cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulations and experimental observations of templated grain growth in thin platinum films

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were used to model microstructural evolution in Pt thin films with epitaxial seed grains buried in a polycrystalline matrix. The key to achieving purely epitaxial films via templated grain growth in such materials is the lateral coalescence of the seeds into a single epitaxial grain. The primary factors in determining whether this event takes place, for a given set of interfacial mobility/energy functions, are the relative initial sizes of the seed grains and polycrystalline matrix grains, and the initial degree of surface coverage of the epitaxial seeds. These characteristics are evaluated by varying the films’ initial microstructural parameters, including seed grain size, seed number density, seed surface coverage and polycrystalline matrix grain size. Additional simulations were carried out to investigate the effect of varying the energy and the mobility of seed–matrix interfaces. The critical values of seed–matrix grain size depend on the energy/mobility used, though seed coalescence remains the key criterion for epitaxial grain growth.
Paper microfluidic extraction and direct smartphone-based identification of pathogenic nucleic acids from field and clinical samples

A rapid, paper microfluidic- and smartphone-based protocol was developed for the extraction and direct fluorescent identification of the nucleic acids of Salmonella Typhimurium from field and clinical samples. Initially, liquid samples (10% diluted) from fresh poultry packaging were loaded on the paper chips and were lysed with Tris–EDTA (TE) buffer. Nucleic acids from the lysed samples were eluted through the paper channel with TE buffer and the paper channel was excised into three pieces for the further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The extraction efficiency was determined by measuring fluorescence reflectance with either a benchtop optical detection system (consisting of an LED light source, a pair of optical fibers, and a miniature spectrophotometer, all built on micro-positioning stages) or a smartphone-based fluorescent microscope (in-house fabricated). The limit of detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in 10% poultry packaging liquid with cellulose paper was 103 CFU mL−1, while that extracted with nitrocellulose paper was 104 CFU mL−1 (as determined by both PCR and fluorescence reflectance). Cellulose channels proved more appropriate for measuring low and very high concentrations of pathogen DNA, while nitrocellulose proved better for analysing the mid-range concentrations. We observed that DNA migrated through nitrocellulose at a faster rate and further than through cellulose due to charge–charge repulsion between nitrocellulose and DNA (both negatively charged), thus contributing to consistent and efficient extraction. We tested the efficiency of Salmonella extraction from 10% poultry packaging liquid, 10% whole blood, and 10% fecal samples, and obtained comparable extraction efficiency, as confirmed by smartphone-based direct fluorescent detection. This protocol is suitable for the direct detection of total bacteria count in a dirty sample (when specificity is not necessary) as well as determining extraction efficiency. This protocol is compatible with PCR, to provide specific information about the type of pathogen present in sample.
Diets for Rearing the Ambrosia Beetle Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabricius) in vitro

Female ambrosia beetles placed on media containing sucrose, yeast extract, casein, starch, wheat germ, cottonseed oil, salt mixture, agar, water and cacao sawdust or powdered cellulose excavated galleries, oviposited, and produced progeny that developed to maturity. Several generations have been raised in the laboratory on media inoculated with ambrosia fungi by the beetles.
Induction of Estradiol Metabolism by Dietary Indole-3-carbinol in Humans

Dietary indoles in cruciferous vegetables induce cytochrome P450 enzymes and have prevented tumors in various animal models. Because estradiol metabolism is also cytochrome P450 mediated and linked to breast cancer risk, indoles may similarly reduce estrogen-responsive tumors in humans. We examined several indoles in female Sprague-Dawley rats for induction of hepatic estradiol 2-hydroxylation. The most potent inducer, indole-3-carbinol, was administered to humans (500 mg daily for 1 wk). It significantly increased the extent (mean +/- SEM) of estradiol 2-hydroxylation from 29.3% +/- 2.1% to 45.6% +/- 2.1% (P less than .001). These results indicate that indole-3-carbinol strongly influences estradiol metabolism in humans and may provide a new chemopreventive approach to estrogen-dependent diseases.
No Child Is an Island: Character Development and the Rights of Children.

In this essay Olivia Newman critically examines two opposing rights claims: the liberal claim that children have a right to become liberal choosers and the fundamentalist claim that children have a right to not become liberal choosers. These positions reflect differing views regarding the value of critically choosing, rather than simply accepting, a way of life. Given their assumptions regarding preference formation, both of these rights appear untenable in light of recent scholarship in psychology: we can neither select a way of life independent of our social milieu, as liberals often imply, nor can we predict how different experiences will affect our preferences, as fundamentalists assume. Nevertheless, each position points to important concerns. Children have a substantive right of exit from constraining social milieus, as liberals purport, as well as a right to respect in public institutions, as fundamentalists insist. When liberals and fundamentalists assert these more modest rights claims, educators can and should strive to satisfy both.
Restricted germ cell expression of a gene encoding a novel mammalian HORMA domain-containing protein.

