cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clustering of binary colloidal suspensions: Theory

Abstract Recent experiments on binary colloidal suspensions have shown that particles of the first kind (e.g., alumina) can be induced to flocculate by the presence of particles of the second kind (e.g., polyacrylate), within a certain range of the density of the second species of particles. This is similar to the depletion flocculation and depletion stabilization of polymer—colloidal systems. We have thoroughly examined the binary-particle systems with numerical simulations (Monte Carlo) as well as with analytical equilibrium calculations [cluster variation method (CVM)]. The simulations show a peak in the flocculation rate as the number density of the second species particles is varied, in agreement with the experiments. The CVM calculations show a monotonic increase in cluster size as the particle 2 density is increased. Moreover, the simulations show an aging phenomenon at high particle 2 densities, i.e., the growth of the cluster size in the initially restabilized region, which has also been well observed in the experiment. We further show from free energy calculations that the flocculated state, including the seemingly restabilized state at high particle 2 densities, is metastable and the underlying thermodynamically stable state is phase separation. Therefore, the restabilization at high particle 2 densities is due to kinetics, namely the slowdown in particle movements, but not to thermodynamic reasons. Our calculations together with the experiments on binary colloids may shed some light on the understanding of polymer—colloidal systems.
The disjunct coastal plain flora in the Great Lakes region

Three areas in the Great Lakes region are known to harbor species whose primary range is the coastal plain: (1) the southeastern Georgian Bay region of Ontario, (2) the sandplains near Lake Michigan in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana, and (3) the lacustrine sand deposits in central and northern Wisconsin. Secondary areas with smaller concentrations are found in the southeastern Lake Ontario region of New York, the Lake Erie region, small areas of north-central Illinois, and local areas of northern Michigan. These areas are all sand deposits associated with postglacial lakes and drainage channels. A review of the flora of the Great Lakes region disclosed a list of 62 primarily coastal plain species that are disjunct to the Great Lakes region. The species are largely herbs, nearly half are graminoids, and many are annuals. Their habitats are primarily sandy, gravelly, or peaty emergent shores of shallow, soft-water ponds and small lakes with fluctuating water levels, or sometimes sandy, periodically flooded swales. A few species are aquatic, and fewer still are bog or wet forest species. Most are evident only during years of low water levels, and sometimes their appearance is quite sporadic, making survey and monitoring work difficult. However, the consequences of loss of populations can be severe since, with disjuncts, there may be no seed source nearby to facilitate recolonization of sites. The sandy lakeshore habitats are frequently prime recreational lands, thus creating additional pressures. Previous hypotheses for the occurrence of these disjuncts suggested gradual migration along the shores of postglacial lakes and drainages. However, these species do not typically inhabit shores of rivers and large lakes. As well, habitats along these shores undoubtedly were not continuous. Nevertheless, the localized occurrence of the species at the termini of major postglacial drainages in spite of the more widespread availability of apparently suitable habitats argues against random long distance dispersal Here proposed is that these species migrated into the Great Lakes region through dispersal jumps of varying distances between substantial areas of suitable habitat created along major postglacial drainage channels. Once in the Great Lakes area, they were most successful in areas with extensive drying shorelines.
Behavioral effects of the novel cannabinoid full agonist AM 411

Abstract AM 411 ((-)-1-adamantyl-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a novel full agonist at cannabinoid CB1 receptors. The present studies were conducted to provide behavioral characterization of this compound in rats. It was hypothesized that AM 411 should produce behavioral effects similar to known cannabinoid agonists, and that these effects should be inhibited by co-treatment with a CB1 antagonist. In Experiments 1 and 2, AM 411 dose-dependently produced behaviors consistent with CB1 agonism, including analgesia, hypothermia, catalepsy and reductions in locomotion, which were blocked by a CB1-selective antagonist. In Experiment 3, AM 411 produced a dose-dependent suppression of lever-pressing on a fixed-ratio 5 (FR5) schedule, a task known to be sensitive to administration of CB1 agonists. Detailed analysis of the temporal patterns of operant responding showed that AM 411 altered the distribution of interresponse times. Experiment 4 showed that AM 411 decreased relative interior activity in the open field, which is suggestive of an anxiogenic effect. It is concluded that AM 411 produces CB1 agonist-like behavior with potency between that of WIN 55,212-2 and AM 356. AM 411 could be a useful tool for understanding the behavioral and neural effects of CB1 receptor stimulation.
Stability conditions for the generalized Ising model: S = 1

