cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF HEPATIC STEROL CARRIER PROTEINS IN THE STREPTOZOTOCIN-TREATED DIABETIC RAT

Sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP2) is a 13.2-kilodalton protein that has been implicated in intracellular cholesterol transport, whereas a related sterol carrier protein, sterol carrier protein-X (SCPx; 58 kilodaltons) has been suggested to function also in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Although diabetes-related hyperlipidemia and altered cholesterol metabolism have been extensively studied, the intracellular cholesterol transport capacity during hyperglycemic states has not been examined. The fact that beta-oxidation is increased in diabetes whereas hepatic cholesterol metabolism is reduced suggests that differential expression of these sterol carrier proteins may accompany diabetic dyslipidemia. In this study, SCP2 protein levels were reduced by 60% in mildly hypercholesterolemic (cholesterol, > 130 and 150 mg/dl; P < 0.002) diabetic animals. In contrast, hepatic SCPx protein expression increased (3.5-fold) after diabetes induction with streptozotocin (STZ). The decline in SCP2 was inversely related to serum cholesterol levels. Hepatic SCP messenger RNA levels examined by ribonuclease protection assay demonstrated that hepatic SCP messenger RNA was increased 2-fold in diabetic animals. Northern blot analysis indicated that both the 0.8-kilobase SCP2-specific and the 2.1-kilobase SCPx-specific transcripts increased after STZ injection. SCPx protein induction preceded the decline in SCP2 by 4-5 days. Insulin treatment reversed the increase in SCPx and prevented the decline in SCP2. We conclude that SCP2 and SCPx are differentially expressed in the STZ-diabetic rat and suggest that this change in SCP expression should be considered a potential contributing mechanism through which cholesterol metabolism may be altered in diabetes.
Assessment of wind load factors for hurricane-prone regions

Abstract We study the issue of whether the wind load factors specified in the ASCE 7–95 Standard for hurricane- prone regions on the one hand and extratropical storm regions on the other are mutually consistent with respect to risk. We consider structures or elements whose design is governed by wind loads and for which wind directionality effects are not significant. We present estimates according to which ASCE 7–95 Standard provisions for wind loads inducing the design strength result in (1) safety levels that are considerably lower for hurricane-prone than for extratropical storm regions, and (2) estimates of mean recurrence intervals of hurricane wind loads inducing the design strength of about 500 y if epistemic uncertainties are neglected, and significantly lower than 500 years otherwise.
SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENTS OF THICKNESS AND TEMPERATURE PROFILE IN A WAVY LIQUID FILM FALLING FREELY ON A HEATING WALL

A technique far measuring the thickness of liquid films was developed and successfully tested. The feasibility of this technique was demonstrated in stagnant liquid films as well as in liquid jets. A procedure for in-situ calibration of the thickness probe was developed, allowing the adaptation of the probe to measurements of wavy liquid films. The thickness probe was constructed from a platinum-rhodium wire that was stretched across the film. A constant DC current was supplied through the probe wire, and film thickness was determined from variations in the probe voltage drop resulting from the large differences in the electrical resistances of the wetted and unwetted segments of the wire. Unlike electrical admittance thickness probes, the new probe did not require dissolving an electrolyte in the liquid, making the new probe well suited to studies involving sensible heating of a film of pure dielectric liquid that is in duvet contact with a current-carrying wall. Also presented is a composite probe that ...
Biologically active compounds from marine sources

Abstract The marine environment has proven to be a rich source of natural products with novel structures; it is also a potentially rich source of therapeutically useful agents. Two recent extended expeditions involved the systematic screening of extracts of marine species from the Pacific waters of Mexico as well as from the Caribbean waters of Panama, Colombia, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. In the primary screens on shipboard, extracts were examined for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and cytotoxic properties. A very high proportion of the extracts showed cytotoxicity, a high proportion showed antibacterial or antifungal activity and a significant number showed antiviral activity. Extracts showing one or more of these bioactivities were examined in secondary screens at The Upjohn Company involving tumor cell lines (for potential antineoplastic activity), a larger number of microorganisms (especially pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria), and a battery of RNA and DNA viruses. Extracts showing satisfactory activity in the secondary screens were then subjected to extensive fractionation in the laboratory with the goal of isolating the bioactive compounds. These studies have led to the identification of a number of antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antiviral compounds present in marine algae, sponges and tunicates. Structure assignments and biological properties of the most interesting compounds are discussed.
Transfer of signatures from the vibrational spectrum of benzene to a silicon complex

Detection of single molecules with present experimental techniques requires the enhancement of spectral intensities by several orders of magnitude. This is an ambitious goal for analytical techniques of sensors for chemical and biological agents. We have shown using first-principles techniques that the bonding of a benzene molecule to a silicon nanocluster yields at least one of the frontier molecular orbitals delocalized into the entire complex, strongly affecting its vibrational spectrum. This provides a means to detect the presence of the small molecule in the large complex, which can have several orders of magnitude larger cross section to standard chemical radiation techniques than the much smaller single molecule. Thus the transfer of the characteristics of the molecule into the cluster, through molecular orbital mixing, increases tremendously the possibilities of detection of the single molecule as the larger cluster is much more easily detectable and can have its size and gap tailored for the measurement.
Calibration of the apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronometer on an exhumed fault block, White Mountains, California