Abstract HORMA-domain containing proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation by interactions with chromatin. Through an in silico subtractive screen for mouse genes preferentially expressed in newborn ovaries, we identified a gene that would encode a novel mammalian HORMA domain-containing protein termed Newborn Ovary HORMA protein (Nohma). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis have demonstrated a 1.7 kb transcript that is expressed exclusively in germ cells in both male and female mouse gonads. Nohma expression can be detected postnatally in male, and prenatally in female gonads, but shows a sexually dimorphic expression in adult gonads. The Nohma transcript is abundant in the adult testis but limited in the adult ovary. The mouse Nohma gene is comprised of 15 exons and maps to chromosome 3. A human ortholog was also identified. The expression pattern of Nohma suggests that it may be a critical regulatory protein in germ cell meiosis.
Addition of Dioxygen to an N4S(thiolate) Iron(II) Cysteine Dioxygenase Model Gives a Structurally Characterized Sulfinato-Iron(II) Complex

The non-heme iron enzyme cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) catalyzes the S-oxygenation of cysteine by O2 to give cysteine sulfinic acid. The synthesis of a new structural and functional model of the cysteine-bound CDO active site, [FeII(N3PyS)(CH3CN)]BF4 (1) is reported. This complex was prepared with a new facially chelating 4N/1S(thiolate) pentadentate ligand. The reaction of 1 with O2 resulted in oxygenation of the thiolate donor to afford the doubly oxygenated sulfinate product [FeII(N3PySO2)(NCS)] (2), which was crystallographically characterized. The thiolate donor provided by the new N3PyS ligand has a dramatic influence on the redox potential and O2 reactivity of this FeII model complex.
Effects of mask roughness and condenser scattering in EUVL systems

The wavefront reflected from extreme UV lithography mirror and mask surfaces can contain a non-negligible amount of phase variation due to roughness of the mirror surface and variations in multilayer thin-film coatings. We examine the characteristics of image and pattern formation as a function of phase variations originating at the mask surface and at condenser mirrors. A theoretical development and a Monte- Carlo simulation are used to show relationships between statistics of the phase variations and the mask pattern, coherence factor, and numerical aperture of the projection camera. Results indicate that it is possible to produce nearly 1 percent line-edge roughness in a photoresist pattern from moderate values of phase variations.
A differentiation focus strategy provoked by changing environments: the American life insurance industry approaching Asian Americans

Considers the reasons why the insurance industry began to target the Asian American population. Looks at the strategies employed and the changes which were required in operational approaches, product design and organizational structure. Examines the impact of social economic demographic changes on the industry in the 1980s. Characterizes the development of differentiation of focus strategy in an attempt to shed light on the market effectiveness of strategic development for industrial organizations.
The kinetics of disproportionation of the 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methyl phenoxy radical

Abstract The reaction between 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) and lead dioxide produces the 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methyl phenoxy radical. Decay of this radical in THF and benzene has been studied by optical and ESR methods. Decay is second order with respect to the radical, with a specific rate constant kd = 3·33 × 102 M−1 sec−1 in THF and kd, = 4·59 × 102 M−1 sec−1 in benzene at 24·0 ± 1·0°. The speci rate constant is independent of [BHT] and [PbO2], but is extremely sensitive to oxygen. Isolation of dimeric products 1,2-bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane and 3,3′, 5,5′-tetra-t-butyl-4,4′-stilbene-quinone and observation of the quinone methide intermediate in both solvent systems suggest that disproportionation of phenoxy radicals to yield quinone methide and the parent phenol is the mechanism for phenoxy decay.
Protein arginine deiminase 4: a target for an epigenetic cancer therapy

The recent approvals of anticancer therapeutic agents targeting the histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases have highlighted the important role that epigenetics plays in human diseases, and suggested that the factors controlling gene expression are novel drug targets. Protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is one such target because its effects on gene expression parallel those observed for the histone deacetylases. We demonstrated that F- and Cl-amidine, two potent PAD4 inhibitors, display micromolar cytotoxic effects towards several cancerous cell lines (HL-60, MCF7 and HT-29); no effect was observed in noncancerous lines (NIH 3T3 and HL-60 granulocytes). These compounds also induced the differentiation of HL-60 and HT29 cells. Finally, these compounds synergistically potentiated the cell killing effects of doxorubicin. Taken together, these findings suggest PAD4 inhibition as a novel epigenetic approach for the treatment of cancer, and suggest that F- and Cl-amidine are candidate therapeutic agents for this disease.
Hegemony management: The US in the Asia‐Pacific

Abstract Managing hegemony is a hardy staple of Asia‐Pacific affairs, and indeed that regional notion was invented in part with an eye to it. Hegemony involves power asset distributions, their normative justifications, and imputed strategies to shape both. Managing hegemony treats what parties do to live with or modify distributions, justifications, and strategies. The parties are in roles: current hegemon, potential hegemon, or denier. Their actions depend on expectations. Coalitions form to maintain or change expected futures. Ideas (interpretations) affect power assets, justifications, and strategies. The parties compete over them and to provide persuasive interpretations of them, including about regional arrangements. Hegemony management in the Asia‐Pacific simultaneously involves one current and two potential hegemons (the US, China, and Japan), a host of other nations (deniers), and three functional arenas (economic, military, and identity). The US strives to maintain and enhance its position; Japan...
Time for Telling Truth is Running Out: Conversations with Zhang Shenfu

