cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression of genes for the Oxytricha telomere-binding protein: Specific subunit interactions in the telomeric complex

Abstract Telomeres of Oxytricha nova macronuclear chromosomes consist of a repeated T 4 G 4 sequence, single-stranded at the 3′ terminus, bound by a heterodimeric protein. The cloning of genes for the two polypeptides and their separate expression in E. coli have enabled evaluation of their individual contributions to DNA binding. The 56 kd α subunit binds single-stranded DNA by itself, one polypeptide per T 4 G 4 block; multiple subunits can coat a (T 4 G 4 ) n multimer. The derived amino acid sequence of α does not reveal any known DNA-binding motif, so it appears to represent a novel type of DNA-binding protein. The previously cloned 41 kd β subunit does not by itself protect DNA from methylation, but is required along with α to recreate the pattern of methylation protection indicative of telomeres in vivo. The unusual ability of the protein to engage in two different interactions with the same telomeric DNA sequence might provide the versatility necessary for diverse telomere functions.
The stabilization of centers with six valence electrons through electron-high three-center bonding

Abstract A possible method to stabilize a singlet state of a nitrene (or any other 6-valence electron center) is to approach it in a symmetrical manner with two lone pairs. The resultant electron-rich 3-center bond is generally unstable with respect to a 2-center bond. The 3-center geometry may however be stabilized when the atoms involved carry low lying d orbitals. The electronic structure of thiothiophthenes is investigated in context and a general analysis of the feasibility of electron-rich 3-center bonding in the first and second rows of the periodic table is presented.
Vocalization during discrimination: Effects of a mixture of two types of verbalization patterns

During the learning of 10 two-choice discriminations, Ss were required to verbalize either the correct member of the pair, a pair member designated randomly, or a mixture of these two types of verbalization. When compared with a nonverbalizing control group, performance during learning was facilitated for the Verbalize Correct group and impaired for the Random group. The Mixed and Control conditions did not differ. Comparisons of the performance of Mixed group Ss on pairs for which the correct member was verbalized or pairs in which a random member was verbalized with performance on the same pairs by Ss in the Random and Correct conditions showed that the presence of each of the two types of verbalization in the Mixed condition altered performance on the other pair type during learning but not during recall.
Coral habitat in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska: depth distribution, fine-scale species associations, and fisheries interactions

The first in situ exploration of Aleutian Island coral habitat was completed in 2002 to determine the distribution of corals, to examine fine-scale associations between targeted fish species and corals, and to investigate the interaction between the areas’ diverse fisheries and coral habitat. Corals, mostly gorgonians and hydrocorals, were present on all 25 seafloor transects and at depths between 27 and 363 m, but were most abundant between 100 and 200 m depth. Mean coral abundance (1.23 colonies m−2) far exceeded that reported for other high-latitude ecosystems and high-density coral gardens (3.85 colonies m−2) were observed at seven locations. Slope and offshore pinnacle habitats characterized by exposed bedrock, boulders, and cobbles generally supported the highest abundances of coral and fish. Overall, 85% of the economically important fish species observed on transects were associated with corals and other emergent epifauna. Disturbance to the seafloor from bottom-contact fishing gear was evident on 88% of the transects, and approximately 39% of the total area of the seafloor observed had been disturbed. Since cold-water corals appear to be a ubiquitous feature of seafloor habitats in the Aleutian Islands, fisheries managers face clear challenges integrating coral conservation into an ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
The Effects of Water Conservation Instruction on Seventh-Grade Students.

(1983). The Effects of Water Conservation Instruction on Seventh-Grade Students. The Journal of Environmental Education: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 26-31.
Electrospun La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 nanofibers for a high-temperature electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor

Lanthanum strontium manganite (La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, LSM) nanofibers have been synthesized by the electrospinning method. The electrospun nanofibers are intact without morphological and structural changes after annealing at 1050??C. The LSM nanofibers are employed as the sensing electrode of an electrochemical sensor with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte for carbon monoxide detection at high temperatures over 500??C. The electrospun nanofibers form a porous network electrode, which provides a continuous pathway for charge transport. In addition, the nanofibers possess a higher specific surface area than conventional micron-sized powders. As a result, the nanofiber electrode exhibits a higher electromotive force and better electro-catalytic activity toward CO oxidation. Therefore, the sensor with the nanofiber electrode shows a higher sensitivity, lower limit of detection and faster response to CO than a sensor with a powder electrode.
Double‐label autoradiography revisited: II. The 35S and 75Se‐system

The use of 75Se in combination with 35S for double-label autoradiography has been quantitated. For gels 0.8 mm thick impregnated with EN3HANCE, the input ratio of 75Se dpm/35S dpm should be 3.3; and the second stage autoradiogram, if made with an interposed sheet of blackened XAR films as a screen to block 35S, should be exposed 7.8x as long as the flourogram for SB film or 5.6 × as long as the fluorogram for XAR film. However, autoradiograms made under these conditions have larger, more diffuse spots than those made with the 3H/35S system and the cost of [75Se]selenomethionine is much higher than the cost of [3H]methionine.
Magnetohydrodynamic Stellar and Disk Winds: Application to Planetary Nebulae

