cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal and Vertical Distribution of Acidity and Ionic Composition in Clouds: Comparison between Modeling Results and Observations

Cyclic temporal variations of pH and ionic concentration in sampled clouds which traversed the Mt. Mitchell State Park (North Carolina) site during the summers of 1986, 1987, and 1988 are reported. These clouds typically had a measured pH minimum during their initial and final stages. The cause of this basic cylic pattern is attributed to sampling at different vertical levels of the cloud. This is substantiated by visual observations made while sampling. The results also suggest that the measured pH patterns do not always exhibit minima during the formative and dissipative stages of the cloud, apparently in response to the underlying dynamical processes. The relationship between temporal pH measurements made at a stationary site to vertical cloud levels provides insights into the physical processes (e.g., nucleation scavenging near cloud base, dry air entrainment near cloud top) influencing the observed cloud-water chemistry on a real-time basis and would improve cloud chemistry models.
A fatal anaphylactic reaction to oral penicillin

Abstract A case of fatal anaphylaxis following oral administration of penicillin is reported. Autopsy data are included. The importance of the indiscriminate use of penicillin and the danger of self-medication are emphasized. Methods for the prevention of anaphylactic reactions are discussed.
Optimization in learning and data analysis

Optimization tools are vital to data analysis and learning. The optimization perspective has provided valuable insights, and optimization formulations have led to practical algorithms with good theoretical properties. In turn, the rich collection of problems in learning and data analysis is providing fresh perspectives on optimization algorithms and is driving new fundamental research in the area. We discuss research on several areas in this domain, including signal reconstruction, manifold learning, and regression/classification, describing in each case recent research in which optimization algorithms have been developed and applied successfully. A particular focus is asynchronous parallel algorithms for optimization and linear algebra, and their applications in data analysis and learning.
Recent developments with lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 inhibitors.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a calcium-independent phospholipase A2 enzyme secreted by leukocytes and associated with circulating low-density lipoprotein and macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques. Until recently, the biological role of Lp-PLA2 in atherosclerosis was controversial, but now the preponderance of evidence demonstrates a proatherogenic role of this enzyme. Lp-PLA2 generates two proinflammatory mediators, lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized nonesterified fatty acids, which play a major role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions and formation of a necrotic core, leading to more vulnerable plaques. These findings have opened the door to a potential novel therapeutic target, selective inhibition of Lp-LPA2. Recently, both animal models and human studies have shown that selective inhibition of Lp-PLA2 reduces plasma Lp-PLA2 activity, plaque area, and necrotic core area. This article reviews the most recent developments with Lp-PLA2 inhibitors.
DNA polymerase β and PARP activities in base excision repair in living cells

Abstract To examine base excision repair (BER) capacity in the context of living cells, we developed and applied a plasmid-based reporter assay. Non-replicating plasmids containing unique DNA base lesions were designed to express luciferase only after lesion repair had occurred, and luciferase expression in transfected cells was measured continuously during a repair period of 14 h. Two types of DNA lesions were examined: uracil opposite T reflecting repair primarily by the single-nucleotide BER sub-pathway, and the abasic site analogue tetrahydrofuran (THF) opposite C reflecting repair by long-patch BER. We found that the repair capacity for uracil-DNA in wild type mouse fibroblasts was very strong, whereas the repair capacity for THF-DNA, although strong, was slightly weaker. Repair capacity in DNA polymerase β (Pol β) null cells for uracil-DNA and THF-DNA was reduced by approximately 15% and 20%, respectively, compared to that in wild type cells. In both cases, the repair deficiency was fully complemented in Pol β null cells expressing recombinant Pol β. The effect of inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity on repair capacity was examined by treatment of cells with the inhibitor 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide (4-AN). PARP inhibition decreased the repair capacity for both lesions in wild type cells, and this reduction was to the same level as that seen in Pol β null cells. In contrast, 4-AN had no effect on repair in Pol β null cells. The results highlight that Pol β and PARP function in the same repair pathway, but also suggest that there is repair independent of both Pol β and PARP activities. Thus, before the BER capacity of a cell can be predicted or modulated, a better understanding of Pol β and PARP activity-independent BER pathways is required.
Localization of collagen in the rat lung: biochemical quantitation of types I and III collagen in small airways, vessels, and parenchyma.

