cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrafamily fragment analysis of the T cell receptor β chain CDR3 region

Abstract The length distributions of the third complementarity determining region (CDR3) of the T cell receptor (TCR) β chain were determined quantitatively from peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy donors. RT-PCR products of 26 Vβ families and subfamilies were analyzed by an A.L.F. DNA sequencer and Fragment Manager software. We established a normal reference of CDR3 lengths for most of the Vβ families and subfamilies. The known range of CDR3 lengths for the Vβ chain was expanded to 24 amino acids, and quantitative measurements were made for each fragment length allowing intrafamily CDR3 fragment length comparisons. Importantly, we were able to analyze intrafamily CDR3 fragment distribution without optimizing PCR conditions, thereby circumventing a major obstacle found in interfamily TCR β chain comparisons.
The calcified amorphous layer of the skin of Bufo marinus (Amphibia: Anura)

The integument of Bufo marinus is surveyed. It is similar to that of other anurans and contains the three chromatophores common to anurans. The skin of these toads contains more than 28% minerals deposited as small crystals in a mucopolysaccharide-positive amorphous layer between the stratum compactum and the stratum spongiosum. These crystals reveal a high content of calcium and phosphorus aggregated in and near membrane-bound vesicles which have an appearance very similar to matrix vesicles. Electron microscopy gives the appearance that these vesicles are associated with flbroblasts located between alternating bundles of collagen. Histochemical studies indicate that the amorphous layer possesses many of the characteristics commonly associated with mineralized cartilage or bone.
Keep the mate or keep the child? Examining sex differences in abortion decisions

Abstract Abortion is a controversial topic in society, and as such, has not been thoroughly explored from different theoretical perspectives. Across two studies, we investigated abortion decisions under varied conditions. Participants read hypothetical scenarios, deciding whether to terminate a life-threatening pregnancy in different circumstances. Men were more likely than women to terminate a life-threatening pregnancy. Participants were less likely to terminate the pregnancy when they could not have future children. Other individual difference variables also influenced participants’ abortion decisions. These findings suggest that evolutionary and social factors influence individuals’ abortion decisions.
Synergistic induction of AHR regulated genes in developmental toxicity from co-exposure to two model PAHs in zebrafish.

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are pollutants created by the incomplete combustion of carbon, and are increasing in the environment largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. PAHs occur as complex mixtures, and some combinations have been shown to cause synergistic developmental toxicity in fish embryos, characterized by pericardial edema and craniofacial malformations. Previous studies have indicated that in the zebrafish model, this toxicity is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (AHR2), and enhanced by inhibition of CYP1A activity. In this study, we further examined this interaction of the model PAH and AHR agonist β-naphthoflavone (BNF) with and without the AHR partial agonist/antagonist and CYP1A inhibitor α-naphthoflavone (ANF) to determine (1) whether ANF was acting as an AHR antagonist, (2) what alterations BNF and ANF both alone and in combination had on mRNA expression of the AHR regulated genes cytochrome P450 ( cyp ) 1a , 1b1 , and 1c1 , and the AHR repressor ( ahrr2 ) prior to versus during deformity onset, and (3) compare CYP1A enzyme activity with mRNA induction. Zebrafish embryos were exposed from 24–48 or 24–96 hpf to BNF, 1–100 μg/L, ANF, 1–150 μg/L, a BNF + ANF co-exposure (1 μg/L + 100 μg/L), or a DMSO solvent control. RNA was extracted and examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Both BNF and ANF each individually resulted in a dose dependent increase CYP1A , CYP1B1 , CYP1C1 , and AHRR2 mRNA, confirming their activities as AHR agonists. In the BNF + ANF co-exposures prior to deformity onset, expression of these genes was synergistic, and expression levels of the AHR regulated genes resembled the higher doses of BNF alone. Gene induction during deformities was also significantly increased in the co-exposure, but to a lesser magnitude than prior to deformity onset. EROD measurements of CYP1A activity showed ANF inhibited activity induction by BNF in the co-exposure group; this finding is not predicted by mRNA expression, which is synergistically induced in this treatment. This suggests that inhibition of CYP1A activity may alter metabolism and/or increase the half-life of the AHR agonist(s), allowing for increased AHR activation. This study furthers a mechanistic understanding of interactions underlying PAH synergistic toxicity.
Mapping of Deletions and Substitutions in Heteroduplex DNA Molecules of Bacteriophage Lambda by Electron Microscopy