This study provides an empirical calibration of the apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronometer using the thermal structure derived from an extensive apatite fission-track study of an exhumed, normal-fault–bounded crustal block in the White Mountains in the western Basin and Range province. This fault block has been tilted ∼25° to the east during extension, exposing a continuous section of rocks previously buried to ∼7 km. Apatites yield (U-Th)/He apparent ages of ca. 50–55 Ma at shallow pre-extensional crustal levels that decrease systematically to ca. 12 Ma at >4.5 km paleodepth. The ages exhibit a well-defined exhumed apatite He partial retention zone over a pre-extensional temperature range of ∼40–80 °C and are completely reset above 80 °C, as calibrated from the apatite fission-track data. This pattern is in good agreement with He diffusion behavior predicted by laboratory experiments. The (U-Th)/He and fission-track methods yield concordant estimates for the timing of the onset of extensional faulting in the White Mountains ca. 12 Ma. Given the partially overlapping temperature-sensitivity windows, the (U-Th)/He and fission-track thermochronometers are highly complementary and may be used together to reconstruct thermal histories over the temperature window of ∼40–110 °C.
RAPIDLY SYNTHESIZED RIBONUCLEIC ACID IN MEMBRANE GHOSTS FROM STREPTOCOCCUS FECALIS PROTOPLASTS.

Abstract 1. 1. Small amounts of RNA are present in washed membrane ghosts prepared by lysis of Streptococcus fecalis (ATCC No. 9790) protoplasts. Evidence was sought for differences between the membrane ghost RNA and RNA in other cell fractions, particularly ribosomes. 2. 2. After pulse labelling intact cells with [32P]orthophosphate, the membrane ghost RNA was found to be the most rapidly labelled as judged by measurement of the specific radioactivity of isolated 32P-labelled 2′(3′)-mononucleotides. Insoluble, easily sedimentable fragments of membrane ghosts obtained after sonication still retained RNA also with the most heavily 32P-labelled nucleotides. The nucleotide composition of the bulk and newly synthesized [32P]RNA in the membrane ghosts resembled the composition of ribosome RNA and the RNA in a DNA-rich fraction, but not s-RNA. 3. 3. Electron micrographs of the membrane ghosts indicate the presence of ribosomes. They are associated with a filamentous network and they are also situated in large numbers within a hollow tubular structure. 4. 4. It is concluded that in Streptococcus fecalis a rapidly synthesized RNA is associated specifically with membranous structures probably in membrane-associated ribosomes. 5. 5. Some information on the nature and amounts of other chemical components in the membrane ghosts is presented.
Design and Fabrication of Differential Scanning Nanocalorimeter for Biological Applications

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and characterization of a differential scanning nanocalorimeter that has potential to significantly reduce the sample volume to microliter and improve the temperature sensitivity to 10 μK. The nanocalorimeter consists of a polymeric freestanding membrane, four high-sensitive low-noise thermistors based on the silicon carbide (SiC), and a platinum heater and temperature sensor. With the integrated heater and sensors, temperature scanning and power compensation can be achieved for calorimetric measurement. Temperature sensing SiC film was prepared by using sintered SiC target and DC magnetron sputtering under different gas pressure and sputtering power. The SiC sensing material is characterized through the measurement of current-voltage curves and noise levels. Thermal performance of a fabricated nanocalorimeter is studied in simulation and experiment. The results indicate the device has a nano watt thermal power sensitivity, 10 μK temperature sensitivity, and long time constant to hold thermal energy, which leads to low-volume ultra sensitive nanocalorimetry for biological process, such as protein folding and ligand binding.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Combustion and SO2-NOx emissions of bituminous coal particles treated with calcium magnesium acetate

