cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation, expression, and evolution of the gene encoding mitochondrial elongation factor Tu in Arabidopsis thaliana

We have characterized a second nuclear gene (tufM) in Arabidopsis thaliana that encodes a eubacterial-like protein synthesis elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). This gene does not closely resemble the previously described Arabidopsis nuclear tufA gene, which encodes the plastid EF-Tu, and does not contain sequence elements found in all cyanobacterial and plastid tufA genes. However, the predicted amino acid sequence includes an N-terminal extension which resembles an organellar targeting sequence and shares three unique sequence elements with mitochondrial EF-Tu's, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Homo sapiens, suggesting that this gene encodes the Arabidopsis mitochondrial EF-Tu. Consistent with this interpretation, the gene is expressed at a higher level in flowers than in leaves. Phylogenetic analysis confirms the mitochondrial character of the sequence and indicates that the human, yeast, and Arabidopsis tufM genes have undergone considerably more sequence divergence than their cytoplasmic counterparts, perhaps reflecting a cross-compartmental acceleration of gene evolution for components of the mitochondrial translation apparatus. As previously observed for tufA, the tufM gene is present in one copy in Arabidopsis but in several copies in other species of crucifers.
Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on cardiac hypertrophy of male rats consuming a high-fructose, low-copper diet

Administration of coenzyme Q10 to humans and animals has a beneficial effect on a number of cardiac diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine if coenzyme Q10 treatment could ameliorate cardiac abnormalities associated with the carbohydrate x copper interaction in rats. Weanling male rats were provided with a copper-deficient diet (0.6 microgram Cu/g) containing either 62.7% starch (S-Cu) or fructose (F-Cu) for 5 wk. Half of the rats provided with the F-Cu diet were given daily oral supplements of 300 mg coenzyme Q10/kg body weight (F-Cu + Q). Heart hypertrophy, liver enlargement, or pancreatic atrophy were not affected by, nor was body growth or anemia improved by, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 when compared to rats fed only the F-Cu diet. Hearts from rats fed the F-Cu diet had severe inflammation, degeneration, fibrosis, and giant mitochondria with abnormal cristae. Hearts from F-Cu + Q rats had similar mitochondrial changes as the F-Cu rat hearts but without any apparent degenerative changes. None of the F-Cu + Q rats, but 30% of the F-Cu rats, died during the study as a result of heart rupture. These observations show that whereas coenzyme Q10 treatment did not prevent the cardiac hypertrophy of the carbohydrate x copper interaction, it did play a role in maintaining the integrity of the heart.
Insulin-like growth factor I modulates hypothalamic somatostatin through a growth hormone releasing factor increased somatostatin release and messenger ribonucleic acid levels

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has been shown to participate in feedback inhibition of growth hormone (GH) secretion at the level of both the pituitary and hypothalamus. Therefore, we tested the possible involvement of IGF-I on somatostatin (SRIF) and GH-releasing factor (GRF) release in median eminence (ME) fragments and periventricular nucleus (PeN) of male rats. The levels of SRIF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were also determined in PeN incubated in vitro with IGF-I. The ME's were incubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate glucose buffer in the presence of various concentrations of IGF-I (10(-7) to 10(-11) M) for 30 min. SRIF and GRF released into the medium were quantitated by RIA. The release of SRIF and GRF from the ME's was stimulated significantly (P < 0.025 and P < 0.05, respectively) by 10(-9) M IGF-I. To determine whether the effect of IGF-I on SRIF release is mediated by GRF release in the ME, a specific GRF antibody (ab) (1:500) was used concomitantly with IGF-I (10(-9) M). The release of SRIF induced by IGF-I was blocked by the GRF ab (P < 0.001), but not by normal rabbit serum used at the same dilution. To determine the effect of IGF-I on the regulation of SRIF mRNA levels, SRIF mRNA was determined in PeN explants incubated in the presence of IGF-I (10(-8) to 10(-10) M) for 2 to 6 h. Levels of SRIF mRNA were determined by a S1 nuclease protection assay using a 32P-labelled rat SRIF riboprobe.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A New Model for Scaling Response Patterns: An Application of the Quasi-Independence Concept

Abstract To analyze the “scalability” of the observed response patterns for a set of m dichotomous items, we introduce a model in which a given individual in the population is either “intrinsically scalable” or “intrinsically unscalable” (with respect to the m items), and there are d different types of “intrinsically scalable” individuals. With this model, using methods already developed for the study of quasi-independence in contingency tables, we show how to (a) test whether the model fits the observed data, (b) estimate the proportion of intrinsically scalable (and unscalable) individuals, and (c) estimate the distribution of the intrinsically scalable individuals among the d different scale types.
Quantitative assessment of the microstructure of rat behavior: I, f(d), the extension of the scaling hypothesis.

