cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autoimmunity due to molecular mimicry as a cause of neurological disease

One hypothesis that couples infection with autoimmune disease is molecular mimicry. Molecular mimicry is characterized by an immune response to an environmental agent that cross-reacts with a host antigen, resulting in disease. This hypothesis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes, lupus and multiple sclerosis (MS). There is limited direct evidence linking causative agents with pathogenic immune reactions in these diseases. Our study establishes a clear link between viral infection, autoimmunity and neurological disease in humans. As a model for molecular mimicry, we studied patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a disease that can be indistinguishable from MS (refs. 5,6,7). HAM/TSP patients develop antibodies to neurons. We hypothesized these antibodies would identify a central nervous system (CNS) autoantigen. Immunoglobulin G isolated from HAM/TSP patients identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein-A1 (hnRNP-A1) as the autoantigen. Antibodies to hnRNP-A1 cross-reacted with HTLV-1-tax, the immune response to which is associated with HAM/TSP (refs. 5,9). Immunoglobulin G specifically stained human Betz cells, whose axons are preferentially damaged. Infusion of autoantibodies in brain sections inhibited neuronal firing, indicative of their pathogenic nature. These data demonstrate the importance of molecular mimicry between an infecting agent and hnRNP-A1 in autoimmune disease of the CNS.
A sigma-like binding site in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells: decreased affinity for (+)-benzomorphans and lower molecular weight suggest a different sigma receptor form from that of guinea pig brain

Two highly selective radiolabeled probes for sigma receptors were found to bind with high affinity and capacity to membranes from undifferentiated PC12 cells. [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine [( 3H]DTG) bound with Kd = 23.7 +/- 4.6 nM and Bmax = 2025 +/- 660 fmol/mg protein. The Kd and Bmax for [3H](+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ([3H](+)-3-PPP) were 86.3 +/- 21.6 nM and 1539 +/- 242 fmol/mg protein, respectively. These binding parameters were comparable to those observed in guinea pig brain, although the Kd for [3H](+)-3-PPP was 3-fold higher in the PC12 membranes. Both the PC12 and guinea pig brain sites exhibited high affinity for haloperidol, moderate affinity for phencyclidine (PCP), and negligible affinity for MK-801, apomorphine, and (-)-sulpiride. These data suggest a relationship of the PC12 site to sigma receptors. However, all (+)-opiates [+)-benzomorphans and (+)-morphinans) tested bound with markedly lower affinity to the PC12 site compared to guinea pig brain. These include (+)-N-allylnormetazocine [+)-SKF 10,047), (+)-pentazocine, and dextrallorphan. In fact, PC12 sites exhibited preference for (-)-benzomorphans, the reverse stereoselectivity of guinea pig brain sites. Binding of [3H]N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine [( 3H]TCP) could not be detected, demonstrating absence of PCP receptors on this cell line. Differentiation of cells by treatment with nerve growth factor had no effect on sigma binding parameters. Membranes from guinea pig brain and PC12 cells were photoaffinity-labeled using [3H]azido-di-o-tolylguanidine. In guinea pig brain, a polypeptide of 25 kDa was specifically labeled. However, label was incorporated into polypeptides of 18 kDa and 21 kDa in membranes from PC12 cells. In view of the otherwise similar binding characteristics, the marked differences in affinity for (+)-benzomorphans and molecular weight suggest that PC12 cells contain a molecular form of sigma receptor distinct from that predominant in guinea pig brain. This raises the possibility of multiple sigma receptor types.
Magnetic, thermodynamic, and transport characterization of Na 0.75 Co O 2 single crystals

The magnetic, thermal, and transport properties of ${\mathrm{Na}}_{0.75}\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ single crystals grown by the floating zone (FZ) method are reported. Magnetic susceptibility, resistivity, magnetoresistance, and heat capacity data from these crystals indicate a bulk phase transition at ${T}_{1}=22\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. These data are most consistent with the formation of an antiferromagnetic spin-density-wave (SDW) at $22\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ with the easy axis for magnetization nearly along the $\mathbf{c}$ axis. Weak and soft ferromagnetism is observed for applied magnetic fields less than $0.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{Tesla}$, which is unusual for a SDW transition. The jump in the heat capacity at the SDW transition is $0.45\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}∕\mathrm{K}\text{\penalty1000-\hskip0pt}\mathrm{mol}\text{\penalty1000-\hskip0pt}\mathrm{Co}$, about 50% of the value expected from mean-field weak-coupling theory. The reduced jump and the decrease in the resistivity below ${T}_{1}$ are consistent with partial gapping of the Fermi surface. The magnetoresistance is small at the SDW transition but increases in both directions reaching a value of 100% at $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for applied fields of $8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{Tesla}$. The magnetoresistance data imply that the mobility of the remaining carriers is large and increases below ${T}_{1}$. The observation of a SDW transition in this material is found to be sensitive to the preparation conditions and the degree of order in the Na layers. No SDW transition is observed in our polycrystalline powder with the same nominal composition $({\mathrm{Na}}_{0.75}\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{O}}_{2})$ and lattice constants. Differential scanning calorimetry data, however, show distinct differences between the powder and crystal, suggesting a higher degree of order in the Na layers within the crystal. The crystal exhibits a sharp first-order phase transition at ${T}_{2}=340\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, while for the powder this transition is smeared over the temperature range from $250\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}310\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$.
Cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase effect of binding protein on the hydrolysis of cyclic AMP

