cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alteration of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Endotoxin by Treatment with Mild Alkali

Treatment with alkali is one of several methods for removing fatty acids from bacterial endotoxins and, in the process, detoxifying the material. Saponification of fatty acid esters is the major detectable chemical change produced by alkali; however, kinetic studies of mild alkaline hydrolysis of endotoxin failed to correlate rates of detoxification with rates of loss of ketodeoxyoctonates, heptose, O-acetyl groups, or fatty acid esters. The alterations occurring during the critical stages of hydrolysis apparently changed the essential chemical conformation of endotoxic particles before cleavage of a significant amount of material took place. The rates of both saponification and detoxification were markedly increased by carrying out the reaction in media of ethyl alcohol or dimethylsulfoxide instead of water. Images
The Catabolism of Tay-Sachs Ganglioside in Rat Brain Lysosomes

Abstract The metabolism of Tay-Sachs ganglioside, Cer-Glc-Gal-(NeuAc)-GalNAc (Gm2) was investigated by using Gm2 specifically labeled with 3H in the NeuAc moiety or with 14C in GalNAc. There are two possible pathways for the catabolism of Gm2 in brain, initiated via Gm2-sialidase or Gm2hexosaminidase. The products of the sialidase reaction were identified and are Cer-Glc-Gal-GalNAc and NeuAc; the hexosaminidase yields Cer-Glc-Gal-NeuAc and GalNAc. The pH optimum, apparent Km, and Vmax of these enzymes were determined. These findings both support the presence of two alternate pathways in mammalian brain for the catabolism of Tay-Sachs ganglioside and form a starting point for the eventual clarification of the molecular pathogenesis of Tay-Sachs disease.
Abstract P067: Nut Consumption is Associated with a Lower Risk of Death among US Male Physicians

Background: Previous studies have suggested that nut consumption, a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sudden cardiac death. However, limited data are available on the association between nut intake and all-cause mortality. Objective: To test the hypothesis that nut consumption is inversely associated with the risk of all-cause mortality. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 20,742 male physicians from the Physicians’ Health Study. Nut intake was assessed between 1999 and 2002 using a food frequency questionnaire and deaths were ascertained by an endpoint committee. We used Cox regression to estimate multivariable adjusted relative risk of death according to nut consumption. In secondary analyses, we evaluated associations of nut consumption with cause-specific mortality (coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer deaths). Results: During a median follow-up of 9.5 ...
Game Theory and Convention

A feature of David Lewis's account of conventions in his book "Convention" which has received admiring notices from philosophers is his use of the mathematical theory of games. In this paper I point out a number of serious flaws in Lewis's use of game theory. Lewis's basic claim is that conventions cover 'coordination problems'. I show that game-Theoretical analysis tends to establish that coordination problems in Lewis's sense need not underlie conventions.
Hierarchical Organization of Modularity in Complex Networks

Many real networks in nature and society share two generic properties: they are scale-free and they display a high degree of clustering. We show that the scale-free nature and high clustering of real networks are the consequence of a hierarchical organization, implying that small groups of nodes form increasingly large groups in a hierarchical manner, while maintaining a scale-free topology. In hierarchical networks the clustering coefficient follows a strict scaling law, which can be used to identify the presence of a hierarchical organization in real networks. We find that several real networks, such as the World Wide Web, actor network, the Internet at the domain level and the semantic web obey this scaling law, indicating that hierarchy is a fundamental characteristic of many complex systems. We the focus on the metabolic network of 43 distinct organisms and show that many small, highly connected topologic modules combine in a hierarchical manner into larger, less cohesive units, their number and degree of clustering following a power law. Within Escherichia Coli we find that the uncovered hierarchical modularity closely overlaps with known metabolic functions.
Analysis and design approach to inchworm robotic insects

An inchworm robotic insect is presented that can displace on a smooth horizontal surface. It consists of a piezoelectric unimorph and two custom-designed limbs. A two-module lumped-parameter model is formulated to assist in the design/analysis process. The geometry of deformation is analyzed first by superimposing the unimorph's elastic deformation to a rigid-body rotation around the limb/ground contact point A geometry configuration is thus identified that maximizes the horizontal displacement of the robot over one motion's cycle. The dynamic module allows simple evaluation of the ground reaction forces and horizontal velocity of the robot's center of gravity. A prototype inchworm robotic insect was designed whose behavior exhibited good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Effect of Water Washing Purification on the Surface Morphology of Bacillus cereus Spores

The architecture of spore surfaces plays an important role in the pathogenesis and natural ecology of many Bacillus organisms. However, changes to the laboratory preparation method for Bacillus spores may be a source of phenotypic variability in cell surfaces that can affect our understanding of in situ morphology and make cross-study comparisons more difficult. In this work, we examined how variation in the number of water washing steps during spore purification influenced the three-dimensional morphology of Bacillus cereus spore surfaces. Two strains of B. cereus , str. 14579 and T-strain, were cultured in liquid medium and purified using 0, 1, 3, or 5 water washing steps. Results showed that the nanoscale morphology of the spore surface is affected by the number of water washes such that early wash step samples had higher levels of roughness, quantified with a Root Mean Square (RMS) algorithm, which decreased with successive washes. The presence of large (>200 nm) surficial features, representing cell fragments and/or debris from the culture, was also inversely correlated with the number of washes. The presence of cellular debris in unwashed spore samples also changed the nanomechanical signatures of the outermost surface but did not affect the properties of the underlying cell. This suggests that variation in purification method can affect the nanoscale morphology and mechanics and should be considered when analyzing micro- to nano-scale surface properties of Bacillus cereus spores. Journal of Nature and Science, 1(6):e116, 2015
Empirical Applications of Skinner's Analysis of Verbal Behavior with Humans.