Zhang Shenfu, a founder of the Chinese Communist party, participated in all the major political events in China for four decades following the Revolution of 1919. Yet Zhang had become a forgotten figure in China and the West--a victim of Mao's determined efforts to place himself at the center of China's revolution--until Vera Schwarcz began to meet with him in his home on Wang Fu Cang Lane in Beijing. Now Schwarcz brings Zhang to life through her poignant account of five years of conversations with him, a narrative that is interwoven with translations of his writings and testimony of his friends. Moving circuitously, Schwarcz reveals fragments of the often contradictory layers of Zhang's character: at once a champion of feminism and an ardent womanizer, a follower of Bertrand Russell who also admired Confucius, and a philosophically inclined political pragmatist. Schwarcz also meditates on the tension between historical events and personal memory, on the public amnesia enforced by governments and the "forgetfulness" of those who find rememberance too painful. Her book is not only a portrait of a remarkable personality but a corrective to received accounts and to the silences that abound in the official annals of the Chinese revolution.
Book review: Neural Networks: Theory and Applications Edited by Richard J. Mannone And Yehoshua Zeevi (Academic Press, 1991)

This book leaves you with the impression that neural networks are a diverse collection of computational techniques that have only a thin shell of mutual relationships. Basically the book is a collection of papers from those who came to a certain workshop in 1990. The editors hoped to "review salient features of neural net systems and to present the most promising approaches of addressing the issues involved in designing a neural system," a worthy goal for a textbook perhaps but not a goal that is achieved by this book.
Thomas-Fermi model for dense plasmas

The average degree of ionization for a dense plasma is calculated with the aid of a newly established atomic model based on the Thomas-Fermi (TF) method. This new model is characterized by the following features: (i) the bound electrons and free electrons are treated separately, (ii) a physically reasonable definition of the bound electrons is given, (iii) the system is described as a strongly coupled plasma of free electrons and TF ions, (iv) the source density in the Poisson equation is determined by the electron-ion and ion-ion correlation functions, and (v) the degree of ionization is calculated through the minimization of the total free energy. Results from the first and second approximations are presented, corresponding to models of increasing sophistication for the ion-ion correlation function. A comparison of these results with the results from earlier TF calculations and with the results from the Saha equation is also provided.
Visualization and Characterization of the Intracellular Movement of Vaccinia Virus Intracellular Mature Virions

Previous work indicated that vaccinia intracellular mature virus (IMV) utilizes microtubules to move from the viral factory to the site of intracellular envelopment and that expression of the viral A27 protein is required for this transport. To investigate further the role of A27 in IMV intracellular transport, a recombinant vaccinia virus was constructed that had the A27L gene deleted and expressed a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-A4 chimera in place of the normal A4 protein. The resulting recombinant, vYFP-A4/ΔA27, produced relatively normal quantities of virus in a one-step growth curve but had a small plaque phenotype. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that vYFP-A4/ΔA27 was severely defective in envelope virus production. Despite the absence of A27, live digital video fluorescent microscopy visualized YFP-labeled IMV movement in cells infected with the recombinant. Virion movement approached 3 μm/s and was sensitive to the microtubule depolymerizing drug nocodazole. In addition, IMV could be discerned transiting away from and back towards viral factories. Immunofluorescent staining determined that the distance traveled by A27-deficient virions was sufficient for transport to the site of envelopment. These results indicate that IMVs are capable of bidirectional movement on microtubules, suggesting that they are able to interact with both kinesin and dynein microtubule motors in the absence of A27 and that the distance traveled is sufficient to deliver IMV to the site of wrapping.
Theory and Analysis of a Parametrically Excited Passive Power Converter

A static power converter operating on the principle of parametric excitation is analyzed. The energy transfer from the input to the output takes place via the magnetic field without mutually coupling the windings. The transfer is accomplished by affecting the reluctance of the secondary winding. Thus output becomes available which is essentially independent of the waveform of the excitation; transients and noise are filtered. The characteristics of the converter are derived in a qualitative manner, and the outstanding characteristics of the device such as voltage regulations, under-and over- voltage protection, load dependence. and inherent protection against overload are explained.
JNK mediates pathogenic effects of polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor on fast axonal transport

