cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alcohol, Acetaldehyde, and Salsolinol on β-Endorphin Secretion from the Hypothalamic Neurons in Primary Cultures

The effect of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and salsolinol on hypothalamic beta-endorphin secreting neurons is studied by using rat fetal hypothalamic neurons in primary culture. Exposure of these neuronal cells to different concentrations of ethanol (12.5-50 mM) and acetaldehyde (12.5-50 microM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in the secretion of beta-endorphin. Salsolinol (12.5-50 microM) did not cause any significant change in the secretion of beta-endorphin. Ethanol's effect was short-lasting (2 hr). Acetaldehyde's effect on beta-endorphin secretion was greater and longer lasting, as compared with ethanol. Ethanol and salsolinol do not have any effect on cell viability, whereas higher concentrations of acetaldehyde appear to reduce the number of viable cells after 6 hr of treatment. None of the above treatments has any effect on cellular DNA content. These results suggest that ethanol is a potent stimulator of hypothalamic beta-endorphin. These results also show for the first time that ethanol's metabolite acetaldehyde is more potent in stimulating beta-endorphin secretion and may be significant in the ethanol regulated beta-endorphin secretion.
Inhibition by adenine dinucleotides of ATP-induced prostacyclin release by bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract Adenine dinucleotides are a group of extracellular modulators involved in maintaining blood vessel tone. We have demonstrated previously that Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A induce the synthesis of both nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), whereas Ap 3 A, Ap 5 A, and Ap 6 A do not. In this paper, we report that Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A are partial agonists for ATP in terms of Ca 2+ mobilization and PGI 2 synthesis. The Ap 4 A ec 50 values for Ca 2+ mobilization and PGI 2 synthesis were significantly higher than the corresponding values for ATP, while the Ap 4 A B max values for Ca 2+ mobilization and PGI 2 synthesis were significantly lower than those for ATP. Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A concentration–effect curves for Ca 2+ mobilization and PGI 2 synthesis demonstrated that Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A have antagonistic effects at ATP concentrations that induce responses above the maximal amount of Ca 2+ mobilized or PGI 2 synthesized by these two dinucleotides. On the other hand, Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A have agonistic effects at ATP concentrations that induce PGI 2 synthesis below the maximal amount of PGI 2 synthesized by these two dinucleotides. We also present evidence that suggests Ap 3 A, Ap 5 A, and Ap 6 A are antagonists for ATP in terms of PGI 2 synthesis. All these data are consistent with the adenine dinucleotides being negative modulators for ATP-induced PGI 2 synthesis.
The effects of the tapeworm Raillietina cesticillus upon body weight gains of broilers, poults and on egg production.

Abstract IT HAS been reported (Harwood and Luttermoser, 1938) that rations deficient in manganese aggravate growth depressing effects of the cestode Raillietina cesticillus. Similar effects were reported (Luttermoser and Allen, 1942) in birds fed rations containing low levels of protein. Growth depression, reduced hemoglobin and blood sugar were attributed (Ackert and Case, 1938) to parasitism with this cestode in chickens fed a diet considered adequate at that time. A more recent report (Ackert and Wisseman, 1946) of an experimental infection of chickens harboring an average of 61 tapeworms stated no evidence of harmful effects of this parasite despite the fact that the average gain in the control birds was 825 g. compared with 772 by the infected animals. No significant differences in hemoglobin and blood sugar were found in the two groups. The incidence of natural infections with R. cesticillus can increase rapidly (Reid et al., 1964) when suitable intermediate hosts…
Presence and localization of neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors in rat lacrimal gland.

PURPOSE. To determine which of the neurotrophins (NTs)-nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT4)-and their receptors (NTrs), TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and p75, are present in the adult rat lacrimal gland. METHODS. RT-PCR was performed on RNA isolated from male rat lacrimal gland, using oligonucleotides specific to each NT and NTr. The presence of NT and NTr protein, was determined by Western blot analysis of lacrimal gland homogenate or membranes. The location of NTs and NTrs was determined by immunofluorescence histochemistry. Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence microscopy were performed using primary rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against NTs and NTrs. RESULTS. RT-PCR showed positive bands at the appropriate sizes for NGF, BDNF, NT3, and NT4, and for the receptors TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and p75. Western blot analysis confirmed these results, showing that the lacrimal gland expresses NGF, BDNF, NT3, and NT4 as well as the NTrs TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC and the p75 protein. NGF, BDNF, NT3, and NT4 were localized in the lacrimal gland acini with differing cellular distributions, whereas TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, were localized in myoepithelial cell and ductal cell membranes. The protein p75 was expressed only on myoepithelial cell membranes. CONCLUSIONS. Members of the neurotrophin family of growth factors and their receptors are present in rat lacrimal gland, which suggests a role for NTs and their receptors in the lacrimal gland.
Physical characterization of α-amylase inhibitors from wheat

