cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
XUNZI AS A SYSTEMATIC PHILOSOPHER: TOWARD AN ORGANIC UNITY OF NATURE, MIND, AND REASON

To understand Xunzi 荀子 (298–238 BCE) requires us to read through and think through all his essays (32 chapters in his collected works) in totality and to recognize the major theses he has developed through a train of thinking which relates one thesis to another. It is to be recognized that Xunzi is a systematic philosopher who follows Confucius in trying to reach “a thread of penetrating unity of my way” (wudao yiyi guanzhi吾道一以貫之). But he is also like Mencius in responding to issues of his times in order to reach a better solution of these issues in light of his political ideal for a well-ordered society. It is therefore only when we see his time and his life as contexts of understanding that his approach and his views can be better understood and their significance can be better appreciated. For example, why does he assert that human nature is bad in opposition to Mencius’ position that human nature is good? Why does he advocate following both later kings and ancient sages? Why does he offer a new and detailed reconstruction of language and names for developing political governance and social control? Of course I am not here to suggest a merely intellectual historical approach to Xunzi. On the contrary, I wish to bring out the theoretical and systematic side of Xunzi which is necessary for understanding fundamental issues of nature at large, human nature, mind, language, human society, and human government. These are the philosophical issues which came to the forefront in Xunzi’s time and demanded a rethinking and re-evaluation.
FTIR and Fluorescence Studies of Interactions of Synaptic Fusion Proteins in Polymer-Supported Bilayers†

Single planar phospholipid bilayers supported on soft polymer (poly(ethylene glycol), PEG) cushions have served as useful models for biological membranes. Integral membrane proteins can be successfully reconstituted in covalently tethered PEG3400-supported bilayers (=DPS-supported bilayers) where they bind their natural ligands as in biological membranes and where they exhibit almost normal physiological lateral diffusion properties. Here, we have characterized DPS-supported bilayers by polarized attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The bilayers are not significantly perturbed by the polymer, and the vibrational bands of PEG do not interfere with the interpretation of several major lipid and protein bands, clearing the way to study protein secondary structure and lipid-protein interactions in DPS-supported lipid bilayers by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. We have also reconstituted v- and t-SNARE proteins and formed membrane-bound SNARE complexes in this model system. Membrane-bound v-SNAREs (VAMP2 or synaptobrevin2) are unstructured, and membrane-bound t-SNAREs (syntaxinlA/SNAP-25) are predominantly α-helical. v-SNAREs, but not t-SNAREs, exchange readily between the polymer-supported bilayer and lipid vesicles in solution, suggesting that v-SNAREs do not possess a classical stable transmembrane anchor at their C-terminus. SNARE complex formation between the polymer-supported membrane and lipid vesicles does not induce detectable additional α-helical secondary structure in this system.
Suppurative thrombophlebitis caused solely by Candida albicans

Abstract A case of lethal suppurative thrombophlebitis from which Candida albicans was the only microbe recovered is presented. The disease led to ischaemic gangrene of the leg with metastatic brain abscesses and may have been accelerated by systemic steroid therapy given for severe bronchospasm.
Consequences of Migration and Remittances for Mexican Transnational Communities

AbstractTo better understand the positive contributions return migrants and migrant remittances make in Latin American society, this paper offers a reevaluation of existing conceptual frameworks. Previous research dwelt upon the unproductive nature of expenditures and the difficulties facing return migrants as they reintegrate themselves in home communities, among other problems caused by migration. Drawing upon recent feminist scholarship and the growing body of literature focused on the positive aspects of “migradollars” (U.S. dollars returned by migrants) upon home communities, we propose that remittance investments should be analyzed for their progressive and satisficing effects. We focus on the potential range of household strategies for remittance investment, the ways migrant circulation patterns relate to family and household decision making, and the impact of remittances and migration upon community structure. Finally, using ethnographic data from rural Mexico, we illustrate our argument and demon...
Large moment formation and thermodynamic properties of disordered spin ladders with site dilution

Low temperature properties of antiferromagnetic two-leg spin-1/2 ladders with bond randomness and site dilution (or doping with nonmagnetic impurities) are studied using the real-space renormalization-group technique. We find that for nonzero dopant concentrations the systems are driven into a phase dominated by large effective spins, i.e., the large spin phase. The susceptibility follows a universal Curie-like 1/T behavior at low temperature, regardless of the dopant concentration (as long as it is nonzero) and the strength of bond randomness. A very similar behavior has been found in ladders that are doped with magnetic impurities that carry spin-1.
The Science and Philosophy of a Method for Assessing Environmental Causes

ABSTRACT When an environmental impairment has been identified, it becomes necessary to identify the cause so that an appropriate action can be planned. However, causation is difficult to establish—both conceptually and in practice. To ensure that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) method for causal assessment is appropriate and defensible, we reviewed concepts of causation from philosophers, statisticians, epidemiologists, and others. This article summarizes the results of that review and explains how it relates to the USEPA's method. We include a five-step process: (1) identify alternative candidate causes; (2) logically eliminate when possible; (3) diagnose when possible; (4) analyze the strength of evidence for remaining candidate causes; and (5) identify the most likely cause. We also encourage three practices: (1) use a consistent process; (2) do not claim proof of causation; and (3) document the evidence and inferences. This approach allows assessors to identify the most likely cau...
Exploiting dinucleotide microsatellites conserved among mammalian species.