MHD winds can emanate from both stars and surrounding disks. When the two systems are coupled by accretion, it is of interest to know how much wind power is available and which (if either) of the two rotators dominates that power. We investigate this in the context of multipolar planetary nebulae (PNs) and protoplanetary nebulae (PPNs), for which recent observations have revealed the need for a wind power source in excess of that available from radiation driving and a possible need for magnetic shaping. We calculate the MHD wind power from a coupled disk and star, where the former results from binary disruption. The resulting wind powers depend only on the accretion rate and stellar properties. We find that if the stellar envelope were initially slowly rotating, the disk wind would dominate throughout the evolution. If the envelope of the star were rapidly rotating, the stellar wind could initially be of comparable power to the disk wind until the stellar wind carries away the star's angular momentum. Since an initially rapidly rotating star can have its spin and magnetic axes misaligned to the disk, multipolar outflows can result from this disk wind system. For times greater than a spin-down time, the post-asymptotic giant branch stellar wind is slaved to the disk for both slow and rapid initial spin cases, and the disk wind luminosity dominates. We find a reasonably large parameter space where a hybrid star+disk MHD-driven wind is plausible and where both or either can account for PPN and PN powers. We also speculate on the morphologies which may emerge from the coupled system. The coupled winds might help explain the shapes of a number of remarkable multishell or multipolar nebulae. Magnetic activity such as X-ray flares may be associated with both the central star and the disk and would be a valuable diagnostic for the dynamical role of MHD processes in PNs.
Studies of spontaneous proliferation of mononuclear cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-infected individuals

We evaluated the ability of mononuclear cell populations from 56 hemophiliac subjects, 69 homosexuals, and 32 control subjects to proliferate spontaneously in vitro. Levels of spontaneous proliferation (SP) were not significantly different among homosexuals or hemophiliac subjects when they were grouped as asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seronegative, asymptomatic seropositive, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome groups. There was, however, a stepwise increase in levels of SP corresponding with progression of disease in both patient groups. No correlations were noted between SP and CD8+ cell populations or mitogenic responses in study subjects, but SP correlated inversely to percentages and numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes. Depletion of CD4+ cells from mononuclear cell populations of HIV-infected subjects decreased SP. Thus, in HIV-1-infected subjects, SP increases as HIV-1-related disease progresses and appears to be CD4 dependent.
The Development of Everyday Mathematics in Brazilian Children with Limited Formal Education

The sociocultural context in which children acquire and use everyday mathematics was studied in Brazilian shantytown communities. Children's developing mathematical abilities and use of currency in solving commercial problems were investigated. Interviews with the parents of 105 children from 4 to 14 years of age indicated that, when sent to make purchases at local stands, the problems entailed in the responsibilities parents assigned to children involved greater arithmetical complexity with increasing age. Children's accuracy and strategy use on arithmetic tasks similar to the problems encountered in commercial transactions revealed: (a) many children used currency to aid their problem solving; (b) with increasing age, currency use declined; and (c) children's currency use progressed from global estimates to the mental decomposition and manipulation of currency values. The mathematical complexity of children's commercial transactions correlated significantly with their mathematics performance even when age, grade in school, and years of schooling were statistically controlled The results provide evidence that by adjusting the mathematical complexity of children's commercial transactions, parents facilitate connections between children's developing competence and their everyday activities.
The plurality of concepts

Traditionally, theories of concepts in psychology assume that concepts are a single, uniform kind of mental representation. But no single kind of representation can explain all of the empirical data for which concepts are responsible. I argue that the assumption that concepts are uniformly the same kind of mental structure is responsible for these theories’ shortcomings, and outline a pluralist theory of concepts that rejects this assumption. On pluralism, concepts should be thought of as being constituted by multiple representational kinds, with the particular kind of concept used on an occasion being determined by the context. I argue that endorsing pluralism does not lead to eliminativism about concepts as an object of scientific interest.
Bisalbuminemia in chronic kidney disease.

Hereditary and acquired bisalbuminemia, in which the serum contains an albumin variant differing from albumin A by single amino-acid substitutions, have been reported in different races or ethnic groups and in association with various pathologic states. The importance of this rare condition in the pathophysiology of established diseases is uncertain. We evaluated a 68-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease who presented with worsened serum creatinine concentration despite lack of dietary or medical changes. Serum protein electrophoresis was performed with an automated rapid electrophoresis system. Bisalbuminemia was noted as an incidental finding on serum protein electrophoresis. The serum creatinine level stabilized with dietary protein restriction and a β-blocking agent/diuretic combination for blood pressure control. Although the possibility that some physiologic or pharmacologic substances may not bind to abnormal albumin variants as well as they bind to normal albumin should not be discounted, the finding of bisalbuminemia did not influence the diagnosis, management, course, or prognosis of chronic kidney disease. The role of persistent bisalbuminemia in renal disease is uncertain.
Reality testing in adult women who report childhood sexual and physical abuse.