Electron microscopy of heteroduplex DNA molecules, composed of one strand of Escherichia coli phage λ+ DNA annealed to the complementary DNA strand of a λ deletion or substitution mutant, permits visualization, as well as precise measurements and mapping, of the unpaired single-stranded regions of nonhomology in the otherwise double-stranded molecules. In the λb2 mutant, the central segment (13 percent) of the λ+ DNA molecule is shown to be deleted. In the hybrid phages λi434 and λi21 a segment of the right arm of the λ+ genome (5.5 or 7.6 to 9 percent) is replaced by the corresponding immunity regions of phage 434 (3.3 percent or phage 21 (4 percent) DNA. The b5 region in the λb5 mutant appears to be identical to the i21 segment. From these data it is possible to estimate the size and posiion of those λ genes which are replaced by the i434 and i21 segments. The method permits preparing complete physical maps of viral genomes with a precision heretofore unattainable.
Role of Spinal Nitric Oxide in the Facilitation of the Micturition Reflex by Bladder Irritation

AbstractPurpose: Nitric oxide (NO) is known to have an important transmitter function at peripheral synapses in the urogenital tract and has also been implicated in the transmission of nociceptive information in the spinal cord. The present study evaluated the role of NO in the central micturition reflex pathway.Materials and Methods: We examined the effect of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthase, on micturition reflexes induced by continuous infusion of saline or 0.1 percent acetic acid (a noxious stimulus) into the bladder in urethane-anesthetized female rats. Bladder and external urethral sphincter function were monitored with a continuous cystometrogram (CMG) and electromyography (EMG).Results: Intrathecal injection of L-NAME (0.01 to 1 micromole) did not significantly change the CMG or sphincter EMG during saline infusion. Infusion of acetic acid decreased the intercontraction interval (ICI), indicating a decrease in the volume threshold for inducing micturition. Subs...
EPAC Does Not Affect Diastolic Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Release in Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes

Recent evidence gathered in ventricular myocytes from rodents points out that the EPAC pathway is a strong promoter of the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR; Pereira et al., 2007, J. Physiol. 583:685-94). Encouraged by the above observations, we studied the effects of 2 μM 8-CPT (a specific EPAC activator) on the diastolic SR Ca2+ release in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Our initial studies used epifluorescence and focused on the relationship between the SR load and the diastolic SR Ca2+ release (i.e., the so called SR Ca2+ leak-load relationship). Contrary to the observations in rodents, our rabbit ventricular myocytes displayed no alterations of the leak-load relationship upon 8-CPT application. Since the leak-load relationship requires a steady state to be reached prior to the measurements, we also tested for non steady-state effects of EPAC stimulation using confocal microscopy. We studied the frequency and properties of Ca2+ sparks during the first 30 seconds of rest decay following 2 minutes of 8-CPT application and field stimulation at 1 Hz. Our results showed no effects of EPAC stimulation on the spark frequency or the spatio-temporal properties of the sparks. In summary, our results suggest that EPAC does not affect diastolic SR Ca2+ release in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Future studies will target the species dependence of the effect of EPAC and the effect of SR [Ca2+] upon the release properties under these conditions.
Processing for UWB LFM-CW SAR

The traditional radar stop-and-hop assumption, that a radar is stationary during the transmission of a single pulse, can be violated with LFM-CW SAR. Because the stop-and-hop assumption is used as a basis for the most commonly used SAR processing methods, this can lead to significant degradation of the final image, particularly in low-altitude ultra-wide-band SAR. In this paper we extend previous work compensating for motion during a pulse to ultra-wide-band strip-map LFM-CW SAR.
Female meadow voles have a preferred mating pattern predicted by photoperiod, which influences fertility

Abstract In a previous study, Meek and Lee (26) found that female meadow voles mated within three distinct time periods after pairing with a male, and fertility was influenced by the time of mating and photoperiod. In the present studies, we tested the hypothesis that different patterns of mating would correlate with high and low fertility. We found two very different patterns of mating were correlated with high fertility. Females housed in long daylengths (long day; 14 h light/day) and mating within 48 h of pairing with a male, received few mounts, intromissions, and intromissions per ejaculatory series, with very short interintromission intervals. All long-day females utilizing this mating pattern ovulated, and 86–100% produced litters. We suggest this pattern of mating is associated with spontaneous estrus. In contrast to long-day females mating within 48 h, females housed in short daylengths (short day; 10 h light/day) and mating between 14–48 h after pairing with a male, received significantly more short mounts and intromissions, with longer interintromission intervals. These short day females all ovulated and 86% produced litters. We suggest that this pattern of mating is associated with an induced estrus. Short-day females that did not exhibit this pattern of mating (66%) produced far fewer litters. We discuss two mechanisms by which fertility may be inhibited in most short-day females.
Characterization of amorphous alloy films

Abstract It is difficult to distinguish between the microcrystallite and continuous random models for amorphous alloy films. The application of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, calorimetry and viscometry to this problem are discussed. In particular, the use of these techniques for the characterization of amorphous nickel-phosphorus and gold-silicon-germanium alloys are described.
Enhanced purification of Mullerian inhibiting substance by lectin affinity chromatography

Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), a secreted testicular product responsible for regression of the Mullerian ducts in the male mammalian embryo, was purified 7000 fold, exploiting the glycoprotein nature of this important fetal regressor to achieve enhanced purification. The present procedure employs media incubation of newborn calf testis, passage through DEAE Bio-Gel A and CM Bio-Gel A and sequential lectin affinity chromatography on wheat germ lectin (WGL)-Sepharose 6MB and concanavalin A (Con A)-Sepharose 4B. Strongly bioactive MIS was released from both lectin columns in the bound glycoprotein fraction only after elution with lectin-specific sugar. Carbohydrate analysis of the highly purified glycoprotein fraction eluted from Con A indicated the presence of both N-acetyl glucosamine and mannose, as would be expected from its sequential lectin affinity, as well as of galactose, galactosamine and N-acetyl neuraminic acid. Electrophoresis of this fraction on polyacrylamide-SDS gels showed an identical band pattern after staining with either Coomassie blue or periodic acid-Schiff reagent, further indicating that MIS is a glycoprotein.
Mucosal destruction and regeneration of the colon by local hyperthermia. An experimental preliminary study

An experimental model has been developed to produce colonic mucosal destruction followed by regeneration. The canine model consists of a defunctioned portion of the large intestine which has been subjected to water at a temperature of 125°F for 7 hours. Colonic specimens were harvested at different periods of up to six weeks and studied macro- and microscopically. It has been shown that it is possible to achieve significant mucosal destruction and regeneration. Possible adaptation to clinical states is presented and discussed.
Pluralistic ignorance and college student perceptions of gender-specific alcohol norms.

Students’ perceived norms and personal concern about alcohol use were examined in 4 (N 971)experiments. Men reported that same-sex peers were less concerned about campus alcohol practices thanthemselves or female students; women believed that they were more concerned about campus alcoholpractices than both same- and opposite-sex peers (Experiments 1 and 2). Additional evidence suggestedthat students were not merely engaging in impression management. Men reported more social pressureto drink and greater embarrassment about expressing drinking-related concerns; women expected moresevere consequences if they drank excessively (Experiment 3). A male student (vs. female student)expressing concerns about alcohol was believed to experience greater difficulties fitting in (Experiment4). Implications for peer influence and drug use intervention are discussed.Key words: college student alcohol use, pluralistic ignorance, social influence, substance abuse
The Lymphocele PILL: A Case Report of Percutaneous Imaging-guided Lymphatic Ligation for the Treatment of Postsurgical Lymph Collections

Lymphoceles occur after surgical interventions in areas with an extensive lymphatic network due to injury to the large lymphatic vessels. Recurrent lymphoceles are treated percutaneously by using sclerotherapy, with surgery reserved for cases of failed sclerotherapy. In this case report, the authors describe a minimally invasive technique using lymphangiography and percutaneous imaging-guided lymphatic ligation of the feeding lymphatic vessel of a persistent lymphocele refractory to the sclerotherapy.
Endogenous ammonia production by Anacystis nidulans R-2 induced by methionine sulfoximine

Anacystis nidulans R-2 produced ammonia from endogenous sources for at least 6 h when illuminated without external nitrogen source but with CO2 in the presence of 50 μM methionine sulfoximine. The onset of ammonia release coinciding with complete inhibition of glutamine synthetase. The total quantity of ammonia which could be released exceeded the nitrogen content of small molecule pools, and suggested protein degradation as the most likely source of the nitrogen. Ammonia release was not accompanied by leakage of carbon compounds from the cells. Methionine sulfoximine-induced ammonia release was energy requiring, and was barely detectable under dark anaerobic conditions, or in the presence of 10 μM carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone in light. Phenyl methyl sulfonylfluoride, an inhibitor of serine proteases, eliminated ammonia release, and the rate of release was reduced to one-third of control values, after a lag, in the presence of 50–75 μg/ml chloramphenicol. The rate of NH + 4 release was maximal (1.4 nmol·min-1·mg-1 protein) if suspensions were bubbled with 100% O2, but could not be reduced below 0.6 nmol·min-1·mg-1 protein in air: CO2, suggesting that release was at most only partly due to photorespiration.
Intestinal Transport of Glucose and Sodium Stimulation by Reserpine and the Humoral Mechanism Involved.

