cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multienzyme systems of DNA replication.

Replication is accomplished by multienzyme systems whose operations are usefully considered in respect to three stages of the process: initiation, elongation, anid termination. 1) Initiation entails synthesis of a short RNA fragment that serves as primer for the elongation step of DNA synthesis. This stage, probed by SS phage DNA templates, reveals three distinctive and highly specific systems in E. coli. The Ml3 DNA utilizes RNA polymerase in a manner that may reflect how plasmid elements are replicated in the cell. The OX174 DNA does not rely on RNA-polymerase, but requires instead five distinctive proteins which may belong to an apparatus for initiating a host chromosome replication cycle at the origin. The G4 DNA, also independent of RNA polymerase, needs simply the dnaG protein for its distinctive initiation and may thus resemble the system that initiates the replication fragments at the nascent growing fork. In each case it is essential that in vitro the DNA-unwinding protein coat the viral DNA and influence its structure. 2) Elongation is achieved in every case by the multisubunit, holoenzyme form of DNA polymerase III. Copolymerase III, which is an enzyme subunit, and adenosine triphosphate are required to form a proper complex with the primer template but appear dispensable for the ensuing chain growth by DNA polymerase (33). 3) Termination requires excision of the RNA priming fragment, filling of gaps and sealing of interruptions to produce a covalently intact phosphodiester backbone. DNA polymerase I has the capacity for excision and gapfilling and DNA ligase is required for sealing. What once appeared to be a simple DNA polymerase-mediated conversion of a single-strand to a duplex circle (34) is now seen as a complex series of events in which diverse multienzyme systems function. Annoyance with the difficulties in resolving and reconstituting these systems is tempered by the conviction that these are the very systems used ,by the cell in replicating its chromosome and extrachromosomal elements. Thus, understanding of the regulation of replication events in the cell, their localization at membrane surfaces and integration with cell division, and their coordination with phage DNA maturation and particle assembly will all be advanced by knowledge of the components of the replicative machinery.
Center-of-mass theorem in post-Newtonian hydrodynamics

In the post-Newtonian theory of a perfect fluid in adiabatic motion, the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum can be obtained via Noether's theorem from the invariance properties of the Lagrangian under infinitesimal time and space translations and rotations, in complete analogy to the corresponding case of interacting particles; but, again in complete analogy, the center-of-mass theorem cannot be as directly related to the infinitesimal transformations of a group. Therefore the center-of-mass theorem had previously only been obtained by direct integration of the equations of motion. However, it has been shown recently in the case of interacting particles by Havas and Stachel that invariance of the Lagrangian under space and time translations is by itself sufficient to guarantee the existence of a center-of-mass theorem, and it is shown here that the techniques developed for that case also lead to the center-of-mass theorem for the perfect fluid. (AIP)
Visual closed-loop tracking with area stabilization

We present a technique that combines image segmentation with nonlinear control to achieve closed-loop visual tracking. Camera rotation and zoom are used as the controls. The approach uses an analysis of admissible curve evolution flows generated by changes in projective scaling and angular velocity. Lyapunov stability analysis is used to synthesize a control scheme that renders the closed-loop system input-to-state stable (ISS) with respect to unknown target motion. Our formulation avoids the need to constantly perform rigid body camera calibration and motion reconstruction by stating the control goal directly in terms of image data. The results confirm expected tracking performance for a simulated 3D environment containing a camera and moving target.
Fluorescence-enhanced tomographic imaging in large phantoms using gain-modulated ICCD camera

A frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) imager employing an image-intensified CCD camera for fast data acquisition on a large tissue-mimicking phantom (1087 ml) is described. Fluorescence-enhanced imaging is performed employing frequency-domain techniques at 100 MHz in order to obtain the boundary measurements of phase and amplitude and to recover the interior optical maps using the first principles of light propagation. The effect of refractive-index parameter in the boundary condition of the light propagation model is not significant due to the large phantom volume and its curvilinear nature. Initial experiments were performed under perfect (1:0 contrast) and imperfect (100:1 contrast) uptake cases using indocyanine green as the contrast agent. Preliminary 3D image reconstructions using the approximate extended Kalman filter (AEKF) algorithm are presented.
Determining (n,f) cross sections for actinide nuclei indirectly: Examination of the surrogate ratio method

The validity of the Surrogate Ratio method for determining (n,f) cross sections for actinide nuclei is examined. This method relates the ratio of two compound-nucleus reaction cross sections to a ratio of coincidence events from two measurements in which the same compound nuclei are formed via a direct reaction. With certain assumptions, the method allows one of the cross sections to be inferred if the other is known. We develop a nuclear reaction-model simulation to investigate whether the assumptions underlying the Ratio approach are valid and employ these simulations to assess whether the cross sections obtained indirectly by applying a Ratio analysis agree with the expected results. In particular, we simulate Surrogate experiments that allow us to determine fission cross sections for selected actinide nuclei. The nuclei studied, {sup 233}U and {sup 235}U, are very similar to those considered in recent Surrogate experiments. We find that in favorable cases the Ratio method provides useful estimates of the desired cross sections, and we discuss some of the limitations of the approach.
Cardiac metabolism and mechanics are altered by genetic loss of lipoprotein triglyceride lipolysis.

