cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy following transfer of ooplasm from cryopreserved-thawed donor oocytes into recipient oocytes

Abstract Objective: To determine if frozen-thawed donor oocytes could be used to provide cytoplasm for transfer into patients' oocytes to improve subsequent embryonic development. Design: Prospective evaluation of the procedure in consenting IVF patients. Setting: Assisted reproductive technology program. Patient(s): The study was open to consenting IVF patients (of any age) with a history of poor embryo quality or those couples in which the wife's age was ≥40 years. Intervention(s): Transfer of donor egg cytoplasm from frozen-thawed oocytes into the oocytes of infertile recipients. Main Outcome Measure(s): Donor oocyte survival following cryopreservation, fertilization following cytoplasmic transfer into recipient oocytes, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcome. Result(s): Oocytes collected from four donors were cryopreserved and 61% (28/46) survived the thaw procedure. Cytoplasmic transfer was performed on the eggs of four patients, with fertilization occurring in 70.3% (26/37). Twin pregnancy was established in one patient (35 years of age) with a history of poor embryo quality. Conclusion(s): Cryopreserved donor oocytes may provide a source of cytoplasm for transfer into recipient oocytes, eliminating the need for cycle synchronization between donor and infertile patient.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 17β-Alkoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes as Potential Neuroprotectants Against Oxidative Stress

17β-O-Alkyl ethers (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, and octyl) of estradiol were obtained from 3-O-benzyl-17β-estradiol with sodium hydride/alkyl halide, followed by the removal of the O-benzyl protecting group via catalytic transfer hydrogenation. An increase compared to estradiol in the protection of neural (HT-22) cells against oxidative stress due to exposure of glutamate was furnished by higher (C-3 to C-8) alkyl ethers, while methyl and ethyl ethers decreased the neuroprotective effect significantly. Lipophilic (butyl and octyl) ethers blocking the phenolic hydroxyl (3-OH) of A-ring were inactive.
A household production model of demand for childcare and meals: theory and evidence from the Philippines

Becker/Mincer theory of home production was the first to systematically incorporate time in economic models, and the theory generated much empirical research in a wide variety of areas. However, the direct applications of Becker/Mincer home production theory in empirical research are scarce because of the innate immeasurability of commodities. In this paper, I recover unobservable commodities from the cost functions under certain assumptions about production technologies. Then, using the Philippine Bukidnon panel study of rural households, I test for the core of the Becker model: negative substitution effects between a time-intensive and a goods-intensive commodity arising from wage increases. The estimates of the structural form as well as the reduced form relative demand between childcare, which represents a time-intensive commodity, and meal consumption, which represents a goods-intensive commodity, support the major predictions of the model.
LEAF SURFACE WETNESS AND GAS EXCHANGE IN THE POND LILY NUPHAR POLYSEPALUM (NYMPHAEACEAE)

As part of a continuing study of the effects of leaf surface wetness on gas exchange, the occurrence of leaf surface wetting by dewfall and associated effects on photosynthesis were evaluated for floating and aerial leaves of the pond lily Nuphar polysepalum Engelm. Because of nighttime radiation exchange with a cold sky, high humidity, and the presence of adaxial stomata, we predicted that pond lily leaves would be particularly susceptible to wetting events such as dewfall. A substantial reduction in net photosynthesis (up to 20%) occurred for leaves that were experimentally misted to simulate leaf wetting by dewfall. Aerial leaves remained below dewpoint temperatures for long periods on clear nights. However, floating leaves rarely approached dewpoint temperatures at night because minimum nighttime temperatures of leaves were up to 10 C warmer than air temperature. Thus, floating leaves of N. polysepalum did not experience dew formation primarily because of strong thermal coupling to a substrate (water) that was much warmer than air temperature at night. This coupling to a warmer substrate prevented a potentially strong inhibition of photosynthetic CO2 exchange the following morning.
The reaction of B2O3 with the β-rhombohedral boron (111) surface

Abstract We have studied the reaction of isotopically pure 10B2O3 with the (111) surface of β-rhombohedral boron using temperature-programmed desorption. The 10B2O3 was directly deposited on the boron surface from a Knudsen cell operated at 1200 K. The boron crystal contained the natural abundance ratio of the 11B : 10B isotopes of 4:1. The thermal desorption results show a B2O3 peak near 1200 K consisting solely of the 10B2O3 isotope followed by B2O2 and B2O3 peaks in the range 1300–1350 K with a B2O2: B2O3 peak area ratio of about 2:1. The higher temperature B2O2 and B2O3 desorption peaks follow zero-order desorp kinetics with an activation energy of 554 ± 41 kJmol−1. The higher temperature peaks show substantial incorporation of the 11B isotope from the substrate. The results are consistent with a reaction mechanism in which boron from the substrate first dissolves in the molten B2O3 layer and then reacts to form a B6O suboxide which then decomposes to yield B2O3 and B2O2. However, we have no direct evidence for the presence of the B6O suboxide on the surface.
The effect of refractive error on automated global analysis program G-1.

