Survivors

A recent large-scale, open-label, randomized, controlled trial in 11,324 myocardial infarction (MI) survivors has shown low-dose fish oil, but not vitamin E, to reduce significantly the cumulative rate of all-cause death, nonfatal MI, and nonfatal stroke. Neither intervention significantly reduced the other primary endpoint, the cumulate rate of cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, and nonfatal stroke. Analysis of secondary endpoints indicated that the benefits of the 875 mg fish oil capsules containing 850 to 882 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as ethyl esters was in reducing mortality and not in a reduction of nonfatal MI. It was a safe intervention. The internal validity and external validity of the data was examined and the findings placed in clinical perspective. Important questions remain about the benefits of increased plant sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for those who cannot obtain or consume fish. Also the benefits of diet versus fish oil supplementation haven’t been determined precisely. Although it seems reasonable to increase sources of n-3 PUFA in the diet for those at high risk of coronary heart disease, current data do not support a policy of promoting fish oil capsules for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.
The Prospects for Prospect Theory: An Empirical Evaluation of International Relations Applications of Framing and Loss Aversion

International relations theorists have tried to adapt prospect theory to make it relevant to the study of real-world decision-making and testable beyond the constraints of the laboratory. Three experiments with undergraduate samples were conducted in an effort to clarify the advantages and limitations of prospect theory as adapted to explain political behavior The first experiment tested hypotheses regarding the impact of prospect framing on group polarization, but these were only weakly supported. The second and third experiments examined alternative adaptations of the concept offraming; the results suggest that the political science expansion of the concept of framing may, under certain conditions, produce clear and robust preference reversals. Why do weaker states challenge clearly more capable military powers? Why do leaders expand their war aims and "gamble for resurrection" when mired in losses on the battlefield? Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor and Germany attack the Soviet Union? Why did Jimmy Carter try to rescue American hostages in Iran? In short, why do states, governments, and/or leaders take risks? In the past there were three traditional explanations for actor risk propensity-the rational choice assumption of general risk aversion, the inductive behavioral approach of predicting risk acceptance/aversion at time t based on risk acceptance/aversion at time t - 1, and the personality literature's search for the factors that produce "risk takers" and "wimps." The last decade has witnessed the development of a fourth explanation for risk propensity: prospect theory. Drawing on a now 25-year-old research program in behavioral decision theory, political
Diminishing marginal impatience: its promises for asset pricing

This study argues that diminishing marginal impatience (DMI) as an intuitively plausible behavioural assumption of endogenous time preference has the potential for resolving important issues like the equity premium puzzle. It shows that, while applied to a model in the traditional overlapping generations (OG) framework, DMI is capable of generating assets prices with magnitude and volatility higher than those suggested by standard models with constant marginal impatience (CMI).
Overall control within a flexible manufacturing system and the development of a cell controller

SUMMARYThe centre of a Flexible Manufacturing System is its computer control. This paper identifies the component parts for computer control and explains how they have been combined to produce a turnkey cell controller, which provides the intelligence requirements to control cells utilising up to six resources that may be a combination of numerically controlled machine tools, inspection machines, workstations, robots, etc. It provides for various types of part/tool transport and schedules the parts movement within the cell. A second computer handles part programme information within the cell and also gathers management information during the cells operation.
The use of the autism diagnostic interview-revised with a latino population of adolescents and adults with autism

Research shows that Latinos are less likely to be diagnosed with autism than their non-Latino counterparts. One factor that may contribute to these differences is that autism diagnostic instruments have not been adapted for the Latino population. The present study compared scores from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised for two groups: 48 Latino adolescents and adults with autism and a matched sample of 96 non-Latino Whites. There were no significant differences between the two groups in total impairments in social reciprocity or communication. However, lower levels of restrictive-and-repetitive behaviors were found among Latino adolescents and adults with autism compared to Whites. Findings suggest that there may be cultural equivalency in some domains, but others may warrant further exploration.
A Simple Modified Method for the Determination of Vitamin A in Sterile Milk