In Verbal behavior, Skinner (1957) provided a conceptual framework and taxonomy for the controlling variables of language that defined independent verbal operants by their functional relations to antecedents and consequences (rather than by topography or meaning). Although professional interest in this area has recently increased within the behavior analytic community, Skinner’s conceptual framework may not yet have fully impacted the experimental literature. This quantitative review of the literature examined the studies on verbal behavior that were empirical in nature, concerned with human verbal behavior, and addressed at least one verbal operant (e.g., mand, tact, echoic, autoclitic, and/or intraverbal behavior) within the experiment. The results of this review suggest that a growing body of research exists to support many of the tenets of Skinner’s conceptualization and taxonomy but many areas of verbal behavior research have yet to be addressed. Continued research in this area is crucial for the development and implementation of effective verbal behavior interventions for people with disabilities.
Frequency reconfigurable origami quadrifilar helical antenna with reconfigurable reflector

This paper presents a novel origami quadrifilar helical antenna (QHA) that can reconfigure its operating frequency between 2.07 GHz, 3 GHz and 4.45 GHz. An origami reflector was designed to enhance the gain of the QHA for all the operating frequencies. Typical simulated realized gains of this origami QHA with reconfigurable reflector are 15.13 dB at 2 GHz, 12.82 dB at 3 GHz and 15.13 dB at 4.45 GHz.
Heroin self-administration in dependent Wistar rats: increased sensitivity to naloxone

Rationale: Non-dependent and dependent opiate users appear to be driven by two distinct motivational factors: the primary reinforcing properties of the drug, and the negative reinforcing effects associated with relieving the negative affective component of opiate withdrawal in the dependent state. Objective: To investigate the motivational significance of opioid dependence on heroin self-administration (HSA) in rodents. Methods: Rats were trained to self-administer heroin intravenously (0.06 mg/kg per infusion; FR1), and opiate dependence was induced by subcutaneous implantation of two morphine (75 mg base) pellets.Rats in a non-dependent control group received placebo pellets. Three days after pellet implantation, HSA was resumed in daily 3-h sessions until baseline criteria were met and testing was conducted with subcutaneous injections of vehicle or naloxone (0, 0.003, 0.01, 0.03 mg/kg) 115 min into the session. Results: Morphine-dependent rats significantly increased HSA upon 0.01 mg/kg naloxone treatment, but decreased response rates at 0.03 mg/kg. Placebo pellet-implanted rats increased heroin intake at the 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg doses. In a second experiment, the HSA session was shortened to 1 h and the training dose reduced to 0.03 mg/kg per infusion in new groups of animals. HSA in placebo pellet-implanted rats was increased only following the highest dose of the antagonist, while dependent rats were still affected by naloxone doses of 0.003–0.03 mg/kg. When subjected to a progressive-ratio schedule (experiment 3), breaking point values in dependent animals were 198% above baseline. Conclusions: The present study supports the hypothesis that dependence-induction by morphine-pellet implant in rats resulted in increased sensitivity to very small naloxone doses, as measured by changes in HSA. Taken together, these data suggest that opiate dependence, as measured by changes in sensitivity to naloxone, is a continuum which can contribute to the motivational state of drug-seeking.
Effect of the Amino Acid Hexahomoserine on Growth and Hematopoiesis in Swine

SummaryTwo Duroc pigs were fed hexahomoserine (α-amino, β-hydroxy caproic acid) for a period of 27 days. A marked lowering of the red blood cell count was observed in both animals. No major constituent of the blood, except the red blood cell, was affected. In addition to developing anemia, the pigs made no significant weight gains after one week on the diet containing hexahomoserine, and it is concluded that the amino acid inhibits growth.
Compactification of d = 11 supergravity on K3 × T3

When d=11 supergravity spontaneously compactifies to d=4, the number of unbroken sypersymmetries, 0 ⩽ N ⩽8, is determined by the holonomy group, H, of the d=7 ground-state connection. Here we present a new solution: Minkowski spacetime × K3 × T3, for which H = SU(2) and N = 4. The massless sector in d = 4 is given by N = 4 supergravity coupled to 22N=4 vector multiplets. Aside from its intrinsic interest, this example throws new light on Kaluza-Klein supergravity. In particular, we note that the 192 + 192 massless degrees of freedom obtained from K3 × T3 exceed the 128 + 128 of the N = 8 theory obtained from T7 or S7.
TEMPORALLY COHERENT STEREO MATCHING USING KINEMATIC CONSTRAINTS

This paper explores a simple yet effective way to generate temporally coherent disparity maps from binocular video sequences based on kinematic constraints. Given the disparity map at a certain frame, the proposed approach computes the set of possible disparity values for each pixel in the subsequent frame, assuming a maximum displacement constraint (in world coordinates) allowed for each object. These disparity sets are then used to guide the stereo matching procedure in the subsequent frame, generating a temporally coherent disparity map. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach produces temporally coherent disparity maps comparable to or better than competitive methods.
Intrachromosomal crossover increase with distal homeologous substitution.