We determined the effect of induced refractive errors on the visual field indices of the Octopus global analysis program G-1. After cycloplegia, refractive errors were introduced randomly in ten nonglaucomatous eyes of ten patients. Mean defect values (±S.D.) were lowest (2.4 ± 0.8 dB) with full cycloplegic correction. With increasing ametropia, the mean defect increased significantly; it was 3.6 ± 0.8 dB (P
SELECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN DURING RECOVERY FROM UNBALANCED GROWTH.

Abstract 1. 1. Cells of Escherichia coli were permitted to accumulate RNA under conditions of unbalanced growth. A study was then made of the readjustment of rates of RNA and protein synthesis during the recovery period. Two methods were primarily used to produce accumulation of RNA without simultaneous synthesis of protein: incubation of mutant cells in a sodium salts medium and methionine starvation of a relaxed-control amino acid auxotroph. 2. 2. During the recovery period, cells displayed the following properties: (a) protein synthesis was rapid, but RNA synthesis was slowed down until the RNA/protein ratio reached the level characteristic of steady-state growth; (b) in the initial burst of protein synthesis, the specific activity of the protein that sedimented with ribosomes was about 3 times greater than the specific activity of the supernatant protein; and (c) the protein of high specific activity remained as a stable constituent of ribosomes. 3. 3. The results indicate that E. coli cells have the capacity to regulate synthesis of ribosomal protein, perhaps by a mechanism involving messenger activity of the unbalanced RNA in pre-ribosomal particles.
Hypothesis Suggesting 700 Km of Right Slip in California along Northwest- oriented Faults

Much of the displacement between the Pacific and North American plates can be explained by movements on California faults other than the presently conspicuous segments of the San Andreas fault system. The faults are hypothesized to comprise three fault systems, in addition to the San Andreas fault system itself, along which there may have been a total of 400 km of pre-Eocene right slip. These three fault systems are (A) the Huasna, Suey, Little Pine, and Palos Verdes faults; (B) the Sur-Nacimiento, Pine Mountain, Newport-Inglewood, and Rose Canyon (?) faults; and (C) the Healdsburg, Jackson, Hayward, Calaveras, Reliz, Espinosa, San Antonio, Marcos, and Rinconada faults. The San Andreas fault system formed in late Miocene time and developed sub-parallel to the three older fault systems. The San Andreas fault system obliquely transected fault system C, giving to the northern San Andreas fault an appearance of having the pre-Eocene right-lateral displacement of fault system C.
Acquisition Speed with Targets on the Edge of the Screen: An Application of Fitts' Law to Commonly Used Web Browser Controls

According to Fitts' law, the time to acquire a target can be reduced by either reducing the target's distance or increasing its size. Tognazzini (1999) proposed that the time to acquire a target on graphical user interfaces could be reduced further by moving targets to the edge of the screen (i.e., edge targets). Two studies tested these predictions with a web browser interface's back-button (Experiment 1) and scroll bar (Experiment 2). Results support the aforementioned hypotheses. Edge targets were always faster to acquire than targets placed one pixel from the edge of the screen. However, within the constraints of the current studies, this speed advantage is maximal at approximately 393 ms for target heights ≥ 2.00 cm and target distances ≥ 11.75 cm. Design recommendations and a cost/benefit analysis are given.
On‐line protein digestion and peptide mapping by capillary electrophoresis with post‐column labeling for laser‐induced fluorescence detection

A nanoliter enzyme microreactor was developed for on-line capillary electrophoresis (CE) peptide mapping of proteins, allowing picomole quantities of proteins to be digested. The enzyme microreactor was formed by immobilizing trypsin onto a monolithic capillary column, which was prepared by in situ polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate in a capillary. Highly efficient digestion of three protein standards was demonstrated. The detection of peptide fragments in CE was enhanced by post-column derivatization and laser-induced fluorescence detection. The microreactor has a volume of about 30 nL and is coupled with a separation capillary via a fluid joint for on-line digestion. The overall analysis, including digestion and separation, lasted only about 16 min. Column efficiencies > 300 000 plates/m were obtained for most peaks in the electropherogram of an on-line peptide mapping experiment of denatured α-lactalbumin under optimal conditions.
Red cell freezing and its impact on the supply chain

Red blood cells (RBC) can be frozen in glycerol solutions and stored for many years. Thawed RBC must have the glycerol removed, but the recovered cells have normal survival in humans. Freezing has been used to store RBC of rare phenotypes for more than 40 years. In the 1960s and 1970s, when medical technology and blood use were expanding rapidly and liquid whole blood and RBC storage were limited to 3 weeks, many attempts were made to expand the use of frozen RBC for meeting the needs for a stable blood supply and to have RBC reserves for emergencies. These attempts have largely been abandoned because of the cost of freezing, storing and processing, better management of the larger and longer lived RBC inventory, concerns about the safety of stored RBC that have not received the most up-to-date testing and the losses associated with the short shelf life of thawed RBC. New automated frozen RBC processing systems will potentially allow extending the outdate of thawed RBC to 2 weeks, but will not materially effect the costs or losses associated with the use of frozen RBC. RBC freezing will have little effect on the logistics of blood supply.
Evidence for Mg 2+ -dependent, Na + + K + -activated ATPase and Ca 2+ -ATPase in the human term placenta.

