cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Giant Non-Resonant Infrared Second Order Nonlinearity in γ -NaAsSe2

Infrared laser systems are vital for applications in spectroscopy, communications, and biomedical devices, where infrared nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are required for broadband frequency down-conversion. Such crystals need to have high non-resonant NLO coefficients, a large bandgap, low absorption coefficient, phase-matchability among other competing demands, e.g., a larger bandgap leads to smaller NLO coefficients. Here, we report the successful growth of single crystals of $\gamma$-NaAsSe$_2$ that exhibit a giant second harmonic generation (SHG) susceptibility of d$_{11}$=590 pm V$^{-1}$ at 2$\mu$m wavelength; this is ~ eighteen times larger than that of commercial AgGaSe$_2$ while retaining a similar bandgap of ~1.87eV, making it an outstanding candidate for quasi-phase-matched devices utilizing d$_{11}$. In addition, $\gamma$-NaAsSe$_2$ is both Type I and Type II phase-matchable, and has a transparency range up to 16$\mu$m wavelength. Thus $\gamma$-NaAsSe2 is a promising bulk NLO crystal for infrared laser applications.
QTc Prolongation in Veterans With Heroin Dependence on Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Background: QTc prolongation and Torsade de Ppointes have been reported in patients on methadone maintenance. Objectives: In this study, QTc was compared before and after the veteran (n = 49) was on a stable dosage of methadone for 8.72 ± 4.50 years to treat heroin dependence. Risk factors were correlated with the QTc once the veteran was on a stable dose of methadone. Differences in the clinical risk factors in subgroups of veterans with below and above mean QTc change was compared. Patients and Methods: ECG data was obtained from a 12-lead electrocardiogram (pre-methadone and on methadone) on 49 veterans. Data and risk factors were retrospectively collected from the medical records. Results: The mean QTc at baseline (pre-methadone) was 426 ± 34 msec and after being on methadone for an average of 8.72 ± 4.50 years was significantly higher at 450 ± 35 msec. No significant relationships were found between QTc prolongation and risk factors except for calcium. The methadone dosage was significantly higher in veterans with a QTc change above the mean change of ≥ 24 msec (88.48 ± 27.20 mg v.s 68.96 ± 19.84 mg). None of the veterans experienced cardiac arrhythmias. Conclusions: The low complexity of medical co-morbidities may explain the lack of a significant correlation between any risk factor with the QTc except calcium and methadone dosage. The absence of TdP may be explained by the low prevalence of QTc values > 500 msec as well as the retrospective design of the study. During long-term methadone treatment, there was a slight increase in the QTc interval but we did not find evidence of increased cardiac toxicity as a reason for treatment termination.
High-Order differential geometry of curves for multiview reconstruction and matching

The relationship between the orientation and curvature of projected curves and the orientation and curvature of the underlying space curve has been previously established. This has allowed a disambiguation of correspondences in two views and a transfer of these properties to a third view for confirmation. We propose that a higher-order intrinsic differential geometry attribute, namely, curvature derivative, is necessary to account for the range of variation of space curves and their projections. We derive relationships between curvature derivative in a projected view, and curvature derivative and torsion of the underlying space curve. Regardless of the point, tangent, and curvature, any pair of curvature derivatives are possible correspondences, but most would lead to very high torsion and curvature derivatives. We propose that the minimization of third order derivatives of the reconstruction, which combines torsion and curvature derivative of the space curve, regularizes the process of finding the correct correspondences.
Time-asymmetric initial data for n black holes

The time-asymmetric initial value problem for N-body systems consisting of N black holes is described. The spacelike initial hypersurface is taken to be the Einstein-Rosen manifold with N bridges. An explicit procedure using an infinite series is developed to construct solutions of the momentum constraints on the Einstein-Rosen manifold. A sufficient condition for the absolute convergence of a wide range of these solutions is presented. In particular, the solution representing N black holes with arbitrary spins and momenta is discussed. The formulation of the Hamiltonian constraint as a boundary value problem is outlined.
Search for the acetylcholine and vesamicol binding sites in vesicular acetylcholine transporter: the region around the lumenal end of the transport channel.

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 984–993. Abstract Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT; TC 2.A.1.2.13) mediates storage of acetylcholine (ACh) by synaptic vesicles. A three-dimensional homology model of VAChT is available, but the binding sites for ACh and the allosteric inhibitor (−)-trans-2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol) are unknown. In previous work, mutations of invariant W331 in the lumenal beginning of transmembrane helix VIII (TM VIII) of rat VAChT led to as much as ninefold loss in equilibrium affinity for ACh and no loss in affinity for vesamicol. The current work investigates the effects of additional mutations in and around W331 and the nearby lumenal end of the substrate transport channel. Mutants of human VAChT were expressed in the PC12A123.7 cell line and characterized using radiolabeled ligands and filtration assays for binding and transport. Properties of a new and a repeat mutation in W331 are consistent with the original observations. Of 16 additional mutations in 13 other residues (Y60 in the beginning of lumenal Loop I/II, F231 in the lumenal end of TM V, W315, M316, K317, in the lumenal end of TM VII, M320, A321, W325, A330 in lumenal Loop VII/VIII, A334 in the lumenal beginning of TM VIII, and C388, C391, F392 in the lumenal beginning of TM X), only A334F impairs binding. This mutation decreases ACh and vesamicol equilibrium binding affinities by 14- and 4-fold, respectively. The current results, combined with previous results, demonstrate existence of a spatial cluster of residues close to vesicular lumen that decreases affinity for ACh and/or vesamicol when the cluster is mutated. The cluster is composed of invariant W331, highly conserved A334, and invariant F335 in TM VIII and invariant C391 in TM X. Different models for the locations of the ACh and vesamicol binding sites relative to this cluster are discussed.
Combined CCL19/IL-7 treatment eradicates tumors in murine models of lung cancer.