Summary Activated glycerol dichlorohydrin was used as the color-developing reagent instead of antimony trichloride. Saponification and extraction of unsaponifiable procedure was omitted since the fat was directly used after dilution. The time required is less than the method for extracting the unsaponifiable fraction.
The international risk governance council framework and its application to Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheese made from unpasteurised milk

The International Risk Governance Council (IRGC) developed a Risk Governance Framework whose purpose is to help policy makers, regulators and risk managers both understand the concept of risk governance and apply it to their handling of risks. The Framework allows input from the scientific and public health perspective as well as the less-easily measurable side of freedom of choice. For food, the public wants many choices and less regulation, but at the same time safe products to consume. These ideals are at times in conflict. One example of this is the demand for soft cheese made from unpasteurised milk which may be contaminated with L. monocytogenes or other pathogens. Distinguishing between simple, complex, uncertain and ambiguous risks can help to design a risk management strategy. Public health advocates typically see management of soft cheese made from unpasteurised milk as a simple risk (protection of health), whereas for a small but vociferous proportion of the public sees it more of an uncertain or ambiguous one (choice trumps the slight risk of illness). The implications of five management options for the cheese are discussed. The new Codex Guidelines tend to put these cheeses into Option 1, a strict control on the presence of the pathogen, which will be ignored by the cheese aficionados. Other options are worth exploring to give some more choice but at low risk.
Experimental Study of the Optical Properties of Liquid Hg and Liquid Ga in the Wavelength Range of 0.23 μ to 13 μ

Methods previously developed for studying the optical properties of solid metals were modified to permit their use for studying liquid Hg and liquid Ga. Reflectivities were measured at an angle of incidence of 45° at glass-metal, quartz-metal, and NaCl-metal interfaces in the wavelength range of 0.23 μ to 13 μ. In a second type of experiment the phase change accompanying reflection at normal incidence at a mica-metal interface was measured in the range 0.4 μ to 0.87 μ. In this shorter wavelength range the two measured quantities, reflectivity and phase change, were used to compute the optical constants n and k. The values thus obtained agreed to within the experimental accuracy with those calculated with the Drude free electron theory. The fact that the experimentally determined reflectivity for the complete range of 0.23 μ to 13 μ agreed closely with that predicted by the Drude theory strongly suggests that the theory applies throughout this entire wavelength range.
Increased metabolism of retinoic acid after chronic ethanol consumption in rat liver microsomes.

In rat liver microsomes, all-trans-[11,12-3H]retinoic acid was found to be metabolized to polar products in the presence of NADPH. One of the metabolites was coeluted with 4-hydroxyretinoic acid on reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). This reaction required oxygen and was inhibited by carbon monoxide as well as aminopyrine, aniline, and ethanol, suggesting the involvement of cytochrome P-450. Isolated rat hepatocytes also metabolized all-trans[3H]retinoic acid to polar compounds, with an elution pattern on HPLC similar to that in microsomal preparations. Microsomal activity was compared in rats pair-fed with diets containing either ethanol or isocaloric carbohydrate for 4–6 weeks. Ethanol-fed rats showed enhanced microsomal retinoic acid metabolism (50%, P < 0.01) accompanied by increased microsomal cytochrome P-450 content (34%, P < 0.005). On the other hand, microsomal β-glucuronidation of retinoic acid in the presence of uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid (UDPGA) was not affected by chronic ethanol feeding. The increased hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of retinoic acid after chronic ethanol consumption may contribute to the accelerated catabolism of retinoic acid in vivo.
Revenue and risk analysis of soybean pest management options in Virginia

