cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental Pathways for Social Understanding: Linking Social Cognition to Social Contexts

Contemporary research, often with looking-time tasks, reveals that infants possess foundational understandings of their social worlds. However, few studies have examined how these early social cognitions relate to the child’s social interactions and behavior in early development. Does an early understanding of the social world relate to how an infant interacts with his or her parents? Do early social interactions along with social-cognitive understandings in infancy predict later preschool social competencies? In the current paper, we propose a theory in which children’s later social behaviors and their understanding of the social world depend on the integration of early social understanding and experiences in infancy. We review several of our studies, as well as other research, that directly examine the pathways between these competencies to support a hypothesized network of relations between social-cognitive development and social-interactive behaviors in the development from infancy to childhood. In total, these findings reveal differences in infant social competences that both track the developmental trajectory of infants’ understanding of people over the first years of life and provide external validation for the large body of social-cognitive findings emerging from laboratory looking-time paradigms.
Transthoracic atrial defibrillation energy thresholds are correlated to uniformity of current density distributions

Previous studies have shown that successful defibrillation depends on the uniformity of current density in the heart and the percentage of total current reaching the heart. This study uses an anatomically-realistic finite element computer model of the human torso for external atrial defibrillation to (1) examine the defibrillation energy thresholds and current density distributions for common clinical paddle placements and (2) investigate the effects of electrode shifts on these defibrillation parameters. The model predicts atrial defibrillation threshold (AD FT) energy by requiring a voltage gradient of 5 V/cm over at least 95% of atrial myocardium. This study finds that variation in electrode placement by only a few centimeters increases ADFTs by up to 46% with a corresponding change of 38% between the average current density in the left and right atria and 34% between the heterogeneity indices of atrial current density distributions. Additionally, the heterogeneity index, or degree of uniformity, is linearly correlated to the ADFT (R2=0.9). We suggest that uniformity of current density distribution, in addition to minimum current density, may be an important parameter to use for predicting successful defibrillation when testing new electrode placements.
Helical antiferromagnetic ordering in Lu 1 − x Sc x MnSi

Polycrystalline samples of ${\mathrm{Lu}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sc}}_{x}\mathrm{MnSi}$ ($x=0$, 0.25, 0.5) are studied using powder x-ray diffraction, heat capacity ${C}_{\mathrm{p}}$, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}$, and electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}$ measurements versus temperature $T$ and magnetic field $H$. This system crystallizes in the primitive orthorhombic TiNiSi-type structure (space group Pnma) as previously reported. The $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ data indicate metallic behavior. The ${C}_{\mathrm{p}}(T)$, $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$, and $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ measurements consistently indicate long-range antiferromagnetic (AF) transitions with AF ordering temperatures ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}=246$, 215, and 188 K for $x=0$, 0.25, and 0.5, respectively. A second transition is observed at somewhat lower $T$ for each sample from the $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ and $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ measurements, which we speculate are due to spin reorientation transitions; these second transitions are completely suppressed in $H=5.5$ T. The ${C}_{\mathrm{p}}$ data below 10 K for each composition indicate an enhanced Sommerfeld electronic heat capacity coefficient for the series in the range $\ensuremath{\gamma}=24$--29 mJ/mol ${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$. The $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ measurements up to 1000 K were fitted by local-moment Curie-Weiss behaviors which indicate a low Mn spin $S\ensuremath{\sim}1$. The $\ensuremath{\chi}$ data below ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}$ are analyzed using the Weiss molecular field theory for a planar noncollinear cycloidal AF structure with a composition-dependent pitch, following the previous neutron diffraction work of Venturini et al. [J. Alloys Compd. 256, 65 (1997)]. Within this model, the fits indicate a turn angle between Mn ordered moments along the cycloid axis of $\ensuremath{\sim}{100}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ or $\ensuremath{\sim}{145}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$, either of which indicate dominant AF interactions between the Mn spins in the ${\mathrm{Lu}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sc}}_{x}\mathrm{MnSi}$ series of compounds.
CURRANT: a current prediction software tool using a switch-level simulator

A description is given of CURRANT, a current analysis tool which generates current waveforms for the current flowing in the metal interconnections of VLSI circuits. CURRANT interrogates a switch-level mode simulator (i.e. RNL simulator for digital MOS circuits) and extracts information on resistance, capacitance, and node states for each transistor in the circuit. It creates a linked list data structure which represents the circuit and holds the extracted information. Transistor descriptions and current waveforms are generated by analyzing the RC equivalent circuit. The waveforms generated are suitable for predicting electromigration effects and include the peak and the area under the curve following the peak. The descriptions and waveforms are written to an output file for each time step in the simulation. Results show that the waveforms generated are within 10% of those predicted by SPICE. >
CO2 Activation with Bulky Neutral and Cationic Phenoxyalanes