5557 Background: Effective anti-tumor responses require both antigen presenting cells and lymphocyte effectors. Although lung cancers express tumor antigens, they are ineffective as antigen presenting cells because tumor cells often have limited expression of MHC Ags and lack co-stimulatory molecules. It has been demonstrated that local and systemic administration of chemokines or cytokines as stimulators of the immune response is beneficial as potent anti-cancer strategy. Epstein Barr virus-induced molecule 1 ligand chemokine (ELC/CCL19) is a CC chemokine that strongly chemoattracts both dendritic cells (DC) and T lymphocytes. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) amplifies the longevity of the tumor antigen specific T cells and NK effectors. In this study we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of combined CCL19/IL-7 treatment in two murine lung cancer models. Methods: 105 L1C2 and 3LL cells have been injected into the right flank of Balb/C and C57/Bl6 mice respectively. Five days after injection mice have been treated intratumorally with injection of recombinant ELC/CCL19 (0.5μg/dose) three times per week and Interleukin 7 (200ng/dose) daily for 2 weeks. For the evaluation of anti-tumor responses, tumors were harvested three weeks after combined treatment and assessed for H&E staining to analyze tumor infiltrating T cell subsets by flow cytometry. Tumors were evaluated for the production of IL-10, IL-12, GM-CSF, IFNγ, TGFβ, by ELISA and PGE2 by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in the supernatants after an overnight culture. Results: In the C57/Bl6 mice there was a dramatic inhibition of tumor growth compared to diluent treated controls, in 5 out of 6 Balb/C mice we even observed a complete tumor eradication. Changes in cytokine profiles and T cell subsets at the tumor sites will be discussed. Conclusions: Combination of CCL19 and IL-7 treatment leads to a dramatic reduction of tumor growth and confirms the impact of chemokines and cytokines in the development of an effective anticancer-immunotherapy and the importance of targeting multiple pathways.
Suggestions for Future Observations

In proposing possible new measurements to be carried out in space in connection with solar events, it seems reasonable to take it for granted that present experimental techniques will continue to improve. In fact, the detail which can now be achieved in measurements of electron and proton distribution functions is remarkable, and indeed is beginning to strain our ability to absorb and comprehend the data. There are however at least two areas in which further improvements should be sought; these involve increased coverage (especially with multiple space-craft), and particle composition measurements.
Differential protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation in response to carbon source in Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1.

Aims: The aims of this study were to study the effect of cellobiose or cellulose as a carbon source on the differential protein phosphorylation–dephosphorylation of cytoplasmic and membrane-associated proteins from Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1. Methods and Results: SDS-PAGE analysis was used to compare in vitro labelled proteins (32P-ATP) isolated from R. flavefaciens FD-1 grown on either cellobiose or cellulose as the carbon source. Distinctly different protein phosphorylation patterns were detected depending on carbon source and cell fraction. Analysis of the nature of the phosphorylated proteins indicates that phosphorylated proteins from cellobiose grown cultures are phosphorylated on serine residues, whereas phosphorylated proteins from cellulose grown cultures are phosphorylated on threonine residues. Conclusions: The results of this comparative analysis show a shift from serine phosphorylation of proteins to a threonine phosphorylation when R. flavefaciens FD-1 cells are grown on cellulose as opposed to cellobiose. There appears to be a role for these phosphorylation events in sensing the carbon source for growth and regulating co-ordinated metabolism in R. flavefaciens FD-1. Significance and Impact of the Study: We have demonstrated that there is a protein phosphorylation system in R. flavefaciens FD-1 that may be the primary sensing system for carbon source by R. flavefaciens FD-1 and the further regulation of gene expression related to cellulose degradation.
Fucose-deficient hematopoietic stem cells have decreased self-renewal and aberrant marrow niche occupancy