We consider the generalized Ising model for a spin-1 system, i.e., the most general static Hamiltonian with pair interactions in a spin-1 subspace. This Hamiltonian has previously been used to model lattice-gas systems, ternary alloys, and normal liquid mixtures, as well as other threestate systems. As special cases one obtains the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model for $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ mixtures and the Blume-Capel model for singlet-ground-state systems. Here we use exact hightemperature expansions in field, to the linear term in $\ensuremath{\beta}={({k}_{B}T)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for the pair-correlation functions, to construct the generalized static susceptibility. The singularity in the susceptibility as the system is lowered in temperature yields an expression for the temperature at which the system becomes unstable with respect to fluctuations in the order parameters. This stability temperature is a function of the order parameters and the interactions. Our result is equivalent to the mean-field approximation (with its incumbent limitations) and yields a surface in thermodynamic space which separates regions of stability (or metastability) and instability. We look specifically at the stability surfaces and stability temperatures for a number of special cases as well as the general result.
THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF THYMINE AND BROMOURACIL IN VIVO

. A study of the relative sensitivity of bromouracil and thymine to photochemical alteration (2537A) when incorporated into the DNA of bacterial cells has led to the conclusion that bromouracil is about twice as reactive as thymine. This offers a chemical basis for the sensitization of bacteria to ultraviolet light by incorporated bromouracil. Bromouracil forms at least five photoproducts in vivo. The relative proportions of these several photoproducts is significantly different in E. coli B/r and Enterococcus Stei. Uracil is the chief photoproduct of bromouracil in Enterococcus Stei but in E. coli B/r the major photo-product (which is a minor product in Enrerococcus Stei) is as yet unidentified. Preliminary data on the five to nine decomposition products of the dimer of bromouracil and the mixed dimer of uracil and bromouracil (produced in irradiated frozen solution) have suggested a tentative explanation for the differences in products in the two organisms. The results for Enterococcus Stei appear consistent with the asumption that the major photo-product of bromouracil is the dimer and this then decomposes to yield mainly uracil (as it does in vitro). E. coli B/r takes up less bromouracil and the photoproducts formed resemble more closely those found for the in vitro decomposition of the bromouracil-uracil dimer. These results suggest that the primary photoproduct of bromouracil in E. coli B/r may be either a mixed dirner (intrastrand) with cytosine (with the subsequent deamination of the cytosine) or an interstrand crosslink with either bromouracil or cytosine. Thymine forms at least four photoproducts other than the dimer. Two of these photoproducts are significantly elevated in that portion of the bacterial DNA that is rendered non-extractable by detergent after ultraviolet irradiation (remains associated with protein) and are also found in irradiated poly-dAT. From the rate of formation of thymine dimers in irradiated (2537A) E. coli B/r it can be calculated that approximately 1 erg/mm2 produces one thymine dimer.
Results of an autologous tissue reconstruction for replacement of obstructed extracardiac conduits.

Abstract Between May 1983 and March 1, 1995, 50 patients had replacement of an obstructed pulmonary ventricle–pulmonary artery conduit with an autologous tissue reconstruction in which a prosthetic roof was placed over the fibrous tissue bed of the explanted conduit. The roof was constructed with xenograft pericardium (most recently) ( n = 42), homograft dura mater ( n = 5), or Dacron fabric ( n = 3). Patient ages ranged from 5 to 34 years (median 16 years). The explanted conduits were Hancock conduits ( n = 33), Tascon conduits ( n = 6), homograft ( n = 4), Dacron tube ( n = 3), and others ( n = 4). Preoperative maximum systolic gradients ranged from 44 to 144 mm Hg (median 78 mm Hg). Thirty-seven concomitant cardiac procedures were done in 29 patients. When a valve was necessary ( n = 15), it was possible to place a large-sized valve in the autologous tissue reconstructions (range 22 to 29 mm, median 26 mm). Cardiopulmonary bypass times ranged from 34 to 223 minutes (median 84 minutes), and aortic crossclamp times ranged from 0 (in 32 patients) to 109 minutes (median 0 minutes). Intraoperative postrepair peak systolic gradients from pulmonary ventricle to pulmonary artery ranged from 0 to 33 mm Hg (median 13 mm Hg). There was one early death (2%) in a patient who had additional cardiac procedures. Follow-up was complete in all patients and ranged from 1 month to 11.8 years (median 7.5 years). There were two sudden late deaths: conduits in both were known to be free from obstruction. Forty-four of the 47 surviving patients had evaluation of the gradient by echocardiography or cardiac catheterization 1 month to 11 years (median 7 years) after operation. The gradients ranged from 5 to 45 mm Hg (median 20 mm Hg). None of the conduits developed an obstructive peel, valve obstruction, or valve incompetence. At 10 years, the freedom from reoperation for conduit obstruction was 100%, and freedom from reoperation for any cause was 81%. This technique simplifies conduit replacement, allows for a generous-sized outflow tract, has a low risk, and yields late results that appear superior to those of cryopreserved homografts or other types of extracardiac conduits. (J THORAC CARDIOVASC SURG 1995;110:1359-68)
Structure and regulation of the vacuolar ATPases