THE frequency of genetic crossing over has long been known to be subject to several forms of experimental modification. Among these, some of the most erratic have been chromosomal inversions, translocations and substitutions. Changes in crossover or chiasma frequency have been found in chromosomes which are themselves structurally modified (in regions either adjacent to or relatively remote from those where the changes were noted). These modifications have been reported in organisms as diverse as Drosophila, maize, cotton and grasshoppers1–14. Probably better known is the heterologous effect which occurs in structurally normal chromosomes when other members of the complement have been rearranged. This has been reported in Drosophila, maize, grasshoppers and rye (reviewed by Ramel15 and subsequently studied by others16–24).
Evaluation of alternative landfill cover soils for attenuating hydrogen sulfide from construction and demolition (C&D) debris landfills

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) generated from C&D debris landfills has emerged as a major environmental concern due to odor problems and possible health impacts to landfill employees and surrounding residents. Research was performed to evaluate the performance of various cover materials as control measures for H(2)S emissions from C&D debris landfills. Twelve laboratory-scale simulated landfill columns containing gypsum drywall were operated under anaerobic conditions to promote H(2)S production. Five different cover materials were placed on top of the waste inside duplicate columns: (1) sandy soil, (2) sandy soil amended with lime, (3) clayey soil, (4) fine concrete (particle size less than 2.5 cm), and (5) coarse concrete (particle size greater than 2.5 cm). No cover was placed on two of the columns, which were used as controls. H(2)S concentrations measured from the middle of the waste layer ranged from 50,000 to 150,000 ppm. The different cover materials demonstrated varying H(2)S removal efficiencies. The sandy soil amended with lime and the fine concrete were the most effective for the control of H(2)S emissions. Both materials exhibited reduction efficiencies greater than 99%. The clayey and sandy soils exhibited lower reduction efficiencies, with average removal efficiencies of 65% and 30%, respectively. The coarse concrete was found to be the least efficient material as a result of its large particle size.
Structures of palladium(II) and nickel(II) complexes of the mesocyclic diphosphine, cis-1,5-diphenyl-1,5-diphosphacyclooctane

Abstract The preparation and X-ray crystal structures of a planar mono complex of cis- 1,5-diphenyl-1,5-diphosphacyclooctane with palladium(II) chloride and a pentacoordinated bis complex with nickel(II) chloride are reported. Dichloro(1,5-diphenyl-1,5-diphos- phacyclooctane)palladium(II) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell constants a = 26.647(6), b = 7.884(1), c = 13,053(3) A, β = 98.15(2)° and Z = 4 at T = 130 K. Chloro-bis(1,5-diphenyl-1,5-diphosphacyclooctane)nickel(II) chloride crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 18.178(7), b = 10.225(2), c = 20.959(7) A, β = 111.77(2)° and Z = 4 at T = 130 K.
A comparison of methods for in-chip overlay control at the 65-nm node

Overlay metrology for production line-monitor and advanced process control (APC) has been dominated by 4-corner box-in-box (BiB) methods for many years. As we proceed following the ITRS roadmap with the development of 65 nm technologies and beyond, it becomes apparent that current overlay methodologies are becoming inadequate for the stringent requirements that lie ahead. It is already apparent that kerf metrology of large scale BiB structures does not correlate well with in-chip design-rule features. The recent introduction of the Advanced Imaging Metrology (AIM) target, utilizing increased information content and advanced design and process compatibility, has demonstrated significant improvements in precision and overlay mark fidelity (OMF) in advanced processes. This paper compares methodologies and strategies for addressing cross-field variation of overlay and pattern placement issues. We compare the trade-offs of run-time intra-field sampling plans and the use of off-line lithography characterization and advanced modeling analysis, and propose new methodologies to address advanced overlay metrology and control.
The Role of Fluoroscopy in the Endoscopic Management of Luminal Gastrointestinal Disorders

Fluoroscopy has emerged as a key technology in modern interventional endoscopy. When combined with standard video endoscopy, it dramatically increases our ability to obtain a global overview of therapeutic procedures in real-time. Despite the importance of fluoroscopy, few gastroenterologists have received formal training in the operation of radiologic equipment or manipulation of fluoroscopic images. A good understanding of the basics of fluoroscope setup and operation is critical to safely performing such procedures as push enteroscopy, double balloon endoscopy, and enteral stent placement using fluoroscopic guidance. This manuscript will review the fundamentals of fluoroscopy hardware, steps to minimizing radiation exposure to patients and staff, and specific modifications to general fluoroscopic techniques in specific clinical applications.
DNA repair gets physical: Mapping an XPA-binding site on ERCC1