Abstract Experiments were conducted in an externally heated drop-tube furnace to assess the effectiveness of the chemical calcium magnesium acetate [CMA, CaMg2(CH3COO)6] as a combustion catalyst and a coal pretreatment agent for reducing SO2 emissions. Bituminous coal particles of two distinct sizes, pulverized (75–90 μm) or micronized and beneficiated (mean diameter ∼3.5 μm) were burned. To measure the coal particle temperatures and burn times, combustion traces were recorded for single pulverized coal particles and clusters of micronized coal particles using a three-colour near-infrared optical pyrometer. The volatile and the char phase combustion temperatures of untreated pulverized-grind particles, in air at a gas temperature of 1450 K, were determined to be 2200 and 1800 K, respectively. Particles treated with CMA under the same conditions burned hotter, with the temperature of volatile and char phase being 2400 and 2000 K, respectively. SO2 and NOx concentrations were measured at the exit of the furnace for both the pulverized and the micronized coals. For furnace gas temperatures between 1250 and 1450 K, in a background gas containing 10–50 ppm SO2 and equivalence ratios, π, between 0.4 to 0.7, untreated micronized and pulverized bituminous coal particles produced SO2 emissions in the range 100–200 ppm and NOx emissions in the range 200–450 ppm. In contrast, combustion of pulverized particles treated with CMA, burning under the same conditions, not only did not produce any SO2 but also eliminated the background SO2 concentration. The combustion of micronized coal treated with CMA produced less SO2 than untreated micronized coal, but complete reduction of SO2 was not achieved. Experiments with CMA-treated micronized coal in atmospheres containing 40% oxygen suggested that the primary mechanism for sulfur removal in this virtually ash-free coal was the sulfation of resulting CaO MgO fly ash/aerosols. Experiments in which the effluent of the combustion of pulverized coal was quenched immediately after the heated furnace zone suggest that a fraction of the fuel sulfur (up to 50% of the released SO2) may have been encapsulated by ash during the combustion of treated pulverized coals, with the remaining released SO2 being removed by sulfation of Ca Mg -containing ash or submicron CaO MgO aerosols in the cool-down region of the furnace.
Characterization of Autocrine Growth Factors, Their Receptors and Extracellular Matrix Present in Three-Dimensional Cultures of DU 145 Human Prostate Carcinoma Cells Grown in Simulated Microgravity

This study provides insight into mechanisms regulating growth of androgen-independent prostatic tumors. To this end, we characterized select regulatory and matrix proteins in aggregates of DU 145 h...
The place of pelvic osteotomy in the modern era of bladder exstrophy reconstruction

Abstract Background The place of pelvic osteotomy in reconstructing bladder/cloacal exstrophy has been debated for some time; the experience with ‘combined’ osteotomy in primary and re-operative exstrophy closure at this institution is presented, with a discussion of the historical and scientific place of osteotomy in managing this condition. Patients and methods Sixty-eight patients had bilateral vertical and transverse iliac osteotomy between 1992 and 2003, and with outcome data available. Of 58 patients with classic exstrophy, eight were newborns, eight were deliberately delayed primary closures, 36 were re-operative after previous failed closure and six were bladder neck reconstructions where the bladder outlet was very wide, such that bony closure was felt necessary for successful bladder neck coaptation. Of 10 patients with cloacal exstrophy, nine were primary closures and one was a re-operative closure. Data were collected relating to age at closure, complications and continence outcome. Results The mean (range) age (months) was 41 (5–179) for re-operative closures, 12.5 (3–32) for delayed primary closures, 64.1 (38–79) for bladder neck reconstruction, 51.4 (6–165) for cloacal exstrophy closure, and 15 (2–45) days for newborn exstrophy closure. There was a superficial wound infection in two patients, pin-site infection in one, loose pins in two, and two had transient femoral nerve palsy. In two patients the procedure failed and they required further re-operative closure with osteotomy. Sixteen patients are dry urethrally day and night, 12 have had and four are awaiting bladder augmentation, one has a colon conduit, and 35 are awaiting a definitive continence procedure. Conclusions Osteotomy has a proven track record in the field of exstrophy reconstruction, and the benefit especially in re-operative closure is emphasized by the present results. The surgical morbidity with the ‘combined osteotomy’ is low, cosmetic results are excellent and the effect on success of closure is clearly advantageous.
Activities to Enhance Civil Engineering Recruitment and Coordination with Industry

With many transportation professionals soon reaching retirement age, the industry is facing challenges. A key component to the success of the profession is recruiting new employees with the technical and managerial skills to take on future challenges. This paper outlines how one civil engineering school addressed the challenge of declining enrollments by working cooperatively with industry to meet three goals: to increase the visibility of civil engineering as a career, to expand coordination with employers, and to enhance recruitment of students. To meet the goals, a number of strategies were pursued; these included expanding activities for freshmen, participating in K-12 outreach programs, revising the civil engineering career course, expanding the career fair to include a freshman showcase, facilitating civil engineering internships for freshmen, designating a single point source for industry communications, enhancing tools for coordination with employers, increasing opportunities for student employmen...
Introduction: Social–Emotional Learning and Resolving Cohen's Paradox

Every day nearly 55 million children travel to schools throughout the United States. They are greeted undoubtedly by approximately 12 million teachers and administrators who work tirelessly to ensu...
Intravenous use of glycopyrrolate in acute respiratory distress due to bronchospastic pulmonary disease

A patient with acute respiratory distress secondary to emphysema and reactive airway disease had inadequate tidal volumes with and without endotracheal intubation. Because of the patient's failure to respond to maximal standard bronchodilator therapy and the physical inability to ventilate the patient by manual positive pressure, he received IV glycopyrrolate (0.2 mg) approximately 50 minutes after admission to the ED. The patient's condition immediately improved, as evidenced by the ability to manually ventilate the patient; he developed increased tidal volumes; and he began responding to inhalation therapy. This is the first reported case of IV glycopyrrolate administration for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma in the literature and demonstrates an instance in which inhalation therapy was ineffective due to low tidal volumes.
Co-opting Classicism and Debating Cultural Identity on the German National Stage in Mannheim

