cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On detection of turnaround and recovery in trend for ozone

[1] Because of control measures from international agreements, it is predicted that previous decreases in ozone should lessen and eventually turn around as a recovery of ozone. It is important to statistically determine from available ozone data that a change in the rate of downward trend in ozone occurs and that there is an overall “turnaround” in the downward trend. For this purpose, characteristics of a statistical trend model that allows for a change in trend (either a flattening or a turnaround) at some specified date are investigated. This model permits the use of data from before as well as after the change date to be used in the trend analysis and affords the opportunity for detection of a change in the downward ozone trend as an early signal in addition to detection of positive trend (recovery) after the change. Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer data and ground station total ozone data from the northern midlatitudes are used to estimate the number of years of data required to detect a change in trend and to detect a positive trend recovery, under two different assumptions about future ozone trends. Results show that for midlatitudes (30°–60°) a positive change in trend of reasonably assumed magnitude can be detected within ∼7–8 years from the change date, whereas detection of a positive trend recovery can require roughly 15–20 years for southern midlatitude zonal average data and 20–25 years for northern midlatitude zonal average data. In addition, preliminary trend analysis of recent ground station total ozone data is performed to illustrate estimation using the proposed trend model, with some informative results.
The utility of hand and foot bones for the determination of sex and the estimation of stature in a prehistoric population from west‐central Illinois

This study focuses on hands and feet as indicators of sex and stature for Native Americans, hitherto relatively neglected in this regard. The study was performed on a large, well-preserved prehistoric skeletal sample from west-central Illinois. Discriminant functions are presented which determine sex with accuracies exceeding 87%. Those functions are then tested on three other Native American samples and found to have similar high degrees of accuracy. The utility of hand and foot bones for estimation of femur length (and subsequent inclusion in stature estimation equations) is also explored. While indirect estimation of stature is determined to be possible in this manner, it is suggested that these and other stature estimation techniques that have large standard errors may be of limited archaeological or forensic value. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient gene expression in CHO cells monitored with automated flow cytometry

Transient gene expression is frequently used in industry to rapidly generate usable quantities of a protein from cultured cells. In gene therapy applications it is used to express a therapeutic protein in vivo. A quantitative assessment of the expression kinetics is important because it enables optimization and control of culture conditions for higher productivity. Previous experimental studies show a characteristic peak in average protein expression per cell after transfection followed by an exponential decrease of the expressed protein. Here, we show that the exponential decrease in single cell expression of enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGfp) occurs in discrete steps. We attribute this to the absence of plasmid replication and to symmetric partitioning of plasmid and eGfp between dividing cells. This is reflected in the total eGfp in the bioreactor, which increased at a constant rate throughout the experiment. Additionally, the data provide a detailed time course of cell physiology during recovery from electroporation. The time course of cell physiology precisely indicates when the culture shifts growth phases. Furthermore, the data indicate two unique stationary phases. One type of stationary phase occurs when proliferation ceases while cells decrease their cell size, maintain granularity, and mean eGfp content decreases. The second type occurs when proliferation ceases while cells increase their cell size, increase granularity, and surprisingly maintain eGfp content. The collected data demonstrate the utility of automated flow cytometry for unique bioreactor monitoring and control capabilities in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration’s Process Analytical Technology initiative.
Detailed 3D reconstruction of large-scale heritage sites with integrated techniques

Many cultural heritage applications require 3D reconstruction of real-world objects and scenes. Over the past few years, it has become increasingly common to use 3D digitization and modeling for this purpose. This is mainly due to advances in laser-scanning techniques, 3D modeling software, image-based modeling techniques, computer power, and virtual reality. Our approach integrates several technologies based on our experience over more than a decade of trying to accurately and completely model large-scale heritage monuments and sites. Using both interactive and automatic techniques, we can model a highly detailed structure or site at various levels of detail. We use image-based modeling for basic shape and structural elements, and laser scanning for fine details and sculpted surfaces. To present the site in its proper context, we use image-based rendering for landscapes and surroundings. To apply this approach, we created hundreds of models from sites all over the world for documentation, walk-through movies, and interactive visualization. The results were compelling and encouraging.
The coexistence of magnetic ordering and superconductivity in YBa2(Cu0.94Fe0.06)3O9−σ

Abstract We have made superconducting samples of the Y-Ba-Cu-O system with 6% Fe substituted for the Cu. The sample has been verified by X-ray diffraction to be a single-phased 1-2-3 compound. The 6% Fe substitution reduces T c from 94 to 80 K. The room temperature Mossbauer spectrum shows two pairs of doublets, indicating there are two distinct Cu sites in the sample. The most surprising result is that magnetic ordering of the Fe coexists with superconductivity of the material at 4.2 K.
Synthesis and reactions of some tetracyclic lactones of the bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane system