Abstract The rate of cyclic AMP hydrolysis by a cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase was diminished by the presence of a cyclic AMP binding protein in the reaction mixture. The reduction was proportional to the concentration of the binding protein; and was more pronounced at 0° than at 30°, presumably because the affinity of cyclic AMP to the binding protein was greater at 0° (“apparent dissociation constant” = 3 × 10 −8 M) than at 30° (“apparent dissociation constant” = 4 × 10 −7 M). These experiments indicate that cyclic AMP bound to the binding protein is not susceptible to the action of phosphodiesterase. It is hydrolyzed only when dissociated from the protein, and the rate of dissociation appears to be the limiting factor. The possible physiological significance of these results is discussed.
Electron relaxation in lead-salt quantum dots

Recent studies of the relaxation of photoexcited electrons in PbSe quantum dots find that the relaxation of electrons from the 1P state to the 1S state occurs on the picosecond time scale, even when the states are more than 10 phonon energies apart. This ultrafast relaxation cannot be explained by mechanisms invoked to explain the absence of a phonon bottleneck in other quantum-dot materials. Linear spectroscopy reveals splitting of the lowest-energy states of PbSe quantum dots, but the splitting is inadequate to account for the ultrafast 1P-to-1S relaxation. We tentatively attribute the splitting to coupling of the equivalent L-valleys from which the quantum-dot states are derived. Fluorescence-line-narrowing experiments exhibit little narrowing, and substantial anti-Stokes fluorescence even at temperatures as low as 15 K. Finally, we observe microsecond-time-scale radiative recombination and resonant energy transfer between quantum dots. The time scale of these processes is consistent with dielectric screening of the electric field in the nanocrystals, which in turn highlights the need for better understanding of the dielectric function of a nanocrystal.
Recombinant production and purification of the subunit c of chloroplast ATP synthase.

In chloroplasts, the multimeric ATP synthase produces the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is required for photosynthetic metabolism. The synthesis of ATP is mechanically coupled to the rotation of a ring of c-subunits, which is imbedded in the thylakoid membrane. The rotation of this c-subunit ring is driven by the translocation of protons across this membrane, along an electrochemical gradient. The ratio of protons translocated to ATP synthesized varies according to the number of c-subunits (n) per oligomeric ring (cn) in the enzyme, which is organism dependent. Although this ratio is inherently related to the metabolism of the organism, the exact cause of the cn variability is not well understood. In order to investigate the factors that may contribute to this stoichiometric variation, we have developed a recombinant bacterial expression and column purification system for the c1 monomeric subunit. Using a plasmid with a codon optimized gene insert, the hydrophobic c1 subunit is first expressed as a soluble MBP-c1 fusion protein, then cleaved from the maltose binding protein (MBP) and purified on a reversed phase column. This novel approach enables the soluble expression of an eukaryotic membrane protein in BL21 derivative Escherichia coli cells. We have obtained significant quantities of highly purified c1 subunit using these methods, and we have confirmed that the purified c1 has the correct alpha-helical secondary structure. This work will enable further investigation into the undefined factors that affect the c-ring stoichiometry and structure. The c-subunit chosen for this work is that of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplast ATP synthase.
Effects of Partial Harvest on the Carbon Stores in Douglas-fir/Western Hemlock Forests: A Simulation Study

The STANDCARB 2.0 model was used to examine the effects of partial harvest of trees within stands on forest-related carbon (C) stores in a typical Pacific Northwest Pseudotsuga/Tsuga forest. For harvest rotation intervals of 20 to 250 years the effect of completely dispersed (that is, a checkerboard) versus completely aggregated cutting patterns (that is, single blocks) was compared. The simulations indicated that forests with frequent, but partial removal of live trees can store as much C as those with complete tree harvest on less frequent intervals. Stores in forest products generally declined as the fraction of live trees harvested declined and as the interval between harvests increased. Although the proportion of total system stores in forest products increased as the frequency of harvests and proportion of trees removed increased, this did not offset the reduction in forest C stores these treatments caused. Spatial arrangement of harvest influenced tree species composition profoundly; however, the effects of aggregated versus dispersed cutting patterns on C stores were relatively small compared to the other treatments. This study indicates that there are multiple methods to increase C stores in the forest sector including either increasing the time between harvests or reducing the fraction of trees harvested during each harvest.
Environmental color, consumer feelings, and purchase likelihood