BACKGROUND: Modification of Notch receptors by O-linked fucose and its further elongation by the Fringe family of glycosyltransferase has been shown to be important for Notch signaling activation. Our recent studies disclose a myeloproliferative phenotype, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) dysfunction, and abnormal Notch signaling in mice deficient in FX, which is required for fucosylation of a number of proteins including Notch. The purpose of this study was to assess the self-renewal and stem cell niche features of fucose-deficient HSCs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Homeostasis and maintenance of HSCs derived from FX−/− mice were studied by serial bone marrow transplantation, homing assay, and cell cycle analysis. Two-photon intravital microscopy was performed to visualize and compare the in vivo marrow niche occupancy by fucose-deficient and wild-type (WT) HSCs. RESULTS: Marrow progenitors from FX−/− mice had mild homing defects that could be partially prevented by exogenous fucose supplementation. Fucose-deficient HSCs from FX−/− mice displayed decreased self-renewal capability compared with the WT controls. This is accompanied with their increased cell cycling activity and suppressed Notch ligand binding. When tracked in vivo by two-photon intravital imaging, the fucose-deficient HSCs were found localized farther from the endosteum of the calvarium marrow than the WT HSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The current reported aberrant niche occupancy by HSCs from FX−/− mice, in the context of a faulty blood lineage homeostasis and HSC dysfunction in mice expressing Notch receptors deficient in O-fucosylation, suggests that fucosylation-modified Notch receptor may represent a novel extrinsic regulator for HSC engraftment and HSC niche maintenance.
A novel approach to the computation of fields inside waveguides and cavities by Fourier series

This paper presents a simple and efficient approach to the analysis of waveguides and cavities using Fourier series. This formulation is broad-based and general allowing field solutions to problems in waveguides and cavities with a considerable computational advantage. Numerical results in the form of current distributions are presented to illustrate the theory.
Using RFID and accelerometer-embedded tracers to measure probabilities of bed load transport, step lengths, and rest times in a mountain stream

We present new measurements of bed load tracer transport in a mountain stream over several snowmelt seasons. Cumulative displacements were measured using passive tracers, which consisted of gravel and cobbles embedded with radio frequency identification tags. The timing of bed load motion during 11 transporting events was quantified with active tracers, i.e., accelerometer-embedded cobbles. Probabilities of cobble transport increased with discharge above a threshold, and exhibited slight to moderate hysteresis during snowmelt hydrographs. Dividing cumulative displacements by the number of movements recorded by each active tracer constrained average step lengths. Average step lengths increased with discharge, and distributions of average step lengths and cumulative displacements were thin tailed. Distributions of rest times followed heavy-tailed power law scaling. Rest time scaling varied somewhat with discharge and with the degree to which tracers were incorporated into the streambed. The combination of thin-tailed displacement distributions and heavy-tailed rest time distributions predict superdiffusive dispersion.
Electrically-detected magnetic resonance near the p-doped/n-doped interface of Si junction diodes

Hyperfine structure has been observed in the electrically-detected magnetic resonance signal from a silicon p-n junction diode. By comparing the g value, hyperfine parameters, and bandgap energy level with known species having suitable abundances of isotopes with I = ½, the center is tentatively assigned as a platinum moiety, of presently undetermined structure. The observation indicates the usefulness of EDMR in the study of defects in ultrasmall Si devices, and raises certain questions regarding the current theories of spin-dependent recombination.
Thermomechanics of Nanocrystalline Nickel under High Pressure−Temperature Conditions

We present a comparative study of thermomechanical properties of nano-polycrystalline nickel (nano-Ni) and micrometer-polycrystalline nickel (micron-Ni) by in situ high pressure-temperature (P-T) diffraction experiments. The yield strength of 2.35 GPa for the nano-Ni measured under high-pressure triaxial compression is more than three times that of the micron-Ni value. Contrary to tensile experiments of uniaxial loading, we observe significant work-hardening for the nano-Ni in high-pressure plastic deformation stage, whereas the micron-Ni experiences minor high-pressure work-softening and considerable energy dissipation into heat. The significantly reduced energy dissipation for the nano-Ni during the loading-unloading cycle indicates that the nanostructured materials can endure much greater mechanical fatigue in cyclic loadings. The nano-Ni exhibits steady grain growth during bulk plastic deformation at high-pressure loading, and drastic stress reduction and grain growth occur during the high P-T cycle. Our experiments utilized novel approaches to comparatively study micro- and nanostructured materials revealing recoverability of elastic/plastic deformations, strain corrections by diffraction elasticity ratio, and identifying dominances of stress relaxation, grain growth, and intrinsic residual stresses. The results should be of considerable interest to the fields of materials science, condensed matter, and computational physics.
Graphoepitaxial deposition of cationic polymer micelles on patterned SiO2 surfaces.

