cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of ethanol-induced lipid interdigitation on the membrane solubility of Prodan, Acdan, and Laurdan

The effect of ethanol-induced lipid interdigitation on the partition coefficient (Kp) of 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (Prodan) and its two derivatives, 6-acetyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (Acdan) and 6-lauroyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (Laurdan), in L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles has been examined by a precipitation method over the ethanol concentration range of 0–1.8 M. At 20 degrees C and in the absence of ethanol, the Kp values for Acdan, Prodan, and Laurdan are 2.0 x 10(3), 2.8 x 10(4), and 4.7 x 10(6), respectively. This result suggests that the Kp of Prodan and its derivatives is not simply a linear function of the polymethylene units. As DPPC undergoes the ethanol-induced phase transition from the noninterdigitated to the fully interdigitated gel state, Kp for Prodan and Acdan decreases by a factor of 5 and 2, respectively, whereas Kp for Laurdan exhibits no detectable changes with ethanol. The differences in Kp are in parallel with the differences in the fluorescence emission spectra of these probes over the ethanol concentration range examined. Previous fluorescence and infrared data indicated that membrane perturbation caused by the probes increases in the order: Laurdan > Prodan > Acdan. Thus, the degree of membrane perturbation also seems to be in parallel with Kp. Among these three probes, Prodan fluorescence reflects most correctly the ethanol-induced lipid interdigitation. In conclusion, the partitioning of small solutes in lipid membranes is significantly reduced by ethanol-induced lipid interdigitation, probably as a result of an increased membrane surface density due to the increased intramolecular lipid acyl chain ordering and a tighter overall intermolecular packing.
Hall resistivity sign reversal in superconductor's mixed state

Abstract In this Letter, we propose a mixed-charge model to explain the sign reversals of Hall resistivity for p-type high T c superconductors in the mixed state. The applied field vs temperature boundaries separating positive and negative Hall resistivities would be suppressed in both the underdoped and overdoped regimes, and the suppression is more severe in the overdoped regime. Although flux pinning damps the magnitude of Hall resistivity, from both positive and negative sides, it does not change either the temperature or the applied field values where the Hall resistivity changes sign.
Control of Toxoplasma reactivation by rescue of dysfunctional CD8 + T-cell response via PD-1-PDL-1 blockade

In this study, we document that Toxoplasma gondii differentiation and reactivation are mediated by systemic CD8 T-cell dysfunction during chronic infection. We demonstrate that CD8+ T-cell exhaustion occurs despite control of parasitemia during early-chronic toxoplasmosis. During later phases, these cells become exhausted, leading to parasite reactivation and mortality. Concomitant with increased CD8+ T-cell apoptosis and decreased effector response, this dysfunction is characterized by a graded elevation in expression of inhibitory receptor PD-1 on these cells in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissue. Blockade of the PD-1–PDL-1 pathway reinvigorates this suboptimal CD8+ T-cell response, resulting in control of parasite reactivation and prevention of mortality in chronically infected animals. To the best of our knowledge, this report is unique in showing that exposure to a persistent pathogen despite initial control of parasitemia can lead to CD8+ T-cell dysfunction and parasite reactivation.
A Sequential Implementation of Optimal Array Processors

A sequential implementation of the likelihood ratio for doubly composite hypothesis array processing problems is presented in which the likelihood ratio is realized by an appropriate combination ion of single frequency components. The array processos decomposed in such a way that the actual a priori parameter knowledge dge need not be introduced until after a significant portion of the data processing has taken place.
A radial distribution function analysis of an amorphous calcium phosphate with calcium to phosphorus molar ratio of 1.42.

A radial distribution function (RDF) analysis was performed on amorphous, freeze-dried calcium phosphate prepared under conditions of pH=7.3–8.0 with Ca/P molar ratio of 1.42. Diffracted intensities were obtained by using reflection geometry, copper radiation, and a receiving graphite monochromator. For purposes of analysis, the material was treated as a random binary alloy consisting of calcium and phosphate ions. Major peak positions were found to occur atr=2.55, 3.75 and 6.40 A and were substantiated by the application of an artificial temperature factor. The first major peak was attributed to a superposition of peaks corresponding to the Ca−O and O−O distances. There is also evidence of a peak at 2.9 A which suggests the existence of a phosphorus-oxygen network, i.e. condensed phosphates. Densities obtained by this analysis and direct measurement agreed and were substantially less than the accepted value for Ca3(PO4)2. The area under the peak in the RDF corresponding to the unresolved Ca−O and O−O distances yields a coordination number of about 3.
Quantum computing and probability

Over the past two decades, quantum computing has become a popular and promising approach to trying to solve computationally difficult problems. Missing in many descriptions of quantum computing is just how probability enters into the process. Here, we discuss some simple examples of how uncertainty and probability enter, and how this and the ideas of quantum computing challenge our interpretations of quantum mechanics. It is found that this uncertainty can lead to intrinsic decoherence, and this raises challenges for error correction.
Household mold and dust allergens: exposure, sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity.