The vacuolar (H(+))-ATPases (V-ATPases) are ATP-dependent proton pumps responsible for both acidification of intracellular compartments and, for certain cell types, proton transport across the plasma membrane. Intracellular V-ATPases function in both endocytic and intracellular membrane traffic, processing and degradation of macromolecules in secretory and digestive compartments, coupled transport of small molecules such as neurotransmitters and ATP and in the entry of pathogenic agents, including envelope viruses and bacterial toxins. V-ATPases are present in the plasma membrane of renal cells, osteoclasts, macrophages, epididymal cells and certain tumor cells where they are important for urinary acidification, bone resorption, pH homeostasis, sperm maturation and tumor cell invasion, respectively. The V-ATPases are composed of a peripheral domain (V(1)) that carries out ATP hydrolysis and an integral domain (V(0)) responsible for proton transport. V(1) contains eight subunits (A-H) while V(0) contains six subunits (a, c, c', c'', d and e). V-ATPases operate by a rotary mechanism in which ATP hydrolysis within V(1) drives rotation of a central rotary domain, that includes a ring of proteolipid subunits (c, c' and c''), relative to the remainder of the complex. Rotation of the proteolipid ring relative to subunit a within V(0) drives active transport of protons across the membrane. Two important mechanisms of regulating V-ATPase activity in vivo are reversible dissociation of the V(1) and V(0) domains and changes in coupling efficiency of proton transport and ATP hydrolysis. This review focuses on recent advances in our lab in understanding the structure and regulation of the V-ATPases.
Advances in ICP monitoring techniques

AbstractWith the advent of newer devices for measuring intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral metabolism, more alternatives continue to rise aiming to control ICP. This manuscript presents a proposed analysis of different ICP monitoring devices in order to make appropriate selection of them in our clinical setting including general and pediatric applications. A systematic review of the literature was made analyzing the technical advances in ICP monitoring. The recent in vitro and in vivo tests as well as mathematical/computer models were reviewed. Practical applications of principles were discussed and compared based on the mode of pressure transformation. A ventricular catheter connected to an external strain gauge transducer or catheter tip pressure transducer device is considered to be the most accurate method of monitoring ICP and enables therapeutic CSF drainage. The significant infections or hemorrhage associated with ICP devices causing patient morbidity are clinically rare and should not deter t...
CNS control of body temperature during hibernation

Abstract 1. 1. The hypothalami of golden-mantled ground squirrels at various stages of hibernation were heated and cooled while rates of heat production and loss were continuously monitored. 2. 2. The hypothalamus of the euthermic squirrel between bouts of torpor is extremely sensitive to temperature displacement and activates thermoregulatory mechanisms with little or no negative feedback from extrahypothalamic core or peripheral receptors. 3. 3. During deep hibernation the CNS regulator of body temperature is inactive. 4. 4. Low temperatures which induce arousals are sensed in the brain but probably not in the hypothalamus. 5. 5. Arousals involve a rapid re-activation of the hypothalamic temperature regulator and a rapid rise in the set point for body temperature to the euthermic level.
Cytokine and adrenal axis responses to endotoxin.

Abstract The push–pull cannula (PPC) technique was applied to examine the kinetics of in vivo concentration changes in male rat brain extracellular fluid (ECF) of endogenous interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) after a peripheral injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (25 μg/100 g b.wt. intravenously). In addition, IL-1β, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone concentrations in plasma were also measured at selected intervals after LPS challenge. Administration of LPS resulted in a progressive increase in the concentrations of IL-1β in brain hypothalamic ECF. A significant increase from the zero time mean value of 77±10 to 393±88 pg/ml at the 15-min interval was recorded. The increase in IL-1β concentration in hypothalamic ECF reached a peak of 883±237 pg/ml at 30 min post-LPS. CRH concentration in the same hypothalamic ECF was 41±17 pg/ml at time zero, 97±15 pg/ml at 15 min and at 30 min was significantly increased (215±56 pg/ml). A time course of significant increases at 30 min in plasma concentrations of IL-1β, ACTH and corticosterone was also recorded in the same animals described above. The data show that a peripherally administered LPS bolus elicited an early (over 15 min post-injection) increase in brain ECF IL-1β concentration; additional significant increases in hormones released from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were recorded at 30 min post-LPS injection. These observations support the concept of an early change in hypothalamic ECF concentration of IL-1β preceding LPS-induced activation of the HPA axis.
Attitudes towards anorexia nervosa: the impact of framing on blame and stigma.

Objective: We examined experimentally the way in which exposure to a sociocultural versus a biological/genetic explanation of the etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) differentially affected attitudes towards AN. Method: Undergraduate nursing students were randomly assigned to read information emphasizing either biological/genetic or sociocultural factors in the development of AN. They then completed a series of questionnaires assessing their attitudes towards individuals with AN. Nonparametric tests were used to evaluate attitudinal differences between groups. Results: Those who were exposed to a biological/genetic explanation of the causes of AN tended to blame individuals with AN less than those exposed to a sociocultural explanation, although all results were not robust to correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusion: If these results are replicated in larger, population-based samples, wider dissemination of information regarding the biological and genetic underpinnings of AN should be considered as a possible pathway in decreasing the blame-based stigma associated with AN. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008.
Effects of Cerebral Palsy on Neuropsychological Function

