cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MICROWAVE SPECTRA, STRUCTURE, AND ELECTRIC DIPOLE MOMENT OF THE AR-ISOCYANIC ACID VAN DER WAALS COMPLEX

Abstract The microwave spectra of Ar-HNCO and Ar-DNCO have been investigated with a pulsed-nozzle Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer in the region of 8 to 18 GHz. One state is observed for each isotopomer and the a- and b-type transitions are fitted to an asymmetric top Hamiltonian. The spectral constants obtained from this fit for Ar-HNCO are A = 11224.5667(9) MHz, B = 1937.6357(5) MHz, C = 1638.6608(2) MHz, ΔJ = 14.689(10) kHz, ΔJK = 388.52(13) kHz, ΔK = −313.85(37) kHz, δJ = 2.471(2) kHz, χaa = −0.946(3) MHz, and χbb = 2.024(4) MHz. Stark effect measurements determine μa = 1.3940(50) × 10−30 C m [0.4179(15) D] and μb = 5.1219(83) × 10−30 C m [1.5355(25) D] for Ar-HNCO. The inertial defects, Δ in uA2, are 2.5629 and 2.555 for Ar-HNCO and Ar-DCNO, respectively. A planar T-shaped structure is determined from the effective moments of inertia with an Ar to HNCO center-of-mass separation of 3.577 A. The moment of inertia data indicate that the oxygen is tilted toward the argon and the hydrogen is oriented syn with respect to argon. However, the small measured value of μa in the complex compared to μb in the monomer, HNCO, suggests that the hydrogen undergoes internal rotation approximately about the heavy atom axis of HNCO (a inertia axis of HNCO) which would mean the effective moments of inertia are averaged over this motion. Comparison of the quadrupole coupling constants in HNCO to Ar-HNCO also provides evidence in support of this internal motion. The uncertainties shown in parentheses are one standard deviation.
In-Trap Cleanup of Proteins from Electrospray Ionization Using Soft Sustained Off-Resonance Irradiation with Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry is capable of producing high mass resolving power and improved mass accuracy for large proteins and noncovalent complexes when coupled with collisionally induced dissociation (CID) of noncovalent adducts and consequent minimization of ion charge density in the ICR trap during measurements. This work demonstrates the application of in-trap cleanup to several biologically relevant systems, including carbonic anhydrase, 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4OT) analogue, and SecB, a chaperone from Escherichia coli. In-trap cleanup yields improved mass measurements for these systems and is expected to further enable measurements for even more complex systems where adduction levels have precluded study of intact complexes.
Transfusion therapy for cerebrovascular abnormalities in sickle cell disease.

Cerebral angiograms were performed in patients with sickle cell disease and symptoms of stroke to evaluate transfusion therapy for cerebrovscular accidents. Three patients who were transfused repeatedly for one year to maintain less than 30% hemoglobin S were compared to two patients who were not transfused. All patients had abnormal angiograms initially. After one year the angiographic abnormalities resolved in two and improved in one transfused child. The two children who were not transfused showed progressive vascular disease. For all arteriograms, the patients were prepared by transfusion with normal red cells and careful hydration.
Autocrine regulation of growth in cultured human intestinal muscle by growth factors

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and TGF-beta 1 are expressed in vivo by intestinal smooth muscle. The aim of this study was to determine whether these growth factors were produced by human intestinal muscle cells in culture and to identify their roles in regulating growth. METHODS: Muscle cells were examined at various times in culture: during rapid growth (day 3), at confluence (day 7), and after confluence (day 14). Growth factor production was measured by radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Growth was measured from [3H]thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Production of pro-TGF-alpha and TGF-alpha (1550 +/- 100 and 1260 +/- 150 pg/mg protein, respectively) and free IGF-I (86.2 +/- 23.7 ng/mg protein) was highest during rapid growth and 3-40-fold lower later in culture. Production of soluble and latent TGF-beta 1 was highest in postconfluent cells (280 +/- 74 and 4320 +/- 610 pg/mg protein, respectively) and 4-7-fold lower earlier in culture. TGF-alpha and IGF-I caused concentration-dependent stimulation of growth in rapidly growing cells. TGF-beta 1 caused concentration- dependent inhibition of growth predominantly in postconfluent cells. Neutralizing antibodies to TGF-alpha or IGF-I inhibited growth and neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta augmented growth. CONCLUSIONS: Human intestinal muscle cells produce TGF-alpha, IGF-I, and TGF-beta 1 in a time-dependent reciprocal fashion that parallels their effects on growth. (Gastroenterology 1997 Sep;113(3):817-24)
Magnetic shields made of high Tc superconducting ceramic Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10

Abstract Magnetic shields were fabricated with high temperature ceramic superconductor Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10. The attenuation rate of this kind of device is 120–180 dB in a dc field at 77 K. The critical shielding field is 70–80 Gauss at 77 K. The frequency characteristic of these devices was investigated from 0 to 2 KHz.
Refinement of the pharmacophore of an agonist ligand of the secretin receptor using conformationally constrained cyclic hexapeptides