This study tested the effects of red and blue in a shopping-related context. Red and blue were selected because of their opposite color properties. Prior color research has shown that red is perceived as negative and tense as well as physically arousing. Blue, on the other hand, has been identified as calm, cool, and positive. Two laboratory experiments were conducted. In both experiments, retail environments were simulated using predominately red or blue colors. Both experiments corroborate the differential effects of red and blue that prior research suggested. Specifically, more positive retail outcomes occurred in blue rather than red environments. More simulated purchases, fewer purchase postponements, and a stronger inclination to shop and browse were found in blue retail environments. The second experiment helps to identify a plausible explanation to color effects. The results indicate that the affective perception of color rather than the arousal dimension of color may be responsible for the outcome. The positive effects of blue and the negative perception of red may have influenced the results. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Role of polyacrylate in modifying interfacial properties and stability of silicon nitride particles in aqueous suspensions

The role of ammonium polyacrylate in modifying the interfacial properties of silicon nitride powder was examined systematically in order to understand the basic mechanism of dispersion. The adsorption of the polyacrylate on silicon nitride powder was found to be dependent on both the pH and its residual (equilibrium) concentration. The interfacial charge properties of the silicon nitride powder can be modified to a large extent by the adsorbed polyacrylate and equilibrium pH. Well-dispersed silicon nitride suspensions can be obtained in both the neutral and alkaline pH range by the application of ammonium polyacrylate. The enhanced electrostatic repulsion between the dispersant-modified powder surfaces was found to be the primary mechanism governing the dispersion. Also, the steric interactions of the adsorbed polyacrylate with aqueous media were demonstrated in this work to have a positive contribution to the dispersion. The latter is attributed to the hydrophilic nature of the polyacrylate. The dispersing functions of the adsorbed polyacrylate were understood to arise from the two oxygen atoms in the carboxylic group of the polyacrylate. The charged oxygen atom in the carboxylic group was responsible for the measured interfacial charge properties of the dispersant-modified powder. The uncharged oxygen atom had an additional contribution to the hydrophilic nature of the adsorbed dispersant layer.
A New Method for the HPLC Analysis of Pt(II) in Urine

Abstract An analytical method has been developed to measure Pt(II) in urine via derivatization and UV or HPLC analysis. A measured quantity of urine is heated briefly with diethyl ammonium diethyl-dithiocarbamate, and the resulting Pt(Et2NCS2)2 is extracted into a measured volume of chloroform. Concentrations of Pt(II) are determined by UV absorption at 346 nm or by reverse phase HPLC analysis. The detection limit for Pt(II) as its dithiocarbamate is ∼ 1 ng by HPLC; the concentration limit for HPLC analysis by direct extraction was ∼ 25 ng/ml. Chromatographic response was linearly related to Pt(II) concentration over the range 100-4, 000 ng/ml; dilution of more concentrated samples has extended this range to at least 30, 000 ng/ml. This method has been applied to the analysis of Pt(II) in the urine of patients who have received cis-dichlorodiamniineplatinum(II) (CDDP) chemotherapy.
Studies on retinal capillary cells in tissue culture.

Abstract Under appropriate conditions, it is possible to culture individual cell types from the retinal capillaries of several species. When capillaries from adult animals are isolated by a homogenization-filtration technique, and then placed in culture medium, a monolayer of cells proliferate that are identifiable as deriving from the intramural pericytes. Thus far, identification is based largely on radioautography of the original vessel explants. When capillaries from the retinas of fetal or very young animals with immature retinal vascular systems are placed in culture, a slowly growing monolayer of endothelial cells results. Identification here is based on the light microscopic morphology of the cells together with the finding zonulae occludentes by electron microscopy, and, in preparations from appropriate species, by factor VIII immunofluorescence and angiotensin converting enzyme activity. In preliminary investigations to date, these vascular cell cultures have been used in the studies of the aldose reductase system and of collagen synthesis, both of which are biochemical mechanisms that may be irrelevant to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. The availability of cultures of individual types of retinal capillary cells should be an extremely useful method for further studies of the biochemistry, physiology, and growth potential of the smallest blood vessels of the retina.
Science educators as active collaborators in meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities

(1994). Science educators as active collaborators in meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 56-65.
A genetically engineered cell-based biosensor for functional classification of agents.

Abstract Cell-based biosensors (CBBs) utilize whole cells to detect biologically active agents. Although CBBs have shown success in detecting the presence of biological agents, efforts to classify the type of agent based on functional activity have proven difficult because multiple biochemical pathways can lead to the same cellular response. However, a new approach using a genetically-engineered cell-based biosensor (GECBB) described in this paper translates this cross-talk noise into common-mode noise that can be rejected. The GECBB operates by assaying for an agent's ability to differentially activate two populations of cells, wild-type (WT) cells and cells genetically engineered to lack a specific receptor, knockout (KO) cells. Any biological agent that targets the knocked out receptor will evoke a response in the WT but not in the KO. Thus, the GECBB is exquisitely sensitive to agents that effect the engineered pathway. This approach provides the benefits of an assay for specific functional activity while simplifying signal analysis. The GECBB implemented was designed to be sensitive to agents that activate the β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR). This was achieved by using mouse cardiomyocytes in which the β1-AR had been knocked out. The cellular signal used in the GECBB was the spontaneous beat rate of the two cardiomyocyte syncitia as measured with microelectrode arrays. The GECBB was able to detect the β-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO) at a concentration of 10 μM (P
Light polarization effects in the transient dc conductivity response to excitation of dipolar solutes

