cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endocrine influences on the detrusor of male and female cats

The effects of ATP, adenosine (ADS), β,γ-methylene ATP (APPCP), norepinephrine (NE), and hypogastric nerve stimulation (HGS) on urinary bladder responsiveness have been studied in male and female cats. Recent studies indicated binding sites for estradiol and testosterone in the urinary tract of animals. Other studies have demonstrated that estrogen alters the effects of certain agonists in urinary tract smooth muscle, although the mechanism of this effect is not known. The present study was designed to determine if differences occurred in the response of bladder smooth muscle in male vs. female cats to various stimuli and if surgical or drug pretreatment alters the response. The results of these experiments indicate differences between the response of the urinary bladder in female and male cats to various stimuli and that various pretreatments can alter the detrusor response to selected stimuli. In particular, detrusor of female cats was less responsive to most stimuli than detrusor of male cats, including stimuli that induced inhibition of pelvic-nerve-evoked bladder contractions (such as norepinephrine) and stimuli which induced bladder contractions (such as ATP). Also, gonadectomy altered the response of the detrusor making it more responsive to purine inhibitory stimuli, while having a mixed effect on detrusor responsiveness to excitatory stimuli. Pretreatment of cats with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist also altered detrusor responsiveness, both inhibitory and excitatory agonists in a variable manner, increasing the magnitude of most responses. In addition to the above-stated differences, the data also proved to underscore some similarities in the response of male and female cats to adrenergic and cholinergic stimuli. These studies imply that sex hormones influence detrusor response to certain purinergic stimuli and that alteration of sex hormone levels by surgery or medication can impact lower urinary tract function.
The hemagglutinin protein of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses overcomes an early block in the replication cycle to promote productive replication in macrophages.

ABSTRACT Macrophages are known to be one of the first lines of defense against influenza virus infection. However, they may also contribute to severe disease caused by the highly pathogenic avian (HPAI) H5N1 influenza viruses. One reason for this may be the ability of certain influenza virus strains to productively replicate in macrophages. However, studies investigating the productive replication of influenza viruses in macrophages have been contradictory, and the results may depend on both the type of macrophages used and the specific viral strain. In this work, we investigated the ability of H1 to H16 viruses to productively replicate in primary murine alveolar macrophages and RAW264.7 macrophages. We show that only a subset of HPAI H5N1 viruses, those that cause high morbidity and mortality in mammals, can productively replicate in macrophages, as measured by the release of newly synthesized virus particles into the cell supernatant. Mechanistically, we found that these H5 strains can overcome a block early in the viral life cycle leading to efficient nuclear entry, viral transcription, translation, and ultimately replication. Studies with reassortant viruses demonstrated that expression of the hemagglutinin gene from an H5N1 virus rescued replication of H1N1 influenza virus in macrophages. This study is the first to characterize H5N1 influenza viruses as the only subtype of influenza virus capable of productive replication in macrophages and establishes the viral gene that is required for this characteristic. The ability to productively replicate in macrophages is unique to H5N1 influenza viruses and may contribute to their increased pathogenesis.
Methylene blue photoinactivation of RNA viruses

We present a review of the current status of the use of methylene blue (MB) photoinactivation of viruses starting with the first early observations up to its current use to inactivate HIV-1 in blood products. Basic mechanism of action studies conducted with model bacteriophages indicate that MB-photomediated viral RNA-protein crosslinkage is a primary lesion and that oxygen, specifically singlet oxygen, is very important also. Basic studies on the mechanism of action with HIV are lacking; however, we do show new data illustrating that viral reverse transcriptase inactivation per se cannot account for MB-mediated photoinactivation. We also show data illustrating that MB photomediates the inactivation of West Nile Virus, a flavivirus, which poses a significant new threat to the continental US. MB photoinactivation of viruses show significant promise because the technology not only offers significant potency but the history of safe MB use in human therapy makes it attractive also.
Combined observer-controller synthesis for uncertain dynamical systems with applications

Control of a class of nonlinear/uncertain systems is discussed using a variable-structure systems approach. Observations of the states of such systems is also considered. The natural extension to an observer-controller design is illustrated using a computer simulation example of a theta -r manipulator. Next, the problem of path planning is addressed using a combined observer-controller strategy. The aspects of hardware implementation of the proposed observer-controller are then analyzed. >
Pathogenesis of Torulopsis glabrata in physiologically altered mice

Torulopsis glabrata did not produce a progressive disease in unaltered mice but survived in their tissues for 8 weeks after injection. Infected mice treated with cortisone acetate showed progressive kidney involvement depending upon the dose of drug and the length of time of administration. Mice made diabetic, with alloxan monohydrate or X-rayed, demonstrated a proliferation of T. glabrata in their kidneys for 1–3 weeks after infection. Following this period there was a decline in the numbers of viable yeast cells.
Rhodopsin rotates in the visual receptor membrane.