There is a compelling need for the development of small molecule agonists acting at family B G protein-coupled receptors. A possible lead for the development of such drugs was reported when it was recognized that sequences endogenous to the amino terminus of the secretin receptor and certain other receptors in this family possess weak full agonist activity (Dong et al. Mol Pharmacol 2006;70:206-213). In the current report, we extended those observations by building the active dipeptide motif found in the secretin receptor (WD) into each position around a conformationally constrained d-amino acid-containing cyclic hexapeptide, and determining the biological activity of each peptide at the secretin receptor. Indeed, only two positions for WD around this constrained ring resulted in biological activity at the receptor, providing further insights into the structural specificity of this phenomenon. Molecular modeling supported the presence of a unique WD backbone conformation shared only by these active peptides, and provided a more constrained template for future receptor-active agonist drug development.
Coronal magnetic-field model with non-spherical source surface

Previous global models of coronal magnetic fields have used a geometrical construction based on a spherical source surface because of requirements for computational speed. As a result they have had difficulty accounting for (a) the tendency of full magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models to predict non-radial plasma flow out to r ∼ 10r ⊙ and (b) the appreciable magnitude, ∼ 3γ, of B r , (the radial component of B) consistently observed at r ∼ 1 AU. We present a new modelling technique based on a non-spherical source surface, which is taken to be an isogauss of the underlying potential field generated by currents in or below the photosphere. This modification of the source surface significantly improves the agreement between the geometrical construction and the MHD solution while retaining most of the computational ease provided by a spherical source surface. A detailed comparison between the present source-surface model and the MHD solution is made for the internal dipole case. The resulting B field agrees well in magnitude and direction with the coronal B field derived from the full MHD equations. It shows evidence of the slightly equatorward meridional plasma flow that is characteristic of the MHD solution. Moreover, the B field obtained by using our non-spherical source surface agrees well with that observed by spacecraft in the vicinity of the Earth's orbit. Applied to a solar dipole field with a moment of 1 G-r ⊙ 3 , the present model predicts that B r at r ∼ 1 AU lies in the range of ∼ 1–2γ and is remarkably insensitive to heliomagnetic latitude. Our method should be applicable also to more general (i.e., more realistic) configurations of the solar magnetic field. Isogauss surfaces for two representative solar rotations, as calculated from expansions of observed photospheric magnetic-field data, are found to show large and significant deviations from sphericity.
Measurement of head/disk spacing with a laser interferometer

A multichannel heterodyne laser interferometer was built to measure the head-disk spacing in magnetic disk drives. The main advantage of the present method compared to white light interferometry and capacitive measurements is that neither the disk nor the slider need be transparent or conductive. The interferometer is described, including the optics and electronics. Experimental results on head-disk spacing during the take-off, flying and landing processes are presented and discussed. It is concluded that the present system is capable of making the desired measurement with minimum modification of the slider. It has a resolution of 2.5 nm and a bandwidth of DC to about 40 kHz. >
Interface effects on the carrier transport and photovoltaic properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon solar cells

Abstract Current-voltage-temperature ( I - V - T ) characteristics evaluated near 150K and 300K were used to study the photovoltaic property variations in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)/crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The possible carrier transport mechanisms in such devices were examined from the I - V - T data which indicated a significant influence of the amorphous /crystalline interface on the short-circuit current density ( J sc ) and open-circuit voltage ( V oc ) of the solar cells. Carrier transport near 300K for forward biases was by a multi-tunneling mechanism and became space charge limited with increasing bias. For devices having low J sc and V oc an additional region was seen in both forward and reverse biases, at low temperatures, where the current simply varied linearly with the applied bias. This characteristic manifested in both high and low temperatures region for devices with still lower photovoltaic properties, which has been reasoned to be due to a higher interface density. Passivating the c-Si surface with HF just prior to the amorphous layer deposition resulted in a large improvement in the properties. The most significant effect was on the J sc which improved by an order of magnitude. The treatment also affected the lower temperature I - V - T data in that the current fell to very low levels. The spectral response of the treated solar cells showed enhanced blue/violet response compared with the unpassivated devices. The interface passivation plus reducing a-Si thickness has improved the solar cell efficiency from 0.39% to 9.5%.
Market failure and energy policy A rationale for selective conservation

Abstract Appropriate activities for the government in the energy sector of the US economy are suggested on the basis of market failures in this sector. Alleged market failures are explored and specifically targeted remedies proposed where indicated. The resulting government policies can be characterized as selectively conservationist: designed to induce lower levels of use of particular fuels - sometimes in particular industries.
Heterologous Expression of the Cytotoxin Restrictocin in Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus niger