SummaryMg2+-dependent and Ca2+-ATPases were isolated from human term placentas. The Mg2+ -dependent ATPase activity was partially inhibited by the absence of Na+ or K+ from the incubation medium or the presence of ouabain (0.1 mM) or ethacrynic acid (5 mM). This Mg2+- dependent, ouabain-sensitive enzyme has a pH optimum near 7.4–7.5, and a substrate specificity for ATP > ITP = GTP. The Mg2+ -dependent ATPases were compared with a Ca2+-ATPase, which has a pH optimum above 8.0 and was not inhibited by the absence of Na+ or K+ or the presence of ouabain, but was inhibited by ethacrynic acid.The investigators gratefully acknowledge the kind assistance of the physicians and nursing staffs from the Obstetrics Departments of the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, Lebanon, NH and the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, Hanover, NH.
USING PRACTICE GUIDELINE COMPENDIUMS TO PROVIDE BETTER PREVENTIVE CARE

This paper describes the rationale for continued attention to preventive care guidelines, the recent effort to organize existing guidelines, currently available compendiums of guidelines, ways to j...
A determination of Earth equatorial ellipticity from seven months of Syncom 2 longitude drift

The 24-hour Syncom 2 satellite has been under periodic observation by range and range rate radar and Minitrack Radio Interferometer stations since mid-1963 [Wagner, 1964b]. Seven months of longitude drift in the vicinity of two momentarily stationary configurations were analyzed for sensitivity to hypothetical longitude components of the earth's gravity field which would be in ‘resonance’ on such a satellite [Blitzer et al., 1962; Wagner, 1964a]. This drift, in the region 54°W to 64°W (over Brazil), was derived from orbits calculated at the Goddard Space Flight Center. From mid-August 1963 to late November 1963, the figure-eight ground track of Syncom 2 drifted from 55°W to 59°W, with a mean acceleration of The average growth of the semimajor axis for this period was estimated as 0.0093±0.0042 km/day. The figure-eight configuration was momentarily stationary at about 54.76° on September 6, 1963, at which time the semimajor axis was 42166.0±0.2 km. On November 28, 1963, the westward drift of Syncom 2 was stopped by ground command firing of tangentially oriented cold gas jets on the satellite.
Emerging Adults’ Stress and Health: The Role of Parent Behaviors and Cognitions

Although parent behaviors and cognitions are important for stress/health outcomes throughout development, little research examines whether cognitions mediate the relationship between parent behaviors and stress/health outcomes. As a result, the current study examined the reports of 160 emerging adults regarding their mothers’ and fathers’ behaviors (via the Parental Bonding Instrument and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire), their cognitions (via the Stress Appraisal Measure, Negative Mood Regulation Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Ruminative Response Scale-Abbreviated), and their stress/health outcomes (via the Perceived Stress Scale and Short-Form Health Survey). Results of this study suggested that emerging adults’ cognitions partially mediated the relationship between their mothers’ behaviors and their stress/health outcomes and fully mediated the relationship between their fathers’ behaviors and their stress/health outcomes. Future research should examine parent behaviors as important distal variables in emerging adults’ stress/health outcomes but should examine cognitions as more salient, immediate predictors of their stress/health outcomes.
Surface structure of O+-ion-implanted silica glass

Abstract The surface structure of 2 MeV O+-ion-implanted silica glass has been investigated by the X-ray diffraction method and the spectroscopic method. It is found that the refractive index and density of the surface layer increases and decreases by 1% and 2.5% with the O+-ion implantation, respectively. It is inferred that silicon ions are coordinated by four oxygen ions in the surface damaged layer of the glass. The SiOSi bond angle decreases and the middle range ordering reduces with O+-ion implantation. It is deduced that the surface structure of the ion-implanted silica glass is similar to that of neutron irradiated silica glass.
Spectroscopic System for Characterization of Human β-Cardiac Myosin

We designed a system to examine the structural properties of human β-cardiac myosin using fluorescence spectroscopy. Expression of human β-cardiac myosin subfragment 1 (M2B-S1) was achieved through the generation of recombinant adenovirus with subsequent infection in the C2C12 embryonic muscle cell line. A tetracysteine site, which enables site-specific labeling of the fluorescein biarscenical hairpin-binding dye (FlAsH), was introduced in the upper 50 kDa (U50) region (residues 316-321) corresponding to the previously utilized site in myosin V. Key conformational changes in the myosin motor, including those associated with nucleotide and actin binding, can be examined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) using M2B-S1 FlAsH and fluorescent nucleotides or IAEDANs-labeled actin. We demonstrate the enzymatic properties of M2B-S1 FlAsH are similar to unlabeled M2B-S1, and both are capable of moving actin filaments in the in vitro motility assay. We utilized FRET between M2B-S1 FlAsH and Cy3ATP to examine structural changes in the U50 domain. The kinetics of structural changes were examined during the ATP-binding and actin-activated product release steps. We also designed a system to study structural changes in the force-generating lever arm using FlAsH labeling at the N-terminus of a human β-cardiac myosin construct containing a C-terminal GFP (M2B-GFP). The spectroscopic approach can be used as a tool to study the effects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutations on myosin structure or to study the impact of drugs that alter myosin motor activity.
Some spatial aspects of poverty in the USA