The German stage was dominated by Italian operas and translations of French and Shakespearean dramas at the beginning of the eighteenth century, but numerous voices were also calling for significant reforms. Johann Christoph Gottsched was among the first critics to exhort Germans to produce their own plays. He was followed by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, who urged German play- wrights to stage the issues confronting the emerging middle class, while Johann Gottfried Herder was a passionate proponent of dramas based on German histori- cal figures, events, or myths. Scholarship on the relationship of German theatre to national identity has focused almost exclusively on playwrights' response to these repeated calls. In his introduction to National Theatres in a Changing Europe, S. E. Wilmer argues that national theatres and their audiences "can be regarded as a potential microcosm of the nation (or elite of that nation) in an active forum for national debate" about cultural identity (2). Indeed, an examina- tion of the discussions and activities at these institutions can offer insights into the early formation of a nation's character - whether realized or only "ima- gined," as Benedict Anderson has argued. In the case of the German-speaking world, scholars have concentrated their attention primarily on the repertories at the four major theatres - Hamburg (1767), Weimar (1775, with the arrival of Jo- hann Wolfgang von Goethe), Vienna (1776), and Mannheim (1779) - estab- lished during the age of Enlightenment when the discourse on German identity began in earnest. Recent studies on the extent to which these artistic centres aided and advanced the creation of a German nation or a sense of cultural nation- alism cover a broad spectrum - from little or no contribution (Echternkamp 132- 33; Krebs 586-88; Steinmetz 150) to significant or major milestones (Hoyng 217; Wilmer, "Herder" 64). Regardless of whether or not they see the theatre as central to the formation of national identity, scholars have reached their conclu- sions by analysing the same material - the authorship and subject matter of the plays performed. While an examination of German plays and playwrights in the eighteenth century is clearly essential, this study expands the scope of the inves- tigation to include what the actors themselves have to say on the matter of national identity. In contrast to the published dramas, the actual recorded minutes
Adsorption of 1,3-butadiene on supported and promoted silver catalysts

Abstract After exposure to 1,3-butadiene, unpromoted Ag/ α -Al 2 O 3 and Ag/ α -Al 2 O 3 promoted with Cs and Cl were characterized using DRIFTS. Weakly adsorbed molecular butadiene was the dominant species for all samples regardless of the adsorption temperature. After purging alumina with He, no IR absorption features remained with alumina, whereas spectra showed that butadiene adsorbed irreversibly at 300 K via one of its CC bonds on either the reduced or O-covered unpromoted Ag surface which led to a surface species resembling 1,2-butadiene, and on the O-covered Ag surface, crotonaldehyde and carbonaceous species were also present. The formation of these carbonaceous species on an O-covered Ag catalyst implied that chemisorbed oxygen facilitates additional CH bond breaking. On Cs-promoted Ag/ α -Al 2 O 3 covered with a monolayer of oxygen following reduction at 673 K, a dehydrogenated 1,2-butadiene-type surface species appeared to exist at 300 K in addition to other carbonaceous species. Isotope studies revealed that 1,3-butadiene adsorbs through both CC bonds on a Cs-promoted Ag catalyst and may exist as an oxametallacycle intermediate requiring two types of sites, i.e., an unpromoted Ag site and a Cs-promoted Ag site containing surface oxygen. In the presence of Cl, 1,3-butadiene was weakly adsorbed on the Ag surface at 300 K through a single CC bond regardless of the presence or absence of chemisorbed oxygen. DRIFT spectra obtained under epoxidation reaction conditions at 473 K and 1 atm indicated that 1,3-butadiene dehydrogenated on alumina alone to give carbonaceous species, whereas carboxylate compounds were the principal species on both unpromoted and promoted Ag catalysts, although crotonaldehyde was also observed. No epoxybutene was detected.
Combining Phenomenology and Physics in Describing the High Temperature Mechanical Behavior of Crystalline Solids

It is now possible to predict quantitatively the high temperature mechanical behavior of pure metals, solid solution alloys and dispersion hardened alloys, based on an understanding of a number of physical factors influencing power law creep, including: (a) atom mobility by lattice diffusion and by dislocation pipe diffusion, (b) elastic constants of the matrix material, (c) subgrain size, (d) stacking fault energy, and (e) crystallographic texture. This quantitative picture can be extended and generalized to transient situations using the work hardening-recovery approach, and strengthening due to back stresses, solutes, and irradiation can be incorporated within the same framework. The resulting set of constitutive equations for creep rests on a firm physical foundation and yet can predict the high-temperature behavior of materials under the complex histories typical of technological applications. 72 references.
Static EUV micro-exposures using the ETS Set-2 optics