The cDNA clone of restrictocin was placed under the control of the glucoamylase promoter from Aspergillus awamori and was transformed into Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus niger. Site-specific changes were introduced into cDNA constructs and these were transformed into A. nidulans. The secretion signal sequence was deleted from one form of the gene and three mutations introduced single amino acid substitutions into the protein. Culture conditions were optimized for maximum expression levels of restrictocin. The activities of the expressed proteins were characterized with an in vitro rabbit reticulocyte assay. Protein synthesis in this assay was inhibited 50% by 2.5 ng/ml wild-type restrictocin, 3.5 ng/ml E95G, 30 ng/ml E95C, and 600 ng/ml H136L. Toxic effects of restrictocin were observed in the A. nidulans expression system with reduced levels of cellular protein and messenger RNA upon induction of restrictocin expression as well as the formation of the alpha-fragment product of ribosomal RNA cleavage. Toxic effects were most highly pronounced in strains expressing restrictocin without the signal sequence, less so in strains expressing native restrictocin, and absent in strains expressing H136L restrictocin.
Post-Maastricht Blues: The Transformation of Citizen Support for European Integration, 1973–2004

Macroeconomic forces have influenced aggregate citizen support for European integration in the past, but no study analyzes historical data beyond the early 1990s. This gap is lamentable, because public support for integration has moved in precisely the opposite direction that past research would predict. We analyze data on support for the EU during the period 1973–2004 for eight long-term member states. Four conclusions emerge from the analysis. First, there has been considerable cross-national convergence in citizen support for integration. Second, although economic factors influence citizen support over the entire 1973–2004 period, these impacts are much weaker than reported in past research. Third, the effect of inflation and trade concentration essentially disappeared in the aftermath of the Maastricht Treaty. Fourth, citizen support for integration of specific policy areas, such as foreign policy, social security, and monetary policy, suggests that the precipitous decline in support that began in 1991 was a reaction to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and its budgetary implications. We argue that the politics of European integration are now animated by distributive concerns as well as by evaluations of absolute economic performance. This argument has important implications for the study of European integration.
Military uses of uranium: keeping the u.s. Energy accounts.

Present accounts of U.S. energy consumption are incomplete in two ways: they include neither the direct military uses of nuclear energy nor the mostly military, nonfuel uses of uranium. Preliminary estimates indicate that significant distortions are created in the data on U.S. nuclear energy consumption patterns as a result of these omissions.
Glacial evolution of the plio-pleistocene: Role of continental and arctic ocean ice sheets

Abstract An empirical method is developed for assessing long-term trends in the growth of both mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere continental and high-latitude Arctic Ocean ice sheets during the last 5 million years. The growth of Arctic Ocean Ice Sheets is assumed to be modulated principally by caloric insolation variations related to obliquity, while variations in the extent of Northern Hemisphere continental ice sheets are controlled by precession-dominated caloric insolation variations. In developing empirical equations for the tendency of Arctic Ocean Ice Sheet growth (A) and the tendency for continental ice sheet growth (C), we have also assumed that there would be strong feedback effects between the two ice masses contingent upon North Atlantic surface water heat transport. A clear correspondence between high A values and cold paleotemperatures recorded in North Atlantic deep-sea cores spanning the last 2.0 m.y. is taken as evidence of a long-term linkage with the North Atlantic. Alternatively, strong similarities were found to exist between the predicted record of C and the classical terrestrial glacial/interglacial record back to about 3.2 m.y. B.P. A marked coincidence was also found between the combined tendency of continental and Arctic Ocean Ice Sheet growth (A + C) with the deep-sea δ18O record. A dramatic increase in the amplitude and period of δ18O variations beginning at about 1.0 m.y. B.P. is reflected by a sharp increase in the number of A + C values greater than the long-term mean. Phase relationships between the earth's orbital parameters and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures have apparently played a major role in the terrestrial and marine glacioclimatic records for at least the last 3.2 million years.
Characterization of [(CH3)3P-H]+ complexes in normal H-Y, dealuminated H-Y, and H-ZSM-5 zeolites using 31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Trimethylphosphine reacts with protons in acidic zeolites to form [(CH3)3P−H]+ complexes within the cavities and channels. The mobility of the protonated adduct strongly depends on the available space, which is a function of the amount of (CH3)3P in the zeolite and the size of the guest molecule relative to the cavity or channel dimensions. In an H-Y zeolite containing one molecule per large cavity, the motion is sufficiently rapid to average out a large P−H dipolar interaction, such that even in a static NMR experiment the lines due to JP-H coupling are well resolved. The motional rate is greater than 100 kHz. By contrast, the geometric constraints imposed by the smaller channels in ZSM-5, which are comparable in size to trimethylphosphine, severely restrict the motion. The chemical shift and J coupling values were determined for H-ZSM-5 and dealuminated H-Y zeolites, which are known to be strongly acidic, and for a normal H-Y zeolite, which is less acidic. The 31P chemical shift values were the same wit...
Decreases in the critical disparity gradient with eccentricity may reflect the size-disparity correlation.