Introduction Most circulating fatty acids are contained in lipoprotein triglycerides. For the heart to acquire these lipids, they must be broken down into free fatty acids via the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LpL). Although it has long been known that hearts primarily use esterified fatty acids as fuel, different sources of fatty acids were thought to be interchangeable.
Performance of a high-pressure, high-beam-current gas target

A low-mass, small-volume gas target which utilizes O-rings for mounting the entrance window is described. The target is intended as a neutron source using the D(d,n)/sup 3/He, T(d,n)/sup 4/He and T(p,n)/sup 3/ He reactions. The prformance of the gas target with respect to gas pressures and beam intensities is discussed.
Adolescents' health status: Sex differences among whites and nonwhites

This study was designed to determine differences in health between sexes in white and nonwhite adolescents. The data are from the Health Examination Survey's large national sample of 12–17-year-olds. Comparisons are made between males and females for whites and nonwhites of their scores on scales constituting different but complementary views of their health. Thus, there were scales of items from (a) a clinical study of each subject, (b) interviews with parents about past and present health, and (c) questionnaires from the youths themselves. To these was added a single rating from a school official on the youth's adjustment at school. Three important findings emerged: (1) the health of white adolescent females was somewhat poorer than that of white males; (2) the health of nonwhite females was poorer than the other three sex-race groups; and (3) the correlation of youths' own rating of their health with estimates from others, including clinicians, showed females to be somewhat more accurate than males.
Characterization of robotic needle insertion and rotation in artificial and ex vivo tissues

Accurate needle insertion to reach targets in deformable tissue relies on an understanding of tissue and needle-tissue interaction mechanics. Toward the development of clinically relevant robotic needle insertion, this work addresses (1) the differences and similarities between needle insertion into artificial and ex vivo tissues, and (2) the use of needle rotation data to develop needle-tissue interaction models that can be used to predict the mechanics of needle insertion. Due to challenges associated with working with living tissue, artificial and ex vivo tissues are often employed when modeling and testing robotic needle insertion. Force and motion data recorded during robotic needle insertion into three artificial tissues (PVC rubber, porcine gelatin, and Gelzan) and three ex vivo tissues (chicken breast, calf liver, and pig liver) demonstrated that the mechanics of needle insertion into artificial tissues are distinct from those of ex vivo tissues, due to differences in friction, stiffness, and relaxation properties. Data from needle rotation was used to fit a friction model that describes needle insertion; this approach could enable acquisition of needle-tissue interaction models for planning and control as a minimally invasive first step in a robot-assisted needle insertion procedure.
Sialolithiasis: Case studies and review

Three cases of sialolithiasis are presented, each representative of acute and chronic presentations of this problem. The evaluation and treatment of salivary gland and duct stones are outlined. The primary axiom is, "Treat the gland, not the stone," and the essential aspects of emergency medical management are antibiotics, sialogogues, warm compresses, mechanical stimulation, and appropriate referral to an otolaryngologist.
Early atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta following cytomegalovirus infection of mice

We show here that BALB/c mice inoculated with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) express viral antigens in the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the aortic wall, and that accumulation of inflammatory cells in the aortic lumen, similar to that seen in early atherosclerotic lesions in humans, colocalizes with the site of virus antigen expression. Immunosuppression of the mice at the time of virus infection increased the expression of viral antigens and the size of early atherosclerotic lesions in the intima. The percentage of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the major lipid contributor to atherosclerotic plaques, was significantly increased in the serum of MCMV-infected mice, whether or not the mice were fed a high cholesterol diet. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) significantly increased the esterified cholesterol component of the total cholesterol in a human arterial smooth muscle cell line infected in vitro with HCMV. These results suggest that CMV infection is involved in two of the major me...
Ionic dependence of adenosine uptake into cultured astrocytes

Adenosine uptake in cultured astrocytes is dependent on various ions and energy metabolism. The Na(+)-gradient plays an important role, since nigericin, ouabain, amiloride and substitution of Na+ with choline inhibited adenosine uptake. The proton-gradient was of importance, since carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrozone (CCCP) and omeprazole also inhibited adenosine uptake. Furthermore, adenosine uptake was dependent on Cl- anion. Substitution of Cl- with isethionate, as well as DIDS or furosemide inhibited adenosine uptake. Adenosine uptake was also sensitive to Ca2+ gradient, removal of extracellular Ca2+ and calcimycin inhibited adenosine uptake. Adenosine uptake was not dependent on extracellular K+ and was not affected by valinomycin. Although, K(+)-channel openers (BRL 34195 and nicorandil) as well as the K(+)-channel antagonist, glyburide, inhibited adenosine uptake, the inhibitory effect of BRL 34915 was not antagonized by glyburide. Rotenone and 2,4-dinitrophenol also inhibited adenosine uptake. Ionic dependence and metabolic energy dependence of adenosine uptake suggest that uptake is primarily an active process.
All retraction operators on a lattice need not form a lattice

