cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of an immunophilin expressed during the clonal expansion phase of adipocyte differentiation

Abstract Mouse 3T3-L1 cells differentiate into fat-laden adipocytes in response to a cocktail of adipogenic hormones. This conversion process occurs in two discrete steps. During an early clonal expansion phase, confluent 3T3-L1 cells proliferate and express the products of the beta and delta members of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors. The cells subsequently arrest mitotic growth, induce the expression of the alpha form of C/EBP, and acquire the morphology of fully differentiated adipocytes. Many of the genes induced during the terminal phase of adipocyte conversion are directly activated by C/EBP alpha, and gratuitous expression of this transcription factor is capable of catalyzing adipose conversion in a number of different cultured cell lines. The genetic program undertaken during the clonal expansion phase of 3T3-L1 differentiation, controlled in part by C/EBP beta and C/EBP delta, is less clearly understood. To study the molecular events occurring during clonal expansion, we have identified mRNAs that selectively accumulate during this phase of adipocyte conversion. One such mRNA encodes an immunophilin hereby designated FKBP51. In this report we provide the initial molecular characterization of FKBP51.
The influence of copper on the motility of human spermatozoa

Abstract The effect of metallic copper and copper salts on the motility of human spermatozoa was studied as part of an investigation of the mechanism of action of the copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD). Copper released from an IUD inhibited sperm motility in vitro and in vivo within three to four hours. Comparable concentrations of copper sulfate were less effective. Preliminary experiments in which sperm were incubated up to four hours within a Millipore chamber in the uterine cavity of a patient using a copper device indicate that copper has little effect on sperm motility in utero . The three to four hours-long latent period required for the inhibition of sperm motility by copper suggests that immediate immobilization of sperm is not a major mechanism of action of the copper IUD in the human.
Electromagnetic propagation in periodic stratified media. I. General theory

The propagation of electromagnetic radiation in periodically stratified media is considered. Media of finite, semi-infinite, and infinite extent are treated. A diagonalization of the unit cell translation operator is used to obtain exact solutions for the Bloch waves, the dispersion relations, and the band structure of the medium. Some new phenomena with applications to integrated optics and laser technology are presented.
Diastereotopic selectivity at prochiral carbon centers. A stereodivergent synthesis of the talaromycins

Abstract The transformation of the acyclic precursor previously employed in the synthesis of talaromycin B to the stereoisomeric avian toxin talaromycin A is described. Diastereotopic selectivity at prochiral carbon centers in an acetonide migration and in a subsequent spiroketalization reaction provides the stereocontrol required for the synthesis.
Video Games and Digital Literacies.

Today's youth are situated in a complex information ecology that includes video games and print texts. At the basic level, video game play itself is a form of digital literacy practice. If we widen our focus from the “individual player + technology” to the online communities that play them, we find that video games also lie at the nexus of a complex constellation of literacy practice. Because video games are an area of passionate interest for many young people (particularly males), they are one place where you can see what students that may not perform well in literacy-related courses are actually capable of—not because gaming is such an exceptional interest area, but because it is such a common one.
HUMAN CAPITAL PRODUCTION: LIFE-CYCLE PRODUCTION WITH DIFFERENT LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES

This paper investigates the human capital formation process when the learning situation is not neutral but is instead biased either to the market or to the production process. In the case of a production bias, human capital is more productive when generating additional human capital than when generating market activity. In the case of a market bias, the reverse holds. Implications from the model are used to explain the occurrence of different shaped earnings profiles of equal net present value as well as income profiles of unequal present value.
Differential effects of ibuprofen, indomethacin, and meclofenamate on prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 metabolism.

Previous studies have suggested the possibility that the non-steroidal antiflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen, may inhibit thromboxane (TX) A2 synthase activity in addition to inhibiting cyclooxygenae activity. Microsomal fractions isolated from the cat lung contain cyclooxygenase as well as prostacyclin (PGI2) synthase, TX synthase, and a GSH-dependent prostaglandin (PG) E2 isomerase activities. When [1-14C] PG endoperoxide H2 (PGH2) was used as substrate, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and meclofenamate exhibited differential effects on terminal enzyme activities. Ibuprofen, at concentrations up to 1 mM, had no effect on the activities of PGI2 synthase, TXA2 synthase of GSH-dependent PGE2 isomerase, whereas indomethacin selectively inhibited PGI2 synthase activity at 5 x 10−4 M and 10−3 M. Meclofenamate selectively inhibited TXA2 synthase activity at 5 x 10−4 M and 10−3 M. At concentrations of 5 x 10−3 M, this selectivity was not oberved, and indomethacin and meclofenamate decreased the formation of both 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2. These data indicate that the choice of NSAID and the concentration employed may specifically alter PGH2 metabolism. This action may affect the physiologic consequences of the exchange of PGH2 between cells. The data further indicate that indomethacin has the potential for use as a tool to specifically attenuate PGI2 synthase activity in vitro.
Corrigendum to "Estimates of global terrestrial isoprene emissions using MEGAN (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature)" published in Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 3181–3210, 2006