We have studied the deposition of polymer micelles formed from poly(styrene)-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-PVPH + ) from room-temperature aqueous solutions at pH 1 onto a hydrophilic Si/SiO 2 surface with a reliefpattern100 nm deep with variable widths. It has been found that the micelle density is substantially higher and the ordering of the micelles is improved for micelles that adsorb in the 100 nm depressions in the width range of ca. 500-5000 nm. We ascribe these effects to capillary forces that pull the aqueous solution into the canyons where the micelles can be trapped. While the ordering of the micelles can be substantial, they do not form a perfect hexagonal crystal. If the surface is chemically modified by a Au coating, the micelle-surface interaction is strengthened and the degree of ordering is diminished. These results demonstrate that a combination of graphoepitaxy and processing conditions (speed of substrate withdrawal or evaporation of solvent) can be used to make fairly ordered polymer micelle arrays over a space of (at least) several millimeters.
Special Issue on Graphical Three-Dimensional Visualization in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

As the respected scholar and philosopher Aristotle noted millennia ago, visualization is the foundation for human understanding On Memory and Recollection, 450a 5, as cited in Kosslyn 1980, p. 441 . Since the beginning of civilization, humans have observed and interpreted visual images in natural phenomenon. Entities such as planets and stars, cloud formations, and geological artifacts could be better interpreted and explained using visualization because of the innate human ability to process graphical information. The written language that is now used has also evolved from early pictorial languages such as Phoenician. Humans can indeed imagine and interpret a graphical world.
Oligopolistic tactics to control markets and the growth of TNCs in Brazil's electrical industry

Most conventional explanations of the rapid expansion of transnational corporations in developing countries attribute their growth to the superior efficiency of TNCs relative to their domestically owned competitors. An alternative interpretation focuses on the industrial structures of oligopoly that are associated with transnational investment and the market power of TNCs. This paper explores some market and extra‐market tactics used by TNCs to protect their monopolistic advantage in host countries. Using the example of Brazil's electrical industry, the paper considers the economic consequences of seven forms of TNC conduct: interlocking directorships, mutual forbearance, control of supply channels, cross‐subsidisation and predation, formal and in formal collusion, formal political ties, and TNC acquisition behaviour. It concludes that neither efficiency nor technologically determined barriers to entry are fully satisfactory in explaining the increase in the transnational market share; at least in the cas...
Deceleration control system for aerobraking and skipout to orbit at Mars.

Aerobraking into a planetary atmosphere generally involves less weight penalty than thrust deceleration. This investigation determines if a deceleration- command roll control system on a lifting body can provide entry corridors for the aerobraking maneuver at Mars consistent with achievable approach guidance accuracy. Results are presented varying Mars atmosphere, L/D, nte/CnA., control system parameters, and entry speed. For example, with Fe = 7 km/sec and a thin atmosphere (VM — 8), the corridor varies from 50 km at L/D = 0.3 to 300 km at L/D = 1.0. If the atmosphere is unknown a priori (within presently accepted limits) minimum L/D somewhat greater than 0.3 is required. Thus, for lifting capsules the control system provides corridors requiring onboard guidance, whereas for lifting bodies (L/D > 1) Earth-based guidance might be adequate. System effectiveness is relatively insensitive to control parameter variation. Nomenclature A = vehicle reference area a = deceleration B = radial distance from planet center to hyperbolic asymptote (impact parameter) CD, CL = drag and lift coefficients, respectively c = feedback coefficient ge = acceleration of gravity at Earth surface
Prejudice as Group Position: Microfoundations of a Sociological Approach to Racism and Race Relations

This research integrates and elaborates the basic premises of Blumer's group position theory of prejudice. It does so in order to make explicit, more fully integrated, and empirically pliable the theoretical foundations of a sociological analysis of the nature of racial prejudice. In so doing, the research identifies important areas of agreement between Gordon Allport's approach to prejudice and that of Blumer. Blumer neither provided a full synthetic statement of his several major pieces on prejudice nor pursued sustained empirical research in the area. Hence, the present article (1) identifies the core assumptions of the group position model, (2) summarizes a recent line of empirical work examining claims embedded in the group position approach, (3) specifies how this approach differs from other closely related approaches, and (4) identifies major tasks for future theoretical and empirical work.
Effects of a Dyadic Music Therapy Intervention on Parent-Child Interaction, Parent Stress, and Parent-Child Relationship in Families with Emotionally Neglected Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Work with families and families at risk within the field of music therapy have been developing for the last decade. To diminish risk for unhealthy child development, families with emotionally neglected children need help to improve their emotional communication and develop healthy parent-child interactions. While some researchers have investigated the effect of music therapy on either the parent or the child, no study has investigated the effect of music therapy on the observed interaction between the parent and child within the field of child protection. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a dyadic music therapy intervention on observed parent-child interaction (mutual attunement, nonverbal communication, emotional parental response), self-reported parenting stress, and self-reported parent-child relationship in families at risk and families with emotionally neglected children, ages 5-12 years. Method This was a randomized controlled trial study conducted at a family care center in Denmark. Eighteen parent-child dyads were randomly assigned to receive 10 weekly music therapy sessions with a credentialed music therapist (n = 9) or treatment as usual (n = 9). Observational measures for parent-child interaction, self-reported measures for parenting stress and parent-child relationship were completed at baseline and 4 months post-baseline assessment. Results Results of the study showed that dyads who received music therapy intervention significantly improved their nonverbal communication and mutual attunement. Similarly, parents who participated in dyadic music therapy reported themselves to be significantly less stressed by the mood of the child and to significantly improve their parent-child relationship in terms of being better at talking to and understanding their children than parents who did not receive music therapy. Both groups significantly improved in terms of increased positive and decreased negative emotional parental response, parenting stress and stress in general. There were no significant between group differences in self-perceived autonomy, attachment, and parental competence. Conclusions The dyadic music therapy intervention examined in this study improved emotional communication between parent and child and interaction after 6 to 10 sessions and can be considered as a viable treatment alternative or supplement for families at risk and families with emotionally neglected children.
To blog or not to blog

Scientists know much more about their field than is ever published in peer-reviewed journals. Blogs can be a good medium with which to disseminate this tacit knowledge.
THE UNIQUE FEATURE OF A LOW ANGLE BOUNDARY IN THE CU-ZN SUPERLATTICE.