Abstract A series of 9-exo-halo tetracyclic lactones was prepared through the reaction of chlorine, bromine and iodine in aqueous sodium bicarbonate with endo-cis-3-trichloroacetylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid lactol (1). Reaction of 1 with peracetic acid formed the corresponding hydroxy derivative. Addition of bromine to lactol 1 in carbon tetrachloride gives exclusively the exo-cis-dibromide addition product. Hydrolysis of chloro and bromo tetracyclic lactones 3 and 4 with 5% sodium hydroxide gives endo-cis-5,6-dihydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid dilactone (11). Reaction of iodo derivative 5 with one or two equivalents of sodium hydroxide gives dilactone 11; but with 5% sodium hydroxide the product is endo-cis-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (16). Reaction of 5 with sodium iodide in acetone gives lactol 1, anhydride 16, and starting material. The mechanistic implications are discussed.
Protecting Axonal Degeneration by Increasing Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Levels in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Models

Axonal damage is a major morphological alteration in the CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the underlying mechanism for the axonal damage associated with MS/EAE and its contribution to the clinical symptoms remain unclear. The expression of a fusion protein, named “Wallerian degeneration slow” (Wlds), can protect axons from degeneration, likely through a β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent mechanism. In this study, we find that, when induced with EAE, Wlds mice showed a modest attenuation of behavioral deficits and axon loss, suggesting that EAE-associated axon damage may occur by a mechanism similar to Wallerian degeneration. Furthermore, nicotinamide (NAm), an NAD biosynthesis precursor, profoundly prevents the degeneration of demyelinated axons and improves the behavioral deficits in EAE models. Finally, we demonstrate that delayed NAm treatment is also beneficial to EAE models, pointing to the therapeutic potential of NAm as a protective agent for EAE and perhaps MS patients.
Comparison of pullout strength of resorbable screws in human cadaveric laryngeal cartilage using different drill diameters

Background. In a previous study at our institution, it was determined that resorbable screws with untapped drill holes resulted in the highest resistance forces to linear load when compared with titanium screws. The 1.1-mm drill diameter/2.0-mm screw diameter and 1.5/2.0 drill/screw combinations were superior to the 1.1/1.5 combinations; however, there was no conclusion as to the best screw size to drill bit diameter. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the pullout strength of resorbable screws in fresh frozen cadaveric laryngeal cartilage. The importance of drill hole diameter will also be determined. Methods. After debridement of connective tissue and perichondrium, 12 cartilage specimens were tested. Linear pullout strength of screws was measured using a load cell. Resorbable screws of size 2.0 mm were tested using drill hole diameters of 0.0 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.5 mm. All tested screws were 6 mm in length or greater. Results. We found no strong evidence that the means for the 0.8/2.0 and 1.5/2.0 differ or that the 0.0/2.0 and 0.8/2.0 means differ. There is evidence that the 0.0/2.0 and 1.5/2.0 means differ (adjusted p value .0108), with the 0.0/2.0 combination having a smaller mean. Conclusions. Resorbable screws without predrilled holes result in less resistance to linear loads than either the resorbable screws with the 0.8/2.0 or the 1.5/2.0 drill/screw combinations. The 1.5/2.0 drill/screw combination had the strongest pullout force, though this was not statistically significant. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Video diff: highlighting differences between similar actions in videos

When looking at videos of very similar actions with the naked eye, it is often difficult to notice subtle motion differences between them. In this paper we introduce video diffing, an algorithm that highlights the important differences between a pair of video recordings of similar actions. We overlay the edges of one video onto the frames of the second, and color the edges based on a measure of local dissimilarity between the videos. We measure dissimilarity by extracting spatiotemporal gradients from both videos and calculating how dissimilar histograms of these gradients are at varying spatial scales. We performed a user study with 54 people to compare the ease with which users could use our method to find differences. Users gave our method an average grade of 4.04 out of 5 for ease of use, compared to 3.48 and 2.08 for two baseline approaches. Anecdotal results also show that our overlays are useful in the specific use cases of professional golf instruction and analysis of animal locomotion simulations.
Manganese and iron toxicities dependent on soybean variety

Abstract Tolerances to Fe and Mn were determined with Bragg and Forrest (Mn‐intolerant) and T203 and Lee (Mn‐tolerant) soybean (Glycine max. (L.). Bragg was Fe efficient; Forrest and T203 were equally Fe‐inefficient plants. The soybeans were grown in nutrient solutions with 1.0 and 2.0 mg Fe/liter, and with 0.33 and 5.1 mg Mn/liter as variables, respectively. Bragg soybeans developed Fe toxicity symptoms with 2.0, but not with 1.0 mg Fe/liter. Forrest, Lee, and T203 did not develop Fe toxicity symptoms on either treatment. Bragg and Forrest soybean developed more severe Mn‐toxicity symptoms than Lee or T203 soybean when grown on nutrient solutions with 5.1 mg Mn/liter. Approach grafts showed that Mn tolerance appears to be controlled in the plant tops. Both Mn‐intolerant and tolerant soybean tops contained about the same concentration of Mn, but Mn‐tolerant tops contained more K and roots contained less Fe than Mn‐intolerant tops and roots. When Fe and Mn toxicities are not economically correctable, toler...
Differentiation of human oligodendrocytes from pluripotent stem cells.