Atmos. Chem. Phys., 7, 4327, 2007 www.atmos-chem-phys.net/7/4327/2007/ © Author(s) 2007. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Corrigendum to “Estimates of global terrestrial isoprene emissions using MEGAN (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature)” published in Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 3181–3210, 2006 A. Guenther Atmospheric Chemistry Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research, 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder Colorado, 80305, USA The purpose of this corrigendum is to document typo- graphical errors in Eqs. (11) and (18) of the manuscript, “Guenther, A., Karl, T., Harley, P., Wiedinmyer, C., Palmer, P., and Geron, C.: Estimates of global terrestrial isoprene emissions using MEGAN (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature), Atmos. Chem Phys., 6, 3181–3210, Equation (11b) should have a minus sign before “0.9φ 2 ” instead of the multiplication operator that is in the published manuscript. For the conditional on Eq. (11), modelers may prefer to use “sin(a) 0 (11b) The conditional statement for Eqs. (18a) and (18b) should refer to “T t “ rather than “t i “ in the published manuscript. The correct equation is: t i = 5 + (0.7 × (300 − T t )) for T t 303 (18b) Correspondence to: A. Guenther (guenther@ucar.edu) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
The impact of crystal symmetry on the electronic structure and functional properties of complex lanthanum chromium oxides

Complex oxides exhibit a wide range of crystal structures, chemical compositions and physical properties. The underlying drivers determining the complicated structure–composition–property phase diagrams are the relative positions and orbital overlaps between the metal cations and the oxygen anions. Here we report a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the structure and bonding in a series of lanthanum chromium oxides prepared by molecular beam epitaxy. Of particular interest is the charge state and local coordination of the Cr. We have stabilized LaCrO3, LaCrO4 and La2CrO6 films by controlling the three elemental fluxes during deposition, and have carried out X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoemission, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as first-principles calculations, to determine structure, charge state, chemical bonding, and electronic structure. Significant changes in bonding character and orbital interaction are revealed with decreasing ligand symmetry from octahedral to tetrahedral Cr coordination. Both LaCrO4 and La2CrO6 with tetrahedrally coordinated Cr show strong pre-edge features in the Cr K-edge near-edge structure whereas LaCrO3 with octahedrally coordinated Cr exhibits very weak pre-edge features. The origin of these pre-edge features is discussed based on various selection rules and ligand symmetry. We also demonstrate an increase in cation–anion orbital hybridization and a decrease in long-range ligand coupling induced by this symmetry reduction. These in turn result in dramatic modifications of the macroscopic optical and magnetic properties.
Absorption and clearance of ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine from the plasma of neonatal rats

A limited number of studies exist describing the effects of +/-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) during perinatal development, although the number of MDMA users has increased dramatically, and this increase is greatest in people of child-bearing age. Previous experimental studies show that exposure to MDMA during part of the third trimester-equivalent (postnatal days P1-20 in rats) cause two distinct types of learning and memory deficits (sequential and spatial) if exposed on P11-20, but not if exposure occurs on P1-10. In the present study, we examined differences in the ability of neonatal rats to eliminate MDMA. Rat offspring were given a single dose of 20 mg/kg MDMA on either P1 or 11, and plasma was collected at 1 of 10 time points during a 10-h period. MDMA concentrations were assessed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Indices of absorption did not differ as a function of exposure age. Exposure age differences in the clearance rate and half-life of MDMA were observed, such that the P1-treated animals had a significantly more rapid clearance and a shorter half-life than P11-treated animals did. These changes are in the same direction as the behavioral differences reported previously between P1-10 and P11-20 MDMA exposure groups. However, the pharmacokinetic differences were not commensurate with the behavioral changes in that the clearance differences at the two ages are quantitative whereas the behavioral differences were qualitative (no effects from P1-10 exposure and large effects from P11-20). Although the data do not suggest a mechanism for the learning deficits, they indicate that pharmacokinetic differences may contribute to the effects seen when exposure is begun on P11.
Preliminary analytical study of booster recovery by means of a drag balloon which converts to a hot-air balloon for final recovery.