Net revenues associated with alternative pest management strategies for representative Virginia soybean producers were estimated and compared. The attractiveness of different pest management options was compared by considering net revenue risk in conjunction with the corresponding level of expected net revenue. Extension Service soybean budgets were modified to correspond to alternative pest management strategies and then used to compare the average net revenue of the alternatives. A simulation model of net revenue was constructed for a representative Virginia soybean farm using alternative pest management strategies. Probability distributions of net revenue were generated and then compared using stochastic dominance analysis. Results from the net revenue comparisons of both expected net revenue and net revenue risk suggested that, for given cropping systems, producers would prefer strategies that incorporate an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to pest control rather than a pest control approach that relies completely on pesticides. Since pesticide use is associated with negative environmental effects, the IPM alternatives, which in general decrease pesticide use, would be preferable from a social as well as a private or producer viewpoint.
Advance directives among hospitalized patients with heart failure.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and correlates of documented advance directives (ADs) among patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). Background Discussing ADs with patients with HF is critical for identifying treatment goals consistent with patients' values and preferences and for facilitating health care team communication. Methods We retrospectively identified electronic medical records of adult patients admitted to 2 large tertiary care hospitals with either the primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of HF from September 2008 to August 2013 to assess the presence of ADs in electronic medical records. We performed analyses including HF as either the primary or secondary admission diagnosis and HF as the primary admission diagnosis only. Multivariable models were constructed to investigate independent predictors of documented ADs. Results Data included 44,768 admissions from 24,291 individual patients over 5 years. Mean age of patients at admission was 64.8 ± 15.9 years; 47.9% of these patients were female, 51.8% were black. The median length of stay for all admissions was 5 (3 to 10) days; 12.7% of patients had documented ADs. Older age, female sex, white race, higher socioeconomic status, higher risk for adverse in-hospital outcomes, length of stay ≥5 days, hospice discharge, palliative care consultation, and a do-not-resuscitate order were all associated with a significantly higher chance of having documented ADs. A significant increase in ADs over time was noted, but more than 80% of patients did not have ADs in medical records at the end of the study period. Conclusions In a diverse population of hospitalized patients with HF, most did not have a documented AD in the medical records. Although several factors were associated with a higher probability, major opportunities exist for all subgroups of patients with HF to improve documentation of ADs.
Response to Dietary Nitrogen in Ponies

SUMMARY Utilisation of nitrogen was studied in 4 crossbred ponies. A latin square design was used to study the effects of corn gluten meal, casein or urea when added to a low protein basal diet. Apparent nitrogen digestion, nitrogen retention, total plasma protein, plasma urea and plasmafree amino acids were measured. The addition of corn gluten meal, casein or urea to the basal ration increased apparent digestion of nitrogen. Casein produced a significantly greater (P <0.05) nitrogen retention than corn gluten meal or urea. Plasma urea nitrogen increased significantly (P <0.01) in ponies given the urea diet. Total plasma protein concentrations were essentially unchanged for all treatments. Elevated plasma levels of proline, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine, and arginine were observed with ponies receiving the casein supplement. The data support the hypothesis that the horse is capable of responding to quality of dietary protein. RESUME On a etudie l'emploi d'azote dans l'alimentation de quatre poneys de race impure. On etudia les effets soit de gluten de ble, soit de caseine, soit d'uree en additiona un regime de base pauvre en proteines. On mesura la digestibilite de l'azote, la retention d'azote, les protenes totales du plasma, les amino acides libres et l'uree du plasma. L'addition de gluten, de caseine ou d'ureea la ration de base parut accroitre la digestion de l'azote. La caseine produisit une retention d'azote apparamment superieurea celle observee avec le gluten ou l'uree. Chez les poneys recevant le regime supplemente en uree, l'azote ureique du plasma fut accru de maniere significative. Dans tous les cas le total des proteines du plasma fut inchange. Des taux eleves plasmatiques de proline, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine et arginine furent observes chez les poneys recevant un supplement de caseine. Ces donnees etayent l'hypothese suivant laquelle le cheval est sensiblea la qualite des proteines alimentaires. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Verwertung von Stickstoff wurde bei vier Kreuz-ungsponies untersucht. Um die Wirkung von Mais-glutenmehl, Kasein oder Harnstoff als Beigabe zu einer eiweissarmen Grunddiat zu studieren, wurde ein “latin square” System verwendet. Stickstoffverdauung, Stick-stoffretention, Gesamt-Plasmaeiweiss, Plasmaharnstoff und plasmafreie Aminosauren wurden gemessen. Die Beigabe von Maisglutenmehl, Kasein oder Harnstoff zur Grundration verbesserte die Stickstoffverdauung. Kasein fuhrte zu einer signifikant hoheren (P <0.05) Retention als Miasglutenmehl oder Harnstoff. Plasma-Harnstoff-N stieg signifikant (P <0.01) an bei Harnstoff-futterung. Die Gesamteiweisskonzentrationen veranderten sich bei allen Diatformen praktisch nicht. Erhohte Plasmaspiegel von Prolin, Valin, Methionin, Isoleucin, Leucin, Tyrosin, Lysin und Arginin wurden bei Ponies beobachtet, die das Kaseinsupplement erhielten. Die Resultate stutzen die Hypothese, dass das Pferd fahig ist, auf die Qualitat der Futterproteine anzusprechen.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Iowa Shore Fly Diversity