We have developed a four-part protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) according to developmental principles. In the first 2 weeks, hESCs are induced to differentiate into neuroepithelial cells, which form neural tube–like rosettes. In the following 10 d, these neuroepithelial cells are specified to OLIG2-expressing progenitors in the presence of retinoic acid (RA) and sonic hedgehog (SHH). Upon treatment with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) for another 10 d, these progenitors convert to OLIG2 and NKX2.2-expressing pre-OPCs. Finally, the pre-OPCs take 8–9 weeks to differentiate into OPCs, which express additional markers of oligodendrocytes, such as SOX10, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) and NG2. The unique aspects of the protocol are the use of FGF2 to promote the differentiation of gliogenic pre-OPCs in the third part and the removal of FGF2 during the transition of pre-OPCs to OPCs. This 3-month differentiation protocol consistently yields OPCs of high purity capable of producing myelin sheaths in vivo.
Non-cardiac findings: now you see them...

previously documented. The majority of benign NCFs were simple hepatic cysts, while approximately half of the indeterminate and worrisome NCFs consisted of pleural effusions and ascites. The majority of these latter patients had a referral diagnosis of heart failure. There were comparatively few NCFs overall. Small prior TTE studies that focused on NCFs in pre-operative or intensive care patients showed a similarly low prevalence of NCFs. 3-5 However, there was a consistent major shortfall in the detection of NCFs by TTE as compared to MRI and CT. The magnitude of these discrepancies is difficult to reconcile but is most likely related to the standardized cross-sectional nature of CT and MRI with much more extensive systematic tomographic imaging of extracardiac structures. Furthermore, pulmonary pathology that is so easily visualized by CT and MRI is not demonstrable with TTE because of ultrasound attenuation in lung tissue. Importantly, in their review of a randomly selected subset of 300 patients for detection of additional NCFs from the parasternal long axis, apical 4-chamber and apical two chamber views, the authors identified an additional 2%, none of which seriously altered patient management.
Activation of lucigenin chemiluminescence by Serratia marcescens.

Cell–free extracts and intact cells of Serratia marcescens were found to activate lucigenin (10,10 -dimethy1-9,9-biacridylium nitrate) chemiluminescence in the absence of either added H2O2 or alkali. Light emission proceeded in alcoholic solvents and, in general, the intensity decreased with increasing length of the alcoholic carbon chain. Th e intensity of bacterially activated lucigenin chemiluminescence increased in a logarithmic linear manner with increasing methanol concentrations, maximum intensities occurring with 90% methanol. Other organic lucigenin solvents also supported the bacterially activated light emission process, although not to the same extent as 90% methanol. The addition of KOH to methanol failed to enhance chemiluminescence. The luminescent process was charaterized by the attainment of peak light emission three seconds after the initiation of the reaction, followed by rapid decay to a low constant light level. The bacterial activation of lucigening chemiluminescence was found to be enhanced by the inclusion by the inclusion of fluorescein in the neutral methanol solvent.
ACETYLCHOLINE ACTIVITY IN THE SCIATIC NERVE.

Abstract As measured on both the guinea pig ileum and the frog rectus abdominis muscle, acetylcholine (Ach) is uniformly distributed along the sciatic nerve. Measured on the ileum, about 75 per cent of the Ach activity is found in the soluble portion of the cell, while on the rectus abdominis, the corresponding figure is about 35 per cent. Total Ach equivalents in sciatic nerve are higher when measured on the rectus abdominis muscle than on the ileum. Evidence is presented that the activity measured on the ileum is attributable to either Ach or a very similar substance. It is suggested that sciatic nerve contains a substance other than Ach to which the frog rectus abdominis muscle is especially sensitive.
Association between Alzheimer's disease and a functional polymorphism in the Myeloperoxidase gene

A polymorphism in the Myeloperoxidase gene (MPO) has previously been demonstrated to be associated with gender-specific risk in an Alzheimer's Disease (AD) autopsy sample. We have investigated this polymorphism in our own samples of 226 Caucasian cases and 166 controls and 59 Hispanic cases and 75 controls. In Caucasians we find a significant association between MPO genotype and AD (P = 0.03), although we do not observe any effects of gender or any interaction with the APOE gene. Specifically, the MPO GG genotype contributes a 1.57-fold increased risk for AD. In Hispanics there was no effect of MPO genotype, or of MPO genotype in interaction with age or gender, on diagnosis of AD.
Purposeful Design of Formal Laboratory Instruction as a Springboard to Research Participation