Expansion of the polyglutamine (polyQ) stretch in the androgen receptor (AR) protein leads to spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by lower motor neuron degeneration. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying SBMA remain unknown, but recent experiments show that inhibition of fast axonal transport (FAT) by polyQ-expanded proteins, including polyQ-AR, represents a new cytoplasmic pathogenic lesion. Using pharmacological, biochemical and cell biological experiments, we found a new pathogenic pathway that is affected in SBMA and results in compromised FAT. PolyQ-AR inhibits FAT in a human cell line and in squid axoplasm through a pathway that involves activation of cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. Active JNK phosphorylated kinesin-1 heavy chains and inhibited kinesin-1 microtubule-binding activity. JNK inhibitors prevented polyQ-AR-mediated inhibition of FAT and reversed suppression of neurite formation by polyQ-AR. We propose that JNK represents a promising target for therapeutic interventions in SBMA.
179 INTERNAL CONTROL GENES FOR QUANTITATIVE PCR OF PORCINE MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS DURING ADIPOGENIC AND OSTEOGENIC DIFFERENTIATION IN VITRO

Uncovering transcriptomic adaptation of porcine adult stem cells during differentiation in vitro towards a target tissue can provide important information for human adult stem cell therapeutic applications. High-throughput microarrays allow the parallel analysis of thousands of genes simultaneously. However, quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) remains the chosen method for high-precision mRNA abundance analysis and microarray data verification. Essential for qPCR reliability is data normalization using appropriate internal control genes (ICG). The objective of this study was to find reliable ICG for normalization of qPCR data for porcine adult mesenchymal stem cells induced to differentiate toward adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Mesenchymal stem cells were harvested from porcine adipose tissue and bone marrow and cultured in vitro with specific differentiation media for up to 3 weeks. The experiment was analyzed by a porcine 13 000-oligo microarray, and data were mined to uncover highly stable genes. Statistical analysis was performed using PROC MIXED of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The model included fixed effect of time, cell type, differentiation, and all interaction between them. Pig (n = 3) was considered a random variable. Initial microarray analysis revealed 27 genes with high stability across all samples (sample/reference = 1 ± 0.2). Gene network analysis identified 20 genes without known co-regulation (i.e. common up-stream regulators). Among those genes, we could design high-quality primers (i.e. absence of primer-dimer, single amplicon) only for 10 of them (BANF1, DAK, DPH3, GTF2H3, PRR3, NSUN5, NUBP, SSU72, TIMM17B, and VPS4A), and qPCR using a standard curve was run. Stability of those genes was assessed using pairwise comparison of expression ratios. All genes examined were highly stable with TIMM17B, NSUN5, and VPS4A as the most stable. All the potential ICG tested had significant time, tissue × differentiation, and tissue × time effects. For the 3 most stable genes, we did not observe additional effects, while other ICG were significantly affected by differentiation. The analysis also indicated calculation of the normalization factor using the 3 most stable genes (NF3) as highly reliable; however, the use of 7 genes (NF7) would provide the best reliability. To assess the effect of normalization, we ran qPCR for DBI and COL1A1, genes specific of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, respectively. The effect on qPCR data normalization was highly apparent for the adipogenic differentiation and less apparent for the osteogenic differentiation. No differences were observed when qPCR data were normalized by NF3 or NF7. The combination of microarray data and pairwise analysis uncovered novel and high reliable ICG for qPCR normalization in adult porcine stem cells induced into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. This work was supported by the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute.
Stratocumulus Clouds in Southeastern Pacific Simulated by Eight CMIP5–CFMIP Global Climate Models

AbstractThis study examines the stratocumulus clouds and associated cloud feedback in the southeast Pacific (SEP) simulated by eight global climate models participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP) using long-term observations of clouds, radiative fluxes, cloud radiative forcing (CRF), sea surface temperature (SST), and large-scale atmosphere environment. The results show that the state-of-the-art global climate models still have significant difficulty in simulating the SEP stratocumulus clouds and associated cloud feedback. Comparing with observations, the models tend to simulate significantly less cloud cover, higher cloud top, and a variety of unrealistic cloud albedo. The insufficient cloud cover leads to overly weak shortwave CRF and net CRF. Only two of the eight models capture the observed positive cloud feedback at subannual to decadal time scales. The cloud and radiation biases in the models are associated...
Percutaneous CT-guided vertebral bone biopsy in children

Background Few published series are dedicated solely to CT-guided vertebral bone biopsy in children.
Growth fraction in centrocytic and follicular center cell lymphomas: Assessment in paraffin sections with a proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibody and morphometric correlates

Measurement of growth fraction is an important way to provide an objective assessment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas; however, many of the techniques used require fresh tissue and/or special instrumentation. Recently, antibodies to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/cyclin reactive in paraffin-embedded sections have become available. To investigate the utility of one such antibody in the study of follicular center cell (FCC) lymphomas and cleaved cell lymphomas of centrocytic type (CC), paraffin sections from 40 cases that had been characterized in two previous morphometric studies were stained with a PCNA antibody. Strong correlations were found between PCNA staining in formalin- and B5-fixed tissues, between the overall proportion of PCNA-positive cells and the proportion in the area of greatest staining, and between strong and total staining. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining was significantly stronger in the noncleaved FCC lymphomas than in the cleaved cell lymphomas. The FCC lymphomas showed moderate to strong correlations between PCNA staining and morphometric features of transformation, but only nuclear area correlated with PCNA staining in the CC group. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining was not significantly different between CC lymphomas with and without the characteristic bcl-1/PRAD 1 gene rearrangement. In summary, PCNA staining of either B5- or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections is a simple aid in the objective categorization of FCC lymphomas and may offer additional potentially prognostic information in some FCC subsets and in CC lymphomas. The findings further support the distinction between CC and true FCC lymphomas.
Comparison of low- and high-altitude Doppler velocimetry in the peripheral and central circulations of normal fetuses.