Indices to measure species diversity (H'), species richness (s), and species evenness (J') are calculated for 12 habitats containing 101 species of shore flies in Iowa. It is shown that there is a significant positive correlation between richness and diversity and evenness and diversity and a significant negative correlation between evenness and sample size. There is no correlation between richness and evenness or diversity and sample size. An attempt is made to explain, in terms of habitat characteristics, the correlations between these indices. A stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that evenness is most important in determining Iowa shore fly diversity and that sample size has no significant effect on the diversity index. The temporal (seasonal) patterns of the three indices in selected habitats are described.
Multiple carcinomas following therapy for Hodgkin disease.

A 52-year-old man developed synchronous squamous-cell carcinoma of the larynx and middle one-third of the esophagus following treatment for Hodgkin disease. This patient fell into the subgroup of patients treated by intensive radiation therapy followed by intensive chemotherapy. The link between the therapy and subsequent carcinoma is suggestive. Long-term follow-up care of patients with Hodgkin disease demands continuing evaluation for this possible complication.
Common Skies Divided Horizons: Aviation, Class and Modernity in Early Twentieth Century Egypt

How is high-technology consumed by societies that cannot shape technology but could only be shaped by it? As the first study of Egyptian aviation, this article examines the unique process through which Egyptians embraced aviation as an exemplar of high-speed modernity and as an instrument of social transformation. It illustrates how, under colonial circumstances, Egypt’s upper-class shaped a vision of aviation as a tool that could bring an array of utopian benefits to all Egyptians, including prosperity, freedom of movement, social status, equality, and ultimately, a smooth transformation to the happiness of the modern world. In reality, this vision was a self-serving survival strategy whose aim was to contain the frustrated middle class, or effendiyya , which did not profit from the process of modernization. After World War II and the gradual collapse of the upper class, the effendiyya entrusted the state with the mission of adopting high-technology and modernizing society on an equal basis. Beginning in the early 1950s civil aviation was arranged accordingly.
A Canonical Correlation Analysis of CEO Compensation and Corporate Performance in the Service Industry

This paper attempts to examine a canonical (simultaneous) relationship between service industry CEOs' compensation and corporate performance with respect to accounting‐based and market‐based performance measures. In addition, this study examines the effect of firm size on compensation. The results of this study suggest that executive compensation depends simultaneously on both market‐based and accounting‐based performance measures. EPS, ROA, ROE and Market Rate of Return are positively associated with both cash compensation and long‐term compensation. Firm size is also positively related to the long‐term compensation.
Power line radiation in the magnetosphere

Harmonic radiation from electrical power transmission lines in the range of a few kHz leaks into the magnetosphere and stimulates a coherent wave instability, resulting in strong amplification of the input waves and the generation of free-running emissions. A description is given of some recent observational results that provide new information on the power line radiation (PLR) phenomenon. It is pointed out that PLR stimulates many subtle and complex wave-particle interactions in the magnetosphere that are similar to those simulated by controlled transmitter signals. These interactions undoubtedly affect both wave and particle environments in the magnetosphere. However, a quantitative assessment of their importance is not possible until further information becomes available.
Role of the ninaC proteins in photoreceptor cell structure: ultrastructure of ninaC deletion mutants and binding to actin filaments.