An innovative first- and second-year laboratory course sequence is described. The goal of the instructional model is to introduce chemistry and biochemistry majors to the process of research participation earlier in their academic training. To achieve that goal, the instructional model incorporates significant hands-on experiences with chemical instrumentation, beginning in the first semester and continuing through the fourth semester. The model also strives to instill within students an understanding of the social aspects of a working research laboratory, where members enter and gradually change roles based on increased experience and responsibility. An implicit assumption in the instructional model is that students gradually move from verification experiences to more open-inquiry experiences, which mimics the process of joining a working research laboratory. The capstone experience in this model is a laboratory stand-alone course, where students design and implement experiments related to faculty research projects within the department. Ideas for broader implementation of the model at various types of institutions are also suggested. A paper describing the implementation of the model is forthcoming.
Gender identity affirmation among male-to-female transgender persons: a life course analysis across types of relationships and cultural/lifestyle factors

Disclosures of a transgender identity to others, and responses from others allowing for desired gender role behavior, are defining events for male-to-female (MTF) transgender persons. This study systematically examined these interpersonal acts of gender identity affirmation among 571 MTF transgender persons from New York City. Using the Life Chart Interview, biographical information about gender identity disclosure to others and desired gender role casting from others was obtained across stages of the life course (early adolescence, late adolescence, early adulthood, young adulthood and middle age) and types of relationships (parents, siblings, sexual partners, friends, fellow students and co-workers). Summaries of gender identity disclosure and gender role casting were then computed across the life course and relationships and associated with sexual orientation, ethnicity and sex work history (cultural/lifestyle factors). The two aspects of gender identity affirmation were, predictably, more likely in ac...
Reduction of ingestion exposure to trihalomethanes due to volatilization

Ingestion of tap water is one of the principal exposure pathways for disinfection byproducts (DBPs). One major class of DBPs, trihalomethanes (THM), are highly volatile, and volatilization will tend to lower ingestion exposures. This study quantifies volatilization rates of the four THM species that occur while drinking tap water, specifically, losses during the preparation, storage, and serving of water. A mass transfer model based on two-resistance theory and quiescent conditions is presented, and parametrizations of all variables are provided. Volatilization rate constants are estimated in experiments representing common patterns of tap water consumption, i.e., storage of tap water in pitchers, pouring, and serving in glasses and mugs at temperatures from 4 to 100 °C. Predicted and experimental results show comparable loss rates for the four THMs. Observed volatilization rates declined exponentially, as expected, and greatly exceeded model predictions that assumed quiescent conditions in the liquid. Lo...
Effects of fighting on pairing and reproductive success

Our study investigated the effects of winning, losing, or not participating in a fight on pairing and mating behaviour in a cichlid fish, the blockhead (Steatocranus casuarius). In this study, males that won a fight were significantly more successful at pairing and reproducing than either males that lost a fight or males that had not fought. Males' and females' behaviour also differed depending on males' fighting experience. Winning males spent significantly more time engaged in courtship behaviours such as quivering next to a female compared to males that lost fights or did not fight. Also, winning males more often used moderately aggressive behaviours such as tail beating when with their potential mates. Highly aggressive acts like biting were not correlated with pairing success; such acts were common in no-fight males but infrequent in both winner and loser treatments. Females with winning males were the most likely to show appeasement behaviour such as tilting when approached by the male, and females with males that had not fought were most likely to bite their males, which could have been either a response to or a result of the higher levels of biting displayed by those males.
Effects of Winter Temperature and Flow on a Summer‐Fall Nursery Fish Assemblage in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

Abstract In temperate estuaries, nearshore nursery fish assemblages are influenced by environmental conditions that are present during and prior to the period of juvenile fish occurrence. An intensively sampled site (Patuxent River estuary) in mesohaline Chesapeake Bay provided 9 years of data for relating previous and current environmental variables with juvenile fish assemblages. Canonical correspondence analysis identified temperature and flow from the previous winter (January-March) and week and year of the assemblage sample as the most influential variables. In contrast, environmental variables at the time of sampling were not identified as important. High summer-fall abundances of Atlantic silversides Menidia menidia, striped bass Morone saxatilis, white perch Morone americana, and Atlantic needlefish Strongylura marina were positively associated with low winter temperatures and high winter flows. High abundances of bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix, spot Leiostomus xanthurus, bay anchovy Anchoa mitchill...
Left Atrial Tumor Embolization During Pulmonary Resection: Review of Literature and Report of Two Cases

In the past 10 years, 2 patients were seen with metastatic sarcoma to the lower lobe of the lung and extension into the left atrium. In both patients, an attempt to squeeze the intracardiac portion of the tumor into the lung at the time of lobectomy ended in near-catastrophic complications: In the first patient, a saddle embolus occluded both femoral arteries, and in the other, obstruction of the mitral valve orifice and cardiac arrest occurred. This approach is mentioned only to condemn it. Our recommended approach is outlined to prevent this technical mistake in the future.
The diet restriction paradigm: a brief review of the effects of every-other-day feeding