The sterically crowded aluminum diphenolate (2,6-Mes2C6H3O)2AlEt (2; Mes =2,4,6-Me3C6H2−) was converted into the ionic species [(2,6-Mes2C6H3O)2Al]+[CHB11Cl11]− (6) by ethide abstraction with the silylium salt [Et3Si][CHB11Cl11] or by a combination of β-hydride abstraction and concomitant ethylene elimination with the trityl salt [Ph3C][CHB11Cl11]. Compound 6 consists of solvent-separated ions, and the cation features very short Al···C contacts involving the flanking mesityl groups, leading to an overall distorted-tetrahedral coordination geometry around the aluminum center. Analogous reactions with the diphenolate (2,6-tBu2-4-MeC6H2O)2AlEt (1) led to tert-butyl transfer to the benzene solvent to afford tert-butylbenzene as the main product. A 1:1 mixture of the triphenolate (2,6-Ph2C6H3O)3Al and tri-tert-butylphosphine forms a frustrated Lewis pair, which reacts with CO2 at room temperature to give the compound (2,6-Ph2C6H3O)3AlOC(O)Pt-Bu3 (8). The high Lewis acidity of 6 catalyzes the scrambling of the ...
Measurements, composition and behaviour of a large colony of the bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus

A study in Dorset, England, of a very large nursing colony of the common bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus provided some much needed basic taxonomic data for this species in the British Isles. Despite the fact that 389 of 429 bats caught were juveniles the measurements were demonstrated to be comparable to adults. The sex ratio of juveniles were shown to be 1:1. No adult males were caught. Amongst the 40 adult females, eight were nulliparous (never having had young) and the remainder had all given birth and were lactating or just post lactating. It appeared that at least some Pipistrellus do not become pregnant in their first year. It was estimated that this colony consumed a minimum of 100 kg of flying insects during July and August. The individuals tend to be 0·5 g heavier one year after weaning and a further 0·5 g heavier the following year. Adult females leave the nursery roost immediately after weaning and it was suggested that this may be to prevent competing for food with the juveniles. Behaviour in roost, upon emergence and in captivity is described.
Beta decay of 47Ca

Abstract A delayed coincidence measurement has shown that beta decay takes place between the ground state of 47 Ca and the first excited state of 47 Sc with an intensity of 0.11% within an uncertainty of about a factor of two. The resulting log f 1 t value for the transition is 9.5±0.3. The strength of this transition, as has been pointed out by previous workers, can be interpreted in terms of core excitation in the 47 Ca ground state.
Growth stimulatory precipitates of CA2+ and pyrophosphate

Inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) forms an insoluble precipitate with calcium in growth medium when its concentration exceeds about 0.1 mM. This PPi precipitate can reproduce the effects of 10% calf serum on all cell processes examined in Balb/c 3T3 cells, including hexose uptake and metabolism to lactate, 3H-uridine, and 3H-choline uptake, and the incorporation of 3H-leucine and 3H-thymidine into trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-insoluble material. Concentrations of PPi insufficient to form a precipitate are without effect on cell metabolism. The precipitates are most effective when prepared with concentrations of PPi just sufficient to result in precipitate formation and become considerably less effective as the PPi concentration increases, even though the quantity of precipitate formed continues to increase with PPi concentration up to 1 mM PPi. Precipitates formed at low PPi concentrations consist largely of Ca2+ (81% of cations), PPi (77% of anions), and Pi (23% of anions). Precipitates formed with higher concentrations of PPi contain proportionately less Ca2+ and Pi and more monovalent cations and PPi. We have distinguished cell surface-bound PPi from intracellular PPi by differential extraction. The quantity of surface-bound PPi increases sharply when the PPi concentration reaches the point of precipitate formation. If the precipitate is prevented from binding to the cell surface by inverting monolayer cultures in precipitate-containing medium, the cells are not stimulated. These findings suggest that the binding of PPi precipitate to the cell surface is involved in the stimulation of cell metabolism by PPi. PPi precipitates do not absorb serum mitogens or inhibitors from the culture medium, nor do they affect the binding of 125I-platelet-derived growth factor to its specific cell-surface receptor, suggesting that PPi precipitates do not act directly through either of these mitogen-receptor systems. In analogy to cell stimulation by epidermal growth factor and by antigens, we suggest that PPi may be active only in the form of a precipitate because multivalent binding of receptors with formation of clusters is required for stimulation. The inhibitory effects of high concentrations of PPi may be due to interference by free PPi with formation of active receptor clusters.
Synthesis of a New Tyrosine Analogue Having χ1 and χ2 Angles Constrained to Values Observed for an SH2 Domain-Bound Phosphotyrosyl Residue

Synthesis is reported of a new tricyclic amino acid, (±)-(rel-2S,3R)-2-carboxy-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-8-hydroxy-1,5-methano-3-methyl-3-benzazocine (2), which contains within its structure the elemen...
Electrochemical characterization of a microfabricated thick-film carbon sensor for trace determination of lead

An electrochemical sensor was fabricated by screen printing techniques. This sensor, coupled with stripping voltammetry, could provide a means for a relatively inexpensive on site detector for trace levels of heavy metals. The sensor consists of an electrode pair of graphite/carbon black working electrode and Ag/AgCl reference electrode printed onto a polycarbonate surface. Microscope observation of the working electrode shows considerable surface roughness. Cyclic voltammograms of ferricyanide and lead nitrate indicated that the electrochemical nature of the carbon working electrode and the reference electrode on the sensor were comparable to the performance of conventional glassy carbon and Ag/AgCl reference electrodes. Lead in the 10−6–10−9 M concentration range using linear scan anodic stripping voltammetry with identical deposition times resulted in a linear relationship between peak current and analyte concentration. Square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry is compared with alternative electroanalytical techniques and is shown to offer the advantage of rapid determination of lead in O2-containing solutions.
Verifying a demand system by simulation

Abstract An intriguingly small value of the asymptotic standard error of the estimate of the income flexibility inspired us to simulate the demand system. The procedure used should have more general applicability.
Brugia malayi: localization of nitric oxide synthase in a lymphatic filariid.