Abstract The effect of light polarization on the dc conductivity signal caused by a photoinduced increase in solute dipole moment was detected for the first time. DMANS (4-(dimethylamino)-4'-nitrostilbene) was used solute in squalane liquid. Analysis of experimental traces allowed estimation of the ground (μ*g=6.0±0.5 D) and excited state (μ*s=32.7±1.6 D) dipole moments as well as the fluorescence (τF=1±0.1 ns), rotational (τr=2.3±0.1 ns) and intersystem crossing (τisc=15±3 ns) lifetimes. All the values are in good agreement with other measurements.
Can spasticity and dystonia be independently measured in cerebral palsy

Selecting and evaluating appropriate treatments for children with cerebral palsy has been challenging. One difficulty is in the ability to quantify the presence and importance of coexisting motor signs. This study presents quantitative measures developed to assess spasticity and dystonia. Children diagnosed with extrapyramidal or spastic cerebral palsy and matched control children were studied. Spasticity was measured as the slope of the force-velocity relationship from a test where we measured the forces required to passively extend the elbow at different velocities. Dystonia was assessed by measuring "overflow" movements of arm during active movement of the other arm. Measures of dystonia and spasticity did not correlate with one another, but did correlate with their respective clinical measurement tools, the Modified Ashworth scale and the Barry-Albright Dystonia scale. Most children had a combination of both spasticity and dystonia, despite diagnosis. Our measures also related to different aspects of reaching: children with increased dystonia made more curved paths, and children with increased spasticity hit higher peak velocities. These measurements allow us to distinguish between different motor disorders and the degree to which each contributes to reaching performance. Use of quantitative measures should improve selection and evaluation of treatments for childhood motor disorders.
Functional status and overall quality of life in a multiethnic HIV-positive population.

The objective of this study was to examine the sociodemographic and behavioral variables associated with quality of life (QOL) among multiethnic, economically disadvantaged patients with HIV/AIDS. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large inner-city HIV/AIDS clinic serving medically indigent residents of Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area. On arrival at the clinic, patients were systematically approached and asked to complete a questionnaire, offered in both English and Spanish. Demographic characteristics, stage of disease, and behavioral variables were assessed in addition to work-role functioning and overall health-related QOL. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between the variables of interest. Of 617 patients approached and asked to participate in the study, 385 (62.4%) consented to complete the questionnaire. Demographic composition of the sample was as follows: 78% male, 25% white, 44% black, and 29% Hispanic. Forty-five percent of the participants...
Oxidation of iron-manganese-aluminum alloys at 850 and 1000°C

A series of austenitic Fe-Mn-Al alloys containing C, Si, and Zr was tested for oxidation resistance in air at 850 and 1000°C. The resultant oxide scales were examined for morphology and elemental distribution. Some alloys, particularly Fe, 32Mn, 7.5Al, 2Si, and 0.6C, had good oxidation resistance at 850°C but none was adequate at 1000°C. Poor oxidation resistance was associated with the internal oxidation of Al and formation of voluminous (Fe, Mn)O scale nodules. The results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms for formation of a protective alumina layer.
Behavioral outcomes of extremely low birth weight children at age 8 years

ABSTRACT:Objective:To describe the prevalence of behavioral problems and symptomatology suggestive of Autism and Asperger's disorders at age 8 years among extremely low birth weight (ELBW, <1 kg) children, born 1992 through 1995.Method:Parent reports of the behavior of 219 ELBW (mean birth weight, 8
Turbulent mass transfer on a rotating disk

Etude theorique du probleme et proposition d'une correlation. Les resultats obtenus sont compares aux valeurs experimentales fournies par la litterature
Laparoscopy: a safe approach to appendicitis during pregnancy

The aim of this study was to evaluate laparoscopic versus open surgery for suspected appendicitis during pregnancy. A hospital-based retrospective review of 65 consecutive pregnant patients who underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis from 1999 to 2008 was performed. Significance was determined by Pearson’s χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. Of the 65 patients, 48 cases were laparoscopic and 17 open. Use of the laparoscopic versus open approach was significantly increased in the first (100% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) and second trimesters (73% vs. 27%, p < 0.001). The open approach was used more frequently in third-trimester patients (71% vs. 29%, p = NS). Significance was demonstrated in mean length of hospital stay in the laparoscopic versus open group (3.4 vs. 4.2 days, p = 0.001). No maternal mortalities occurred. Follow-up of fetal outcome was achieved in 89% of patients. No difference was demonstrated in fetal loss (1 in laparoscopic group), APGAR score, birth weight, and preterm delivery rate by operative approach. Adverse outcome was associated with maternal temperature greater than 38°C, leukocytosis greater than 16 × 109/l, or more than 48 h between onset of symptoms and emergency room presentation. This article is the largest hospital-based series evaluating the laparoscopic versus open approach for pregnant patients with presumed acute appendicitis. While methodological limitations preclude a definitive recommendation, laparoscopy appears to be a safe, feasible, and efficacious approach for pregnant patients with presumed acute appendicitis. We conclude that it is likely not the surgical approach but the underlying diagnosis combined with maternal factors that determine the risk for pregnancy complications. A benefit of laparoscopy is the diagnostic ability to identify other intra-abdominal pathology which may mimic appendicitis and harbor pregnancy risks.
Hamstring Strains: Basic Science and Clinical Research Applications for Preventing the Recurrent Injury