The social problem of poverty in the USA. has important spatial dimensions. The great migration of poor persons from the agricultural South to the industrial North shaped the nation's process of urbanization in the period after World War II. Subsequent suburbanization in the nation's cities was profoundly influenced by this movement and, in turn, had important implications for the urban poor. Also, the changing structure of employment opportunities within urban areas has had direct effects on the nature of the poverty problem in terms of spatial segregation and the persistence of poverty in urban areas. This paper offers a survey of the spatial aspects of poverty in the USA. and relates the problem of poverty to the forces of change that have contributed to the spatial transformation of the US economy.
Suicide bereaved parents: Emotional distress and physical health problems

Abstract The emotional distress and physical health problems of 59 parents whose children died by suicide and 61 parents whose children died by other modes were compared. The hypotheses that suicide bereaved parents would report greater emotional distress and more physical health problems than parents of children who died oj accidents and chronic disease were not supported. Both groups of parents had moderate levels of emotional distress and reported an increase in health problems including an increased use of drugs. In addition, they reported that sleep problems and appetite changes were moderately distressing.
Observed and Simulated Movement of Bank‐Storage Water

Detailed hydrologic and water-chemistry data were collected that document the movement of bank-storage water during March 7-April 17, 1990, in an alluvial aquifer adjacent to the Cedar River, Iowa. Hydrologic data included 745 daily ground-water-level measurements from 27 observation wells. Water-chemistry data indicate that bank-storage water had smaller specific conductance and larger concentration of atrazine than ambient ground water. To quantify the movement of the bank-storage water, a two-dimensional ground-water flow model was constructed, and the resulting calibrated model accurately simulated observed conditions. Analysis of water chemistry and model results indicate that a 2-meter rise in the river stage caused bank-storage water to move horizontally at least 30 meters into the aquifer and vertically about 4 meters below the river bottom, whereas the remaining 30 percent moved laterally through the riverbank. The model also showed that bank storage caused the ground-water flux to the river to increase by a factor of five during the first three weeks of base flow after runoff and that it required about five weeks for bank-storage water to discharge from the alluvial aquifer after the peak river stage. These results quantitatively demonstrate the importance of bank storage as a source of recharge to the alluvial aquifer and as a source of water to the river during early base-flow conditions.
Automating Microwave Optics Experiments

An existing stand-alone microwave diffraction apparatus is adapted to student computer interface equipment using nonspecialized sensors. The new configuration allows students to take data with greater resolution in significantly less time than the traditional approach to the microwave diffraction experiment. Students’ tedium is reduced and the possibility of examining diffraction phenomena in greater detail within the limitations of a lab period is enhanced.
Longitudinal effects of single-channel cochlear implantation on voice quality.

No studies have reported longitudinal group data on the voice characteristics of adult participants with adventitious profound sensorineural hearing loss before and after single-channel cochlear implantation. This study investigated voice fundamental frequency, intensity, and speaking duration preimplantation and longitudinally 1-day, 6-months, and 1-year poststimulation. Results revealed only fundamental frequency 1-day poststimulation to be significantly different from preimplantation. Trends for all three variables, i.e., lowered Fo, reduced intensity, and shortened speaking duration (a faster rate), however, moved toward the measures that typify normal-hearing speakers.
Self-Assembly via Adsorbate-Driven Dislocation Reactions

Deposition of S onto a monolayer of $\mathrm{Ag}/\mathrm{Ru}(0001)$ transforms the herringbone pattern of the clean Ag film into a strikingly regular array of 2D-vacancy islands [K. Pohl et al., Nature (London) 397, 238 (1999)]. Time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy reveals that this nanometer-scale restructuring occurs by a cooperative mechanism involving the sequential formation of triangular regions with fcc and hcp stacking. Using a 2D Frenkel-Kontorova model, we can simulate the creation of these triangular building blocks via basic dislocation motions and reactions.
Self-schema for assertiveness: Extending the validity of the self-schema construct