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to test the hypothesis that Doppler velocimetry of the peripheral and central circulations in normal fetuses is not affected by moderately high altitude (Denver, Colo—1609 m) compared with sea level (Milan, Italy—40 m). Study Design: One hundred nineteen patients with singleton pregnancies underwent Doppler waveform analysis of the following: umbilical artery, uterine artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and the tricuspid and mitral valves. Results: Birth weights were reduced at Denver's altitude ( P P P Conclusions: Gestational age has the same effect on Doppler index at both high and low altitudes. Moderately high altitude does not affect uteroplacental or fetal vascular Doppler index and may reflect normal acclimatization in the smaller Denver fetuses. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1158-61.)
Early to Middle Holocene human adaptations on the Buri Peninsula and Gulf of Zula, coastal lowlands of Eritrea

Recent excavations at three sites on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea revealed early-middle Holocene human occupations. Marine shells were found in close association with lithic artefacts at the sites, suggesting a coastal economy. Two broad occupation phases have been recognised: i) eighth millennium BP settlements at Gelalo NW and Misse East; and ii) a sixth millennium BP occupation at Asfet Unit F. Environmental changes and/or autocatalytic niche broadening mechanisms may have stimulated prehistoric human adaptations on the Eritrean coast. Drawing upon the archaeological evidence from the three excavated sites, this paper discusses the chronological and cultural contexts of early-middle Holocene human adaptations on the Red Sea coast of Eritrea.
The biochemistry of arsenic

Abstract The process of arsenic detoxification in marine algae has revealed basic mechanisms for the action of arsenic on cells and their proteins.
Epithelial-stromal tissue interaction in paramesonephric (Müllerian) epithelial differentiation.

During organogenesis, the middle to caudal portion of Mullerian epithelium differentiates into uterine and vaginal epithelia in females. Functional differentiation of uterine and vaginal epithelia occurs in adulthood, and is regulated by 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone. In this report, the roles of mesenchyme/stroma in differentiation of uterine and vaginal epithelia were studied in tissue recombination experiments. At birth, Mullerian epithelium was negative for uterine and vaginal epithelial markers. Tissue recombinant experiments showed that uterine and vaginal gene expression patterns were induced in neonatal Mullerian epithelium by the respective mesenchymes. Differentiated adult uterine and vaginal epithelia did not change their original gene expression in response to heterotypic mesenchymal induction. In the adult vagina, E(2) induced expression of involucrin, a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta and cytokeratin 1 via estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Tissue recombination experiments with wild-type and ERalpha knockout mice demonstrated that epithelial gene expression is regulated by E(2) via epithelial-stromal tissue interactions. Uterine/vaginal heterotypic tissue recombinations demonstrated that functional differentiation of uterine and vaginal epithelia required organ-specific stromal factors. In contrast, stromal signals regulating epithelial proliferation appeared to be nonspecific in the uterus and vagina.
The ultraviolet receptor of bird retinas

The eyes of 15 species of birds from 10 families have some cones maximally sensitive at 370 nanometers in the near-ultraviolet. Spectral sensitivity was measured by recording extracellularly in opened eyecups , and a maximum in the ultraviolet was revealed by selectively adapting the retina with yellow background lights. The 370-nanometer spectral sensitivity function is attributed to receptors because its spectral position does not vary with the strength of adaptation and because it is present when the receptor potentials are isolated from the contributions of higher order retinal neurons by exposing the retina to sodium aspartate. These measurements demonstrate the basis for the ultraviolet sensitivity of birds that has been seen in behavioral experiments, and they provide further evidence that many vertebrates share with insects vision in the near-ultraviolet.
The age dependence of respiratory syncytial virus growth in ferret lung can be shown in organ and monolayer cultures