Two recent reports provide new physical information on how the XPA protein recruits the ERCC1-XPF heterodimer to the site of damage during the process of mammalian nucleotide excision repair (NER). Using chemical shift perturbation NMR experiments, the contact sites between a central fragment of ERCC1 and an XPA fragment have been mapped. While both studies agree with regard to the XPA-binding site, they differ on whether the ERCC1-XPA complex can simultaneously bind DNA. These studies have important implications for both the molecular process and the design of potential inhibitors of NER.
Learning to Teach for Social Justice: Measuring Change in the Beliefs of Teacher Candidates

This article speaks to two current trends in teacher education—the press to assess teacher education in terms of measurable outcomes, on one hand, and the growing emphasis on social justice as a theme of teacher education, on the other. The article begins with a discussion of the concept of teacher education for social justice. Then, using Rasch Item Response Theory techniques and analyses, the article shows that certain aspects of the complex construct, “learning to teach for social justice,” can be measured reliably and validly across multiple groups of teacher candidates and graduates using a “Learning to Teach for Social Justice-Beliefs” (LTSJ-B) scale. This scale is part of a suite of teacher preparation surveys, which are in turn, part of a larger portfolio of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies designed to explore the effects of teacher education and the process of learning to teach. The analyses presented here show that the LTSJ-B scale can detect changes in beliefs related to tea...
In vitro Kollagen‐Synthese in fötalen Haut‐Präparaten

Zusammenfassung Erfolgreiche IN-VITRO-Synthese von Kollagen wurde erzielt durch Inkubation fotaler Ratten- und Kukenhaut in gepufferter Nahrlosung mit C14-L-Prolin oder C14-L-OH-Prolin. Bis zu 1,1% des verabreichten Prolins wurde in die Haut als OH-Prolin inkorporiert. Der Nachweis erfolgte mittels Flussigkeits-Szintillations-Spektrometrie und UV-Absorption nach vorheriger Konversion des Oxyprolins in Pyrrol-2-Carboxylsaure (PCA), oder aber durch papierchromatographische Trennung und Aktivitatsbestimmung im Eluat. C14-L-Oxyprolin, unmittelbar dem Inkubationsmedium beigegeben, wurde in geringerem Mase in die neugebildete Gelatine inkorporiert als C14-L-Prolin. Suspensionen aus Mitochondrien + Mikrosomen (ohne Zellkerne und Zellbruchstucke) von fotaler Rattenhaut konvertierten C14-L-Prolin in Kollagen mit Ausbeuten, die denen der unzerstorten, fotalen Rattenhaut nicht nachstanden. Als Hauptsitz der Kollagen-synthese qualifizierte sich die Mikrosomenfraktion. Wahrend Oxyprolin auch bei Inkubation des fotalen Hautgewebes unter reiner Stickstoffatmosphare im gebildeten Kollagen erschien, wenngleich mit reduzierter Ausbeute, befand sich die Konversion des Prolins zu Oxyprolin in direkter Abhangigkeit vom Vorhandensein molekularen Sauerstoffs warhrend der Periode der Inkubation, was auf einen direkten Bedarf an gasformigem Sauerstoff zur Durchfuhrung der Hydroxylierung, in Analogie zu dem von Bloch und Mitarbeitern aufgeklarten Hydroxylierungsmechanismus von Squalen zu Cholesterol, schliesen last. Dies wurde weiterhin bekraftigt durch die sehr niedrige Aufnahme von Tritium (OT) aus dem mit Tritium-Wasser markierten Inkubationsmedium in Doppelmarkierungsversuchen mit C14-L-Prolin und T2O.
Robust Wiener- Kolmogorov theory

A minimax formulation is considered for the problem of designing robust linear causal estimators of linear functions of discrete-time wide-sense stationary signals when knowledge of the signal and/or noise spectra is inexact. The solution is given (under mild regularity conditions) in terms of a least favorable pair of spectra, thus reducing the minimax problem to a direct maximization problem which in many cases can be solved easily. It is noted that this design method leads, in particular, to robust n -step predictors, robust causal filters, and robust n -lag smoothers. The method of design is illustrated by a thorough development of the special case of one-step noiseless prediction. Further, solutions are given explicitly for the problem of robust causal filtering of an uncertain signal in white noise, and numerical examples are given for this case which illustrate the effectiveness of this design.
Cognitive appraisal of daily hassles in college students displaying high or low irrational beliefs

It is argued that Lazarus' construct of cognitive appraisal in life stress might usefully be related to Ellis' ABC model. To test the hypothesized role of cognitive appraisal in Lazarus' model of life stress, 240 male and female undergraduate students completed the Hassles Scale and the Irrational Beliefs Test (IBT). Based upon their scores on the IBT, subjects displaying high irrational beliefs differed significantly from subjects displaying low irrational beliefs in reported hassles frequency (higher for high irrational belief subjects) and reported hassles intensity (greater for high irrational belief subjects). Results are interpreted specifically as supportive of the cognitive appraisal construct in Lazarus' life stress model and generally as quite consistent with RET theory. An attempt is made to relate the cognitive appraisal construct to the ABC model in RET theory.
Local origin of mesenchymal cells in a murine orthotopic lung transplantation model of bronchiolitis obliterans.