While interferometry is routinely used for the characterization and alignment of lithographic optics, the ultimate measure of performance for these optical systems is the transfer of an image or pattern into photoresist. Simple yet flexible exposure systems play an important role in this task because they allow complex system-dependent effects to be isolated from the printing results. This enables the most direct lithography evalaution of the optical system under investigation. To address tehse issues for commercial-class EUV optics, a synchrotron-based programmable illuminator exposrue station has been implemented at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (the Advanced Light Source). As previously presented, this static microfield exposure system has been used to lithography characterize a 4-mirror optical system designed for the EUV Engineering Test Stand (ETS) prototype stepper. Based on the lithographic characterization, here we present a detailed performance analysis of the 0.1-NA ETS Set-2 optic. Operation of the static printing system with the Set-2 optic yielded approximately 330 exposed wafers, where each wafer contains one or more focus-exposure matrices. A wide variety of parameters were studied includign, among others, illumination conditions, resist thickness, and mask tone. Here we present a subset of this data in terms of process-window results. The resutls demonstrate a depth of focus (DOF) approximately 2μm for isolated 70-nm line features, 1 μm for nested 70-nm line features, and 0.5μm for 70-nm contacts on 270-nm pitch.
A Review of the Factors Affecting the Ecotoxicology of Diporeia spp.

Abstract Based on its biomass, Diporeia spp. represent the major benthic invertebrate in offshore waters of the Great Lakes. This work reviews the recent findings of factors influencing the organism with particular focus on interpreting the potential for contaminant stress, with an emphasis on organic contaminants, and the benthic pelagic link for contaminant food web transfer. The review includes examination of the environmental features that limit the distribution and population density. The physiology of Diporeia spp., including energy storage, respiration, and nutrient elimination, are discussed. The toxicokinetics from both aqueous and sediment exposures are reviewed, as well as both the environmental factors that influence the kinetics and the limitations to our knowledge. The interactions of the physiology and toxicokinetics are presented for interpretation of toxic responses and the sensitivity of the organism to selected contaminants. Finally, this review suggests areas where increased information is needed to improve our understanding of Diporeia toxicokinetics and toxicity in the Great Lakes environment.
Reciprocal Teaching Procedures and Principles: Two Teachers' Developing Understanding.

The effectiveness of Reciprocal Teaching, a reading comprehension instructional technique, has been repeatedly demonstrated. According to Brown and Campione (Innovations in Learning, Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ, pp. 289–325, 1996) ‘‘lethal mutations’’ are abundant because of teachers’ focus on how to do the procedures of Reciprocal Teaching and lack of understanding of the learning principles upon which the method is based. This investigation reports conceptual growth and the misinterpretations of the procedures and learning principles that two Schools for Thought teachers held as they developed their understanding across training sessions. We claim that studying the development of teacher thinking can be particularly useful to those revamping teacher education programs. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Argon Sorption in ZSM-5

Abstract A new physisorption device collects accurate isotherm data at low pressures and low adsorptions. Thus, physisorption isotherms of microporous materials can he determined in fine detail in the region where the first sorbing atoms enter the unit cell of the solid. For argon phvsisorption in ZSM-5 at 87 K, a complex isotherm is observed. It is reproducible for several different crystal size samples. Simple molecular mechanics calculations for the ZSM-5/argon system allow interpretation of the observed isotherms. We found that: • We can identify the individual sorption features for argon in ZSM-5. • The first argon atom sorbing in the ZSM-5 unit cell can be discerned. • Initial argon sorption in ZSM-5 occurs in the 10-ring structures. The calculations employed are able to describe the main features of the observed isotherms but are not sufficiently refined to deal with the fine structure.
Oscillator-strength distributions for discrete and continuum transitions of excited states of cesium.

Calculations of the photoionization cross sections of excited nl states of cesium for n\ensuremath{\le}9 and l\ensuremath{\le}3 have been carried out within the framework of the central-field model. In addition, oscillator strengths for discrete transitions among these excited states have been obtained. The oscillator-strength distributions are presented and analyzed and the prominent zeros in the matrix elements for excited states are discussed in detail. Procedures and pitfalls in interpolation and extrapolation of discrete oscillator strengths are discussed, and the photoelectron angular distributions from these excited states are also presented.
Isozyme variation and correspondence with unusual infrared reflectance patterns in Phragmites australis (Poaceae)

Isozyme variation was investigated in populations ofPhragmites australis (Poaceae) which have recently invaded and taken over marsh habitat of the Mississippi River delta. Infrared aerial photographs in the Garden Island Bay subdelta of the extensiveP. australis populations reveal distinct, clone-like circular patches within a predominant background. Preliminary evidence indicates that the infrared color differences represent distinct morphological types. However, there are no obvious environmental factors that could account for the peculiar patterns.P. australis collections were taken from five separate and distinct “patches” and adjacent “background”. Only two electrophoretic phenotypes were found: one from “patches” and one from the “background”. In comparing the two, 20% of the 40 loci scored are fixed for alternate alleles. These results indicate a clear correspondence of infrared reflectance with electrophoretic phenotype. In addition, the genetic uniformity as evidenced by the discovery of only two electrophoretic phenotypes supports the contention that the recent spread ofP. australis throughout the Mississippi River delta has been primarily, if not exclusively, a result of vegetative propagation.
The behaviour of free flying moths in the presence of artificial ultrasonic pulses