Abstract Background Few studies address concurrent exposures to common household allergens, specific allergen sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity. Objective To identify levels of allergen exposures that trigger asthma exacerbations in sensitized individuals. Methods We sampled homes for common indoor allergens (fungi, dust mites ( Der p 1, Der f 1), cat ( Fel d 1), dog ( Can f 1) and cockroach ( Bla g 1)) for levels associated with respiratory responses among school-aged children with asthma ( N =1233) in a month-long study. Blood samples for allergy testing and samples of airborne fungi and settled dust were collected at enrollment. Symptoms and medication use were recorded on calendars. Combined effects of specific allergen sensitization and level of exposure on wheeze, persistent cough, rescue medication use and a 5-level asthma severity score were examined using ordered logistic regression. Results Children sensitized and exposed to any Penicillium experienced increased risk of wheeze (odds ratio [OR] 2.12 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 4.04), persistent cough (OR 2.01 95% CI 1.05, 3.85) and higher asthma severity score (OR 1.99 95% CI 1.06, 3.72) compared to those not sensitized or sensitized but unexposed. Children sensitized and exposed to pet allergen were at significantly increased risk of wheeze (by 39% and 53% for Fel d 1>0.12 μg/g and Can f 1>1.2 μg/g, respectively). Increased rescue medication use was significantly associated with sensitization and exposure to Der p 1>0.10 μg/g (by 47%) and Fel d 1>0.12 μg/g (by 32%). Conclusion Asthmatic children sensitized and exposed to low levels of common household allergens Penicillium , Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 are at significant risk for increased morbidity.
Surfactant Nebulisation Versus Instillation in Lung Lavaged Rabbits 68

Aim Evaluate the influence of surfactant nebulisation on lung function, haemodynamic side effects and surfactant distribution over the lungs.
Effects of performance visualization on employment interviews

Two studies were undertaken to assess the value of exposing people to performance visualization in order to help them cope with communication apprehension (CA) in employment interviews. The first study, which took place in a laboratory, employed a pre/post‐test experimental design. Seniors who were preparing to enter the job market took part in mock interviews, completed a state communication apprehension (CA) measure, a trait CA measure, and a scale designed to measure negative thinking. Participants were then assigned to performance visualization, placebo, or control conditions. After exposure to the requisite treatment, they participated in another mock interview and completed the same battery of measures. The second study took place in the field. In this study, participants, who were about to undergo a screening interview for a job, completed state and trait CA measures, were exposed to performance visualization, and completed the state and trait CA measures the second time. These studies indicated th...
Primary Paraganglioma of the Lung

There are few reported cases of primary pulmonary paraganglioma in the pathology literature. Given the historical confusion surrounding bronchial tumors, widespread use of the term "chemodectoma" and classification of these lesions as paraganglioma in an outdated World Health Organization classification of lung tumors, the recognition of tumors arising from paraganglia within the lung has not been accepted by leading authorities. We present a well-documented case of a primary pulmonary paraganglioma with typical morphologic features and a supporting immunohistochemical profile. The 0.9 cm endobronchial tumor was submucosal and composed of nests of ovoid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, cytoplasmic vacuoles, round to oval nuclei with speckled chromatin, and occasional conspicuous nucleoli. The nests of cells were surrounded by thin-walled vascular channels and stellate spindle cells. The ovoid cells showed strong diffuse staining for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and faint staining for S-100; they were negative for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, Cam 5.2, and epithelial membrane antigen. The stellate spindle cells stained intensely positive for S-100 protein. A critical review of reported cases of pulmonary chemodectomas and paragangliomas in the English literature features few, if any, well-documented examples. While this exceedingly rare tumor should be discerned from carcinoid tumor, it remains unknown if primary pulmonary paragangliomas behave aggressively like intra-abdominal extra-adrenal paragangliomas, or in a more indolent manner observed with extra-adrenal paragangliomas in other locations.
A human resource accounting transmission: shifting from failure to a future

Purpose – This paper seeks to present the positions and conclusions of scholars to support a proposition that the asset approach to human resource accounting has failed.Design/methodology/approach – Reviews the history of human asset accounting.Findings – The paper offers an alternative “liability approach” to account for and report human resources.Originality/value – The paper provides an argument and rationale to demonstrate that a liability paradigm would be compatible with normal accounting and reporting procedures.
Use of a Genome-Wide Approach to Identify New Genes that Control Resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Ionizing Radiation

Abstract Game, J. C., Birrell, G. W., Brown, J. A., Shibata, T., Baccari, C., Chu, A. M., Williamson, M. S. and Brown, J. M. Use of a Genome-Wide Approach to Identify New Genes that Control Resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Ionizing Radiation. Radiat. Res. 160, 14–24 (2003). We have used the recently completed set of all homozygous diploid deletion mutants in budding yeast, S. cerevisiae, to screen for new mutants conferring sensitivity to ionizing radiation. In each strain a different open reading frame (ORF) has been replaced with a cassette containing unique 20-mer sequences that allow the relative abundance of each strain in a pool to be determined by hybridization to a high-density oligonucleotide array. Putative radiation-sensitive mutants were identified as having a reduced abundance in the pool of 4,627 individual deletion strains after irradiation. Of the top 33 strains most sensitive to radiation in this assay, 14 contained genes known to be involved in DNA repair. Eight of the remaining...
Percutaneous cholecysto-cholangiography in the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in infants