Abstract Unique features of a low angle boundary have been observed in ordered beta-brass. The boundary consists of a dislocation network made up of α〈111〉 superlattice dislocations which have combined to form two α〈001〉 segments. The two α〈001〉 dislocation segments may have three physically distinct configurations of which only one is stable. The stable configuration best fits the experimental observation. The network also contains expanded and contracted nodes whose structure depends upon the presence of extended superlattice dislocations.
Has Quantitative Easing Affected the U.S. Treasury Auction Market

A dataset of every U.S. Treasury auction from 2003 to 2012 investigates how Federal Reserve policy of quantitative easing (QE) affects the high-yield at Treasury auctions. Market structural factors known in advance (Federal funds rate, Standard and Poor’s, Chicago Board Option Exchange Market Volatility Index) are significant for the auction high-yield, but the relationships change with QE. The Federal-funds rate is less correlated to bills high-yield during QE. Before QE, equity market and risk channels have the same relationship to bond and bill high-yields. During QE, correlations tighten for bond high-yields, but drop dramatically for bills. Auction-specific bid-cover is more strongly negatively associated with bills high-yield during QE. indirect bidders (a proxy for foreign central banks) may put relatively more downward pressure on bond high-yields. The changes in these correlations could affect borrowing costs and Fed balance sheet exposure going forward.
A Framework for Employee E-mail Privacy Within the United States

Employers and employees continue to be highly vulnerable to negative consequences that may result from e-mail privacy intrusions. Given their potentially differing perceptions, there is a need to understand the privacy issues associated with e-mail use. This article first reviews the U.S. legal system to reveal the lack of e-mail privacy protection. A framework is presented to identify the potential consequences under varying circumstances in the workplace, exemplified by classic e-mail privacy cases. The conclusion drawn is that employee e-mail within U.S. organizations is never private, contrary to employee behavior. This contrast indicates a need for change in e-mail user behavior and management policies. In response, suggestions for developing user practices and proper management of e-mail are provided.
Preparation of enzymically active, water-insoluble derivatives of trypsin.

Abstract Insoluble trypsin has been prepared by the use of glutaraldehyde to effect intermolecular crosslinks. Glutaraldehyde was also used to conjugate trypsin to aminoethyl cellulose with production of an insoluble preparation. Insoluble trypsins thus prepared exhibited enzymic activity toward casein.
The Three Thyroxine-Binding Proteins in Rat Serum: Binding Capacities and Effects of Binding Inhibitors

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows radiothyroxine added to rat serum is distributed among 3 proteins: a slow-migrating prealbumin (carrying 55% of tracer T4), albumin (15%) and a postalbumin (18%). This tracer pattern is qualitatively similar to that in human serum. Quantitatively, however, the prealbumin is the principal carrier in rat serum, whereas a postalbumin (thyroxine-binding globulin, TBG) is the major carrier in human serum. Rat postalbumin (R-TBG) T4-binding capacity is about 2 5g/100 ml, measured at a T4 concentration in serum of 25 5g/100 ml. Rat prealbumin (RTBPA)- binding capacity determined at a T4 level of 200 5g/100 ml is about 140 5g/100 ml. Effects of competitive inhibitors of T4 binding on the prealbumin, as well as on albumin and RTBG, indicate that the T4 sites on the 3 proteins are qualitatively distinct in a pattern similar to that of primates. Prealbumin has not been generally recognized as the major plasma carrier of T4 in the rat, presumably because the electrophoretic mo...
Changes in -Tubulin Protein Distribution in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Oocytes and the Early Cleavage-Stage Embryo

We investigated the distribution of -tubulin in zebrafish oocytes and embryos using epifluorescent or confocal microscopy and -tubulin antibodies. During meiotic maturation of zebrafish oocytes, -tubulin begins redistribution from oocyte ooplasm and cortex to the future blastodisc region at the animal pole. In activated eggs, -tubulin was uniformly distributed in the enlarging blastodisc with label emanating from the yolk cell. In newly fertilized eggs, -tubulin was evenly distributed in blastomere cytoplasm, with the presence of pronuclei but initially lacking discernable centrosomes. During early cleavage, especially at the eight-cell stage, striking arc-shaped/rings (A/R) of putative centrosomes were detected. Decreasing -tubulin was seen in yolk cells while early cleavage blastomeres had strong cytoplasmic label along with obvious A/R arrays. In addition, we found the orientation of the A/R array and nuclear division alternated by about 90 degrees for each cell cycle along with alternation of punctate and A/R arrays.
Time required for reference count management in retention block-structured languages. Part 1