Abstract The avoidance reactions of moths to a stationary source of ultrasonic pulses were observed and photographically recorded under field conditions. High-intensity ultrasound caused responses that appeared to be non-directional, except that they carried the insects towards the ground. They were accomplished by a wide variety of manoeuvres, including passive and power dives, loops, rolls, and one or more tight turns. In addition to various species of moths, lacewings (Neuoptera) were observed to dive in the presence of ultrasound. Moths flying further from the source, or exposed to lower ultrasonic intensities, responded by turning and flying directly away from the sound source. These behavioural findings are correlated with neurophysiological observations that a differential exists between the tympanic nerve discharges from right and left tympanic organs only when moths are exposed to the cries of distant bats or to artificial ultrasonic pulses of relatively low intensity.
Painting a Landscape of Abortion: The Fusion of Embodied Art

This article explores the author's journey through the right to choose. The author fuses her experience in this text so the reader may visualize and reexperience the emotional tensions involved in ...
Adjoint boundary value problems for the biharmonic equation on C1 domains in the plane

On donne les solutions sous forme de potentiels de bas ordre pour les problemes adjoints avec donnees dans le dual de l'espace des donnees de Dirichlet
The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus

The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus. Irving Rouse. New Haven:Yale University Press, 1992. 211 pp. $25.00 (cloth). ISBN 0–300–05181–6.
Neuron-specific expression of the rat brain type II sodium channel gene is directed by upstream regulatory elements.

Abstract Genetic elements involved in cell-specific expression of the type II sodium channel gene were revealed using transient expression assays. A chimeric reporter gene containing 1051 by of the sodium channel 5′ flanking region was active in neuroblastoma and PC12 cells, but inactive in nonneuronal cell types. Deletion of upstream sequences resulted in an 80-fold increase in reporter gene activity in skeletal muscle cells, suggesting the presence of negative elements. Although no homologies were found between sequences in the type II 5′ flanking region and other negative elements or "silencers," a small region common to the type II gene and other genes expressed in the nervous system was identified and may be involved in transcriptional regulation of neuronal genes.
An ab initio study on HXC(double bond)O …︁ HY molecular complexes (X, Y = F, Cl)

Post-Hartree-Fock calculations were carried out to predict the stabilities and properties of four HClCO … HCl, HClCO … HF, HFCO … HCl, and HFCO … HF molecular complexes. Full geometry optimizations and vibrational frequency calculations were performed for all systems using standard 6-311G(d, p) and 6-311G(2d,2p) basis sets at the MP2 level of theory. Single-point calculations of the interaction energies were carried out for all complexes at the MP4(SDTQ) level with the 6-311G(d, p) basis set. All systems were found to be stable and their predicted molecular parameters match well available (very scarce) experimental data. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Humanities in French at M.I.T.

fore 1951 the minimal requirements took the following form. The first year was devoted to a semester of English composition and a semester of speech. The second year offered a choice between United States and world history. In the third there was a first-semester course in economic principles, and in the second semester a choice among three social science courses. The final year provided for four possible areas of study: international relations, the history of ideas, literature, and music. In 1951 a considerably revised program was inaugurated. The revision was motivated by a desire to introduce more substance into the first year, to give the underclassmen some feeling for the sweep of chronological developments in a four-semester sequence ranging from ancient Greece and Palestine to the present, to ground them pretty thoroughly in the three basic disciplines of history, literature, and philosophy, and to allow the upperclassmen a much broader range of possible areas of concentration. It was shortly after the introduction of these new requirements that John Burchard, then Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Science, conceived the idea of a Humanities in French program for properly qualified freshmen and sophomores. The idea became a reality in the fall of 1953, with the assistance of the Rockefeller Foundation, which agreed to finance the experiment for a period of three years. At the end of that period the experiment was adjudged a success, and the program was absorbed into the regular budget. In order to recruit students for Humanities in French, the language backgrounds of all entering freshmen were first studied. It was found that about fifty had had at least three years of secondary-school French and had done superior work in that subject. Each was sent a letter of invitation to participate in the program. It should be noted in passing that no native French-speaking students have ever been permitted to enroll in this program, since we feel that it is in their best interest to take Humani-
Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections by real time RT-PCR (Taqman)

Abstract Real time quantitative RT-PCR (Taqman®) identified specifically BVD virus in freshly processed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections and archival samples up to 7 years old. Samples included tissue from both acutely and persistently infected animals. To assess RNA degradation due to tissue handling and processing, freshly collected tissues from a calf persistently infected with BVD virus were stored at 4 °C or room temperature for up to 1 week prior to 24 h formalin fixation and routine histologic processing. Samples stored at 4 °C for up to a week prior to fixation were positive while samples stored at room temperature were positive at 74 h but became negative after 96 h. Fixation of fresh tissue in formalin for 1 week prior to processing resulted in a mild decrease in signal strength compared with tissue fixed for 24–48 h. Real time RT-PCR improves diagnosis of BVD infection by allowing prospective and retrospective identification of BVD virus in tissues processed routinely and stored for histologic evaluation.
In-situ Vapor-Phase Lubrication of MEMS