The interaction between dot separation and fusible disparity limits (critical disparity gradient) was assessed at 0, 2, 4, and 8 deg eccentricity by 19 subjects. The critical disparity gradient showed a significant decrease with eccentricity such that larger separations were required for fusion of a given disparity as eccentricity increased. An argument is put forth that this relationship supports a size–disparity correlation. The significant disparity–eccentricity interaction may be explained by both the progressive loss of higher-spatial-frequency channels with eccentricity and a reduction in the range of disparities processed by a channel as eccentricity is increased. Individual differences in the trend across eccentricity are noted and discussed.
Escherichia coli mutations that block transcription termination by phage HK022 Nun protein.

Abstract The nun gene product of the lambdoid coliphage HK022 provokes premature transcription termination at, or near, the phage λ nut sites. Termination by Nun and antitermination by λ N protein both require the nut sites and Escherichia coli NusA, NusB and NusE proteins. To characterize further the host requirements for Nun termination, we selected host mutations that blocked termination at λ nutR . In addition to mutations in nusA , nusB and nusE , we obtained mutations in rpoC , encoding the RNA polymerase β′ subunit. The nusA and rpoC mutations suppressed Nun termination but not antitermination by λ N function. The mutations antagonized Nun only at λ nutR ; termination at λ nutL occurred in all the mutant strains. Thus, nutL is not functionally equivalent to nutR . We conclude that the host requirements for Nun termination overlap but are not identical with those for N antitermination, and, in particular, that the β′ subunit of RNP may be Nun-specific.
Continental uplift, compensation and shunting during trench-spreading center collision

Abstract A model for continental uplift at a convergent margin (Damon, 1979) is further developed. The model assumes the necessity of isostatic compensation of the subducted lithospheric plate. It predicts a continental declivity that reaches its maximum uplift and extent at the time of trench-spreading center collision. As a result of the passage of the subducted plate eastward the region of maximum uplift increases and migrates eastward behind the eastward migrating declivity. The “gang plank” from the Front Range to the Mississippi River is the most obvious modern expression of the continental declivity whereas the Great Basin is an expression of the area of maximum uplift lowered somewhat by extension and crustal thinning. Compensation takes place by transfer of asthenosphere to the base of continental lithosphere. At the time of trench-spreading center collision a pressure gradient shunts the asthenospheric current from the quenched spreading center to the channel between the continental lithosphere and the subducted plate. Sinking of the subducted plate causes upwelling of asthenosphere feeding the laminar flow between the two plates. The model is in accord with the physiography of North America and the geologic record.
In vivo desensitization in the treatment of chronic emesis following gastrointestinal surgery

Following successful surgery for gastrointestinal cancer, a 53-year-old female patient could not retain solid foods. Although all tests showed no recurrence of her tumor, she insisted that “it was coming back” because she was vomiting as she had done when cancer was first discovered. Through the use of in vivo desensitization the patient was able to retain all foods after five daily sessions. However, her fear that the tumor had recurred did not extinguish until she had been symptom-free for 6 months. Nine months postoperation her weight had stabilized, she was eating normally, and no new problems had developed.
Unilateral renal cortical necrosis.

Renal cortical necrosis is a result of failure of perfusion. Most of the 400 cases reported to date are bilateral and occur in pregnancy. Only nine cases of unilateral necrosis are reported, of which seven showed obstruction of the ureter on the protected side and the remainder showed renal artery stenosis on the protected side. In this patient neither of these two features was present, but the protected kidney contained a tubular carcinoma.
Individual prior information in a physiological model of 2H8-toluene kinetics: an empirical Bayes estimation strategy.

Physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models are widely used to quantify whole-body kinetics of various substances. However, since they attempt to reproduce anatomical structures and physiological events, they have a high number of parameters. Their identification from kinetic data alone is often impossible, and other information about the parameters is needed to render the model identifiable. The most commonly used approach consists of independently measuring, or taking from literature sources, some of the parameters, fixing them in the kinetic model, and then performing model identification on a reduced number of less certain parameters. This results in a substantial reduction of the degrees of freedom of the model. In this study, we show that this method results in final estimates of the free parameters whose precision is overestimated. We then compared this approach with an empirical Bayes approach, which takes into account not only the mean value, but also the error associated with the independently determined parameters. Blood and breath 2H8-toluene washout curves, obtained in 17 subjects, were analyzed with a previously presented PBTK model suitable for person-specific dosimetry. Model parameters with the greatest effect on predicted levels were alveolar ventilation rate QPC, fat tissue fraction VFC, blood-air partition coefficient Kb, fraction of cardiac output to fat Qa/co and rate of extrahepatic metabolism Vmax-p. Differences in the measured and Bayesian-fitted values of QPC, VFC and Kb were significant (p < 0.05), and the precision of the fitted values Vmax-p and Qa/co went from 11 ± 5% to 75 ± 170% (NS) and from 8 ± 2% to 9 ± 2% (p < 0.05) respectively. The empirical Bayes approach did not result in less reliable parameter estimates: rather, it pointed out that the precision of parameter estimates can be overly optimistic when other parameters in the model, either directly measured or taken from literature sources, are treated as known without error. In conclusion, an empirical Bayes approach to parameter estimation resulted in a better model fit, different final parameter estimates, and more realistic parameter precisions.
Milk response to concentrate supplementation of high producing dairy cows grazing at two pasture allowances.