Nitric oxide synthase converts L-arginine to citrulline and nitric oxide, a gaseous signaling molecule critical to multiple physiological responses. Nitric oxide synthase was detected by Western blot analysis of Brugia malayi extracts using an antibody raised against a peptide from murine brain nitric oxide synthase. Using NADPH diaphorase staining and immunohistochemistry, nitric oxide synthase was localized in the parasitic nematode B. malayi. As in Ascaris suum, nitric oxide synthase was detected in the body wall muscles of adult B. malayi. This localization pattern is in agreement with the role of nitric oxide in the control of muscle tone in other invertebrates and in vertebrates. A novel finding was the localization of nitric oxide synthase in the oocytes, in developing embryos, and in spermatozoa. B. malayi nitric oxide synthase may play a role in developmental signaling, as has been suggested for Drosophila and Ilyanassa, a marine mud snail.
A semiautomated assay procedure for the determination of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity

Abstract A semiautomated assay procedure for the determination of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity is described. The assay system employs a Technicon AutoAnalyzer with a continuous filter paper attachment. A larger number of samples can be measured with greater accuracy, reproducibility, and more rapidly than the manual filter paper disk assay system.
Autonomic modulation of ventricular arrhythmia in cesium chloride-induced long QT syndrome.

To evaluate autonomic influence on arrhythmogenesis in an animal preparation of triggered activity, we gave increasing doses of cesium chloride (0.125 to 5.0 mmol/kg iv) to 24 dogs distributed equally among four protocols of autonomic intervention: control, total denervation, beta-blockade, and left stellate stimulation. All dogs underwent atrioventricular node ablation followed by ventricular pacing. A left ventricular endocardial monophasic action potential (MAP) catheter allowed for detection of "MAP early afterdepolarizations" (mEAD). mEAD amplitude was measured relative to MAP amplitude. Cesium chloride (CsCl) increased both MAP duration (132% after 0.125 mmol/kg to 188% after 1.0 mmol/kg; p less than .001) and mEAD amplitude (20% after 0.125 mmol/kg to 49% after 1.0 mmol/kg; p less than .001) in a dose-dependent fashion. All dogs exhibited ventricular ectopy at roughly equivalent doses (0.88 +/- 0.5 mmol/kg). Cesium's peak effect on MAP characteristics, sinus node automaticity, and systolic blood pressure coincided with the onset of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). Whereas control and denervated dogs developed VT after similar doses of CsCl (1.21 +/- 0.1 vs 1.12 +/- 0.14 mmol/kg; p = NS), none of the six beta-blocked dogs developed sustained VT. Conversely, those dogs having undergone stellate stimulation developed VT after smaller doses (0.58 +/- 0.34 mmol/kg; p less than .001) and with earlier onset (12 vs 30 sec; p less than .025). After 0.5 mmol/kg of CsCl, left stellate stimulation augmented relative mEAD amplitude compared with control (51% vs 38%; p less than .001), whereas beta-blockade had little effect (39% vs 38%; p = NS). Autonomic intervention as such can affect the arrhythmogenicity of CsCl and similarly alter MAP characteristics. Furthermore, as beta-blockade can prevent sustained arrhythmia without eliminating mEADs, autonomic tone appears to modulate the expression of mEADs as sustained VT.
An execution environment for reconfigurable computing (abstract only)

Although the benefits of software acceleration using reconfigurable logic have been demonstrated repeatedly, this style of computing has not yet penetrated the mainstream. One of the biggest unsolved problems is the management of the reconfigurable hardware in a multi-threaded environment. While most research in reconfigurable computing has assumed a single-threaded model, this is unrealistic for both personal computing and many types of embedded computing. In these cases, there may be several different threads running simultaneously. Each of these threads may have one or more sections of code (kernels) which would benefit from hardware acceleration. Somehow the operating system must decide at runtime which kernels to implement in software vs. hardware based on the status of the system. This includes potentially choosing from multiple possible hardware implementations (with different area/delay tradeoffs) of a single kernel. This paper examines our vision of reconfigurable computing applications in mainstream multithreaded systems, including a presentation of a proposed scheduling algorithm for allocating the reconfigurable hardware.
La OIT y el derecho de huelga