Bronchiolitis obliterans is the leading cause of chronic graft failure and long-term mortality in lung transplant recipients. Here, we used a novel murine model to characterize allograft fibrogenesis within a whole-lung microenvironment. Unilateral left lung transplantation was performed in mice across varying degrees of major histocompatibility complex mismatch combinations. B6D2F1/J (a cross between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) (Haplotype H2b/d) lungs transplanted into DBA/2J (H2d) recipients were identified to show histopathology for bronchiolitis obliterans in all allogeneic grafts. Time course analysis showed an evolution from immune cell infiltration of the bronchioles and vessels at day 14, consistent with acute rejection and lymphocytic bronchitis, to subepithelial and intraluminal fibrotic lesions of bronchiolitis obliterans by day 28. Allografts at day 28 showed a significantly higher hydroxyproline content than the isografts (33.21 ± 1.89 versus 22.36 ± 2.33 μg/mL). At day 40 the hydroxyproline content had increased further (48.91 ± 7.09 μg/mL). Flow cytometric analysis was used to investigate the origin of mesenchymal cells in fibrotic allografts. Collagen I–positive cells (89.43% ± 6.53%) in day 28 allografts were H2Db positive, showing their donor origin. This novel murine model shows consistent and reproducible allograft fibrogenesis in the context of single-lung transplantation and represents a major step forward in investigating mechanisms of chronic graft failure.
CCl4 chemistry on the reduced selvedge of a α-Fe2O3(0001) surface: a scanning tunneling microscopy study

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) were used to study the degradation of CCl 4 on the reduced selvedge of a natural single crystal α-Fe 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1) surface in ultrahigh vacuum. Before exposure to CCl 4 , STM images indicate that approximately 85% of the reduced surface exhibits a Fe 3 O 4 (1 1 1) 2 × 2 termination, while the remaining 15% is terminated by 1 × 1 and superstructure phases. Images obtained after room temperature dosing with CCl 4 and subsequent flashing to 600 K reveal that chlorine atoms are adsorbed only on surface regions with the Fe 3 O 4 (1 1 1) 2 × 2 termination, not on 1 × 1 and superstructure regions. Chlorine atoms from dissociative adsorption of CCl 4 are observed to occupy two distinct positions located atop lattice protrusions and in threefold oxygen vacancy sites. However, in companion chemical labeling experiments, chlorine atoms provided by room temperature, dissociative Cl 2 adsorption on this surface are found to occupy sites atop lattice protrusions exclusively. The clear dissimilarity in STM feature shape and brightness at the two distinct chlorine adsorption sites arising from CCl 4 dissociation as well as the results of the Cl 2 chemical labeling experiments are best explained via reactions on a Fe 3 O 4 (1 1 1) 2 × 2 selvedge terminated by a 1/4 monolayer of tetrahedrally coordinated iron atoms. On this surface, adsorption atop an iron atom occurs for both the CCl 4 and Cl 2 dissociative reactions. A second adsorption site, assigned as binding to second layer iron atoms left exposed following surface oxygen atom abstraction resulting in the formation of phosgene (COCl 2 ), only appears in the case of reaction with CCl 4 . The reaction mechanism and active site requirements for CCl 4 degradation on iron oxide surfaces are discussed in light of this evidence and in the context of our previously reported results from Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), LEED, temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies.
AAV delivery of mineralocorticoid receptor shRNA prevents progression of cold-induced hypertension and attenuates renal damage.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of RNA interference inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) on cold-induced hypertension (CIH) and renal damage. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying short hairpin small interference (si)RNA for MR (AAV.MR-shRNA) was constructed and tested for the ability to inhibit renal MR and to control CIH. Three groups of rats with CIH received AAV.MR-shRNA (1.25 × 109 particles/rat, intravenous), AAV carrying scrambled shRNA (AAV.Control-shRNA) (1.25 × 109 particles/rat, intravenous) and phosphate buffer solution (PBS), respectively. All rats were kept in a cold chamber (6.7°C) throughout the experiment. Adeno-associated virus delivery of MR-shRNA prevented progression of CIH. Blood pressure (BP) of the AAV.MR-shRNA-treated group did not increase and remained at 145±3 mm Hg, whereas BP of the AAV.Control-shRNA-treated and PBS-treated group increased to 167±4 and 161±3 mm Hg, respectively, at 3 weeks after gene delivery. Thus, the antihypertensive effect of a single injection of AAV.MR-shRNA lasted for at least 3 weeks (length of the study). Adeno-associated virus carrying short hairpin siRNA for MR significantly increased urinary sodium excretion and decreased proteinuria. It also decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, suggesting enhanced renal function. Both Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that MR expression was decreased significantly in the kidney in the AAV.MR-shRNA-treated rats, confirming that renal MR is effectively inhibited by AAV.MR-shRNA. Adeno-associated virus carrying short hairpin siRNA for MR also significantly attenuated renal hypertrophy. In addition, AAV delivery of MR-shRNA prevented atrophy and dilation of renal tubules and abolished tubular deposition of proteinaceous material seen in CIH rats. Conclusions: (1) AAV delivery of MR-shRNA effectively silenced MR in vivo. (2) RNA interference inhibition of MR may open a new avenue for the long-term control of hypertension and renal damage.
Methionine oxidation by reactive oxygen species: reaction mechanisms and relevance to Alzheimer's disease