It has been known since the early 1900s that restriction of dietary intake relative to the ad libitum (AL) level increases stress resistance, cancer resistance, and longevity in many species. Studies investigating these phenomena have used three paradigms for dietary restriction. In the first, the AL intake of a control group is measured, and an experimental group is fed less than that amount in a specified proportion, e.g., 40%. In the second, food is provided AL to both the control and experimental groups: however, the experimental group is subjected to periods of fasting. Recent studies using this paradigm provide food every other day (EOD). Both of these paradigms have been in use since the early 1900s. A third paradigm that combines them was developed in the early 1970s: one or more days of fasting separate the provision of a limited amount of food. It was assumed for many years that the physiological responses to these paradigms were due exclusively to a net decrease in energy intake. Recently, however, it was found that some species and strains of laboratory animals, when fed AL every other day, are capable of gorging so that their net weekly intake is not greatly decreased. Despite having only a small deficit in energy intake relative to control levels, however, these animals experience enhanced longevity and stress resistance is enhanced in comparison to AL controls as much in animals enduring daily restriction of diet. These observations warrant renewed interest in this paradigm and suggest that comparisons of the paradigms and their effects can be used to determine which factors are critical to the beneficial effects of caloric restriction.
Relative rate constants for the reaction of OH radicals with selected C6 and C7 alkanes and alkenes at 305 ± 2 K

Abstract Measurements of the rates of disappearance of three alkenes and two alkanes relative to isobutene in environmental chamber photooxidation studies employing hydrocarbonNO x mixtures in air at 1 atmosphere have been used to obtain relative rate constants for the reaction of these compounds with the hydroxyl radical. Absolute rate constants at 305 ± 2 K obtained using a published rate constant for OH + isobutene of 3.05 × 10 10 Q mole −1 s −1 are ( k × 10 −9 Q m s −1 ): cyclohexene, 47 ± 9; 1-methylcyclohexene, 58 ± 12; 1-heptene, 22 ± 5; 2,3-dimethylbutane, 3.1 ± 0.5; 2,2,3-trimethylbutane, 2.3 ± 0.5. No previous determinations of OH rate constants have reported for 1-heptene and 1-methylcyclohexene. For the remaining compounds these results are shown to be in good agreement with literature values reported for elementary, or relative rate constant determinations.
Cutaneous mass aspirate from a Golden Retriever: “glandular guile”

Abstract A 3-year-old, neutered, male Golden Retriever was presented for evaluation of a 10 × 9 × 5 mm, firm, red, raised, cutaneous mass located over the left cranial thorax and noted incidentally by the owner. On cytologic evaluation of a fine-needle aspirate of the mass, the interpretation was a malignant tumor with predominantly mesenchymal features. Differentials included liposarcoma, atypical amelanotic melanoma, anaplastic sarcoma, and anaplastic carcinoma. Following complete excision of the mass, a diagnosis of sebaceous adenocarcinoma was made based on histologic features, positive immunostaining for pancytokeratin, and negative staining for vimentin, Melan-A, and S-100. There was no evidence of metastasis on physical examination or thoracic radiographs, and the prognosis was good. The unique and previously unreported cytologic features of this small, sebaceous adenocarcinoma were the extreme pleomorphism, including marked anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, and multinuclearity, and the paucity of epithelial features.
Absence of Hypersensitivity to Glucocorticoids in Antiretroviral‐associated Lipodystrophy

Objective: The lipodystrophy syndrome, which is associated with the use of antiretroviral drugs in some human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, bears a striking similarity to the fat redistribution observed in Cushing's disease. Although urinary free cortisol excretion and glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity are not elevated in subjects with lipodystrophy, glucocorticoid action at the cellular level has not been examined in affected individuals. The objective of this study was to determine whether tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids is increased in subjects with lipodystrophy taking protease inhibitors. Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects included 11 HIV-infected men on protease inhibitor therapy with lipodystrophy and 10 control HIV-infected men not on protease inhibitor therapy and without lipodystrophy. Trunk to extremity fat ratio was measured by DXA. Dexamethasone suppression of peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation was measured as an index of tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoid action. Results: Compared with the control group, subjects with lipodystrophy had a significant elevation of the trunk to extremity fat ratio [median (interquartile range): 2.9 (1.3) vs. 1.6 (1.2); p < 0.05]. The concentration of dexamethasone resulting in 50% maximal suppression of proliferation was 11.7 nM (9.3 nM) in subjects with lipodystrophy and 19.6 nM (9.7 nM) in control subjects (p = not significant), and the percentage minimal proliferation was 4% (12%) and 17% (18%) in the two groups, respectively (p = not significant). Discussion: Despite the Cushingoid appearance of affected individuals, these data suggest that body fat redistribution in antiretroviral-associated lipodystrophy does not arise through an increase in postreceptor glucocorticoid signaling.
The mass of 25Si and the isobaric multiplet mass equation