The ninaC proteins are found in Drosophila photoreceptor cells. Their primary sequences suggest they are kinase/myosin chimeras, but their myosin head-like domain is the most divergent amongst all the myosin-like proteins described to date. To investigate possible roles of the ninaC proteins in cell structure, we examined the ultrastructure of the photoreceptor cells in various ninaC mutants, and tested the ability of the proteins to interact with actin filaments in a myosin-like manner. In flies lacking the larger ninaC protein, p174, an ultrastructural phenotype was evident before eclosion. The axial actin cytoskeleton of the rhabdomeral microvilli appeared either fragmented or as an isolated structure, without linkage to the microvillar membrane. Deletion of the myosin head-like domain or the calmodulin-binding domain of p174 resulted in a similar abnormal cytoskeleton. Breakdown of the rhabdomeres followed, although at different rates depending on the deletion. Lack of the smaller protein, p132, per se did not result in photoreceptor degeneration, but in older flies there was an abnormal accumulation of multivesicular bodies. Moreover, the presence of p132 retarded the degeneration that occurs in the absence of p174, even though the p132 remained outside the rhabdomere. Biochemical studies showed that both ninaC proteins bind actin filaments and cosediment with actin filaments in an ATP-sensitive manner. These results outline structural roles for the ninaC proteins, and are consistent with the notion, suggested by their amino acid sequences, that the proteins are actin-based mechanoenzymes. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Genetic polymorphisms in the PACAP and PAC1 receptor genes and treatment response to venlafaxine XR in generalized anxiety disorder

The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and its receptor (PAC1) are involved in stress response and anxiety. Genotypes for PACAP/PAC1 were examined for effects on treatment response to venlafaxine XR in generalized anxiety disorder. The Asp54Gly (rs2856966) variant in the PACAP gene was associated with better treatment outcome.
Thermoelectric excess heat effect in electrolytic cells

A new thermo-electrochemical effect similar to Peltier heat is introduced in this paper and suggested as a main cause of the excess heat observed in electrolytic cells. If the cell electrodes are made from different materials, we show that the system will function like a thermoelectric heat pump. With finite work input, this thermodynamic engine will pump in an infinite amount of low-grade environmental heat for vanishing temperature differences between the hot and cold source in the reversible, low current density, limit. A partial irreproducibility of excess heat observations is expected due to differences in the location of the calorimeter wall in each experiment. The heat pump nature and the thermoelectric properties of electrolytic cells are basic new notions introduced here. They may solve the excess heat paradox in electrolytic cold fusion, thus removing the well-known discrepancy between the small output of nuclear reaction products and the large excess heat, redefining this way both the notion of excess heat and the focus of our cold fusion research.
Blockage of thermal radiation by the soot layer in combustion of condensed fuels

Radiation blockage is considered as an important radiative characteristic in fires. In the present study, the radiation blockage effect by a soot layer between the flame and the fuel surface is investigated through two simplified models; 1) a flame with an infinitesimal thickness (a flame sheet), and 2) a flame with a finite thickness. The analysis considers a onedimensional flame in which soot particles play a dominant role in the radiation exchange. Sample calculations are performed for soot volume fractions ranging from 1×10 −7 to 1×10 −5 . Using experimentally obtained soot volume fraction data, it is shown that for polymer fuels of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyproplyene (PP), and polyoxymethylene (POM), no significant contribution of radiation blockage due to soot exists in moderate scale fires ( L ≈0.5 m ); however, for polystyrene (PS) fuels the contribution becomes quite significant even in small scale fires ( L ≈0.08 m ).
Locating Objects In A Complex Image