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a muscle and movement disorder that affects children and is the result of early brain injury. The causes and nature of the brain damage may vary considerably, which renders children with cerebral palsy a heterogeneous group. Only recently has research begun to utilize technology to determine the nature of the brain injury and the relation to clinical observations. This paper reviews neuropsychological findings on children with a diagnosis of CP with regard to the spastic, dyskinetic, and ataxic types. Specifically, areas of sensorimotor functioning, language and verbal skills, visual-spatial and perceptual skills, learning and memory, and executive functioning are reviewed. Implications for learning as well as a neurobiological cause of executive function deficits are discussed.
A Clinical Evaluation of the Nimbus ® Dynamic Flotation System

The mattress and pump unit weigh less than 15 kg, making the system portable and suitable for use on all wards in the hospital. The mattress cover is autoclavable to aid infection control and is waterproof, but vapour permeable, for patient comfort. The operating controls are simple with a 'clock face' setting mechanism for the pressure distributor system. METHODOLOGY The evaluation was carried out under the terms of a written protocol. Prior to commencement, safety inspections were undertaken and an indemnity form obtained.
Revised subfamily classification for Polygonaceae, with a tribal classification for Eriogonoideae

Recent phylogenetic studies have provided a revised hypothesis of the evolutionary relationships within Polygonaceae, particularly regarding placement of certain tropical taxa. Based on phylogenetic data, we recognize three subfamilies: Eriogonoideae, Polygonoideae, and Symmerioideae. Within the Eriogonoideae we accept six tribes, two of which, Leptogoneae and Gymnopodieae, are new.
Altering occlusal vertical dimension provisionally with base metal onlays: a clinical report.

This article presents a method for altering occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) to restore dentitions with limited restorative space due to loss of tooth structure. A provisional increase in OVD is achieved using predominately base metal onlays, which offer advantages over conventional techniques. The onlays are resistant to wear, may be bonded well to nonrestored and restored tooth surfaces with resin cements, and provide a fairly reversible method of increasing OVD. A patient situation is presented which demonstrates the use of provisional base metal onlays in complete mouth rehabilitation. (J Prosthet Dent 2008;100:338-342)
Factors Influencing Organizational Effectiveness VII. A Survey of Aircraft Supervisors

Summary A previous study in this series (4) reported the results obtained from questionnaire validation with a sample of hourly workers at the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Burbank, California.2 In that and other studies in the series (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7), questionnaires composed of objective and relatively homogeneous items, or dimensions, were given to employees to obtain quantitative measures of their attitudes toward various aspects of their work, the organization, and its supervision. These dimension scores have been validated against a variety of criteria, including ratings, quality control measures, and production data.
A visualization model for supercomputing environments

A description is given of a visualization environment that integrates a supercomputer, large storage facilities, and a visualisation server to let scientists analyze large, complex problems and view pseudo-high-performance, interactive graphics on desktop displays. The paper covers the shared, centralized server, the current prototype environment, and the software environment. >
Patients’ Perspectives on the Management of Emotional Distress in Primary Care Settings

Objective To investigate how important treatment for emotional distress is to primary care patients in general and to primary care patients with depression, and to evaluate the types of mental health interventions they desire.
The isolation and structural elucidation of pentalenolactone E

Pentalenolactone E, isolated as the methyl ester from cultures of Streptomyces UC5319, has been to have structure 5.
Consistent Description of Higher-Spin Fields

A generalization of the scalar product of the Dirac theory is proposed which together with a recently described generalization of the Dirac equation leads to a simple description of a massive ($mg0$), spin-$s$ relativistic field. This theory avoids the difficulties of parity doubling, indefinite metric, and negative energies in the second-quantized formalism, while preserving the consistency and causality of the wave equation in an external electromagnetic field.
β-Structure in glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract 1. 1. The secondary structure of rabbit muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( d -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate: NAD + oxidoreductase (phosphorylating), EC 1.2.1.12) appears to be predominately β-structure as judged by infrared absorption and circular dichroism. The magnitude of the ellipticity in the 217-nm region indicates that this protein may contain more β-structure than any other protein so far examined by this technique. 2. 2. Treatment of the native enzyme with sodium dodecyl sulfate, in addition to dissociating the tetrameric enzyme into monomers, alters the circular dichroic spectrum from one which is typically a β-type spectrum to one which is characteristic of α-helix.
Characteristics of alpha/beta interferon induction after infection of murine fibroblasts with wild-type and mutant alphaviruses