Abstract This research attempted to extend the validity of the self-schema concept by examining a previously untested self-attribute and by examining self-schema effects on the interpretation of more realistic stimulus situations than used in past studies. The attribute was a self-schema for assertiveness and the validity of this self-knowledge structure was evaluated in two studies. In Stuty 1 assertion schematics and aschematics were compared for retrieval of schema-relevant information on a laboratory task of incidental recall. In Study 2 schematics and aschematics were compared on five different tasks that required elaboration of information about rights assertion conflict situations. Study 1 results revealed that schematics as compared to aschematics recalled more assertion related adjectives but did not differ in recall of domain-irrelevant words. Results from Study 2 showed that schematics as compared to aschematics recalled more past instances of assertive behaviors when asked to elaborate why an assertion adjective was endorsed as “Like me”. Also, schematics were significantly more certain they would behave assertively both in situations where assertion was appropriate and in those where compromise was more appropriate. On two perceptual factors known to correlate with assertive behavior, schematics were more likely to judge moderately legitimate requests (i.e., ambiguous requests) as more unreasonable and when asked to generate expected consequences for assertive responses focused more on self rather than other person consequences. The consistency of the results with respect to various hypothesized functions of the self-schema construct are discussed.
The outs and the ins of sphingosine-1-phosphate in immunity

The potent lipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is produced inside cells by two closely related kinases, sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and SPHK2, and has emerged as a crucial regulator of immunity. Many of the actions of S1P in innate and adaptive immunity are mediated by its binding to five G protein-coupled receptors, designated S1PR1-5, but recent findings have also identified important roles for S1P as a second messenger during inflammation. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the roles of S1P receptors and describe the newly identified intracellular targets of S1P that are crucial for immune responses. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of new drugs that target S1P signalling and functions.
The male perineal sling--a viable alternative to the artificial urinary sphincter.

This Viewpoint provides a timely review of the current status of surgical treatments for men who develop stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The author discusses the safety and efficacy of the bone-anchored perineal sling, a procedure that has recently undergone several modifications and is arguably emerging as a viable alternative to the artificial urinary sphincter.
Removal of Copulatory Plugs by Female Tree Squirrels

Copulatory plugs form in the vagina of females from the semen of male fox squirrels ( Sciurus niger ) and eastern gray squirrels ( S. carolinensis ). Plugs are opaque white with waxy to rubbery consistency resembling those of other rodents. Although copulatory plugs frequently are hypothesized to prevent the successful copulation of subsequent males, female tree squirrels often remove the plug within 30 s of copulating and either discard or consume it. The removal by the female of a copulatory plug suggests that conflict may exist between the reproductive strategies of the sexes.
Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Which Strategy to Support a Sustainable Growth for Nuclear Energy?☆

Recycling the energy from used fuel and efficiently managing the waste are key factors for a sustainable growth of nuclear energy. Advanced nuclear fuel cycles are often presented as a major step forward compared to the current closed fuel cycle, bringing lower volumes and radio toxicity of waste, an enhanced proliferation resistance, uranium savings and economic benefits. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the current closed fuel cycle, based upon a proven track record of recycling has already achieved a significant part of the way, and represents a very efficient way to prepare the future implementation of advanced closed fuel cycle: ∘ Ultimate waste volume is reduced by a factor 5 while its toxicity is divided by a factor 10 ∘ Today's excellent track records demonstrate that existing fuel cycle plants are well mastered, and the key issue rest with the non dissemination of such technologies ∘ Today's recycling enables 25% in uranium savings, while keeping fissile materials (in used recycled fuels) for future use by Fast Neutron Reactors ∘ Competitiveness of MOX (Mixed Oxide) and ERU (Enriched Reprocessed Uranium) is demonstrated By providing a well-mastered solution to evacuate and safely store the used fuel away from reactors before treatment, the closed fuel cycle limits the build-up of large inventories of irradiated fuels at reactor sites. In the context of post- Fukushima safety analyses, it is also a strong argument to promote the public acceptance of nuclear power development. The overall cost of current closed cycle (interim storage + recycling + transports + waste disposal) is about 6% of the kWh cost. It is a competitive solution which reduces financial uncertainties compared to direct disposal. The advantages of the current closed fuel cycle have been demonstrated by the successful policy of recycling implemented in Europe for more than 30 years, with 35 reactors using MOX fuel with an excellent return of experience. As of 01/01/2012, the AREVA industrial recycling platform (La Hague and Melox plants) has treated more than 27,000 tons of used fuel and fabricated more than 1,850 tons of MOX fuel. With the new AREVA EPRTM reactor, recycling will take another step forward, enabling MOX fuel loading of up to 100%, thus offering additional management options of recycled fuel, and giving more flexibility to its customers.
Connectionism, eliminativism, and the semantic view of theories

Recently some philosophers have urged that connectionist artificial intelligence is (potentially) eliminative for the propositional attitudes of folk psychology. At the same time, however, these philosophers have also insisted that since philosophy of science has failed to provide criteria distinguishing ontologically retentive from eliminative theory changes, the resulting eliminativism is not “principled”. Application of some resources developed within the semantic view of scientific theories, particularly recent formal work on the theory reduction relation, reveals these philosophers to be wrong in this second contention, yet by and large correct in the first.
Effects of extraction and replacement of ubiquinone upon the photochemical activity of reaction centers and chromatophores from Rhodopseudomonas spheriodes.