Dinucleotide microsatellites are useful for gene mapping projects. Depending upon definition of conservation, published estimates of dinucleotide microsatellite conservation levels vary dramatically (30% to 100%). This study focused on well-characterized genes that contain microsatellites in the human genome. The objective was to examine the feasibility of developing microsatellite markers within genes on the basis of the assumption of microsatellite conservation across distantly related species. Eight genes (Gamma-actin, carcinoembryonic antigen, apolipoprotein A-II, cardiac beta myosin heavy chain, laminin B2 chain, MHC class I CD8 alpha chain, c-reactive protein, and retinoblastoma susceptibility protein) containing large dinucleotide repeat units (N ≥ 15), complete genomic structure information, and homologous gene sequences in a second species were selected. Heterologous primers were designed from conserved exon sequences flanking a microsatellite motif. PCR products from bovine and porcine genomic DNA were tested for the presence of microsatellite sequences by Southern blot hybridization with biotin-labeled (CA)12 oligonucleotides. Fragments containing microsatellites were cloned and sequenced. Homology was verified by sequence comparisons between human and corresponding bovine or porcine fragments. Four of sixteen (25%) cross-amplified PCR products contained dinucleotide repetitive sequences with repeat unit lengths of 5 to 23. Two dinucleotide repetitive sequences showed microsatellite length polymorphism, and an additional sequence displayed single-strand conformational polymorphism. Results from this study suggest that exploitation of conserved microsatellite sequences is a useful approach for developing specific genetic markers for comparative mapping purposes.
Analytical Description Of The Diffusion Coefficient And Current Of A Single Particle On A Two-dimensional Corral Model

The study of lateral dynamics in corrals has attracted atention since 1983 when Sheetz introduced the corral model. In this project, we propose a simple model consisting of a two-dimensional lattice containing periodically distributed flashing walls. These walls are represented by finite asymmetrical flashing potentials which isolate a portion of the lattice to represent semipermeable corrals. Contigous corrals share a wall creating an arrangement of similar compartments on the lattice. We included the presence of a constant external field to account for the effect of gradients, adding another degree of complexity to the dynamics of a single particle in this medium. We derive general analytical expressions to describe the diffusion coefficient (D) and the current (J) of a single particle moving on this medium. We use a formulation based on a single particle microscopic model and a diffusion relaxation condition to derive our equations as a function of the corral's size (and concentration), the time between flashes, and the strength of the external field. We compare our theory against Monte Carlo simulations.
Effects of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic chemicals on plasma esterases in BALB/c mice.

Abstract Esterase profiles of plasma from female BALB/c mice treated with a variety of carcinogenic and weakly- or non-carcinogenic chemicals were analyzed. Mice treated with the potent carcinogens diethylnitrosamine, dinitrosopiperazine, dipropylnitrosamine, dimethylhydrazine, urethane, and dimethyldinitrosopiperazine had similarly altered plasma esterase profiles after 7 days' exposure to the chemicals. The alterations consisted of increased activity in 4 esterase bands. The increased activity persisted in some of the bands after cessation of carcinogen exposure. Exposure to high concentrations of the weakly- or non-carcinogenic compounds nitrosohydroxyproline, nitrosomethoxymethylamine, 1-nitroso-4 methylpiperazine, nitroso-2,6 dimethylpiperidine, and ethyl methanesulfonate caused no obvious plasma esterase alterations. Ingestion of carbon tetrachloride resulted in increased activity in one esterase band with concomitant decrease in a second band. Analysis of serum from test mice for levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase-lactate substrate, and D -gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase did not differentiate between mice treated with selected carcinogens and those treated with non-carcinogens and/or carbon tetrachloride.
Alternative N-Terminal Domains of PSD-95 and SAP97 Govern Activity-Dependent Regulation of Synaptic AMPA Receptor Function

PSD-95 and SAP97 are scaffolding proteins that have been implicated in regulating AMPA receptor incorporation and function at synapses. Gain- and loss-of-function approaches, however, have generated conflicting results. To minimize adaptations during development and potential dominant-negative effects of overexpression, we have combined silencing of endogenous PSD-95 in mature neurons with heterologous expression of specific SAP97 or PSD-95 isoforms. We find that both PSD-95 and SAP97 contain alternative N termini expressing either double cysteines that normally are palmitoylated (alpha-isoforms) or an L27 domain (beta-isoforms). Whereas alpha-isoforms of PSD-95 and SAP97 influence AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic strength independent of activity, the effects of beta-isoforms are regulated by activity in a CaMKII-dependent manner. Importantly, the synaptic effects of the beta-isoforms are masked by the endogenous alpha-isoform of PSD-95. These results demonstrate that the different N termini of the predominant endogenous forms of PSD-95 (alpha-isoform) and SAP97 (beta-isoform) govern their role in regulating synaptic function.
Hydrogen bonding control of self-assembly: Simple isophthalic acid derivatives form cyclic hexameric aggregates

In this paper we demonstrate that six molecules of a functionalized isophthalic acid derivative form a cyclic aggregate stabilized by a network of 12 hydrogen bonds. The structure and stability of the aggregate were studied by X-ray crystallography, vapor phase osmometry and 1H NMR.
Delayed effects from retained foreign bodies in the spine and spinal cord

Abstract Gunshot injuries to the spine and spinal cord were covered adequately in the literature shortly after World War II. Similar injuries in the civilian population have been reported in the literature with regard to surgical and non-surgical treatment. However, the two cases reported here concern intraspinally retained foreign bodies (one bullet and one glass fragment), their effects on the neutral elements, and their management.
The stabilization of hemoglobin multiple emulsion for use as a red blood cell substitute

Abstract Utilizing emerging multiple emulsion and liquid membrane technology to form stable hemoglobin-in-oil-in-water (Hb/O/W) multiple emulsion (ME) droplets, efforts were aimed at formulating an artificial red blood cell for use as a blood substitute or organ perfusion system, which provides adequate oxygen-carrying capacity. With the development of this methodology, using large-scale fabrication methods, a concentrated Hb solution (to 35 g/100 ml) was emulsified in oil to form microdroplets by using an appropriate nontoxic surfactant in the oil phase, followed by dispersion of the primary emulsion into an outer aqueous phase containing surfactant to form the ME. Of the various oils tested both white (mineral) and tricaproin (triglyceride) showed the highest encapsulation efficiency for hemoglobin. Surfactants were used in the liquid membrane and outer aqueous phases to form and stabilize the multiple emulsion droplets (artificial cells). The Hb encapsulation efficiency and the oxygen content of freshly prepared multiple emulsion were as much as 98% and 14 ml/100 ml ME, respectively. The average diameter of the prepared ME droplets was about 2 to 3 μm. The steady shear viscosity of the ME was similar to that of whole blood over the shear rate range studied. Sensitivity to shear was evaluated for shear rates to 2160 s−1 and showed only very small leakage of Hb from the ME droplets into the outer aqueous phase; also the stability of the “artificial cells” during short-term storage (i.e., less than 30 days)
Electrographic correlates of behavior in the frog with special reference to sleep

Abstract 1. 1. The behavior of frogs ( Rana catesbiana ) was studied by the methods of direct observation, chronic electrographic recording, and intermittent electrical stimulation. 2. 2. Alert rest was the usual state of frogs under laboratory conditions, and very little spontaneous movement was observed. In response to stimulation, frogs became mobile or maintained a posture of defensive immobility. Sleep behavior was not observed. 3. 3. With the change from rest to activity the EEG shifted from a low voltage fast pattern to high voltage slower waves. The degree to which the EEG was synchronized was proportional to respiratory rate, which was a sensitive and reliable index of the behavioral state of the animal. 4. 4. Long term recordings of respiratory rate confirmed that unstimulated frogs maintained resting postures for many hours at night and moved only occasionally during the day. Within the state of rest there was a tendency for respiratory patterns to change with a periodicity of about 60 min. 5. 5. No changes in threshold of respiratory responses to cutaneous shock could be demonstrated in relation to behaviouralstate; frogs remained equally responsive in all phases of the rest-activity cycle. It was tentatively concluded that frogs do not sleep. 6. 6. The findings were compared with those relating to sleep among mammals, birds, and reptiles. It was proposed that sleep is a special state that develops phylogenetically in parallel with the elaboration of waking behavior and that both sleep and waking are functions of the cerebral cortex.
Fabrication and characterization of electrodeposited Cu 2 O p-n homojunction solar cells

Two device structures for electrodeposited Cu 2 O p-n homojunction solar cells, substrate and superstrate, have been fabricated and characterized. The Cu 2 O p-n homojunctions in these cells were prepared by a two-step sequential electrodeposition process. It was found that the open-circuit voltage of the cells was affected by solution pH during the deposition of the n-type Cu 2 O layer. Solution pH controls oxygen incorporation and thus the native point defects in Cu 2 O, which in turn controls the flat-band voltage of Cu 2 O. A thermal stability study indicates that the performance of the Cu 2 O solar cells is unstable at temperatures above 150 °C. For Cu 2 O superstrate solar cells, it was found that the thickness of the p-type Cu 2 O layer is critical to the performance of the cells. The open-circuit voltage, and thus the efficiency of the cells, is proportional to the thickness of the p-layer, and a 3 µm p-Cu 2 O layer is necessary for good performance. The highest efficiency of 0.15 % is achieved in a Cu 2 O substrate solar cell with an area of 0.01 cm2.
Channel aware target localization in wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we propose a new maximum-likelihood (ML) target location estimator which uses quantized sensor data and wireless channel statistics in a wireless sensor network. The novelty of our approach comes from the fact that imperfect channel statistics between wireless sensors and the fusion center are incorporated in the localization algorithm. We call this approach "channel-aware target localization". Furthermore, we derive the Cramer-Rao lower bound as a performance bound for our channel-aware ML estimator. Simulation results are presented to show that the performance of the channel-aware ML location estimator is quite close to its theoretical performance bound even with relatively small number of sensors and it has superior performance compared to that of the channel-unaware ML estimator.
Reduced cell migration, tumor growth and experimental metastasis of rat F-11 cells whose expression of GD3-synthase is suppressed.

We previously established a rat F-11 cell line whose expression of ganglioside GD3 was inhibited by stable transfection of the anti-sense vector against the GD3-synthase gene, showing that specific inhibition of GD3-synthase expression in tumor cells greatly reduced their growth rate in nude mice. Here, we report that down-regulation of GD3-synthase expression in anti-sense-transfected F-11 cells correlates with reduced cell migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. When cultures were denuded of cells in a 1-mm-wide strip, the anti-sense-transfected F-11 cells migrated very slowly into the denuded area. Differences in migration between anti-sense-transfected cells and control parental cells were easily apparent. In vitro invasion assay of F-11 cells revealed a 3-fold decrease in invasion ability from the GD3-synthase-suppressed cells; colony formation in soft agar was not affected. Injection (i.v.) of control sense-transfected and untransfected F-11 cells resulted in multiple, large metastatic nodules in each of the 12 mice, whereas i.v. injection of anti-sense-transfected F-11 cells formed a single, small metastatic nodule in only 2 of the 8 nude mice. In addition, even if metastasis occurred, the anti-sense-induced metastatic nodules were much smaller than the metastatic nodules formed by control F-11 cells. These results demonstrate that suppression of GD3-synthase expression, which results primarily in a marked decrease in the concentration of ganglioside GD3, greatly reduces cell spreading, invasion and both the incidence and growth rate of experimental metastasis of F-11 cells.
Preservation of Acidified Cucumbers with a Combination of Fumaric Acid and Cinnamaldehyde That Target Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts

: The naturally occurring compound, fumaric acid, was evaluated as a potential preservative for the long-term storage of cucumbers. Fumaric acid inhibited growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in an acidified cucumber juice medium model system resembling conditions that could allow preservation of cucumbers in the presence of sodium benzoate. Forty millimolars of fumaric acid were required to inhibit growth of an extremely aciduric Lactobacillus plantarum LA0445 strain at pH 3.8. Half of this concentration was required to achieve inhibition of L. plantarum LA0445 at pH 3.5. As expected growth of the spoilage yeasts Zygosaccharomyces globiformis and Z. bailii was not inhibited by fumaric acid at near saturation concentrations in the same cucumber juice medium. To usefully apply fumaric acid as a preservative in acidified foods it will be necessary to combine it with a food grade yeast inhibitor. The antimicrobial agent, cinnamaldehyde (3.8 mM) prevented growth of Z. globiformis as well as the yeasts that were present on fresh cucumbers. Acidified cucumbers were successfully preserved, as indicated by lack of yeasts or LAB growth and microbial lactic acid or ethanol production by a combination of fumaric acid and cinnamaldehyde during storage at 30 °C for 2 mo. This combination of 2 naturally occurring preservative compounds may serve as an alternative approach to the use of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or sodium metabisulfite for preservation of acidified vegetables without a thermal process. Practical Application: This study evaluates the potential application of alternative preservatives for the long-term storage of cucumbers in a reduced NaCl cover brine solution and without a thermal process.
On extensions of dmrl and related partial orderings of life distributions

Some properties of recently proposed partial orderings of life distributions are studied. Relations between NBUE ordering and mean residual life orderings of two arbitrary life distributions are investigated. The relationship between HNBUE ordering and total time on test transforms is considered. It is observed that the HNBUE ordering is the same as the Lorenz ordering.
Lifetimes of two-photon-emitting states in heliumlike and hydrogenlike nickel.

We report measurements of the lifetimes of the ${2}^{1}$${\mathrm{S}}_{0}$ state of heliumlike ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{26+}$ and the ${2}^{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{1/2}$ state of hydrogenlike ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{27+}$, both of which decay predominantly by two-photon emission. Our method differs from previous measurements of the lifetimes of similar states in that we require a coincidence between the two photons. Our lifetime of 217.1(1.8) ps for the hydrogenlike decay is in agreement with the theoretical value of 215.45 ps. The heliumlike decay lifetime of 156.1(1.6) ps is in fair agreement with the theoretical value of 154.3(0.5) ps.
The Braincase of the North American Therizinosaurian Nothronychus mckinleyi (Dinosauria, Theropoda)

The description and comparison of the posterior braincase of Nothronychus mckinleyi (MSM P-2117) from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Moreno Hills Formation of east-central New Mexico is updated. A...
Four stages of adulthood: An exploratory study of growth patterns of inner-direction and time-competence in women

Abstract The present study explored the growth patterns of Inner-direction (autonomy) and Time-competence (present orientation) over four stages of adulthood. Shostrom's Personal Orientation Inventory was administered to 343 female helping professionals ranging in age from 19 through 55. Results suggest a gradual increase in Inner-direction from age 19 to age 55 and a slight increase over this period in Time-competence. Time-competence shows marked shifts during the stage of midlife transition. Results for Inner-direction support Maslow's original theory of self-actualization as a gradual growth process, while those for Time-competence support more recent stage theory of adulthood.
Bioinspired Self‐Cleaning Antireflection Coatings

Millions of years before we began to generate functional nanostructures, biological systems were using nanometer-scale architectures to produce unique functionalities. For instance, moths use hexagonal arrays of nonclose-packed (ncp) nipples as antireflection coatings (ARCs) to reduce reflectivity from their compound eyes. The outer surface of the corneal lenses of moths consists of ncp arrays of conical protuberances, termed corneal nipples, typically of sub-300 nm height and spacing. These arrays of subwavelength nipples generate a graded transition of refractive index, leading to minimized reflection over a broad range of wavelengths and angles of incidence. Similar periodic arrays of ncp pillars have also been observed on the wings of cicada to render superhydrophobic surfaces for self-cleaning functionality. In this Communication, we report a simple and scalable bioinspired templating technique for fabricating broadband and superhydrophobic ARCs on technologically important silicon and glass substrates. Crystalline silicon is the most important material for solar cells. Unfortunately, due to the high refractive index of silicon, more than 30% of incident light is reflected back from the surface of crystalline silicon. ARCs are therefore widely utilized to reduce the unwanted reflective losses. Quarterwavelength silicon nitride (SiNx) films deposited by plasmaenhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) are the industrial standard for ARCs on crystalline silicon substrates. However, the PECVD-deposited SiNx films are expensive to fabricate. Additionally, commercial SiNx ARCs are typically designed to suppress reflection efficiently at wavelengths around 600 nm. The reflective loss is rapidly increased for near-infrared and other visible wavelengths, which contain a large portion of the incident solar energy. In contrast, subwavelength-structured moth-eye ARCs directly patterned in the substrates are broadband and intrinsically more stable and durable than multilayer ARCs since no foreign material is involved. Nevertheless, current topdown lithographic technologies in creating subwavelength
Evidence that DNA excision-repair in xeroderma pigmentosum group A is limited but biologically significant

Abstract The loss of pyrimidine dimers in nondividing populations of an excision-repair deficient xeroderma pigmentosum group A strain (XP12BE) was measured throughout long periods (up to 5 months) following exposure to low doses of ultraviolet light (UV, 254 nm) using a UV endonuclease-alkaline sedimentation assay. Excision of about 90% of the dimers induced by 1 J/m 2 occured during the first 50 days. The rate curve has some similarities with that of normal excision-repair proficient cultures that may not be coincidental. Rate curves for both XP12BE and normal cultures are characterized by a fast and slow component, with both rate constants for the XP12BE cultures (0.15 day −1 and 0.025 day −1 ) a factor of 10 smaller than those observed for the respective components of normal cell cultures. The slow components for both XP12BE and normal cultures extrapolate to about 30% of the initial number of dimers. No further excision was detected throughout an additional 90-day period even though the cultures were capable of excision-repair of other newly-introduced pyrimidine dimers. We conclude that nondividing XP12BE cells in addition to having a slower repair rate, cannot repair some of the UV-induced DNA damage. The repair in XP12BE is shown to have biological significance as detected by a cell-survival assay and dose-fractionation techniques. Nondividing XP12BE cells are more resistant to UV when irradiated chronically than when irradiated acutely with the same total dose.
Electron-induced decomposition of V2MoO8 and (V0.7Mo0.3)2O5 during imaging in the electron microscope

Abstract The two compounds V 2 MoO 8 and (V 0.7 Mo 0.3 ) 2 O 5 are observed to decompose in situ in the electron microscope during HRTEM observation at near atomic resolution. Oriented VO is the identifiable final product in each decomposition. There is a different unidentified intermediate to the decomposition for each compound. (V 0.7 Mo 0.3 ) 2 O 5 is not an intermediate of the decomposition of V 2 MoO 8 . Aside from gaining information on these specific decompositions, these studies broaden our insight into in-situ reactions that occur during HRTEM observations.
Urea Induced DNA Denaturation

Urea destabilizes (and at high concentrations, denatures) protein and nucleic acid secondary and tertiary structures. DNA and RNA secondary and tertiary structure stability has typically been studied by monitoring the attenuation of the unfolding transition temperature with increasing urea concentration. In this work, we have used uv-absorbance of four DNA dodecamer duplexes (with guanine-cytosine content ranging between 17-42%) at or near room temperature to determine the unfolding equilibrium constant dependence on urea concentration. We have found that the dependence of the unfolding equilibrium constant on urea concentration depends only weakly on duplex guanine-cytosine content, despite different urea concentration ranges where the duplexes unfold. The near constant dependence of the unfolding equilibrium constant on urea concentration for the duplexes indicate the interaction of urea with the newly exposed surface area during unfolding is nearly the same for all duplexes. Additionally, dln Kobs/d[urea] values agree favorably in magnitude with those determined via thermal denaturation, suggesting urea interactions at the newly exposed DNA surface area depend only minimally on temperature.
Accurate MALDI-TOF/TOF Sequencing of One-Bead-One-Compound Peptide Libraries with Application to the Identification of Multiligand Protein Affinity Agents Using in Situ Click Chemistry Screening

Combinatorial one-bead−one-compound (OBOC) peptide libraries are widely used for affinity screening, and the sequencing of peptides from hit beads is a key step in the process. For rapid sequencing, CNBr cleavage of the peptides from the beads, followed by de novo sequencing by MALDI-TOF/TOF, is explored. We report on a semiautomated sequencing algorithm and validate it through comparison against Edman degradation sequencing. The initial 44% sequencing success rate of the standard de novo sequencing software was improved to nearly 100%. The sequencing algorithm incorporates existing knowledge of amino acid chemistry and a new strategy for differentiating isobaric amino acids. We tested the algorithm by using MALDI-TOF/TOF to identify a peptide biligand affinity agent against the protein bovine carbonic anhydrase II, starting from comprehensive one-bead−one-compound peptide libraries comprised of non-natural and artificial amino acid components and using the strategy of in situ click/OBOC library screening.
2S Albumin Gene Expression in Castor Plant (Ricinus communis L.)

In the castor plant (Ricinus communis L.), 2S albumins are highly allergenic seed proteins and are detrimental to the reintroduction of castor as a U.S. crop. Others have shown that the two 2S albumins are encoded by a single gene and processed from a precursor protein in castor. Little is known about the expression pattern of the 2S albumin gene. As part of a genetic approach to eliminating 2S albumin from castor, we investigated the developmental expression of this gene in castor seed. To assess seed developmental age quickly and accurately, we established a set of simple criteria, which included two visual markers, seed coat color and endosperm volume, and defined three phases that encompass the course of castor seed development. Northern analysis indicated that the 2S albumin mRNA is highly abundant in the mid-phase of seed development. A comparison of 2S albumin genomic DNA and cDNA clones from two castor cultivars indicated that only a single gene is expressed. Protein domain sequence analysis revealed that castor 2S albumin contains the trypsin/α-amylase inhibitor family domain, suggesting a role for the albumin in insect resistance.
Cell survival as a function of depth for modulated negative pion beams

Abstract Cell survival measurements as a function of depth have been reported for three pion beams modulated in different ways. Cultured human cells (line T 1) suspended in gelatin medium were used in this investigation. A uniform dose distribution in the peak region was found to produce more cell killing at the distal side of the peak compared to the proximal side. A uniform π − stopping distribution in the peak region produced more cell killing at the proximal side of the peak compared to the distal side. These two distributions represent the extremes. The optimum dose distribution to obtain uniform biological effect in a broad pion peak region can be acquired by making the dose distribution nearly uniform from the proximal side of the peak to the peak center and then reducing the dose gradually from the peak center to the distal end of the peak. Cell killing in the peak region was more uniform for all three dose distributions when two opposing and overlapping fields were used. Dose distributions to produce uniform cell killing should be checked at higher doses because of the small rate of survival change in the shoulder region compared to the exponential region.
Toward a Student-Centered Learning Focus Inventory for Junior High and Middle School Teachers.

AbstractAn instrument was developed to assess the relative student-centeredness of junior high and middle school teachers. The final 16-item semantic differential version had a reliability coefficient of .83. It correlated .47 (substantial relationship) with principals’ judgments of the student-centeredness of individuals on a junior high school faculty.
Metallographic observation of cleaved grains in polycrystalline beryllium

Abstract In recent studies of cleaved grain densities in CIP/HIP P-1 beryllium, different densities were observed for the same amount of plastic deformation in samples prepared by two different metallographic procedures. One polishing procedure was exclusively mechanical while the other included a final etch-polish step. This work addressed the reason for the difference in observed cleaved grain densities. Results showed that stress corrosion cracking in the presence of residual stresses and the etchant did not occur. The difference arose because some cracks were covered up during mechanical polishing.
“LITTLE ODESSA”—BRIGHTON BEACH, BROOKLYN: AN EXAMINATION OF THE FORMER SOVIET REFUGEE ECONOMY IN NEW YORK CITY

Since the mid-1970s, the United States has resettled over 400,000 refugees and immigrants from former Soviet Republics, a quarter of whom have settled in New York City. The focal point and economic center of the former Soviet community has become Brighton Beach, a neighborhood in southern Brooklyn where a growing number of Russian and Ukrainian small businesses have emerged. This study examines ethnic entrepreneurship among the former Soviets in light of three models: human capital model, disadvantage theory, and culture theory. These models are applicable to the former Soviet population only when understood in light of federal refugee assistance programs.
A simple method for computing the relativistic Compton scattering kernel for radiative transfer

The Klein–Nishina differential cross section averaged over a relativistic Maxwellian electron distribution is analytically reduced to a single integral, which can then be rapidly evaluated in a variety of ways. This is, to our knowledge, the first correct computation of the Compton scattering kernel.
Predicting Success and Failure in College Ancient and Modern Foreign Languages

LANGUAGES, ancient and modern, comprise a large portion of the classes carried by college students. About five-sixths of our students have taken at least one of these subjects, in addition to which, of course, many students take several languages. Indeed, some colleges require all students to take some foreign language. Vocational and educational guides in high school as well as personnel officers and registrars in college therefore ought to know, as far as possible, the relation of such measures as are available to success in the languages in general and to success and failure in specific languages. It is undoubtedly of profound importance that data be available indicating, prior to college entrance, the likelihood of success and failure in broad major fields of knowledge. The present investigation is part of a larger study of prediction.' It presents a specific university situation, although it is altogether likely to resemble closely other situations, particularly those of colleges in New York State.
Gap junctions equalize intracellular Na+ concentration in astrocytes

Gap junctions between glial cells allow intercellular exchange of ions and small molecules. We have investigated the influence of gap junction coupling on regulation of intracellular Na + concentration ([Na + ;) in cultured rat hippocampal astrocytes, using fluorescence ratio imaging with the Na + indicator dye SBFI (sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate). The [Na + ;in neighboring astrocytes was very similar (12.0 ± 3.3 mM) and did not fluctuate under resting conditions. During uncoupling of gap junctions with octanol(0.5 mM), baseline [Na + ] i ; was unaltered in 24%, increased in 54%, and decreased in 22% of cells. Qualitatively similar results were obtained with two other uncoupling agents, heptanol and α-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA). Octanol did not alter the recovery from intracellular Na + load induced by removal of extracellular K + , indicating that octanol's effects on baseline [Na + ; were not due to inhibition of Na + , K + -ATPase activity. Under control conditions, increasing [K + ] o from 3 to 8 mM caused similar decreases in [Na + i in groups of astrocytes, presumably by stimulating Na + , K + -ATPase. During octanol application, [K + ] o -induced [Na + ; decreases were amplified in cells with increased baseline [Na + I;, and reduced in cells with decreased baseline [Na + ] i . This suggests that baseline [Na + i in astrocytes sets the responsiveness of Na + , K + -ATPase to increases in [K + ]. Our results indicate that individual hippocampal astrocytes in culture rapidly develop different levels of baseline [Na + ; when they are isolated from one another by uncoupling agents. In astrocytes, therefore, an apparent function of coupling is the intercellular exchange of Na + ions to equalize baseline [Na + ;, which serves to coordinate physiological responses that depend on the intracellular concentration of this ion.
What School Movies and TFA Teach Us About Who Should Teach Urban Youth: Dominant Narratives as Public Pedagogy

White teacher savior films (WTSFs) depict the teaching profession as one for which conventional credentialing is unnecessary. White teachers with little training and experience perform miracles in ...
Differential Influence of Interleukin-12 in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune and Virus-Induced Central Nervous System Demyelination

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) disease are two demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) that serve as animal models for multiple sclerosis. Th1 cells are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of CNS demyelination in both these diseases. We show here the differential influence of interleukin 12, a critical cytokine for the development of Th1 cells in EAE and TMEV disease.
Effect of high boron application on boron content and growth of melons

Management options for reducing drainage water volumes on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley of California, such as reuse of saline drainage water and water table control, have the potential to adversely impact crop yields due to a build up in soil solution boron concentration. An earlier experiment had shown that extrapolation of B soil tests to field conditions provided poor predictability of B content of melons despite statistically significant relationships. Consequently, three tests for extractable soil B were evaluated for their ability to predict conditions of potential B toxicity in melons grown under controlled conditions. Melons were grown for 95 days in two consecutive years in containers of Lillis soil (very-fine, smectitic, thermic Halic Haploxerert) that had been pretreated with solutions containing B concentrations as great as 5.3 mmol L −1 . Extractable soil B was determined using ammonium acetate, DTPA-sorbitol, and a 1:1 aqueous soil extract at the beginning and end of the experiment. The B treatments caused various deleterious effects on melon growth and development. Fresh and dry plant matter decreased significantly with increasing B concentrations, while B concentration of plant leaves, stems, and fruits increased significantly with increasing B. The number of days to first flowering was significantly delayed from 35 days at B treatments 3 mmol L −1 . Fruit set was completely inhibited at the highest B treatment of 5.3 mmol L −1 . Plant analysis revealed a highly significant relationship between soil extract B obtained with all three extractants and leaf, stem, and fruit B content. Correlation coefficients for plant stems and fruits were much higher than for plant leaves. Correlation coefficients for all soil tests were almost equivalent, although the highest values were obtained for the DTPA-sorbitol extract indicating the greatest predictive capability. The soil tests were well able to predict B damage to melons in a container experiment.
Repair of Intraoperative Paravalvular Tears

Tears of the aortic annulus occur occasionally when the aortic valve prosthesis is seated into the annulus. If a Hall Medtronic valve or other disk-type valve is used, this tear can be visualized and repaired easily by use of a subannular suturing technique.
A wide, complex look at cardiac dysrhythmias

The diagnosis and treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias answers the following four questions: Is the patient stable? Is the rate fast or slow? Are the ventricular complexes wide or narrow? Is the rhythm regular or irregular? The most common narrow complex regular tachycardias are sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia that blocks, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Carotid sinus massage is useful in differentiation. Irregular narrow-complex tachycardias are usually atrial fibrillation. An ultra-rapid wide-complex or polymorphous irregular tachycardia is likely to be atrial fibrillation with ventricular preexcitation. Wide-complex regular tachycardias present a special challenge, since wide beats may result from supraventricular or ventricular impulse formation. Ventricular tachycardia is more likely than supraventricular tachycardia in the presence of underlying ischemic heart disease, atrioventricular dissociation, fusion or capture beats, or a very broad (greater than .14 seconds) QRS complex. Still, misdiagnosis is common; the most costly mistake is over-diagnosis of SVT. In emergencies, where vital organ hypoperfusion is present, the origin of the impulse and the name of the dysrhythmia are unimportant. With the exception of sinus tachycardia, all life-threatening, rapid tachycardias should be terminated by electrical cardioversion.
Mechanism of Infertility in Male Guinea Pigs Immunized with Sperm PH-20

PH-20, a testis-specific protein first expressed in haploid germ cells, is present on the posterior head plasma membrane and inner acrosomal membrane of mature guinea pig sperm. PH-20 is bifunctional, having a hyaluronidase activity that allows sperm to penetrate the cumulus layer and a separate activity required for binding of acrosome-reacted sperm to the zona pellucida. The immunization of male guinea pigs with PH-20 reproducibly results in infertility with a duration of 6-12 mo or longer. In this study, we analyzed the immunopathology in the reproductive tract of PH-20-immunized males to probe the mechanism(s) responsible for the induced infertility and found two separate effects. Remarkably, in almost all infertile, PH-20-immunized males, the caudae epididymides were empty (contained no sperm) or contained only abnormal sperm. The complete loss of normal sperm in the epididymis apparently results in infertility. A second effect was the induction of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO), representing the first report of EAO induced by a purified testis/sperm molecule of known functions. PH-20-induced EAO differed from EAO induced by crude testis antigens in two respects: 1) an absence of epididymitis with abscess and granuloma and 2) the presence of antibody on germ cells within seminiferous tubules and inside the cauda epididymidis. The former suggests that crude testis antigens other than PH-20 are responsible for epididymitis, and the latter suggests a possible role of antibody in EAO pathogenesis and infertility induction. Return to fertility, after 6-12 mo, was accompanied by regression of EAO and reappearance of spermatozoa in the caudae epididymides.
α4β2 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, willing if able

Li and Steinbach apply nonstationary noise analysis to the whole-cell current responses of low sensitivity α4β2 nAChR stably-expressed in HEK cells. These receptors represent one of the most important nAChR subtypes in brain, and also one of the most difficult to study in native tissues. They found the activating properties of the full agonists ACh and nicotine to be similar with regard to Popen and single channel conductance, whereas the weak α4β2 partial agonist cytisine caused channels to open with low probability but increased single channel conductance. When optimally stimulated by either of the full agonists, approximately 80% of the available receptors opened at the peak of the response. However, comparisons of whole-cell current to estimates of total cell surface receptors, indicated that only about 7% of the total receptor population can be activated. These observations provide important and intriguing new pieces of the brain nicotine receptor puzzle.
The kit ligand: a cell surface molecule altered in steel mutant fibroblasts.

Abstract The c- kit proto-oncogene, the gene at the mouse W developmental locus, is one of a substantial group of genes that appear to encode cell surface receptors but for which the ligands are unknown. We have characterized the kit ligand by a generally applicable approach: the receptor extracellular domain was genetically fused to placental alkaline phosphatase, producing a soluble receptor affinity reagent with an enzyme tag that could be easilly and sensitively traced. This fusion protein, APtag-KIT, was used to demonstrate a specific binding interaction (K D = 3 × 10 −8 M) with a ligand on 3T3 fibroblast lines. In situ staining showed labeling over the whole surface of the 3T3 cells, but not extending to adjacent nonexpressing cells. These findings provide direct molecular evidence that the kit ligand can exist as a cell surface protein. Binding was not detected on 3T3 fibroblasts carrying the steel ( SI ) mutation, confirming the biological significance of the binding activity and demonstrating that mutations at the SI locus affect the expression or structure of the kit ligand.
Sensitivity of Gliding Bacteria to Actinomycin D

Growth of 20 of 22 strains of gliding bacteria (including fruiting myxobacteria) was inhibited by relatively low concentrations of actinomycin D.