Abstract Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the differential effects of sexual and physical abuse in childhood on the quality of reality testing (perceptual disorders and dissociative symptoms) in later adult life. Method: Two hundred and fifty-nine female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 recruited from college campuses completed self-report measures assessing sexual and physical abuse in childhood as well as current perceptual impairments (reality distortion, uncertainty of perceptions, hallucinations and delusions, and psychoticism) and dissociation (amnesia, absorption and imaginative involvement, and depersonalization and derealization). Results: Women who report abuse in childhood dissociate more than nonabused women, although they do not experience more perceptual distortions. Duration of abuse, age of onset of abuse, number of perpetrators, and relationship of perpetrator to victim predicted difficulties in many aspects of reality testing. Women who report both childhood sexual and physical abuse are especially prone to acknowledge dissociative phenomena. Conclusions: These findings suggest that college women who report abuse continue to experience acceptable accuracy in their reality testing but, in comparison to their cohorts who have not been abused, more often become “distant” from the world and their own sensory experiences.
Human Influences on Wildfire in Alaska from 1988 through 2005: An Analysis of the Spatial Patterns of Human Impacts

Abstract Boreal ecosystems in Alaska are responding to climate change in many ways, including changes in the fire regime. While large-scale wildfires are an essential part of the boreal forest ecosystem, humans are changing fire regimes through ignition and suppression. The authors analyzed the impact humans have on fire ignitions and relative area burned with distance into the forest from human access points such as settlements, highways, and major rivers in Alaska from 1988 to 2005. Additionally, a fire prediction model was created to identify drivers for lightning fires in the boreal forest. Human presence increases the number of ignitions near settlements, roads, and rivers and appears to reduce the area burned within 30–40 km of villages and rivers. In contrast to fires near roads and rivers, human presence may somewhat increase the area burned within 30–40 km of highways. The fire prediction model indicated that the probability of fire increases as distance from human settlements increases. In contr...
Inhibition of plant nuclease I by ATP and other nucleotides

Abstract Nuclease I (nucleate endonuclease, EC 3.1.4.9) from tobacco cell cultures is inhibited by several nucleotides. The purine nucleoside 5′-triphosphates are highly inhibitory, whereas c AMP and c GMP have little effect on the activity of the enzyme. ATP, which affects both the endonuclease and 3′-nucleotidase activities of tobacco nuclease I, is a competitive inhibitor with a K i of 0.5 μM at pH 5.8. This nucleotide also strongly inhibits nuclease I from mung bean and barley.
Cytoplasmic Vestibule of the Weak Inward Rectifier Kir6.2 Potassium Channel

Intracellular application of certain charged methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents modified and irreversibly inhibited Kir6.2 channels when cysteine substitutions were introduced at positions Ile-210, Ile-211, or Ser-212 within the putative cytoplasmic region. Inhibition depends on the spatial dimensions of the MTS reagents. Reaction of MTS reagents, having head diameters of 7.6-8.2 A, with cysteines introduced at position Ser-212 must occur in more than two subunits of the tetrameric Kir6.2 complex to inhibit channel activity. MTS reagents with head diameters less than 6.6 A modified cysteines without causing channel inhibition. An MTS reagent with a head diameter of approximately 10 A could neither modify nor inhibit the channels. Channel inhibition is interpreted as blockage of the intracellular vestibule by MTS reagents that enter the channel vestibule and react with the cysteine residues at vestibule-lining positions. Data are consistent with the hypothesis that residues Ile-210-Ser-212 line a funnel-shaped vestibule of 20-25 A in diameter, which remains unchanged during channel gating.
The Limits of Black Activism Philadelphia’s Public Housing in the Depression and World War II

When the Philadelphia Tribune, the National Negro Congress, and other African American organizations launched a campaign for better housing in the mid-1930s, they displayed the hope many black Philadelphians had that public housing could improve their lives. That campaign, which succeeded in obtaining federal support for housing in Philadelphia, led to the construction of several projects, including the James Weldon Johnson and Richard Allen Homes. Many of the city’s African Americans regarded the new projects with great optimism. Over time, however, they learned that government officials, pressured by white Philadelphians, would not place “black” public housing in white neighborhoods, which meant the projects actually deepened segregation. Ironically, African Americans campaigned for, and won, housing projects that improved their lives in the short term but at the same time deepened their long-term problems. Paying attention to grassroots black politics, this article suggests, helps us understand how Afr...
Derivatization of Glycols, Hydroxyamines, and Polyols at Trace Levels with 3,5-Dinitrobenzoyl Chloride Utilizing Aqueous to Nonaqueous Phase Transfer on a Reverse Phase Cartridge