1. Introduction Ubiquinone (UQ) has been implicated as a primary photochemical electron acceptor in bacterial photo- synthesis. Evidence for this has included light-induced optical absorbance changes suggesting disappearance of the oxidized form of UQ [ 1 ] and formation of the anionic semiquinone, UQ: [2,3], and an electron spin resonance signal appropriate for the semiquinone [4,.5] UQ also functions as a secondary electron acceptor coupled to the primary photochemical system [2,6,7]. Dried preparations from photosynthetic bacteria have been subjected to extraction with hydrocarbon solvents such as iso-octane in order to study the effects of depleting UQ [2,6-lo]. Such extraction removes the component of UQ that functions as a secondary electron acceptor, and this function can be restored by adding back UQ [2,9]. In these experiments the capacity for primary photochemistry, as manifested by the oxidation of bacteriochlorophyll (BChl), was not attenuated, casting some doubt on the role of UQ in the photochemistry. We show here, using chromatophores and reaction centers (RC’s) prepared from Rhodopseudomonas
Metabolic fate of methazole in purple and yellow nutsedge

Abstract The mechanisms for the tolerance of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) and susceptibility of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) to methazole [2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolidine-3,5-dione] were studied. Both species absorbed and translocated[14C]methazole and metabolites from nutrient solution; however, greater amounts of 14C per unit weight were detected in yellow than in purple nutsedge. Although intact plants and excised leaves of both species rapidly metabolized methazole to DCPMU [1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-methylurea], detoxification of DCPMU to DCPU [1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea] occurred more slowly in yellow than in purple nutsedge. Compared to yellow nutsedge, a greater percentage of the radioactivity in purple nutsedge was recovered as polar products. Polar products were converted to the free forms of the parent herbicide and to phytotoxic DCPMU by proteolytic enzyme digestion. Based on the findings of this study, at least three mechanisms (differential absorption, metabolism, and formation of polar products) account for the differential tolerance of these two species to methazole.
The Industry-Wide Implications of Dividend Omission and Initiation Announcements and the Determinants of Information Transfer

In examining the industry-wide implications of dividend omission and initiation announcements, this study finds distinct industry responses for these two events. Specifically, dividend omission announcements have a significantly negative impact on the valuations of industry-related firms. Factors influencing this industry reaction include the Herfindahl index of the announcing firm's industry, the two-day abnormal return of the announcing firm, and its trading status (Nasdaq or NYSE/AMEX). Unlike dividend omissions, dividend initiations evoke a competitive (or negative) response from industry-related firms. The degree of homogeneity in the announcing firm's industry, the announcing firm's abnormal return and its size affect this industry response.
Short-Term Memory and Crystallized-Fluid Intelligence in Adulthood

To assess the contributions of two types of short-term memory (STM)-passive span of apprehension and working memory-to the intellectual, (that is, fluid [Gf] and crystallized [Gc]) functioning of adults and age differences therein, data from a test battery assessing STM, Gf, and Gc administered to three (n = 54) groups of adults, aged 17-26, 39-51, and 59-76 years (N = 162), were analyzed. Measures of STM and Gf showed substantial and significant negative relationships with age, while the Gc-age relations were significantly positive, but weak. Age declines in Gf functioning appear related to working STM (as measured by backward digits) deficits but not to passive STM (as measured by forward digits) deficits. In contrast to previous literature suggesting that memory span tasks have little utility as measures of STM deficits among the aged, these results suggest great utility if the forward versus backward memory span distinction is maintained.
A Murine Model of Polymyositis Induced by Coxsackievirus B1 (Tucson Strain)

A murine model of polymyositis induced by coxsackievirus B1, Tucson strain (CVBT) is described. Intraperitoneal CVBT inoculation of CD 1 Swiss mice less than 48 hours old resulted in proximal hindquarter weakness that was first apparent 7 days after viral challenge and persisted for more than 10 weeks. Electromyographic and histologic evidence of a continuing myositis was present during this entire period of time. However, virus was not detectable later than 2 weeks post infection, despite clinical progression of disease. The finding of electromyographic and histologic abnormalities in CVBT-infected mice, long after virus had cleared and neutralizing antibody production evoked, suggests that persistent myositis may be immunologically mediated, triggered by the initial acute viral infection.
EDL Pathfinder Missions