A vision machine must locate possible objects before it can identify them. In simple images, where the objects and illumination are known, locating possible objects can be part of, and secondary to, identification. In complex, natural images it is more efficient to use a quick and simple method to locate possible objects first, and then to selectively identify them. This parallels the strategy normally used by the human visual system. We present a theory for how possible objects, called "blobs", will be represented in an image, and explore some measures of importance for these candidate objects. An example algorithm based on this theory can quickly generate a list of possible object locations for the identification computation. We discuss the implementation of this example algorithm on a standard image processing system.
An internal conversion coefficient spectrometer utilizing semi-conductor detectors

Abstract A description is given a device that has been designed for the measurement on internal conversion coefficients by simultaneous observation of electron and gamma spectra with lithium-drifted silicon and germanium detectors, respectively. Calibration of the device was made by use of several well-known internal conversion coefficients (Hg203, Au198, Cs137, Bi207, Cd109 sources). Dependence of the efficiency of the germanium detector for full-energy absorption of gamma-rays has been determined. Application of the method to the determination of conversion coefficients of the 191-keV transition from Pt197 decay and of the 346-keV transition from Pt197m decay is described. The following results are obtained: Pt197: 191 keV transition, ϵκ = 0.69 ± 0.07, K/L = 5.2 ± 0.6. Pt197m: 346 keV transition, ϵκ = 3.9 ± 0.4, K/L = 1.8 ± 0.2.
Gene and protein therapies utilizing VEGF for ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is usually fatal within 2–5 years. Unfortunately, the only treatment currently available is riluzole, which has a limited efficacy. As a redress, there is an expanding literature focusing on other potential treatments. One such potential treatment option utilizes the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which includes factors that are primarily associated with angiogenesis but are now increasingly recognized to have neurotrophic effects. Reduced expression of a member of this family, VEGF-A, in mice results in neurodegeneration similar to that of ALS, while treatment of animal models of ALS with either VEGF-A gene therapy or VEGF-A protein has yielded positive therapeutic outcomes. These basic research findings raise the potential for a VEGF therapy to be translated to the clinic for the treatment of ALS. This review covers the VEGF family, its receptors and neurotrophic effects as well as VEGF therapy in animal models of ALS and advances towards clinical trials.
Safety of electromagnetic articulography in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Purpose Electromagnetic articulography (EMA) uses a helmet to create alternating magnetic fields for tracking speech articulator movement. An important safety consideration is whether EMA magnetic ...
Organization of ribosome genes in Escherichia coli

The organization of ribosome genes in Escherichia coli has been investigated in a novel manner with the aid of several powerful genetic and biochemical techniques.
Friction in Fibrous Materials: Part II: Experimental Study of the Effects of Structural and Morphological Factors

In this part of the series, the effects of a number of structural and morphological factors on fiber friction are examined and rationalized on the basis of the structural model discussed in Part I....
Regional hyperthermia: a feasibility analysis.

Thirty patients received regional hyperthermia using the annular phased array system (APAS) in conjunction with either radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A total of 139 treatment sessions were available for analysis, averaging 4.6 per patient. The number of hyperthermia sessions per patient varied from 1 to 9 and was dependent on the patients' tolerance. The duration of the sessions also varied considerably. Although the goal of each session was to attain temperatures of 42°C or higher for 1 h, minimally one-half hour, this was rarely achieved. Temperatures of 42°C or higher were achieved in 95 (68.8 per cent) sessions. The time span at that level ranged between 1 and 40 min, median 8.5 min.The predominant limiting factor in 18 (60 per cent) of patients was local discomfort. Generalized discomfort (anxiety) was a predominant limiting factor in 5 (16.6 per cent), systemic temperature elevation in 3 (10 per cent), and tachycardia in two (6.6 per cent) patients.Careful attention to technical details and patient p...
Effect of the Viral Proteins on the Fluidity of the Membrane Lipids in Sindbis Virus