In this paper, two implementations of generalized block-structured languages are presented and their time requirements compared. One implementation, the lifetime stack model (LSM), implements the deletion strategy with lifetime checks; the other, the partial reference count contour machine (PRCCM), implements the retention strategy. For a large subset of the lifetime well-stacking programs, which are precisely those that run correctly on the first model, the two models are shown to require nearly the same order of magnitude of time. The use of full-label values is shown to have a detrimental effect on the time efficiency of the latter model. Part 1, in this issue, gives a general description of the machines and part of their definitions, and proves the results. Part 2, in the next issue, serving as an appendix to Part 1, contains most of the formal definitions of the machines.
Chain reactions in several 9-substituted fluorenes and bifluorenyls induced by electrogenerated bases

Abstract Three types of chain reactions that are induced by electrogenerated bases were studied. In the first series radical β scission of the carbon-oxygen bond in the electrogenerated anion radical of 9-methoxybifluorenyl (FlHFlOCH3) affords OCH3· and FlHFl−. The latter species then abstracts the C9 proton from unreacted FlHFlOCH3 to give bifluorenyl (FIH)2) and the corresponding conjugate base, Fl(OCH3)Fl−. The propagation cycle involves the slow loss of OCH3− from Fl(OCH3)Fl−, followed by the rapid abstraction of a proton from FlHFlOCH3 by OCH3− to regenerate Fl(OCH3)Fl−. The final products of the base-induced transformation are bifluorenylidene (Fl=Fl) and CH3OH. In the second series radical β scission of the carbon-oxygen bond in the electrogenerated anion radicals of 9-hydroxybifluorenyl (FlHFlOH) and 9,9′-dihydroxybifluorenyl ((FlOH)2) gives OH· and FlHFl− and Fl(OH)Fl− respectively. Subsequent steps include the abstraction of a hydroxylic proton from unreacted starting material by the electrogenerated base, followed by the heterolytic cleavage of the carbon-carbon bond in the resulting anions, FlHFlO− and Fl(OH)FlO−. Fluorenone (Fl=0) and fluorene (FlH2) are formed in equimolar quantities as the final products from FlHFlOH while (FlOH)2 yields Fl=0 and fluorenol (FlHOH). The third type of chain process is initiated when electrogenerated azobenzene anion radical abstracts a proton from either FlHOH or 9-aminofluorene (FlHNH2). Electron transfer from the conjugate bases, FlOH− and FlNH2−, to unreduced PhN=NPh then causes a series of proton and electron transfer reactions to ensue which results in the reduction of PhN=NPh to PhNHNHPh and the oxidation of FlHOH and FlHNH2 to Fl=0) and Fl=NH respectively.
Sonography of the umbilical cord.

Knowledge of the development, normal sonographic appearance, and potential abnormalities of the umbilical cord is important in fetal assessment. The umbilical cord can be visualized throughout most of gestation and is detectable sonographically soon after visualization of the fetal pole. The normal umbilical cord is 50-60 cm long and may coil as many as 40 times, usually to the left. Abnormalities in umbilical cord size, degree of coiling, attachment, and position can have important implications for the outcome of the pregnancy. Structural abnormalities of the umbilical cord such as single umbilical artery, knots, cysts, and tumors may be associated with fetal distress or malformations. Color Doppler ultrasound (US) is useful in the identification and evaluation of structural abnormalities of the cord. By allowing measurement of blood flow velocity in the umbilical artery, duplex Doppler US may provide additional information in the evaluation of intrauterine growth retardation and twin-twin transfusion sy...
In vivo quantification of the laxity of normal and unstable glenohumeral joints

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the magnitude of glenohumeral translation on clinical laxity tests could distinguish between clinically stable shoulders and shoulders with traumatic or atraumatic instability. Subjects included eight male volunteers with no history of symptoms of glenohumeral instability, eight patients with documented traumatic anterior instability and Bankart lesions, and eight patients with documented atraumatic multidirectional instability. The patients in the two instability groups had disabling instability that was refractory to nonoperative management and thus met the indications for surgical repair. All subjects were examined by an experienced shoulder surgeon using five standard manual tests: anterior drawer, posterior drawer, sulcus, push-pull, and fulcrum. The glenohumeral translations occurring during these laxity tests were quantitated with a spatial sensing system that had six degrees of freedom and was rigidly fixed to the scapula and humerus. The result showed substantial overlap in the translations found in members of the three groups for each of the laxity tests. Standard laxity tests demonstrate considerable translation in normal glenohumeral joints and do not reliably differentiate normal shoulders from those with two common forms of glenohumeral instability. This study suggests that assessment of the magnitude of glenohumeral translation on clinical laxity tests is not a specific test for the diagnosis of glenohumeral instability. Healthy subjects without symptoms may have as much translation as patients needing surgical repair for symptomatic shoulder instability. The need for and the type of surgical reconstruction for the unstable shoulder must be based on the patient's history and on duplication of the symptoms of instability on directed physical examination rather than on the magnitude of glenohumeral translation.
Nuclear receptor transrepression pathways that regulate inflammation in macrophages and T cells

Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors regulate diverse aspects of immunity and inflammation by both positively and negatively regulating gene expression. Here, we review recent studies providing insights into the distinct mechanisms that enable nuclear receptors to antagonize pro-inflammatory programmes of gene expression in macrophages and T cells by altering the turnover or recruitment of co-repressors and co-activators in a gene-specific manner. These nuclear receptor-dependent transrepression pathways are proposed to have roles in controlling the initiation, magnitude and duration of pro-inflammatory gene expression and are amenable to pharmacological manipulation.
Shakespeare's Parables

Shakespeare's adaptations of biblical parables are rarely straightforward. Instead, they feature characters who wrest parables from their original context to support political or other social aims. Those who convert biblical lessons into "practical" parables include Prince Hal and Falstaff, who manipulate two soteriological parables from Matthew and Luke, and Othello and Timon of Athens, who respectively enact inverted versions of two parables from Matthew.
Two galvanic skin response effector organs and their stimulus specificity.

This study tested the hypothesis that the palmar galvanic skin response (GSR) involves the sweat gland and an epidermal component each responding preferentially according to the demands of the behavioral situation. Their relative contributions were determined by comparison of simultaneous GSR's from areas with high vs low concentrations of sweat glands and with direct measurement of vapor production as well. Stimuli were tones and lights which were either alerting signals or execution signals for a perceptual or a motor (reaction time) task. The population unexpectedly showed greater relative sweat response to the alerting signal for the reaction time task than to the associated execution signal (71 out of 94 S's). Individual subjects, but not the population as a whole, differentiated significantly between alerting and execution signals for the perceptual task. Results supported the hypothesis that two components present in the palmar GSR manifest stimulus response specificity, but were inconclusive regarding the nature of the class of stimuli to which each responds. The difference can not depend on preparation for motor as opposed to non-motor activity. GSR, Sweat vapor. Sweat gland, Epidermal, Tones, Lights, Alerting, Response specificity, Adaptive behavior. (R. Edelberg)
Migraine and allergy: a review and clinical update.

Migraine and allergy are both common diseases. Many patients suffer from both, and the vast majority of patients with “sinus headache” complaints are found to have migraine, making migraine identification important to allergists. This review addresses the possibility that allergy and migraine are comorbid conditions, focusing on epidemiology, shared biochemical pathways, and underlying mechanisms. Therapeutic implications of this possible relationship have been the subject of several recent studies, making a review of this association timely and prudent.
Spring‐neap tidal effects on satellite ocean color observations in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea

[1] Eight-year ocean color observations between 2002 and 2009 from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Aqua satellite are used to quantitatively assess the spring-neap tidal effects on variability of ocean optical and biogeochemical properties in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. We demonstrate that spring-neap tidal variation is one of important ocean processes that drive both the synoptic-scale and mesoscale changes of the ocean optical, biological, and biogeochemical properties in the coastal region. Normalized water-leaving radiance spectra (nLw(λ)), water diffuse attenuation coefficient at the wavelength of 490 nm (Kd(490)), and total suspended matter (TSM) concentration show significant spring-neap variations in the coastal region within a lunar cycle of 29.53 days. In the open ocean, however, spring-neap tidal effects on ocean color data are negligible. The entire areal coverage of the turbid waters (Kd(490) > 0.3 m−1) showing significant spring-neap tidal variations is ∼4–5 × 105 km2. Similar coverage of moderately turbid waters (0.1 < Kd(490) ≤ 0.3 m−1) is also impacted by the spring-neap tides. The magnitude of the spring-neap tidal effects on the variations of the satellite ocean color properties, e.g., Kd(490) and TSM, is in the same order as the seasonal variations in the coastal region. Highest Kd(490) and largest turbid water coverage lag the new moon (or full moon) about 2–3 days, while the lowest Kd(490) and smallest turbid water coverage are also ∼2–3 days behind the one-quarter (or three-quarter) moon. This is attributed to the seawater inertia and the friction against the seabed as well as the sediment resuspension process.
Preconditioning with supply-demand imbalance limits infarct size in dog heart