SummaryReserpine stimulates transport of glucose and Na by everted segments of rat small intestine. The drug is effective both in vivo and in vitro. Adrenal demedullation does not diminish the response to reserpine injections, but dichloroisoproterenol blocks the effects of reserpine. It is concluded that reserpine acts directly on the gut, and that its effects are at least in part consequent to release of catecholamines from storage sites in the intestine.
The association of visit length and measures of patient-centered communication in HIV care: A mixed methods study

Abstract Objective Patient centered clinical communication may be associated with longer encounters. Methods We used the General Medical Interaction Analysis System (GMIAS) to code transcripts of routine outpatient visits in HIV care, and create 5 measures of patient-centeredness. We defined visit length as number of utterances. To better understand properties of encounters reflected in these measures, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the 15 longest and 15 shortest visits. Results All 5 measures were significantly associated with visit length (p 0.05). Black and Hispanic race were associated with shorter visits compared with White race. Some of the longest visits featured content that could be considered extraneous to appropriate care. Conclusion Patient centeredness is weakly related to visit length, but may reflect inefficient use of time in long encounters. Practice implications Efforts to make visits more patient centered should focus on improving dialogue quality and efficient use of time, not on making visits longer. Shorter visits for Black and Hispanic patients could contribute to health disparities related to race and ethnicity.
Narrative research: a viable methodology for clinical nursing.

TOPIC Narrative research provides a reasonable methodology for gathering rich, multidimensional data in the clinical setting. PURPOSE To familiarize nurses with the concept of narrative research, review pertinent narrative research literature, and identify some ways this methodology can be integrated into clinical nursing. SOURCES A review of published literature from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and nursing, with citations from women with breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Narrative research can make a valid contribution to nursing science in language familiar to nurses and other healthcare professionals.
An experimental field study of weight salience and food choice

Laboratory research has found that individuals will consume more calories and make unhealthy food choices when in the presence of an overweight individual, sometimes even regardless of what that individual is eating. This study expanded these laboratory paradigms to the field to examine how weight salience influences eating in the real world. More specifically, we tested the threshold of the effect of weight salience of food choice to see if a more subtle weight cue (e.g., images) would be sufficient to affect food choice. Attendees (N = 262) at Obesity Week 2013, a weight-salient environment, viewed slideshows containing an image of an overweight individual, an image of a thin individual, or no image (text only), and then selected from complimentary snacks. Results of ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that participants who viewed the image of the overweight individual had higher odds of selecting the higher calorie snack compared to those who viewed the image of the thin individual (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = [1.04, 3.04]), or no image (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = [1.29, 4.54]). Perceiver BMI category did not moderate the influence of image on food choice, as these results occurred regardless of participant BMI. These findings suggest that in the context of societal weight salience, weight-related cues alone may promote unhealthy eating in the general public.
TIME-VARYING RISK PREMIA IN EMERGING MARKETS: EXPLANATION BY A MULTI-FACTOR AFFINE TERM STRUCTURE MODEL

From the empirical viewpoint, the Expectation Hypothesis Theory (EHT) of the term structure of interest rates has been extensively tested and rejected for US term structure data. Dai and Singleton [6] show that under the settings of Affine term structure models it is possible that one matches both the historical term structure dynamics and capture an important stylized fact that have contradicted the EHT: Time-varying risk premia. In emerging markets, economic conditions tend to be much less stable than in developed markets. For this reason, if risk premia is dynamic in such markets, intuition would suggest that it is more volatile than in developed markets, implying a stronger statistical rejection of the EHT. In this paper, we verify the robustness of Dai and Singleton's results under these more extreme market conditions. We estimate an arbitrage free Affine Gaussian model for the term structure of swaps in the Brazilian market. We propose an extensive empirical analysis which consists on: defining the optimal number of factors to be used in the model, estimating the model, giving interpretation to the state variables in terms of risk factors, and studying the model implied risk premia. In the end, we propose an application for risk management of interest rates futures portfolios.
Preference for breaking the O-H bond over the O-D bond following HDO ionization by fast ions

Measurements of the fragmentation of deuterium tagged water molecules, namely HDO, by fast proton and F7+ impact exhibit a very strong isotopic preference for cleavage of the OH bond over the OD bond. Explicitly, the former is about five times more likely than the latter for HDO2+ dissociation. HDO+ exhibits similar behaviour, though the asymmetry is smaller at about a factor of 2. Wave-packet propagation calculations are in good agreement with the measured branching ratio for HDO2+ dissociation.
Discrete Trial Teaching Getting Started

Current special education law mandates that educators use scientifically based practices, and in addition, educators should deliver refined instruction for learners with disabilities. Applied behav...
Cytomegalovirus Infection Leads to Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcomas in Trp53+/− Mice

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been detected in several human cancers but it has not proven to be oncogenic. However, recent studies have suggested mechanisms through which CMV may modulate the tumor environment, encouraging its study as a positive modifier of tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of CMV infection in TrP53 heterozygous mice. Animals were infected with murine CMV (MCMV) after birth at 2 days (P2) or 4 weeks of age and then monitored for tumor formation. Mice injected at two days of age developed tumors at a high frequency (43%) by 9 months of age. In contrast, only 3% of mock-infected or mice infected at 4 weeks developed tumors. The majority of tumors from P2 MCMV-infected mice were pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) harboring MCMV DNA, RNA, and protein. An examination of clinical cases revealed that human RMS (embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic) harbored human CMV IE1 and pp65 protein as well as viral RNA. Taken together, our findings offer support for the hypothesis that CMV contributes to the development of pleomorphic RMS in the context of Trp53 mutation, a situation which occurs with high frequency in human RMS.
Novel modeling methodology of LC differential oscillator noise