Abstract The fluidity of the lipids in the membrane of Sindbis virus was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The lipids in the viral membrane are noticeably less fluid than the lipids in the membrane of the cells in which the virus was grown. This difference in fluidity is not due simply to differences in lipid composition but instead appears to be the result of the interaction of the viral proteins with the membrane lipids. This conclusion seems clear because (i) the viral lipids are more fluid after extraction with chloroform/methanol than in the lipid bilayer of the virion and because (ii) the viral membrane is made more fluid by proteolytic digestion of the viral glycoproteins. The possible role of this viral protein-mediated alteration of the physical state of membrane lipids in the maturation of Sindbis virions is discussed.
Terahertz detection in a multi-gate high electron mobility transistor

We observe the THz response of a multi-gate high electron mobility transistor detector structure. These devices are fabricated from single heterostructure GaAs/AlGaAs material and feature three gates: a ‘source gate’ adjacent to source terminal, a ‘drain gate’ adjacent to drain terminal, and a narrow ‘barrier gate’ biased to pinch-off that serves as a bolometric sensor. Bias dependent measurements of the responsivity indicate coupling to free carriers located in the non-metalized slots between gates. The absorbed terahertz radiation is sensed by the hot electron bolometer formed by the pinched off channel under the barrier gate.
Search for an effect of hydrostatic pressure on x-ray inactivation of yeast.

Abstract Evidence has been presented to show that the x-ray lethal inactivation of haploid S. cerevisiae is not altered by hydrostatic pressures reaching 10,000 lb./sq. in. applied during and after irradiation. From these results it is inferred that this lethal mutation process probably does not initially involve macromolecular unfolding.
Social support networks in the African American family: Utility for culturally compatible intervention

This study investigates the various patterns of African American familial support, using an ecological approach.
Behavioral Medicine Revisited: An Amended Definition

Behavioral Medicine is the field concerned with the development of behavioralscience knowledge and techniques relevant to the understanding of physical health and illness and the application of this knowledge and these techniques to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Psychosis, neurosis and substance abuse are included only insofar as they contribute to physical disorders as an endpoint.
Antinociceptive effects of intrathecally administered 2-methylserotonin in developing rats

Abstract The present study examined developmental patterns of antinociception mediated by the spinal 5-HT3 receptor system in the neonatal rat. Intrathecally administered 2-methylserotonin (25–100 μg) first produced antinociception against formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain at 10 days postnatally, with effect only at the peak dose (100 μg). Intrathecal 2-methylserotonin produced dose-dependent antinociception at 14 and 28 days of age that was attenuated by i.t. pretreatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist MDL-72222 (10 μg).
Contact angles and the equilibrium spreading pressures of liquids on hydrophobic solids

Abstract When a spreading liquid or vapor can interact with a substrate only by dispersion forces, as with alkanes on any substrate, or with any spreading liquid on saturated hydrocarbon polymers, the equilibrium spreading pressure is shown to be predicted exactly by: π e =2(γ d L γ d S ) 1 2 −2γ L where γLd is the dispersion force contribution to the surface tension γL of the spreading liquid and γSd is the dispersion force contribution to the surface energy of the substrate. A new laboratory technique is introduced for direct measurement of πe of a spreading vapor on hydrophobic solids, using the difference in contact angles of a test liquid on the solid in air and in the presence of the spreading vapor. For cyclohexane on polyethylene at 20°C πe is found to be 7.19 dyn/cm; the above equation predicts 7.15 dyn/cm. By using this new technique it is proven unequivocably that high-energy liquids such as methylene iodide and water do not adsorb or spread on low-energy surfaces such as polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.
Calculating a next-hop metric in multiradio networks