Dichroism can be photoinduced in a frog retina once it has been fixed with glutaraldehyde. This dichroism is absent in the normal retina because rhodopsin is free to undergo rotational Brownian motion.
Gender differences in expected compensation for earnings uncertainty and skewness in business and education

Abstract Using data measuring the labor market expectations of college seniors and juniors, who major in business and education, this paper examines gender differences in expected compensation for earnings uncertainty and skewness. Ordinary least squares regressions indicate gender differences in uncertainty and skewness in business. Estimates of expected beginning salaries indicate higher uncertainty and skewness coefficients for women compared to men. This could reflect a greater degree of risk aversion by women in business or their plans to engage in part-time work shortly after graduation. Later salary estimates indicate lower uncertainty and skewness coefficients for women. Student error in estimating these salaries may be the cause of these results. They may also reflect the plans of women in business to devote more time to the labor market later in their careers.
Structure of a small-molecule inhibitor of a DNA polymerase sliding clamp.

DNA polymerases attach to the DNA sliding clamp through a common overlapping binding site. We identify a small-molecule compound that binds the protein-binding site in the Escherichia coli β-clamp and differentially affects the activity of DNA polymerases II, III, and IV. To understand the molecular basis of this discrimination, the cocrystal structure of the chemical inhibitor is solved in complex with β and is compared with the structures of Pol II, Pol III, and Pol IV peptides bound to β. The analysis reveals that the small molecule localizes in a region of the clamp to which the DNA polymerases attach in different ways. The results suggest that the small molecule may be useful in the future to probe polymerase function with β, and that the β-clamp may represent an antibiotic target.
Welcome to the Machine A Cardiologist’s Introduction to Protein Folding and Degradation

The price paid by the cardiovascular system for maintaining circulation is being a target of chronic forces that contribute to wear and tear. Cardiovascular tissues are in constant peril of damage from these stresses, and are dependent on highly conserved cellular machines for protection. The cellular environment is adapted to detect, repair and, if necessary, dispose of damaged proteins, in part because they are toxic to the cell. The molecular chaperone and ubiquitin-proteasome systems are the machinery that repair and degrade damaged proteins, yet little attention has been given to these systems in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Recent advances have brought protein folding and degradation closer to the forefront of cardiovascular biology. This review discusses these advances and presents new models for consideration of cardiovascular pathophysiology and therapeutics as problems of protein homeostasis. In most cases, all the information necessary for a protein to fold is contained in its primary amino acid sequence. The environment within a cell is particularly unfavorable for protein folding, however, because of constraints that occur during protein synthesis and the likelihood of intermolecular interactions that impede folding in a crowded cellular environment. An evolutionarily ancient system exists to prevent damaged or newly synthesized peptides from aggregating and to provide a microenvironment that facilitates their proper folding to a thermodynamically favorable active conformation. This system comprises the molecular chaperones, which are present in every cellular compartment to buffer and repair damaged proteins (the Table provides a partial list of mammalian chaperones). Mechanisms for removing proteins are equally critical to cellular function, and the machinery of protein degradation is similarly archaic. Although several pathways exist for protein destruction in eukaryotes, the ubiquitin-proteasome system is responsible for the majority of protein degradation and is the most tightly regulated pathway. View this table: Examples of Mammalian Chaperones and Their Functions The chaperone and ubiquitin-proteasome …
T-Lymphocyte—Activating Properties of Epidermal Antigen-Presenting Cells from Normal and Psoriatic Skin: Evidence that Psoriatic Epidermal Antigen-Presenting Cells Resemble Cultured Normal Langerhans Cells

Fresh and cultured human Langerhans cells display disparate functional programs, based on their capacities to activate autologous and allogeneic T cells, and with respect to their susceptibility to inhibition by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta). We have compared the functional properties of epidermal antigen-presenting cells (APC) procured from uninvolved and involved skin of patients with psoriasis with fresh and cultured normal epidermal cells. Freshly obtained psoriatic epidermal APC resembled cultured normal epidermal cells in their superior capacity to activate syngeneic and allogeneic T cells; fresh normal epidermal cells failed to activate syngeneic T cells, and induced only modest proliferation among allogeneic T cells. The modest T-cell--activating properties of fresh, normal epidermal cells were not suppressed by TGF beta, whereas the T-cell--activating potential of psoriatic epidermal cells, cultured normal epidermal cells, and blood APC was inhibited approximately 50% by TGF beta. Thus, fresh psoriatic epidermal APC resemble cultured normal epidermal cells functionally. Because these properties are already evident in cells obtained from uninvolved psoriatic skin, the "cultured" functional phenotype of epidermal APC in this disease may precede the appearance of active psoriatic skin lesions. Surface marker analysis of normal and psoriatic epidermal cell suspensions revealed that virtually all of the bone marrow--derived cells in normal epidermal cell suspensions were conventional (CD1+) Langerhans cells, whereas CD1+ cells comprised only a minority of bone marrow--derived (CD45+) cells in psoriatic epidermis. It is speculated that some of the CD1-, CD45+ cells in psoriatic epidermis may be Langerhans cells that have lost their "fresh" phenotype. These data indicate that an abnormality in epidermal APC function exists in psoriatic skin--even before clinical lesions develop, and we speculate that the abnormal capacity of psoriatic epidermal APC to activate syngeneic T cells may be important in the expression of keratinocyte pathology. Because psoriatic epidermal APC functions were profoundly inhibited in vitro by treatment with cyclosporin A, the effectiveness of this drug in psoriasis may be due in part to its ability to inhibit epidermal antigen-presenting cell function in vivo.
The case for prediction the Modified Desert Model of criminal sentencing.