Abstract Twenty multiparous Holstein cows (four ruminally cannulated) in five 4×4 Latin squares with 21-d periods were used to study the effect of concentrate supplementation when grazed at two pasture allowances. The four dietary treatments resulted from the combination of two pasture allowance targets (low, 25 vs. high, 40kg of dry matter/cow per day) and two concentrate supplementation levels (zero vs. 1kg of concentrate/4kg of milk). Concentrate supplementation decreased pasture dry matter intake 2.0 kg/d at the low pasture allowance (17.5 vs. 15.5 kg/d) and 4.4 kg/d at the high pasture allowance (20.5 vs. 16.1 kg/d). Substitution rate was lower at the low pasture allowance (0.26kg pasture/kg concentrate) than at the high pasture allowance (0.55kg of pasture/kg of concentrate). Total dry matter intake of both supplemented treatments averaged 24.4 kg/d. Milk production of both supplemented treatments averaged 29.8 kg/d, but was increased with higher pasture allowance in the unsupplemented treatments (19.1 vs. 22.2 kg/d). Milk response to concentrate supplementation was 1.36 and 0.96kg of milk/kg of concentrate for the low and high pasture allowances, respectively. Concentrate supplementation reduced milk fat percentage but increased milk protein percentage. Rumen pH and NH 3 -N concentration were decreased with concentrate supplementation. Substitution rate was likely related to both negative associative effects in the rumen (reductions in rumen pH, rate of pasture digestion, and NDF digestibility) and reductions in grazing time. The latter was more important, quantitatively explaining at least 80% of the reduction in pasture dry matter intake observed.
Group psychotherapy training and the didactic seminar: An innovative approach

The problems in presenting didactic material for courses in group therapy are addressed. Utilizing a special role-playing model, derived from Kellerman's theory of an ideal group, the author presents a unique and interesting method for teaching group composition and the selection of patients for a typical adult outpatient group. A comparison of two types of groups is presented and the actual role-playing scripts are included. The methods employed and their impact on the trainees are discussed. The value of utilizing experiential and cognitive models for learning is explored.
Genetic selection of intragenic suppressor mutations that reverse the effect of common p53 cancer mutations

Several lines of evidence suggest that the presence of the wild-type tumor suppressor gene p53 in human cancers correlates well with successful anti-cancer therapy. Restoration of wild-type p53 function to cancer cells that have lost it might therefore improve treatment outcomes. Using a systematic yeast genetic approach, we selected second-site suppressor mutations that can overcome the deleterious effects of common p53 cancer mutations in human cells. We identified several suppressor mutations for the V143A, G245S and R249S cancer mutations. The beneficial effects of these suppressor mutations were demonstrated using mammalian reporter gene and apoptosis assays. Further experiments showed that these suppressor mutations could override additional p53 cancer mutations. The mechanisms of such suppressor mutations can be elucidated by structural studies, ultimately leading to a framework for the discovery of small molecules able to stabilize p53 mutants.
Latest Developments of Materials Used in Transmission Tower Structure

This paper discusses the status quo and development trend of transmission tower materials, points out that there will be higher requirements on the varieties and specifications of transmission tower material alongside the continuous construction of power grids. Tower materials will develop in the environmental-friendly, high-strength and conservation-oriented trend. In the future, the demand for Q420, Q460 high-strength and large-width angle steel will grow enormously; the steel tubular tower will be used in transmission lines more widely due to its excellent carrying capability; new materials like weathering cold-formed steel and composite material will be gradually used in transmission towers.
Mouse Models of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection and Shiga Toxin Injection

Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been responsible for multiple food- and waterborne outbreaks of diarrhea and/or hemorrhagic colitis (HC) worldwide. More importantly, a portion of E. coli O157:H7-infected individuals, particularly young children, develop a life-threatening sequela of infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shiga toxin (Stx), a potent cytotoxin, is the major virulence factor linked to the presentation of both HC and HUS. Currently, treatment of E. coli O157:H7 and other Stx-producing E. coli (STEC) infections is limited to supportive care. To facilitate development of therapeutic strategies and vaccines for humans against these agents, animal models that mimic one or more aspect of STEC infection and disease are needed. In this paper, we focus on the characteristics of various mouse models that have been developed and that can be used to monitor STEC colonization, disease, pathology, or combinations of these features as well as the impact of Stx alone.
Amides of 5-nitro-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid.