We examined the characteristics of interferon alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta) induction after alphavirus or control Sendai virus (SeV) infection of murine fibroblasts (MEFs). As expected, SeV infection of wild-type (wt) MEFs resulted in strong dimerization of IRF3 and the production of high levels of IFN-alpha/beta. In contrast, infection of MEFs with multiple alphaviruses failed to elicit detectable IFN-alpha/beta. In more detailed studies, Sindbis virus (SINV) infection caused dimerization and nuclear migration of IRF3, but minimal IFN-beta promoter activity, although surprisingly, the infected cells were competent for IFN production by other stimuli early after infection. A SINV mutant defective in host macromolecular synthesis shutoff induced IFN-alpha/beta in the MEF cultures dependent upon the activities of the TBK1 IRF3 activating kinase and host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) PKR and MDA5 but not RIG-I. These results suggest that wild-type alphaviruses antagonize IFN induction after IRF3 activation but also may avoid detection by host PRRs early after infection.
The K2/Spice Phenomenon: emergence, identification, legislation and metabolic characterization of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense products

In 2008, the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) detected unregulated, psychoactive synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) in purportedly all-natural herbal incense products (often known as K2 or Spice) that were being covertly abused as marijuana substitutes. These drugs, which include JWH-018, JWH-073 and CP-47,497, bind and activate the cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R with remarkable potency and efficacy. Serious adverse effects that often require medical attention, including severe cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and psychiatric sequelae, are highly prevalent with SCB abuse. Consequently, progressively restrictive legislation in the US and Europe has banned the distribution, sale and use of prevalent SCBs, initiating cycles in which herbal incense manufacturers replace banned SCBs with newer unregulated SCBs. The contents of the numerous, diverse herbal incense products was unknown when SCB abuse first emerged. Furthermore, the pharmacology of the active components was largely uncharacterized, and confirmation of SCB use was hindered by a lack of known biomarkers. These knowledge gaps prompted scientists across multiple disciplines to rapidly (1) monitor, identify and quantify with chromatography/mass spectrometry the ever-changing contents of herbal incense products, (2) determine the metabolic pathways and major urinary metabolites of several commonly abused SCBs and (3) identify active metabolites that possibly contribute to the severe adverse effect profile of SCBs. This review comprehensively describes the emergence of SCB abuse and provides a historical account of the major case reports, legal decisions and scientific discoveries of the "K2/Spice Phenomenon". Hypotheses concerning potential mechanisms SCB adverse effects are proposed in this review.
Using a multicultural approach to teach chemistry and the nature of science to undergraduate non-majors

This research documents the creation, implementation, and evaluation of a novel chemistry curriculum. The curriculum allowed students to create theories situated in a variety of cultures while they investigated chemical phenomena central to all civilizations; it was a way of synthesizing chemistry, the history and nature of science, inquiry, and multicultural education. Achieving both chemistry content and nature of science objectives were the main goals of the curriculum. A small sample of undergraduate students participated in the curriculum instead of attending a large lecture course. The novel curriculum covered the same chemistry topics as the large lecture course. Program efficacy was evaluated using a combination of grades, survey data, and interviews with the participating undergraduates. The results suggest that this curriculum was a successful start at engaging students and teaching them chemistry as well as nature of science concepts.
Microbiota Keep the Intestinal Clock Ticking

Daily metabolic patterns are regulated in a circadian manner often via the hypothalamic axis. Mukherji et al. now report a surprising role for commensal bacteria in the circadian regulation of glucocorticoid production by intestinal epithelial cells.
Systemic administration of corynebacterium parvum during sensitization to tumor alloantigen-modified response to rechallenge.

Intravenous administration of Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) to mice during a primary immune response against tumor alloantigens impairs their ability to generate memory cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) in response to an intraperitoneal rechallenge with the same tumor alloantigens. Decreased CMC was observed in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes, whereas CMC of lymphoid populations from the peritoneal cavity was merely delayed, reaching comparable levels to those found in control animals by day 5. Serum levels of cytotoxic antibody were unaffected, indicating that C. parvum administered during a primary immune response has selective effects on the cytotoxic memory response.
A Calcium-Independent Oligomerization of Full-Length Synaptotagmin 1 is Mediated by its Juxta-Membrane Linker

Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) is a synaptic vesicle-anchored membrane protein that acts as the major calcium sensor for regulated neuronal exocytosis. A soluble fragment of Syt1 (C2AB), which contains the two cytoplasmic C2 domains, has been extensively studied and is generally believed to mimic the main functions of Syt1. However, in a number of assays Syt1 and C2AB behave differently, indicating that C2AB may not fully mimic the activity of the full-length protein. Detailed conformational studies of full-length Syt1 have not been reported and in the present work we employ EPR spectroscopy to investigate the state of the linker that attaches the C2A and C2B domains to the vesicle membrane in the full-length protein. CW-EPR spectra and double electron-electron resonance (DEER) distance measurements of single spin-labeled Syt1 indicate that the juxta-membrane linker remains closely associated with the membrane interface and acts to oligomerize full-length Syt1 in the absence of calcium. EPR data also demonstrate that a membrane associated glycine zipper/GXXXG motif in juxta-membrane linker is playing a crucial role in this intermolecular association. Using a total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) assay we measure the ability of Syt1 to capture liposomes that mimic the target plasma membrane. The TIRF binding assay shows that the ability of Syt1 to oligomerize through this linker plays a role in the ability of syt1 to interact with target membranes. The membrane binding activity of Syt1 likely plays a key role in triggering membrane fusion. Our detailed structural information provides a basis for understanding the different Ca2+-dependent activities of the full-length Syt1 and the soluble C2AB construct in in-vitro fusion assays that involve isolated reconstituted components of the fusion system.
Pathogenesis of cartilage calcification: Mechanisms of crystal deposition in cartilage