A novel model for analyzing differential LC oscillator noise is presented. The proposed analysis enables us to separately compute the impacts of white and flicker noise on the oscillator phase noise in terms of simple analytical expressions. Further, the analysis also takes into account the contribution of the tail noise of a differential LC oscillator to the total phase noise. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 806–808, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21480
Comparison of Transmission and Diffuse Reflectance Sampling Techniques for FT-IR Spectrometry of Silane-Modified Silica Gel:

Two sampling techniques are compared to study the effect of silylation reaction conditions on the extent of methoxy group hydrolysis of trimethoxymethylsilane (TMMS) on the Cab-O-Sil surface. When a pressed pellet of TMMS-modified Cab-O-Sil is used for transmission studies, the methoxy groups hydrolyze rapidly while the same sample studied by diffuse reflectance is stable toward hydrolysis for at least 60 min. The release of water from the silica gel pores when the sample is pressed is believed to be the reason for the rapid hydrolysis. To avoid undesirable hydrolysis of the silane, the diffuse reflectance sampling technique is preferred.
Strain and sex differences in fear conditioning: 22 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations and freezing in rats

Strain and sex differences in fear conditioning were investigated in two commonly used laboratory rats: Sprague Dawleys and Long-Evans. Twenty-two kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV) distress calls and freezing behavior were used to measure fear responses to contextual and auditory conditioned stimuli (CSs), which were previously paired with a footshock unconditioned stimulus (US). Both strain and sex had significant effects on USVs and freezing during training and subsequent context and tone tests. Overall, the male Sprague Dawley rats froze and emitted USVs more than the other groups. Additionally, levels of freezing and USVs were differentially influenced by the type of CS (context or tone). These results suggest that species-specific defense responses in laboratory rats are highly influenced by the strain and sex of the subject, and that these factors should be considered in future fear conditioning studies.
Individual recognition and memory in lobster dominance.

Abstract American lobsters, Homarus americanus , form stable dominance relationships in captivity. Size, sex and stage in the moult cycle are important determinants for dominance. Other factors, such as recent agonistic experience play a role. This paper investigates how lobsters maintain their stable dominance relationships: they may recognize individuals or alternatively, recognize overall dominance status. We paired lobsters in two consecutive ‘boxing matches’. Results indicate that lobsters remember familiar opponents when kept either in isolation or in communal tanks for 24 h between their first and second fights. Subordinates immediately backed away from familiar dominants, avoiding a second fight. In some animals, this memory lasted between 1–2 weeks if pairs were kept separate between the first and second fights. When paired for the second fight against unfamiliar dominant lobsters, subordinate lobsters from first fights actively fought and won the encounter. These results suggest that lobsters are capable of ‘individual recognition’. In nature, the observed social organization of lobsters may be maintained by individual recognition of a small number of residents inhabiting separate, nearby shelters.
Mitogens, superantigens, and nominal antigens elicit distinctive patterns of TCRB CDR3 diversity

The third complementarity-determining region (CDR3) is the only nongermline-encoded hypervariable region of the T cell receptor beta (TCRB) chain, and it is the region that has been predicted to confer fine specificity of the TCR for peptide-MHC complexes. For this reason analysis of TCRB CDR3 heterogeneity may provide insight into immune mechanisms operative in infectious and autoimmune diseases. PBMC stimulated with either mitogen (PHA), superantigen (TSST-1), or nominal antigen (tetanus toxoid) have been compared with unstimulated PBMC using a two-dimensional approach. Analysis of the expressed TCRBV gene repertoire CDR3 length profile coupled with SSCP methodology enabled the discrimination of sequences with the same CDR3 length. For both freshly isolated and PHA stimulated PBMC, a normally distributed spectrum of CDR3 lengths (five or more products) was observed. These products differed by 3 bp (1 amino acid) due to the strict requirement for in-frame rearrangements in the CDR3 region of TCR. By contrast, tetanus toxoid stimulated PBMC had restricted profiles for most TCRBV families after as few as 7 days of incubation. The oligoclonal nature of samples showing CDR3 length restriction was revealed by SSCP analysis and confirmed by sequence determination. Superantigen stimulation resulted in unique patterns of diversity, which included polyclonal expansion of specific TCRBV families as well as oligoclonal expansion of most other TCRBV families. These data reveal complex yet distinct patterns of TCR diversity in response to different T cell activation stimuli.
Semiconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O Infrared Microbolometer Array Fabricated and Characterized with CCBDI ROIC