En junio de 2012, el Grupo de los Empleadores de la Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo cuestiono el principio, hasta entonces aceptado por todos, de que el derecho de huelga este protegido en virtud del Convenio sobre la libertad sindical y la proteccion del derecho de sindicacion, 1948 (num. 87). La autora analiza los textos fundamentales de la OIT, los debates sobre el Convenio y sobre el establecimiento del sistema de control de la Organizacion y su contexto historico, demostrando que desde la Conferencia de Paz de Paris los mandantes de la OIT reconocen un derecho positivo de huelga, indisoluble de la libertad sindical, de la cual es corolario.
AN ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SPIN-TRAPPING INVESTIGATION OF THE FREE RADICALS FORMED BY THE REACTION OF MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE WITH H2O2

The reaction of purified bovine mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) and hydrogen peroxide was studied using the ESR spin-trapping technique. A protein-centered radical adduct was trapped by 5, 5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide and was assigned to a thiyl radical adduct based on its hyperfine coupling constants of aN = 14.7 G and abetaH = 15.7 G. The ESR spectra obtained using the nitroso spin traps 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid (DBNBS) and 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP) indicated that both DBNBS/.CcO and MNP/.CcO radical adducts are immobilized nitroxides formed by the trapping of protein-derived radicals. Alkylation of the free thiols on the enzyme with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) prevented 5, 5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide adduct formation and changed the spectra of the MNP and DBNBS radical adducts. Nonspecific protease treatment of MNP-d9/.NEM-CcO converted its spectrum from that of an immobilized nitroxide to an isotropic three-line spectrum characteristic of rapid molecular motion. Super-hyperfine couplings were detected in this spectrum and assigned to the MNP/.tyrosyl adduct(s). The inhibition of either CcO or NEM-CcO with potassium cyanide prevented detectable MNP adduct formation, indicating heme involvement in the reaction. The results indicate that one or more cysteine residues are the preferred reductant of the presumed ferryl porphyrin cation radical residue intermediate. When the cysteine residues are blocked with NEM, one or more tyrosine residues become the preferred reductant, forming the tyrosyl radical.
'Shed' furin: mapping of the cleavage determinants and identification of its C-terminus.

The human endoprotease furin is involved in the proteolytic maturation of the precursor molecules of a wide variety of bioactive proteins. Despite its localization in the membranes of the trans-Golgi system by means of a transmembrane domain, it has repeatedly been reported to form a C-terminally truncated, naturally secreted form referred to as 'shed' furin. In order to identify the cleavage site, internal deletion mutants of increasing size, N-terminal to Leu(708), and subsequently individual amino acid substitutions were introduced, and Arg(683) was identified as the prime determinant for shedding. MS analysis determined Ser(682) as the C-terminus of shed furin, suggesting that monobasic cleavage may occur N-terminal to Arg(683). Alteration of Arg(683) directs the shedding mechanism to alternative cleaving sites previously unused.
Initial characterization of the organophosphate acid anhydrase activity of the chicken, Gallus domesticus.

Abstract 1. 1. Supernatant solutions from kidney and liver homogenates of the chicken. Gallus domesticus , were found to hydrolyze the organophosphate (OP) compound diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). The activity on DFP as substrate was heat-inactivated and was characterized for temperature and pH optima, enzyme kinetics, and requirements for manganous ion. 2. 2. Gel column chromatography indicated that the DFPase in both tissues is in the range of 82,100 to 93,300 D. This activity is strongly inhibited by N,N'-diisopropylphosphorodia-midofluoridate (mipafox). 3. 3. The chicken has organophosphate acid (OPA) anhydrase activity comparable to other eucaryotic sources in its ability to hydrolyze DFP. Although birds may not have paraoxonase activity comparable to mammalian species, they do not differ significantly in the ability to hydrolyze DFP and probably related compounds.
Self-administered programs for health behavior change: smoking cessation and weight reduction by mail.

Abstract Forty smokers and 47 overweight individuals were recruited for a home correspondence program for either smoking cessation or weight loss. Participants were assigned to one of four programs for changing their respective health behaviors: (1) a home correspondence program conducted entirely by mail, (2) the mail program with supplemental financial contigency contracts tied to completion of written homework, (3) the correspondence program supplemented both by homework contracts and by regular calls to a telephone answering system, and (4) a standard behavioral group program which acted as a comparison condition. Results showed that all three correspondence approaches produced significant changes in health behaviors equal to the changes experienced by participants in the standard group program. The implication of these findings for development of low cost programs for disease prevention are discussed.
Economic incentives for water conservation on the Monterey Peninsula : The market proposal

: Literatures on price-based urban water conservation and on market-based mechanisms to manage natural resources suggest that market-based management of urban/suburban water use may be feasible. A market-based proposal that emerged from a water shortage on California's Monterey Peninsula is presented. In the proposal, conservation incentives arise both from an ability among end-users of water to reduce consumption and sell use-rights to water, and from a penalty price for consumption in excess of one's use rights. The amount of water associated with use rights is capped and varies according to hydrological, meteorological, ecological, and other criteria. Requirements for further study of the proposal are listed, and the role that similar market-based mechanisms could play in urban water management is discussed.
Prediction of plasticity characteristics for three-dimensional fracture specimens comparison with experiment