Saturn booster recovery by means of drag balloon which converts to hot air balloon for final recovery
Evolution of Metamorphism in Thymidylate Synthases Within the Primate Lineages

Crystal structures of human thymidylate synthase (hTS) revealed that the protein exists in active and inactive conformations, defined by the position of a loop containing the active site nucleophile. TS is highly homologous among diverse species; however, the residue at position 163 (hTS) differs among species. Arginine at this position is predicted by structural modeling to enable conformational switching. Arginine or lysine is reported at this position in all mammals in the GenBank and Ensembl databases, with arginine reported in only primates. Sequence analysis of the TS gene of representative primates revealed that arginine occurs at this relative position in all primates except a representative of prosimians. Mutant human proteins were created with residues at position 163 that occur in TSs from prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Catalytic constants (k cat) of mutant enzymes were 45–149% of hTS, with the lysine mutant (R163K) exhibiting the highest k cat. The effect of lysine substitution on solution structure and on ligand binding was investigated. R163K exhibited higher intrinsic fluorescence, a more negative molar ellipticity, and higher dissociation constants (K d) for ligands that modulate protein conformation than hTS. Temperature effects on intrinsic fluorescence and catalytic activity of hTS and R163K are consistent with proteins populating different conformational states. The data indicate that the enzyme with arginine at the position corresponding to 163 (hTS) evolved after the divergence of prosimians and simians and that substitution of lysine by arginine confers unique structural and functional properties to the enzyme expressed in simian primates.
Relationship between modeling of the atomic structure of grain boundaries and studies of mechanical properties

Abstract The main objective of the majority of the microscopic atomic level studies of interfaces has been investigation of the dominant atomic level structural features and their relation to geometrical and crystallography: characteristics of grain boundaries. At the same time extensive studies of mechanical properties of materials with interfaces have been made in the framwork of continuum mechanics but without taking either structure or properties of the interfaces into account. In this paper we attempt, at least partially, to bridge the gap between atomistic and continuum approaches. Since the most fundamental properties of materials entering continuum treatments are the elastic moduli, we demonstrate first that atomic-level elastic properties of interfaces can be rigorously defined and that the fourth-order tensor of effective elastic moduli of grain boundary regions can be determined in atomistic simulations. We then proceed to employ these concepts in the continuum analysis of long wavelength phonons corresponding to acoustic interface waves. It is then shown that only when the local elastic properties of interfaces are incorporated into the contiuum model, via boundary conditions derived directly from the atomic-level elastic properties of interfaces, are the interfacial waves deduced from this model in good agreement with the phonon calculations.
Receptor-effector coupling by G proteins

The primary structure of G proteins as deduced from purified proteins and cloned subunits is presented. When known, their functions are discussed, as are recent data on direct regulation of ionic channels by G proteins. Experiments on expression of alpha subunits, either in bacteria or by in vitro translation of mRNA synthesized from cDNA are presented as tools for definitive assignment of function to a given G protein. The dynamics of G protein-mediated signal transduction are discussed. Key points include the existence of two superimposed regulatory cycles in which upon activation by GTP, G proteins dissociate into alpha and beta gamma and their dissociated alpha subunits hydrolyze GTP. The action of receptors to catalyze rather than regulate by allostery the activation of G proteins by GTP is emphasized, as is the role of subunit dissociation, without which receptors could not act as catalysts. To facilitate the reading of this review, we have presented the various subtopics of this rapidly expanding field in sections 1-1X, each of which is organized as a self-contained sub-chapter that can be read independently of the others.
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis and Epstein‐Barr virus

A case report of a patient with lymphomatoid granulomatosis presenting initially as a reactivated Epstein-Barr virus infection is presented. Epstein-Barr virus is proposed in the possible role of establishing of an immunologically compromised state that may have set the stage for dissemination of this disease process. Of interest is the fact that successful chemotherapeutic management of the disease was accomplished using prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Furthermore, this clinical success was reflected in a decreasing Epstein-Barr virus early antigen-antibody titers accompanied by increasing antivirus capsid antigen titers; hence, it appears that laboratory markers of the response of lymphomatoid granulomatosis to treatment are available in the form of soluble immune complexes, antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus-coded antigens early antigens, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigens and/or virus capsid antigens as well as the active E rosette assay for T-cells. Finally, these data, although supporting the role of Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of lymphomatoid granulomatosis, suggest the need for further study in additional patients to verify the results.
A new method of pupil identification

Biometrics offers a genuine method of identification that most other systems are unable to match, in spite of possible flaws. As a trade off, the high reliability provided by the system requires increased responsibility to keep user information private and secure from even the users themselves. Biometric security systems are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to subvert using conventional cracking methods. False match rates are less than 2% in overall biometric systems, and false rejection rates are equally as low. Although biometrics technology is in its infancy, it is already a common method for user authentication.
Orientation in light from two sources and its bearing on the function of the eyespot