Abstract H. Crapo raised in 1982 the following problem: do all retraction operators on a lattice form a lattice with respect to the pointwise order? Here a retraction operator means an order-preserving and idempotent map. In the present paper an example will be given to show that the answer to the problem is negative, and the existence of the join of two retraction operators will be characterized in terms of fixed points.
THROMBIN-THROMBOMODULIN INHIBITS PROUROKINASE-MEDIATED PLEURAL MESOTHELIAL CELL-DEPENDENT FIBRINOLYSIS

Fibrin deposition is a hallmark of pleural inflammation and loculation but understanding of mechanisms by which mesothelial cells regulate intrapleural fibrinolysins remains incomplete. We speculated that pleural mesothelial cells regulate local fibrinolytic capacity via processing of single chain urokinase type plasminogen activator (scuPA). Pretreatment of human pleural mesothelial (MeT-5A) cells with TGF-β or thrombin, either alone or in combination, inhibited urokinase (uPA)-mediated fibrinolysis by MeT-5A. Thrombin, unlike TGF-β, inhibited fibrinolysis without induction of PAI-1, suggesting that thrombin-mediated cleavage of scuPA inhibits the fibrinolytic capacity of MeT-5A cells. Thrombin cleaves both purified scuPA as well as that secreted by MeT-5A cells and cell surface thrombomodulin accelerates thrombin-mediated cleavage of scuPA to inhibit cellular fibrinolytic activity. Molecular dynamics analyses demonstrated that thrombin-cleaved scuPA (uPAt) do not acquire a catalytically active conformation and that secondary plasminogen binding sites of uPA implicated in plasminogen activation are distorted in uPAt, explaining, at least in part, why uPAt is a poor enzyme. uPAt was detectable in transudative and exudative pleural effusions from patients. Intrapleural administration of scuPA generated increased levels of uPAt in PF of rabbits with pleural injury and loculation induced by tetracycline in vivo. This pathway is operative in diverse forms of pleural injury, restricts the urokinase-dependent fibrinolytic capacity of pleural mesothelial cells and contributes to local control of fibrinolytic activity via processing of endogenous or exogenous scuPA within the pleural compartment.
Characterization of the CaCl2YbI2 system by X-ray powder diffraction

Abstract The CaCl 2 YbI 2 system was investigated over the entire composition range by X-ray powder diffraction methods. It is characterized by a complicated mixture of phases, each of which extends over wide composition limits. The solid solution regions observed in the system, expressed in terms of mole percent CaCl 2 , and the structure types present in these regions are as follows: 0 to 55, CdI 2 type; ∼25 to ∼65, 6-R CdI 2 polytype; ∼35 to 85, unknown type; ∼85 to 100, α-PbO 2 type; and ∼35 to 100, CaCl 2 , pseudo-rutile type. The latter two modifications are common to pure CaCl 2 . The ideal composition of the uncharacterized phase is probably Ca 3 YbCl 6 I 2 ( M Cl 1.5 I 0.5 ).
Balancing inclusion and "enlightened understanding" in designing online civic participation systems: experiences from regulation room

New forms of online citizen participation in government decision making have been fostered in the United States (U.S.) under the Obama Administration. Use of Web information technologies have been encouraged in an effort to create more back-and-forth communication between citizens and their government. These "Civic Participation 2.0" attempts to open the government up to broader public participation are based on three pillars of open government---transparency, participation, and collaboration. Thus far, the Administration has modeled Civic Participation 2.0 almost exclusively on the Web 2.0 ethos, in which users are enabled to shape the discussion and encouraged to assess the value of its content. We argue that strict adherence to the Web 2.0 model for citizen participation in public policymaking can produce "participation" that is unsatisfactory to both government decisionmakers and public participants. We believe that successful online civic participation design must balance inclusion and "enlightened understanding," one of the core conditions for democratic deliberation. Based on our experience with Regulation Room, an experimental online participation platform trying to broaden meaningful public engagement in the process federal agencies use to make new regulations, we offer specific suggestions on how participation designers can strike the balance between ease of engagement and quality of engagement---and so bring new voices into the policymaking process through participating that counts.
Quantitative Analysis of γ-Nonalactone in Wines and Its Threshold Determination

Thirty-eight California and French wines were analyzed for γ-nonalactone by Freon extraction and gas chromatography. The California white wines had from 0 to 16 pg/L (average for 6 samples was 7 μg/L and the red wines from 12 to 43 μg/L (average for 20 samples was 24 μgL). French red wines obtained similar amounts, 14 to 41 μgL (average for 12 samples was 21 μgL). The sensory threshold for γ-nonalaconte was determined to be 30 μg/L.
Severe reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome mimicking aneurysmal rupture and vasospasm