Abstract Organ cultures of lung from adult ferrets and from ferrets 3, 28, or 42 days of age were infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The organ cultures obtained from 3-day-old ferrets replicated RSV to a 100-fold higher titer than did organ cultures from adult ferrets. Organ cultures from 28- and 42-day-old ferrets gave intermediate RSV growth. Monolayer cultures of lung from 3-day-old ferrets showed a nearly four-fold higher titer 4 days after viral infection than adult cultures. Since the age dependence of RSV growth in ferret lung can be shown in cultures, it appears to result from cellular or tissue maturation rather than from immunologic factors. The results may be of use for the understanding of the age dependence of pulmonary RSV disease in man.
Effects of neonatal alcohol exposure on vasoactive intestinal polypeptide neurons in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Neonatal alcohol exposure produces long-term changes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that are presumably responsible for disturbances in the light–dark regulation of circadian behavior in adult rats, including the pattern of photoentrainment, rate of re-entrainment to shifted light–dark cycles, and phase-shifting responses to light. Because SCN neurons containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) receive direct photic input via the retinohypothalamic tract and thus play an important role in the circadian regulation of the SCN clock mechanism by light, the present study examined the long-term effects of neonatal alcohol exposure on VIP neuronal populations within the SCN of adult rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rat pups were exposed to alcohol (EtOH; 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g/kg/day) or isocaloric milk formula (gastrostomy control; GC) on postnatal days 4–9 using artificial-rearing methods. At 2–3 months of age, animals from the suckle control (SC), GC, and EtOH groups were exposed to constant darkness (DD) and SCN tissue was harvested for subsequent analysis of either VIP mRNA expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization or of VIP-immunoreactive (ir) neurons using stereological methods. Neonatal alcohol exposure had no impact on VIP mRNA expression but dramatically altered immunostaining of neurons containing this peptide within the SCN of adult rats. The relative abundance of VIP mRNA and anatomical distribution of neurons expressing this transcript were similar among all control- and EtOH-treated groups. However, the total number and density of VIP-ir neurons within the SCN were significantly decreased by about 35% in rats exposed to alcohol at a dose of 6.0 g/kg/day relative to that observed in both control groups. These results demonstrate that VIP neuronal populations in the SCN are vulnerable to EtOH-induced insult during brain development. The observed alterations in SCN neurons containing VIP may have an impact upon clock responses to light input and thus contribute to the long-term effects of neonatal alcohol exposure on the photic regulation of circadian behavior.
Reduction of tissue and bone adhesion to cobalt alloy fixation appliances.

The cobalt-based alloy containing approximately 30% chromium and 5% molybdenum is widely used for the fabrication of internal fixation appliances. This alloy exhibits superior corrosion resistance in the presence of body fluid because of a durable and rapidly formed surface layer of chromium oxide. Although biocompatible, clinical use of this alloy appears to have been complicated by relatively great adhesion of tissue and bone to the metal. The adhesion engenders considerable difficulty when removal of an applicance should become necessary. It was hypothezied that this adhesion derives from the ceullular growth proceeding within the microporosity of the metal surface; the growth proceeds efficiently because of relatively low levels of cytotoxic metal ions released at the metal surface. In order to limit adhesion, polytetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE) was used to virtually eliminate surface microporosity and to substantially reduce metal surface free energy.1 One of the efficient techniques was to lap the metal surface with a solid piece of PTFE. A series of eighteen 12– to 22–kg dogs were used to evaluate the above thesis. Control and treated cobalt alloy plates and screws were used to fix induced longbone fractures in the same animal. Also, five animals received implants on decorticated iliac crests. The histological data for control (untreated) plates showed that in nine of the eleven experiments bone was demonstrated closely adjacent to the surface of the appliance. However, in seven of these cases fibrous tissue was also present to a substantial degree. The presence of bone correlated with generally increased difficulty in removal of the plate. On the other hand, the results with treated implants showed that in ten of eleven cases the appliances were grossly encapsulated with fibrous tissue and were relatively easy to remove.
On the kinetics of turnover of serum albumin.

Abstract 1. 1. The isotope concentrations of serum albumin were determined (a) after feeding of 1- 14 C-glycine and 1- 13 C-glycine at a 5 day interval and (b) after transfusion of plasma doubly labeled with both 14 C and 13 C glycine. From the difference of the isotope concentration changes in the two animals, exchange of glycine residues in serum albumin could be excluded. 2. 2. The isotope concentrations of individual amino acids of serum albumin were determined (a) after feeding of a mixture of 14 C amino acids (b) after transfusion of multiple labeled plasma and (c) after continuous administration of a mixture of labeled amino acids. It was found that partition of albumin between the intra- and extra-vascular fluids and re-utilization of labeled amino acids arising through the breakdown of body proteins can account for the particular kinetics observed under different conditions. Reutilization of labeled amino acids also accounts for the deviation from the expected first order kinetics for the rates of change of isotope concentration.
How did the Master Settlement Agreement change tobacco industry expenditures for cigarette advertising and promotions

The 1998 multistate Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with the tobacco industry restricted cigarette advertising and promotions. The MSA monetary settlement was also associated with an average cigarette price increase of U.S.$1.19/pack between 1998 and 2001 to fund, in part, industry payments to the states. We examined Federal Trade Commission reports on how the tobacco industry spends its cigarette advertising and promotional dollars to see if changes expected as a result of the MSA occurred. Expected changes included reduced total expenditures and reductions for outdoor advertising, specialty promotional items identified with a brand (e.g., caps, t-shirts, lighters), and public entertainment. However, tobacco industry spending for advertising and promotions increased 96% between 1995 and 2001, with large increases in 1998 and 1999, as the MSA took effect. Between 1997 and 2001, outdoor advertising declined 98%, expenditures for specialty promotional items decreased 41%, although public entertainment inc...
Characterization of a mammalian cDNA for an inactivating voltage-sensitive K+ channel