A number of new aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic substituted amides of 5-nitro-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid have been prepared for testing as antiviral agents. These compounds are related to nitrobenzene, nitrothiophene, and nitrofuran derivatives which have previously been shown to have antiviral activity.
Essential and redundant functions of the MyoD distal regulatory region revealed by targeted mutagenesis.

Transgenic analyses have defined two MyoD enhancers in mammals, the core enhancer and distal regulatory region (DRR); these enhancers exhibit complementary activities and together are sufficient to recapitulate MyoD expression in developing and mature skeletal muscle. DRR activity is restricted to differentiated muscle and persists postnatally, suggesting an important role in maintaining MyoD expression in myocytes and muscle fibers. Here, we use targeted mutagenesis in the mouse to define essential functions of the DRR in its normal chromosomal context. Surprisingly, deletion of the DRR resulted in reduced MyoD expression in all myogenic lineages at E10.5, at least 1 day prior to detection of DRR activity in limb buds and branchial arches of transgenic mice. At later embryonic and fetal stages, however, no defect in MyoD expression was observed, indicating that the DRR is dispensable for regulating MyoD during muscle differentiation. Expression analyses in wild-type and Myf-5 mutant embryos also indicate that the DRR is not an obligate target for Myf-5- and Pax-3-dependent regulation. In contrast to embryonic and fetal stages, deletion of the DRR resulted in a pronounced reduction in MyoD mRNA levels in adults, showing a functional requirement for DRR activity in mature muscle. These data reveal essential and redundant functions of the DRR and underscore the importance of loss-of-function enhancer analyses for understanding cis transcriptional circuitry.
Ion exchange separation of ascorbic acid and isolation of the 2,4-dinitrophenylosazone.

Abstract A method has been developed for the separation of small amounts of ascorbic acid from the neutral and basic constituents of rat urine by adsorption on Amberlite IR-4B anion-exchange resin and subsequent elution with hydrochloric acid. The procedure separates the ascorbic acid from the nonacidic substances present, with an over-all recovery of 85–90% of the ascorbic acid originally present. A detailed study of optimum conditions for the formation of the ascorbic acid 2,4-dinitrophenylosazone was made, resulting in a method which permits osazone formation to be complete in 3 hr. The ascorbic acid 2,4-dinitrophenylosazone was shown to be chemically and radioactively pure by accepted standards, including data for the near ultraviolet, visible, and infrared absorption spectra.
Sequential Sampling Plan for Integrated Pest Management of Pecan Nut Casebearer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Sequential sampling plans allow integrated pest management (IPM) decisions to be made quickly and precisely, and degree-day prediction models identify the rate of development of populations. Combining these IPM tools allows the user to sample a population at a particular point in its development and extrapolate the result into the future to determine whether or not management action is warranted. A degree-day prediction model developed earlier for the first summer generation of pecan nut casebearer, Acrobasis nuxvorella Neunzig, was coupled with a sequential sampling plan developed in this study and tested in 25 field trials. Samples were taken in each trial when the degree-day model predicted that oviposition was 10% complete. Sampling results were extrapolated to determine if the subsequent population would damage 10% or more of a harvestable pecan crop. If not, no management action was taken; if so, management was conducted while leaving an untreated check. Sixteen decisions not to take action and nine to take action were made in the trials. Subsequent damage did not exceed 10% infestation of the nut clusters in the no-action decision group and did exceed that level in eight of the nine action decision groups. The one error occurred in a take-action trial where the infestation in the check averaged 9.5%. This novel application of IPM technology achieved by combining two standard techniques is superior to but no more difficult than present strategies for control of this key pest of pecans.
Blockage of depolarization-induced mitogenesis in CNS neurons by 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine.

Abstract Experiments designed to provide further evidence, at the basic metabolic level, that true mitogenesis and mitotic activity are being induced in CNS neurons in response to sustained ionic depolarization were conducted. The ability of 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (FUdR), a well-studied inhibitor of normal mitogenesis in naturally proliferating cells, to block induction of DNA synthesis (and subsequent nuclear division) in culture-matured neurons depolarized with ouabain was ascertained, as well as the ability of exogenously supplied thymidine to permit effective bypass of such blockage. Observations of the sequence of intracellular morphological changes induced by ouabain were also made, along with a determination of the alterations in this sequence introduced by FUdR. The results indicate that ouabain-mediated depolarization rapidly induces and/or activates the key mitogenic enzyme thymidylate synthetase in the mitotically quiescent neurons, along with all other mitogenesis-specific enzymes required for DNA synthesis and nuclear division. A probable mechanism by which such mitogenic induction may proceed is elaborated. The early morphological changes observed correlate well with the early time sequence of mitogenic metabolic events, while development of the latter changes appears to be dependent upon the progress of mitogenesis activity. The results support the possibility that CNS neurons of adult origin may also be induced to initiate normal mitogenesis by appropriately imposed depolarization treatments.
The Dalits of Nepal and Their Struggles for Social Justice