Semiconducting Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (Y-Ba-Cu-O) microbolometers based on self-supporting structure are fabricated and characterized with on-chip constant current buffered direct injection (CCBDI) readout integrated circuit (ROIC) in AMI 1.5?m double-poly-double-metal n-well 2.5V complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Self-supporting Y-Ba-Cu-O microbolometers exhibit low thermal mass, hence low thermal time constant, and are integrated with a silicon readout circuit for first time. The CCBDI readout circuit is designed to work both with a traditional frame rate of 30Hz as well as a novel, improved frame rate of 200Hz for a 640×480 array for faster thermal imaging in commercial, military and biomedical applications.
Time varying prediction of thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in adolescents: weekly ratings over 6-month follow-up.

Suicidal ideation (SI) and thoughts of death are often experienced as fluctuating; therefore a dynamic representation of this highly important indicator of suicide risk is warranted. Theoretical accounts have suggested that affective, behavioral, and interpersonal factors may influence the experience of thoughts of death/SI. This study aimed to examine the prospective and dynamic impact of these constructs in relation to thoughts of death and SI. We assessed adolescents with a recent hospitalization for elevated suicide risk over 6 months. Using the methodology of the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation, weekly ratings for SI, course of depressive illness, affect sensitivity, negative affect intensity, behavioral dysregulation, peer invalidation, and family invalidation were obtained. Using multilevel modeling, results indicated that (a) same-week ratings between these constructs and SI were highly correlated at baseline and throughout follow-up; (b) baseline ratings of affect sensitivity, behavior...
Reaction of lithium with FeAsS, a quaternary system

Electrochemical titration and X-ray diffraction experiments have been performed on the reaction of lithium with arsenopyrite, FeAsS. The results obtained on this quaternary system have been interpreted in terms of the Li-Fe-As-S composition tetrahedron. It was found that 1.8 mol of Li can reversibly react rapidly at a potential of 1.75 V vs pure lithium. Two additional plateaus were found at 0.95 and 0.75 V vs lithium that do not make important contributions to the theoretical specific energy.
Oligodendrocytes as providers of growth factors

Glial cells recently are being appreciated as supporters of brain neurons. This review addresses their role as growth factor providers. While the function of astrocytes in this capacity is known, new data indicate that oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the brain, exhibit similar abilities. Oligodendrocytes provide trophic signals to nearby neurons and synthesize defined growth factors. Expression of growth factors is influenced by neural signals. The review summarizes these roles and their implications in brain function.
ROLE OF CONFORMATION AND ORIENTATION OF SURFACTANTS AND POLYMERS IN CONTROLLING FLOCCULATION AND DISPERSION OF AQUEOUS AND NON-AQUEOUS SUSPENSIONS

Abstract Flocculation and dispersion of both aqueous and non-aqueous suspensions using surfactants and polymers have widespread applications. In this work, the role of adsorbed layer microstructural properties, namely their conformation and orientation at the solid-liquid interface, in controlling dispersion properties is examined. A multi-pronged approach, involving the use of fluorescence and ESR techniques along with measurements of surface charge and hydrophobicity, was used to explore the structure of the adsorbed layer. The adsorption isotherm of sodium dodecylsulfate on alumina in aqueous solution interface showed different regions corresponding to different adsorption mechanisms. The suspension stability also displayed significant changes concomitant with changes in the structure of the adsorbed layer. When polymers are used their conformation can be manipulated by changing solution conditions such as pH and/or by the addition of a secondary polymer or surfactant. Such manipulation can be used to obtain desired levels of flocculation or stabilization. In non-aqueous media, adsorption was found to depend on the solid-solvent-solute interactions as expressed by an effective interaction parameter δ eff . The suspension stability was dependent on the amount adsorbed and the packing of molecules in the adsorbed layer. The presence of even trace polar impurities was found to have a critical effect on the suspension stability. For example, trace amounts of water were found to cause a significant enhancement of stabilization of alumina cyclohexane suspension in the presence of adsorbed surfactant layers. However, at higher concentrations water induced rapid flocculation in these systems. Hydrophobic polymers were found to be effective stabilizers for alumina in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. In this case the polymer adsorbed at the interface in different orientations with the lyophilic side chains dangling into the solution to provide steric repulsion and thus stabilization.
Enzymatic Control of Metability in a Direct Acidified Cheese Product

An enzymatic method based on a fungal protease derived from A. oryzae was developed to control the meltability of a direct acidified cheese product. The kinetics of activation and inactivation were delineated. Meltability values, as determined by the standard L.D. Schrieber test, were strongly correlated with proteolysis as measured in terms of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN). Excessive proteolysis resulted in textural and organoleptic defects (short and grainy texture, bitterness). Optimum conditions for enzymatic action were delineated in terms of desirable rheological characteristics and overall product quality.
The Discharge of Spacecraft Dielectrics and the Theory of Lichtenberg Figure Formation