Abstract The mass excess of 25Si has been measured as 3 832 ± 12 keV via determination of the Q-value for the 28Si(3He, 6He)25Si reaction. The results are used to test the isobaric multiplet mass equation for A = 25.
Rapid modification of the glycocalyx caused by ischemia-reperfusion is inhibited by adenosine A2A receptor activation.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) has been shown to cause microvascular dysfunction and to alter the appearance of the glycocalyx in electron micrographs. We hypothesized that I/R injury might alter the s...
Nicotinic antagonist effects in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus: Regional heterogeneity of nicotinic receptor involvement in cognitive function

Nicotine has been found in many studies to improve cognitive function. However, some studies have not found this effect and others have seen nicotine-induced impairments. Systemic administration bathes the brain with drugs. However, the brain is quite intricately organized with various regions playing very different roles in the bases of cognitive function. We have examined the role of nicotinic receptors in a variety of brain areas for memory. In the hippocampus and amygdala, local infusions of both alpha7 and alpha4beta2 antagonists methyllyaconitine (MLA) and dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE) significantly impair memory. In the current studies we locally infused acute and chronic doses of MLA and DHbetaE into the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and tested memory function on a 16-arm radial maze. The rats also received systemic nicotine to determine the impact of more generalized nicotine effects. Since nicotinic treatments are being developed for cognitive impairment of schizophrenia, interactions were studied with the antipsychotic drug clozapine. In the acute study, the 6.75 microg/side of DHbetaE improved working memory. Co-administration of MLA reversed the DHbetaE-induced improvement. Chronic DHbetaE infusions into the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus also improved working memory. Systemic nicotine reversed this effect. Clozapine had no significant interaction. Nicotinic alpha4beta2 receptors in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus appear to play an opposite role with regard to working memory than those in the hippocampus and amygdala. Heterogeneity in response to nicotinic drugs given systemically may be due to anatomically distinct nicotinic systems in the brain and their unique roles in the neural bases of cognitive function.
Oxidation of bis(terpyridine)cobalt(II) chloride by cytochrome c peroxidase compounds I and II.

The bis(terpyridine)cobalt(II), Co(terpy)22+, reduction of cytochrome c peroxidase compound I, CcP-I, has been investigated using stopped-flow techniques as a function of ionic strength in pH 7.5 buffers at 25 °C. Co(terpy)22+ initially reduces the Trp191 radical site in CcP-I with an apparent second-order rate constant, k2, equal to 6.0±0.4×106 M–1s–1 at 0.01 M ionic strength. A pseudo-first-order rate constant of 480 s–1 was observed for the reduction of CcP-I by 79 µM Co(terpy)22+ at 0.01 M ionic strength. The one-electron reduction of CcP-I produces a second enzyme intermediate, CcP compound II (CcP-II), which contains an oxyferryl, Fe(IV), heme. Reduction of the Fe(IV) heme in CcP-II by Co(terpy)22+ shows saturation kinetics with a maximum observed rate constant, k3max, of 24±2 s–1 at 0.01 M ionic strength. At low reductant concentrations, the apparent second-order rate constant for Co(terpy)22+ reduction of CcP-II, k3, is 1.2±0.5×106 M–1 s–1. All three rate constants decrease with increasing ionic strength. At 0.10 M ionic strength, values of k2, k3, and k3max decrease to 6.0±0.8×105M–1 s–1, 1.2±0.5×105M–1 s–1, and 11±3 s–1, respectively. Both the product, Co(terpy)23+, and ferricytochrome c inhibit the rate of Co(terpy)22+ reduction of CcP-I and CcP-II. Gel-filtration studies show that a minimum of two Co(terpy)23+ molecules bind to the native enzyme in low ionic strength buffers.
Blubber cortisol: a potential tool for assessing stress response in free-ranging dolphins without effects due to sampling.

When paired with dart biopsying, quantifying cortisol in blubber tissue may provide an index of relative stress levels (i.e., activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis) in free-ranging cetacean populations while minimizing the effects of the act of sampling. To validate this approach, cortisol was extracted from blubber samples collected from beach-stranded and bycaught short-beaked common dolphins using a modified blubber steroid isolation technique and measured via commercially available enzyme immunoassays. The measurements exhibited appropriate quality characteristics when analyzed via a bootstraped stepwise parallelism analysis (observed/expected = 1.03, 95%CI: 99.6 – 1.08) and showed no evidence of matrix interference with increasing sample size across typical biopsy tissue masses (75–150mg; r2 = 0.012, p = 0.78, slope = 0.022ngcortisol deviation/ultissue extract added). The relationships between blubber cortisol and eight potential cofactors namely, 1) fatality type (e.g., stranded or bycaught), 2) specimen condition (state of decomposition), 3) total body length, 4) sex, 5) sexual maturity state, 6) pregnancy status, 7) lactation state, and 8) adrenal mass, were assessed using a Bayesian generalized linear model averaging technique. Fatality type was the only factor correlated with blubber cortisol, and the magnitude of the effect size was substantial: beach-stranded individuals had on average 6.1-fold higher cortisol levels than those of bycaught individuals. Because of the difference in conditions surrounding these two fatality types, we interpret this relationship as evidence that blubber cortisol is indicative of stress response. We found no evidence of seasonal variation or a relationship between cortisol and the remaining cofactors.
Gypsum accumulation on carbonate stone