Abstract A method is described for the trace analysis of glycols, polyols, and hydroxyamines in aqueous solutions. The samples are concentrated on an appropriate Sep Paktm and dried with a stream of extra dry grade nitrogen followed by elution with a dried solvent. This simple but novel procedure permits rapid derivatization in a nonaqueous environment thus eliminating problems associated with the hydrolysis of the derivatization reagent.
Location of segregated ice in frost-susceptible soil

Abstract X-ray photography has been used to locate the position of a growing ice lens in soil under laboratory conditions in order to establish the temperature of the actively growing face by means of its position in the thermal gradient field. It can be shown that in a general way the phase change temperatures are predictable from the Clapeyron equation. The structure of the ice phase also appears to follow the predictions of the heave rate equation proposed by Penner and Ueda (1978). When heaving occurs at low overburden pressures, there is a tendency for the ice lens to be very discrete and essentially soil free; at higher pressures and under similar thermal gradients it tends to develop in a more diffuse band and over a much wider temperature range.
Nitrogen and CO2 affect regrowth and biomass partitioning differently in forages of three functional groups

Little work has been done to assess the impact of elevated CO 2 on responses of forages to defoliation. This study examines regrowth, biomass partitioning, and labile C and N metabolites in three functional plant-types: a C 3 grass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Love], a C 4 grass [Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag.], and a forage legume (Medicago sativa L.). Plants were grown from seed, defoliated twice, and grown in a controlled environment under a factorial arrangement of two CO 2 [low CO 2 (LC), 355 μmol mol -1 , and high CO 2 (HC), 700 μmol mol -1 ] and two N nutrition regimes [low N (LN), watered twice weekly with half-strength Hoagland's containing 0 N, and high N (HN), half-strength Hoagland's containing 14 mM N]. High N enhanced regrowth in all three species, while high CO 2 enhanced regrowth only in the two C 3 species. In M. sativa, CO 2 and N treatments had no significant effect on k, the allometric growth coefficient. In contrast, k was reduced in P. smithii plants grown under LN (0.63) compared with HN (0.99). In B. gracilis, low N also reduced k, but it interacted with CO 2 so that k was greatest for plants grown at HN/ HC (0.95) and HN/LC (0.89), intermediate at LN/LC (0.58), and least at LN/HC (0.44). These results indicate greater partitioning to below-ground organs (reduced k) when N is limiting, particularly under elevated CO 2 . Significant correlations were established between k and several measures of plant N status, suggesting that the effects of CO 2 on plant biomass partitioning involve N status.
Development of apposed sarcoplasmic reticulum at the T system and sarcolemma and the change in orientation of triads in rat skeletal muscle.

Abstract The SR network in immature skeletal muscle fibers forms a lacelike network of diverging and converging tubules oriented both longitudinally and transversely around the fibril. The network is irregularly oriented and does not appear to be differentiated at various fibril striation levels as in adult fibers. Triads in immature fibers are fewer in number and are oriented predominantly longitudinally while in the adult they are numerous and encircle the fibril transversely at the A-I junction. Densely staining material within SR apposed at the T or sarcolemma has been shown to be structural in nature. Periodic bridges traverse a space approximately 100 A wide between apposed membranes. A density coextensive with the apposed SR limiting membrane is located near the inside surface of the membrane. Densities appear to form connections between the coextensive density and the apposed SR limiting membrane. Additional dense structures are located in the expanded SR segment between the coextensive density and the unapposed SR membrane. Observations on fetal and very young rats suggest that the earliest differentiation of structures within apposed SR is dependent upon close apposition of undifferentiated SR network tubule segments at the T or sarcolemma. The coextensive density is seen only in apposed SR showing periodic bridges traversing the space between apposed membranes. The formation of bridges between apposed membranes would therefore appear to be prerequisite to differentiation of the coextensive density and its connections to the apposed SR limiting membrane. It is suggested that expansion of the apposed SR tubule in a plane perpendicular to apposition accommodates additional structures between the coextensive density and the unapposed SR limiting membrane. Structures showing expansion characteristics of apposed SR are never found unless the SR is indeed apposed at the T or the sarcolemma. Observations on fibers from fetal and newborn to 35-day rats have shown that the predominantly longitudinally oriented triads of immature fibers change orientation. The change from predominantly longitudinally to transversely oriented triads is complete in the larger fibers from animals 10 to 15 days postnatal. It is of interest to note that this change in orientation corresponds to the observed marked decrease in E-C latency.
Prospective, high-throughput molecular profiling of human gliomas