HAMSTRING INJURIES OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WITH A HIGH RECURRENCE RATE, IN SPORTS THAT REQUIRE EITHER HIGH-SPEED SKILLED MOVEMENTS OR EXCESSIVE HIP FLEXION WITH KNEE EXTENSION. A PREVIOUS HAMSTRING INJURY IS THE GREATEST RISK FACTOR FOR A FUTURE HAMSTRING INJURY, WHICH HAS LED SPORTS MEDICINE PROFESSIONALS TO SEARCH FOR IMPROVED POSTINJURY REHABILITATION STRATEGIES. ATHLETES MAY SHOW POSTINJURY STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE MUSCLE-TENDON UNIT AND BE AT RISK FOR REINJURY FOR UP TO A YEAR AFTER RETURN TO SPORT. UNDERSTANDING THE POSTINJURY CHANGES CAN HELP CREATE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR APPROPRIATE RECONDITIONING AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS.
Endoscopic therapy for organized pancreatic necrosis

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The treatment of patients with extensive pancreatic necrosis remains controversial; a subpopulation of patients with extensive acute pancreatic necrosis develop complex, organized collections. This study examined the feasibility of endoscopic drainage in patients with extensive organized pancreatic necrosis. METHODS: Eleven patients with organized pancreatic necrosis (8 sterile and 3 infected) after severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis underwent attempted endoscopic drainage. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computerized tomography showed > or=50% pancreatic necrosis in 10 of 11 patients in whom endoscopic drainage was performed. In 8 patients, an intrapancreatic nasobiliary lavage catheter was placed into the collection concurrently with 10F stents. RESULTS: Complete resolution was achieved nonoperatively in 9 patients. At a mean follow-up of 12 months, 1 patient developed a pseudocyst, which was successfully drained endoscopically. Complications occurred in 5, including bleeding that precluded entry into one collection. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy may be a viable management option for a subset of patients who remain symptomatic after an episode of acute pancreatic necrosis after the necrosis has become organized and partially liquefied. Intrapancreatic lavage catheter placement is essential to the success of this procedure. Further evaluation of this technique is needed before this method can be adopted into clinical practice. (Gastroenterology 1996 Sep;111(3):755-64)
Ecological and agricultural applications of synchrotron IR microscopy

The diffraction-limited spot size of synchrotron-based IR microscopes provides cell-specific, spectrochemical imaging of cleared leaf, stem and root tissues of the model genetic organism Arabidopsis thaliana, and mutant plants created either by T-DNA insertional inactivation or chemical mutagenesis. Spectra in the wavelength region from 6 to 12 lm provide chemical and physical information on the cell wall polysaccharides of mutants lacking particular biosynthetic enzymes (‘‘Cellulose synthase-like’’ genes). In parallel experiments, synchrotron IR microscopy delineates the role of Arabidopsis cell wall enzymes as susceptibility factors to the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, a causative agent of powdery mildew disease. Three genes, pmr4, pmr5, and pmr6 have been characterized by these methods, and biochemical relations between two of the genes suggested by IR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical techniques could not have been inferred through classical molecular biology. In ecological experiments, live plants can also be imaged in small microcosms with mid-IR transmitting ZnSe windows. Small exudate molecules may be spatially mapped in relation to root architecture at diffraction-limited resolution, and the effect of microbial symbioses on the quantity and quality of exudates inferred. Synchrotron IR microscopy provides a useful adjunct to molecular biological methods and underground observatories in the ongoing assessment of the role of root–soil–microbe communication.
Split gender identity: Problem or solution? Proposed parameters for addressing the gender dysphoric patient

Working with the gender dysphoric patient is complex because of the various clinical issues that arise. One issue that has not been addressed in the psychiatric literature is whether to address the patient with the biologically congruent pronoun or name or with the patient's preferred-gender pronoun or cross-gender name. This article presents clinical examples that allow a template to be developed for pronoun use in working with such patients. Whether the clinician uses biologically congruent names and pronouns may depend upon the patient's progress in adopting the cross gender role as well whether family or friends either know or accept such changes. In certain situations, such as meetings with family members, the therapist may address the patient with gender congruent names; whereas on other occasions use cross-gender pronouns or names.
Substrate Orientation and Catalysis at the Molybdenum Site in Xanthine Oxidase CRYSTAL STRUCTURES IN COMPLEX WITH XANTHINE AND LUMAZINE