The oxidation of methionine plays an important role in vivo, during biological conditions of oxidative stress, as well as for protein stability in vitro. Depending on the nature of the oxidizing species, methionine may undergo a two-electron oxidation to methionine sulfoxide or one-electron oxidation to methionine radical cations. Both reaction mechanisms derive catalytic support from neighboring groups, which stabilize electron-deficient reaction centers. In vivo, methionine sulfoxide is subject to reduction by the methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) system, suggesting that some methionine sulfoxide residues may only be transiently involved in the deactivation of proteins through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Other methionine sulfoxide residues may accumulate, depending on the accessibility to Msr. Moreover, methionine sulfoxide levels may increase as a result of a lower abundance of active Msr and/or the required cofactors as a consequence of pathologies and biological aging. On the other hand, methionine radical cations will enter predominantly irreversible reaction channels, which ultimately yield carbon-centered and/or peroxyl radicals. These may become starting points for chain reactions of protein oxidation. This review will provide detailed mechanistic schemes for the reactions of various prominent, biologically relevant ROS with methionine and organic model sulfides. Emphasis will be given on the one-electron oxidation pathway, characterizing the physico-chemical parameters, which control this mechanism, and its physiological relevance, specifically for the oxidation and neurotoxicity of the Alzheimer's disease beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP).
46 kd mannose 6-phosphate receptor: Cloning, expression, and homology to the 215 kd mannose 6-phosphate receptor

We have isolated cDNA clones encoding the entire sequence of the bovine 46 kd cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate (CD Man-6-P) receptor. Translation of CD Man-6-P receptor mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes results in a protein that binds specifically to phosphomannan-Sepharose, thus demonstrating that our cDNA clones encode a functional receptor. The deduced 279 amino acid sequence reveals a single polypeptide chain that contains a putative signal sequence and a transmembrane domain. Trypsin digestion of microsomal membranes containing the receptor and the location of the five potential N-linked glycosylation sites indicate that the receptor is a transmembrane protein with an extracytoplasmic amino terminus. This extracytoplasmic domain is homologous to the approximately 145 amino acid long repeating domains present in the 215 kd cation-independent Man-6-P receptor.
Large Scale and Low Power Photonic Circuits

We discuss the scaling trends and limits of low power and large scale silicon photonic circuits, addressing the questions of where we are today and where we need to be to meet future insertion points.
Differential Recall of Successes and Failures: Its Relationship to Defensiveness, Achievement Motivation and Anxiety.

Abstract Differential recall of completed and incompleted tasks under high and low stress was studied in 157 Ss. On the basis of repression, it would be expected that Ss identified as hysterics would recall fewer incompletions (ego threatening failures) under high than low stress. The results indicated that hysteria was not related to recall. On the other hand, Ss with high achievement motivation or low anxiety recalled more incompletions under high than low stress while there were no differences in their recall of completions under high and low stress. These results offered no support for repression. Furthermore, the relationships between recall and achievement motivation and anxiety suggest that the differential recall is due to differences in the original learning of the completed and incompleted tasks.
A Laboratory Model for Evaluation of Posttransplant Pancreatic Exocrine Secretion

Monitoring of urinary enzymuria has been utilized to detect allograft dysfunction after pancreas transplantation with pancreaticocystostomy. In addition, pharmacologic exocrine suppression has been advocated to minimize bicarbonate and protein wasting. Ensuring the validity of these approaches requires controlling both for immunologic alterations in transplant function and for the renal excretion of amylase, bicarbonate, and protein. Toward this end, adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups. Group A animals underwent distal pancreatectomy alone, and group B animals underwent distal pancreatectomy with autotransplantation and pancreaticocystostomy. In each group, amylase, bicarbonate, and protein output were determined over a 5-hour period in the basal state, during a continuous infusion of octapeptide-cholecystokinin (OP-CCK) at 125 ng/kg/hour, and during a continuous infusion of OP-CCK (125 ng/kg/hour) plus a bolus injection of one clinical unit of secretin per kilogram. Bicarbonate output was not...
Carbonation rates of peridotite in the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman, constrained through 14C dating and stable isotopes