A Lichtenberg discharge model for the discharge of thin spacecraft dielectrics is considered. Conducting plasma channels are assumed to exist within the dielectric. Utilizing energy balance arguments it is concluded that it is unlikely that the model can account for observed large area discharges. It is likely, however, that Lichtenberg discharges do account for observed material damage associated with all discharges.
Turnover of ribosomal RNA in the submandibular gland of normal and isoproterenol-treated rats☆

Abstract From the decay in specific activity following the administration of 3H-cytidine and [3H-methyl]-methionine the half-life of ribosomal RNA in rat submandibular gland was determined. With [3H-methyl]methionine a half-life of 12 days of ribosomal RNA was obtained. This may be considered the minimal value since a shorter half-life, 7 days, was measured with 3H-cytidine as precursor. The difference in half-lives with the two methods of labeling is due to the presence of heterogeneous RNA sedimenting with the ribosomal RNA and labeled by 3H-cytidine but not methylated. An attempt was made to measure the half-life of ribosomal RNA in the submandibular gland during an accelerated hypertrophic and hyperplastic growth of the gland produced by the repeated administration of isoproterenol. When correction was made for the increase in RNA and ribosomal RNA that occurs during the enlargement of the gland the specific activity of ribosomal RNA increased instead of declining. During the experimental enlargement of the salivary gland the persistence of a radioactive pool excludes the possibility of measuring the turnover rate of ribosomal RNA accurately with methods presently available.
Perspectives on In Vitro Toxicity for Medical Devices

In vitro toxicity testing has found widespread application in its use for screening materials for medical devices. Cytotoxicity tests, which have been in use for nearly 20 years, have been validated for intralaboratory repeatability, interlaboratory reproducibility, and correlation with acute animal toxicity assays. The three primary cytotoxicity assays, i.e., direct contact, agar diffusion, and elution tests, allow a selection between assay and material characteristics. Mutagenicity assays have had limited application to materials testing because of the insoluble nature of the materials and the low level of extractable chemicals, which are generally below the sensitivity limit of these assays. In vitro blood compatibility tests for hemolysis and complement activation are used primarily for blood contacting materials in applications where there is a large surface area of material for ex vivo applications.
A millimeter/submillimeter spectrometer for !high resolution studies of transient molecules

A design is presented for a millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption spectrometer for studies of the pure rotational spectra of metal‐bearing free radicals. The spectrometer operates in the frequency range of 65–550 GHz with an instrumental resolution of 200–1000 kHz and an absorption sensitivity of a few ppm. The instrument utilizes phase‐locked Gunn oscillators as the tunable, coherent source of radiation from 65–140 GHz. Higher source frequencies are obtained with Schottky diode multipliers. The gas cell and optics path are designed utilizing Gaussian beam optics to achieve maximum interaction between molecules and the mm‐wave radiation in the reaction region. Scalar feedhorns and a series of PTFE lenses are used to propagate the source signal. The gas cell is a cylindrical tube 0.5 m in length with a detachable Broida‐type oven. The detector for the spectrometer is a helium‐cooled InSb hot electron bolometer. Phase‐sensitive detection is achieved by FM modulation of the Gunn oscillators and use of a lock‐in amplifier. Spectra are recorded by electrical tuning of the Gunn oscillator, which is done under computer control. The millimeter and sub‐mm rotational spectra of several free radicals have been observed for the first time using this instrument, including CaOH, MgOH, CaH, MgF, and BaOH.
Micro-RNA dysregulation in multiple sclerosis favours pro-inflammatory T-cell-mediated autoimmunity

Pro-inflammatory T cells mediate autoimmune demyelination in multiple sclerosis. However, the factors driving their development and multiple sclerosis susceptibility are incompletely understood. We investigated how micro-RNAs, newly described as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, contribute to pathogenic T-cell differentiation in multiple sclerosis. miR-128 and miR-27b were increased in naive and miR-340 in memory CD4(+) T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis, inhibiting Th2 cell development and favouring pro-inflammatory Th1 responses. These effects were mediated by direct suppression of B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1) and interleukin-4 (IL4) expression, resulting in decreased GATA3 levels, and a Th2 to Th1 cytokine shift. Gain-of-function experiments with these micro-RNAs enhanced the encephalitogenic potential of myelin-specific T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In addition, treatment of multiple sclerosis patient T cells with oligonucleotide micro-RNA inhibitors led to the restoration of Th2 responses. These data illustrate the biological significance and therapeutic potential of these micro-RNAs in regulating T-cell phenotypes in multiple sclerosis.
Xe monolayer adsorption on Ag(111) I. Structural properties

The monolayer of adsorbed xenon on the (1) surface of silver was studied using low- energy electron diffraction. The structure is an hexagonal lattice aligned with but out of registry with the substrate. The Xe-Xe spacing at 25 K is 4.44 ± 0.01 A in the full monolayer and 4.47 ± at less than full coverage. The Xe-Ag spacing is 3.5 ± 0.1 A. Here 〈u⊥〉2T, the meansquare vibrational amplitude normal to the surface divided by the temperature is (1.83 ± 0.4 × 10−4 A2/K. The heat of adsorption is 0.28 ± 0.03 eV/atom.
Antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents.