A cDNA clone encoding a K+ channel polypeptide with 72% amino acid sequence identity to Drosophila Shal was isolated from rat hippocampus. Functional expression of the cDNA in Xenopus oocytes generated 4-amino-pyridine-sensitive K+ channels displaying rapid inactivation kinetics. The fastest component of inactivation was slowed by the deletion of 3 basic residues in the amino-terminal region. Northern blots revealed that the mRNA encoding this K+ channel polypeptide was expressed at a similar level in the brain and in the heart. In situ hybridization revealed that the mRNA encoding this K+ channel appeared concentrated in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and habenular nucleus in the brain. Thus, this K+ channel polypeptide is likely to form some of the A-type K+ channels expressed in the mammalian nervous system and heart.
Luther and Erasmus, Another Perspective

The relationship between the Renaissance and the Reformation is a major theme of sixteenth-century historical studies. Generally, the discussion of the influence of these two movements upon one another has centered on two facets of their relationship: first, the influence of the Renaissance in creating an intellectual atmosphere which fostered certain Reformation movements such as a revival of biblical studies, the rejection of scholasticism, and the undermining of the ecclesiastical authority of the Roman church; and secondly, the Reformation's rejection of Renaissance humanism because of its optimistic view of human nature. This latter relationship was exemplified in the debate between Martin Luther and Erasmus of Rotterdam, the undisputed leaders of the respective movements during the early decades of the sixteenth century. While the question of the Reformation's dependence upon Renaissance intellectual movements is usually conceded (after all Luther did use Erasmus' edition of the Greek New Testament as the basis for his German translation), there has been little evaluation of the corresponding influence of the Reformation on Renaissance humanism.
The axonal transport of mitochondria

Organelle transport is vital for the development and maintenance of axons, in which the distances between sites of organelle biogenesis, function, and recycling or degradation can be vast. Movement of mitochondria in axons can serve as a general model for how all organelles move: mitochondria are easy to identify, they move along both microtubule and actin tracks, they pause and change direction, and their transport is modulated in response to physiological signals. However, they can be distinguished from other axonal organelles by the complexity of their movement and their unique functions in aerobic metabolism, calcium homeostasis and cell death. Mitochondria are thus of special interest in relating defects in axonal transport to neuropathies and degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Studies of mitochondrial transport in axons are beginning to illuminate fundamental aspects of the distribution mechanism. They use motors of one or more kinesin families, along with cytoplasmic dynein, to translocate along microtubules, and bidirectional movement may be coordinated through interaction between dynein and kinesin-1. Translocation along actin filaments is probably driven by myosin V, but the protein(s) that mediate docking with actin filaments remain unknown. Signaling through the PI 3-kinase pathway has been implicated in regulation of mitochondrial movement and docking in the axon, and additional mitochondrial linker and regulatory proteins, such as Milton and Miro, have recently been described.
Proof of M/sub 12/=M/sub 21/ based on stored energy is incorrect

The mutual inductances for a pair of coupled coils are described by a single parameter M instead of two parameters M/sub 12/ and M/sub 21/. Correct proofs of M/sub 12/=M/sub 21/ can be found in books on physics, electromagnetic field theory, and circuit theory written decades ago. In recent years, some authors of textbooks for introductory linear circuit analysis have presented an alternative proof which is seemingly simple, but is actually unsound. The flaw of the proof is shown and a proof based on the calculation of the average power is presented. >
The transorientation hypothesis for codon recognition during protein synthesis

During decoding, a codon of messenger RNA is matched with its cognate aminoacyl-transfer RNA and the amino acid carried by the tRNA is added to the growing protein chain. Here we propose a molecular mechanism for the decoding phase of translation: the transorientation hypothesis. The model incorporates a newly identified tRNA binding site and utilizes a flip between two tRNA anticodon loop structures, the 5'-stacked and the 3'-stacked conformations. The anticodon loop acts as a three-dimensional hinge permitting rotation of the tRNA about a relatively fixed codon-anticodon pair. This rotation, driven by a conformational change in elongation factor Tu involving GTP hydrolysis, transorients the incoming tRNA into the A site from the D site of initial binding and decoding, where it can be proofread and accommodated. The proposed mechanisms are compatible with the known structures, conformations and functions of the ribosome and its component parts including tRNAs and EF-Tu, in both the GTP and GDP states.
Mindfulness Routines for Innovating with Information Technology

Formal structures and systematic practices have considerable promise for helping to foster mindfulness in information-technology innovation, especially when it comes to organizations’ reflective as...
An electron microscopic determination of a tobacco necrosis virus crystal structure.