NASA is developing a longterm strategy for achieving extended human missions to Mars in support of the policies outlined in the 2010 NASA Authorization Act and National Space Policy. The Authorization Act states that "A long term objective for human exploration of space should be the eventual international exploration of Mars." Echoing this is the National Space Policy, which directs that NASA should, "By 2025, begin crewed missions beyond the moon, including sending humans to an asteroid. By the mid2030s, send humans to orbit Mars and return them safely to Earth." Further defining this goal, NASA's 2014 Strategic Plan identifies that "Our longterm goal is to send humans to Mars. Over the next two decades, we will develop and demonstrate the technologies and capabilities needed to send humans to explore the red planet and safely return them to Earth." Over the past several decades numerous assessments regarding human exploration of Mars have indicated that landing humans on the surface of Mars remains one of the key critical challenges. In 2015 NASA initiated an Agencywide assessment of the challenges associated with Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) of large payloads necessary for supporting human exploration of Mars. Due to the criticality and longlead nature of advancing EDL techniques, it is necessary to determine an appropriate strategy to improve the capability to land large payloads. This paper provides an overview of NASA's 2015 EDL assessment on understanding the key EDL risks with a focus on determining what "must" be tested at Mars. This process identified the various risks and potential risk mitigation strategies, that is, benefits of flight demonstration at Mars relative to terrestrial test, modeling, and analysis. The goal of the activity was to determine if a subscale demonstrator is necessary, or if NASA should take a direct path to a humanscale lander. This assessment also provided insight into how EDL advancements align with other Agency Mars lander activities such as the technology portfolio investments and post2020 robotic Mars Exploration Program missions.
Whom are Mexican infants said to resemble? Monitoring and fostering paternal confidence in the Yucatan

Abstract It has been hypothesized (Daly and Wilson 1982) that resemblance claims about, and names given to, newborns will be biased in a paternal direction. There are also evolutionary reasons to expect that the magnitude of this bias will vary with the laterality of the speaker, the infants' birthorder, the duration of the parents' union, and the possibility that the pater might overhear the remarks. A series of 13 such predictions was examined in light of 198 interviews with the parents and relatives of a randomly selected sample of Mexican infants under the age of six months. The analyses indicate that, as hypothesized, paternal resemblance is alleged much more frequently than is maternal resemblance and that mothers and their relatives remark such resemblance more often than do paters and their relatives. In addition, allegations of paternal resemblance are more frequent for low-birthorder children and when the parents have been paired only briefly. Counter to expectations, the presence of the pater has no effect on mothers' tendencies to allege paternal resemblance, and children named after the pater are not more likely to be said to resemble him. Overall, our findings are in agreement with the assumption that evolved motives influence behavior.
5,5′‐Dihydroxy‐4,4′‐Bitryptamine: A Potentially Aberrant, Neurotoxic Metabolite of Serotonin

Previous investigators have detected unknown oxidized forms of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the CSF of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Furthermore, an unidentified autoxidation product of this neurotransmitter is an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme compromised in the Alzheimer brain. In this study it is demonstrated that the major product of autoxidation of 5-HT is 5,5'-dihydroxy-4,4'-bitryptamine (DHBT). Central administration of DHBT to mice at a dose of 40 micrograms (free base) evokes profound behavioral responses, which persist until the animals die (approximately 24 h). One hour after central administration of DHBT, the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-HT, and acetylcholine and their metabolites in whole brain are greatly elevated. Disturbances to the catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems were still evident shortly before the death of animals. DHBT is also shown to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of AChE in vitro. These observations suggest that if DHBT is formed as an aberrant metabolite of 5-HT in the human brain, it could potentially be neurotoxic and contribute to the neuronal degeneration and other neurochemical and neurobiochemical changes associated with AD or perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases.
A NOTE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPLICATION-BASED GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR MULTITHREADED APPLICATIONS AND MULTIPROCESSOR ENVIRONMENTS

Replication-based incremental garbage collection is one of the more appealing concurrent garbage collection algorithms known today. It allows continuous operation of the application (the mutator) with very short pauses for garbage collection. There is a growing need for such garbage collectors suitable for a multithreaded environments such as the Java Virtual Machine. Furthermore, it is desirable to construct collectors that also work on multiprocessor computers. We begin by pointing out an important, yet subtle point, which arises when implementing the replication-based garbage collector for a multithreaded environment. We first show that a simple and natural implementation of the algorithm may lead to an incorrect behavior of multithreaded applications. We then show that another simple and natural implementation eliminates the problem completely. Thus, the contribution of this part is in stressing this warning to future implementors. Next, we address the effects of the memory coherence model on this algorithm. We show that even when the algorithm is properly implemented with respect to our first observation, a problem might still arise when a multiprocessor system is used. Adopting a naive solution to this problem results in very frequent (and expensive) synchronization. We offer a slight modification to the algorithm which eliminates the problem and requires little synchronization.
Production of monoclonal antibodies against RT2 antigens of the rat and the definition of a new locus, RT9, linked to RT2.