1. The direction of locomotion of Euglena in a field of light consisting of two horizontal beams crossing at right angles is in close accord with that demanded by the “Resultantengesetz”, that is, the tangent of the angle between the direction of locomotion and the rays in the stronger beam is approximately equal to the intensity of the weaker divided by that of the stronger beam. 2. This can be explained on the assumption that the eyespot is a photoreceptor, that the photosensitive substance in it is a layer in the concavity of the pigmented portion, that this layer is practically parallel with the direction of locomotion and that the light absorbed by it varies from a maximum when the incident rays are perpendicular to it, to zero when they are parallel with it, for if all this obtains and the “Resultan-tengesetz” holds the amount of light absorbed in all symmetrically opposite positions assumed in the process of rotation is equal when the organism is oriented, no matter what the ratio of intensities in the two beams may be. 3. The fact that the direction of locomotion in Euglena is in accord with the “Resultantengesetz” merely indicates that if the organism goes in any other direction it is unequally stimulated in different positions assumed in the process of rotation and that this results in responses which change its direction of locomotion until it is no longer unequally stimulated. It has no bearing on the problem concerning the quantitative relation between the stimulus and the response. 4. In Volvox and Gonium the direction of locomotion in light from two sources is not in accord with the “Resultantengesetz”. 5. In these forms the light is brought to a focus in the eyespots. The position of the focal point varies with the direction of the incident light and the stimulating effect of a given amount of light absorbed at this point varies with its location. 6. In Gonium the stimulating effect of a given amount of light absorbed by the photosensitive substance in the central part of the eyespot is about 9 times as great as that of the same amount of light absorbed by this substance in the posterior part. The photosensitive substance in the central part of the eyespot is therefore about 9 times as sensitive as that in the posterior part.
Stress corrosion cracking of rapidly solidified magnesium-aluminum alloys

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of rapidly solidified magnesium-aluminum alloys in aqueous solutions of potassium chromate and sodium chloride was investigated using electrochemical techniques, constant displacement rate tests, and optical and electron microscopy. Microcrystalline alloys containing 1 and 9 wt% aluminum were prepared using a melt-spinning process which yields continuous ribbons 15–25 μm thick. Potential-pulse and scratched electrode experiments showed that repassivation kinetics are improved both by rapid solidification and increased aluminum content. The melt-spun alloys experienced relatively uniform attack, and repassivated more rapidly and more completely than their as-cast counterparts. Both failed by transgranular stress corrosion cracking (TGSCC) in aqueous 0.21 M K2 CrO4 containing 0.6M NaCl at displacement rates between 5 × 10−5 and 9 × 10−3 mm s−1. In 0.6M NaCl, TGSCC occurred only near 3.6 × 10−3 mm s−1, while no stress corrosion was observed in chromate solution without chloride. Constant displacement rate tests in air after pre-exposure to the electrolyte indicated that TGSCC probably results from a hydrogen embrittlement process. Using reasonable estimates of the diffusivity of hydrogen in magnesium, analysis of the constant displacement rate and potential-pulse tests for Mg-9Al supports a model involving the formation of magnesium hydride ahead of the crack tip.
Estimation of body composition from anthropometric and physiological measurements of obese college women

Abstract Relationships between anthropometric and physiological measurements and body composition were examined in 42 obese college women. Estimates of body density (BD), fat weight (FW), and fat free weight (FFW) were obtained by the helium dilution method. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, 4 body diameters, 4 body girths, hand grip strengths, and 7 skinfold thicknesses; physiological measurements were daily urinary creatinine and basal metabolic rate. Simple correlation coefficients between each of these measurements and the estimates of body composition were less than 0.7, indicating little predictive accuracy from single measurements. Multiple correlation coefficients (R) were higher for FW (R=0.83 to 0.88) than for BD (R=0.64 to 0.75) or FFW (R=0.72 to 0.80). The equations that most accurately estimated body composition included skinfold thickness, hand grip strength, basal metabolic rate, and a variable calculated from height and weight. When equations selected from the literature were used, BD and FFW were consistently overestimated and FW underestimated.
Fracture and Fatigue Crack Growth of Bulk Metallic Glass Alloys and their Composites

Bulk metallic glasses exhibit extraordinary strength and elastic properties, but the lack of extensive plastic deformation and the catastrophic nature of failure limit the usefulness of the monolithic alloy. This work presents an overview of the results of fracture and fatigue crack growth experiments for a bulk metallic glass matrix composite with a Zr-Ti-Nb reinforcement phase precipitated in situ . The composite exhibits stable crack growth at stress intensities nearly double the fracture toughness of the monolithic glass. This is associated with the formation of a distributed damage zone at the crack tip. While the second phase had a marked effect on the fracture behavior, there was very little change to the fatigue crack growth results. Fractography suggests that the second phase particles are too small to cause crack bridging or significantly change the crack path.
Measurement of blood levels of neuroleptics and metabolites by combined high performance liquid chromatography-radioreceptor assay for D2 and sigma sites.