Introduction Presenting symptoms of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) may overlap. Patients with RCVS often harbor unruptured aneurysms.
Changes in Endometrial PTEN Expression throughout the Human Menstrual Cycle

Frequent mutation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene in endometrial adenocarcinoma has led to the prediction that its product, a phosphatase that regulates the cell cycle, apoptosis, and possibly cell adhesion, is functionally active within normal endometrial tissues. We examined PTEN expression in normal human endometrium during response to changing physiological levels of steroid hormones. PTEN ribonucleic acid levels, assessed by RT-PCR, increase severalfold in secretory compared to proliferative endometrium. This suggested that progesterone, a known antineoplastic factor for endometrial adenocarcinoma, increases PTEN levels. Immunohistochemistry with an anti-PTEN monoclonal antibody displayed a complex pattern of coordinate stromal and epithelial expression. Early in the menstrual cycle under the dominant influence of estrogens, the proliferative endometrium shows ubiquitous cytoplasmic and nuclear PTEN expression. After 3-4 days of progesterone exposure, glandular epithelium of early secretory endometrium maintains cytoplasmic PTEN protein in an apical distribution offset by expanding PTEN-free basal secretory vacuoles. By the midsecretory phase, epithelial PTEN is exhausted, but increases dramatically in the cytoplasm of stromal cells undergoing decidual change. We conclude that stromal and epithelial compartments contribute to the hormone-driven changes in endometrial PTEN expression and infer that abnormal hormonal conditions may, in turn, disrupt normal patterns of PTEN expression in this tissue.
Severe hyperbilirubinemia and coma in chronic congestive heart failure

A 64-year-old man developed severe hyperbilirubinemia of predominantly conjugated fraction in 1978, eight years after a myocardial infarction and development of congestive heart failure. In 1975, he was admitted elsewhere for symptoms suggestive of chronic hepatitis, but liver biopsy revealed replacement of hepatocytes by red blood cells which was interpreted as a result of left-sided cardiac failure. In 1978, liver biopsy showed congestive liver disease with cardiac sclerosis. Despite initial improvement, his condition deteriorated, he became encephalopathic, and died in a coma. This case is reported to illustrate that chronic congestive heart failure can present with severe jaundice and terminate in hepatic coma.
Expression of the cell surface antigens RET-PE2 and N-CAM by rat retinal pigment epithelial cells during development and in tissue culture

Invagination of the optic vesicle to form the optic cup results in the formation of two apposed layers of neuroepithelium which follow divergent developmental pathways. Changes in the expression of cell surface molecules may be either the cause or result of important inductive signals during this process. We have used immunological reagents to study the expression of two molecules in the rat: the neural cell adhesion molecule N-CAM, and a cell membrane-associated protein which is specific for pigment epithelium in the adult, RET-PE2. Both N-CAM and RET-PE2 are present in both layers of the optic cup at embryonic age E13, but they become restricted to inner retina and pigment epithelium, respectively, by E17 and maintain that pattern of expression in the normal adult. Culture of pigment epithelial cells results in the reexpression of N-CAM and the continued expression of RET-PE2. Western blotting reveals that the size and relative proportions of the 180- and 140-kDa N-CAM molecules synthesized by rat pigment epithelial cells in vitro differ from that made by rat brain, retina and liver. Embryonic RPE N-CAM contains the sulfated carbohydrate recognized by the HNK-1 antibody, but this epitope was not present on N-CAM synthesized by cultured RPE cells. The reexpression of an embryonic antigen when placed in culture suggests that pigment epithelial cells retain some degree of plasticity in the adult state.
USING SEISMIC TECHNIQUES TO CHARACTERIZE FRACTURE IN ROCK

Measurements of tensile fracture were obtained from ultrasonic probing and acoustic emission. For Charcoal granite, unbroken or interlocked crystals were observed to form a single, multi-connected region within the macro-crack. A zone of decreased surface-wave transmission was detected in front of the optical crack tip. The process zone was measured to be over ten percent of the effective crack length.
Real neuroscience in virtual worlds

Virtual reality (VR) holds great promise as a tool to study the neural circuitry underlying animal behaviors. Here, we discuss the advantages of VR and the experimental paradigms and technologies that enable closed loop behavioral experiments. We review recent results from VR research in genetic model organisms where the potential combination of rich behaviors, genetic tools and cutting edge neural recording techniques are leading to breakthroughs in our understanding of the neural basis of behavior. We also discuss several key issues to consider when performing VR experiments and provide an outlook for the future of this exciting experimental toolkit.
Thermal reactivation of ammonia-tailored granular activated carbon exhausted with perchlorate