The marked insolubility of pulmonary collagen has limited its accurate biochemical quantitation in small samples of lung and other tissues. We have recently developed a microassay based on radioisotope dilution techniques that we have used for the accurate determination of types I and III collagen in extremely small tissue samples. By applying this method to carefully dissected small airways and vessels and samples of parenchymal tissue of rat lungs, we have localized and quantitated biochemically the type I and III structural collagens of the lung. Large pulmonary arteries are the units richest in these interstitial collagen types on the basis of dried tissue weight (50 µg/100 µg dried tissue). Amounts of both types I and III collagen are considerably lower in the alveolar domain than in vessels and airways of the rat lung. The proportion of tissue composed of these collagen types decreases centripetally in rat pulmonary arteries, but increases in the bronchial tree. The relative proportions of type I and type III remain constant in all the structures tested. The higher total amount of collagen in the nonalveolar domain has implications for biochemical studies based on whole lung samples.
An analytical study of a hybrid wind-passive solar system

Abstract This paper presents the results of an analytical performance and economic evaluation of a combined passive solar and wind powered residential heating and electrical energy system. Simulated in a New England wind and weather environment, the modeled system is based on the coupling of a vertical axis wind turbine with a super-insulated passive solar house. The analytical model is composed of four major sections: (1) residential heating and energy load; (2) wind turbine generator system; (3) energy system performance model; and (4) life-cycle costing economic analysis. Results for the heating, electrical supply and economic performance of the system are presented, varying such key parameters as residence window area, insulation, storage size, wind turbine size, and site average wind speed. These results show that when sited in adequate wind regimes (average wind speed greater than 5.4 m/sec (12 mph)) and coupled with super-insulated passive structures, wind turbines can provide significant fractions of the electrical and heating requirements in the New England environment.
Advanced approaches in luminescence and Raman spectroscopy

An overview is given of advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation, such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and antibody-based fiber- optic sensors, used to detect trace levels of chemical pollutants and related biomarkers in complex environmental samples.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In Vivo Characterization of (−)(−)MCL-144 and (+)(−)MCL-193: Isomeric, Bivalent Ligands with Mu/Kappa Agonist Properties

Once opioid receptor dimers were postulated, a goal has been to synthesize and screen novel opioids, with the hope of furthering our knowledge of the structure-activity relationship of opioid ligands with the opioid receptors. The aim of the current study was to address whether two isomeric bivalent ligands would have pharmacological differences after central administration, in vivo. The two compounds, (−) bis(N-cyclobutylmethyl-morphinan-3-yl) sebacoylate dihydrochloride (MCL-144) and 1−((+)N-cyclobutylmethylmorphinan-3-yl)-10-((−) N-cyclobutylmethylmorphinan-3-yl)sebacolyate (MCL-193) are each linked by a 10-carbon chain ester. The active (−) enantiomer for both ligands is 3-hydroxy-N-cyclobutylmethyl morphinan ((−)MCL-101), a N-cyclobutylmethyl analogue of cyclorphan (J Med Chem 43:114–122, 2000). MCL-144 contains two active levo rotatory (−)(−) pharmacophores, while MCL-193 contains one active (−) and one inactive (+) pharmacophore of MCL-101. In vitro analysis demonstrated that all three compounds, (−)(−)MCL-144, (+)(−)MCL-193 and (−)MCL-101 were κ agonists and μ partial agonists. (−)(−)MCL-144 and (−)MCL-101 had much higher affinity for both the μ and κ opioid receptors compared to (+)(−)MCL-193. In vivo, (−)(−)MCL-144 and (+)(−)MCL-193 produced full dose–response curves, in the 55°C tail-flick test, with each compound having an ED50 value of 3.0 nmol after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration. The analgesic properties of both compounds were antagonized by the μ-selective antagonist, β-funaltrexamine and the κ-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. Concomitant, i.c.v., administration of either (−)(−)MCL-144 or (+)(−)MCL-193 with morphine, did not significantly antagonize morphine-induced antinociception at any dose tested. In antinociceptive tests, (−)(−)MCL-144 and (+)(−)MCL-193 had the same pharmacological properties, demonstrating that having two active pharmacophores separated by a 10-carbon spacer group did not increase the antinociceptive efficacy of the compound. Additionally, it was also of interest to compare (−)(−)MCL-145 and (−)(−)MCL-144, as the only difference between these bivalent ligands is the spacer region connecting the two pharmacophores, yet (−)(−)MCL-145 produced an ED50 value 10-fold lower than (−)(−)MCL-144 (ED50 values = 0.3 nmol and 3.0 nmol, respectively).
Modulation of iododeoxyuridine-mediated radiosensitization by 5-fluorouracil in human colon cancer cells

The incorporation of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdUrd), a thymidine analog radiosensitizer, can be increased by the use of modulators such as 5-fluorouracil (FUra). FUra is a particularly attractive potential modulator to use against colorectal cancer, as it is the most active single agent in the treatment of this disease. To begin to define the conditions for the optimal combination of IdUrd and FUra in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer, a study was conducted of the effect of FUra on IdUrd-mediated radiosensitization in cultured HT29 human colon cancer cells. It was found that when cells were exposed to concentrations of IdUrd typical of those obtained through intravenous exposure (1-3 microM), FUra (1 microM) increased radiosensitization beyond that which would be predicted for the same extent of incorporation produced by incubation with IdUrd alone. This increase appeared to result from a combination of at least two effects: FUra-mediated cell cycle redistribution and increased IdUrd incorporation. When a higher concentration of IdUrd (10 microM) was used with FUra (1 microM), cell cycle distribution returned to nearly normal, and radiosensitization was equal to that predicted by the extent of incorporation of IdUrd. These data demonstrate that the combination of FUra and IdUrd can produce radiosensitization both through increased IdUrd incorporation and cell cycle redistribution. Furthermore, they suggest that, in the presence of a modulator, it may not be necessary to achieve high levels of IdUrd incorporation to produce significant tumor radiosensitization.
Stereographic methods for cloud base height determination using two sky imagers