Apatite crystals form in physiologically calcified tissues, including the hyaline cartilage of the epiphyseal growth plate. While apatite crystals appear as unwanted deposits in other cartilage sites, more frequently, crystalline materials other than or in addition to apatite develop in dystrophic cartilage deposits. These crystalline materials include calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate and other calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate phases, monosodium urate, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, and crystallized proteins. This review describes the physical chemistry of crystal deposition and the events that occur in the growth plate as a basis for understanding the pathogenesis of nonphysiologic crystal deposition in cartilage.
Remarks on the independence of the sample mean and sample variance from a normal population

Many statistics texts prove that X and S 2 are stochastically independent by showing that the moment generating function of nS 2/σ 2, given ?=?, is independent of X. A key step involves showing that a complicated n‐dimensional integral is equal to one. We accomplish this directly by using the Lagrange reduction procedure on the integrand, followed by a change of variables using a non‐singular linear transformation with Jacobian equal to one. The transformed integral, when viewed in iterated form splits into a product of well‐known integrals.
Induction of donor-specific tolerance to rat nerve allografts with portal venous donor alloantigen and anti-ICAM-1/LFA-1 monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract Background: Expendable autologous nerve available for repair of nerve injuries is limited. Cadaveric allografts could provide adequate nerve for grafting but are susceptible to rejection and currently require chronic systemic immunosuppression. Methods: Age-matched Buffalo (RT1 b ) rats randomly assigned to 7 experimental groups received either a Lewis (RT1 l ) rat posterior tibial-sciatic nerve allograft or a Buffalo (RT1 b ) syngeneic isograft. Recipients were treated with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (anti-ICAM-1) and anti-leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (anti-LFA-1) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), intraportally administered ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated donor splenocytes, a combination of mAbs and UVB-irradiated donor splenocytes, or no immunosuppression. Results: Histologic, electrophysiologic, and functional evaluation of nerve allografts 8 weeks after transplantation revealed a synergistic improvement in nerve allograft regeneration when monoclonal antibodies were combined with UVB-irradiated donor splenocytes. In vitro immunologic assessment correlated with the in vivo allograft function by demonstrating a donor-specific suppression of the recipient's response in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay (CTL), and reduced T cell interleukin-2 production in both the group receiving UVB-irradiated alloantigen alone and the group receiving a combination of UVB antigen and mAbs. Conclusions: The combined use of mAbs directed against ICAM-1 and LFA-1 adhesion molecules with intraportally administered UVB modified donor antigen prevents nerve allograft rejection and synergistically improves nerve regeneration. (Surgery 1998;124:448-56.)
Contributions of parents and peers to children's moral socialization

Abstract This article is concerned with the process of moral development, or specifically, how children acquire a sense of right and wrong from their interactions with two major agents of socialization—parents and peers. The first section of the paper critically examines the literature on parental influences and draws several conclusions about the ways in which parents affect children's moral character. The focus then shifts to a review of the literature on peer group contributions to moral socialization. The paper concludes by examining the literature on cross-pressures, and offering a perspective on the ways in which parental and peer group influences combine to affect children's moral development.
Differences Between Economics Programs Located in Liberal Arts Colleges and in Business Schools

Hours, course requirements, and class sizes are compared between economics major programs located in colleges of liberal arts and sciences and in business schools.
Genetic coding theory: Multiple mitochondrial genetic codes

The generalized genetic code is applied to alternative codings recently derived from studies of mitochondrial protein synthesis. It is argued that mitochondrial protein synthesis is comprised of a class of biological contexts, rather than a single biological context, and that there exist, therefore, multiple mitochondrial genetic codes. The evolutionary implications of multiple mitochondrial genetic codes are discussed.
Rocketborne interferometer measurement of infrared auroral spectra

Abstract Short- and mid-wavelength infrared auroral spectra in the range from 1300 to 4000 cm−1 (7.7 to 2.5 μm) have been obtained with a rocketborne. cryogenic, field-widened interferometer at an unapodized resolution of 1.08 cm−1. Spectra were obtained at altitudes ranging from 89 to 135 km with a NESR of 63 R per cm−1 (2 × 10−13 W cm−2 sr−1 cm). Synthetic spectra provided identification of many prominent molecular bands in the region, including the Δυ = 1 sequence of nitric oxide (NO) near 5.4 μm, the carbon monoxide (CO) fundamental near 4.7 μm, strong emissions due to carbon dioxide (CO2) which overlap the weak Δυ = 1 sequence of ionized nitric oxide (NO+ ) near 4.3 μm, and the Δυ = 1 sequence of hydroxyl (OH) in the 2.8 μm region of the spectra. In addition, several band heads from the NO Δυ = 1 sequence have been identified and these suggest a highly non-thermal production source of the high lying rotational levels of NO. The data, synthetic spectra, absolute intensities, the rotational temperatures of many of the dominant molecular band emitters are presented and are compared to earlier, low resolution results.
Corgam — A correlation algorithm for gamma-ray spectra