Abstract Six albumins from the kernels of hexaploid wheat, designated 0.19, 0.28, 0.32, 0.35, 0.39 and 0.48 according to their electrophoretic mobilities, were characterized according to their molecular weights, circular dichroism spectra, fluorescence spectra, amino acid compositions, and their specificities in inhibiting α-amylases from human saliva, chick pancreas, yellow mealworm, Aspergillus oryzae , and Bacillus subtilis . The 0.19 and 0.28 proteins have been related to other proteins described in the recent literature for which, however, characterization had been inadequate for the evaluation of possible identities. The 0.28, 0.32, 0.35, 0.39 and 0.48 proteins have been shown to belong to a family of closely related proteins. For example, they had identical circular dichroism spectra in the near ultraviolet that differed considerably from that of 0.19 protein, and they were all strong inhibitors of the α-amylase from the yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor L.) but were inactive against several other α-amylases, whereas the 0.19 protein was a strong inhibitor of α-amylases from human saliva and chick pancreas as well as that from the yellow mealworm.
Emerging Coherence of Oscillating Chemical Reactions on Arrays: Experiments and Simulations

We report experiments on emerging coherence through weak global coupling of populations of electrochemical oscillators with heterogeneities. The experiments are done with an array of nickel electrodes undergoing electrodissolution in sulfuric acid. The experiments verify theories of Winfree and Kuramoto that predict that global coupling of a set of smooth limit cycle oscillators with different frequencies produces a phase transition in which some of the elements synchronize. Both the critical point and the predicted dependence of order on coupling are seen in the experiments. We extend the studies to relaxation oscillators and characterize the quantitative similarities and differences between the two types of systems. Numerical simulations using a coupled form of a nickel electrodissolution model support the experimental findings.
A new random-dot stereo illusion and its application to the Anstis-Howard-Rogers effect.

When the dynamic visual noise of an untuned television set is viewed with image defocusing (positive lenses) and with a narrow vertical obstruction partially blocking the pupil of one eye, the video ‘snow’ seems to separate into two stable surfaces at different depths, divided by a vertical discontinuity. The main features of this illusion can be quantitatively accounted for in terms of the optics of defocused images and the retinal disparities predicted from blur circles. A residual component of the illusion, however, which was perceived by a majority of subjects, cannot be readily explained by geometrical optics; it apparently reflects a more subtle aspect in the processing of visual images, corresponding to the Anstis–Howard–Rogers stereo-effect, in which local depth configurations can bias global stereopsis. Several novel aspects of that effect are described, based on use of this obstructed-pupil illusion as the evoking stimulus.
Mitochondrial Energetics, pH Regulation, and Ion Dynamics: A Computational-Experimental Approach

We developed a computational model of mitochondrial energetics that includes Ca2+, proton, Na+, and phosphate dynamics. The model accounts for distinct respiratory fluxes from substrates of complex I and complex II, pH effects on equilibrium constants and enzyme kinetics, and the acid-base equilibrium distributions of energy intermediaries. We experimentally determined NADH and ΔΨm in guinea pig mitochondria during transitions from de-energized to energized, or during state 2/4 to state 3 respiration, or into hypoxia and uncoupling, and compared the results with those obtained in model simulations. The model quantitatively reproduces the experimentally observed magnitude of ΔΨm, the range of NADH levels, respiratory fluxes, and respiratory control ratio upon transitions elicited by sequential additions of substrate and ADP. Simulation results are also able to mimic the change in ΔΨm upon addition of phosphate to state 4 mitochondria, leading to matrix acidification and ΔΨm polarization. The steady-state behavior of the integrated mitochondrial model qualitatively simulates the dependence of respiration on the proton motive force, and the expected flux-force relationships existing between respiratory and ATP synthesis fluxes versus redox and phosphorylation potentials. This upgraded mitochondrial model provides what we believe are new opportunities for simulating mitochondrial physiological behavior during dysfunctional states involving changes in pH and ion dynamics.
Photosynthesis in Healthy and Rust-Affected Plants.

Incorporation of C/sup 14/O/sub 2/ during photosynthesis has been studied in healthy and rust-affected plants of bean, wheat, and safflower. Bean leaves carrying relatively light infection intensities showed consistent stimulation durin the flecking period when symptoms were first apparent. Subsequently, rate of C/sup 14/O/sub 2/ incorporation declined to one-third or one-half the rates of normal leaves. Heavily infected primary bean leaves did not show stimulation at any time, but did exhibit an abrupt decline in C/sup 14/O/sub 2/ fixation once sporulation was apparent. Wheat leaves infected by the stem rust fungus also showed marked inhibition during fungus sporulation, but there was no positive evidence for stimulated rates at any level of infection. Marked stimulation was found in young trifoliate leaves during periods when infected unifoliate leaves were inhibited. The extent of stimulation appeared to be related to the infection intensity of inoculated primary leaves. The data suggest that inhibition of photosynthesis in infected tissue can be compensated at least partially by stimulation in organs at a distance from the infected leaf. 25 references, 4 figures, 5 tables.
A 3-D seismic modeling study of the Ladron Horst near Socorrro, New Mexico