Abstract Intra-hour solar generation and ramp forecasting with sky imagers benefits from fast, frequent and accurate cloud base height (CBH) calculation. Using two sky imagers, CBH is determined using a two dimensional (2D) method for single homogeneous cloud layers and an enhanced three dimensional (3D) method to provide CBH of the cloud field with high resolution. The 2D method is based on georeferenced projection and statistical correlation of two sky images from the pair of sky cameras. The 3D method utilizes the epipolar technique to determine CBH for each cloud pixel. The 2D method was validated against ceilometer CBH measurements on four days. Several technical considerations for the set up of the sky cameras for CBH calculation, as well as strength and weaknesses of the proposed methods are discussed.
A software tool for modular database design

A modularization discipline for database schemas is first described. The dicipline incorporates both a strategy for enforcing integrity constraints and a tactic for organizing large sets of database structures, integrity constraints, and operations. A software tool that helps the development and maintenance of database schemas modularized according to the discipline is then presented. It offers a user-friendly interface that guides the designer through the various stages of the creation of a new module or through the process of changing objects of existing modules. The tool incorporates, in a declarative style, a description of the design and redesign rules behind the modularization discipline, hence facilitating the incremental addition of new expertise about database design.
The runaway greenhouse and the accumulation of CO2 in the Venus atmosphere.

Venus atmosphere and surface conditions, describing temperature, accumulation of carbon dioxide and runaway greenhouse effect
An evaluation of a surface energy balance method for partitioning ET data into plant and soil components for a surface with partial canopy cover

An objective, data-based method for partitioning evapotranspiration (ET) measurements into soil and plant components is tested at a cotton site against independently derived estimates of transpiration. This objective method requires standard meteorological/surface energy balance measurements and relies on a two-component (plant and soil) model for ET. Assuming that the soil surface humidity (or, alternatively, the soil evaporative resistance) and the soil Bowen ratio do not change much during any given day, their daily values are determined by a regression procedure which exploits the diurnal change in the meteorological data. Once the soil Bowen ratio is determined, the available energy and ET data are partitioned into soil and plant components. Comparisons between the regression derived estimates of transpiration and transpiration estimates derived from sap flow gauges are made. An evaluation of the errors inherent in both estimates of transpiration is discussed.
Small epitope‐linker modules for PCR‐based C‐terminal tagging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PCR-mediated gene modification is a powerful approach to the functional analysis of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One application of this method is epitope-tagging of a gene to analyse the corresponding protein by immunological methods. However, the number of epitope tags available in a convenient format is still low, and interference with protein function by the epitope, particularly if it is large, is not uncommon. To address these limitations and broaden the utility of the method, we constructed a set of convenient template plasmids designed for PCR-based C-terminal tagging with 10 different, relatively short peptide sequences that are recognized by commercially available monoclonal antibodies. The encoded tags are FLAG, 3 x FLAG, T7, His-tag, Strep-tag II, S-tag, Myc, HSV, VSV-G and V5. The same pair of primers can be used to construct tagged alleles of a gene of interest with any of the 10 tags. In addition, a six-glycine linker sequence is inserted upstream of these tags to minimize the influence of the tag on the target protein and maximize its accessibility for antibody binding. Three marker genes, HIS3MX6, kanMX6 and hphMX4, are available for each epitope. We demonstrate the utility of the new tags for both immunoblotting and one-step affinity purification of the regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome. The set of plasmids has been deposited in the non-profit plasmid repository Addgene (http://www.addgene.org).
Metal hydride thin film electrodes prepared by r.f. sputtering

Thin films of mischmetal-based hydrogen storage alloys were prepared by r.f. sputtering. It was found that manganese contained in the alloy significantly changed the crystallographic and electrode properties in good agreement with the results obtained for the bulk alloys.
Respiratory Tracking of Dichotically Presented Tonal Amplitudes

This study investigated the possible existence of a lateralized auditory sensorimotor integration system between amplitude modulations of a tone and respiratory movements controlling them. A dichot...
One phase growth of in-situ functionalized gold and silver nanoparticles and luminescent nanoclusters