Xanthine oxidoreductase is a ubiquitous cytoplasmic protein that catalyzes the final two steps in purine catabolism. We have previously investigated the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme by rapid reaction kinetics and x-ray crystallography using the poor substrate 2-hydroxy-6-methylpurine, focusing our attention on the orientation of substrate in the active site and the role of Arg-880 in catalysis. Here we report additional crystal structures of as-isolated, functional xanthine oxidase in the course of reaction with the pterin substrate lumazine at 2.2 A resolution and of the nonfunctional desulfo form of the enzyme in complex with xanthine at 2.6 A resolution. In both cases the orientation of substrate is such that the pyrimidine subnucleus is oriented opposite to that seen with the slow substrate 2-hydroxy-6-methylpurine. The mechanistic implications as to how the ensemble of active site functional groups in the active site work to accelerate reaction rate are discussed.
Studies on the tissue distribution and stability of “big” CRF (Corticotropin-releasing factor)

Abstract Extracts of various bovine or rat neural tissues made with 0.1 N HCl, 2N acetic acid or distilled water were fractionated on Sephadex G-100 column with 0.2 N acetic acid as the eluant. A distinct peak of “big” CRF which elutes in the void volume of Sephadex G-100 was observed only with hypothalamic median eminence and hypophyseal stalk. Human serum and extracts of cerebral cortex, neurohypophysis and an ACTH-producing lung tumor, had CRF activity which eluted from Sephadex G-100 with diffuse patterns without a distinct peak. “Big” CRF is stable during storage at −20 C in water or at 4 C in acid, but progressively disappeared when stored at −20 C in acid.
Current Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Options for the Management of Insomnia

Insomnia continues to be a major public health concern and to have a pronounced and detrimental effect on health care costs, productivity, and quality of life. Efficacious pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions have emerged over the past few decades, giving providers several options for addressing this disruptive condition; these are herein reviewed. Benzodiazepines have long been the pharmacological treatment of choice for insomnia; however, novel hypnotics being developed by the pharmaceutical industry show promise in addressing insomnia with fewer side effects. From the nonpharmacological perspective, several different single-component interventions such as stimulus control have been shown to be effective, although a combination of these approaches (eg, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) also enjoy strong empirical support. Future research should continue to examine how sequencing of treatment components, treating different patient cohorts, and combinations of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments influence patient outcome.
Species heterogeneity of Gly-11 gramicidin A incorporated into sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles.

Evidence is presented for species heterogeneity of the gly-11 analog of gramicidin A incorporated into sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. The evidence for species heterogeneity has been obtained using one-dimensional (1D) 1H NMR spectroscopy. The 1D spectra of the indole NH moiety of tryptophans 9, 13, and 15 show the presence of more than one species. It has been found that the heterogeneity is dependent upon the gly-11/SDS molar ratio. At high SDS concentration (i.e., gly-11/SDS of 3 mM/700 mM) the heterogeneity almost completely disappears. The temperature dependence of these 1H NMR signals suggests that the two species do not interconvert. The results of nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy NMR experiments indicate that one species is embedded within the micelle, while the other is nearer the aqueous interface. The importance of side chain interactions with the membrane environment in producing stable, solubilized species of small peptides in SDS micelles is illustrated.
Relational Analysis of CpG Islands Methylation and Gene Expression in Human Lymphomas Using Possibilistic C-Means Clustering and Modified Cluster Fuzzy Density

Heterogeneous genetic and epigenetic alterations are commonly found in human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). One such epigenetic alteration is aberrant methylation of gene promoter-related CpG islands, where hypermethylation frequently results in transcriptional inactivation of target genes, while a decrease or loss of promoter methylation (hypomethylation) is frequently associated with transcriptional activation. Discovering genes with these relationships in NHL or other types of cancers could lead to a better understanding of the pathobiology of these diseases. The simultaneous analysis of promoter methylation using Differential Methylation Hybridization (DMH) and its associated gene expression using Expressed CpG Island Sequence Tag (ECIST) microarrays generates a large volume of methylation-expression relational data. To analyze this data, we propose a set of algorithms based on fuzzy sets theory, in particular Possibilistic c-Means (PCM) and cluster fuzzy density. For each gene, these algorithms calculate measures of confidence of various methylation-expression relationships in each NHL subclass. Thus, these tools can be used as a means of high volume data exploration to better guide biological confirmation using independent molecular biology methods.
Distributed optimal control in a nuclear reactor

Abstract The linear deterministic mathematical model of a nuclear reactor system, which can bo described by parabolic partial differential equations, and the problems associated with this model arc discussed in this paper. Also studied is the derivation of a maximum principle for this distributed nuclear reactor system and the problems associated with approximating this distributed system by discretization into a lumped system. Examples concerning the regulator and the servomechanism problems of a nuclear reactor system are presented.
4H-SiC PiN Diodes Fabricated Using Low-Temperature Halo-Carbon Epitaxial Growth Method