This paper will argue the notion that what offenders are expected to do when they get out of prison is a legitimate concern in deciding how long to keep them in it. In terms popularized by von Hirsch and Hanrahan (1979), the Modified Desert Model of sentencing, which allows some role to such crime control devices as predictions of recidivism, will be argued to be superior to the unadulterated Desert Model, which does not. The arguments will be of both a negative and a positive sort. There will first be an attempt to demonstrate that the Desert Model, in its current state of development, fails to provide a selfsufficient scheme for assigning punishment to the individual offender. It will then be argued that crime reduction is not as irrelevant to the sentencing process as current liberal fashion would have it, but rather is an acceptable, albeit limited, determinant of the allocation of punishment. Finally, a preliminary decision-rule will be offered for determining which factors believed to be associated with recidivism should be taken into account in setting individual sentences, and to what degree. I would like to make clear at the outset that I am not in any sense advocating a return to unfettered discretion in setting sentence length, to indeterminate sentences, or to the primacy of predictive restraint. I pledge allegiance to the principle of commensurate deserts and to the sentencing reforms for which it stands. I feel sufficiently secure in my own credentials as a card-carrying justdeserter (Monahan & Monahan, 1977; Monahan, 1981; American Psychological Association, 1978), however, to suggest that it is not by desert alone that justice lives.
Role of inter- and intraparticle diffusion in nonuniform particle size gasless compacted powder combustion synthesis—II: results and comparison with experiment

Abstract Following Part I, the predicted results of a combined three-scale, specimen-level⧹particle-level treatment of gasless, combustion synthesis of intermetallics, for a system with specimen-level composition corresponding to TiAl3, is presented. It is shown that the intraparticle diffusion, modeled by a high reaction rate (i.e., primary-diffusion) regime followed by a lower reaction rate (i.e., secondary-diffusion) regime, determines the front structure and the propagation speed. The nonuniform particle-size distribution limits the availability of the reactants at a particle level, thus determining the extent of conversion to the final product and the maximum temperature. Experiments are performed for the aluminium–titanium system for two different titanium (higher melting temperature reactant) powder sizes. The model predicts a lower conversion than that observed in the experiments, indicating the importance of interparticle diffusion. There is good agreement between the predicted and measured variations of propagation speed and maximum temperature with respect to the average particle size.
Small cell carcinoma with neurosecretory granules arising in an ovarian dermoid cyst

A rare small cell carcinoma with neurosecretory granules arising in an ovarian dermoid cyst with 7 years survival after conservative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide is described. Light microscopy showed the typical uniformly small cells with hyperchromic nuclei and scanty basophilic cytoplasm within the mature cystic teratoma. Although none of the immunohistochemical stains were reactive, electron microscopy demonstrated the membrane-bound neurosecretory granules in some tumor cells. The related literature is reviewed and the issues concerning treatment options in this unusual malignancy are discussed.
Radiation heat-transfer model for fibers oriented parallel to diffuse boundaries

A rigorous derivation of the two-flux parameters is presented for the fibrous medium with fibers oriented parallel to diffuse planar boundaries. The analysis accounts for the fiber orientation and the effect of diffuse radiation on the scattering characteristics of this type of fibrous medium. Parametric studies were performed to show the effect of optical properties and size parameters of the fibers on the backscatter factor and the net radiative heat flux through the medium.
Status report on the ASTM E‐42 Committee on surface analysis

Committee E-42 on Surface Analysis was formed by the American Society for Testing and Materials in 1976 from its predecessor, Subcommittee E-02.02, to advance the quality of standard practices, standard materials, and reference data in the area of surface analysis. These objectives are accomplished through sponsoring symposia and workshops at the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy in the spring and the National Symposium of the American Vacuum Society in the autumn of each year as well as through the development of recommended practices, standard materials, round robin comparisons, and publications. Subcommittees which are currently active are Editorial, Terminology, Standard Reference Materials, Ion Beam Sputtering, Energetic Ion Analysis, Auger, ESCA, ISS, and SIMS. This report summarizes their progress to the end of 1983.
Similarities in ornithine decarboxylase regulation in intact and enucleated 3T3 cells.