We describe the growth and characterization of a set of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) as well as fluorescent nanoclusters (NCs) using one-step reduction (in aqueous phase) of Au and Ag precursors in the presence of modular bifunctional ligands. These ligands are made of bidentate (lipoic acid) anchoring groups appended with poly(ethylene glycol) segment, LA-PEG. The particle size can be easily controlled by varying the metal-to-ligand molar ratio during growth. We found that while high metal-to-ligand molar ratios promote the formation of NPs, small size and highly fluorescent NCs are exclusively formed when molar excesses of ligands are used. Both sets of NCs emit in the red to near infrared (NIR) region of the optical spectrum, though the exact location of the emission depends on the material used. The growth strategy further permitted the in-situ functionalization of the NCs with reactive groups (e.g., carboxylic acid or amine), which opens up the opportunity to conjugate these materials to biomolecules using simple to implement coupling chemistries.
Carbonyl compounds in rancid corn oil

Fourteen petroleum ether-soluble and 16 insoluble DNPH derivatives have been isolated from rancid corn oil and their properties discussed. Evidence suggests that n-undecanal and n-undecenal are among the components of the rancid oil.
The Keeping Qualities of Ghee

Summary Studies on the keeping qualities of normal and abnormal ghee, butter and butter fat showed that ghee and butter fat kept much better than butter or ghee containing added moisture. This suggests that the composition is a big factor in the keeping qualities of these products. The addition of moisture seemed to favor the deterioration of ghee more than the addition of protein. The flavor and odor of ghee which had developed a pronounced off condition were usually cheesy; in general the growth of mold accompanied the development of this condition. The most definite change in the fat constants during the deterioration of ghee was an increase in the acid values.
ANALYSIS OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN A MODERATELY THICK CIRCULAR PLATE AND AN ISOTROPIC ELASTIC HALFSPACE BY USING A MIXED-VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE

A mixed-variational principle is derived for the analysis of axisymmetric flexural interaction of a moderately thick circular plate resting in smooth contact with an isotropic elastic halfspace. In this approach, the transverse plate deflection, the bending moments and the shear force are treated as independent variables and are approximated by power series functions in terms of the radial coordinate and a set of undetermined parameters, which satisfy the boundary conditions applicable to the free edge of the plate. The undetermined parameters are evaluated by utilizing the stationary property of the derived variational functional. Numerical results are presented for various plate rigidities. It is found that, unlike the existing energy-based methods, the deflection and the flexural moments can be predicted by the proposed formulation with the same order of accuracy.
The Microwave Absorption and Abundance of Sulfuric Acid Vapor in the Venus Atmosphere Based on New Laboratory Measurements

New abundance profiles of gaseous sulfuric acid (H2SO4) have been computed based on the measured absorptivity profiles of the Venus atmosphere obtained during the 1991–1992 Magellan radio occultation experiments (975887;975887) and the 1974 Mariner 10 radio occultation experiment (975887). The Magellan abundance profiles are different than those previously reported by Jenkinset al.due to the completion of new laboratory measurements of the microwave opacity of gaseous H2SO4in a CO2environment. While these new experiments follow the same general procedure as975887;975887), a more accurate determination of the H2SO4to CO2number mixing ratio is obtained by using resonators with gold as opposed to silver plating to eliminate unaccounted-for chemical reactions. In addition, a significant reduction in the uncertainty of the absorptivities is achieved due to our ability to account for changes in the dielectric properties of the resonators when a lossy gaseous mixture is introduced into them. New power law multiplicative expressions for the microwave opacity of gaseous H2SO4in a CO2environment are presented. The opacity expressions at S- and X-band are then applied to the Mariner 10 and Magellan absorptivity profiles, yielding sub-cloud gaseous H2SO4abundances ranging from 10–14 ppm at the equator to 3–7 ppm at 67° latitude to 6–10 ppm at 88° latitude. The differences between profiles indicate both zonal and latitudinal variations in H2SO4vapor abundance.
The Initial Interview with Asian American Clients

When grouped with Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans constitute the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. In this article, the authors provide background information for understanding the diversity and commonalities within Asian American populations and discuss the challenges of initial assessment with clients who identify as Asian Americans. We conclude this article with guidelines for conducting an effective initial interview with Asian American clients.
Dependence on saturation of average minimum resolution in two-dimensional statistical-overlap theory: peak overlap in saturated two-dimensional separations.