In-situ vapor-phase lubrication of sidewall MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) devices is investigated with 1-pentanol vapor. The 1-pentanol vapor successfully maintains lubricating properties between silicon contacts of MEMS devices. This is attributed to the ability of alcohol to adsorb on the silicon surface and sustain a lubricating layer, which prevents wear of the MEMS surfaces and minimizes friction. In the presence of these vapors, MEMS devices with sliding contacts operated without failure for up to a factor of 1.7 × 104 longer than in dry N2 gas alone, representing a dramatic improvement in operating life. Adhesion and friction were also investigated as a function of alcohol vapor pressure. The adhesive force between microfabricated MEMS sidewall surfaces increases from ∼30 to ∼60 nN as the alcohol vapor pressure is increased from 0 to 20% of saturation, and then only slightly increases to ∼75 nN at 95% of saturation vapor pressure. This increase in force is well within the capabilities of even the lowest force on-chip actuators, such as electrostatic comb drives which can typically generate a few μN of force. The static friction force was found to be independent of alcohol vapor pressure within the uncertainties in the measurement.
Vaporization thermodynamics of PdAsx (liquid), Pd0.75(As1 − xBx)0.25 (liquid) and elemental arsenic

Abstract Liquid PdAsx, and Pd0.75(As1 − xBx)0.25 were studied by mass spectrometry combined with Knudsen effusion to determine the variation of arsenic and palladium activity with composition and temperature. Equations are given which describe the thermodynamic properties. At 1200 K, Pd0.75As0.25 is the congruently vaporizing composition and the high palladium phase limit is Pd0.79As0.21. The thermodynamic properties of the binary liquid are essentially unchanged by carbon or tungsten saturation. However, the activity of palladium in Pd(s) is lowered causing the liquid phase boundary to move to a higher arsenic composition. The Pd0.75(As1 − xBx)0.25 liquid has a positive deviation from ideality which indicates a repulsive energy between arsenic and boron in solution. The arsenic monomer pressure over elemental As(1) can be represented by log10P(atm) = −14846/T + 7.116 between 1400 K and 1700 K.
Ethanol preference in C. elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans senses multiple environmental stimuli through sensory systems and rapidly changes its behaviors for survival. With a simple and well-characterized nervous system, C. elegans is a suitable animal model for studying behavioral plasticity. Previous studies have shown acute neurodepressive effects of ethanol on multiple behaviors of C. elegans similar to the effect of ethanol on other organisms. Caenorhabditis elegans also develops ethanol tolerance during continuous exposure to ethanol. In mammals, chronic ethanol exposure leads to ethanol tolerance as well as increased ethanol consumption. Ethanol preference is associated with the development of tolerance and may lead to the development of ethanol dependence. In this study, we show that C. elegans is a useful model organism for studying chronic effects of ethanol, including the development of ethanol preference. We designed a behavioral assay for testing ethanol preference after prolonged ethanol exposure. Despite baseline aversive responses to ethanol, animals show ethanol preference after 4 h of pre-exposure to ethanol and exhibit significantly enhanced preference for ethanol after a lifetime of ethanol exposure. The cat-2 and tph-1 mutant animals have defects in the synthetic enzymes for dopamine and serotonin, respectively. These mutants are deficient in the development of ethanol preference, indicating that dopamine and serotonin are required for this form of behavioral plasticity.
Altered expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Background Reports indicate that human and canine patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have reduced production of several skin antimicrobial peptides, but more recent data have called those results into question. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare the mRNA expression of seven antimicrobial peptide genes in lesional and adjacent nonlesional skin biopsy specimens from dogs with AD with those from normal dogs and from dogs experiencing other inflammatory skin conditions. Animals Normal dogs and patients with AD or other inflammatory skin conditions were enrolled with owner permission and approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Methods Transcripts were measured by quantitative RT-PCR using a standard curve assessment. Results Normal transcript levels for all seven antimicrobial peptides varied depending on the body site assessed. Transcripts for secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) and skin-derived antileucoproteinase (SKALP; also known as elafin) were typically ~10-fold greater in number than transcripts for the canine β-defensins (CBD)-1, -102, -103, -122 and -124. Transcripts for SKALP, SLPI, CBD-1, CBD-103 and CBD-122 were lower in both lesional and adjacent nonlesional skin from dogs with AD in comparison to normal skin. Transcripts were reduced to a similar extent versus normal dogs in skin of dogs with inflammatory skin conditions from both lesional and nonlesional biopsies, except for CBD-122, which was reduced only in lesional skin. Compared with normal dog skin, transcripts for CBD-102 and CBD-124 were unaffected in dogs with AD. Conclusions and clinical importance Both SKALP and SLPI may be important contributors to skin innate immunity, but their decreased expression in AD patients does not account for increased skin infections compared with other skin conditions.
Effect of chloride incorporation on the crystallization of zirconium-barium-lanthanum-aluminum fluoride glass