Abstract The role of the cytoplasm in the regulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) has been examined in enucleated 3T3 cells (cytoplasts). ODC activity can be increased 15–25-fold by a cytoplasmic mechanism(s) in enucleates prepared from growing cells by treatment which lead to 50–75-fold increases in intact growing cells. Since the enzyme activity simultaneously becomes less stable in these cytoplasts as in whole cells, it appears this increase is due either to activation of pre-existing enzyme or increased synthesis. A biphasic increase during the first 20 h after stimulus is seen in cytoplasts prepared from growing cells which have been stimulated for the prior 5 h. The second increase in activity does not appear to be due to decreased degradation or conversion to a more active form. These results are analogous to those reported previously for intact growing cells in experiments which employed metabolic inhibitors, and similarly suggest that there is cytoplasmic control of ODC synthesis. Medium polyamines reduce ODC activity in cytoplasts with kinetics and characteristics similar to those previously reported for intact cells. These data are also most consistent with regulation of synthesis at the translational level.
Treatment outcome for flexible dosing buprenorphine maintenance treatment.

Background and objectives: Achieving the best treatment outcome with the least cost should be the goal for buprenorphine office-based treatment. Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective chart review to compare the treatment outcome for patients (n = 56) receiving high dose of buprenorphine (above 16 mg daily) and patients (n = 21) receiving moderate doses (8–16 mg daily). Results: The percentages of the first four urine drug screens (UDS) positive for opiates were significantly higher for the high-dose group than for the moderate-dose group (F = 7.93, df = 7, p < .0001). However, the percentages of the most recent four UDS positive for opiates were not statistically significant (F = .62, df = 7, p = .74). The difference in the percentages of the first and last UDS for the high-dose group showed significant reduction from admission to most recently but there was no significant difference for the moderate-dose group (t = 3.1, df = 105, p = .002 for the high-dose group and t = 1.1, df = 40, p = ....
Efficiency and Rationality in Organizations

Gibbons argues persuasively in Taking Coase Seriously (1999) that economic modeling offers a useful set of tools that noneconomists may employ to good effect in their research on organizations. His arguments are even more persuasive if it is understood that this brand of modeling lends itself naturally to one of the key theoretical problems facing such researchers - the need for a theory of aggregation, sometimes called a theory of action. Such a theory is necessary to link the behavior of individuals with properties of collectivites, such as corporations.
Effects of AM-to-PM Conversion of TV Transmitter on Video Signals

Incidental phase modulation caused by AM-to-PM conversion (carner phase shift) of RF amplifier degrades the detected video signal performance. Its effects are known to be different for different types of demodulators as well as for different signal types to be incidental phase modulated. This paper shows a simple and general analysis for any form of AM-to-PM conversion using derivative form and supposing the video signal to be relatively small. From the analysis, it can be seen how the video-to-video frequency response varies and how much of the lower sideband (LSB), once filtered, will emerge with respect to the amount of AM-to-PM conversion. The general equation to predict the differential phase (DP) and differential gain (DG) degradation caused by AM-to-PM conversion is presented, from which it is shown that there are special AM-to-PM conversion cases that cause no DP and/or DG degradation.
Elicitation of reactive oxygen species in Chlamydia pneumoniae-stimulated macrophages: a Ca2+-dependent process involving simultaneous activation of NADPH oxidase and cytochrome oxidase genes

Chlamydia pneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen implicated in the development and progress of atherosclerosis, is known to infect and survive in macrophages, despite macrophage producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). To gain insight into ROS generation in macrophages infected with C. pneumoniae and to explore factors accounting for their final levels and effect, we investigated the role of NADPH oxidase and cytochrome oxidase pathways in the production and modulation of ROS. We also determined the operational role of Ca2+ signaling in the process. Macrophages stimulated with C. pneumoniae exhibit early release of ROS via up-regulation of NADPH oxidase and cytochrome c oxidase activities. Increasing the dose of C. pneumoniae led to an increase in the expression of these enzymes’ gene production, which was accompanied by a significant up-regulation of their gene products, implying a probable activation of transcriptional and translational processes, respectively. The change in levels of free Ca2+, influx across plasma membrane and efflux from intracellular store into cytosol all exhibited a significant regulatory role on the ROS generation pathways in macrophages. The observed events were shown to be dependent on binding of C. pneumoniae to CD14 receptors of macrophages. The data reported here imply that macrophages infected with C. pneumoniae produce ROS through membrane-associated NADPH oxidase with oxidative phosphorylation levels depending on Ca2+ influx signals.
Palimpsest: dead technology as archeological record

Palimpsest is an artwork that scans discarded word processing equipment for snippets of accidental type. Images of these hidden letters are captured with a computer-controlled microscope that travels across the surface of a salvaged printer roller. Though meaningless individually, the many words that are revealed from a particular roller create a mysterious and suggestive text that hints at the device's former users and context.
An ion microprobe study of the intra-crystalline behavior of REE and selected trace elements in pyroxene from mare basalts with different cooling and crystallization histories