Antisense oligonucleotides can block the expression of specific target genes involved in the development of human diseases. Therapeutic applications of antisense techniques are currently under investigation in many different fields. The use of antisense molecules to modify gene expression is variable in its efficacy and reliability, raising objections about their use as therapeutic agents. However, preliminary results of several clinical studies demonstrated the safety and to some extent the efficacy of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) in patients with malignant diseases. Clinical response was observed in some patients suffering from ovarian cancer who were treated with antisense targeted against the gene encoding for the protein kinase C-alpha. Some hematological diseases treated with antisense oligos targeted against the bcr/abl and the bcl2 mRNAs have shown promising clinical response. Antisense therapy has been useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders such as restenosis after angioplasty, vascular bypass graft occlusion, and transplant coronary vasculopathy. Antisense oligonucleotides also have shown promise as antiviral agents. Several investigators are performing trials with oligonucleotides targeted against the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis viruses. Phosphorothioate ODNs now have reached phase I and II in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and viral infections, so far demonstrating an acceptable safety and pharmacokinetic profile for continuing their development. The new drug Vitravene, based on a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide designed to inhibit the human cytomegalovirus (CMV), promises that some substantial successes can be reached with the antisense technique.
Data acceptance procedures and Levels of Service at the National Snow and Ice Data Center

All data are not created equal. Individual data sets vary from each other in a multitude of ways - from easily measured ways such as size, format, and complexity; to ways that require a more nuanced understanding, such as in the breadth and depth of a data set's potential user base, its "designated community" to use the terminology of the Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System [1]. Given limitations in the resources available, it is not surprising then that repositories, such as those of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, need to make choices about the level of support or services provided for each data set acquired. Such choices prioritize center activities. While such decisions have been an implicit part of NSIDC activities for many years, an effort was recently taken to explicitly define the Levels of Service supported at NSIDC. Baseline Levels of Service have been defined for all existing NSIDC data sets. In addition, Levels of Service considerations are a major component of the NSIDC Distributed Active Archive Center's (DAAC's) new data accessioning and data review processes. In this paper we describe the Levels of Service currently supported at NSIDC and factors that affect the effort required to obtain a given level of service. We also discuss the process users should use if they wish to request that the NSIDC DAAC archive their data.
Evidence for superconductivity in the Bi-O layers and not in the cuprate planes of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8

Abstract The superconductivity in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8occurs in Bi-O slabs, with the CuO2planes being insulating.
The rôle of the spermathecal gland of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis

Abstract Spermatozoa were relatively inactive and did not enter the spermatheca of female boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis, whose spermathecal glands were removed as teneral adults. However, these females were able to lay fertile eggs for a 2 week period. When the spermathecal gland was removed from older females, spermathecal filling occurred, and although the spermatozoa retained their fertilizing capacity for extended periods, spermathecal emptying did not occur. Spermatozoa gradually lost their motility and fertilizing capacity, indicating that spermathecal secretions are effective in very small amounts. Spermatozoa were not activated by any of the materials contained in the normal male ejaculate. These materials alone did not effect spermathecal filling nor were they capable of maintaining the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa for very long. Sperm economy is low with less than 1 fertile egg laid per 100 spermatozoa used.
Estimating working memory capacity for lists of nonverbal sounds

Working memory (WM) capacity limit has been extensively studied in the domains of visual and verbal stimuli. Previous studies have suggested a fixed WM capacity of typically about three or four items, on the basis of the number of items in working memory reaching a plateau after several items as the set size increases. However, the fixed WM capacity estimate appears to rely on categorical information in the stimulus set (Olsson & Poom Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 102:8776-8780, 2005). We designed a series of experiments to investigate nonverbal auditory WM capacity and its dependence on categorical information. Experiments 1 and 2 used simple tones and revealed capacity limit of up to two tones following a 6-s retention interval. Importantly, performance was significantly higher at set sizes 2, 3, and 4 when the frequency difference between target and test tones was relatively large. In Experiment 3, we added categorical information to the simple tones, and the effect of tone change magnitude decreased. Maximal capacity for each individual was just over three sounds, in the range of typical visual procedures. We propose that two types of information, categorical and detailed acoustic information, are kept in WM and that categorical information is critical for high WM performance.