Abstract A center-cracked panel of 7075-aluminum alloy which has over-aged from the T651 condition was loaded in tension and subsequently unloaded to zero applied load. The permanent surface deformation was measured close to the intersections of the crack front with the free surfaces. The permanent deformation (being a good indicator of the extent of plastic deformation) was used to measure the accuracy of finite element analyses. The same specimen was modeled using 20-node three-dimensional isoparametric elements. A fully incremental elastic-plastic formulation was employed in the stress analysis. The residual surface deformations after unloading were compared to the experimental results. The average experimental results compared quite favorably with the finite element predictions. The average results were employed to minimize the influence of material inhomogeneity, load misalignment and lack of symmetry in the fatigue crack. The scatter in the results from measuring the different sides is discussed.
GIBBERELLIN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ‘ALASKA’ PEA (PISUM SATIVUM)

A B S T R A C T 'Alaska' peas (Pium sativurm L.) grown under a 16-hr photoperiod at 20 4t 1 C and an 8-hr dark period at 16 i 1 C in their ontogeny exhibit two periods of sensitivity to applied gibberellin (GA), namely, prior to and subsequent to but not during the linear phase of stem elongation. This paper describes experiments conducted primarily with seedlings. Growth-saturating doses of GA, applied to dry seeds before planting (10-3 M) and to the shoot tips of 3-day-old seedlings (10,ug), evoked growth rates equal to the growth rate of etiolated seedlings. Sensitivity of seedlings to applied GA decreased with age through the first 2 to 3 weeks of development; by the time seedlings were about 14 days of age and had four elongating internodes they no longer responded to applied GA. As endogenous growth rate diminished late in ontogeny, the plants again became sensitive to applied GA. Growth response was used as a criterion for determining apparent translocation of applied GA. 'Alaska' pea seedlings appeared to transport GA, both acropetally from the cotyledons and basipetally from the shoot tip, to all internodes with remaining extension potential. Excision of both cotyledons at any time during the first 9 days of development caused a significant reduction of growth rate, and applied GA did not restore normal growth rate. No evidence was found that the cotyledons supply endogenous GA to the shoot axis in normal seedling development. It is suggested that the normal growth rate of light-grown 'Alaska' peas is correlated with the rate of synthesis of GA and that GA is rate-limiting for stem elongation during early seedling development and during the period of decreasing growth rate and onset of apex senescence.
Epilepsy self-management: a comparison of self-efficacy and outcome expectancy for medication adherence and lifestyle behaviors among people with epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to describe self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectancies toward medication, seizure, and lifestyle management behaviors among 108 adults with epilepsy. Participants responded to an adapted version of the Epilepsy Self-Efficacy and Epilepsy Outcome Expectancy scales. Modifiable behavioral risk factors such as confidence for following medication dosing schedule, planning for medication refills, coping with adverse effects of medication, getting sufficient sleep, avoiding alcohol, and obtaining social support were identified. A larger proportion of persons reported higher self-efficacy for medication management behaviors than for healthful lifestyle behaviors. Findings from this study extend previous research on chronic disease that showed that individuals may be adherent with medication therapy, but not with healthful lifestyle behaviors necessary for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Individuals with low self-efficacy would benefit from interventions that increase efficacy beliefs to enhance their ability to adopt and maintain good self-management practices.
Assessing the sequence specificity in the binding of Co(III) to DNA via a thermodynamic approach.

The interaction specificities of Co(III) with DNA were investigated via consideration of thermodynamic characteristics of the duplex to single strand transition for DNA oligomers incubated in the presence of [Co(NH3)5(OH2)] (ClO4)3. It has previously been demonstrated that incubation of the DNA oligomer [(5medC-dG)4]2 with this cobalt complex leads to coordination of the cobalt center to the DNA, presumably at N7 of guanine bases [D. C. Calderone, E. J. Mantilla, M. Hicks, D. H. Huchital, W. R. Murphy, Jr. and R. D. Sheardy, (1995) Biochemistry 34, 13841]. In this report, DNA oligomers of different sequence were incubated with [Co(NH3)5(OH2)] (ClO4)3 via protocols developed previously and the treated oligomers were subjected to thermal denaturation for comparison to the untreated oligomers. The DNA oligomers were designed in order to investigate the sequence specificity, if any, in the reaction of the cobalt complex with DNA. The values of Tm, ΔHuH, and Δn (the differential ion binding term) obtained from the thermal denaturations were used to assess the sequence specificity of the interaction. For all oligomers, treated or untreated, Tm and ΔuH vary linearly with log [Na+] and hence the value of Δn is a function of the Na+ concentration. The results indicate no significant reaction between the cobalt complex and oligomers possessing isolated -GA- or -CG- sites; however, the thermodynamic characteristics of DNA oligomers possessing either an isolated -GG- site or an isolated -GC- site were altered by the treatment. Atomic absorption studies of the treated oligomers demonstrate that only the DNA oligomers possessing isolated -GG- or -GC- sites bind cobalt. Hence, the changes in the thermodynamic properties of these oligomers are a result of cobalt binding with a remarkable sequence specificity. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 42: 549–599, 1997
Are the Jarvik Artificial Ventricles Limited By Inflow Resistance