The effects of crystallization interaction on the trace element zoning characteristics of pyroxenes are analyzed using electron and ion microprobe techniques. Four pigeonite basalts with similar isochemical composition, but different cooling rates and crystallization histories are studied. Pyroxene quadrilaterals displaying crystallization trends are presented. The crystal chemical rationalization of REE zoning, pattern shapes, and abundances are examined. The data reveal that the trace element zoning characteristics in pyroxene and the partitioning of trace elements between pyroxene and the melt are related to the interaction between the efficiency of the crystallization process, the kinetics at the crystal-melt interface, the kinetics of plagioclase nucleation and the characteristics of the crystal chemical substitutions in the pyroxene and the associated crystallizing phase.
Earth-like sand fluxes on Mars.

Strong and sustained winds on Mars have been considered rare, on the basis of surface meteorology measurements and global circulation models, raising the question of whether the abundant dunes and evidence for wind erosion seen on the planet are a current process. Recent studies showed sand activity, but could not determine whether entire dunes were moving—implying large sand fluxes—or whether more localized and surficial changes had occurred. Here we present measurements of the migration rate of sand ripples and dune lee fronts at the Nili Patera dune field. We show that the dunes are near steady state, with their entire volumes composed of mobile sand. The dunes have unexpectedly high sand fluxes, similar, for example, to those in Victoria Valley, Antarctica, implying that rates of landscape modification on Mars and Earth are similar.
Emotional priming effects during Stroop task performance

The ability to make decisions within an emotional context requires a balance between two functionally integrated neural systems that primarily support executive control and affective processing. Several studies have demonstrated effects of emotional interference presented during an ongoing cognitive task, but it is unclear how activating the emotional circuitry prior to a cognitive task may enhance or disrupt the executive system. In this study we used fMRI to examine the effects of emotional priming on executive processing during a number Stroop task. Our results indicated that during trials with less executive requirements, there was a greater aversive emotional attenuation effect in a network of regions including the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC), insula and cingulate gyrus. This attenuation effect was counteracted during trials with increased executive demand, suggesting that while pre-activation of the emotional system may lead to an automatic attenuation of activity in multiple regions, requirements for executive function may override the aversive emotional attenuation effect. Furthermore, this override effect was found to be associated with faster reaction times during executive processing. These findings demonstrate that activity in the vlPFC, cingulate and insula is dynamically adjusted in order to optimize performance, and illustrate the importance of the timing of each system's engagement in determining how competing cognitive and emotional information is processed.
E-042 Use of Flow Diverters in Vessels less than 2.5 mm during Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment

Introduction/purpose Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is currently indicated for treatment of large and complex intracranial aneurysms centerd along the cavernous/intradural segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) proximal to the Posterior Communicating (PCom) artery. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of flow diversion treatment in unruptured complex aneurysms centerd along small vessel branches of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Materials and methods From August 2013 to December 2013, a total of 3 intracranial aneurysms located along small vessel branches of the anterior circulation in 3 patients (1 man and 2 women; age range, 60–71 years; mean age, 64.6 years) were treated with pipeline embolization device (PED) at our institution. In 2 patients the aneurysms were incidentally found during cerebral angiogram exam performed for additional unruptured intracranial aneurysm treatment planning; in the other case the aneurysm was prior source of a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The parent vessel size ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 mm, mean 2 mm. Location of the aneurysms was as follows: 2 aneurysms centerd along the pericallosal artery (1 left, 1 right), branch of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and 1 aneurysm located on the right angular artery, branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In the patient group no family history for intracranial aneurysm is reported. Aneurysms ranged from 2.5 to 3.7 mm in maximal diameter. The technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcome were evaluated. At 6 month follow-up (1 patient) was noted a complete right angular artery aneurysm obliteration, with mild in-PED intimal hyperplasia. Results In every case, endovascular treatment was achieved. Immediate angiography demonstrated a intra-aneurysmal contrast stagnation, with parent artery preservation. No major or minor procedure-related complications were noticed. None of the treated aneurysms experienced bleeding or thrombo-embolic complication intra-, post procedurally or on follow-up. Conclusion Although the experience is limited by the small volume of cases treated with PED for unruptured complex aneurysms centerd along less than 2.5 mm vessel branches of the anterior circulation, the procedure was noted to be a feasible, safe and effective method to obtain aneurysm occlusion without parent vessel occlusion. Disclosures A. Puri: None. F. Massari: None. S. Hou: None. M. Perras: None. C. Brooks: None. C. Stout: None. M. Gounis: None. A. Wakhloo: None.
Strong Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Highly Emissive Terbium Complexes in Aqueous Solution.