Hira Vishwakarma describes the historical discrimination against the Dalits of Nepal and, based on the lessons learned from community-based victories in the struggle for equality, recommends strategies for national mobilization with and in support of the Dalits..
Autophagy and neurodegeneration: when the cleaning crew goes on strike

Intracellular accumulation of altered and misfolded proteins is the basis of most neurodegenerative disorders. Altered proteins are usually organised in the form of toxic multimeric complexes that eventually promote neuronal death. Cells rely on surveillance mechanisms that take care of the removal of these toxic products. What then goes wrong in these pathologies? Recent studies have shown that a primary failure in autophagy, a mechanism for clearance of intracellular components in lysosomes, could be responsible for the accumulation of these altered proteins inside the affected neurons. In this Review we summarise our current knowledge on the contribution of autophagy to the maintenance of normal cellular homoeostasis, its changes in neurodegenerative disorders, and the role of aggravating factors such as oxidative stress and ageing on autophagic failure in these pathologies.
Pulmonary paragonimiasis in dogs and cats: a review.

Pulmonary paragonimiasis is a parasitic lung disease of dogs and cats caused by the trematode Paragonimus kellicotti. The disease is encountered most frequently in the Southeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States. The radiographic appearance of pulmonary paragonimiasis is that of multiloculated cysts in dogs and interstitial nodules in cats. Spontaneous pneumothorax is common in both species. Recognition of the characteristic pulmonary lesions on thoracic radiographs justifies repeated faecal examinations in order to find Paragonimus ova to confirm the diagnosis. Necropsy findings are diagnostic. Bithionol®and albendo.-zole have been used for treatment with variable results. Drug availability and approval remain as problems.
Detecting Change in Program Behavior for Adaptive Optimization

Feedback information has proven useful in guiding optimizations in compilers and post-link optimizers. Program performance behavior can change over time and may invalidate the feedback information. Low overhead monitoring can be used to detect such changes, using performance metrics such as CPI. On a loaded SMT system, where other threads are simultaneously activated on the same CPU, the CPI shows large variability. We introduce an efficient monitoring method that is insensitive to other activities in the system and can be safely used to collect program behavior on a loaded SMT system. The overhead of this method is 0.58% with SPECint2000. We also introduce a novel transformation to the program behavior representation, which makes it insensitive to code optimizations and enables a comparison of the program behavior collected in different optimization cycles. This approach opens new opportunities and enables adaptive optimizations on modern SMT architectures.
Keratinocyte Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation in Chronic Ulcers From Patients With Diabetes and Normal Wounds

Epithelialization of normal acute wounds occurs by an orderly series of events whereby keratinocytes migrate, proliferate, and differentiate to restore barrier function. The keratinocytes in the epidermis of chronic ulcers fail to execute this series of events. To better understand the epithelial dynamics of chronic ulcers, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration in keratinocytes along the margin of chronic ulcers from patients with diabetes mellitus. We compared these features with keratinocytes from the migrating epithelial tongues of acute incisional and excisional wounds from normal volunteers. Keratinocytes at the chronic ulcer edge are highly proliferative (Ki67 proliferation marker), have an activated phenotype (K16), do not stain for keratins involved in epidermal differentiation (K10 and K2), and show a reduced expression of LM-3A32 (uncleaved, precursor of the α3 chain of laminin 5), a key molecule present on migrating epithelium. In contr...
Scanning probe microscopies for high-resolution characterization of electrochemical sensors. Plenary lecture.

A better understanding of tailored electrodes and electrochemical sensors requires a more detailed picture of their surfaces. New scanning probe techniques, such as scanning tunnelling or scanning bioelectrochemical microscopies, offer unique opportunities for high-resolution in situ characterization of tailored electrode-based sensors. Scanning tunnelling microscopy provides valuable information on the topography of pre-treated surfaces, the heterogeneity of composite electrodes, the morphology of electropolymerized films, the packing arrangement of adsorbed monolayers and the microdistribution of immobilized biological components. Scanning bioelectrochemical microscopy is shown to be extremely useful for the mapping of localized biological activity and the monitoring of dynamic biological events. Valuable insights are achieved by correlating the structural features with the preparation/modification conditions and the subsequent sensing performance. Such correlations can facilitate the predictive design of increasingly better sensors.
Phenotype and X inactivation in 45,X/46,X,r(X) cases