The pneumatic total artificial heart has been assumed to be inflow limited. Mock circulation studies on the Jarvik-5 and Jarvik-7 artificial ventricles seemed to support this assumption because a Starling's response comparable to the natural heart was not achieved. Unfortunately, mock circulation studies do not separate the effects of valvular regurgitation from inflow resistance. By using a simple filling tank, filling times were determined for the Jarvik ventricles that were a function of inflow resistance alone. Theoretical maximum cardiac outputs based on these inflow resistance-dependent filling times were then calculated. For filling pressures around 5 mmHg and under modest diastolic vacuum of 5 cm H2O, the Jarvik ventricles yield a theoretical cardiac output as good as the natural heart's. Thus, inflow resistance is not a limiting factor and valvular regurgitation is left as the most likely cause of a less than optimal Starling's response on mock circulation and in vivo.
Mercury emissions from a modified in-situ oil shale retort

Abstract Gaseous Hg emissions were measured during the processing of a large modified in-situ oil shale retort (4×104 m3) in Colorado. A continuous, on-line, gas monitor based upon the principal of Zeeman atomic absorption spectroscopy was the primary analytical method. The on-line monitor technique was shown to be well suited for this application and compared favorably with an independent reference method which collects gaseous Hg by Au-amalgamation. Forty-two hours of on-line data were obtained over a 35-day period during the latter half of the retort burn. Hg emission rates in g day−1 were calculated from Hg concentration and offgas flow rate data. The predicted total gaseous Hg mass emission for the retort was 4 kg. Extrapolation of the data to a hypothetical modified in-situ oil shale facility with a daily production of 8× 1061 (5 × 104 bbl) of oil results in a projected emission rate of ≈ 8 kg day−1. This estimated value is higher than Hg emission rates recorded for coal fired power plants. Emission rates were found to be highly variable both within and between days. Factors which may limit Hg emissions from a modified in-situ retort are discussed. Adsorption losses to unretorted shale at the bottom of a retort are suggested as a major sink for Hg. Losses of Hg to the extensive offgas plumbing system may also be substantial.
X-irradiation of splenic lymphocytes. II. Differential incorporation of pyrimidine nucleotide precursors into DNA.

(1967). X-irradiation of Splenic Lymphocytes. International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine: Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 593-595.
A convenient conversion of primary amines into the corresponding halides — Radical promoted halodeamination via N-substituted-N-Tosylhydrazines

Abstract Treatment of 1-substituted-1-tosylhydrazines with 2 equivalents of NCS or NBS in dry THF in presence of light affords the corresponding alkyl halides in good yields. This reaction presumably involves the initial formation of a stabilized hydrazyl radical which is halogenated in a radical chain process. Elimination of p-toluenesulfinic acid and extrusion of nitrogen leads to the corresponding alkyl halide. This route provides an improved method for halodeamination under neutral reaction conditions.
China’s evolution toward an authoritarian market economy—a predator–prey evolutionary model with intelligent design

The following study, integrating public choice theory and evolutionary game theory, develops a predator–prey model with intelligent design to explain the “evolutionary-institutional perspective” that is a well-accepted premise in transitional economics. In the model, growth-oriented central government leaders are intelligent designers of institutional change, provincial and local officials are potential predators, and private firms are potential prey. The model finds that reductions in discriminatory policies are the major institutional contributors to China’s market miracle, whereas improvements in the rule of law and in the protection of private property rights are not needed for short-run economic growth.
Trypanosoma cruzi: Mechanisms of intracellular calcium homeostasis

Abstract Regulation of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis was characterized in epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi using the fluorescence probe Fura-2. Despite an increase in extracellular Ca 2 + , [Ca 2 + ] o , from 0 to 2 m M , cytosolic Ca 2+ , [Ca 2+ ] i , increased only from 85 ± 9 to 185 ± 21 n M , indicating the presence of highly efficient mechanisms for maintaining [Ca 2+ ] i . Exposure to monovalent Na + (monensin)-, K + (valinomycin, nigericin)-, and divalent Ca 2+ (ionomycin)-specific ionophores, uncouplers of mitochondrial respiration (oligomycin), inhibitors of Na + /K + -ATPase (ouabain), and Ca 2+ -sensitive ATPase (orthovanadate) in 0 or 1 m M [Ca 2+ ] o resulted in perturbations of [Ca 2+ ] i , the patterns of which suggested both sequestration and extrusion mechanisms. Following equilibration in 1 m M [Ca 2+ ] o , incubation with orthovanadate markedly increased [Ca 2+ ] i , results which are compatible with an active uptake of [Ca 2+ ] i by endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, equilibration in 0 or 1 m M [Ca 2+ ] o did not influence the relatively smaller increase in [Ca 2+ ] i following incubation with oligomycin, suggesting a minor role for the mitochondrial compartment. In cells previously equilibrated in 1 m M [Ca 2+ ] o , exposure to monensin or ouabain, conditions known to decrease the [ Na + ] o [ Na + ] i gradient, upon which the Na + Ca 2+ exchange pathways are dependent, markedly increased [Ca 2+ ] i . In a complementary manner, decreasing the extracellular Na + gradient with Li + increased [Ca 2+ ] i in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the calcium channel blockers verapamil and isradipine inhibited the uptake of Ca 2+ by greater than 50%, whereas diltiazem, nifedipine, and nicardipine were ineffective. The results suggest that epimastigote forms of T. cruzi maintain [Ca 2+ ] i by uptake, sequestration, and extrusion mechanisms, with properties common to eukaryotic organisms.
Program Specification Applied to a Text Formatter

Presentation of the fonnal specification of a small text formatter illustrates an approach to the construction of formal specifications. The key features of this approvach are described, and their beneficial influence on the construction and organization of specifications of tasks, especially those for which no concise descriptions are possible, are discussed. The intent is that in addition to serving as formal descriptions of tasks, such specifications will be of use in the processes of verification, development, and maintenance of their implementations.
A comparison of the indirect sympathomimetic actions of tyramine and acetaldehyde in isolated smooth muscle preparations.