Abstract The dopamine (D2) receptor blocking property of antipsychotic medications has been proposed as the mechanism of the therapeutic activity of this class of drugs. This property has also been exploited as a method to quantify therapeutic levels of these drugs in patients. However, the lack of correlation among dosage, blood levels and clinical response has resulted in a contradictory literature on both mechanism and quantification of these drugs. Bioactivity and chemical identity of the commonly prescribed neuroleptic drug fluphenazine and its metabolites in human plasma were determined by a new method which combines the selectivity of chemical methods with the sensitivity and bioassay of the radioreceptor assay (RRA) method. Fluphenazine and its metabolites were separated and identified in human plasma by an ion-pairing reverse phase high performance liquid Chromatographic method with electrochemical detection. A volatile buffer system was employed which was compatible with facile sample preparation for post-column analyses, and which provided sharp, symmetrical Chromatographic peaks of parent compound and metabolites. Post chromatography, HPLC fractions were assayed by RRA for D2, alpha1 and sigma receptors. More than one pattern of metabolism of the drug was seen, including biosynthesis of drug metabolites with biological activities at these receptor types. The individual differences with which this occurs may contribute to the variabilities seen in clinical response to neuroleptics, and to difficulties in neuroleptic blood level determinations.
Weldability of Li-bearing aluminium alloys

Lithium bearing aluminium alloys constitute a relatively new generation of high performance, lightweight aviation alloys that are being considered for a variety of applications requiring welded con...
The Power of Partnerships: A Message for All Radiologists

This presidential message offers a new vision of interdependence, of partnerships: internally, with other radiologists; externally, with our colleagues outside of radiology; and jointly with our patients, our most important partners.
Bacillus cereus 569/H β-lactamase I: Cloning in Escherichia coli and signal sequence determination

Abstract The gene, penPC , for β-lactamase I of Bacillus cereus 569/H has been cloned and its expression studied in Escherichia coli . The protein product from the in vitro translation of penPC was shown by gel electrophoresis to have an M r of 36 000 which is larger than the in vivo products fround in B. cereus and E. coli . The DNA sequence of the signal region was determined. It revealed that the smallest known mature form present in B. cereus culture fluids is preceded by 45–48 amino acids in pre-β-lactamase I, considering that there are 3 initiation codons in the same reading frame, one or more of which might be initiating translation. Unlike the Bacillus licheniformis 749/C β-lactamase, which has a membrane-bound thioether lipoprotein form, the single Cys residue in the B. cereus β-lactamase I signal sequence is unmodified and a single processed form of the enzyme is present in E. coli cells carrying pen PC
Patterns of finger capillary abnormalities in connective tissue disease by "wide-field" microscopy.

The fingers of 75 patients with connective tissue disorders were examined by “wide-field” capillary microscopy. Four diagnostic groups were included in this study: rheumatoid arthritis—28, scleroderma—22, dermatomyositis—8, and systemic lupus erythematosus—17.On the basis of different patterns of elementary microvascular abnormalities and their distribution, 3 distinct groups were recognized among these patients: 1) increased visibility of nailfold subpapillary plexus in rheumatoid arthritis, 2) massive capillary dilatation in scleroderma-dermatomyositis, and 3) focal loss of capillaries and prominence of subpapillary vessels with “punched-out” lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Political Beliefs in an Era of Economic Decline: Farmers' Attitudes Toward State Economic Intervention, Trade, and Food Security1

The effects of the economy on political attitudes is a longstanding sociological issue that is receiving renewed attention in the face of recent U.S. economic downturns. While the impacts of the farm crisis on financial and household well-being of farm operators have been addressed by a number of studies, few have explored its political outcomes. Four perspectives that consider how economic forces translate into political beliefs are outlined, two reflecting objective economic position (class location and financial pressure) and two indicating subjective appraisals (feelings of economic uncertainty and subjective deprivation). Data from a sample of Ohio farm operators for 1987 are used to analyze how the perspectives are related to progressive beliefs about farming, the domestic nonfarm economy, and third-world food production. Indicators of objective economic position and subjective appraisals have relatively limited impact on farmers' political attitudes. Of these indicators, subjective appraisals were more closely related to attitudes. In addition, operators' stances on farm political issues also affect their views on domestic nonfarm and third-world policy agendas. Implications were found for studies of farmers' political attitudes as well as for broader sociological theory regarding the development of progressive attitudes during periods of economic decline.
Dreams and hallucinations: A common neurochemical mechanism mediating their phenomenological similarities