Abstract Background Once it is established that a jaundiced infant has an elevated direct bilirubin level, the principal diagnostic concern is the differentiation of hepatocellular from obstructive cholestasis, of disorders of physiology from disorders of anatomy, and of disease that is managed medically from disease that is managed surgically. Traditional tests such as ultrasonography, liver biopsy, and technotium 99m HIDA scan are often not sufficiently discriminating. General anesthesia is required for invasive imaging with endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) or operative cholangiogram. The authors describe a facile alternative using percutaneous cholecystocholangiography (PCC) with intravenous sedation. Methods Nine cholestatic infants underwent PCC (age, 27 to 73 days; mean, 44 days) after ultrasoundscan, liver biopsy, and 99mTc HIDA scan failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. Results In the 4 infants without complete biliary filling, we found biliary atresia (3) and biliary hypoplasia (1). The biliary tree was completely opacified in 5 infants with the following diagnosis: neonatal hepatitis (2), duplication of the gallbladder (1), choledochocele (1), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) cholestasis (1). There were no complications. Conclusions When the etiology of cholestasis remains elusive after traditional firstline tests, PCC has proven to be an accurate simple alternative in differentiating obstructive from hepatocellular causes of infantile cholestatic jaundice.
Direct brain interventions to "treat" disfavored human behaviors: ethical and social issues.

As neuroscience learns more about the causes of human behaviors, it will give us new ways to change those behaviors. When behaviors are caused by “brain diseases,” effective actions that intervene directly in the brain will be readily accepted, but what about direct brain interventions that treat brain-based causes of socially disfavored behaviors that are not generally viewed as diseases? Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2012); 91 2, 163–165. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.292
Truth and Ontology

Critique de la theorie de l'engagement ontologique de Quine, et de son ontologie. L'A. conteste la maniere dont Quine restreint les theses ontologiques a celles que la science peut proposer, aussi bien que sa conception de la " relativite " de l'ontologie. Il propose une analyse radicalement nominaliste de la verite et des entites qui existent dans le monde, a travers un programme de reduction, et propose son propre critere d'engagement ontologique, sous la forme d'une distinction entre entites qui existent " nominalement " et " robustement "
Small-scale mechanical characterization of space-exposed fluorinated ethylene propylene recovered from the Hubble Space Telescope

Multi-layer insulation panels from the Hubble Space Telescope have been recovered after 19.1 years of on-orbit service and micro-tensile experiments have been performed to characterize the effect of space exposure on the mechanical response of the outermost layer. This outer layer, 127 m thick fluorinated ethylene propylene with a 100 nm thick vapor deposited aluminum reflective coating, maintained significant tensile ductility but exhibited a degradation of strength that scales with severity of space exposure. This change in properties is attributed to damage from incident solar flux, atomic oxygen damage, and thermal cycling.
Dual mode frequency stabilization of a whispering gallery mode optical reference cavity

We report on whispering gallery mode resonators used as reference cavities for laser frequency stabilization. Differential sensing of orthogonal modes allows active control of the resonator temperature, improving the locked laser's frequency stability.
Skin cancer control practices among physicians in a university general medicine practice

Physician counseling about sun protection and routine screening for skin cancer in high-risk individuals have been widely recommended. The purpose of this study was to assess the skin cancer control practices and knowledge among physicians in a university-based general medicine practice. Fifty-two physicians completed a survey on attitudes toward, behaviors in, and knowledge of skin cancer control. In addition, the ability of general medicine residents and attending physicians to correctly identify and make biopsy recommendations for ten photographed skin lesions was compared with that of third-year medical students and dermatology residents and attendings. The results of the survey illustrate a need for improving primary care physicians’ knowledge and identification of skin cancer risk factors, and increasing the frequency and consistency with which they perform skin cancer prevention counseling and complete skin examination in high-risk patient groups.
Strong oxide-oxide interactions in silica-supported Fe3O4. III. Water-induced migration of silica on geometrically designed catalysts

Abstract Geometrically designed catalysts were prepared by evaporating silica onto part of the surface of an oxidized iron foil. These model catalysts allowed scanning Auger electron microscopy to be used to study the mobility of silica in different gas environments at ca. 670 K and atmospheric pressure. For the iron oxide/silica model catalyst, silica migration was observed upon treatment in H 2 O CO or H 2 O H 2 gas mixtures, while significant migration was not observed upon treatment in CO 2 CO or O2. In particular, that portion of the iron oxide surface, initially free of Si, became covered by Si after treatment in H 2 O CO or H 2 O H 2 , while it remained essentially free of Si after treatment in CO 2 CO or O2. Preliminary investigation of a similarly prepared Pt SiO 2 catalyst indicated that the phenomenon of SiO2 mobility at ca. 660 K and atmospheric pressure may be of importance for other silica-supported catalyst systems.
THE DESIGN OF A NEW HIGH RATE NITRIFICATION FILTER FOR AQUACULTURE WATER REUSE