Abstract Thermal reactivation with CO2 or NH3 at temperatures higher than 700 °C effectively restored the perchlorate adsorption capacity of ammonia-tailored carbon. In contrast, steam regeneration restored only a portion of the perchlorate adsorption capacity, and these distinctions were attributed to the change in surface chemistry that was induced by regeneration. After perchlorate loading, regenerating the ammonia-tailored GAC via CO2 or NH3 preserved the nitrogen content and positive surface charge density of the initial ammonia-tailored activated carbon. In contrast, steam regeneration caused a decrease in nitrogen content and positive surface charge. Perchlorate breakthrough was monitored in rapid small-scale column test (RSSCT) operations with either CO2 or NH3 regeneration. 4000–4500 bed volumes of perchlorate adsorption life could be achieved through at least three cycles of RSSCT operation and regeneration. This compared favorably to the 4500 bed volumes that had been achieved when using the initial ammonia-tailored carbon.
Problems of Cross-Cultural Comparison: Analyzing Linguistic Strategies in Tanzanian Domestic Violence Workshops

Campaigns against domestic violence and projects designed to reform laws are increasingly part of the development initiatives undertaken in African nations. Such projects are subject to standard criticisms of development (e. g., its tendency to enhance the power of donors over recipients) and to more recent concerns raised by postcolonial feminist scholarship (e. g., its tendency to ignore how women's condition in developing nations emerges from relations between donors and recipients). Mindful of these criticisms, many gender and law reform projects begun in Tanzania in the 1990s were designed to foster egalitarian relations between donors and recipients as well as to change laws and legal practices with respect to domestic violence. In addition, many projects relied on interactive workshops to impart information about law reform while empowering local participants. This essay focuses on two domestic violence workshops held in Tanzania in 1998. Linguistic analysis is used to expose the multiple relations of power in these development initiatives. The article demonstrates that demands on the structure of interaction-that is, everyone must be encouraged to participate-can work against creating egalitarian relations and suggests that some challenges to reforming development lie at the level of linguistic interaction.
Evaluating the environmental impact of products and production processes: a comparison of six methods

Abstract The desire of environmentally-conscious consumers and manufacturers to choose more environmentally benign products and processes has led to the development of life cycle assessment (LCA) and design for environment (DfE). In both of these areas, attention has focused initially on the development of inventories of emissions and raw materials consumption for particular products and processes. A number of methods for the comparison and evaluation of an inventory's dissimilar pollution loads and resource demands have been proposed, but no satisfactory solution has yet been identified. This paper compares the structure and properties of six different methods. The health hazard scoring (HHS) system uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to weight workplace toxic effects and accident risks. The material input per service-unit (MIPS) aggregates the mass of all the material input required to produce a product or service. The Swiss eco-point (SEP) method scores pollutant loadings based on a source's contribution to an acceptable total pollution load and an environmental scarcity factor. The sustainable process index (SPI) determines the area that would be required to operate a process sustainably, based on renewable resource generation and toxic degradation; an extension of the dilution volume approach. The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry's life-cycle impact assessment (SETAC LCA) impact assessment method aggregates pollutants with similar impacts to equivalency potentials (measured in kg CO2 equivalent, kg benzene equivalent etc.) and uses decision analysis to assign weights to different adverse impacts. The environmental priority system (EPS) characterizes the environmental damage caused by equivalency potentials and expresses it in monetary terms, derived from environmental economics. Despite their use for the same purposes, the six methods differ in what they try to achieve, in the effects they consider, in the depth of analysis, in the way values influence the final score, and in use of ordinal or cardinal measures of impact. Two problem areas are identified: (1) to varying degrees, each of the methods has the potential to recommend an alternative that actually has a higher impact than other alternatives; (2) for some of the methods the data requirement is so extensive and the tolerance of imperfect data is so low that the application of the method for reasonably sophisticated products or processes would be too complicated.
Nutrient Distribution and Sampling for Leaf Analysis in St. Augustinegrass

Abstract Leaf nutrient analysis for turfgrass is typically performed on clipping samples. However, since clippings of St. Augustingrass used in lawns consist primarily of the youngest leaves, they may not be the best material to sample, especially for mobile elements. This study examined the concentration gradients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) among leaves of various ages to determine their relative mobility within St. Augustingrass [Stenotaphrum secondatum (Walt.) O. Kuntze] plants, and to determine which age of leaves were the best indicators of plant nutritional status for each element. To provide varying levels of fertility on a Hallandale fine sand soil in southern Florida, a landscape area of “Floratam” St. Augustingrass was either not fertilized or fertilized with 4.9 g N m−2 every 3 months from either a mostly water soluble 16–4–8 (N–P2O5–K2O) fertilizer blend or an 8–4–12–4 Mg (N–P2O5–K2O–Mg) controlled-rele...
What is the fate of diacylglycerol produced at the Golgi apparatus