Three-dimensional seismic modeling demonstrates that the intragraben horst-like feature imaged on COCORP's Socorro-Abo Pass survey in the Albuquerque Basin, New Mexico likely corresponds to the northeast-plunging continuation of the Ladron uplift. This accords with the original interpretation which was expounded with reservations that the feature might be a result of side reflections off a nearby exposed basement uplift. This domed feature on Socorro Line 1A, referred to hereafter as the Ladron horst, cannot be a consequence of side reflections from the nearby Ladron Mountains. Three-dimensional modeling defines a minimum northeastern extent of the Ladron uplift in the subsurface, confirms some aspects of previous interpretations, and offers a new interpretation of the apparent western boundary of the horst. Second-order discontinuities in the reflections off the horst are modeled as normal faults within the subsurface basement uplift.
Reactions of dioxiranes with selected oleochemicals

Reaction of fatty acids with dimethyldioxirane in acetone produces ketoacids in 9–12% yields in which the ketone carbonyl is distributed along the fatty chain. The n-1 position appears to be preferred. Lactones of hydroxy fatty acids are oxidized by this reagent, but in low yields, to the corresponding ketoacids. Biphasic epoxidations with methylethyldioxirane in 2-butanone were conducted with methyl oleate and methyl ricinoleate to give the corresponding expoxides in high yield, and olive oil and tallow were cleanly epoxidized by this procedure as well.
Electronic Effects on Grain Boundary Structure in BCC Metals

The dominant factor in determining the atomic structure of grain boundaries is the crystal structure of the material, e.g. FCC vs. BCC. However, for a given crystal structure, the structure of grain boundaries can be influenced by electronic effects, i.e. by the element comprising the crystal. Understanding and modeling the influence of electronic structure on defect structures is a key ingredient for successful atomistic simulations of materials with more complicated crystal structures than FCC. We have found that grain boundary structure is a critical test for interatomic potentials. To that end, we have fabricated the identical {Sigma}5 (3l0)/[001] symmetric tilt grain boundary in three different BCC metals (Nb, MO, and Ta) by diffusion bonding precisely oriented single crystals. The structure of these boundaries have been determined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The boundaries have been found to have different atomic structures. The structures of these boundaries have been modeled with atomistic simulations using interatomic potentials incorporating angularly dependent interactions, such as those developed within Model Generalized Pseudopotential Theory. The differing structures of these boundaries can be understood in terms of the strength of the angular dependence of the interatomic interaction. We report here the results for Ta.
Linking land- and sea-based activities to risk in coastal ecosystems

Abstract The emerging science and policy arena of marine ecosystem-based management is beset with the challenging question of how to assess the urgency of problems influencing different ecosystem components. In this paper, we introduce a synthetic and efficient framework to identify land- or sea-based activities that pose the greatest risk to valued members of marine ecosystems, including mammals, fishes, and invertebrates. Ecosystem-based risk is scored along two axes of information: the exposure of a population to an activity, and the sensitivity of the population to that activity, given a particular level of exposure. Risk is illustrated in a variety of ways, including two-dimensional contour plots and maps showing regional variation in risk. We apply this risk assessment framework to regional populations of indicator species in Puget Sound, WA, USA. This case study provides insight into how risk varies for particular activity–species combinations, and, because it is applied to indicator species, it also provides an estimate of how different activities influence risk to overall ecosystem structure and function. More generally, the risk assessment approach highlights the linkages between land-based activities and risk to marine species and can be used to evaluate the potential impacts of a diversity of human activities on coastal oceans. The framework is scalable, transparent, and repeatable and can be used now to facilitate the implementation of ecosystem-based management, including integrated ecosystem assessments and coastal and marine spatial planning.
Rotational spectra of methyl ethyl and methyl propyl nitrosamines. Conformational assignment, internal rotation and quadrupole coupling

Abstract A structural determination of two carcinogenic nitrosamines, methyl ethyl and methyl propyl nitrosamine, was performed. Microwave spectra were gathered from both a Stark cell spectrometer and a pulsed jet Fabry-Perot Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Each rotational transition is split into quadrupole hyperfine components by two nitrogen nuclei. This quadrupole pattern is doubled by a low barrier methyl rotor which produces resolvable A and E states. Rotational spectra were assigned for one conformer of methyl ethyl nitrosamine and two conformers of methyl propyl nitrosamine. The lowest energy conformers of each compound, according to empirical force field calculations, were assigned. The structure found for methyl ethyl nitrosamine has the nitrosyl oxygen on the methyl side with the terminal methyl group of the ethyl chain in the gauche position (OMG). Both conformers of methyl propyl nitrosamine have the same skeletal structure as the methyl ethyl compound; one conformer has the terminal methyl of the propyl group in the anti position (OMGA) while the other conformer has this methyl in the gauche position (OMGG − ). Rotational constants and quadrupole coupling constants are reported for each assigned species. A barrier to internal rotation of the N -methyl group in each compound is also reported.
Two-Quantum Coherences in Optical Two-Dimensional Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

We present optical two-dimensional Fourier transform spectra for the pulse sequence sensitive to two-quantum coherences. In semiconductors, two-quantum coherences occur due to biexcitons and many-body effects, in a potassium vapor, they arise from atomic interactions.
Subclinical effects of groundwater contaminants. II. Alteration of regional brain monoamine neurotransmitters by benzene in CD-1 mice.