Previous studies demonstrated that drug effects on the movement sequences of rats in unconditioned motor activity paradigms can be quantified by scaling measures that describe the average relationship between a variable of interest and an experimental parameter. However, rats engage in a wide variety of geometrically distinct movements that can be influenced differentially by drugs. In this investigation, the extended scaling approach is presented to capture quantitatively the relative contributions of geometrically distinct movement sequences to the overall path structure. The calculation of the spectrum of local spatial scaling exponents,f(d), is based on ensemble methods used in statistical physics. Results of thef(d) analysis confirm that the amount of motor activity is not correlated with the geometrical structure of movement sequences. Changes in the average spatial scaling exponent,d, correspond to shifting the entiref(d) function, and indicate overall changes in path structure. With the extended scaling approach, straight movement sequences are assessed independently from highly circumscribed movements. Thus, thef(d) function identifies drug effects on particular ranges of movement sequences as defined by the geometrical structure of movements. More generally, thef(d) function quantifies the relationship between microscopically recorded variables, in this paradigm consecutive (x, y) locations, and the macroscopic behavioral patterns that constitute the animal's response topography.
Parental preferences for CDKN2A/p16 testing of minors

Purpose: Genetic testing of minors is controversial, as ethical considerations depend on multiple aspects of the particular disease and familial context. For melanoma, there is a well-established and avoidable environmental influence and a documented benefit of early detection. Methods: We surveyed 61 CDKN2A/p16 mutation-tested adults from two kindreds about their attitudes toward genetic testing of minors immediately posttesting and 2 years later. Results: Overall, 86.9% expressed support of melanoma genetic testing of minors, with the importance of risk awareness (77.4%) and the likelihood of improved prevention and screening behaviors (69.8%) as the most frequently cited potential benefits. Among mutation carriers, 82.6% wanted genetic testing for their own children. These preferences remained stable over a 2-year period. Most respondents (62.3%) favored complete involvement of their children in genetic counseling and test reporting; 19.7% suggested that children be tested but not informed of the results. Concerns about inducing psychological distress or compromising children's decision autonomy were infrequently cited. Testing preferences did not vary by respondent age, gender, or melanoma history. Conclusion: Respondents strongly supported melanoma genetic testing of minors, with most citing improved health behavior as a likely outcome. We discuss options for melanoma genetic counseling and testing of minors.
The oviduct musculature of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans: Properties of its spontaneous motility and neural regulation

The muscles of the stable fly oviduct were striated and in the common oviduct both circular and longitudinal fiber layers were present. Although two muscle layers were evident in the lateral oviducts, both consisted of an irregular lattice of longitudinal fibers with extensive branching. This branching between fibers seemed to provide a pathway for the spread of excitation because semi-isolated preparations of the oviduct severed from their connections to the central nervous system continued to contract in a spontaneous and rhythmic manner. Compression or shortening of the longitudinal muscles of the oviduct was the predominant mode of activity. Both phasic contractions (1–2 s in duration) and tonic events (15–30 s in duration) were observed. Innervation of the oviduct arises from the four major branches of the median abdominal nerve trunk that enter the ovipositor. Five to seven peripheral nerve cells were found along these four branches. Electrical stimulation of the severed median abdominal nerve trunk caused the oviduct to respond to a single pulse. However, these individual responses approached a fusion at 6 pulses per second (pps). Two of five preparations showed an inhibition of spontaneous phasic concentrations and a noticeable drop in baseline tonus during and after a 10–20 s interval of stimulation at a frequency of 0.5–2 pps. Endogeneous electrical activity was recorded from branch nerves in the ovipositor after connections to the central nervous system were cut. Potentials of two distinct durations were evident in this recorded activity. The significance of this and other findings are discussed.
Contributions of Psychological Science to Empirical Bioethics

Multiple disciplines can be brought to bear on the investigation of ethical issues in medicine (Sulmasy and Sugarman 2010). One way in which a multidisciplinary approach can be useful is through th...
Glycosylation accelerates albumin degradation in normal and diabetic dogs

Abstract Nonenzymatic glycosylation of albumin was associated with an increased catabolic rate and decreased protein half-life in both normal and diabetic animals. The fractional catabolic rate of glycosylated albumin was increased significantly over albumin, from 0.100 ± 0.004/day to 0.131 ± 0.007/day in normal animals and from 0.104 ± 0.004/day to 0.138 ± 0.007/day when these animals were made diabetic with alloxan. The half-lives of Alb and GlyAlb in normal dogs were 6.81 ± 0.12 days and 4.97 ± 0.21 days, respectively. In diabetic animals, the half-lives of Alb and GlyAlb were 7.48 ± 0.21 and 5.21 ± 0.24 days, respectively. The increased catabolism of GlyAlb may reflect chronic increased extravasation of glycosylated plasma proteins, which are known to be increased in diabetes, into the microvascular wall.
An analysis of the G-banded chromosomes of the golden hamster.