In this work, the benefits of the low-temperature halo-carbon epitaxial growth at 1300oC to form anodes of 4H-SiC PiN diodes were investigated. Regular-temperature epitaxial growth was used to form an 8.6 μm-thick n-type drift region with net donor concentration of 6.45x1015 cm-3. Trimethylaluminum doping, in situ during blanket low-temperature halo-carbon epitaxial growth, was used to form heavily doped p-type layers. Forward I-V characteristics measured from diodes having different anode areas indicated that the new epitaxial growth technique provides anodes with low values of the series resistance, even without contact annealing. At room temperature, a 100 μm-diameter diode had a forward voltage of 3.75 V at 1000A/cm² before annealing and 3.23 V after annealing for 2 min at 750°C. The reverse breakdown voltage was more than 680 V (on average) in the devices without edge termination or surface passivation.
Dynamic plan migration for continuous queries over data streams

Dynamic plan migration is concerned with the on-the-fly transition from one continuous query plan to a semantically equivalent yet more efficient plan. Migration is important for stream monitoring systems where long-running queries may have to withstand fluctuations in stream workloads and data characteristics. Existing migration methods generally adopt a pause-drain-resume strategy that pauses the processing of new data, purges all old data in the existing plan, until finally the new plan can be plugged into the system. However, these existing strategies do not address the problem of migrating query plans that contain stateful operators, such as joins. We now develop solutions for online plan migration for continuous stateful plans. In particular, in this paper, we propose two alternative strategies, called the moving state strategy and the parallel track strategy, one exploiting reusability and the second employs parallelism to seamlessly migrate between continuous join plans without affecting the results of the query. We develop cost models for both migration strategies to analytically compare them. We embed these migration strategies into the CAPE [7], a prototype system of a stream query engine, and conduct a comparative experimental study to evaluate these two strategies for window-based join plans. Our experimental results illustrate that the two strategies can vary significantly in terms of output rates and intermediate storage spaces given distinct system configurations and stream workloads.
Boosting Inoculation's Message Potency: Loss Framing

This article joins the well-established Prospect Theory (PT) with inoculation theory. Regulatory Focus Theory (RFT), an offspring theory of PT, is also mentioned as a way to contextualize the results of this study. A three-phase experiment set in the context of financial investing compared the ability of loss and gain frame inoculation messages to protect investor beliefs about staying in the stock market during financial crises. The dependent variables in this investigation were belief level and belief certainty about staying in the stock market during financial crises. Results indicate that, as hypothesized, loss frame inoculation messages protected beliefs better than gain frame messages. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Observation of antiphase states in a multimode laser.

We have observed antiphase dynamical states in an {ital N}-mode laser with an intracavity doubling crystal. We have experimentally observed such states for {ital N}=3, while numerical simulations indicate their persistance up to (at least) {ital N}=5. Analogous dynamical states have been predicted for Josephson-junction arrays; in both cases, the multiplicity of coexisting attractors can be traced to the global nature of the coupling between degrees of freedom.
Relation of Usage to the Occurrence of Cotton and Rice Herbicides in Three Streams of the Mississippi Delta

During the 1995 growing season water samples were collected from three streams in the Mississippi delta and were analyzed for selected cotton and rice herbicides and metabolites. The purpose of the study was to relate the use of these herbicides to their occurrence in streams of the delta, to describe how the geochemistry of these herbicides affects their occurrence, and to report the occurrence of selected metabolites. The total concentration of eight herbicides and their metabolites exceeded 5 μg/L throughout most of the growing season with a median total of 15 μg/L. The order of occurrence was molinate > fluometuron > cyanazine > metolachlor > norflurazon > atrazine > prometryn > propanil. The distribution and duration of the total herbicide concentration found in this study are much different from that found in regional studies of herbicides in the U.S. Midwest. In the Midwest, the total herbicide concentration in surface water showed a sharp peak during the spring immediately after application of her...
A Simple Reflectometer Configured To Sense Temperature

The standard fibre optic reflectometer appears to have been overlooked as a means of making a fibre optic temperature sensor in favor of other more complex arrangements. The present sensor uses temperature induced variations of the refractive index of a captive volume of liquid at the end of an optical communications grade multimode fibre. The geometry of the sensing fibre tip is as simple as it is possible to imagine i.e. a flat, cleaved face, normal to the fibre axis. A short theoretical basis of the physics of the sensor will be presented. Systems constructed in both the 840 nm and 1300 nm wavelength regions are discussed. The linearity, noise characteristics, sensitivity, time response, temperature range and stability of these sensors have been examined.
Velocity, Pressure, and Dam-Break Similarity of Green Water Flow on a 3D Structure