Benzene, a common groundwater contaminant, possesses neurotoxic and behavioral effects. Male, adult CD-1 mice were continuously fed drinking waterad libitum containing 0, 31, 166 and 790 mg/L benzene for four weeks. Endogenous levels of the catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA), the catecholamine metabolites 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA), 3,4-di-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), and the indoleamine serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in six discrete brain regions. In the hypothalamus, the brain region richest in NE, concentrations of NE increased by 40, 58 and 61% when mice received doses at 31, 166 and 790 mg/L, respectively. Significant increases of NE were also observed in the medulla oblongata and cerebellum. Dopamine concentrations increased significantly in the hypothalamus and corpus striatum. Increases of catecholamine metabolites were seen in a number of brain regions: midbrain (DOPAC), corpus striatum (VMA, DOPAC, HVA), cerebral cortex (VMA) and cerebellum (VMA). Benzene ingestion significantly increased 5-HT concentrations in the hypothalamus, corpus striatum, midbrain, cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata. Concomitant with increases of 5-HT, 5-HIAA increased in corpus striatum, midbrain, cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata. The findings indicate that oral ingestion of benzene by CD-1 mice induced both synthesis and catabolism of the monoamine neurotransmitters investigated.
Assessing and optimizing the performance of a phase-shifting interferometer capable of measuring the complex index of refraction and the surface profile of a test surface.

A novel interferometer based upon a conventional phase-shifting design is further investigated. This interferometer is capable of measuring both the real and imaginary parts of the complex index of refraction and the surface profile of a test surface. Maximum-likelihood estimation theory is shown to be an effective means of extracting the three parameters of interest from the measured data. Cramer–Rao lower bounds are introduced as a means of quantitatively assessing the performance of the system. Furthermore, it is shown that as the design parameters are optimized, the results approach the theoretical performance limit. We conclude by developing the underlying theory behind the relationship of the complex-index-of-refraction estimates to the surface-profile estimate.
Recent experimental values for K shell X‐ray fluorescence yields

A table is presented summarizing recently available data of experimentally determined K shell X-ray fluorescence yields.
Equipped for Life: Gendered Technical Training and Consumerism in Home Economics, 1920-1980

Cet article presente un historique de la formation dispensee dans les etablissements du superieur aux Etats-Unis dans le domaine de l'economie domestique et notamment l'utilisation des equipements et appareils electriques, particulierement sophistiques pour l'epoque. Les changements intervenus dans la production industrielle d'appareils de cuisine jusqu'alors inedits, a fait naitre la necessite de former les femmes a la technologie moderne. L'histoire d'un etablissement de l'Iowa, pionnier dans l'enseignement de l'economie domestique est contee ici...
The development of a tool for measuring the perceived impact of information technology on work

The impact of information technology on work life has been one of the most talked about issues over the recent years. Chief executive officers spending millions of dollars on information technology face the critical issue of assessing the impact of this technology on work. Information system managers are increasingly required to justify technology investment in terms of its impact on the individual and his/her work. Measures of impact of information technology have narrowly focused on productivity impacts. This study uses a broader concept that is based on the impact of technology on the nature of work literature. This literature recognizes the multiple impacts of technology on work at the level of the individual. A review of the literature enabled us to generate thirty-nine items that were grouped into four constructs. In a pilot study, these constructs were assessed by observers in structured interviews with eighty-nine users to provide a criterion measure. Next, the users completed the thirty-nine item questionnaire. The unidimensionality, internal consistency and criterion-related validity of each construct were assessed. The pilot results suggest a four factor 12-item instrument that measures how extensively information technology applications impact task productivity, task innovation, customer satisfaction and management control. In a large scale study, a sample of 409 respondents was gathered to further explore this 12-item instrument and its relationships with other constructs (user involvement, user satisfaction, system usage). The results support the four factor model. Evidence of reliability and construct validity is presented for the hypothesized measurement model and future research is discussed.
Pre‐ejection Period: Measuring Beta‐adrenergic Influences Upon the Heart