Abstract The accumulation of gypsum on carbonate stone has been investigated through exposure of fresh samples of limestone and marble at monitored sites, through examination of alteration crusts from old buildings and through laboratory experiments. Several factors contribute to gypsum accumulation on carbonate stone. Marble or limestone that is sheltered from direct washing by rain in an urban environment with elevated pollution levels is likely to accumulate a gypsum crust. Crust development may be enhanced if the stone is porous or has an irregular surface area. Gypsum crusts are a surficial alteration feature; gypsum crystals form at the pore opening-air interface, where evaporation is greatest.
An Experimental Study of a “Once-Through” Thermosiphon System

An experimental study was conducted on the operation of a ''once-through'' thermosiphon system. This new type of natural circulation system, unlike the standard thermosiphon system, heats the collector fluid in one pass without any recirculation. An electrically heated manifold was used to stimulate the useful solar gain. Power was varied with time in 22 half-hour increments to simulate the actual daily useful solar gain. The time-dependent responses of the system in terms of temperatures and mass flow rates were recorded and plotted. The response time for mass flow and temperature to approach steady rate varied directly with the size of the power step. Two experiments were conducted; one which tracked mass flows and outlet temperatures for variable useful solar gains, and a second which tracked mass flows at constant outlet temperature for variable useful solar gains.
Technique for the measurement of dimensional changes of natural microfibril materials under variable humidity environments

Abstract An algorithm was developed to analyze the dimensions of line scan data of step-shaped disconitunities acquired with an atomic force microscope. The effect of a number of AFM parameters on the quantitative imaging of step features was discussed. Quantitiative imaging using AFM was shown to be very reproducible as five successive scans of a standard step height grating produced less than 3% variation in measured parameters. A cellulose microfibril, called cellulose aggregate fibril (CAF), with dimensions of ∼50,000 nm × 2000 nm × 300 nm derived from papermaking fibers was scanned under cyclic relative humdity conditions with the relative humidity starting at 50% then raising to 80% followed by a decrease in the relative humidity to 28%. Changes in the width of the CAF were weakly correlated with changes in the relative humdity, while changes in the height and area of the CAF were positively correlated with the relative humdity. The length of the CAF was negatively correlated with the given relative humdity cycle. These findings have significant implications in paper dimensional stability and the engineering of cellulose micro and nano-fiber composites.
Pleasure is your birthright: digitally enabled designer sex toys as a case of third-wave HCI

In the past decade, HCI has become increasingly preoccupied with the deeply subjective qualities of interaction: experience, embodiment, pleasure, intimacy, and so on, an agenda sometimes grouped under the heading of "third-wave HCI"."Analytically understanding and designing for such qualities has been an ongoing challenge to the field, in part because its established theories and methodologies are comparatively weak at understanding and being responsive to human subjectivity. In this paper, we present a case study of a group of designers who have, in the past few years, revolutionized their domain - sex toys - by combining embodied pleasure, intimate experience, health and wellness, emerging technologies, high-quality design processes, and social activism. We consider the implications this case could have for researchers innovating on especially third-wave HCI design theories, methodologies, and processes.
An IAP retrotransposon in the mouse ADAMTS13 gene creates ADAMTS13 variant proteins that are less effective in cleaving von Willebrand factor multimers

Severe deficiency of ADAMTS13, a von Willebrand factor (VWF)–cleaving metalloprotease, causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. When analyzed with VWF multimers, but not with an abbreviated VWF peptide (VWF73) as the substrate, the plasma ADAMTS13 activity levels of mouse strains segregated into a high and a low group that differed by approximately 10 fold. Low ADAMTS13 activity was detected in mice containing 2 alleles of intracisternal A-type particle (IAP) retrotransposon sequence in the ADAMTS13 gene. Molecular cloning of mouse ADAMTS13 identified 2 truncated variants (IAP-a and IAP-b) in the low-activity mice. Both of the IAP variants lacked the 2 carboxyl terminus thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR) and CUB domains of full-length ADAMTS13. The IAP-b variant also had splicing abnormalities affecting the spacer domain sequence and had miniscule enzymatic activity. Compared with full-length ADAMTS13, the IAP-a variant was approximately one ninth as active in cleaving VWF multimers but was only slightly less active in cleaving VWF73 peptide. Recombinant human ADAMTS13 was also less effective in cleaving VWF multimers than VWF73 when the C-terminal TSR sequence was deleted. In summary, the carboxyl terminus TSR sequence is important for cleaving VWF multimers. Assay results should be interpreted with caution when peptide substrates are used for analysis of variant ADAMTS13 proteins.
America's most distressed areas and their neglected infections: the United States Gulf Coast and the District of Columbia.