One aspect of the influence of preparation procedure on the crystallization behavior of a zirconium-barium-lanthanum-aluminum fluoride glass was studied. The crystallization pattern of this glass may be affected by the chlorine concentration within it. In particular, when such glasses are heated at low temperatures, the alpha-Ba-Zr-F6 crystalline phase forms only in those glasses which contain chloride.
Double-echo three-point-dixon method for fat suppression MRI

A double-echo two-excitation pulse sequence encoding fat and water signals for a phase-sensitive three-point Dixon-type analysis (DE-3PD) was developed and implemented on a 1.5 T MR imager. Data processing was performed using a previously developed two-dimensional (2D) region-growing algorithm, adapted to use double-echo data. Density-, T1-, and T2-weighted fat suppression images were obtained from six volunteers using the new fat suppression method. The images were compared with corresponding images obtained using frequency-selective excitation fat suppression (FATSAT) and a single-echo three-point-Dixon method (SE-3PD). The results demonstrate that the DE-3PD sequence shortens the imaging time by one-third compared with the SE-3PD method, without loss in image quality. The data also show that a 2D region-growing algorithm effectively unwraps the phase of DE-3PD data sets, and that results of DE-3PD fat signal suppression are consistently better than those obtained using a standard FATSAT method. The authors conclude that the double-echo sequence provides density-, T1-, and T2-weighted images that appear to be promising for routine clinical applications.
Effects of Incentives and Prenotification on Response Rates and Costs in a National Web Survey of Physicians

Little is known about what strategies are cost-effective in increasing participation among physicians in surveys that are conducted exclusively via the web. To assess the effects of incentives and prenotification on response rates and costs, general internists (N = 3,550) were randomly selected from the American Medical Association (AMA) Masterfile and assigned to experimental groups that varied in the amount of a promised incentive (none, entry into a $200 lottery, $50, or $100) and prenotification (none, prenotification letter only, or prenotification letter containing a $2 preincentive). Results indicated that the response rates were highest in the groups promised $100 and $50, respectively. While the postal prenotification letter increased response rates, the inclusion of a small token $2 preincentive had no effect on participation. Further, unlike mail surveys of physicians, the $2 preincentive was not cost-effective. Among physicians, larger promised incentives of $50 or $100 are more effective than a nominal preincentive in increasing participation in a web-only survey. Consistent with prior research, there was little evidence of nonresponse bias among the experimental groups.
Genetic, psychosocial, and demographic factors associated with social disinhibition in Mexican-origin youth.

Introduction The genetic heritability for sensation-seeking tendencies ranges from 40 to 60%. Sensation-seeking behaviors typically manifest during adolescence and are associated with alcohol and cigarette experimentation in adolescents. Social disinhibition is an aspect of sensation-seeking that is closely tied to cigarette and alcohol experimentation. Methods We examined the contribution of candidate genes to social disinhibition among 1132 Mexican origin youth in Houston, Texas, adjusting for established demographic and psychosocial risk factors. Saliva samples were obtained at baseline in 2005–06, and social disinhibition and other psychosocial data were obtained in 2008–09. Participants were genotyped for 672 functional and tagging SNPs potentially related to sensation-seeking, risk-taking, smoking, and alcohol use. Results Six SNPs were significantly associated with social disinhibition scores, after controlling for false discovery and adjusting for population stratification and relevant demographic/psychosocial characteristics. Minor alleles for three of the SNPs (rs1998220 on OPRM1; rs9534511 on HTR2A; and rs4938056 on HTR3B) were associated with increased risk of social disinhibition, while minor alleles for the other three SNPs (rs1003921 on KCNC1; rs16116 downstream of NPY; and rs16870286 on LINC00518) exhibited a protective effect. Age, linguistic acculturation, thrill and adventure-seeking, and drug and alcohol-seeking were all significantly positively associated with increased risk of social disinhibition in a multivariable model (P < 0.001). Conclusions These results add to our knowledge of genetic risk factors for social disinhibition. Additional research is needed to verify whether these SNPs are associated with social disinhibition among youth of different ethnicities and nationalities, and to elucidate whether and how these SNPs functionally contribute to social disinhibition.
CETP Inhibition: Does the Future Look Promising?

Based on epidemiologic studies conducted throughout the world, it is established that there is an inverse relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The incidence of low HDL-C is high and increasing throughout the world. A variety of pharmacologic approaches are being developed to therapeutically modulate serum levels of HDL-C. One controversial approach to this is the use of molecules that inhibit the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), an enzyme involved in neutral lipid transfer between lipoproteins. The inhibition of CETP can lead to substantial elevations in HDL-C. Based on a number of considerations, including the complex relationship between loss of function mutations in CETP and risk for CAD and the clinical experience with torcetrapib, it is difficult to predict if CETP inhibition will be associated with reductions in rates of atherosclerosis disease progression and risk for cardiovascular events.