Increasing interest among psychophysiologists in sympathetic (beta-adrenergic) influences upon the heart has created the need for noninvasive techniques for assessing these influences. The validity of pre-ejection period (PEP), a systolic time interval, as a measure of beta-adrenergic influences upon myocardial contractility is evaluated. Details of a procedure for determining PEP using a polygraph and digital computer are presented. This methodology is then applied to an experiment in which the intracardiac (PEP) and arterial subintervals of pulse transmission time (PTI') are measured during biofeedback-assisted control of PTI' in order to evaluate the relative contribution of changes in PEP to PTT control. DESCRIPTORS: Pre-ejection period, Beta-adrenergic cardiac influences, Contractility, Pulse transmission time.
Optimal data acquisition in fMRI using prolate spheroidal wave functions

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique that can be used to noninvasively study mental activity in a persons brain. fMRI has the potential to answer many interesting questions regarding the way the brain functions. Unfortunately, the drawback to fMRI studies, as they are traditionally performed, is that the temporal resolution is too low to effectively answer questions regarding what happens in an active region of the brain immediately following stimulation. Shepp and Zhang (2000) introduced a new method that could potentially lead to a significant increase in temporal resolution. Their method suggests a way to improve the time resolution in fMRI studies by sampling only a fraction of the points needed to recreate a full image. Instead of full image reconstruction, an optimal prolate spheroidal wave function filter is used to obtain a measurement over the total activity in a predefined region in the brain, B, at successive time points. The sampling region and filter are chosen in order to minimize the energy loss over the region of interest (ROI). The region they suggested to sample was chosen heuristically and corresponds to the scaled polar set of B. It was shown to be near optimal through extensive computer searches. In this article the optimal sampling region is found for the case when the ROI is circular or spherical and the sampling size is small. Based on this result, a new heuristic is introduced for other ROIs, which improves upon the results obtained using the polar set of B. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 13, 126–132, 2003; Published online in Wiley Inter-Science (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.10051
Temporal Patterning in Choice among Delayed Outcomes

Undergraduates chose repeatedly between two equal monetary outcomes. One outcome was more immediate, but the other resulted in less delay on future trials and a lower average delay per outcome overall. Minimizing average delay per outcome maximized overall reinforcement rate (money earned). The difference in immediacy between the two alternatives on a given trial was easily perceptible but the (opposed) difference in overall reinforcement rate was gradual and difficult to perceive. Subjects frequently chose the more immediate outcome and thus failed to maximize overall reinforcement rate. However, when choice-outcome (CO) units were grouped in triplets (as opposed to being presented singly at fixed intervals) subjects chose the more immediate outcome less often and thereby increased overall reinforcement rate. Findings are discussed in terms of impulsiveness and risk-aversion in laboratory studies and in everyday life.
Digital goods and markets: Emerging issues and challenges

This research commentary examines the changing landscape of digital goods, and discusses important emerging issues for IS researchers to explore. We begin with a discussion of the major technological milestones that have shaped digital goods industries such as music, movies, software, books, video games, and recently emerging digital goods. Our emphasis is on economic and legal issues, rather than on design science or sociological issues. We explore how research has been influenced by the major technological milestones and discuss the major findings of prior research. Based on this, we offer a roadmap for future researchers to explore the emergent changes in the digital goods arena, covering different aspects of digital goods industries such as risk management, value chain, legal aspects, transnational and cross-cultural issues.
Changes in alpha-globin gene expression in mice of two alpha-globin haplotypes during development

Adult alpha-globin in mice is synthesized in large amounts during development, first in the primitive, nucleated erythrocytes of yolk sac origin and later in the definitive, nonnucleated erythrocytes that differentiate in the fetal liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Isoelectric focusing analysis of hemoglobins of mice with theHba g2 andHba c haplotypes shows that the ratios of alpha chain 1 to chain 5m and alpha chain 1 to chain 4 in adult hemoglobins fromHba g2 andHba c mice, respectively, change between day 11.5 and day 16.5 of gestation in nucleated red cells, while no change occurs in nonnucleated red cells. The percentage ratios of the two different alpha-globin chains are different inHba g2 andHba c mice for EII, EIII, and adult hemoglobin. In nucleated red cells of yolk sac origin, differences and changes in alpha-globin ratios are a composite of changing globin gene transcription and posttranslational competitive affinities among globins to form embryonic and adult hemoglobin tetramers.
Solid state solvation in amorphous organic thin films.

The photoluminescence (PL) of the red laser dye DCM2, doped into blended thin films of polystyrene (PS) and the polar small molecule camphoric anhydride (CA), redshifts as the CA concentration increases. The DCM2 PL peaks at 2.20 eV ($\ensuremath{\lambda}=563\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}$) for pure PS films and shifts to 2.05 eV ($\ensuremath{\lambda}=605\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}$) for films with 24.5% CA (by mass). The capacitively measured electronic permittivity also increases from $ϵ=2.4$ to $ϵ=5.6$ with CA concentration. These results are consistent with the theory of solvatochromism developed for organic molecules in liquid solvents. To our knowledge, this work is the first application of a quantitative theory of solvation to organic molecules in amorphous thin films with continuously controllable permittivity, and demonstrates that ``solid state solvation'' can be used to predictably tune exciton energies in organic thin film structures.
Leptin-stimulated KATP channel trafficking: A new paradigm for β-cell stimulus-secretion coupling?