We studied a new series of 21 individuals mosaic for a ring X chromosome [r(X)]. Of nine individuals with mental retardation, only one had a r(X) that lacked XIST (X-inactive-specific transcript) and was not subject to X inactivation, which would explain the abnormal phenotype; the remaining eight cases had XIST on their r(X). The majority of cases (five of seven) with mental retardation had an apparently early replicating r(X); but the androgen receptor gene (AR) was methylated on one allele in five of six informative cases, including two cases with an early replicating r(X). These conflicting results on two indicators of X inactivation suggest a potential dissociation between late replication and DNA methylation in these r(X) chromosomes, which may fail to become completely silenced. Of the twelve subjects who were not mentally retarded, all had XIST present on their r(X) and most (8/10) showed a late replicating r(X), together with AR methylation in all five informative cases, indicating r(X) inactivation. Thus, the unusual phenotypic features and mental retardation associated with the presence of a r(X) cannot be explained solely on the basis of presence or absence of XIST. The r(X) in cases with mental retardation were consistently smaller than those in individuals with normal intelligence, perhaps indicating inability for small rings to undergo structural changes associated with complete X inactivation or lethality in cases with a large non-inactivated r(X). Of the Turner syndrome features present in the r(X) cases, only edema was present in a lesser frequency than in 45,X individuals. Our cases generally had a less severe phenotype than those previously reported, suggesting that reported incidences of abnormalities may be influenced by ascertainment bias, with mental retardation potentially unrelated to the presence of the r(X) in some cases.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in the fadD28 Gene as a Genetic Marker for East Asia Lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates with a region of difference 105 (RD105) deletion, mainly Beijing family spoligotypes, were phylogenetically grouped into the East Asia lineage. We identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in codon 507, ATC to ATT, of the fadD28 gene as a robust marker and developed a rapid assay for East Asia lineage M. tuberculosis.
GENETIC CONTROL OF IMMUNE RESPONSES IN VITRO III. TOLEROGENIC PROPERTIES OF THE TERPOLYMER L-GLUTAMIC ACID60-L-ALANINE30-L-TYROSINE10 (GAT) FOR SPLEEN CELLS FROM NONRESPONDER (H-2q AND H-2s) MICE

Although nonresponder, H-2s and H-2q, mice fail to develop GAT-specific PFC responses to GAT, they do develop GAT-specific PFC responses when stimulated by GAT complexed to an immunogenic carrier such as methylated bovine serum albumin. The studies described in this paper show that injection of nonresponder mice with GAT specifically decreases their ability to develop anti-GAT PFC responses to a subsequent challenge with GAT-MBSA. Addition of GAT to cultures of spleen cells from nonresponder mice also prevents development of the GAT-specific PFC responses stimulated by GAT-MBSA. Thus, interaction of nonresponder spleen cells with GAT leads to the induction of unresponsiveness in vivo and in vitro. Various parameters of the tolerance induction have been investigated and described. A comparison of the effects of GAT on B cells indicates that nonresponder B cells are more readily rendered unresponsive by soluble GAT than are responder B cells. The significance of these data for our understanding of Ir gene regulation of the immune response is discussed.
Patellar Tendon Strain Is Increased at the Site of the Jumper’s Knee Lesion During Knee Flexion and Tendon Loading Results and Cadaveric Testing of a Computational Model

BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) is characterized by localized tenderness of the patellar tendon at its origin on the inferior pole of the patella and a characteristic increase in signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging at this location. However, it is unclear why the lesion typically occurs in this area of the patellar tendon as surface strain gauge studies of the patellar tendon through the range of motion have produced conflicting results.HypothesisThe predicted patellar tendon strains that occur as a result of the tendon loads and patella-patellar tendon angles (PPTAs) experienced during a jump landing will be significantly increased in the area of the patellar tendon associated with patellar tendinopathy.Study DesignDescriptive laboratory study.MethodsA 2-dimensional, computational, finite element model of the patella-patellar tendon complex was developed using anatomic measurements taken from lateral radiographs of a normal knee. The patella was modeled with plane strain rigid ...
Insecticide use in livestock production

Insecticides are necessary for a productive livestock economy in the United States. A wide range of insects, ticks, and mites must be controlled to protect the health and productivity of livestock. Since an efficient livestock economy also requires the production of adequate amounts of nutritious feeds, it is equally important that insecticides be employed for the control of the many kinds of insects and mites which attack forage and grain crops.
A New Approach for Detecting Client–Treatment Matching in Psychological Therapy

Abstract Identifying the treatments that are most effective for specific clients (i.e., client–treatment matching) is a major goal of research in psychological therapy. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that clients differ in the treatments to which they respond. This could result from the use of between–subjects designs that might be insensitive to client–treatment matching. In other areas of psychology, Generalizability (G) and Social Relations Model (SRM) designs routinely obtain large, conceptually identical matching effects. The current study investigated client–treatment matching using a G/SRM design. Postpartum women with a history of drug use completed three computer–delivered treatment segments of a brief motivational intervention, and rated themselves on state motivation for change following each segment. Strong client–treatment matching effects were found when using G/SRM analyses, but not when using between–subjects analyses. G/SRM methods might be more sensitive to client–treatment matc...