Two luminescent terbium(III) complexes have been prepared from chiral ligands containing 2-hydroxyisophthalamide (IAM) antenna chromophores and their non-polarized and circularly-polarized luminescence properties have been studied. These tetradentate ligands, which form 2:1 ligand/Tb{sup III} complexes, utilize diaminocyclohexane (cyLI) and diphenylethylenediamine (dpenLI) backbones, which we reasoned would impart conformational rigidity and result in Tb{sup III} complexes that display both large luminescence quantum yield ({phi}) values and strong circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) activities. Both Tb{sup III} complexes are highly emissive, with {phi} values of 0.32 (dpenLI-Tb) and 0.60 (cyLI-Tb). Luminescence lifetime measurements in H{sub 2}O and D{sub 2}O indicate that while cyLI-Tb exists as a single species in solution, dpenLI-Tb exists as two species: a monohydrate complex with one H{sub 2}O molecule directly bound to the Tb{sup III} ion and a complex with no water molecules in the inner coordination sphere. Both cyLI-Tb and dpenLI-Tb display increased CPL activity compared to previously reported Tb{sup III} complexes made with chiral IAM ligands. The CPL measurements also provide additional confirmation of the presence of a single emissive species in solution in the case of cyLI-Tb, and multiple emissive species in the case of dpenLI-Tb.
The interaction of experiments and ideas: A BSCS-second course

The BSCS second course was developed by a team of university biologists and high school biology teachers and has been tested in high schools over a three year period. After a revision of the materials in the slimmer of 1964 they will be prepared for release in August 1965 by Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. This article describes the experimental edition of the second course.
The influence of coherence in CePtSi

Abstract In order to investigate the recently observed “coherence” effect of the non-f-atom site in CeCu 2 Si 2 , we present here a similar study on CePt 1− x Ni x Si to investigate further if there is a universal role of coherence in heavy fermion systems. Although the work on CeCu 2 Si 2 could not decide between the two possible explanations, our results tend to favor a Kondo resonance instead of a magnetic correlation model to describe the high effective mass.
Systematic review of diarrhea duration and severity in children and adults in low- and middle-income countries.

After the publication of this work [1], we became aware that we had incorrectly cited the number of diarrhea cases for 2005 among individuals 5-15 years and [greater than or equal to] 16 years reported by Fischer Walker et al [2]. We estimate that of the 2.115 billion episodes of diarrhea among individuals [greater than or equal to] 16 years in 2005 [2], 2.009 billion episodes were mild (95%); 104.7 million were moderate (4.95%); and 1.1 million were severe (0.05%). Of the estimated 699.2 million diarrhea episodes among children 5-15 years of age in 2005 [2], an estimated 664.2 million were mild (95%); 34.6 million were moderate (4.95%); and 350,000 were severe (0.05%).
“On-Line to Healthy Weighs”: Employed Women's Responses to Electronic Messages on Weight Management

Abstract Eight short messages on weight management were sent to female university employees to assess their responses to use of electronic mail (e-mail) compared to fact sheets sent by campus mail. An evaluation questionnaire was completed by 181 women (mean age 48 ± 13 years) who had received the 4-week “On–Line to Healthy Weighs” series. Forty-one percent of respondents reported that their knowledge increased “a little bit” while 42% indicated that the messages reinforced what they already knew. Respondents reported adopting an average of 2.5 ± 2.2 out of 6 diet and exercise behaviors promoted by the messages. Rate of adoption was not significantly related to delivery method. Of the women who received campus mail messages as well as weekly e-mail “bytes” of additional information, 39% agreed that they would “rather read electronic mail about healthy eating than printed fact sheets”; 29% were neutral, and 32% disagreed.
Hox and paraHox genes from the anthozoan Parazoanthus parasiticus.