Abstract Rat vas deferens and rabbit aortic strips were used in the present study to compare and contrast the mechanism by which tyramine and acetaldehyde produce contration in smooth muscle. Tetrodotoxin abolished contractile responses in rat vas deferens induced by transmural stimulation, but not by addition of tyramine or acetaldehyde. This indicated that the ability of tyramine and acetaldehyde to produce contraction does not depend upon propagation of the nerve impulse. The ability of acetaldehyde to release transmitter from the tissue was also studied and compared to tyramine in isolated rabbit aortae previously exposed to [14C]norepinephrine. Omitting calcium from the bathing solution did not alter the ability of either agent to release radioactivity from aortae. Similar amounts of [14C]norepinephrine and 14C-deaminated metabolites were recovered from the efflux media during exposure to acetaldehyde and tyramine. This finding suggests that these agents utilize the same pool of endogenous transmitter to produce their sympathomimetic effects. On the other hand, differences were found in the manner in which tyramine and acetaldehyde gain access to transmitter stores. The ability of tyramine to increase loss of radioactivity from aortae was antagonized by exposure of tissues to cocaine, ouabain, and cold (4°C). Acetaldehyde-evoked loss of radioactivity was not altered by these procedures. Whereas it is clear that tyramine utilizes the neuronal uptake mechanism, acetaldehyde appears to diffuse across the membrane by virtue of its lipid solubility in order to gain access to the same tissue transmitter storage sites.
Dispersions of electroabsorption susceptibilities: application to a polymeric Langmuir-Blodgett film

Abstract The relation between the dispersions of nonlinear optical susceptibilities χ(n)(ω;ω,0,…,0) and χ(n−1)(ω;ω,0,…,0) (for electro-optic process) of organic polymeric materials is studied based on the premises that the microscopic polarizabilities α, β, γ, δ, ... are derivatives of their next lower order polarizabilities, with respect to the effective internal field F across the polarizable π-conjugated systems, and that these derivative relationships are still valid when dynamic (frequency-dependent) processes are considered. Electroabsorption spectroscopy has been used to determine the dispersion of χ113(2) and χ1133(3) of a polyamic acid salt Langmuir-Blodgett film containing covalently bonded azobenzene NLO chromophores. The results are consistent with our prediction, and confirm the validity of the derivative relationships proposed by Marder et al. [Science 265 (1994) 632; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 116 (1994) 10703]. This LB film also gives appreciable values of both χ113(2) (26 pm/v) and χ1133(3) (2 × 10−11 esu).
Sensitivity of atomic force microscope vibration modes to changes in surface stiffness

Advancements in atomic force microscopy have led to the development of new measurement techniques that take advantage of the different vibration modes of the cantilevers. Each vibration mode has a different sensitivity to the variations in surface stiffness. The cantilever interacts with the sample surface through the tip of the cantilever. This interaction is approximated as a linear spring such that linear vibration theory may be used for analysis. This simplification restricts the results to experiments involving low amplitude excitations. For imaging, a single vibration mode is selected for feedback control. The image contrast is directly controlled by the modal sensitivity of the cantilever. Low-stiffness cantilevers have typically been unusable for imaging of stiff materials because of the lack of sensitivity of the first flexural mode. In this article, a closed form solution of the modal sensitivity for flexural vibration modes is derived for cantilevers with constant cross-sections. For cantilevers with other shapes, an approximate solution is developed using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. For given nominal values of surface and AFM cantilever properties, the appropriate mode for highest contrast may be predicted.
Green tea and irinotecan metabolism

About 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicines. The impact of possible interaction between green tea and conventional chemotherapy is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of green tea compounds on the metabolism of irinotecan, an important anticancer agent. Irinotecan is converted to NPC by CYP3A4 in in vitro liver preparations. The active metabolite SN-38 is inactivated to its glucuronide (SN-38G) by UGT1A1. Human hepatocyte preparations were incubated for 6 days with green tea compounds (EGCG, ECG, EC, EGC, 2 μM) and treated with irinotecan (100 μM, n=3-4) or SN-38 (5 μM, n=2, EGCG only) to evaluate the presence of enzyme induction. Irinotecan metabolite formation was measured by HPLC in the cell media. NPC production was chosen as the index of CYP3A4 activity. SN-38G levels and SN-38G/SN-38 ratios were chosen as the index of UGT1A1 activity in SN-38 and irinotecan treatments, respectively. Compared to controls, green tea compounds increased SN-38G/SN-38 ratios: EGCG by 3-3.9 folds in 3/4 preparations, ECG by 2.3-5.6 folds in 3/4 preparations, EC by 2.6-4 folds in 2/3 preparations, EGC by 2.8–4.4 in 2/4 preparations (t test, p<0.05). SN-38G production was also increased (1.8–2.2 folds) by EGCG in the two preparations tested (p<0.05). NPC levels were not significantly changed by green tea compounds. Green tea compounds might induce UGT1A1 without affecting CYP3A4. The effect of green tea on irinotecan pharmacokinetics should be tested. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P36–P36; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.136
Range-preserving AE(0)-spaces