Abstract In this article I review our current understanding of some important lipid biosynthetic reactions taking place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, and call attention to the fact that significant amounts of diacylglycerol (DAG) must be formed at the Golgi apparatus if sphingomyelin (SM) synthesis occurs there. Since DAG functions as an intracellular second messenger, it seems necessary to keep its concentration within the cell low, and thus a mechanism for eliminating DAG formed at the Golgi apparatus is needed. I suggest several mechanisms by which this could occur, and highlight the implications of some of these mechanisms on membrane lipid traffic through the ER-Golgi complex.
Katydid synchronous chorusing is an evolutionarily stable outcome of female choice

IN many animals that use rhythmic acoustic or bioluminescent sexual communication, neighbouring males precisely synchronize their signals1–4. This event has previously been interpreted as a development whereby cooperative individuals benefit from maintenance of species-specific signalling rates5,6, minimization of predation risks7,8, or maximization of peak signal amplitude of a local population2,9. Our recent findings on chorusing in the neotropical katydid Neoconocephalus spiza (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), however, refute for this species all three hypotheses that claim that synchrony is adaptive. Instead, we demonstrate that synchrony can be an epiphenomenon created by competitive interactions between males jamming each other's signals. The mechanism generating this interference is shown to be an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) maintained under sexual selection for exploiting a critical psychoacoustic feature: females orienting toward signalling males choose the leading call in a closely synchronized sequence.
Application of the moving finite element method to moving boundary Stefan problems

Abstract The moving finite element method is modified to be an effective solution for a version of the classical ice-water Stefan problem. Also, the cylindrical Stefan problem is numerically solved and compared with an existing perturbation solution.
EFFECTS OF BIRTH ORDER, SEX, AND ASTROLOGICAL SIGN ON PERSONALITY

Birth order has been extensively investigated; however, few studies have been cross-cultural in nature and fewer still have investigated specific familial forms. The present study explored birth order and belief in astrology in Australian and American students. No comparisons were significant, but belief in astrology was associated with higher Extraversion scores. More students in both countries believed in astrology than those who did not.
Application of the Passionate Attachment Model to Recreational Use of MDMA/Ecstasy.

AbstractThose who are not addicted to ecstasy, but who use it persistently over time, could be viewed as having a “passionate attachment” to a highly valued activity. To evaluate the associations of obsessive and harmonious passion with psychological and behavioral aspects of ecstasy consumption, we recruited a community sample of ecstasy users to complete a modified version of the Passion Scale (Vallerand et al. 2003) and other questionnaires assessing their substance use history, self-efficacy to refuse ecstasy, and use of ecstasy to cope with worries and problems. Both Obsessive and Harmonious passion scores were negatively correlated with self-efficacy to refuse ecstasy and positively correlated with using ecstasy to cope with worries and problems. The findings also provided partial support for our hypotheses that scores on the Obsessive Passion subscale would be associated with number of times participants had used ecstasy, the frequency of use, and the typical number of pills consumed. Participants ...
Local Government Constitutions: A Different View of Metropolitan Governance

Metropolitan governance in most metropolitan areas of the United States can best be understood by reference to the concept of a "local government constitution." A local government constitution is f...
Self and Peer Evaluation in Undergraduate Education: Structuring Conditions that Maximize Its Promises and Minimize the Perils.

This study canvasses reliability of students’ self and peer evaluation, a method of assessment of university students that has recently gained renewed pedagogical interest and broad recognition. Two experiments, imbedded in classroom curriculum, examined the effects of the instrument of evaluation (with criteria vs. no criteria for evaluation provided), the format of evaluation procedure (anonymous vs. nonanonymous), and motivation of students (strong vs. weak) on the accuracy of students’ self and peer ratings. The results of the experiments revealed both a considerable unreliability of peer ratings in some cases as well as a notable consistency of peer evaluations in others. The instrument of evaluation with criteria provided had significant positive effect on the accuracy of peer evaluations. This finding was robust across both experiments reported in the paper. Students’ motivation also had impact on the reliability of peer evaluations. Students strongly motivated to apply criteria for evaluation produced more accurate peer evaluations compared to their peers provided with not criteria or supported with the criteria but not motivated to apply them. The results on the impact of the condition of anonymity were mixed.
Developmentally appropriate literacy goals for preschool and kindergarten classrooms