We surveyed the genome of the Caribbean zoanthid Parazoanthus parasiticus for Hox and paraHox genes, and examined gene expression patterns for sequences we uncovered. Two Hox genes and three paraHox genes were identified in our surveys. The Hox genes belong to anterior and posterior classes. In phylogenetic analyses, the anterior Hox sequence formed an anthozoan-specific cluster that appears to be a second class of cnidarian anterior Hox gene. The presence of an anterior Gsx-like paraHox gene supports the hypothesis that duplication of a protoHox gene family preceded the divergence of the Cnidaria and bilaterians. The presence of two Mox class paraHox genes in P. parasiticus deserves further attention. Expression analysis using RT-PCR, indicated that one Mox gene and the anterior paraHox gene are not expressed in adult tissue, whereas the other three sequences are expressed in both dividing and unitary polyps. Dividing polyps showed slightly lower Ppox1 (i.e., Mox) expression levels. Our data add to the number of published anthozoan sequences, and provide additional detail concerning the evolutionary significance of cnidarian Hox and paraHox genes.
Cataract surgery in patients with nanophthalmos: results and complications.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications of cataract surgery in patients with nanophthalmos. Setting: University hospital practice. Methods: The records of consecutive patients with nanophthalmos who had cataract surgery from 1978 through 2002 were reviewed for ocular diagnoses, corneal diameter, keratometry, axial length, retinal–choroidal–scleral thickness determined by echography, ocular surgeries, visual acuity, and complications. Results: Eight patients (6 women, 2 men) with a mean age of 59 years were reviewed. Four patients were not previously diagnosed with nanophthalmos; increased retinal–choroidal–scleral thickness (mean 2.41 mm) confirmed the diagnosis. Twelve eyes had cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, 11 by phacoemulsification and 1 by extracapsular cataract extraction, and 4 eyes had lamellar scleral resections. Additional surgeries included glaucoma laser treatment (8 eyes), cyclocryotherapy (2 eyes), trabeculectomy with scleral resection (1 eye), trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification (1 eye), and neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy (4 eyes). No eye lost vision; however, complications included severe iritis, broken IOL haptic with vitreous loss, posterior capsule opacity, choroidal hemorrhage, phthisis, and aqueous misdirection. Conclusions: Results indicate that echography should be used to assess retinal–choroidal–scleral thickness in eyes that are hyperopic and at risk for narrow-angle glaucoma. Thickening may confirm the diagnosis of nanophthalmos and allow careful preoperative assessment and appropriate operative procedures in these high-risk eyes. With advances in cataract, glaucoma, and uveal effusion treatments, surgical results in patients with nanophthalmos are improving.
A parallel and efficient algorithm for multicompartment neuronal modelling

An important metric for simulation algorithms used in compartment modelling is computation efficiency. One algorithmic achievement in efficiency is the Hines method, which substantially reduces the computation cost of solving a system of linear equations arising in each time step of implicit time integration. However, the Hines method does not work for circuits containing gap-junction loops. In this paper, we propose an algorithm with which the Hines method extends its applicability to loop-containing circuits with efficiency almost the same as that of the Hines method for loop-free circuits. Furthermore, our algorithm has good parallelism, promising effective utilization of parallel computing power for large-scale simulations.
Enumeration of finite commutative chain rings

Abstract A chain ring is an associative, commutative ring with an identity whose ideals form a chain. We associate with each finite chain ring five invariants (integers) and determine (in certain cases) the number of isomorphism classes of rings with given invariants. These results yield immediate corollaries for Pappian Hjelmslev planes which are coordinatized by such rings.
Propagation of multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Orgyia pseudotsugata in larvae of Trichoplusia ni

Abstract The multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (OpMNPV) of Orgyia pseudotsugata (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) was adapted by serial passage to a substitute host, Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). During the first five virus passages, we found only localized lesions in fat body and epidermis of infected T. ni larvae. Disseminated lesions were observed in the sixth passage. Systemic fat body, tracheal, and epidermal lesions typical of nuclear polyhedrosis appeared in the seventh passage. The adapted virus (OpMNPV-Tn) maintained the high virulence of OpMNPV for larvae of the natural host, O. pseudotsugata. After one reverse passage in O. pseudotsugata, the virulence of OpMNPV-Tn for the natural host increased to tenfold that of technical-grade OpMNPV. The reverse-passaged virus had the highest activity in O. pseudotsugata thus far observed in our laboratory. The DNA profile of OpMNPV by five restriction endonucleases was maintained upon passage in T. ni. Because T. ni has many advantages over the natural host for propagation of OpMNPV, we performed several small-scale virus production trials and computed average virus yields. Presently, the average yield of OpMNPV per T. ni larva is lower than expected for larvae of this size. The substitute host, however, offers a continuous and abundant supply of nondiapausing eggs and has a very brief life cycle. For large-scale production, these advantages outweigh the reduced virus yield.
Helping people find what they don't know

Imagine you are performing a task while interacting with a service hosted on the Internet or with an automated speech recognition mobile phone service. What if during your interaction with this service, a machine makes a recommendation suggesting how you could better perform your current task? An important problem relating to personalization concerns understanding how a machine can help an individual user via suggesting recommendations.
On-Orbit Operational Range Computation Using Gauss's Variational Equations with J2 Perturbations

Aircraft operational range, the distance an aircraft can travel with a fixed quantity of fuel, is an intuitive measure that provides strategic and tactical insight to the end user. Currently, there is no rigorously defined and derived operational range measure for on-orbit spacecraft operations with which to inform strategic decisions and planning. This paper illustrates how operational range may be computed in the context of orbital motion using optimal control theory and how existing results in reachability set computation may be leveraged. The solution method presented incidentally solves the free-time minimum-impulse full orbit-element transfer problem under J2 perturbations. The derived optimal control policy reproduces known optimal free-time minimum Δv basis maneuvers. The methodology presented is shown to have the capability to exactly capture the minimum-fuel free-time operational range volumes, although numerical solution algorithm errors persist. The approach is validated using known minimum-fu...
PCR-based quantitation of low levels of HIV-1 DNA by using an external standard