All spaces here are Tychonoff spaces. The class AE(0) consists of those spaces which are absolute extensors for compact zero-dimensional spaces. We define and study here the subclass AE(0)rp, consisting of those spaces for which extensions of continuous functions can be chosen to have the same range. We prove these results. If each point of T 2 AE(0) is a G-point of T , then T 2 AE(0)rp. These are equivalent: (a) T 2 AE(0)rp; (b) every compact subspace of T is metrizable; (c) every compact subspace of T is dyadic; and (d) every subspace of T is AE(0). Thus in particular, every metrizable space is an AE(0)rp-space.
The effect of marijuana smoke exposure on murine sarcoma 180 survival in Fisher rats.

Fisher rats were treated for 28 or 60 days to multiple exposures to the smoke of marijuana or marijuana placebo cigarettes. Primary, secondary and in some instances tertiary tumor implants were performed. Murine sarcoma 180 tumor cells (7.5 x 10(7)) were implanted subcutaneously on day 1, 14 and 28 following initiation of smoke exposure (28 day studies) or on day 1, 14 after cessation of smoke exposure (60 day studies). Tumor areas were measured on alternate days beginning on the second or third day after implantation for 13 or 14 days. Exposure to both marijuana and placebo smoke for 28 days (6, 9 and 18 cigarettes per day) resulted in suppressed growth of secondary and tertiary implants. Administration of delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (50 mg/kg, i.p., 20 days) failed to suppress the growth of primary and secondary tumors. This suggests that noncannabinoid constituents of the smoke may contribute to the suppression of tumor growth. Exposure of rats to 9, but not 4 or 6, marijuana or placebo cigarettes per day for 60 days suppressed the growth of primary but not secondary tumors. Thus, the effects of smoke exposure appear to be lost by two weeks after cessation of treatment. The possible existence of a non-cannabinoid immunostimulant in the smoke is discussed.
The role of syntactic complexity in treatment of sentence deficits in agrammatic aphasia: the complexity account of treatment efficacy (CATE).

This experiment examined the hypothesis that training production of syntactically complex sentences results in generalization to less complex sentences that have processes in common with treated st...
Analysis of the double cleavage drilled compression specimen for interface fracture energy measurements over a range of mode mixities

The double cleavage drilled compression (DCDC) configuration has been analyzed using the finite element method. Mode I and mixed-mode configuration have been described and results presented for the energy release rate, the mixity angle and the crack opening displacement. The results have been expressed as simple analytical formulae having good accuracy. The application of the configuration to interface fracture measurements has been described.
Technical Note on the Determination of Free Lime (CaO) in Fly Ash

Many fly ashes contain free lime (CaO) and periclase (MgO) [1,2]. These two compounds, when present in excessive amounts, are known to cause soundness problems in portland cement [3,4]. Recent work [5] has indicated that the autoclave expansion of portland cement-fly ash pastes is related to the concentration of CaO and MgO in a given paste, free lime typically being more detrimental than periclase. The purpose of this technical note is to briefly discuss two methods that are currently available for determining the free lime content of fly ash, and to suggest a supplement to the autoclave test (described in ASTM C 151). The major drawback of the autoclave test is that it requires approximately two days to complete and therefore it would be helpful to have a quick chemical test that could be used to indicate the soundness properties of a given fly ash.
Transoral anterior decompression for treatment of unreducible atlantoaxial dislocations

Three cases of nonreducible atlantoaxial dislocation are reported. Transoral anterior decompression followed by posterior fusion was done with good results in all three cases.
Diffuse-Bound and Valence-Bound Anions of Cytosine

Diffuse-bound and valence-bound anions of cytosine have been examined with correlated, ab initio calculations employing large basis sets. Five structures of the cytosine anion have been considered for both kinds of anions. Adiabatic electron affinities of neutrals and vertical electron detachment energies were determined with perturbative, coupled-cluster and electron propagator methods. Basis sets with many diffuse, atom-centered functions were used. Among the five tautomeric cytosine structures, only the 1H-amino-oxo isomer is capable of forming both diffuse and valence-bound anions. Two imino-oxo isomers produce valence-bound anions with positive vertical electron detachment energies. The most stable neutrals, the amino-oxy tautomers, have adiabatic electron affinities that are negative with respect to both dipole-bound and valence-bound anionic forms. Valence-bound, amino-oxy anions are not even vertically bound with respect to electron loss. Diffuse-bound anions of the amino-oxy and imino-oxo isomers...