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is initiated by the closure of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) in response to high concentrations of glucose, and this action of glucose is counteracted by the hormone leptin, an adipokine that signals through the Ob-Rb receptor to increase KATP channel activity. Despite intensive investigations, the molecular basis for KATP channel regulation remains uncertain, particularly from the standpoint of whether fluctuations in plasma membrane KATP channel content underlie alterations of KATP channel activity in response to glucose or leptin. Surprisingly, newly published findings reveal that leptin stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in order to promote trafficking of KATP channels from cytosolic vesicles to the plasma membrane of β-cells. This action of leptin is mimicked by low concentrations of glucose that also activate AMPK and that inhibit insulin secretion. Thus, a new paradigm for β-cell stimulus-secretion coupling is suggested in which leptin exerts a tonic inhibitory effect on β-cell excitability by virtue of its ability to increase plasma membrane KATP channel density and whole-cell KATP channel current. One important issue that remains unresolved is whether high concentrations of glucose suppress AMPK activity in order to shift the balance of membrane cycling so that KATP channel endocytosis predominates over vesicular KATP channel insertion into the plasma membrane. If so, high concentrations of glucose might transiently reduce KATP channel density/current, thereby favoring β-cell depolarization and insulin secretion. Such an AMPK-dependent action of glucose would complement its established ability to generate an increase of ATP/ADP concentration ratio that directly closes KATP channels in the plasma membrane.
Exchange of Atmospheric Angular Momentum between the Hemispheres

IN regions of surface easterly winds (where the surface is moving in space faster than the air) a transfer of westerly relative angular momentum takes place from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere, while in regions of surface westerlies the transfer is from the atmosphere to Earth. These transfers are necessarily accompanied by transports of angular momentum within the atmosphere from low latitudes, where easterly winds prevail, to middle latitudes where westerly winds prevail. Such transports are accomplished chiefly by large-scale quasi-horizontal eddy processes as first suggested by Jeffreys1. Lorenz2 and Starr3 have recently summarized the observational evidence which bears out Jeffreys's suggestion and have shown how the angular momentum transports act to maintain the angular momentum of the Earth's atmosphere. Concomitantly with the transfer of angular momentum between low and middle latitudes we have recently found evidence of a transfer of momentum between the hemispheres4. In the winter hemisphere the low latitude surface easterlies are strong and more angular momentum is communicated to the atmosphere than is transported polewards. The excess is transferred across the equator into the summer hemisphere. The purpose of this letter is to communicate our recent numerical estimates of the interhemispheric transfer and to compare them with the hemispheric contents of angular momentum.
Temporal trends and racial/ethnic disparity in self-reported pediatric food allergy in the United States

Abstract Background The prevalence of food allergy is thought to be increasing, but data from the United States have not been systematically synthesized. Objective To summarize the data on prevalence of food allergy in the US pediatric population and to estimate the effects of time, race/ethnicity, and method of assessing food allergy on the estimated prevalence. Methods Embase, MEDLINE, bibliographies of identified reports, and data from publically available data sets were searched. Studies were limited to those in English with data from the general pediatric US population. Study synthesis was performed by meta-analysis and meta-regression to estimate the effect of study- and participant-level covariates. Meta-regression was limited to nationally representative surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results A total of 10,090 publications were identified, from which 27 different survey administrations, representing 452,237 children, were identified, covering the period of 1988 to 2011. Because of heterogeneity among surveys in the estimated food allergy prevalence, a summary estimate of food allergy prevalence was not possible. Meta-regression was performed using 20 of these surveys. Temporal trends were pronounced, with an estimated increased prevalence of self-reported food allergy of 1.2 percentage points per decade (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-1.6). The increase per decade varied by race/ethnicity: 2.1% among non-Hispanic blacks (95% CI, 1.5%-2.7%), 1.2% among Hispanics (95% CI, 0.7%-1.7%), and 1.0% among non-Hispanic whites (95% CI, 0.4%-1.6%). Conclusion Self-report of food allergy among US children has sharply increased in the past 2 decades. The increase has been greatest among non-Hispanic black children, a disparity that needs to be investigated.
Enzyme activity in dialkyl phosphate ionic liquids.