Gliomas consist of multiple histologic and molecular subtypes with different clinical phenotypes and responsiveness to treatment. However, enrollment criteria for clinical trials still largely do not take into account these underlying molecular differences. We have incorporated a high-throughput tumor genotyping program based on the ABI SNaPshot platform as well as other molecular diagnostic tests into the standard evaluation of glioma patients in order to assess whether prospective molecular profiling would allow rational patient selection onto clinical trials. From 218 gliomas we prospectively collected SNaPshot genotyping data on 68 mutated loci from 15 key cancer genes along with data from clinical assays for gene amplification (EGFR, PDGFRA, MET), 1p/19q co-deletion and MGMT promoter methylation. SNaPshot mutations and focal gene amplifications were detected in 38.5 and 47.1 % of glioblastomas, respectively. Genetic alterations in EGFR, IDH1 and PIK3CA closely matched frequencies reported in recent studies. In addition, we identified events that are rare in gliomas although are known driver mutations in other cancer types, such as mutations of AKT1, BRAF and KRAS. Patients with genetic alterations that activate signaling pathways were enrolled onto genetically selective clinical trials for malignant glioma as well as for other solid cancers. High-throughput molecular profiling incorporated into the routine clinical evaluation of glioma patients may enable the rational selection of patients for targeted therapy clinical trials and thereby improve the likelihood that such trials succeed.
The formation and activities of substituted phenacylchymotrypsins

Abstract 1. 1.|The preparation of derivatives of α-chymotrypsin with p -nitrophenacyl bromide, phenacyl bromide and p -methoxyphenacyl bromide is described. 2. 2.|For the p -nitrophenacyl derivative, the new 350-nm absorption is pH independent from pH 2.88 to 11.25, mitigating against a major change in environment at the new chromophore over this range. 3. 3.|The enzyme derivatives (likely at Met-192) show different decreased but definite catalytic activities towards substrates of α-chymotrypsin. In each case, this activity is due to the modified enzyme itself. 4. 4.|Phenacyl- and p -methoxyphenacylchymotrypsin show generally increased dissociation constants and decreased catalytic constants. Below pH 8.5, p -nitrophenacylchymotrypsin towards ethyl -N- acetyl - l - tryptophanate has only decreased k cat values compared to native enzyme, K m being unaltered. The pH dependencies of k cat below pH 8.5 and K m over the entire range are identical for parent and nitrophenacyl enzyms. Above pH 8.5, k cat for the enzyme derivative increases and is still rising at pH 10, having reached over twice its value at pH 8.5. The effect is reversible. 5. 5.|These results are taken to indicate that the conformational change occurring in α-chymotrypsin at pK 9 occurs for the nitrophenacyl enzyme as well, but, in the latter case, it reverses the original inhibition of k cat by the nitrophenacyl group.
Optimal determination of feedback controller parameters conditioned on probabilistic dynamic loadings

Abstract A chance constrained optimization model is presented for determining dynamic control parameters for active members within structural designs. To begin, a dynamic model of a structure with linear displacement and velocity control at every member is developed. The optimal feedback control parameters are determined by minimizing the levels of each control parameter conditioned on the probability that displacements at any time do not exceed pre-specified maxima. The actual displacements at any point are calculated by solving the governing equations of motion subject to a given excitation which is expressed in terms of random variables. Structural response constraints, originally expressed as probability statements, are transformed into deterministic equivalent constraints using the cumulative distribution of the random force variables. The optimization model is solved using a Monte-Carlo simulation in which the objective is to minimize the control feedback parameters for each member. An example is presented using a single mode model of a one-bay, one-story frame subject to a probabilistic point force to illustrate the performance of the optimization model. The technique presented here may be used to aid engineers in locating active members within structural designs and provide a measure of the probable dynamic performance of the structure.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of an Enzyme Responsible for the Formation of Hypericin in St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

A major gene termed Hyp-1 encoding for hypericin (HyH) biosynthesis was cloned and characterized from Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) cell cultures. H. perforatum leaves are widely used as an herbal remedy in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Hypericin, a photosensitive and red-colored naphthodianthrone, has been reported as the bioactive compound responsible for reversing the depression symptoms. In this study a novel red-color-based colony screening method for examining a cDNA library (λ-TriplEX2) derived from H. perforatum cell cultures revealed the gene responsible for hypericin biosynthesis after the administration of emodin, a precursor of hypericin. The selected clones were expressed in Escherichia coli (BM 25.8 line) and were further screened for biosynthesis of emodin to hypericin, which resulted in an 84.6% conversion. The full-length cDNA sequence of Hyp-1 is 782 nucleotides in length with an open reading frame of 477 nucleotides coding for a protein of 159 amino acids, with a 45.1% homology to Bet.v.1 class allergens. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis showed high levels of Hyp-1 transcripts in dark-grown cell cultures compared with the levels in light-grown cell cultures and leaves. Southern blot analysis showed the presence of a single Hyp-1 gene in H. perforatum. Furthermore, Hyp-1 was expressed with a His6 affinity tag linked to its N terminal region using the expression vector pET-28a, and the recombinant Hyp-1 protein was able to convert HyH from emodin under in vitro conditions. HyH product inhibition was observed with emodin analogues, rhein, rhein methyl ester, and DNA3-55-1. Our results demonstrate a direct and complex conversion of emodin to HyH that is solely catalyzed by Hyp-1, a Bet.v.1 class allergen from H. perforatum.
The actions of two monoamines on spinal motoneurons from stimulation of the locus coeruleus in the cat.