Chromosomes from 20 G-banded karyotypes of golden hamster cheek pouch cells were precisely measured to determine total lengths and arm ratios. Mean values were used t o establish an idiogram which may serve as the basis for a standard hamster karyotype.
Behavioral influences on the immune system: Stress and conditioning

Abstract 1. 1. Several investigators have demonstrated that immune responses may be subject to classical conditioning processes. Conditioning effects in both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses have been reported. 2. 2. Strong evidence for behavioral effects on immune responses has been provided by studies of stress-induced imrnunosuppression. Stressors may increase morbidity due to infectious agents, depress antibody responses, inhibit lymphocyte reactions, and attenuate several other cell-mediated immune functions. 3. 3. In our studies, acute inescapable footshock inhibited natural killer cell (NK) activity in CD-1 and C57BL/6J mice, but not in DBA/2J mice. Genetic factors play a role in the immunological responses to stress. 4. 4. In contrast to the effects of acute stress, NK activity of mice exposed to chronic inescapable footshock was not reduced from control levels. Adaptive processes may be invoked during repeated stress exposure, thereby limiting the potentially damaging effects of the stressor.
Production of hydrogen and methanol from natural gas with reduced CO2 emission

Abstract The thermal decomposition of natural gas forms the basis for the production of hydrogen with reduced CO 2 emission. The hydrogen can be used to reduce CO 2 from coal-fired power plants to produce methanol which can be used as an efficient automotive fuel. The kinetics of methane decomposition is studied in a one inch diameter tubular reactor at temperatures between 700 and 900 °C and at pressures between 28 and 56 atm. The Arrhenius activation energy is found to be 31.3kcal/mol of CH 4 . The rate increases with higher pressures and appears to be catalyzed by the presence of carbon particles formed. The conversion increases with temperature and is equilibrium limited. A thermodynamic study indicates that hydrogen produced by methane decomposition while sequestering the carbon produced requires the least amount of process energy with zero CO 2 emission. Application to methanol synthesis by reacting the hydrogen with CO 2 recovered from coal burning power plant stack gases can significantly reduce CO 2 from both the utility and transportation sectors. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy.
Optimization, resolution and application of composite compact finite difference templates

Spectral-like compact finite differencing schemes are capable of achieving high spatial efficiency of complex physics in irregular domains with difficult boundary conditions. Their low-resolution errors are commonly reached through large stencils sizes and/or parameter optimization. The field stencils require boundary (and near boundary) stencils to close the composite template for implicit solution. Present practices often optimize each participating stencil individually with aim toward insuring global stability and/or spectral-like characteristics. However, analyzing each stencil separately incorrectly quantifies the local resolution errors. A new process is proposed that properly quantifies the dispersive and dissipative errors of optimized templates in the spectral domain. The templates are optimized at the boundary and adjacent interior points. Both tri- (five-point) and penta-diagonal (seven-point) compact systems are treated in this fashion. A spectral eigenvalue analysis shows the resultant composites to be numerically stable. An a priori procedure is formulated that quantifies the expected reduction in the local predictive error due specifically to the improved template spatial resolution. Three test problems are selected from the Computational Aeroacoustics workshops to demonstrate their improved predictive accuracy. Finally, the present technique provides closure for exercising the three essential criteria of numerical accuracy, stability and resolution when developing composite compact finite difference templates for practical applications.
An examination of gender differences in the determinants of computer anxiety and attitudes toward microcomputers among managers

Abstract The study examined the determinants of computer anxiety and attitudes toward microcomputers among 166 managers employed in a variety of organizations. Results indicated that men and women in managerial positions do not differ in the level of computer anxiety reported, and are very similar in their attitudes toward microcomputers. However, gender differences were found in the pattern of relationships of demographic and personality variables with computer anxiety and microcomputer attitudes. For men, education and intuition-sensing were negatively related to computer anxiety, while age, external locus of control, and math anxiety were associated with heightened computer anxiety. In contrast, demographic and personality variables were unrelated to computer anxiety among women. Computer anxiety was the strongest predictor of attitudes toward microcomputers among both men and women. Among women, however, the feeling-thinking dimension of cognitive style, and math anxiety were additional determinants of microcomputer attitudes.
Performance of a slow-scan CCD camera for macromolecular imaging in a 400 kV electron cryomicroscope.

Abstract The feasibility and limitations of a 1024 × 1024 slow-scan charge-coupled device (CCD) camera were evaluated for imaging in a 400kV electron cryomicroscope. Catalase crystals and amorphous carbon film were used as test specimens. Using catalase crystals, it was found that the finite (24 μm) pixel size of the slow-scan CCD camera governs the ultimate resolution in the acquired images. For instance, spot-scan images of ice-embedded catalase crystals showed resolutions of 8A and 4A at effective magnifications of 67,000 × and 132,000 ×, respectively. Using an amorphous carbon film, the damping effect of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the slow-scan CCD camera on the specimen's Fourier spectrum relative to that of the photographic film was evaluated. The MTF of the slow-scan CCD camera fell off more rapidly compared to that of the photographic film and reached the value of 0.2 at the Nyquist frequency. Despite this attenuation, the signal-to-noise ratio of the CCD data, as determined from reflections of negatively-stained catalase crystals, was found to decrease to ~50% of that of photographic film data. The phases computed from images of the same negatively-stained catalase crystals recorded consecutively on both the slow-scan CCD camera and photographic film were found to be comparable to each other within 12 °. Ways of minimizing the effect of the MTF of the slow-scan CCD camera on the acquired images are also presented.
Recombinant vaccines for the prevention of human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer

Carcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) that cause cervical cancer preferentially infect basal, metaplastic squamous cells of the transformation zone. If infection persists, and a vegetative infection ensues, a premalignant lesion may develop with the potential to progress into an invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Papillomavirus prophylactic vaccines target the systemic immune system for induction of neutralizing antibodies that protect the basal cells against infection. Because the carcinogenic HPVs are susceptible to neutralization by antibodies for 9-48 h after reaching the basal cells, both low and high titered HPV type-specific antibodies induced by HPV L1 and L2-based vaccines are highly efficacious. The greatest burden of HPV-associated cancers occurs in poor areas of the world where women do not have access to routine gynecological care. The burden of HIV/AIDS in these same regions of the world has added to the burden of HPV-associated disease. There is an urgent need for a cost-effective, broad-spectrum HPV prophylactic vaccine in developing countries, which necessitates substantial cost subsidization of the virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccines licensed in industrialized countries or an alternative approach with second-generation vaccines that are specifically designed for delivery to women in resource-poor communities.
An assessment of growth yields and energy coupling inDesulfovibrio

The yield coefficients forDesulfovibrio vulgaris andD. gigas varied with the electron donoracceptor combinations and with the bacterial strain. The only evidence for electron transport coupled formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was with sulfate as the electron acceptor. WithD. vulgaris the ATP formation coupling to electron flow with pyruvate oxidation was 1:4 electrons and with lactate oxidation was 1:8 electrons. WithD. gigas these ratios were 1:8 electrons and 1:16 electrons for the oxidation of pyruvate and lactate. The clearest resolution of energy coupling was withD. vulgaris growing on formatesulfate medium where 2 ATP appear to be formed with the transfer of electrons from formate to adenosine phosphosulfate and one ATP with the transfer of electrons from formate to sulfite.
Reciprocal interactions between the amygdala and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray in mediating of Q/N1–17-induced analgesia in the rat

Abstract The opioid peptide, Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N 1–17 ) , its active fragments, and a related precursor peptide each produce analgesia following microinjection into the amygdala of rats. OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia elicited from the amygdala is blocked by amygdala pretreatment of either general, μ, κ, or δ-opioid antagonists even though OFQ/N 1–17 binds poorly to these receptor subtypes, and the antagonists bind poorly to the ORL-1/KOR-3 receptor. Agonists at μ and κ opioid receptors as well as β-endorphin each produce analgesia elicited from the amygdala that is blocked by opioid antagonist pretreatment in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) of rats. The present study examined whether pretreatment of general and selective opioid antagonists in the vlPAG blocked OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia on the tail-flick test elicited from the amygdala, and whether pretreatment of general and selective opioid antagonists in the amygdala blocked OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia elicited from the vlPAG of rats. OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia elicited from the amygdala was significantly and markedly reduced following vlPAG pretreatment with a dose range of either naltrexone, β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA, μ), nor-binaltorphamine (NBNI, κ) or naltrindole (NTI, δ). In contrast, opioid antagonists administered into misplaced mesencephalic control placements ventral and lateral to the vlPAG actually enhanced OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia elicited from the amygdala. OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia elicited from the vlPAG was significantly and markedly reduced following amygdala pretreatment with naltrexone and NBNI, to a lesser degree by NTI, and was unaffected by β-FNA. Yet, opioid antagonists administered into misplaced amygdala control placements were generally ineffective in altering OFQ/N 1–17 -induced analgesia elicited from the vlPAG. Latencies were transiently increased by general, but not selective opioid antagonist treatment alone in the amygdala, but not the vlPAG. These data indicate reciprocal and regional interactions between the amygdala and vlPAG in the mediation of OFQ/N 1–17 by classic opioid receptor subtype antagonists in rats.
The Role of Country of Manufacture in Consumers' Attributions of Blame in an Ambiguous Product-Harm Crisis

ABSTRACT This paper examines how country of origin, in particular country of manufacture (COM), impacts the assessment of blame by observers to a product-harm crisis when information is unclear as to a firm's culpability for the crisis. In a pilot study and experiment involving three product categories, we find evidence that a negative country of manufacture increases blame attributions to the company when consumers are not familiar with the brand involved. However, when consumers are familiar with the brand, country of manufacture information does not impact blame attributions. In addition, we find evidence that brand affects how consumers process information pertaining to firm culpability. An unknown brand causes observers to assess information associated with company blame as more important when compared to a well-known brand.
Channel engineering of SOI MOSFETs for RF applications