Abstract Dreams and drug-induced hallucinations have several phenomenological similarities, especially with respect to their visual and emotive components. This similarity is hypothesized to be due to a neurochemical mechanism which is common to both states: the inactivation of the brain serotonin system. This is supported by electrophysiological data indicating that the activity of serotonin-containing neurons is depressed during both dreaming (in REM and non-REM sleep) and in response to hallucinogenic drugs. Further support for the hypothesis derives from neuropharmacological data demonstrating that decreases in synaptic serotonin are associated with increased hallucinatory-like behavior or hallucinatory experience during waking, and increased duration of REM periods during sleep. Reciprocally, increases in synaptic serotonin are associated with decreased hallucinatory-like behavior or hallucinatory experience, and with decreased REM sleep time and dream reports. Neuroanatomical evidence that serotonin is heavily concentrated in brain areas which mediate visual perception and emotive experience is consonant with the strong visual and emotive components of dreams and hallucinations. When these data are considered in conjunction with the exclusively inhibitory synaptic action of serotonin in the forebrain, an explicit hypothesis can be formulated: A cessation, or decrease, in the discharge rate of serotonin-containing neurons, either spontaneously during REM and non-REM sleep, or in response to drugs such as LSD, precipitates, through disinhibition, a dramatic increase in activity of their target neurons in brain areas mediating visual sensation and emotional experience. These latter neural events are a primary physiological substrate for the emergence of strong sensory and emotive processes during dreams and drug-induced hallucinations.
Effects of taste quality and intensity on oral perception of viscosity

Oral assessments of viscosity were obtained with the method of magnitude estimation. Subjects judged the viscosity of a series of aqueous solutions thickened to one of six viscosity levels (1–2025 centistokes) with a food-grade gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The solutions contained one of several concentrations of caffeine, citric acid, sodium chloride, or sucrose. The presence of taste substances significantly altered the perception of solution viscosity for only the thickest solutions. Increasing concentrations of citric acid and sodium chloride produced progressive decreases in perceived viscosity, and increasing sucrose concentrations produced small increases in perceived viscosity. Caffeine did not affect judgments of solution viscosity. The most likely explanation for these findings is that subjects detected differences in the Newtonian behavior of the thickened solutions, differences that were produced by the addition of taste substances.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT PREDICTED FROM HEART GIRTH AND PRODUCTION.

Abstract Relationships among body weights predicted from heart girth measurements taken the first test day after calving, and age, 90-, and 305-day milk yields, and the corresponding fat percentages were assessed for 3,168 lactations of 1,593 Holstein cows in nine North Carolina Institutional herds. The partial linear regressions of 305-day milk yield on weight independent of age were significant, but they averaged only about 150 lb milk for each 100-lb change in weight and accounted for only 1% of the variance in milk yield. Weight was not closely associated with 90-day yield, and it had only a minor influence on the fat percentages. Estimates of the genetic correlation between weight and 305-day milk for the paternal half sister and daughter-dam analyses were positive but small (0.15 ± .17 and 0.02 ± .13), whereas those for weight and fat percentage were even nearer zero. Selection indices computed for a range of economic situations and genetic relationships showed that little, if any, benefit can be expected by jointly considering body size when selecting for increased milk yield. Under present economic situations, a slight negative emphasis should be placed against body weight.
Exponentially asymptotically constant systems of difference equations with an application to hyperbolic equilibria

In a recent paper, Agarwal and Pituk have considered scalar linear difference equations whose coefficients are asymptotically constant and whose corresponding perturbations are exponentially small. Using the method of generating functions and results from complex analysis, they derived an asymptotic representation for solutions, which was then applied to study the asymptotic behaviour of solutions of certain nonlinear autonomous scalar difference equations near a hyperbolic equilibrium. Here, we first show using standard matrix analysis how their results can be extended to systems of linear difference equations and that the error estimates can be made more precise. Our method also can be extended to weakly nonlinear systems. That result can in turn be used to analyze solutions of some autonomous nonlinear difference systems near an equilibrium.
The predictive value of in-vitro techniques in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract Bone marrow aspirates obtained from 27 patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) was cultured at the time of presentation, during remission and at relapse. Growth patterns were assessed throughout the patient's clinical course. The percentage of Ia-positive progenitor cells was assayed by a complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay. The percentage of cells in S phase was measured by a tritiated thymidine suicide index. Growth patterns of leukemic bone marrow samples at presentation showed varied numbers of clusters but only rare colonies. This was not predictive of clinical course. Growth patterns of bone marrow in complete remission from ANLL often had depressed colony numbers. However, some patients in remission had bone marrow growth patterns that approached or reached normal colony numbers, suggesting elimination of residual leukemia. The percentage of cells that expressed Ia antigen at presentation, during remission and at relapse varied widely and was not predictive of long-term remission or early relapse. The percentage of cells in S phase was also highly variable and not predictive of clinical course. At presentation the S-phase percentage correlated with the percentage of cells expressing Ia antigen. However, there was no such correlation during remission.
Catastrophic outcome of de novo aortic thrombus after stent grafting for blunt thoracic aortic injury.