Abstract Detailed 14 C dating as well as stable C and O isotope analyses were conducted on carbonates formed during alteration of the peridotite layer of the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman. 14 C results obtained in this and previous studies indicate that surface travertines range in age from modern to >45,000 yr BP, indicating long-term deposition and preservation. Travertine deposition rates in two localities were ∼0.1 to 0.3 mm/yr between ∼30,000 and 45,000 yr BP. Using an estimate of total travertine area, this would result in a maximum of ∼1000 to 3000 m 3 /yr of travertine being deposited throughout the ophiolite during this time period. This travertine deposition would have sequestered a maximum of ∼1 to 3 × 10 6 kg CO 2 /yr. Ca-rich carbonate veins that are associated with the surface travertine deposits have ages ranging from ∼4000 to 36,000 yr BP (average: 15,000 yr BP). Mg-rich carbonate veins exposed in outcrops have ages ranging from ∼8000 to 45,000 yr BP (average: 35,000 yr BP). Detailed sampling from numerous locations (3 locations in this study and 10 locations in the previous studies) indicates that no carbonate veins from the natural peridotite weathering surface are older than the ∼50,000 yr BP dating limit of 14 C. However, 14 C dating of Mg-rich carbonate veins from three roadcut exposures (Qafeefah, Fanja, and Al-Wuqbah) indicates that a significant number of roadcut veins are 14 C dead (>50,000 yr BP). A location weighted average indicates that ∼40% of veins sampled at the three roadcuts are 14 C dead. An average including veins sampled at both roadcuts and outcrops indicates that overall ∼8% of Mg-rich carbonate veins are 14 C dead. Mg-rich carbonate veins are estimated to sequester on the order of 10 7 kg CO 2 /yr throughout the ophiolite.
Incremental Optimization Design of Transit Service

An interactive design procedure for the incremental optimization of transit route service is developed based on the concept of elasticity and the total differential. The purpose of this method is to find the set of optimum fare and frequency changes that management can incrementally implement through time to achieve a certain objective under given constraints. The method is applied to a Twin Cities commuter route, illustrating the selection of the optimum set of policy changes. The transit performance map, a major product of the incremental optimization method, can provide important information about the system behavior. Using this map, the transit manager can determine the forecast optimum route performance through time as well as the optimum scheduling and pricing policies needed to reach the desired performance level. Each optimization session lasts 2-3 min on an IBM-PC.
A GCM Study on the Maintenance of the June 1982 Blocking in the Southern Hemisphere

GCM experiments are used to study several possible mechanisms associated with the maintenance of the June 1982 blocking in the Southern Hemisphere. The mechanisms considered include changed orography, sea surface temperature anomalies, tropical heating, regional heating in the Pacific area, land-sea contrast, and sensible heating in the Antarctic area. It is concluded that asymmetric heating due to land-sea contrast was the most important boundary forcing associated with maintenance of the block. A 'no Australia' experiment confirms this result and suggests that local land-sea contrast kept the block stationary. High-latitude sensible heating associated with cold air outbreaks from Antarctica was also important in maintaining the block.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 protects human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells from Salsolinol-induced toxicity

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by an extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Salsolinol (SAL), a dopamine-derived tetrahydroisoquinoline, has been suspected to be involved in the etiology of PD. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was studied against SAL-induced toxicity in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. SAL (100 microM) decreased cell viability in SH-SY5Y cells significantly after 24 h exposure. Both exogenous IGF-1 and IGF-1 gene transfer significantly prevented the SAL-induced cell death and increased cell viability. Wortmannin, a specific phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3 kinase) inhibitor, completely blunted the IGF-1-induced neuroprotection, suggesting that PI-3 kinase pathway is critical in mediating the neuroprotective effects of IGF-1. These results suggest that IGF-1 may be a useful growth factor in the treatment of PD.
Optimism and pessimism dimensions in the Life Orientation Test-Revised: Method and meaning

Abstract The Life Orientation Test and its revision include items tapping both the belief that good things will happen (optimism) and the belief that bad things will not happen (low pessimism). The present investigation addressed the relationship of optimism and pessimism from psychometric and substantive perspectives. Two variations of the LOT-R, one with standard items and one with extreme adverbs (e.g., “always”) removed, were administered to undergraduate (n = 971) and web-based samples (n = 2806). Although there was psychometric support for a bidimensional structure in both versions, only the revised version showed substantive differences in the correlations of optimism versus pessimism with personality criteria. The generic recommendation is to use the original, unidimensional scale.
Classifier Conditions Using Gene Expression Programming

The classifier system XCSF was modified to use gene expression programming for the evolution and functioning of the classifier conditions. The aim was to fit environmental regularities better than is typically possible with conventional rectilinear conditions. An initial experiment approximating a nonlinear oblique environment showed excellent fit to the regularities.
John Sutter and a Wider West

Since the discovery of gold at Sutter's sawmill in 1848, the historical figure of John Sutter has been obscured by his very notoriety. Yet, as demonstrated by the perceptive, freshly-conceived essays in this collection, reappraisal of his full career rewards us with important new insights concerning the Euro-American development of the American West. This volume begins with Sutter's own account of his American experience. Five leading historians then consider particular aspects of his activities: Howard R. Lamar presents Sutter as an entrepreneur; Albert L. Hurtado examines his management of Indian allies and Indian workers; Iris H.W. Engstrand sheds new light on Sutter's relationships with women and children; Richard W. White discusses his role in reshaping northern California's natural environment; and Patricia Nelson Limerick considers Sutter as a prototype for failure in the American West. Demythologizing Sutter while giving him a more secure place in western history, the collective portrait exemplifies revisionist scholarship at its best. Kenneth N. Owens, who organized the series of public lectures on which these essays are based, is a professor of history at California State University, Sacramento. He has also edited "The Wreck of the Sv. Nikolai: Two Narratives of the First Russian Expedition to the Oregon Country, 1808-1810". Another title by Kenneth N. Owens is "The Wreck of the Sv. Nikolai: Two Narratives of the First Russian Expedition to the Oregon Country, 1808-1810".
Role of reactive oxygen species in hippocampal long-term potentiation: Contributory or inhibitory?