A new design in a high rate nitrification system has been tested at the laboratory scale. Ammonia removal rates per unit of filter volume at influent ammonia levels of 0.02 mg NH3-N were observed to be 5 to 10 times more rapid than rates observed in conventional field-scale nitrification filters. At these levels 95 to 99% ammonia removal has been achieved with filter detention times as short as 3 minutes. The data are compared to data for various field units and the reasons for the observed high removal rates are discussed. The possibility of retaining these high efficiencies in scaled-up filters is also discussed.
The effect of insulin on iodine metabolism of fetal thyroid glands in organ culture.

Abstract 1. 1. Thyroid glands excised from the fetuses of 21-day pregnant rats were cultured for four days in four different media: a basal medium; the basal medium to which insulin alone was added; the basal medium to whch thyrotropic hormone (TSH) alone was added; and the basal medium to which both TSH and insulin were added. 2. 2. Addition of insulin to the basal medium enhanced significantly the incorporation of 131 I into protein-bound monoiodotyrosine, diiodotyrosine and thyrosine. 3. 3. Addition of TSH to the basal medium, as reported earlier for thyroid glands removed from younger fetuses (16–16.5 and 17–17.5 days of pregnancy), had a pronounced effect on the functional activity of the embryonic thyroid glands explanted into culture. The addition of insulin to the TSH-containing medium further enhanced the 131 I utilization by the embryonic thyroid tissue, the formations of diiodotyrosine and thyroxine being particularly affected. 4. 4. The significance of this action of insulin is discussed.
Effect of ETBE on reproductive steroids in male rats and rat Leydig cell cultures.

These experiments were conducted to follow up on a report of testis seminiferous tubular degeneration in Fischer 344 rats treated with high doses of ethyl t-butyl ether (ETBE). Also, high doses of a related compound, methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE), had been shown to reduce circulating testosterone (T) in rats. Isolated rat Leydig cells were used to compare hCG-stimulated T production following exposure to ETBE, MTBE, and their common main metabolite, TBA. In addition, male Fischer 344 rats were gavaged daily with 600 mg/kg, 1200 mg/kg or 1800 mg/kg ETBE in corn oil (n = 12) for 14 days, the 1200 mg/kg dose chosen for comparison with a prior 14-day MTBE gavage experiment. In cell culture experiments, TBA was more potent than either ETBE or MTBE, both of which caused similar inhibition of T production at equimolar concentrations. In the in vivo study, no significant plasma T reduction was seen 1 h after the final 1200 mg/kg ETBE dose, whereas 1200 mg/kg MTBE had significantly lowered T when administered similarly to Sprague–Dawley rats. Some rats treated with 1800 mg/kg ETBE had noticeably lower T levels, and the group average T level was 66% of corn oil vehicle control (p > 0.05) with high variability also evident in ETBE-treated rats. 17β-Estradiol had been increased by 1200 mg/kg MTBE, and was elevated in the 1200 and 1800 mg/kg ETBE dose groups (p < 0.05), both groups also experiencing significantly reduced body weight gain. None of these effects were seen with 600 mg/kg/day ETBE. No definitive evidence of androgen insufficiency was seen in accessory organ weights, and no testicular pathology was observed after 14 days in a small subset of 1800 mg/kg ETBE-treated animals. Like MTBE, ETBE appears to be capable of altering reproductive steroid levels in peripheral blood sampled 1 h after treatment, but only with extremely high doses that inhibit body weight gain and may produce mortality.
Further applications of stochastic dominance to mutual fund performance

In a recent paper Joy and Porter [4] used the concept of stochastic dominance to address the question of whether or not mutual funds outperform the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Since that time Meyer [5] has proven a theorem in the area of stochastic dominance which allows one to make further application of stochastic dominance to this question. The major purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the power and relevance of the recently developed stochastic dominance theorem in ordering investments for groups of investors. In doing so, some evidence is presented concerning mutual funds and the DJIA.
Tooth-size reduction associated with occurrence of palatal displacement of canines.

Abstract This study investigates mesiodistal crown size of the maxillary and mandibular incisors of patients with palatally displaced canines (PDC). Pretreatment dental casts of orthodontic patients with PDC of 1 or both maxillary canines (N = 31; M10:F21) were collected. This PDC sample was matched according to age and sex with pretreatment dental casts from unaffected orthodontic patients. For the PDC and matched control samples, maximum mesiodistal crown diameters were recorded for the 4 incisors on the left side only. The results showed that, on average, the mesiodistal crown diameters for the maxillary and mandibular incisors measured smaller in the PDC sample than in the control sample. These findings of statistically significant tooth-size reductions associated with PDC occurrence indicate a generalized pattern of reduced tooth size as a characteristic associated with the PDC anomaly. Further, the presence of generalized tooth-size reduction in cases with palatally displaced canines helps explain w...
The Borrelia hermsii Factor H Binding Protein FhbA Is Not Required for Infectivity in Mice or for Resistance to Human Complement In Vitro

ABSTRACT The primary causative agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in North America is Borrelia hermsii. It has been hypothesized that B. hermsii evades complement-mediated destruction by binding factor H (FH), a host-derived negative regulator of complement. In vitro , B. hermsii produces a single FH binding protein designated FhbA (FH binding protein A). The properties and ligand binding activity of FhbA suggest that it plays multiple roles in pathogenesis. It binds plasminogen and has been identified as a significant target of a B1b B cell-mediated IgM response in mice. FhbA has also been explored as a potential diagnostic antigen for B. hermsii infection in humans. The ability to test the hypothesis that FhbA is a critical virulence factor in vivo has been hampered by the lack of well-developed systems for the genetic manipulation of the relapsing fever spirochetes. In this report, we have successfully generated a B. hermsii fhbA deletion mutant (the B. hermsii YORΔ fhbA strain) through allelic exchange mutagenesis. Deletion of fhbA abolished FH binding by the YORΔ fhbA strain and eliminated cleavage of C3b on the cell surface. However, the YORΔ fhbA strain remained infectious in mice and retained resistance to killing in vitro by human complement. Collectively, these results indicate that B. hermsii employs an FhbA/FH-independent mechanism of complement evasion that allows for resistance to killing by human complement and persistence in mice.
Novel wide bandwidth dielectric rod antenna for detecting antipersonnel mines

An ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) dielectric rod antenna modified from its previous version developed by Chen is presented. Linearly-polarized broad bandwidth electromagnetic energy is launched into a dielectric waveguide (rod) and guided until it reaches the rod tip where it radiates into the free space. The radiated fields are linearly polarized and have spherical wavefronts. By placing the tip close to the ground, it can be used to detect shallowly buried objects from backscattering measurements. This paper describes briefly the operational principles of the rod antenna as well as some measurement examples.
Unusual radiation response of gemcitabine-treated HeLa cells: reduced and enhanced survival.

Abstract Gemcitabine, a widely reported radiosensitizer, was found to increase and decrease radiation survival of HeLa cells under different treatment conditions. A 24 h exposure at 10 or 20 nM increased S phase cells and radiation survival, with a dose modification factor (DMF) of 0.82 or 0.78, respectively. Shortening exposure time avoided cell cycle effect and eliminated increases of radiation survival. Treatment for 1 h showed no change in radioresponse (DMF of 1.03) at 20 nM versus radiosensitization at 1, 2, or 20 μM (DMF of 1.66). These results document an enhanced radiation survival while confirming reported radiosensitization under different conditions. Such findings may impact drug dosimetry.
Energy and Stress Distributions in Ellipsoids

Abstract A closed form solution for a uniform, isotropic, homogenous, rotating, and self-gravitating solid ellipsoid is analyzed as a function of its material properties and angular momentum. This solution recovers the classical results for an incompressible material, namely that Maclaurin and Jacobi ellipsoids minimize the total strain energy of an ellipsoid. As the solid becomes compressible we find that Maclaurin-type spheroids are energetically preferred over all relevant values of angular momentum, although the gradient toward these spheroids is weak, at best. Compressibility allows the weak minima to encompass most observed asteroid shapes. Using this solution, a simple failure criterion of maximum principal stress is examined. Under this failure criterion, an ellipsoid rotating at a sufficiently rapid rate can have positive stress on the periphery and in the polar regions. Contours for this failure theory are compared with estimated asteroid rotation rates and ellipsoidal shape estimates. For compressible materials there is surprisingly good correspondence for such a simple theory and criterion, with the failure curve delimiting a demarcation that few observed asteroids cross. This research has implications for the shapes and distortions of rubble pile asteroids. In particular, the theory gives insight into the internal stress field and the effects of energy dissipation in an asteroid after it has been boosted into a nonminimum energy configuration due to an impact event or a close flyby with a planet. Internally there are double-lobed compressive stress regions reminiscent of the external shape of Kleopatra.
THE COMPARATIVE BIOASSAY OF SEVERAL EXTRACTS OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX IN TESTS EMPLOYING FOUR SEPARATE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES1

IN FEBRUARY 1942, our laboratory was invited to undertake for the Committeeon Medical Research a quantitative biological comparison of certain extracts of the adrenal cortex. The objectives outlined for us by the Committee were: (a) the determination of the most reliable criteria of total adrenal cortical activity in adrenal cortical extracts; (b) the standardization of the assay procedure(s) in order to insure its (their) reproducibility in other laboratories; and (c) the evaluation of the potency of the several extracts in terms of suitable standards. Because of the divergent manifestations of adrenal cortical activity in the animal body it was necessary to select several bioassayprocedures based upon different physiological responses for the comparisons. The methodsfinally chosen were: (a) the test of growth and survival in immature adrenalectomized rats as described by Grollman (1941); (b) the test of renal function in adrenalectomized dogs as proposed by Pfiffner, et al. (1934); (c) the test of sodiu...
U1 small nuclear RNA variants differentially form ribonucleoprotein particles in vitro.

The U1 small nuclear (sn)RNA participates in splicing of pre-mRNAs by recognizing and binding to 5′ splice sites at exon/intron boundaries. U1 snRNAs associate with 5′ splice sites in the form of ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) that are comprised of the U1 snRNA and 10 core components, including U1A, U1-70K, U1C and the ‘Smith antigen’, or Sm, heptamer. The U1 snRNA is highly conserved across a wide range of taxa; however, a number of reports have identified the presence of expressed U1-like snRNAs in multiple species, including humans. While numerous U1-like molecules have been shown to be expressed, it is unclear whether these variant snRNAs have the capacity to form snRNPs and participate in splicing. The purpose of the present study was to further characterize biochemically the ability of previously identified human U1-like variants to form snRNPs and bind to U1 snRNP proteins. A bioinformatics analysis provided support for the existence of multiple expressed variants. In vitro gel shift assays, competition assays, and immunoprecipitations (IPs) revealed that the variants formed high molecular weight assemblies to varying degrees and associated with core U1 snRNP proteins to a lesser extent than the canonical U1 snRNA. Together, these data suggest that the human U1 snRNA variants analyzed here are unable to efficiently bind U1 snRNP proteins. The current work provides additional biochemical insights into the ability of the variants to assemble into snRNPs.
Spelling correction in user interfaces

The feasibility of providing a spelling corrector as a part of interactive user interfaces is demonstrated. The issues involved in using spelling correction in a user interface are examined, and a simple correction algorithm is described. The results of an experiment in which the corrector is incorporated into a heavily used interactive program are described. More than one quarter of the errors made by users during the experiment were corrected using the simple mechanisms presented here. From this we have concluded that there are considerable benefits and few obstacles to providing a spelling corrector in almost any interactive user interface.
Crossing the ’63 Riviera With a Concept Cielo: Capturing, Representing and Generating the Buick Brand

Developing and maintaining a consistent brand statement is an important aspect of developing a successful product. However, maintaining that statement is difficult due in part to the inconsistent and often insufficient understanding of brand by marketing, engineering, and design. This paper presents shape grammars as a method for encoding the key elements of a brand into a repeatable language, which can be used to generate products consistent with the brand. A detailed investigation into the history of Buick styling reveals the brand characteristics of the front view of Buick vehicles, which are then captured in a shape grammar.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Concurrent validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and AUDIT zones in defining levels of severity among out-patients with alcohol dependence in the COMBINE study.

Aims To examine among alcohol-dependent out-patient clients the concurrent validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) total score and ‘zones’ suggested by the World Health Organization for defining levels of severity of alcohol use problems. Design Participants were classified into AUDIT zones (AUDIT total score = 8–15, 16–19, 20–40) and compared on measures of demographics, treatment goals, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences, severity of dependence, physiological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal and biomarkers of alcohol use. Setting Eleven out-patient academic clinical research centers across the United States. Participants Alcohol dependent individuals (n = 1335) entering out-patient treatment in the Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions (COMBINE) study. Measurements The AUDIT was administered as part of an initial screening. Baseline measures used for concurrent validation included the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (DSM-IV) Disorders, the Alcohol Dependence Scale, the Drinker Inventory of Consequences, the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale, the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, the Thoughts about Abstinence Scale, the Form-90, %carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Findings Indicators of severity of dependence and alcohol-related problems increased linearly with total score and differed significantly across AUDIT zones. The highest zone, with scores of 20 and above, was markedly different with respect to severity from the other two zones and members of this group endorsed an abstinence goal more strongly. Conclusions The AUDIT total score is a brief measure that appears to provide an index of severity of dependence in a sample of alcohol-dependent individuals seeking out-patient treatment, extending its potential utility beyond its more traditional role as a screening instrument in general populations.
Cattle waste reduces plant diversity in vernal pool mesocosms

Abstract In California, much of the remaining vernal pool habitat is used for cattle grazing. Some studies suggest that grazing helps promote native plant diversity on grasslands, but the impact of grazing on plants that reside in pool basins is largely unknown. We investigated how one aspect of cattle grazing, the deposition of waste, affects these plant species by adding dung and urine to mesocosms lined with vernal pool soil. As a result of dung input, orthophosphate, conductivity, and turbidity increased in our mesocosms while dissolved oxygen decreased. Such changes in water quality are consistent with a shift toward a eutrophic state. Algal biomass and percent-cover also increased in dung-treated mesocosms. When the mesocosms dried, vascular plant species richness and percent-cover in dung-treated mesocosms were reduced by up to 54% and 87%, respectively. We attribute this to light attenuation by algal mats that flourished in the nutrient-enriched water. We also found that dung input caused significant, but weak, shifts in the composition of the vascular plant community. We conclude that cattle grazing may be detrimental to plant communities in vernal pools via increased nutrient loading, which promotes algal growth. Any beneficial effects of grazing may thus be limited to the surrounding grassland. Studies that examine the regional-scale impacts of grazing on vernal pool grasslands should separately consider the impacts to local-scale (i.e., within-pool) plant diversity, as most of the threatened and endangered plant species of California vernal pools reside primarily in pool basins.
Novel ESTs from a Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) cDNA Library

The paper describes the identification of new expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a cDNA library of Corchorus olitorius L. var. O-4 after the initial description of the library construction reported recently. The sequence homology search in The Arabidopsis Information Source (TAIR) using the WU-BLAST tool revealed four complete and ten partial cDNA sequences. The complete cDNA sequences, based on their similarities to those of Arabidopsis proteins, encode V-ATPase subunit F, mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, RuBisCO small subunit 1A and heat shock protein (HSP 60). Based on similar homology results the partial cDNAs encode proteins, namely, chaperonin, actin 7, RelA-spoT homology, 60s ribosomal protein L 36a, transport protein, chloroplast inner membrane import protein Tic22, formate dehydrogenase, serine hydroxy-methyltransferase, metallothionein 2B and tansmembrane kinase. These cDNA sequences are new additions to the ESTs that encode chitinase-like protein (Class I) and 60S acidic ribosomal protein reported earlier. All the available cDNA sequences including that for the chitinase-like protein have been registered with GenBank, bearing Accession Nos. EU024510 through EU024520 and EU092254, EU057193-95. The cDNA samples are available for any researchers interested in such ESTs. A Clustal-W study of the amino acid sequences of proteins encoded by cDNA isolated in the present investigation with those of cotton, citrus, Arabidopsis , tobacco and other organisms revealed that the homology is maximum between jute and cotton followed by citrus, grapevine, tobacco and Arabidopsis . Key words: Jute cDNA library, Corchorus olitorius, Chitinase, Chaperonin, RSH2, RelA/SpoT, V-ATPase, Small subunit RuBisCO, Metallothionein, Actin 7, and HSPs D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v17i2.3237 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17 (2): 173-182, 2007 (December)
On non-escape search for a moving target by multiple mobile sensor agents

This paper studies the moving target search problem in the context of multiple mobile sensor agents (MSA). A novel cooperative search formation, the progressively-spiral-in (PSI) algorithm, for a team of MSAs to search for a mobile target in an open field is proposed. Based on that, a sufficient condition in terms of the number MSAs for the existence of a non-escape search plan is derived. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PSI algorithm given that the number of MSAs satisfies the sufficient condition.
Self-Pacing in a Personalized Psychology Course: Letting Students Set the Deadlines

Our studies allowed students to set deadlines for course tasks, supplementing instructor-set deadlines, in a self-paced psychology course. In addition to instructor-set and student-set deadlines, two experimental procedures were evaluated in two studies. The first procedure required students to respond to a quiz question assessing compliance with their self-set schedules. The second procedure required students to meet deadlines that they had set for themselves. Results indicated that both procedures produced accelerated pacing rates and general schedule compliance. No differences were found among conditions for academic performance measures.
New mixed integral algorithm for unified dynamic power system simulations of transient, medium-term and long-term stabilities

This paper discusses a new mixed numerical integral algorithm for unified dynamic simulations of power systems in which the electro-mechanical transient, medium-term and long-term dynamic phenomena are united. The main problems were analyzed using the existing Gear integral algorithm for the dynamic simulation of power systems. The new mixed integral algorithm integrates the advantages of the implicit trapezoidal integration algorithm with a fixed time step and the Gear algorithm with a variable time step. The proposed algorithm was found to achieve a great computational efficiency in the transient stability stage of unified dynamic simulation and can easily deal with discontinuous equations in control system models. The simulation results of two actual large-scale power systems show that the proposed algorithm is effective and feasible.
Measurements of ion stopping around the Bragg peak in high-energy-density plasmas

For the first time, quantitative measurements of ion stopping at energies around the Bragg peak (or peak ion stopping, which occurs at an ion velocity comparable to the average thermal electron velocity), and its dependence on electron temperature (T(e)) and electron number density (n(e)) in the range of 0.5-4.0 keV and 3×10(22) to 3×10(23) cm(-3) have been conducted, respectively. It is experimentally demonstrated that the position and amplitude of the Bragg peak varies strongly with T(e) with n(e). The importance of including quantum diffraction is also demonstrated in the stopping-power modeling of high-energy-density plasmas.
Microhabitat associations of northern flying squirrels in burned and thinned forest stands of the Sierra Nevada

Prescribed burning and mechanical thinning are used to manage fuels within many western North American forest ecosystems, but few studies have examined the relative impacts of these treatments on forest wildlife. We sampled northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and microhabitat variables in burned, thinned and control stands of mixed-conifer forest of the southern Sierra Nevada at the Teakettle Experimental Forest. We used this information to determine the effects of burning and thinning on the microhabitat associations of flying squirrels. Across pretreatment stands, the probability of flying squirrel capture increased with decreasing distance to a perennial creek and increasing litter depth. The probability of flying squirrel capture also was greater with increased canopy cover in thinned stands and increased litter depth in burned stands. Greater canopy cover may provide protection from predators, thicker litter layers may harbor a greater abundance of truffles, a primary food of northern flying squirrels, and creeks may provide squirrels with food sources, drinking water and nest trees. Results from this study underscore the need for more information on the effects of forest management on northern flying squirrels near the southern extent of the species' geographic range.
Learning physiology through service.