Fourteen months after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury, a 24-year-old man abruptly collapsed. His neurologic function in the lower extremities fluctuated. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a nearly occlusive thrombus within his aortic stent. He underwent open descending thoracic aortic replacement. This dramatic case is the first report of spontaneous intraluminal thrombosis in an intact stent graft, as well as the first report of waxing and waning symptoms of spinal cord ischemia resulting from nearly obstructive thrombus. Stent graft thrombus is a potential complication after endovascular repair for traumatic aortic injury and is an additional consideration when weighing the risks and benefits of endovascular repair and subsequent surveillance strategies.
Binding of copper and silver to single-site variants of peptidylglycine monooxygenase reveals the structure and chemistry of the individual metal centers.

Peptidylglycine monooxygenase (PHM) catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of amidated peptides that serve as important signaling molecules in numerous endocrine pathways. The catalytic mechanism has attracted much attention because of a number of unique attributes, including the presence of a pair of uncoupled copper centers separated by 11 A (termed CuH and CuM), an unusual Cu(I)SMet interaction at the oxygen binding M-site, and the postulated Cu(II)–superoxo intermediate. Understanding the mechanism requires determining the catalytic roles of the individual copper centers and how they change during catalysis, a task made more difficult by the overlapping spectral signals from each copper center in the wild-type (WT) protein. To aid in this effort, we constructed and characterized two PHM variants that bound metal at only one site. The H242A variant bound copper at the H-center, while the H107AH108A double mutant bound copper at the M-center; both mutants were devoid of catalytic activity. Oxidize...
An improved procedure for the separation of (+) or (-)-isopinocampheol, the major side product of the oxidation workup procedure of Brown's asymmetric crotylborations

Abstract Separation of (+) or (−)-isopinocampheol, the major side product of the oxidation workup procedure of Brown’s asymmetric reactions such as crotylborations from the desired product is quite tedious and often requires repeated column chromatography. It is discovered that a sublimation process can be used to easily separate this major side product.
Not a Gay Cowboy Movie

Many critics refused Broke-back Mountain's narrative image as "the gay cowboy movie," challenging both its "gayness" and its status as a Western. Using genre theory, popular criticism, and the work of Frederic Jameson, this article explores the progressive work accomplished by the film's genre classification as a Western.
Genetic crosses in the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum define recombination parameters

Recombinant progeny lines of Cryptosporidium parvum were generated by coinfecting immunosuppressed mice with two genetically distinct isolates of C. parvum. Progeny lines were obtained from a cross of parental lines MD x TU114 through targeted propagation in mice of progeny oocysts originating from populations lacking one parental allele at one or more loci. For each infection lineage this process was repeated until only a single allele remained for each marker, indicating that the progeny line was clonal. To study genetic recombination, 16 progeny clones were genotyped at 40 loci located on each of the eight chromosomes. The inheritance of parental alleles was significantly skewed towards the more virulent parent isolate MD. A contiguous 476 kb segment of chromosome V displayed MD allele in all progeny recovered, while MD and TU114 alleles were detected at other loci throughout the genome. The absence of alleles from one parental isolate in this chromosomal region may indicate phenotypic selection for the MD allele during the generation of these lines. A range for the meiotic crossover frequency was determined on the basis of 40 markers and the number of meioses estimated to have taken place during the crossing experiment. C. parvum exhibits a high rate of recombination commensurate with other Apicomplexa.
Cell-to-cell transport of proteins and fluorescent tracers via plasmodesmata during plant development

Plant cells communicate with each other via channels called plasmodesmata (PD). PD are not passive channels, but critical players in gene regulation, controlling intercellular transport of macromolecules between particular cells during development.
APRI and FIB‐4 are good predictors of the stage of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS)

Summary We aim to determine the predictive ability of APRI, FIB-4 and AST/ALT ratio for staging of liver fibrosis and to differentiate significant fibrosis (F2–F4) from none to minimal fibrosis (F0–F1) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Liver biopsy results were mapped to an F0–4 equivalent fibrosis stage. Mean APRI and FIB-4 scores were significantly higher for each successive fibrosis level from F1 to F4 (P < 0.05). Based on optimized cut-offs, the AUROCs in distinguishing F2–F4 from F0 to F1 were 0.81 (0.76–0.87) for APRI, 0.81 (0.75–0.86) for FIB-4 and 0.56 (0.49–0.64) for AST/ALT ratio. APRI and FIB-4 distinguished F2–F4 from F0 to F1 with good sensitivity and specificity and can be useful for treatment decisions and monitoring progression of fibrosis.
Impact of FDG PET/CT on delineation of the gross tumor volume for radiation planning in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Purpose:Computed tomography (CT) remains the gold standard for delineation of tumor volumes for radiotherapy (RT) planning. However, positron emission tomography (PET) overlay on CT has shown to impact the gross target volume (GTV), decrease intraobserver variability, and change the treatment planni
Capillarity effects on crystallization kinetics: insulin.