SUMMARY Efforts were made to generate hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against the RT2a, RT2b and RT3a antigens of the rat. While a number of hybridomas from each of five different fusions was found to produce antibodies against the RT2b antigen, no hybridoma producing antibody to the RT2a antigen could be detected among those generated in six different fusions. No stable hybridoma secreting antibody specific for the RT3a antigen could be established in three different fusions, although one positive culture was detected. In the course of this work, a monoclonal antibody against a new antigenic specificity was detected in one of the two strain combinations in which the anti-RT2b antibodies were raised. The locus controlling this antigen, which was designated RT9, maps 4.9 (2.2-12.6) cM from RT2.
Epidural opioids for the management of pain in a patient with the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

We report a case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in which severe pain was a prominent symptom that was effectively treated with epidural opioids
Effects of products released by Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and purified saxitoxin on the movements of Daphnia carinata feeding appendages

Experiments were run to determine the effect of filtrate from incubated Aphanizomenonflos-aquae on the thoracic appendage beat rate and frequency of postabdominal rejections by Daphnia carinata. Comparisons were made between the response to Aphanizomenon filtrate and to purified saxitoxin (STX). The short-term response pattern to the filtrate included an immediate 30-50% depression of thoracic appendage beat rate and elevation of postabdominal rejection rate followed by slowly decreasing thoracic appendage beat rate and increasing postabdominal rejection rate during the 1 O-min exposure. Animals recovered to pretreatment activity rates in <5 min. A similar response was observed in STX, except that Daphnia began to recover immediately from the thoracic appendage beat rate inhibition. Animals recovered to -60% of pretreatment activity after l-2 h in Aphanizomenon filtrate, whereas in STX they returned to pretreatment activity levels after - 1 h of exposure to the neurotoxin. Water from a lake with a winter bloom of A. Jlos-aquae produced the same pattern of thoracic appendage beat rate and postabdominal rejection rate response as seen with the cultured Aphanizomenon. A comparison of responses to STX and the Aphanizomenon filtrate indicates the effect on D. carinata is through chemosensory stimulation rather than neuromotor inhibition.
FUNDAMENTAL STUDY OF CLAY: V, NATURE OF WATER FILM IN PLASTIC CLAY*

Using a pure monodisperse system of kaolinite particles of known diameter and thickness, it has been possible to calculate with a fair degree of precision the thickness of the water film separating the particles and the variation in thickness of this film for different pressures. It has also been possible to calculate with considerable certainty the force acting between two clay particles.
Low cost sanitation alternatives of wastewater treatment for developed and developing countries

Several low cost sanitation alternatives applicable to both developed and developing countries are discussed. Conventional sewerage systems are culturally and economically unsuitable for many of the developing countries. Sanitation in many of the developing countries could be greatly improved by adapting low cost sewage treatment technologies intermediate between pit privies and conventional sewerage systems. Other low cost wastewater treatment alternatives such as oxidation ponds, aerated lagoons and anaerobic lagoons are discussed with regard to their scope of application in the developing countries. On‐site sanitation alternatives such as septic tanks are feasible in developed countries. On‐site sanitation alternatives for sewage disposal are becoming quite popular in the U.S. However, sufficient care must be exercised with regard to on‐site disposal systems on problem soils to alleviate any possible contamination threat to the groundwaters. Sand envelopes have been reported to be suitable to the situa...
Cognitive Reflection and Decision Making

This paper introduces a three-item "Cognitive Reflection Test" (CRT) as a simple measure of one type of cognitive ability—the ability or disposition to reflect on a question and resist reporting the first response that comes to mind. The author will show that CRT scores are predictive of the types of choices that feature prominently in tests of decision-making theories, like expected utility theory and prospect theory. Indeed, the relation is sometimes so strong that the preferences themselves effectively function as expressions of cognitive ability—an empirical fact begging for a theoretical explanation. The author examines the relation between CRT scores and two important decision-making characteristics: time preference and risk preference. The CRT scores are then compared with other measures of cognitive ability or cognitive "style." The CRT scores exhibit considerable difference between men and women and the article explores how this relates to sex differences in time and risk preferences. The final section addresses the interpretation of correlations between cognitive abilities and decision-making characteristics.
A novel high current solid state power controller

Solid state power controller (SSPC) is used in power distribution system to replace traditional electromechanical circuit breaker. It distributes and protect power to different loads. With SSPC, the system is more reliable with improved fault handling capability. SSPC will provide instantaneous faults and current squared time protection (I/sup 2/t). Currently low current rating SSPCs are available on the market. In this paper a high current 270 V/50 A SSPC is developed. The design challenges include new device technology for high current rating, current sensing scheme for high current, I/sup 2/t control implementation and temperature compensation. Simulations and experimental results are shown to verify the design.
The Waning of U.S. Hegemony—Myth or Reality? A Review Essay

Over the next two decades, international politics will be shaped by whether the international system remains unipolar or is transformed into a multipolar system. Can the United States sustain its primacy? Or will the emergence of new great powers reorder the distribution of power in the international system? If U.S. power is waning, will power transition dynamics result in security competitions and an increased possibility of war? In particular, what are the implications of China's rapid ascent to great power status? If the United States is unable to preserve its hegemonic role, what will happen to the security and economic frameworks that it took the lead in creating after the end of World War II and that have provided the foundation for the international order ever since? In a world no longer defined by U.S. hegemony, what would become of globalization and the open international economic system that the United established after World War II and expanded after the Cold War ended? This essay reviews five ...