Abstract A correlation algorithm was developed that allows reference gamma-ray spectra to be correlated with a complex gamma-ray spectrum. The standard deviation for each correlation analysis estimator includes variance contributions from both the reference and complex gamma-ray spectra. Only reference gamma-ray spectra significant at a pre-selected level are retained in the analysis.
Helping Students to Understand the Link Between Substance Use and Intimate Partner Violence

Students studying addictive diseases must come to understand, among other issues, the interplay between intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance abuse. Statistics are important, but case examples elucidate for the students what to “listen” for in their meetings with clients. The purpose of this article is to provide several case examples of addiction and IPV and the connection between the two, and to promote classroom discussion as to how to intervene when both issues are present in a client's life.
Characterization of Neuropathic Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells in Culture

ABSTRACTPurpose: Clinically bladder cells used in tissue engineering techniques will come from neuropathic bladders and not normal bladders. We determined if neuropathic bladder smooth muscle (SM) cells (SMCs) retain functional differences when cultured in vitro.Materials and Methods: Primary cultures of SMCs were established from patients with a neuropathic bladder (5) and a normal bladder (5). Expression of α-SM actin and SM myosin heavy chain was determined using immunocytochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Baseline cell proliferation and the mitogenic response to angiotensin II was assessed by cell counting and cell viability assays. Cell contractility was determined for normal and neuropathic SMCs using an in vitro collagen lattice assay. Cell adherence was measured assessed using partial and complete trypsinization assays.Results: Normal and neuropathic SMCs showed similar morphology in culture, and similar patterns of α-SM actin and SM myosin expression. Following 10 days of plating under...
Overview of 5-year followup outcomes in the drug abuse treatment outcome studies (DATOS).

Followup results from the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies (DATOS) 1-year and 5-year followups were used to describe the long-term outcomes of drug treatment and to further clarify the relationship between treatment duration and post-treatment outcomes in four treatment modalities: outpatient methadone, long-term residential (LTR), outpatient drug free (ODF), and short-term inpatient. Methods replicating those used in earlier analyses of the DATOS 1-year followup of 2,966 patients admitted to treatment in 1991-1993 and those of the Treatment Outcome Prospective Study patients admitted in 1979-1981 were employed. DATOS is a non-experimental longitudinal study conducted within the natural settings of 96 treatment programs in the U.S.A. The study followed patients during and after treatment at specified periods of time. Prevalence of drug use and behaviors were evaluated for the year prior to treatment; and the post-treatment time frames defined by the 1- and 5-year followups. In addition, the multivariate analytic technique of generalized estimating equations was used to examine the relationship of treatment duration and outcomes across both followups while also controlling for patient characteristics and pretreatment levels of behaviors. The 5-year stratified followup sample included 1,393 of the same individuals in the 1-year followup sample. Analyses were restricted to patients participating in both followups. Reductions in prevalence of cocaine use in the year after treatment (compared to the preadmission year) by patients were associated with longer treatment durations (particularly 6 months or more in LTR and ODF). In addition, reductions in illegal activity and increases in full-time employment were related to treatment stays of 6 months or longer for patients in LTR. The DATOS results from the 1-year and 5-year post-treatment followup combined suggest the stability of outcomes of substance abuse treatment. While results are generally consistent with the full 1-year followup, reduced sample size and bias of the sample toward patients with longer treatment retention may have attenuated the findings.
Decoherence of a multiparticle system in vacuum

In this work, decoherence of a system from an entangled state is studied theoretically by computing the time-dependent probability amplitude with which the system remains in that state. The system is composed of, in addition to vacuum, identical two-level atoms that interact indirectly with each other through photons and have a uniform distribution in the vacuum. Under the assumption that in the initial entangled state only one atom is allowed to be in the excited state, a general expression for the probability amplitude is obtained and applied to two specific entangled states, one symmetric and one antisymmetric, to demonstrate that the system decoheres from these two states at the same rate under certain conditions.
Rifting of a tethyan continent — Rare earth evidence of an accreting plate margin