Abstract The present study investigates the role of the two putative amine transmitters (norepinephrine and serotonin) in mediating the facilitatory action following locus coeruleus (LC) stimulation on hindlimb flexor and extensor monosynaptic reflexes (MSRs) in unanesthetized, decerebrate cats. When administered sequentially, in either order, methysergide (a serotonergic blocker) and prazosin (an α 1 -adrenergic blocker) were observed to cause suubtotal decremental changes in the potentiation of gastrocnemius-soleus and common peroneal MSRs by stimuli applied in the LC. These changes were determined to be independent of the blood pressure changes induced by the aminergic blockers. These results support the hypothesis that the facilitation of the group Ia reflex transmission in cat spinal cord by stimulation of LC is mediated in part by α 1 -noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms.
Health behaviors and cancer screening among Californians with a family history of cancer

The purpose of this study was to compare health behaviors and cancer screening among Californians with and without a family history of cancer. We analyzed data from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey to ascertain cancer screening test use and to estimate the prevalence of health behaviors that may reduce the risk of cancer. We used logistic regression to control for demographic factors and health-care access. Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer were more likely to be up to date with mammography as compared with women with no family history of cancer (odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (1.39, 2.04)); their health behaviors were similar to other women. Men and women with a family history of colorectal cancer were more likely to be up to date with colorectal cancer screening as compared with individuals with no family history of cancer (odds ratio = 2.77, 95% confidence interval (2.20, 3.49)) but were less likely to have a body mass index <25 kg/m2 (odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (0.67, 0.94)). Innovative methods are needed to encourage those with a moderate-to-strong familial risk for breast cancer and colorectal cancer to increase their physical activity levels, strive to maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and reduce alcohol use. Genet Med 2013:15(3):212–221
IL-1α Signaling Is Critical for Leukocyte Recruitment after Pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus Challenge

Aspergillus fumigatus is a mold that causes severe pulmonary infections. Our knowledge of how A. fumigatus growth is controlled in the respiratory tract is developing, but still limited. Alveolar macrophages, lung resident macrophages, and airway epithelial cells constitute the first lines of defense against inhaled A. fumigatus conidia. Subsequently, neutrophils and inflammatory CCR2+ monocytes are recruited to the respiratory tract to prevent fungal growth. However, the mechanism of neutrophil and macrophage recruitment to the respiratory tract after A. fumigatus exposure remains an area of ongoing investigation. Here we show that A. fumigatus pulmonary challenge induces expression of the inflammasome-dependent cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 within the first 12 hours, while IL-1α expression continually increases over at least the first 48 hours. Strikingly, Il1r1-deficient mice are highly susceptible to pulmonary A. fumigatus challenge exemplified by robust fungal proliferation in the lung parenchyma. Enhanced susceptibility of Il1r1-deficient mice correlated with defects in leukocyte recruitment and anti-fungal activity. Importantly, IL-1α rather than IL-1β was crucial for optimal leukocyte recruitment. IL-1α signaling enhanced the production of CXCL1. Moreover, CCR2+ monocytes are required for optimal early IL-1α and CXCL1 expression in the lungs, as selective depletion of these cells resulted in their diminished expression, which in turn regulated the early accumulation of neutrophils in the lung after A. fumigatus challenge. Enhancement of pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and anti-fungal activity by CXCL1 treatment could limit fungal growth in the absence of IL-1α signaling. In contrast to the role of IL-1α in neutrophil recruitment, the inflammasome and IL-1β were only essential for optimal activation of anti-fungal activity of macrophages. As such, Pycard-deficient mice are mildly susceptible to A. fumigatus infection. Taken together, our data reveal central, non-redundant roles for IL-1α and IL-1β in controlling A. fumigatus infection in the murine lung.
Robust And Efficient 3-D Traveltime Calculations In Arbitrary Media

Traveltimes are calculated for 3D acoustic media with arbitrary velocity variations. The scheme used here is developed from the 2D dynamic programming approach of Schneider et al. (1992) as modified by Faria and Stoffa (1994). This approach, based on Fermat`s principle, uses simple calculus techniques and ordering of the calculations to determine first arrival times on a rectangular grid. The initial condition requires that traveltimes are computed to the nearest neighbor points surrounding the source location. The computational wavefronts then proceed outward from the source in the 4 principal horizontal directions before the computations are repeated in the vertical directions and again in the horizontal directions to account for turning rays. Though the amount of computation is large for 3D media, this algorithm is easily vectorized. In addition, the model does not require any smoothing, which is an advantage over upwind finite-difference schemes, when the velocity model contains salt or other high velocity media.
A Vibration Model of a Suspension-Tire System