Abstract Beginning with 10 3 −10 5 molecules of a purified HIV-1 target sequence as a starting template, we have examined the effects of starting template concentration and cycle number on the amplification efficiency of the polymerase chain reaction. An external standard DNA sequence has been designed that when added to a DNA sample enables a determination of the starting concentration of HIV-1 target sequence in that sample of DNA. Varying ratios of external standard and target DNA sequences were amplified for 22 cycles. When the starting concentration of the external standard was within 50-fold of the starting concentration of the target, the amplifications of both sequences were proportional. These same results were obtained when the two templates were amplified in the presence of an excess of heterogeneous genomic DNA. Using this quantitative method, the number of starting target molecules in a DNA sample can be calculated to within a two-fold range of accuracy.
Systematic review: tolerable amount of gluten for people with coeliac disease.

Summary Background The threshold amount of gluten in ‘gluten-free’ products that can be tolerated by people with coeliac disease is unclear. Aim To investigate the threshold amount of gluten and the threshold concentration of gluten in food products that can be tolerated by people with coeliac disease. Design Systematic review of studies published between 1966 and May 2007. Methods The data sources used were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and reference lists of retrieved articles. We included studies that evaluated the amount of dietary gluten or the concentrations of gluten in food products that can be tolerated by people with coeliac disease whatever their design, method or language of publication. Results Thirteen studies (three randomized controlled, one cohort, two crossover, and seven cross-sectional) met the inclusion criteria. The daily amount of tolerable gluten varied widely between studies. Whilst some patients tolerated an average of 34–36 mg of gluten per day, other patients who consumed about 10 mg of gluten per day developed mucosal abnormalities. The effect of the consumption of ‘gluten-free’ products with different degrees of gluten contamination was also inconsistent. Conclusions The amount of tolerable gluten varies among people with coeliac disease. Although there is no evidence to suggest a single definitive threshold, a daily gluten intake of <10 mg is unlikely to cause significant histological abnormalities.
Investigation of Mass Flows beneath a Sunspot by Time-Distance Helioseismology

A time-distance helioseismic technique is employed to analyze a set of high-resolution Dopplergram observations of a large sunspot by SOHO/MDI on 1998 June 18. A regularized, damped least-squares inversion is applied to the measurements of travel times to infer mass flows around the sunspot below the solar surface. Powerful converging and downward directed flows are detected at depths of 1.5-5 Mm, which may provide observational evidence for the downdrafts and vortex flows that were suggested by Parker for a cluster model of sunspots. Strong outflows extending more than 30 Mm are found below the downward and converging flows. It is suggested that the sunspot might be a relatively shallow phenomenon, with a depth of 5-6 Mm, as defined by its thermal and hydrodynamic properties. A strong mass flow across the sunspot is found at depths of 9-12 Mm, which may provide more evidence in support of the cluster model, as opposed to the monolithic sunspot model. We suggest that a new magnetic emergence that was found 5 hr after our analysis period is related to this mass flow.
Morphological processing for features extraction

In this paper a morphological features extraction algorithm referred to as a morphological scanning edge detector (MSED) is presented. MSED consists of three cascaded processes which are filtering, detecting and scanning. First, a robust morphological filtering process is used to reduce noise in the image without disrupting the edge structures. Then, in the detecting process, two intermediate images are derived by manipulating the filtered image morphologically; one is the difference between dilation and closing, and the other is the difference between opening and erosion. Finally, from these two images, edge positions and strength are located and marked using a scanning process. This scanning process involves the proper selection of thresholding values for feature enhancement. MSED treats various signal features such as step, ramp, ridge, corner, and junction differently. Hence a tailored scanning process can be designed to detect a particular structure. Experimental results are provided to show the effectiveness of the MSED in detecting different image features.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A model of stressed liquid crystals: close-packed, shaped liquid crystal droplets inside a sheared polymer matrix

Stressed liquid crystals (SLCs) have been applied in fields such as optical phase array non-mechanical beam steering applications, adaptive optical tip-tilt correction, and fast displays because SLCs are capable of switching large phase shift in sub-millisecond time ranges. SLCs consist of liquid crystal micro-domains dispersed in a stressed polymer matrix. In this paper, we propose a model of close-packed, shaped liquid crystal droplets inside a sheared polymer matrix based upon the measurements of polarizing microscopy, fluorescence confocal microscopy, and visible-near-infrared spectroscopy. The light scattering of SLC films results mostly from the index mismatch between adjacent liquid crystal domains instead of the index mismatch between polymer matrices and liquid crystals as in traditional polymer dispersed liquid crystals. We show how the light scattering of SLC cells is greatly reduced upon shearing because the liquid crystal domains are aligned along the direction of shearing. The stretching of polymer matrices and the reshaping of liquid crystal domains upon shearing are confirmed by fluorescence confocal microscopy. The calculations of the electro-optic responses are based on the balance between the elastic torque and the electric field torque. Our experimental results support the calculations.