During layerwise growth of crystals, capillarity governs the generation of new crystal layers. Theory predicts that the line tension of the layer edge determines, via the characteristic two-dimensional capillary length Lc, the rates of generation and initial growth of the new layers. To test the correlation between Lc and the rate of layer generation, we used in situ Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy (TM-AFM) to study the generation and spreading of layers during crystallization of rhombohedral, R3, porcine insulin. We show that crystallization of this insulin form is uniquely suitable for such an investigation due to the linear kinetics of step growth it exhibits. This linear kinetics reflects the abundance of the incorporation sites along the rough steps, the lack of long-range step−step interactions, and the transport control of the growth kinetics. The kinetic coefficients are 7 × 10-3 and 4 × 10-2 cm s-1, respectively, in the absence and presence of the cosolvent acetonesomewhat high for proteins ...
Controller for a flexible disk

In late 1971 several manufacturers of mass recording media began to announce initial specifications for a class of simple low-cost magnetic disks based on the IBM flexible disk initial microprogram system loader. These disks were marketed for data logging and other applications where repeated read-write activity was minimal. Their extreme low cost made it possible to integrate them into inexpensive hardware configurations as a substitute for conventional disk drives. The Memorex 651 has characteristics that are typical of the available Floppy Disk drives and is selected here as the device to be interfaced.
Validation of a method to directly and specifically measure nitrite in biological matrices

The bioactivity of nitric oxide (NO) is influenced by chemical species generated through reactions with proteins, lipids, metals, and its conversion to nitrite and nitrate. A better understanding of the functions played by each of these species could be achieved by developing selective assays able of distinguishing nitrite from other NO species. Nagababu and Rifkind developed a method using acetic and ascorbic acids to measure nitrite-derived NO in plasma. Here, we adapted, optimized, and validated this method to assay nitrite in tissues. The method yielded linear measurements over 1-300 pmol of nitrite and was validated for tissue preserved in a nitrite stabilization solution composed of potassium ferricyanide, N-ethylmaleimide and NP-40. When samples were processed with chloroform, but not with methanol, ethanol, acetic acid or acetonitrile, reliable and reproducible nitrite measurements in up to 20 sample replicates were obtained. The method's accuracy in tissue was ≈ 90% and in plasma 99.9%. In mice, during basal conditions, brain, heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidney cortex had similar nitrite levels. In addition, nitrite tissue levels were similar regardless of when organs were processed: immediately upon collection, kept in stabilization solution for later analysis or frozen and later processed. After ip nitrite injections, rapidly changing nitrite concentrations in tissue and plasma could be measured and were shown to change in significantly distinct patterns. This validated method could be valuable for investigations of nitrite biology in conditions such as sickle cell disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, where nitrite is thought to play a role.
Wigner‐Smith delay times and the non‐Hermitian Hamiltonian for the HOCl molecule

We construct the scattering matrix for a two-dimensional model of a Cl atom scattering from an OH dimer. We show that the scattering matrix can be written in terms of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian whose complex energy eigenvalues can be used to compute Wigner-Smith delay times for the Cl-OH scattering process. We compute the delay times for a range of energies, and show that the scattering states with the longest delay times are strongly influenced by unstable periodic orbits in the classical dynamics.
Novel regulation of 5-HT1C receptors: down-regulation induced both by 5-HT1C/2 receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract The 5-hydroxytryptamine1C (5-HT1C) receptor shares many features with the 5-HT2 receptor. To determine if the regulation of the sites is also similar we studied the effects of chronic treatment with drugs active at 5-HT1C/2 receptors on [3H]mesulergine-labelled 5-HT1C binding sites in spinal cord. The 5-HT receptor agonists 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (m-CPP) (-38%), 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) (-35%), quipazine (-27%) and m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) (-27%) significantly down-regulated spinal 5-HT1C sites with chronic injection compared to vehicle treatment. The 5-HT receptor antagonist methiothepin (-71%), mianserin (-24%), methysergide (-21%), and cyproheptadine (-27%) also induced down-regulation, and ritanserin and metergoline further reduced [3H]mesulergine specific binding to undetectable levels. There were no significant changes in Kd to implicate presence of residual drug except for mianserin, methiothepin, and TFMPP. Pindolol and spiperone had no significant effects. In acute dose-response studies, injection of a single dose of DOI did not result in a significant change in any receptor parameters. The capacity of a drug to lower Bmax correlated significantly with its pKd (r = 0.84, P