Channel engineering of SOI MOSFETs is explored by altering ion implantation without adding any new fabrication steps to the standard CMOS process. The effects of implantation on characteristics important for RF applications, such as transconductance, output resistance, breakdown voltage, are compared. Data show that the best overall RF MOSFET has no body and drain-extension implants.
Evaluation of Live Attenuated Cold-Adapted Influenza B/Yamagataj16/88 Reassortant Virus Vaccine in Healthy Adults

The safety and immunogenicity of a new cold-adapted reassortant influenza B/Yamagata/10/88 virus vaccine was evaluated in healthy young adults with low levels of preinoculation serum antibody to the vaccine virus, and symptoms and viral shedding after vaccination were compared with those following administration of the homologous B/Yamagata/88 wild-type virus. Administration of the cold-adapted virus was well tolerated and resulted in a significantly lower frequency of respiratory symptoms and viral shedding than did the wild-type virus. Twelve of 14 subjects who received the cold-adapted virus had an antibody response to the vaccine virus following vaccination. These data suggest that the B/Yamagata/88 virus is safe and immunogenic in seronegative adults and support the concept that the attenuation phenotype can be transferred reliably and reproducibly to successive new influenza B wild-type viruses along with the six internal gene segments of the cold-adapted influenza B/Ann Arbor/1/66 master vaccine virus.
A paradigm for measuring the olfactory event-related potential in the clinic

Recent research on the olfactory event-related potential (OERP) using inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs) of 90 s and shorter has revealed a marked decrease in component amplitude after the first trial, with a leveling off for the remaining trials. Studies manipulating the ISI in olfactory and other modalities demonstrate an association between higher amplitudes and longer ISIs, suggesting that habituation occurs at short time intervals between each stimulus presentation. The present study attempted to reduce the effects of habituation by using a 10-min ISI and fewer trials. OERPs were recorded monopolarly at the Fz, Cz and Pz electrode sites in ten subjects (five males, five females), for three trials using a 10-min ISI. Results demonstrated no significant reduction in component amplitudes across trials and no significant difference in latencies over trials, indicating no habituation effect at this ISI. These results indicate that with a 10-min ISI and three trial recordings, a complete reduction in habituation can be achieved. These findings may prove to be clinically useful to physicians who can implement this technique to assess olfactory functioning in cognitively impaired individuals or to assess malingering.
Efficient and Robust Approaches to the Stability Analysis of Large Multibody Systems

Linearized stability analysis methodologies that are applicable to large scale, multiphysics problems are presented in this paper. Two classes of closely related algorithms based on a partial Floquet and on an autoregressive approach, respectively, are presented in common framework that underlines their similarity and their relationship to other methods. The robustness of the proposed approach is improved by using optimized signals that are derived from the proper orthogonal modes of the system. Finally, a signal synthesis procedure based on the identified frequencies and damping rates is shown to be an important tool for assessing the accuracy of the identified parameters; furthermore, it provides a means of resolving the frequency indeterminacy associated with the eigenvalues of the transition matrix for periodic systems. The proposed approaches are computationally inexpensive and consist of purely post processing steps that can be used with any multiphysics computational tool or with experimental data. Unlike classical stability analysis methodologies, it does not require the linearization of the equations of motion of the system.
Chemical shift and relaxation in rapidly spinning nematic liquid-crystal systems

Abstract The technique of rapid sample rotation to orient the director of a nematic liquid crystal sample in a magnetic field has been used to obtain previously unobtained NMR chemical shift and relaxation information. The individual proton chemical shifts for the nematic phase of N-(p-methoxybenzylidene)-p-butylaniline (MBBA) and p-pentylphenyl 2-chloro-4-(p-pentylbenzoyloxy)benzoate (PCPB) along with the T1 and T1ϱ values for PCPB have been measured. The relaxation data indicate the presence of differential segmental motion within the liquid-crystal molecules. A spin-lock technique is also described for suppression of liquid-crystal solvent lines in samples rotating near the magic angle.
How Sin Works: A Review Essay