Flow dynamics of green water due to plunging breaking waves interacting with a simplified, three-dimensional model structure was investigated in laboratory. Two breaking wave conditions were tested: one with waves impinging and breaking on the vertical wall of the model at the still water level (referred as wall impingement) and the other with waves impinging and breaking on the horizontal deck surface (referred as deck impingement). The bubble image velocimetry (BIV) technique was used to measure the flow velocity. Measurements were taken on a vertical plane located at the center of the deck surface and a horizontal plane located slightly above the deck surface. The applicability of dam-break theory on green water velocity prediction for the three-dimensional model was also investigated. Furthermore, pressure measurements were performed at several locations above the horizontal deck surface for the wall impingement wave condition. Predictions of maximum impact pressure based on the measured pressure and flow velocities were investigated using the impact coefficient approach that links pressure with kinetic energy.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Inositol pentaphosphate in fish red blood cells

Inositol pentaphosphate (IP5) has long been characteristic of avian erythrocytes. We now report that this compound is also present in the red cells of two species of elasmobranch fishes, Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish) and Narcacion nobiliana (torpedo ray). The mean concentration of I5 is 0.36 and 0.24 micromoles per ml of red cells respectively. ATP is the major organic phosphate in both fishes. 2.3-diphosphoglycerate is absent and GTP levels correspond approximately to the levels of I5.
Depression of tuberculin delayed hypersensitivity by live attenuated mumps virus

The administration of live attenuated mumps virus vaccine to 26 tuberculin-positive children evoked significant depression of the tuberculin reaction in 17 of the children. There was only suggestive greater suppression of tuberculin delayed hypersensitivity in the group of 17 seronegative, susceptible children in contrast to the group of 9 seropostive, immune children. Mumps virus may interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of the immunoreactive lymphocyte and disrupt its ability to respond to specific tuberculoprotein antigen. Another vaccine has been added to the enlarging list of biologicals which may interfere transiently with accurate evaluation of tuberculin sensitivity.
Active DC directional couplers

Active d.c. directional couplers which are combinations of conventional transmission line attenuator networks and d.c. amplifiers are described. The circuits of and design equations for signal-detecting and signal-injecting directional couplers with responses which are inherently flat from d.c. to an amplifier-dependent upper frequency limit are presented.
Nonlinear σ models for triangular quantum antiferromagnets

We expand the long-wavelength action of two-dimensional quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnets on a triangular lattice around the N\'eel-ordered classical ground state and map it onto a nonlinear \ensuremath{\sigma} model, where the field is an SO(3) element, describing the local orientation of the magnetizations on the three sublattices. No topological information on the microscopic value of the spin S is seen to subsist in the mapping, although some nontrivial third-order terms are found.
This Record Is Not to Be Broadcast: 75 Records Banned by the BBC, 1931–1957/This Record Is Not to Be Broadcast, Vol. 2, 50 More Records Banned by the BBC

Various Artists, 2009 3 CDs, Fantastic Voyage 018 Various Artists, 2010 2 CDs, Fantastic Voyage 038 Watching Lady Gaga cavort on stage or hearing hip-hop stars rap about the beauty of bulging booti...
Development and study of a 1.5 μm optical frequency standard referenced to the P(16) saturated absorption line in the (ν1+ν3) overtone band of 13C2H2

Abstract We describe a recently developed saturated absorption spectrometer realizing an optical frequency standard based on the P(16) transition of the (ν1+ν3) band of 13C2H2. Studies of stability, reproducibility and sensitivity to various parameters were performed. The current stability of the system has been measured to reach 4×10−13 for an averaging time of 100 s. To our knowledge, we report the first results on the parameter shifts of the Doppler-free P(16) line. A modulation amplitude shift of 4700 ± 300 Hz/MHzpp, an intracavity power shift of −11.4 ± 0.6 Hz/mW, and a pressure shift of −230 ± 20 Hz/mTorr were measured for standard operating conditions of: 1.0 MHzpp modulation excursion, 120 mW intracavity power, and 20 mTorr gas pressure. Control of these parameters should allow kilohertz reproducibilities of this device in the long term.
Analysis of seasonal multispectral reflectances of small grains

Abstract Spectral reflectances of plant canopies combine cryptic information on the optical and geometrical characteristics of vegetation and underlying soil. A procedure was sought to objectively determine the components of multispectral reflectance data most directly related to plant and soil characteristics. The data set was measurements of reflectances in seven spectral bands (0.45–2.35 μm), collected from planting to harvest, over one bare soil, three cultivars of winter wheat, three cultivars of spring wheat, and four cultivars of spring barley at Corvallis, Oregon. A principal component analysis (PCA) executed over the entire data set determined that the distribution of the data is largely two-dimensional. However, it did not yield indices that were related to seasonal crop development. The approach was modified by first applying a PCA to the bare soil data subset only, producing a first principal component accounting for 88% of the bare soil temporal variance indicating that soil reflectance is largely one-dimensional. A PCA was then executed on the vegetation data subset under the constraint that its principal components be orthogonal to the bare soil PCA first component. The resulting first component accounted for 92% of the remaining variance and paralleled the development profile of vegetation.