The activity of four metagenomic enzymes and an enzyme cloned from the straw mushroom, Volvariellavolvacea were studied in the following ionic liquids, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethyl phosphate, [mmim][dmp], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethyl phosphate, [emim][dmp], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate, [emim][dep] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, [emim][OAc]. Activity was determined by analyzing the hydrolysis of para-nitrobenzene carbohydrate derivatives. In general, the enzymes were most active in the dimethyl phosphate ionic liquids, followed by acetate. Generally speaking, activity decreased sharply for concentrations of [emim][dep] above 10% v/v, while the other ionic liquids showed less impact on activity up to 20% v/v.
Large plume events in the Soviet Arctic

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar-orbiting environmental satellites routinely acquire imagery over the Soviet Arctic for ice analyses. In late 1984, during a routine search for satellite ice imagery of this area, Will Gould, chief archivist of the NOAA satellite imagery archive, discovered large cold plumes emanating from Novaya Zemlya Island, U.S.S.R. (74°N, 57°E). Subsequent random searches of the archive revealed other plume cases. To date, 11 cases have been documented between 1980 and 1986 (Table 1).
Repeating Decimals: A Period Piece

Consider the repeating decimal of a reduced fraction t/n between 0 and 1, where none of the primes 2, 3 or 5 is a factor of n. The fraction satisfies the m-block property if m divides the period ? and, when the repeating portion is broken into m blocks of equal length, the sum of the m blocks is a string of nines or an integer multiple of a string of nines. An easily-verified sufficient condition is given that implies t/n has the m-block property. The condition is not necessary. For n equal to a prime power pa (p >= 7), the condition is shown to be sufficient as well. Moreover, t/pa has the m-block property if and only if m is not a power of p. (These general results for prime powers seem to be new.) The 2-block property for primes is known as Midy�s theorem (1836). It holds for all prime powers, but not in general. Many examples and a brief history are included.
Ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities in reactors with efficient nitrification at low-dissolved oxygen.

Ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities involved in ammonia oxidation under low dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions (<0.3 mg/L) were investigated using chemostat reactors. One lab-scale reactor (NS_LowDO) was seeded with sludge from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) not adapted to low-DO nitrification, while a second reactor (JP_LowDO) was seeded with sludge from a full-scale WWTP already achieving low-DO nitrifiaction. The experimental evidence from quantitative PCR, rDNA tag pyrosequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) suggested that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the Nitrosomonas genus were responsible for low-DO nitrification in the NS_LowDO reactor, whereas in the JP_LowDO reactor nitrification was not associated with any known ammonia-oxidizing prokaryote. Neither reactor had a significant population of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) or anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) organisms. Organisms isolated from JP_LowDO were capable of autotrophic and heterotrophic ammonia utilization, albeit without stoichiometric accumulation of nitrite or nitrate. Based on the experimental evidence we propose that Pseudomonas, Xanthomonadaceae, Rhodococcus, and Sphingomonas are involved in nitrification under low-DO conditions.
A new enantiopure unsaturated dicarboxylate as a 4-connected unit in a flexible homochiral PtS-type framework.

Metal cation mediated chiral ligand transformation of (S)-camphanic acid leads to a new enantiopure unsaturated dicarboxylate that links tetrahedral Zn2+ sites into 3-D homochiral 4-connected PtS-type framework structures, Zn(tced) (1, H2tced = 1,2,2-trimethyl-3-cyclopentene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid) and Zn4(tced)4(4,4′-bipy) (2, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine).
Existence of invariant tori in volume-preserving diffeomorphisms

In this paper we consider certain volume-preserving diffeomorphisms on I × Tn, where I ∈ ℝ is a closed interval and Tn is an n-dimensional torus. We show that under certain non-degeneracy conditions, all of the maps sufficiently close to the integrable maps preserve a large set of n-dimensional invariant tori.
Immunohistochemical assessment of Viadent®-associated leukoplakia

Studies show an association between sanguinarine, the active ingredient in Viadent oral health care products, and oral premalignant lesions. The study was undertaken to quantitatively compare the staining profiles of sanguinarine-associated leukoplakia to normal and dysplastic specimens. Archived oral mucosal specimens were stained for tumor markers p16, p53, cyclin D1, Ki-67, and Bcl-x and analyzed through Simple PCI image analysis software. Quantitative analyses showed trends towards intermediate staining in Viadent-related specimens (Ki-67: normal: 18.12+/-2.15, Viadent: 16.12+/-2.16, dysplasia: 14.53+/-2.04, p>0.05; cyclin D1: normal: 15.65+/-3.68, Viadent: 12.52+/-3.57, dysplasia: 1.94+/-3.93, p 0.05; p53:normal: 2.65+/-1.37, Viadent: 4.64+/-1.52, dysplasia: 8.71+/-1.37; p<0.05 Kruskal Wallace, Tukey/Kramer). Our Viadent profiles, intermediate between normal and dysplasia, support a preneoplastic nature of this process.
Changes in intake of fruits and vegetables in relation to risk of obesity and weight gain among middle-aged women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the changes in intake of fruits and vegetables in relation to risk of obesity and weight gain among middle-aged women. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 12 y of follow-up conducted in the Nurses' Health Study. SUBJECTS: A total of 74 063 female nurses aged 38–63 y, who were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes at baseline in 1984. MEASUREMENTS: Dietary information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and body weight and height were self-reported. RESULTS: During the 12-y follow-up, participants tended to gain weight with aging, but those with the largest increase in fruit and vegetable intake had a 24% of lower risk of becoming obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) compared with those who had the largest decrease in intake after adjustment for age, physical activity, smoking, total energy intake, and other lifestyle variables (relative risk (RR), 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–0.86; P for trend <0.0001). For major weight gain (≥25 kg), women with the largest increase in intake of fruits and vegetables had a 28% lower risk compared to those in the other extreme group (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55–0.93; P=0.01). Similar results were observed for changes in intake of fruits and vegetables when analyzed separately. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that increasing intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce long-term risk of obesity and weight gain among middle-aged women.
Demagging Processes for Aluminum Alloy Scrap