Reviewing works by James Alison, Alistair McFadyen, Andrew Sung Park, Ted Peters, and Solomon Schimmel, the author suggests that the status and (dys)function of the discourse/doctrine of sin highlight tensions between theology and ethics in ways that suggest the character, limits, and promise of religious ethics. This literature commends attention to sin-talk because it helps religious ethicists to render more adequately the dynamics of human agency, sociality, and culture and because it raises questions about the nature and task of theology, faith, and morality. Yet these volumes also indicate that religious ethics should pay more attention to particular sins.
How Older Patient Preferences Are Influenced by Consideration of Future Health Outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To determine patients' willingness to accept intubation and ventilatory support (IVS) when the best outcome available is a state involving both cognitive and physical/behavioral deficits. DESIGN: Structured interviews with patients seen consecutively in a continuity care general medicine clinic. SETTING: A university-based Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. SUBJECTS: A total of 113 patients (mean age = 67.3 years, age range 42–89; mean level of formal education = 12.6 years, range 2–24). MEASUREMENTS: Patients were asked to consider whether they would permit their physicians to intubate them and put them on ventilatory support when the best outcome to be expected was one of three future health care states, presented in the following order: State 1, where their mental and physical state of recovery would be exactly like their current mental and physical states at the time of their visit to the general medicine clinic (the patient's current baseline mental and physical functioning); State 2, involving cognitive compromise; State 3, involving both cognitive and physical/behavioral compromise. RESULTS: One patient refused IVS on State 1; 20.4% (23/113) of patients refused IVS on State 2; 23.0% (26/113) refused IVS on State 3; and 49.6% (56/113) reported they would accept IVS resulting in all three states. Six of 113 patients (5.3%) reported they would leave the decision up to their physician beginning with State 1 and continuing through State 3. One patient reported that he would leave the decision (State 1 through State 3) up to his wife. A reported history of stroke is related to patients' expressed dislike of IVS that would leave them with residual deficits. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a substantial number of our older male veteran population would prefer intubation and ventilatory support if presented with a situation in which the best outcome that a physician could offer them was cognitive, physical, and behavioral dysfunction. These results also indicate that those patients who have had a stroke seem to be less inclined to accept IVS in more severe outcomes states.
Stress, behavior, and immunity: Animal models and mediating mechanisms☆

Research with animal model systems demonstrates a causal relation between stress and disease susceptibility. The physiological sequelae of stressful stimulation vary with type of stressor, chronicity, and perceived control. Different patterns of endocrine secretion are thus associated with specific behavioral parameters. The immune system is regulated at several levels: genetic, cellular, hormonal, and neuronal. Stress and behavioral factors can modulate both cell-mediated and humoral immunity by impacting on the latter three levels of regulation. Both corticosteroids and catecholamines, released as part of the response to aversive stimulation, profoundly inhibit immune responsivity by binding directly to the lymphocyte surface or by releasing secondary mediators that increase the function of suppressor lymphocytes. In addition, there are direct neuroanatomical connections between the hypothalamus and lymphoid organs. Subtle changes in experimental design have yielded significant differences in results that have increased understanding of intermediary mechanisms. Such research complements psychoneuroimmunological and behavioral epidemiological studies in humans.
How well fed is the world

People, Food, and Resources. By Kenneth Blaxter. Cambridge University Press: 1986. Pp. 118. £15, $29.95.Technology in the 1990s: Agriculture and Food. Edited by Kenneth Blaxter and Leslie Fowden. The Royal Society: 1986. Pp. 179. Distributed by Cambridge University Press, £32.50, $54.50.
Stability analysis of linear continuous time-delay feedback systems†

This paper deals primarily with the stability criteria for closed-loop systems whose controlled plants comprise a proportional, single integration, or double integration characteristic, together with a true time-delay. These plants are considered in turn to be controlled by simple proportional, lead or lag controllers. Systems of these relatively simple forms are often used as first approximations in the initial analysis of practical industrial situations, and analysis on both root-locus and frequency-response bases is taken to the extent that the solutions of relatively simple transcendental/trigonometric equations are involved. However, the results are immediately useful in many practical problems and can be readily extended. It is believed that the mathematical techniques, simple as they are, and the associated analyses, have not been presented before in this compact and collated form.
A look at computer networks through a system of layers: The design of computer networks is explained through an example that employs the ISO/ANSI reference model

The design of computer networks is explained through an example that uses the ISO/ANSI Reference Model.
Structural characterization of metallopeptides designed as scaffolds for the stabilization of nickel(II)-Fe(4)S(4) bridged assemblies by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

In earlier work, de novo designed peptides with a helix-loop-helix motif and 63 residues have been synthesized as potential scaffolds for stabilization of the [Ni(II)-X-Fe(4)S(4)] bridged assembly that is the spectroscopically deduced structure of the A-Cluster in clostridial carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. The 63mers contain a consensus tricysteinyl ferredoxin domain in the loop for binding an Fe(4)S(4) cluster and Cys and His residues proximate to the loop for binding Ni(II), with one Cys residue designed as the bridge X. The metallopeptides HC(4)H(2)-[Fe(4)S(4)]-Ni and HC(5)H-[Fe(4)S(4)]-M, containing three His and one Cys residue for Ni(II) coordination and two His and two Cys residues for binding M = Ni(II) and Co(II), have been examined by Fe-, Ni-, and Co-K edge spectroscopy and EXAFS. All peptides bind an [Fe(4)S(4)](2+) cubane-type cluster. Interpretation of the Ni and Co data is complicated by the presence of a minority population of six-coordinate species with low Z ligands, designated for simplicity as [M(OH(2))(6)](2+). Best fits of the data were obtained with ca. 20% [M(OH(2))(6)](2+) and ca. 80% M(II) with mixed N/S coordination. The collective XAS results for HC(4)H(2)-[Fe(4)S(4)]-Ni and HC(5)H-[Fe(4)S(4)]-M demonstrate the presence of an Fe(4)S(4) cluster and support the existence of the distorted square-planar coordination units [Ni(II)(S.Cys)(N.His)(3)] and [Ni(II)(S.Cys)(2)(N.His)(2)] in the HC(4)H(2) and HC(5)H metallopeptides, respectively. In the HC(5)H metallopeptide, tetrahedral [Co(II)(S.Cys)(2)(N.His)(2)] is present. We conclude that the designed scaffolded binding sites, including Ni-(mu(2)-S.Cys)-Fe bridges, have been achieved. This is the first XAS study of a de novo designed metallopeptide intended to stabilize a bridged biological assembly, and one of a few XAS analyses of metal derivatives of designed peptides. The scaffolding concept should be extendable to other bridged metal assemblies.
Facilitating Economic Development through Strategic Alliances.