Abstract A theory is proposed for the dependence on saturation of the average minimum resolution R * in point-process statistical-overlap theory for two-dimensional separations. Peak maxima are modelled by clusters of overlapping circles in hexagonal arrangements similar to close-packed layers. Such clusters exist only for specific circle numbers, but equations are derived that facilitate prediction of equivalent cluster properties for any number of circles. A metric is proposed for the average minimum resolution that separates two such clusters into two maxima. From this metric, the average minimum resolution of the two nearest-neighbor single-component peaks (SCPs) – one in each cluster – is calculated. Its value varies with the number of SCPs in both clusters. These resolutions are weighted by the probability that the two clusters contain the postulated numbers of SCPs and summed to give R * , which decreases with increasing saturation. The dependence of R * on saturation is combined with a theory correcting the probability of overlap in a reduced square for boundary effects. The numbers of maxima in simulations of 75, 150, and 300 randomly distributed bi-Gaussians having exponential heights and aspect ratios of 1, 30, and 60 are compared to predictions. Excellent agreement between maxima numbers and theory is found at low and high saturation. Good estimates of the numbers of bi-Gaussians in simulations are calculated by fitting theory to numbers of maxima using least-squares regression. The theory is applied to mimicked GC × GCs of 93 compounds having many correlated retention times, with predictions that agree fairly well with maxima numbers.
Recognition of S-adenosylmethionine by riboswitches

Riboswitches are regulatory elements commonly found in the 5' leader sequences of bacterial mRNAs that bind cellular metabolites to direct expression at either the transcriptional or translational level. The effectors of these RNAs are chemically diverse, including nucleobases and nucleosides, amino acids, cofactors, and second messenger molecules. Over the last few years, a number of structures have revealed the architectural means by which RNA creates binding pockets of high affinity and specificity for these compounds. For most effectors, there is a single class of associated riboswitches. However, eight individual classes of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and/or S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) responsive riboswitches that control various aspects of sulfur metabolism have been validated, revealing a diverse set of solutions to the recognition of these ubiquitous metabolites. This review focuses upon the structures of RNAs that bind SAM and SAH and how they discriminate between these compounds.
The clinician-educator--present and future roles

William Osler was not the first clinician-educator, but he established the tradition in North America.1 Interestingly, his students worked in the outpatient department at Johns Hopkins University.2 They were expected to evaluate and present their patients to Osler, and to follow them longitudinally. Osler appears to have placed great weight on the students getting to know their patients. Each student had a handful of patients and made housecalls. On the inpatient services, a team of residents and students worked under Osler or a member of his staff. Residents were semipermanently employed, and were more like junior faculty than the residents of today. Each resident had an assignment, such as work in the bacteriology or chemistry laboratory, or interpreting pathology specimens.2 If present-day generalists feel stretched, so it seems were their colleagues of a century ago, who were expected to master fields now considered to be far separated from internal medicine. The system of learning from cases under the directorship of a professor and his staff apparently replaced a loose apprenticeship system, and was consistent with the Flexner report. Osler's system still remains in place, influenced by the pressures of modern practice. But the remarkable strength of this system reflects its core virtues. We postulate that these core virtues are principles of adult learning, which is collaborative, involves actively solving problems, and is readily applicable to the future work of physicians. While medical learning over the following decades became firmly hospital-based, shortened lengths of stay with rapid turnover of patients in hospitals are beginning to truncate this learning. New trends, however, promise a new horizon, shifting the focus of learning to the outpatient setting. The trends, which seem inexorably in place, include treating the majority of everyday medical problems cost-effectively within outpatient settings, the consequent expansion of outpatient practices affiliated with academic centers, and the availability of large numbers of clinical faculty as teachers. These are the new clinician-educators, recruited to staff outpatient practices. The trend toward generalism is also clearly in place.3–8 Because the new practices are built around comprehensive primary care delivered by generalists, the most pressing need is to train future generalists, not only in larger numbers, but also more comprehensively.9 Clearly, there are magnificent opportunities now to bring the finest traditions of clinical teaching to the outpatient setting. There are also formidable obstacles that must be overcome. To a large extent, success depends on developing faculty as clinician-educators to carry out this task.
Dr. Romanes on Physiological Selection

IN his two latest articles dealing with this subject, Dr. Romanes has made certain statements as to my position in regard to it which call for a brief notice on my part.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling of oxidized aluminum thin films

Pure aluminum films have the highest reflectance among all metals in the far-ultraviolet (FUV) wavelength range extending from 120-230 nm. Unfortunately, aluminum is a highly reactive material and is only free of oxidation when deposited in an ultra-high vacuum chamber (p < 10-10 torr). Aluminum films prepared in high-vacuum (conventional) chambers (p approximately equals 10-6 torr) always oxidize regardless of deposition technique, deposition rate, and substrate temperature. Therefore, if a conventional chamber is sued for fabrication of aluminum multilayer devices based on theoretical designs, each aluminum film in the theoretical model should be considered as at least a two-layer structure of aluminum and aluminum oxide film.s Spectral performance optimization of an aluminum mirror is possible if the thickness and optical constant of the oxidized part of the aluminum film are known. Experimental results where XPS depth profiling was used to determine oxide thicknesses are reported.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Anti-minK Antisense Decreases the Amplitude of the Rapidly Activating Cardiac Delayed Rectifier K+ Current