Demagging processes can be divided into three general categories: 1) chlorination processes, in which chlorine gas is bubbled into the molten aluminum to react preferentially with magnesium which is finally removed as magnesium chloride dross; 2) solid flux processes, in which a solid-flux (AlCl3, AlF3), is mixed into the molten aluminum to react with magnesium which is again removed as chloride or fluoride dross; and 3) electrochemical processes, in which magnesium is removed as metal on the cathode by passing a current between the molten aluminum anode covered with an electrolyte and an inert cathode dipped into the electrolyte. Of the processes reviewed, chlorination methods are the most widely practiced in the industry and seem reasonably efficient. However, most of the chlorination processes appear to have emission and waste generation (MgCl2 dross) problems. The electrochemical processes have been tested only on laboratory scale so far, but they look promising for commercial use. If successfully developed, the electrochemical processes would be pollution-free, and magnesium metal would be recovered as a by-product.
Preparation of specific complement-fixing antigen with Lansing poliomyelitis virus.

SummarySpecific complement-fixing antigens were prepared from cotton rat tissues infected with Lansing poliomyelitis, rabies, and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. The antigens were prepared by concentration of the viruses through high speed centrifugation. Lansing antigens prepared from lyophilized tissues were of little value as CF antigens.A relatively rapid rise and fall in poliomyelitis complement-fixing antibody levels in cotton rats is described. The Lansing antigen fixed complement with serum from Lansing-immune monkeys, but not with serum frommonkeys similarly immunized against Brun-hilde and Leon viruses.
Quikr: a method for rapid reconstruction of bacterial communities via compressive sensing

Motivation: Many metagenomic studies compare hundreds to thousands of environmental and health-related samples by extracting and sequencing their 16S rRNA amplicons and measuring their similarity using beta-diversity metrics. However, one of the first steps—to classify the operational taxonomic units within the sample—can be a computationally time-consuming task because most methods rely on computing the taxonomic assignment of each individual read out of tens to hundreds of thousands of reads. Results: We introduce Quikr: a QUadratic, K-mer–based, Iterative, Reconstruction method, which computes a vector of taxonomic assignments and their proportions in the sample using an optimization technique motivated from the mathematical theory of compressive sensing. On both simulated and actual biological data, we demonstrate that Quikr typically has less error and is typically orders of magnitude faster than the most commonly used taxonomic assignment technique (the Ribosomal Database Project’s Nao¨ve Bayesian Classifier). Furthermore, the technique is shown to be unaffected by the presence of chimeras, thereby allowing for the circumvention of the time-intensive step of chimera filtering. Availability: The Quikr computational package (in MATLAB, Octave, Python and C) for the Linux and Mac platforms is available at http:// sourceforge.net/projects/quikr/.
The Role of Plasminogen, Plasminogen Activators, and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Primate Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Migration

The migration of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays an important role in normal vessel development as well as the pathobiology of blood vessels. Because it is difficult to study cell migration in primates, we used ex vivo explants. The response of baboon aortic medial explants incubated in vitro in a serum-free medium with insulin and transferrin was compared with the response of whole artery injured in vivo by a balloon catheter to establish the validity of the explant model. Both the time course of entry of SMCs into the S phase and the changes in matrix metalloproteinase 9 were similar in the artery and the explants. SMCs began migrating from explants after a lag of 3 days. By day 11, >90% of the explants exhibited SMC migration from the tissue (percent of explants with ≥1 migrating cell). Basal migration was inhibited by antibodies to urokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator, whereas addition of plasminogen to the explants increased migration. An inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, BB-94 (Batimistat), decreased migration, as did α 2 -macroglobulin. These data demonstrate that proteinases of the matrix metalloproteinase and plasminogen/plasminogen activator families play an important role in the migration of primate arterial SMCs through the extracellular matrix.
Pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction

The management of pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis is a difficult problem and often involves multiple surgical procedures. The goals of laryngotracheal reconstructions are to create an adequate airway, a serviceable voice, and a competent larynx. In this article, the etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis are discussed.