A major goal of our society's educational system is for children to become literate. Although agreement exists regarding the importance of literacy, controversy surrounds the timing of literacy instruction and the methods used to teach literacy skills. While most reading curricula involve formal instruction, this paper proposes that informal instruction is more developmentally appropriate for four‐and five‐year‐olds. Research has begun to document the acquisition of literacy‐related knowledge and skills prior to formal instruction in learning environments where informal instruction occurs, i.e. kindergartens, day care centers, and home environments. The following five goals are offered as the basis of a developmentally appropriate literacy curriculum: [1] Encourage an awareness of how reading and writing are useful. [2] Develop listening comprehension skills. [3] Develop conceptual knowledge. [4] Develop oral language skills, and [5] Explore the process of communicating through written language. A rationa...
Simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis: analysis of envelope sequences from individual brain multinucleated giant cells and tissue samples.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques develop an encephalitis (SIVE) that is pathologically virtually indistinguishable from that associated with HIV infection, with multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) being the principal histopathological manifestation. To dissect SIV variants responsible for MNGC development, we examined the relationships between env sequences transcribed in individual MNGCs and those from genomic DNA of brain and spleen tissues. The brain-specific variant found in all brain clones was dominant among the clones from MNGCs, suggesting a role in the formation of giant cells. Furthermore, two additional minor groups of sequences were present in MNGCs. One group consisted of sequences closely related to those from spleen, indicating recent and probably multiple episodes of neuroinvasion. The second group represented clones similar or identical to the initial inoculum. The survival of archival sequences and their activation presumably by the fusion of productively and quiescently infected macrophages/microglia identify the central nervous system as a possible anatomical reservoir for latent infection.
Nutrition and the heart.

Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., carnitine in dogs, taurine in cats) resulting in cardiomyopathy, and nutritional excesses (e.g., calories leading to obesity, sodium leading to hypertension) have emerged as important considerations in cardiology. These dietary factors may become particularly exaggerated in altered physiological and/or pathological states (e.g., pregnancy, old age, primary cardiovascular disease). Unfortunately, we do not have complete information on requirements for essential nutrients, nor do we know the precise role nutrition may play in the production of so-called old-age diseases or on the interactions among other organ systems (e.g., kidney, liver) and the heart.
Study of phase separation in polyurethane using paramagnetic labels. Effect of soft segment molecular weight, structure, and thermal history

The morphology of segmented polyurethane (PU) elastomers was studied by means of ESR at various temperatures ranging from 100K-450K. The PU's were based on 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), poly (oxytetramethylene) glycols (PTMO) and hydroxyl-terminated random compolymers of tetrahydrofuran and 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (THF/Me-THF). Purified 1,4-butanediol (BD) was used as a chain extender. The nitroxide probe, 4-hydroxy-2-2',6-6'-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL), was used to label the polyurethanes by reaction with an NCO group of MDI. Analysis of the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra suggested that the label situates at heterogeneous sites, which means that a two-phase domain is present. The morphologies at 300K and 400K were compared. It was found from ESR spectra that polyurethanes made from soft segments having higher MW exhibited greater phase separation at 300K than their corresponding elastomers made from lower MW soft segments. However, at 400K the more isotropic ESR spectra for the PUs containing higher MW soft segments suggested that the PUs were more mobile than their analogs having lower MW soft segments. The introduction of 3-methyl side groups decreased the phase mixing at 400K due to steric hindrance.
Science, Education, and the Ideology of “How”

The aim of this work is to relate discussions of ideology and science within the Radical Science movement of the 1960s–1980s with present conversations on the integration of biology, psychology, and education. The argument is that an ideological analysis yields useful direction with respect to how a learning science might develop and how we might appeal to our best aspirations while avoiding our worst. The ideology of “how” in the title refers to beliefs about research strategies: In an ideology of “how,” the aim is discovery and there is an appreciation of complexity. This stands in opposition to an ideology of “what,” which focuses on diagnosis and categorization.
Enumeration of AGL(m/3, double struck capital F p³)-invariant extended cyclic codes

Let p be a prime and let r, e and m be positive integers such that r|e and e|m. The enumeration of linear codes of length p m over double struck capital F p r which are invariant under the affine linear group AGL(m/e, double struck capital F p e)is equivalent to the enumeration of certain ideals in a partially ordered set (U, e and p 3)-invariant linear codes of length p m over double struck capital F p r.
The Effect of Hypothyroidism on Growth, Serum Growth Hormone, the Growth Hormone-Dependent Somatomedin, Insulin-Like Growth Factor, and Its Carrier Protein in Rats

To study the possible mechanisms involved in growth retardation associated with hypothyroidism, serum T4, GH, the GH-dependent somatomedin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and its carrier protein (CP) were measured in hypothyroid rats and their age-matched controls. Three groups of rats were studied: infant, immature, and adult. Marked hypothyroidism (serum T4, less than 1 microgram/dl) was produced in experimental animals by providing them with drinking water containing 0.05% propylthiouracil. Infant and immature hypothyroid rats weighed markedly less than normal controls and had significantly reduced serum levels of GH, IGF, and CP. Normal adult rats, treated with propylthiouracil for 60 days, also weighed considerably less than control animals and exhibited a significant drop in serum GH, IGF, and CP during this period. The administration of bovine GH to hypothyroid adult rats for 7 days did not restore either IGF or CP levels to normal, indicating that their decrease in serum was, in part, a direct result of hypothyroidism per se. These results indicate that serum levels of GH, IGF, and CP are at least partly under thyroid hormone control. Furthermore, these studies suggest that the growth retardation associated with hypothyroidism may be mediated through somatomedin activity.
Direct evidence of attempted beta cell regeneration in an 89-year-old patient with recent-onset type 1 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis We investigated whether there was evidence of attempted beta cell regeneration in the pancreas obtained from a patient with recent-onset type 1 diabetes, and if so by what mechanism this occurred.
Application of silicon strip detectors to small-animal imaging