Abstract The rapidly and slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ currents (IKr and IKs, respectively), which have different physiological properties, have been identified in cardiac cells from several species, including humans. Although expression of the minimal K+ channel protein (minK) cDNA in some systems results in a current resembling IKs, the role of this gene product in channel function remains controversial. In atrial tumor myocytes (AT-1 cells), no IKs is recorded, but minK mRNA is detected, raising the possibility that expression of the minK gene serves an as-yet-unidentified function. In these experiments, AT-1 cells were exposed to antisense oligonucleotides targeting the 5′ translation start site of the minK cDNA cloned from an AT-1 library. Cell size, IKr, and L-type and T-type Ca2+ currents were measured 24 to 48 hours after exposure and compared with data in cells exposed to the corresponding sense oligonucleotide or grown in medium only. Antisense oligonucleotide significantly reduced IKr ...
Spatial and temporal distribution of soil organic carbon in nonsorted striped patterned ground of the High Arctic

[1] The role of periglacial processes on soil carbon distribution is examined at a High Arctic site in northwest Greenland. A 16-m trench dug across a series of nonsorted stripes at Thule Air Base revealed sand-rich wedges underlying striped, vegetated troughs, and organic-rich soil horizons buried at depth. The site has sparse prostrate vegetation and is estimated to contain 9.4 kg/m 2 of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the active layer. The distribution of carbon is variable with nearly half (49%) stored in the sand wedges, which only account for 10% of the trench area. Additionally, 62% of the total SOC was found below 25 cm, highlighting the significant role of cryoturbation and physical redistribution of carbon in permafrost-affected soils. Carbon in the active sand-rich wedges dates from modem at the surface (65 ± 35 radiocarbon years) to 2695 ± 40 radiocarbon years at depth, and carbon turnover time appears to be ∼450 years. Buried organic horizons found at 50-70 cm depth have radiocarbon ages of 27,480-31,900 BP. A conceptual model is proposed in which the active sand wedges have developed in an approximately 30 ka surface containing buried soils preserved in permafrost or under a cold-based glacier. As the ice retreated and soils warmed, soil development and active cryoturbation resumed forming nonsorted stripes in the modern surface.
Right Ventricular Function in Patients With Severe COPD Evaluated for Lung Transplantation

Right ventricular function was measured in ten patients with severe COPD (mean FEV1 = 0.48 +/- 0.2 L/s) as part of an evaluation for single lung transplant (SLT). Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was determined by two methods: first-pass radionuclide scan by multigated acquisition (MUGA) and by using a fast thermistor tipped RVEF/volumetric pulmonary artery catheter. None of the patients had clinical evidence of active right heart failure, although mild resting pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure [PAP] = 24 +/- 4 mm Hg) that worsened with minimal exercise (mean PAP = 39 +/- 11 mm Hg) was present. There was a significant difference in RVEF measured by the two methods (mean MUGA RVEF = 57 +/- 10%, mean catheter RVEF = 27 +/- 8%; p < 0.00005). RVEF determined by both methods was correlated with hemodynamic and gas exchange variables obtained during rest and at maximal exercise. There were significant, yet inverse, correlations between RVEF measured by catheter and cardiac index measured during exercise (CIex), as well as with exercise pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI). There were no significant correlations found between MUGA RVEF and any gas exchange or hemodynamic variables. Significant correlations were found with the catheter-measured right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) and CIex (r = 0.9 p < 0.005), with maximal oxygen consumption during exercise (VO2max) (r = 0.86 p < 0.0025), with exercise stroke volume index (SVI) (r = 0.76 p < 0.01), and exercise central venous pressure (CVP) (r = 0.62 p < 0.05). Echocardiographic studies revealed right ventricular dilatation and mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in all patients. The strong correlation between RVEDV, CIex, and VO2max supports the concept that in these patients, as long as there is no clinical evidence of right heart failure (resting CVP still within normal limits), those with the largest RVEDVs use the Frank Starling principle to their best advantage to remain more functional.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
House price structure and market equilibrium

Abstract After the accumulation of empirical research on house price structure that has taken place over the last decade, a theoretical framework to explain observed differences in house price structure across markets is not yet well developed. To explain house price structure a model of market equilibrium has to be formulated that allows the derivation of comparative statics results. This paper presents such an analysis in the context of momentary equilibrium, with continuous spectrums of household types and housing types.
Divergent Effects of Glucocorticoids on Cortical and Trabecular Compartment BMD in Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

Glucocorticoid (GC) effects on skeletal development have not been established. The objective of this pQCT study was to assess volumetric BMD (vBMD) and cortical dimensions in childhood steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), a disorder with minimal independent deleterious skeletal effects. Tibia pQCT was used to assess trabecular and cortical vBMD, cortical dimensions, and muscle area in 55 SSNS (age, 5-19 yr) and >650 control participants. Race-, sex-, and age-, or tibia length-specific Z-scores were generated for pQCT outcomes. Bone biomarkers included bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and urinary deoxypyridinoline. SSNS participants had lower height Z-scores (p < 0.0001) compared with controls. In SSNS, Z-scores for cortical area were greater (+0.37; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.66; p = 0.01), for cortical vBMD were greater (+1.17; 95% CI = 0.89, 1.45; p < 0.0001), and for trabecular vBMD were lower (-0.60; 95% CI, = -0.89, -0.31; p < 0.0001) compared with controls. Muscle area (+0.34; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.61; p = 0.01) and fat area (+0.56; 95% CI = 0.27, 0.84; p < 0.001) Z-scores were greater in SSNS, and adjustment for muscle area eliminated the greater cortical area in SSNS. Bone formation and resorption biomarkers were significantly and inversely associated with cortical vBMD in SSNS and controls and were significantly lower in the 34 SSNS participants taking GCs at the time of the study compared with controls. In conclusion, GCs in SSNS were associated with significantly greater cortical vBMD and cortical area and lower trabecular vBMD, with evidence of low bone turnover. Lower bone biomarkers were associated with greater cortical vBMD. Studies are needed to determine the fracture implications of these varied effects.
The medial preoptic area is necessary for motivated choice of pup- over cocaine-associated environments by early postpartum rats

Converging evidence suggests that the motivation to seek cocaine during the postpartum period is significantly impacted by the competing incentives of offspring, a stimulus unique to this life stage. In the present study, the functional role of the medial preoptic area (mPOA), a critical site involved in maternal responsiveness, on processing incentive value of pup-associated cues and influencing response allocation for pup- over cocaine-associated environments was investigated using a concurrent pup/cocaine choice conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Early postpartum females with bilateral guide cannulae aimed into the mPOA or into anatomical control sites were conditioned, from postpartum days (PPD) 4 to 7, to associate different uniquely featured environments with pups or cocaine. CPP was tested on PPD8 following intra-mPOA infusions of either 2% bupivacaine or saline vehicle. In two additional experiments, the effects of intra-mPOA infusions of bupivacaine on expression of conditioned responding induced by environments associated with either pups or cocaine were examined separately. Transient inactivation of the mPOA selectively blocked the conditioned preferences for pup-associated environments, significantly contrasting the robust pup-CPP found in non-surgical and intra-mPOA vehicle-treated females. In contrast, mPOA inactivation failed to alter cocaine-CPP in postpartum females. When given a choice between environments associated with pups or cocaine, transient functional inactivation of the mPOA altered choice behavior, biasing the preference of females toward cocaine-associated environments, such that almost all preferred cocaine- and none the pup-associated option. The anatomical specificity was revealed when inactivation of adjacent regions to the mPOA did not affect CPP responses for pups. The findings support a critical role for the mPOA in mediating pup-seeking behavior, and further suggest that the competing properties of pups over alternative incentives, including drugs of abuse, rely on mPOA integrity to provide relevant pup-related information to the circuitry underlying the choice behavior between pups and alternative stimuli.
129I and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy, reversibility window and nanoscale phase separation in binary GexSe1−x glasses

Abstract The molecular structure of the prototypical chalcogenide glass system—GexSe1−x in the 0 x 1 3 range, has received much scrutiny over the years. These glasses have been probed by modulated DSC, Raman scattering, 119Sn absorption and 129I emission Mossbauer spectroscopy, and neutron scattering. The 129I measurements utilize 129mTe parent as a dopant in glasses, and reveal a bimodal (A, B) distribution of sites, with the site intensity ratio, IB/IA (x), tracking changes in glass structure as a function of x. At low x ( x > 0.15 , rigid regions nucleate at the expense of floppy ones, and the ratio IB/IA (x) reverses slope to display a global maximum in the 0.20 x 0.25 range. The latter coincides with the reversibility window usually taken as signature of self-organization of these networks. At x > 0.26 , these glasses enter a stressed-rigid elastic phase and in the 0.31 x 1 3 range nanoscale phase separate into Se-rich and Ge-rich regions. The signature of the latter is saturation of IB/IA (x) at a high value of 1.5 at x = 1 3 . 119Sn Mossbauer spectroscopy measurements independently support the picture of broken chemical order of the stoichiometric glass inferred from the 129I Mossbauer experiments. These observations using local probes are well correlated to Raman scattering, modulated differential scanning calorimetric and diffraction measurements.
Sexual intercourse precedes partner violence in adolescent romantic relationships.