Abstract Rifting of a continent in the Tethys ocean was associated with two forms of volcanism initially identified by Hynes (1972) . An early light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched magma accompanied rifting of the continental crust and subsidence of a marginal carbonate platform. The early basalts are high K 2 O, nepheline-normative basalts, associated with silic igneous rocks, and carrying olivine pseudomorphs. A later or contemporaneous LREE-depleted magma is associated with the active formation of sea floor in a marginal embryo ocean basin. The ophiolite basalts are low K 2 O, hypersthene-normative basalts containing feldspar laths and pyroxene subhedra. Similar transitions or changes in extrusives are evident in present-day embryo oceans and at the edges of rifted continental margins which surrounded larger ocean basins. Genesis of the tholeiites can be related to 10–30% partial fusion of foliated mantle lherzolites a sample of which adheres to the base of the Othris ophiolite. The alkalic basalts require either a fractionation model, or a more LREE-enriched source perhaps similar to the Ataq lherzolites, since the “tholeiite source lherzolite” can only produce alkalic basalts at low degrees of melting.
The Epistemological Argument Against a Causal Relationship Between Media Violence and Sociopathic Behavior Among Psychologically Well Viewers

Much of the media violence research that has occurred, principally in the United States, has been based on a fundamental epistemological error: A correlation between variables-- that is, between the consumption of media violence and acted-out aggression--has been inferred by many researchers to be a causal relationship. This article suggests that scholars who infer causation from correlation miss an important point. They propose to rescue a deeply flawed literary corpus by applying statistical principles that do not account for the theoretical and methodological disarray of much of the media violence literature, a disarray that invalidates their probabilistic calculations. This article suggests that rather than argue a causal hypothesis, it is more productive to untangle the conceptual and methodological confusion that hobbles this study area. A by-product could be the dissolution of the causal argument: The putative causal relationship between society's consumption of media violence and social aggression may disappear.
Infrared Radiation Techniques for Glass Surface and Temperature Distribution Measurements

The measurement of glass temperature is essential to the understanding and control of efficient glass processing operations. The physical principles of temperature measurement using infrared techniques are described. Emphasis is primarily placed on infrared radiation thermometry (pyrometry) for measuring glass surface temperature and the spectral remote sensing method for recovering temperature distribution in glass. The radiation thermometry for measuring glass surface temperature is reviewed, and difficulties caused by the presence of spectrally selective attenuation of radiation by atmospheric constituents or combustion products such as H 2 0, C0 2 , and others are discussed. Criteria for selecting spectral bandwidths appropriate under the circumstances of glass manufacturing are given, with special emphasis on the effects of environmental spectral absorption. A technique for reconstructing the temperature distribution in glass from remotely sensed spectral emission data is presented. The validity and accuracy of the spectral remote sensing method is established by comparing temperature profiles in glass samples under a variety of different physical conditions with independent measurements.
Metazen – metadata capture for metagenomes

As the impact and prevalence of large-scale metagenomic surveys grow, so does the acute need for more complete and standards compliant metadata. Metadata (data describing data) provides an essential complement to experimental data, helping to answer questions about its source, mode of collection, and reliability. Metadata collection and interpretation have become vital to the genomics and metagenomics communities, but considerable challenges remain, including exchange, curation, and distribution. Currently, tools are available for capturing basic field metadata during sampling, and for storing, updating and viewing it. Unfortunately, these tools are not specifically designed for metagenomic surveys; in particular, they lack the appropriate metadata collection templates, a centralized storage repository, and a unique ID linking system that can be used to easily port complete and compatible metagenomic metadata into widely used assembly and sequence analysis tools. Metazen was developed as a comprehensive framework designed to enable metadata capture for metagenomic sequencing projects. Specifically, Metazen provides a rapid, easy-to-use portal to encourage early deposition of project and sample metadata. Metazen is an interactive tool that aids users in recording their metadata in a complete and valid format. A defined set of mandatory fields captures vital information, while the option to add fields provides flexibility.
24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Healthy Young Adult Anglo, Hispanic, and African-American Subjects

The purpose of this study was to compare office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) values for adolescent and young adult males and females of Anglo, Hispanic, and African-American descent. One hundred and eighteen healthy subjects (62 females, 56 males) participated, with an ethnic distribution of 50 Anglo, 32 Hispanic, and 36 African-American subjects. All subjects came to the clinic for height, weight, sitting blood pressure (BP), and to begin 24-h ABP monitoring using the SpaceLabs model 90207 automatic noninvasive monitor. The monitor recorded readings every 0.5 h from 06:00 to 22:00 and every hour at night from 22:00 to 06:00. Office systolic and diastolic BP values were higher for all males compared to all females. Mean 24-h, nighttime, and daytime systolic ABP values were also significantly higher for males compared to females. The 24-h mean and daytime systolic ABP values were significantly different by ethnic groups. The African-American subjects always had the highest readings. Mean 24-h diastolic ABP was also significantly different by ethnic groups, with the African-American subjects being higher than the Anglos or the Hispanics. Diastolic ABP (24-h mean, daytime, and nighttime) values (for all subjects combined) increased gradually and varied significantly with age. This study provides preliminary normative data about ABP in an understudied population (ie, teenagers and young adults of different ethnic backgrounds). It also shows that higher blood pressures are present among males and among subjects of African-American descent in the teenage and young adult population.