The neglected infections of poverty represent the latest threat to the poorest people living on the Gulf Coast of the United States and in Washington, District of Columbia.
Transient inactivation of basolateral amygdala during selective satiation disrupts reinforcer devaluation in rats

Basolateral amygdala (BLA) function is critical for flexible, goal-directed behavior, including performance on reinforcer devaluation tasks. Here we tested, in rats, the hypothesis that BLA is critical for conditioned reinforcer devaluation during the period when the primary reinforcer (food) is being devalued (by feeding it to satiety), but not thereafter for guiding behavioral choices. We used a spatially independent task that used two visual cues, each predicting one of two foods. An instrumental action (lever press) was required for reinforcer delivery. After training, rats received BLA or sham lesions, or cannulae implanted in BLA. Under control conditions (sham lesions, saline infusions), devaluation of one food significantly decreased responding to the cue associated with that food, when both cues were presented simultaneously during extinction. BLA lesions impaired this devaluation effect. Transient inactivation of BLA by microinfusion of the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type A agonist muscimol resulted in an impairment only when BLA was inactivated during satiation. When muscimol was infused after satiation and therefore, BLA was inactivated only during the choice test, rats showed no impairment. Thus, BLA is necessary for registering or updating cues to reflect updated reinforcer values, but not for guiding choices once the value has been updated. Our results are the first to describe the contribution of rat BLA to specific components of reinforcer devaluation and are the first to show impairment in reinforcer devaluation following transient inactivation in the rat.
Inhibition of the angiotensin converting enzyme by venom of the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus.

Abstract C. sculpturatus venom can inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme at relatively high concentrations. Our data indicate that: (1) there are at least several inhibitors present in CSV; (2) one or more of them is heat stable; (3) the inhibitory material behaves as a peptide with respect to NaOH and charcoal treatment; and (4) several of these inhibitors are in a size range separable on Sephadex G-25 (mol. wt 1000–5000). None of the potent toxins isolated from the venom were inhibitory.
Identification of a second mating population within the Fusarium moniliforme anamorph of Gibberella fujikuroi.

Four mating populations, each associated with a distinct asexual stage (anamorph), are presently recognized within Gibberellafujikuroi. We have identified a fifth mating population, termed Gibberella fujikuroi mating population F, and have correlated it with the Fusarium moniliforme anamorph. We have developed female-fertile tester strains that permit reliable detection of other members of this mating population through sexual crosses made under laboratory conditions. Members of this mating population are widely distributed geographically and have been recovered from several states in the United States, the People's Republic of China, Thailand, and the Republic of South Africa.
Relationships between government size and economic growth: Japan's government reforms and evidence from OECD

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between government size and economic growth of 21 industrialized countries. Government size is measured by government final consumption expenditures and transfer payments. The relationship between government consumption is expected to increase GDP growth for developing countries, and reduce it for industrialized countries. Government consumption can contribute to increased economic growth. However, government consumption is likely to expand beyond an efficient level in industrialized countries. In contrast, transfer payments, and social welfare programs are likely to reduce economic growth for most countries. These programs reduce work incentives and encourage tax avoidance activities. Work disincentives and tax avoidance reduce economic growth. These expected relationships are consistent with economic performance and government size for the countries considered here. Inefficiency and excessive government growth are checked by voter feedback as tax burdens exceed the associated benefits. Unfortunately, government program costs and benefits are asymmetrically distributed. The resulting tendency is to expand government programs, particularly programs that benefit a majority of voters at the expense of a minority. This tendency becomes even more acute as the tax system becomes more progressive (i.e., tax burdens become concentrated. Reductions in government size are more likely with stagnant or declining economic growth, and in government programs whose costs are widely shared, compared to programs with widely shared benefits and narrowly shared costs.
Measuring the Consequences of Rules

Recently two distinct forms of rule-utilitarianism have been introduced that differ on how to measure the consequences of rules. Brad Hooker advocates fixed-rate rule-utilitarianism (which measures the expected value of the rule's consequences at a 90 percent acceptance rate), while Michael Ridge advocates variable-rate rule-utilitarianism (which measures the average expected value of the rule's consequences for all different levels of social acceptance). I argue that both of these are inferior to a new proposal, optimum-rate rule-utilitarianism. According to optimum-rate rule-utilitarianism, an ideal code is the code whose optimum acceptance level is no lower than that of any alternative code. I then argue that all three forms of rule-utilitarianism fall prey to two fatal problems that leave us without any viable form of rule-utilitarianism.
Gene-Gene Cooperativity in Small Networks

We show how to construct a reduced description of interacting genes in noisy, small regulatory networks using coupled binary spin variables. Treating both the protein number and gene expression state variables stochastically and on equal footing, we propose a mapping that connects the molecular level description of networks to the binary representation. We construct a phase diagram indicating when genes can be considered to be independent and when the coupling between them cannot be neglected, which can lead to synchrony or correlations. We find that an appropriately mapped Boolean description reproduces the probabilities of gene expression states of the full stochastic system very well, and can be transferred to examples of self-regulatory systems with a larger number of gene copies.