A two-dimensional suspension-Tire system is modeled to investigate the dynamic interaction between the suspension and the tire of an automotive system. A double A-arm suspension system is used in the model. Lagrange equation for a constrained set of generalized coordinates is employed to derive a lumped-mass model of the system. The effects of friction and mechanical characteristics of the tire-road interface in both lateral and vertical directions is modeled and utilized in the system’s dynamics using the Magic Formula for tire. The utilization of Lagrange equation along with the Magic Formula provided a means of prediction of the system’s dynamic response to different initial sprung mass load conditions and the alteration and optimization of the suspension system geometry to achieve minimum sprung mass and tire vibration. The model is used to illustrate tire slip angle variation as a result of induced vibration due to a step load along the vertical and lateral direction. Albeit the response is a damped nonlinear vibration response, the system shows relatively large variation in slip angle in the transient regime of the system response.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The Influence of Co-offending Within a Moderated Mediation Model of Parent and Peer Predictors of Delinquency

Parental monitoring impacts adolescent delinquency both directly by limiting unsupervised activities and indirectly by limiting access to delinquent peers. Deviant peers may influence adolescent delinquency through a number of mechanisms, and there is a lack of clarity within the literature on distinctions between co-offending and deviant peer norms as influential mechanisms. Less is known about the impact of co-offending on the mediated relationship among parental monitoring, peer delinquency, and adolescent delinquency. The current study examined the relationship between parental monitoring, deviant peer behaviors, co-offending, and self-reported delinquency among 186 court-involved youth (12–18 years old) in a small city in the Midwest. The effects of parental monitoring on delinquency were partially mediated by delinquent peer affiliation. A moderated mediation model found that co-offending moderated the association between delinquent peer affiliation and delinquency, such that the relationship between peer delinquency and self-reported delinquency is stronger for those who co-offend.
A Reduction Theory for Symplectic Matrices

The task of this paper is to classify the sets of conjugate matrices and to find a representative of a not too difficult shape in each such set. Throughout this paper we assume that K is contained in the field of complex numbers. An especially intensive treatment is being done for certain real fields K because real symplectic groups are important in the theory of SlEGEL'S modular functions. This paper was partially supported by an N.S.F. grant.
Psychosocial Educational Groups for Students (PEGS): An Evaluation of the Treatment Effectiveness of a School-Based Behavioral Intervention Program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a new psychosocial intervention program, Psychosocial Educational Groups for Students (PEGS). The PEGS program is designed to help students ...
Singular stochastic control for diffusions and sde with discontinuous

In this paper, we continue to study a diffusion-type, finite-fuel singular stochastic control problem and the related stochastic differential equations with discontinuous paths and reflecting boundary conditions as denned in the previous work of the author [15]. The measurable dependence of the solution with respect to the initial state and the underlying probability measures (with Prohorov metric) is derived. Also, the approximation of certain complete class of controls by those with continuous paths is proved to be possible in a weak sense. With the help of these results, we prove the Dynamic Programming Principle (Bellman principle) rigorously and show that the value function is the viscosity solution of certain Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation
Simplified, “one-pot” procedure for the synthesis of [(Ph3P)CUH]6, a stable copper hydride for conjugate reductions

Abstract A convenient, inexpensive method for the preparation of [(Ph 3 P)CuH] 6 , a versatile reagent for the conjugate reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, has been developed. This procedure is performed on the bench-top without specialized equipment and without the necessity of preparing and purifying species which are difficult to handle.
Functional complementation of the yeast P-type H-ATPase, PMA1, by the Pneumocystis carinii P-type H-ATPase, PCA1.

The opportunistic fungus Pneumocystis is the etiologic agent of an interstitial plasma cell pneumonia that primarily afflicts immunocompromised individuals. Like other fungi Pneumocystis maintains a H + plasma membrane gradient to drive nutrient uptake and regulates intracellular pH by ATP-dependent proton efflux. Previously, we identified a Pneumocystis gene, PCA1, whose predicted protein product was homologous to fungal proton pumps. In this study, we show by functional complementation in a Saccharomyces strain whose endogenous PMA1 proton pump activity is repressed that the Pneumocystis PCA1 encodes a H + -ATPase. The properties of PCAl characterized in this system closely resemble those of yeast PMA1. Yeast expressing PCA1 grow at low pH and are able to acidify the external media. Maximal enzyme activity (V max ) and efficiency of substrate utilization (K m ) in plasma membranes were nearly identical for PCA1 and PMA1. PCA1 contains an inhibitory COOH-terminal domain; removal of the final 40 amino acids significantly increased V max and growth at pH 6.5. PCA1 activity was inhibited by proton pump inhibitors omeprazole and lansoprazole, but was unaffected by H + /K + -ATPase inhibitor SCH28080. Thus, H + homeostasis in Pneumocystis is likely regulated as in other fungi. This work also establishes a system for screening PCA1 inhibitors to identify new aati-Pneumocystis agents.
Experimental studies of predation on metazoans inhabiting Spartina alterniflora stems