A service-learning component has been successfully incorporated into an introductory physiology course at Wheaton College. In addition to regular course work, each of the 24 students spent 12 hours...
Classification of the subgenus Athysanella, genus Athysanella Baker (Homoptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae)

The subgenus Athysanella Baker is reviewed and a possible phylogeny of the group is discussed. A total of 35 species is recognized. Descriptions, illustrations, and a key to males are presented. Twelve new species are described: aphoda, cursa, deserta, furnaca, hemijona, krameri, pastora, strobila, stylosa, vativala, and whitcombi are from the western United States, and marthac is from Mexico.
“ARE WE A NATION?”: THE CONJUNCTURE OF NATIONHOOD AND RACE IN THE UNITED STATES, 1850–1876

While popular nationalism flourished in the United States from the time of the Revolution onward, reflective treatments of what it meant to be, specifically, a “nation” were rarely produced until the Civil War era. Historians have generally treated northern Civil War theorists of the nation as importers of European ideas of organic nationhood to serve conservative and statist purposes. The most notable mid-century theorists—Francis Lieber, Elisha Mulford, Orestes Brownson, John William Draper, Frederick Douglass, and Charles Sumner—were a more diverse set, however. They brought to the subject different theoretical and political assumptions and produced different models of the American nation, and they accommodated their borrowed conceptions to native materials. If their initial aim was to strengthen the authority and unity of the wartime nation, they soon struggled with the multiracial nation that was emerging from the war. The unity they posited in the nation contended with invidious racial, ethnic, and religious distinctions. In the end, Lieber, Brownson, Mulford, and Draper found diversity difficult or impossible to reconcile with their visions of national unity. Only Sumner and Douglass managed to construct models of the nation that were both heterogeneous and united: their postwar views serve as counterpoint to the tortured efforts of the other writers. In the language of current theory, these writers divided over whether the United States was a civic or an ethnic nation, although not all their exclusions and inequalities emanated from an ethnic model of the nation, nor all their inclusions and liberties from a civic one.
To Compare the Diagnose Value of the Sentinel Lymph Node of Breast Cancer Injected Subcutaneously US Contrast-Enhanced and Traditional US

Purpose To compare the diagnosis value of the SLN of breast cancer between US contrast-enhanced and traditional US.Materials and Methods Use blue dye in operation as standard,we both use the injected subcutaneously US contrast-enhanced and traditional US to exam the homonymy axillary SLNs of 22 patients.,to compare the nature of the lymph node.Results In 22 patients,32 SLNs were checked out through US contrast-enhanced before operation,35 SLNs were checked out after blue dye in operation,the sensitivity of US contrast was 91%.There were 24 lymph node find out by tradition US.In the speciality,sensitivity and the accuracy,the contrast-enhanced is better than traditional US.But there was no significant differents between the contrast-enhanced US and traditional US.Conclusion Compared with traditional US,the contrast-enhanced US was better not only at the orientation but also at the determination the nature of the SLN.
Understanding Performance Limitations to Enable High Performance Magnesium-Ion Batteries

Author(s): Kim, SU; Perdue, B; Apblett, CA; Srinivasan, V | Abstract: A mathematical model was developed to investigate the performance limiting factors of Mg-ion battery with a Chevrel phase (MgxMo6S8) cathode and a Mg metal anode. The model was validated using experimental data from the literature [Cheng et al., Chem. Mater., 26, 4904 (2014)]. Two electrochemical reactions of the Chevrel phase with significantly different kinetics and solid diffusion were included in the porous electrode model, which captured the physics sufficiently well to generate charge curves of five rates (0.1C-2C) for two different particle sizes. Limitation analysis indicated that the solid diffusion and kinetics in the highervoltage plateau limit the capacity and increase the overpotential in the Cheng et al.'s thin (20-μm) electrodes. The model reveals that the performance of the cells with reasonable thickness would also be subject to electrolyte-phase limitations. The simulation also suggested that the polarization losses on discharge will be lower than that on charge, because of the differences in the kinetics and solid diffusion between the two reactions of the Chevrel phase.
SARS. Another emerging disease.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS, is an illness that has been recently reported in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa. SARS appears to be a new disease. The first known case of atypical pneumonia occurred on 16 November 2002 in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China. However, its significance was not known until later. The disease soon spread to the rest of the Guangdong Province and then further points in South East Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) started to track the disease actively during mid-February 2003.
Comparative genomics provides insight into maize adaptation in temperate regions.

A new study provides insights into the evolution of maize during its global spread into temperate regions from its origin in coastal Mexico. Please see related Research article: http://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13059-016-1009-x