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) typically are characterized as molecules involved in neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. However, recent evidence from both neuronal and nonneuronal cells suggests that ROS also function as small messenger molecules that are normal components of signal transduction cascades during physiological processes. Consistent with this idea, ROS have been shown to be critical for hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity widely studied as a cellular substrate for learning and memory. On the other hand, ROS also have been shown to be involved in aging-related impairment of LTP. This review discusses the evidence supporting the notion that ROS both contribute to normal LTP and are involved in age-related impairment of LTP. We also discuss possible sources that might be responsible for the production of ROS after the induction of LTP. Finally, we propose a functional ROS continuum to help explain this dichotomy of ROS function in hippocampal LTP.
A diagonal approach to building primary healthcare systems in resource-limited settings: women-centred integration of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, MCH and NCD initiatives.

La necessite d’une integration des systemes des soins de sante primaire pour les femmes offrant des services pour les maladies infectieuses et non transmissibles courantes dans les cadres a ressources limitees, est discutee. Se discute la necesidad de sistemas integrados de salud primaria para mujeres que ofrezcan cuidados para enfermedades infecciosas comunes y enfermedades no transmisibles, en emplazamientos con pocos recursos.
Cyclin D1 inactivation extends proliferation and alters histogenesis in the postnatal mouse retina.

Background The cell cycle regulator Cyclin D1 is expressed in embryonic retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and regulates their cell cycle rate and neurogenic output. We report here that Cyclin D1 also has important functions in postnatal retinal histogenesis.
Orientation bias of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus of macaque monkeys

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the influence of stimulus orientation on the responses of individual neurons in the monkey's lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Our specific goals were to assess the prevalence and the degree of orientation tuning in the monkey LGN and to determine if the preferred stimulus orientations of LGN neurons varied as a function of receptive-field position. The primary motivation for this research was to gain insight into the receptive-field configuration of LGN neurons and consequently into the neural mechanisms which determine the spatial organization of LGN receptive fields in primates.In both the parvocellular and magnocellular layers, the responses of the majority of individual neurons to sine-wave gratings varied as a function of stimulus orientation. The influence of stimulus orientation was, however, highly dependent on the spatial characteristics of the stimulus; the greatest degree of orientation bias was observed for spatial frequencies higher than the cell's optimal spatial frequency. On a population basis, the degree of orientation bias was similar for all major classes of LGN neurons (e.g. ON vs. OFF center; parvocellular vs. magnocellular) and did not vary systematically with receptive-field eccentricity. At a given receptive-field location, LGN neurons, particularly cells in the parvocellular laminae, tended to prefer either radially oriented stimuli or stimuli oriented more horizontally than their polar axis. Our analyses of the orientation-dependent changes in spatial-frequency response functions, which was based on the Soodak et al., (1987; Soodak, 1986) two-dimensional, difference-of-Gaussian receptive-field model, suggested that the orientation bias in LGN neurons was due to an elongation of the receptive-field center mechanism which in some cases appeared to consist of multiple subunits. Direct comparisons of the orientation-tuning characteristics of LGN cells and their retinal inputs (S potentials) indicated that the orientation bias in the monkey LGN reflects primarily the functional properties of individual retinal ganglion cells. We conclude that orientation sensitivity is a significant property of subcortical neurons in the primate's geniculo-cortical pathway.
The water-vapor continuum and selective absorption in the 3-5 μm spectral region at temperatures from 311 to 363 K

Abstract The pure water-vapor continuum absorption in the 2.88 to 5.18 μm spectral region has been measured using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer at a resolution of 0.1 cm−1. The sample temperatures and pressures varied from 311 to 363 K and from 2.8 kPa (21 Torr) to 34.5 kPa (259 Torr), respectively. The path lengths used in the study ranged from 68 to 116 m. Under these conditions, the continuum absorption in the middle of the 4 μm window is quite detectable reaching as high as 4%. The spectral processing included calculations to fit and remove the H2O ro-vibrational structure. In the region around 5 μm, the absorption coefficients obtained are in good agreement with those of the commonly used MT_CKD continuum model. However at shorter wavelengths, the observed values significantly deviate from the model. Inspection of the present data as well as that of previous measurements leads to the conclusion that the MT_CKD model despite the latest updates significantly underestimates the rate of the continuum temperature dependence over the 4 μm atmospheric window. Line strengths for 189 H2O transitions were obtained from the spectral processing. The deviation of these measured intensities from those listed in the HITRAN database is randomly scattered around zero to within several percents and no systematic trends were detected.