With the proliferation of multiple radio devices, simply choosing to send all traffic over the one next-hop radio link with the lowest metric is foolish. Unfortunately, this behavior is what exists today. In this paper, we describe how to combine multiple radio links? metrics to a particular next-hop device. The combined next-hop metric allows a multiple radio device to choose the best next-hop device for traffic considering all the radio opportunities available. By considering all radio opportunities, performance may be improved significantly.
Forelimb mechanics as a function of substrate type during quadrupedalism in two anthropoid primates

Abstract During the past century, many anthropologists have proposed that hominoid orthograde locomotion arose in an arboreal quadrupedal ancestor with highly mobile, low weight-bearing forelimbs. However, no quantitative data comparing kinematic and kinetic aspects of forelimb use during arboreal and terrestrial quadrupedalism have been available to evaluate such theories. In this preliminary study, a spider monkey and a baboon were videotaped in three planes while walking quadrupedally on an instrumented runway and a raised instrumented horizontal pole. Forelimb angles and substrate reaction force resultants were calculated for each animal on each substrate. The quantitative data presented here support previous models for the evolution of primate locomotion that were based on theoretical biomechanics and qualitative or anecdotal evidence. In addition, this study has revealed several previously undocumented accommodations to "arboreal" quadrupedal locomotion in these two primates. While walking on the pole, compared to travel on the ground, (1) both animals adopted a "crouched" forelimb posture, but only the spider monkey abducted its arm and ulnar deviated its hand; (2) both subjects have lower resultant forces on the forelimb due to lower absolute force magnitudes and changes in the timing of component peaks; and (3) both animals reduce and reorient transverse forces. Similar accommodations to arboreal travel by both subjects appear to be mechanical requirements of arboreal locomotion. However, differences may be due to morphological differences between the subjects, or to their divergent phylogenetic history. These results are used to explore potential explanations for the morphological differences between arboreal and terrestrial primate quadrupeds in terms of bone and joint strain and to evaluate models of primate locomotor evolution.
Calibration Approach for Fluorescence Lifetime Determination for Applications Using Time-Gated Detection and Finite Pulse Width Excitation

Time-gated techniques are useful for the rapid sampling of excited-state (fluorescence) emission decays in the time domain. Gated detectors coupled with bright, economical, nanosecond-pulsed light sources like flashlamps and nitrogen lasers are an attractive combination for bioanalytical and biomedical applications. Here we present a calibration approach for lifetime determination that is noniterative and that does not assume a negligible instrument response function (i.e., a negligible excitation pulse width) as does most current rapid lifetime determination approaches. Analogous to a transducer-based sensor, signals from fluorophores of known lifetime (0.5−12 ns) serve as calibration references. A fast avalanche photodiode and a GHz-bandwidth digital oscilloscope is used to detect transient emission from reference samples excited using a nitrogen laser. We find that the normalized time-integrated emission signal is proportional to the lifetime, which can be determined with good reproducibility (typicall...
Nonsurgically induced disuse muscle atrophy and neuromuscular dysfunction upregulates alpha7 acetylcholine receptors.

Previous models of muscle disuse have invariably used surgical methods that require the repetitive application of plaster casts. A method of disuse atrophy that does not require such repetitive applications is described herein. Modified plastic pipette tubing was applied to a single hindlimb (mouse), from thigh to foot, resulting in immobilization of the knee in the extension position, and the ankle in the plantar flexion position. This method resulted in the loss of soleus muscle to 11%, 22%, 39%, and 45% of its original mass at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively, in association with a significant decrease of tibialis twitch (25%) and tetanic tensions (26%) at 21 days, compared with the contralateral side and (or) sham-immobilized controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of the soleus using fluorescent α-bungarotoxin revealed a significant increase in the number of synapses per unit area (818 + 31 compared with 433 + 16/mm2) and an increase in muscle fibers per unit area (117 compared with 83/mm2), most l...