Economic development provides an opportunity for higher education institutions to collaborate on public service programs that contribute to national, regional, and community vitality.
Interplay of Orbital Symmetry and Nonstatistical Dynamics in the Thermal Rearrangements of Bicyclo[n.1.0]polyenes

CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations have been carried out on some of the thermal rearrangements of bicyclo[2.1.0]pentene (BCP), bicyclo[4.1.0]hepta-2,4-diene (BCH), bicyclo[6.1.0]nona-2,4,6-triene (BCN)...
A Perceptually Completed Whole Is Less Than the Sum of Its Parts

How efficiently do people integrate the disconnected image fragments that fall on their eyes when they view partly occluded objects? In the present study, I used a psychophysical summation-at-threshold technique to address this question by measuring discrimination performance with both isolated and combined features of physically fragmented but perceptually complete objects. If visual completion promotes superior integration efficiency, performance with a visually completed object should exceed what would be expected from performance with the individual object parts shown in isolation. Contrary to this prediction, results showed that discrimination performance with both static and moving versions of physically fragmented but perceptually complete objects was significantly worse than would be expected from performance with their constituent parts. These results present a challenge for future theories of visual completion.
Regulation of Phospholipase C-β1 by Gq and m1 Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor: STEADY-STATE BALANCE OF RECEPTOR-MEDIATED ACTIVATION AND GTPase-ACTIVATING PROTEIN-PROMOTED DEACTIVATION (*)

The phospholipase C-beta1 (PLC-beta1) signaling pathway was reconstituted by addition of purified PLC to phospholipid vesicles that contained purified recombinant m1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor, Gq, and 2-4 mol % [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. In this system, the muscarinic agonist carbachol stimulated steady-state PLC activity up to 90-fold in the presence of GTP. Both GTP and agonist were required for PLC activation, which was observed at physiological levels of Ca2+ (10-100 nM). PLC-beta1 is also a GTPase-activating protein for Gq. It accelerated steady-state GTPase activity up to 60-fold in the presence of carbachol, which alone stimulated activity 6-10-fold, and increased the rate of hydrolysis of Gq-bound GTP by at least 100-fold. Despite this rapid hydrolysis of Gq-bound GTP, the receptor maintained >10% of the total Gq in the active GTP-bound form by catalyzing GTP binding at a rate of at least 20-25 min-1, approximately 10-fold faster than previously described. These and other kinetic data indicate that the receptor and PLC-beta1 coordinately regulate the amplitude of the PLC signal and the rates of signal initiation and termination. They also suggest a mechanism in which the receptor, Gq, and PLC form a three-protein complex in the presence of agonist and GTP (stable over multiple GTPase cycles) that is responsible for PLC signaling.
Dose-Response Analysis for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of the B16 Murine Melanoma Using p-Boronophenylalanine

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) of a well-pigmented B16 melanoma implanted subcutaneously in the mouse thigh has been carried out at the Brookhaven Medical Research Reactor (BMRR) using the synthetic amino acid p-boronophenylalanine (BPA) as the boron delivery agent. The response of the B16 melanoma to BNCT was compared with the response to 250 kVp x-rays using both tumor growth delay and an in vivo/in vitro assay that measures clonogenic survival. These experiments allow a comparison of tumor growth delay, log cell kill and damage to normal tissues produced by BNCT or photon irradiation.
Parental care in estrildid finches: experimental tests of a model of Vidua brood parasitism