The structure of the rhombic type of tobacco necrosis virus crystals has been found, from a study of electron micrographs depicting shadowed carbon replicas of the crystals, to be orthorhombic with the tetramolecular unit having a 0 = 310 , b 0 = 384 A and c 0 = 391 . The diameter of the virus particle in these crystals was found to be 250 . In this structure the average volume occupied by a molecule is the largest possible in going from the cubic close-packed to the hexagonal close-packed arrangement of spherical molecules. These tobacco necrosis virus crystals have nearly the same crystal structure in the wet and dry state as evidenced by the same angles of the rhomboids on wet and dry crystals.
The presence of RNA in a double helix inhibits its interaction with histone protein

The binding of core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, H4) to a circular plasmid DNA and to a circular DNA-RNA hybrid molecule of similar size has been compared. Circular hybrid molecules were formed from single stranded fd DNA by synthesis of the complimentary strand with ribonucleotides using wheat germ RNA polymerase II. Upon reconstitution of plasmid DNA circles with histone, the sedimentation profiles of the DNA remained sharp by increased several fold in rate. Material from the peak fractions of these sedimentations appeared to be condensed circular loops of nucleosomes when examined by electron microscopy (EM), and the mass ratio of DNA to histone (at the histone concentrations which produced the fastest sedimentations) was typical of native chromatin. In contrast, the sedimentation behavior of DNA-RNA hybrid circles after addition of histone remained unchanged except for a minor fraction which exhibited a broad and faster sedimentation rate. Examination by EM revealed that most of the molecules appeared identical to protein free hybrid circles while the minor, faster sedimenting fraction appeared to be two or more circles bound together by protein aggregates. Finally, a linear molecule consisting of about 3000 base pairs of duplex DNA covalently joined on both ends to 1500 base pairs of RNA-DNA hybrid helix was constructed. Reconstitution of this molecule with core histone showed nucleosome formation only on the central DNA duplex region. Isopycnic banding of fixed hybrid-histone mixtures showed that little or no histone had bound to the bulk of the full hybrid molecules. We suggest that the presence of RNA in a nucleic acid duplex inhibits the condensation of the duplex into a nucleosomal structure by histone.
Prostaglandin F2α Binding Sites in Human Corpora Lutea

The specific binding of 3H-prostaglandin (PG) F2α to homogenates of human corpora lutea of the cycle and ectopic pregnancy was examined. Corpora lutea of ectopic pregnancy bound significantly (P 15(S)15 methyl PGF2α > PGF1α > PGE2 > PGE1 > PGB1 > PGA1. Binding was time and temperature dependent; maximum binding was obtained by 1 h at 22 C; at 38 C, the initial binding was high but rapidly declined after 30 min of incubation. A cationic requirement for 3H-PGF2α binding is suggested by the findings that the addition of EDTA severely reduced the binding which was reversed by concomitta...
Virtual analyzers of mat quality based on slurry sensors

Mats are often composites of fibers and filler particulates. They are formed by draining a dilute aqueous slurry on a filter medium called forming fabric, consolidated and dried. In general. formation of non-woven fibrous mats containing fibers and inorganic filler particulates is strongly influenced by the drainage characteristics of the slurry. These characteristics depend on chemical additives as well as physical properties of the slurry constituents for example size distribution of fibers and fillers. The qualities of resulting mats. such as wet strength and water load, arc important control parameters from the viewpoint of princess runnability and efficiency. Proper control of mat quality parameters allows one to enhance productivity through scrap reduction. Using on-line slurry analyzer data in combination with the processing variables of the forming section. we can obtain estimates of trial quality parameters in real-time through applications of neural networks. We use neural networks to identify non-parametric functional approximation, for predictive process modeling. This paper deals with real-time prediction of wet mat quality using on-line monitoring of slurry characteristics. This is significant as it allows one to obtain a product property that is normally available from destructive laboratory tests only.
ENDOTHELIAL CELL DEATH INDUCED BY TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA IS INHIBITED BY THE BCL-2 FAMILY MEMBER, A1

Endothelial cells play a central role in the inflammatory process. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) is a multifunctional cytokine which elicits many of the inflammatory responses of endothelial cells. While TNF directly causes apoptosis of tumor cells and virally infected cells, normal cells are generally resistant. However, most resistant cells, including human endothelial cells, can be rendered susceptible to TNF by inhibiting RNA or protein synthesis. This finding suggests that TNF provides a cell survival signal in addition to a death signal. We have previously cloned a human Bcl-2 homologue, A1, and shown that it is specifically induced by proinflammatory cytokines but not by endothelial growth factors. In this study, we show that retroviral-mediated transfer of the A1 cDNA to a human microvascular endothelial cell line provides protection against cell death initiated by TNF in the presence of actinomycin D. The induction of A1 by TNF in this system is mediated via a protein kinase C pathway. Since TNF signaling has also been shown to proceed via ceramides, we tested whether exogenous ceramides could induce A1. Our findings indicate that ceramides do not induce A1 but do up-regulate c-jun and induce endothelial death. Ceramide-activated endothelial death is also inhibited by A1, suggesting that TNF may initiate divergent survival and death pathways via separate lipid second messengers.