Abstract Purpose To examine whether psychological or physical violence between adolescent romantic partners is associated with the sexual intercourse status of the couple. Methods This study used a nationally representative sample of 6548 adolescents 12 to 21 years old from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Variables of interest include violence between partners, whether partners had sexual intercourse, and demographics such as respondent’s gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Bivariate comparisons of proportions and logistic regression models were used to analyze data. Results Violent victimization was more likely to occur in romantic relationships that included sexual intercourse: 37% of the respondents reporting sexual relationships experienced at least one form of verbal or physical violence victimization, compared with 19% of those reporting relationships with no sexual intercourse. In relationships characterized by both sexual intercourse and violence, sexual intercourse was significantly more likely to precede violence rather than the reverse, regardless of type of violent act. Conclusions The covariation of violent victimization and sexual intercourse in adolescent romantic relationships underscores the need for health and sex education programs to integrate instruction and guidance on multiple facets of romance and sexuality.
Simulation of acoustic emissions from delaminations and cracks in plates of aluminum and graphite

The structural health monitoring of structures during active use (in service) has long been of interest to the NDE community. One technique uses passive ultrasound or Acoustic Emission (AE). However, the interpretation of the AE signals is difficult especially when the operator tries to distinguish between the growth of harmless micro-cracks and the development of harmful delaminations. This paper focuses on two types of structures, i.e., aluminum plates such as used in wing structures in aircraft and graphite plates such as encountered in aircraft disc brakes where carbon-carbon composite is used. The objective in this work is to distinguish the acoustic emissions (AE) caused by delaminations from those associated with microcracking. The technical approach is to use finite element methods (FEM) to simulate AE from sources represented by piezoelectric wafers embedded in the composites. In flat panels of graphite and aluminum-alloy AE waveforms were modeled from transverse cracks and longitudinal delaminations. The results show distinct differences in the amplitudes, durations and frequency content creating a potential avenue for distinguishing between these two flaw types.
Influence of the extent of hybridization on the hydrodynamic radius of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles

A combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic laser light scattering is used to investigate the relationship between the extent of hybridization on the surface of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles and the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of the nanoparticle. The hydrodynamic radius of the DNA−Au conjugate increases measurably only after ∼5−10 DNA hybridization events and saturates at its maximum value well before the surface is fully loaded.
Dissemination of rumor among retarded residents.

Retarded adolescents and adults in an institutional setting develop patterns of social communication that frequently surprise the staff as to their content despite residents' severe limitations of speech and language. The research and clinical literature (Ellis, 1963) is replete with information regarding the severity and handicapping nature of communication disorders among the retarded persons both in and out of institutions. The retarded person's verbal and nonverbal language difficulties are usually correlated with intellectual classification. There are problems in communication both with normals and with retarded peers. Among the institutionalized retarded persons who use conversational speech and language, the question about their effectiveness among peers within an institution arises. Weiss and Weinstein (1968) reported that the tactics most frequently used by the mentally retarded in th'eir interpersonal relation- . ships was asking regardless of the target. Usually only simple demands for communication are made of the retarded person. Our knowledge of communication patterns among institutionalized, trainable retarded persons is meager despite the fact that staff members interact daily with residents. In most instances, the staff member fills in the communication gap and does most of the talking. Rosenberg, Spradlin, and Mabel (1961) studied retarded children who used language at functionally different levels in dyadic situations. When two children of the same level interacted, there were many gestures and vocalizations. When the children were of different language levels, gestures and vocalizations decreased markedly. The greatest amount of physical contact occurred when two trainable children interacted. Of major interest within the social setting of an institution for the moderately and severely retarded is the nature of their communication channels when transmitting important messagp or rumors to their peers. How effectively do they relay information? What are' the links in the communication chain and how do they operate? To investigate one segment of social com'Murray, KY 42071.
Type I interferon signature is high in lupus and neuromyelitis optica but low in multiple sclerosis

Objective Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by selective inflammation of the spinal cord and optic nerves but is distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon (IFN)-β mitigates disease activity in MS, but is controversial in NMO, with a few reports of disease worsening after IFN-β therapy in this highly active disease. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), IFNs adversely affect disease activity. This study examines for the first time whether serum IFN-α/β activity and IFN-β-induced responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) are abnormally elevated in NMO, as they are in SLE, but contrast to low levels in MS.
The phylogeny of maze learning. (1) theoretical orientation

Summary o 1. A survey of studies of maze learning indicates two progressive series with respect to increasing rate and limits of complexity: ( a ) an invertebrate series from Annelida to Insects, and ( b ) a vertebrate series from fish to mammal. 2. There is no reason to assume arbitrarily the necessary superiority of all vertebrate to all invertebrate forms in terms of learning capacity. The previously troublesome fact that fishes and frogs learn less efficiently than cockroaches and ants, for example, is consistent with the morphological divergence of chordate and annulate stocks at a very early stage of metazoan evolution.
The sovereignty of the imagination: Poetic authority and the fiction of North Atlantic universals in Dionne Brand’s Chronicles of the Hostile Sun

In her 1984 poetry collection, Chronicles of the Hostile Sun, Trinidadian-Canadian author Dionne Brand examines the radicalism of the Grenada Revolution (1979–1983) vis-a-vis mainstream North Ameri...