Objective: The aim was to examine whether an absolute reduction in energy supply is required for preconditioning against myocardial infarction, and whether an episode of increased adrenergic activity with or without supply-demand imbalance is capable of triggering cardioprotection. Methods: 41 anaesthetised dogs were subjected to 60 min left circumflex artery occlusion followed by 5 h reperfusion (control group, n = 8). The left stellate cardiac nerve was stimulated for 5 min starting 10 min before coronary occlusion in the stimulation group (STIM group, n = 8). The left circumflex artery flow increase that normally accompanies adrenergic stimulation was prevented by a pneumatic occluder in another group (STIM-R group, n = 8). Infarct size and area at risk were determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and Evans blue dye, respectively. Regional myocardial blood flow during ischaemia and during stimulation (STIM-R group) was measured with radioactive microspheres. Results: In the STIM group, adrenergic stimulation increased the coronary blood flow by approximately twofold from baseline. In the STIM-R group, transmural myocardial blood flow in the flow restricted left circumflex artery region was 64% of the flow to the non-flow-restricted left anterior descending coronary artery region. Haemodynamic variables were not different among the experimental groups except during adrenergic stimulation. Collateral blood flow and area at risk were comparable among the three groups. Infarct size as a percentage of area at risk (%IS/AAR) was significantly smaller in the STIM-R group [7.6(3.2)%] than in the control group [27.9(7.3)%], whereas %IS/AAR in the STIM group [21.7(4.1)%] was not. Furthermore, the regression line between collateral blood flow and %IS/AAR was significantly shifted downward in the STIM-R group, but not in the STIM group. Conclusions: (1) Transient energy supply-demand imbalance triggers infarct size limitation; an absolute reduction in energy supply is not required for preconditioning. (2) Increased adrenergic activity without supply-demand imbalance seems unable to trigger appreciable cardioprotection. Cardiovascular Research 1993; 27 :2071-2076
Five years after unification: East German women in transition

Abstract In the summer of 1995, five years after German unification, I interviewed 18 women living in the eastern part of Berlin about their lives in united Germany. In contrast to interviews with the same women 5 years earlier, these conversations revealed that the women were no longer reeling from the loss of identity, institutions, and state-supported benefits for women with children. However, while no one wanted a return to the former German Democratic Republic, attitudes toward life in the new Germany were not all positive. Some women valued above all else the new freedom to travel and the lack of state intrusion into their lives, and thus embraced united Germany. Others resented the inequalities resulting from the capitalist market economy, including unemployment and the loss of collegiality, and rejected unification. Because walls still exist in the heads of many Germans, it will take at least a generation to overcome stereotypical attitudes and achieve true unification.
The role of type I collagen in the regulation of the osteoblast phenotype

Evidence from a variety of sources indicates that the extracellular matrix forms an important part of a feedback loop governing the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of the cells that produce it. In keeping with this, we showed previously that the extracellular matrix of a multipotential mesenchymal clonal cell line (ROB-C26) induced to differentiate into a more osteoblastic cell type by the addition of exogenous retinoic acid produces an extracellular matrix capable of osteoinductive activity in vivo and of stimulating alkaline phosphatase activity in vitro. Since type I collagen is the major structural component of this extracellular matrix, we sought to determine whether and to what extent this protein is responsible for the previously observed inductive/stimulatory activity. To this end, C26 cells are cultured on plastic, in the presence of retinoic acid, on a type I collagen film, or on an extracellular matrix from retinoic acid-treated C26 cells, and cell differentiation is assessed by measuring changes in the abundance of a number of osteoblast-related mRNAs. These determinations are made by RNAse protection assay after 3 or 6 days of incubation and include measurements of the RNAs for type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, transforming growth factor alpha 1 and beta 2, and Vgr-1/BMP-6. In addition, C26 cells are incubated in the presence of retinoic acid and several established inhibitors of the synthesis or assembly of extracellular matrix components and the effects on induced alkaline phosphatase activity determined. Our data show that while the collagen substrate mimics some of the effects of retinoic acid and the extracellular matrix, it cannot reproduce all of them. Specifically, while the latter two culture conditions increase the abundance of all six mRNAs, type I collagen film increases the levels of only three of the six (collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteopontin). Moreover, while type I collagen film produces an increase in alkaline phosphatase message, it falls to produce a similar change in alkaline phosphatase activity, an effect seen with both retinoic acid and extracellular matrix. However, interruption of collagen I synthesis by cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline blocks the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity associated with retinoic acid treatment. Thus, it appears likely that type I collagen is a necessary but, by itself, insufficient factor to elicit the comprehensive expression of the osteoblastic phenotype in immature mesenchymal cells.
Sequence of a cDNA encoding the ferritin H-chain from an 11-week-old human fetal brain

A cDNA library in lambda Charon BS(-) from 11-week-old human fetal brain (FB) was screened using a human liver ferritin (FTH)-encoding cDNA as a probe. The complete sequence of the positive clone, cFB1, showed that the coding region and a part of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTR) are identical to the corresponding published sequence of the liver cDNA. However, a particularly noteworthy difference is the presence of 279 bp of additional sequence in the FB 3'-UTR. Northern blot analysis of FB poly(A)+RNA showed it to be a part of the FTH transcript. Comparison of the 279-bp sequence with the GenBank and EMBL databases showed it to be 94.1, 62.5, and 58.9% similar to segments from human, mouse and rat FTH genomic sequences, respectively. However, in all these cases, only a part of this 279-bp sequence has been found in the nontranscribed region. We therefore conclude that in FB, the 279-bp sequence is a part of the mature FTH mRNA. Sequence analysis also suggests a differential poly(A) site selection in the production of FTH mRNA in FB and liver.
Use of the empirical Hill equation for characterization of the effect of added cations on the viscosity of aqueous solutions of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide

An empirical method based on the Hill equation has been developed to characterize the effects of added cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) on the viscosities of aqueous solutions of partially hydrolyzed polyacryl-amide.