The short-term effects of invertebrate, Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis, and vertebrate predators, Fundulus heteroclitus Baird and Girard, on Spartina alterniflora Loisel resident metazoan assemblages were investigated experimentally in June 1993 and July 1994. Live or standing-dead S. alterniflora stems were transplanted into defaunated sand within experimental buckets in which treatment densities of P. pugio and F. heteroclitus were varied. Harpacticoid copepods were the only stem-associated faunal group affected by both shrimp and fish. The presence of P. pugio for one full tidal cycle (24 h) resulted in a significant 62% reduction in the numbers of copepod nauplii on live stems. Varying shrimp densities did not influence appreciably the effect on nauplii numbers. F. heteroclitus consumed almost 50% of the juvenile and adult harpacticoid copepods on standing-dead stems over 3 days. Stem architectural and faunal distributional differences between live and standing-dead stems resulted in ≈50% of the fauna on live stems residing on interior surfaces inaccessible to predators. The fauna resident on salt marsh vegetation represents a previously unconsidered resource for macroepibenthic predators foraging in intertidal marshes.
Effect of β-adrenergic antagonists on the spontaneous appetite for NaCl solution in rats

Chronic dietary administration of the β -adrenergic antagonist, propranolol (1.6–2.0 g/kg), to both male and female rats induced an appetite for 0.25 M NaCl solution when the rats were offered a choice between distilled water and salt solution to drink. Treatment was also accompanied by a significant reduction in both water and food intakes. In addition, increases in intake of NaCl solution during treatment with propranolol were correlated significantly with increases in urinary sodium output. To test for completeness of β -adrenergic blockade, treated and control rats in the first study were administered isoproterenol (25 μ g/kg b.w., SC) acutely and given only water to drink. The increased 1 hr water intake characteristically accompanying acute administration of isoproterenol was blocked completely by propranolol. Additional experiments were carried out with butoxamine, a selective β 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist, (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg of food) to determine its effect on intake of 0.25 M NaCl solution. Butoxamine failed to produce a significant effect on salt appetite. The results indicate that chronic treatment with propranolol, but not butoxamine, induces an appetite for NaCl solution. They further suggest, but do not prove, that β 1 -adrenoceptors may be involved in the appetite for NaCl solutions in rats.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma modulation and lipogenic response in adipocytes of small-for-gestational age offspring

Background: Small-for-gestational age (SGA) at birth increases risk of development of adult obesity and insulin resistance. A model of SGA rat offspring has been shown to exhibit increased adipose tissue expression of a key adipogenic transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and increased fatty acid de novo synthesis during the nursing period, prior to onset of obesity. PPARγ agonists have been studied for potential use in the prevention of insulin resistance. Moreover, SGA adipocytes exhibit age-dependent differences in lipogenesis as mediated by PPARγ. The effects of PPARγ modulators on lipogenic gene expression and de novo lipogenesis on the age-dependent changes in SGA adipocytes are not known. The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the adipogenic and lipogenic potential in SGA adipocytes at postnatal day 1 (p1) and day 21 (p21), 2) to determine how the PPARγ activator- and repressor-ligands affect the lipogenic potential, and 3) to determine the fatty acid metabolic response to PPARγ activator-ligand treatment. Methods: Primary adipocyte cultures from p1 and p21 SGA and Control male offspring were established from a known maternal food-restriction model of SGA. Cell proliferation and Oil Red O (ORO) staining were quantified. Adipocytes were treated with increasing doses of rosiglitazone or bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether (BADGE). PPARγ and SREBP1 protein expression were determined. De novo lipogenesis with rosiglitazone treatment at p21 was studied using 50% U 13 C-glucose and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: At p1 and p21, SGA demonstrated increased cell proliferation and increased ORO staining. At p21, SGA demonstrated increased lipogenic gene expression and increased glucose-mediated fatty acid de novo synthesis compared with Controls. In response to rosiglitazone, SGA adipocytes further increased glucose utilization for fatty acid synthesis. SGA lipogenic gene expression demonstrated resistance to BADGE treatment. Conclusions: SGA adipocytes exhibit an enhanced adipogenic and lipogenic potential in early postnatal life. By p21, SGA demonstrated resistance to PPARγ repressor-ligand treatment, and selective response to high dose PPARγ activator-ligand treatment in adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression. p21 SGA adipocytes revealed increased fatty acid de novo synthesis through a complex relationship with glucose metabolism.
Experimental results from internal odometry error correction with the OmniMate mobile robot

This paper presents the experimental results of test with a new method for detecting and correcting odometry errors without inertial or external-reference sensors. This method, called internal position error correction (IPEC), has been implemented on a new, commercially available mobile robot called "OmniMate", which was specifically designed for the implementation of the IPEC method. The results presented show that the OmniMate can improve odometric accuracy by one order of magnitude over conventional mobile robots. The OmniMate's odometry is almost completely insensitive to even severe irregularities of the floor. With conventional mobile robots such irregularities can cause large odometry errors with potentially catastrophic effects, thus mandating frequent external registrations to correct for possible odometry errors. The OmniMate with IPEC, on the other hand, detects and corrects such nonsystematic odometry errors, thus allowing more reliable travel over larger distances.