To assess the potential success of a brood parasite with a novel host, we tested whether three species of African estrildid finches provide foster parental care only to young with normal conspecific appearance and behaviour or also to other young in their nests. One (red-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala) has a mimetic brood parasite in the field, one (goldbreast, Amandava subflava) has a nonmimetic brood parasite and one (blue-capped cordon-bleu, Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) has no brood parasite. All three species sometimes reared nestlings of other species to fledging, and all three reared the brood parasite of the firefinch, the village indigobird, Vidua chalybeata. Finches were more successful in rearing young of their own than young of other species, however, firefinches were as likely to rear young indigobirds as to rear their own young. Nestling mimicry gives young Vidua brood parasites a survival advantage in receiving care from firefinch foster parents. Firefinches were more likely to rear their own young in a mixed-species brood if the other species matched the appearance of their own young. There was no difference in reproductive success between novice and experienced pairs of finches rearing a brood of their own or the other species. Because these nesting species reared alien young, which were vicariant experimental stand-ins of young brood parasites, and these nesting species also reared the young indigobird, we conclude that the nestling appearance and behaviour does not completely prevent the colonization of a new host species by a brood parasite. The experimental results are consistent with molecular genetic estimates of colonization histories of estrildid hosts by Vidua brood parasites.
Arterial spin labeling versus BOLD in direct challenge and drug-task interaction pharmacological fMRI

A carefully controlled study allowed us to compare the sensitivity of ASL (arterial spin labeling) and BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) fMRI for detecting the effects of the adenosine A2a antagonist tozadenant in Parkinson disease. The study compared the effect of drug directly or the interaction of the drug with a cognitive task. Only ASL detected the direct effect of tozadenant. BOLD was more sensitive to the cognitive task, which (unlike most drugs) allows on–off comparisons over short periods of time. Neither ASL nor BOLD could detect a cognitive-pharmacological interaction. These results are consistent with the known relative advantages of each fMRI method, and suggest that for drug development, directly imaging pharmacodynamic effects with ASL may have advantages over cognitive-pharmacological interaction BOLD, which has hitherto been the more common approach to pharmacological fMRI.
Bile Salt-stimulated Carboxyl Ester Lipase Influences Lipoprotein Assembly and Secretion in Intestine: A PROCESS MEDIATED VIA CERAMIDE HYDROLYSIS *

Abstract Bile salt-stimulated carboxyl ester lipase (CEL), also called cholesterol esterase, is one of the major proteins secreted by the pancreas. The physiological role of CEL was originally thought to be its mediation of dietary cholesterol absorption. However, recent studies showed no difference between wild type and CEL knockout mice in the total amount of cholesterol absorbed in a single meal. The current study tests the hypothesis that CEL in the intestinal lumen may influence the type of lipoproteins produced. A lipid emulsion containing 4 mm phospholipid, 13.33 mm[3H]triolein, and 2.6 mm[14C]cholesterol in 19 mm taurocholate was infused into the duodenum of lymph fistula CEL(+/+) and CEL(−/−) mice at a rate of 0.3 ml/h. Results showed no difference between CEL(+/+) and CEL(−/−) mice in the rate of cholesterol and triglyceride transport from the intestinal lumen to the lymph. However, CEL(−/−) mice produced predominantly smaller lipoproteins, whereas the CEL(+/+) mice produced primarily large chylomicrons and very low density lipoprotein. The proximal intestine of CEL(−/−) mice was also found to possess significantly less ceramide hydrolytic activity than that present in CEL(+/+) mice. By using Caco2 cells grown on Transwell membranes as a model, sphingomyelinase treatment inhibited the secretion of larger chylomicron-like lipoproteins without affecting total cholesterol secretion. In contrast, the addition of CEL to the apical medium increased the amount of large lipoproteins produced and alleviated the inhibition induced by sphingomyelinase. Taken together, this study identified a novel and physiologically significant role for CEL, namely the promotion of large chylomicron production in the intestine. The mechanism appears to be mediated through CEL hydrolysis of ceramide generated during the lipid absorption process.
Conductive indium-tin oxide nanowire and nanotube arrays made by electrochemically assisted deposition in template membranes: switching between wire and tube growth modes by surface chemical modification of the template

Tin-doped indium hydroxide (InSnOH) nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) were grown from acidic aqueous solutions of inorganic precursors in a simple one-step electrochemically assisted deposition (EAD) process inside Au-plugged anodic aluminium oxide and polycarbonate membranes. When the membranes were used without any pre-treatment, InSnOH crystals nucleated on the both the Au-cathode and pore wall surfaces. By adjusting the surface chemistry of Au or the pore walls, it was possible to switch between NW and NT growth modes. InSnOH was converted into indium tin oxide (ITO) by annealing the InSnOH-filled membranes at 300 °C. The resulting wires and tubes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurements. InSnOH and ITO NWs and NTs consisted of ∼25–50 nm in size crystalline grains with the cubic crystal structures of In(OH)3 and In2O3, respectively, and showed essentially the same morphological features as planar ITO films made by the same method. Separate tin oxide/hydroxide phases were not observed by any of the characterization methods. After heating in air at 600 °C, the ITO NWs had resistivity on the order of 10°Ω cm. EAD is an inexpensive and scalable solution-based technique, and allows one to grow dense arrays of vertically aligned, crystalline and conductive ITO NWs and NTs.