Abstract We have investigated the design of a high-resolution nuclear medicine system for in vivo small-animal imaging. The system utilizes a multiple-pinhole collimator in conjunction with silicon double-sided strip detectors in a synthetic collimator configuration. It is designed for detection of the low-energy photons (27– 35 keV ) from the decay of 125 I or 123 I . We discuss elements of the system and present simulations conducted thus far.
Treatable gait disorder and polyneuropathy associated with high titer serum IgM binding to antigens that copurify with myelin-associated glycoprotein.

We studied clinical and electrodiagnostic features of 9 patients with very high titers (>1:10, 000) of serum IgM binding to a CNS myelin antigen (CMA) preparation that copurified with myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). We found that 8 of the 9 patients had a combined syndrome of gait ataxia and polyneuropathy (GAPN) with late-age onset (mean = 70 years of age). In the 8 GAPN patients progressive difficulty with ambulation led to significant functional disability and frequent falling. Examination showed a wide-based unsteady gait, especially when standing still or turning. There was mild-to-moderate distal sensory loss with involvement of joint position sense only in the toes. Motor changes, when present, were mild and mainly involved distal leg musculature. Treatment of 5 GAPN patients resulted in clear improvement of 2 after intravenous human immunoglobulin and of 3 others after other immunodulating agents. Immune-mediated GAPN syndromes with high titers of serum IgM binding to CMA appear to be treatable causes of gait disorders in older patients. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Some further observations on the TBA test as an index of lipid oxidation in meats

Abstract A modified TBA procedure utilizing an aqueous TBA solution to replace the acetic acid TBA reagent was tested with several meat samples. The modification prevented the formation of an interfering absorption peak at approximately 450 nm. The conversion factor for this method was determined to be 6·2. The method was further modified to allow the addition of TBHQ to raw and cooked samples prior to blending and heat distillation. The addition of 0·01% TBHQ (fat basis) significantly (p
A revision of male ants of the Malagasy region (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Key to genera of the subfamily Dolichoderinae

Keys to the males of the Dolichoderinae ant genera known from the Southwest Indian Ocean islands (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, and Seychelles) are provided. Diagnoses, discussion, illustrations, and a character matrix are provided for all five extant genera from the region: Aptinoma, Ochetellus, Ravavy, Tapinoma, and Technomyrmex. A male-based synopsis of the subfamily Dolichoderinae based on the five genera is also given. The previous diagnostic characters for the included genera are reconsidered. Terminologies for male genitalia and wing cells are reviewed.
A hierarchical approach to sustainable agriculture

“Sustainable agriculture” means many things to different people in agriculture. At least three different definitions of sustainability are available: sustainability as food sufficiency; sustainability as stewardship; and sustainability as community. Since increased human populations will cause demands for food to continue to grow in the foreseeable future, agricultural sustainability needs to be assessed in ways that will incorporate competing definitions. We suggest that analyzing agriculture as a hierarchical system is the appropriate way to incorporate different concepts of sustainability. Using this concept, we propose a hierarchical definition of sustainability. Agronomic sustainability refers to the ability of a tract of land to maintain productivity over a long period of time. Microeconomic sustainability is dependent on the ability of the farm, as the basic economic unit, to stay in business. Ecological sustainability depends on the maintenance of life-support systems provided by non-agricultural and non-industrial segments of a region. Macroeconomic sustainability is controlled by factors such as fiscal policies and interest rates which determine the viability of national agriculture systems. In our view, there are critical constraints to sustainability at different scales of the agricultural hierarchy. We propose that agronomic constraints are most important at the field scale; microeconomic constraints are dominant at the farm scale; ecological constraints override at the watershed or landscape scale; and macroeconomic constraints are foremost at the regional and national scale. In this paper, we describe the actions of these critical constraints, discuss interactions among various hierarchical levels, and propose ways that agricultural researchers and policy makers can integrate the various views of sustainability.
Brillouin light scattering measurement of the elastic properties of aligned multilamella lipid samples

Brillouin measurements of the elastic properties are presented for aligned multilamella samples of both pure dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine at various temperatures and water concentrations and for the same compound containing 33 mol% cholesterol at various temperatures and two water concentrations. For pure dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine the elastic moduli change significantly at the gel transition and the modulus for area compression of individual bilayers is inferred to be an order of magnitude larger below the gel transformation than above. The presence of cholesterol is shown to influence the elastic behavior of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine.