cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and General-Properties of an Oligopeptidase from Treponema denticola ATCC-35405 - A Human Oral Spirochete

An endo-acting oligopeptidase (OPase) was purified to homogeneity from the cells of Treponema denticola ATCC 35405--a human oral spirochete--by a procedure that comprised a mild Triton X-100 extraction (which disintegrates the outer membrane but leaves the cells morphologically intact) and four successive fast protein liquid chromatographic steps of the extract. The activity of this oligopeptidase (formerly named "trypsin-like" enzyme and "BANA-peptidase") together with the proteinase activities of T. denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis is utilized in a diagnostic test for human periodontal infections, but the enzyme's chemical nature has not been studied. The enzyme is a cell-associated 78-kDa protein with an isoelectric point of 6.1, and its estimated minimum peptide length was 688 amino acid residues. The OPase does not hydrolyze proteins, but hydrolyzes -X-Arg-p-nitroaniline peptides between arginine and the chromogen, the optimum pH of hydrolysis covering a broad pH range (7 to 9). The OPase is not a metalloenzyme, although 1.0 mmol/liter Ca(II) increases the rate of the hydrolysis of all substrates. Ca(II) did not affect the values of the Michaelis constant. The OPase activity is not dependent on reactive SH-groups, but is suggested to depend on the catalytic triad COOH. . .His. . .Ser. The N-terminal sequence for the first 29 amino acid residues is MKQSDFEKPPIAEIKETRFEKFGKTRIDN. The purified enzyme is very sensitive to chlorhexidine acetate (mixed inhibition; Ki = 0.85 microM) and somewhat less sensitive to bacitracin (Ki(app) = 27.5 microM). The present OPase is considered to belong to the serine peptidases, functionally resembling trypsin except that the OPase does not hydrolyze proteins. The OPase may be regarded as an oligopeptidase, the substrate specificity profile of which resembles to a certain extent that of some members of the coagulation cascade.
Expression of aquaporin 9 in human chorioamniotic membranes and placenta

Objective Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is one of the recently identified water channels that is also permeable to neutral solutes including urea. To investigate the molecular mechanism of intramembranous pathway of amniotic fluid regulation, we sought to determine whether AQP9 is expressed, and the cellular localization of AQP9 expression in human fetal membranes. Study design Fetal membranes from 5 normal term human pregnancies were studied. Northern analysis was used to determine the tissue AQP9 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining with specific anti-AQP9 antibody was used for cellular AQP9 localization in the human fetal membranes. Results Northern analysis detected AQP9 mRNA expression in human amnion, chorion, and placenta. In situ hybridization revealed AQP9 mRNA expression in epithelial cells of the amnion, chorion cytotrophoblasts, and syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts of placenta. Further immunohistochemical study confirmed the AQP9 protein expression in these cell types of fetal membranes. Conclusion This study demonstrated the expression of AQP9 mRNA and protein in human chorioamniotic membranes and placenta. The AQP9 expression in fetal membranes suggests that AQP9 may be an important water channel in intramembranous amniotic fluid water regulation.
Regulation of COX-2 mediates acid-induced bone calcium efflux in vitro.

Chronic metabolic acidosis induces net Ca efflux from bone; this osteoclastic bone resorption is mediated by increased osteoblastic prostaglandin synthesis. Cyclooxygenase, the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, is present in both constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-2) forms. We report here that acidosis increases both osteoblastic RNA and protein levels for COX-2 and that genetic deficiency or pharmacologic inhibition of COX-2 significantly reduces acid-induced Ca efflux from bone. Introduction: Incubation of neonatal mouse calvariae in medium simulating physiologic metabolic acidosis induces an increase in osteoblastic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release and net calcium (Ca) efflux from bone. Increased PGE2 is necessary for acid-induced bone resorption, because inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity with indomethacin significantly decreases not only PGE2 production but also Ca release. Cyclooxygenase is present in both constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-2) forms. Because COX-2 activity has been implicated in several forms of pathological bone resorption, we tested the hypothesis that COX-2 is critical for acid-induced, cell-mediated bone Ca efflux. Materials and Methods: To determine the effect of metabolic acidosis on COX-2 RNA and protein, primary cells isolated from neonatal CD-1 mouse calvariae were cultured in neutral (Ntl) or physiologically acidic medium (Met). RNA levels for COX-2 and COX-1 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Levels of COX-2 and COX-1 protein were measured by immunoblot analysis. To determine the effect of acidosis on bone Ca efflux in genetically deficient COX-2 mice, mice heterozygous for the COX-2 knockout (strain B6;129S7-Ptgs2tm1Jed/J) were used as breeders, and neonatal calvariae were cultured in Ntl or Met. To determine the effects of the specific COX-2 inhibitor, NS398, on acid-induced bone resorption, CD-1 calvariae were incubated in Ntl or Met with or without NS398 (1 μM). Medium PGE2 was assayed by ELISA. Results: Incubation of mouse calvarial cells in Met significantly increased COX-2 RNA and protein levels without a change in COX-1. Increased COX-2 protein levels in response to Met were also observed in cultured calvariae. Acid-induced, cell-mediated Ca efflux from B6;129S7-Ptgs2tm1Jed/J calvariae was dependent on genotype. From 0 to 24 h, when physicochemical Ca efflux predominates, Met significantly increased net Ca efflux in all genotypes. After 24 h, when cell-mediated Ca efflux predominates, Met induced greater Ca efflux from (+/+) than from (+/−), and there was no increase from (−/−). In calvariae from CD-1 mice, NS398 significantly inhibited both the acid-induced increase in PGE2 and Ca release. Conclusions: The specific acid-induced increase in COX-2 RNA and protein levels and the dependency of the increased Ca efflux on COX-2 activity, as determined by both genetic deficiency and pharmacologic inhibition, show that COX-2 is critical for acid-induced, cell-mediated bone resorption.
Pre- and post-trial stimulation: Effects on retention

Mice were shocked for stepping from a small platform; retention was tested 24 hr. later. Stimulation level was controlled during the immediate pre- or post-learning period. Mice stimulated for 30 min. following learning retained the the same as nontreated Ss, while mice placed into a dark, quiet environment retained more. Ss stimulated pre-learning were slightly superior to nontreated animals.
UV-vis and Binding Studies of Cobalt Tetrasulfophthalocyanine–Thiolate Complexes as Intermediates of the Merox Process

Intermediates of the cobalt tetrasulfophthalocyanine (CoTSPc)-catalyzed thiol autoxidation were studied by UV-vis spectroscopy. All thiolates react with CoTSPc resulting in the formation of 1:1 complexes. Three major factors control both the stability and aggregation of the complexes: thiolate basicity, metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and π stacking. Basic thiolates partially reduce CoIITSPc, whereas CoTSPc complexes with low-basicity aliphatic thiolates (pKa < 4) do not exhibit Co(II) reduction, based on the absence of the characteristic Co(I) charge transfer band at 450 nm. CoTSPc complexes with aliphatic and bulky aromatic thiolates appear to be aggregated in aqueous solutions and are characterized by a broad band at 650 nm. Non-bulky aromatic thiolates of low basicity (pKa < 6) form unique stable monomeric CoIITSPc complexes. This unique spectral feature can be attributed to π stacking between the phthalocyanine ring and thiolate. Comparison of binding constants shows that the partial reduction of Co(II) significantly contributes to the thiolate binding. A combination of aromatic π stacking and MLCT appears to be responsible for the observed 1000-fold stronger binding of non-basic aromatic thiolates as compared with aliphatic ligands of similar basicity. Kinetic studies confirm the importance of the thiolate binding type for catalysis.
Encoding and decoding of analog signals with a population of neurons

In this paper, we discuss how an analog signal can be encoded using biophysically realistic neural networks. Using the activity curve of a single neuron, we argue that the activities can be pooled over a population so that the weighted sum of the activities approximate a given function. Since the activities of neurons are not available as a variable, we propose to generate them in real time by a suitable low-pass filter. Using the proposed scheme, we demonstrate how simple ordinary differential equations can be solved. In effect, the ordinary differential equations are solved by dynamically updating the activities of the neurons. In an actual biological neural network, the activities of the cells are not obtained by a low-pass filter. They are integrated in the network by a suitable synaptic input. A new optimization algorithm for finding a set of optimal synaptic weights has been proposed and successfully implemented using a software package GENESIS. The difference between biological neural networks and artificial neural networks is discussed in somewhat greater details. The important concepts are illustrated by implementing a memory and by solving a periodic ordinary differential equation, the Van der Pol oscillator.
Computing generalized ham-sandwich cuts

Barany et al. (2008) [1] proved that, for any @b@?[0,1]^d and any d well-separated convex bodies S"1,S"2,...,S"d in R^d, there exists a hyperplane (a generalized ham-sandwich cut) splitting the volume of S"i as (@b"i,1-@b"i) for all i. Steiger and Zhao (2010) [4] proved a discrete analogue for n points in weak general position. The (elegant!) proof inspired an algorithm for computing this hyperplane (Steiger and Zhao, 2010 [4]) with running time O(nlog^d^-^3n) for d>=3 and O(n) for d=2. In this note we show that their algorithm can be modified to compute a generalized ham-sandwich cut in linear time for any fixed d.
Boom or Bust: Opportunities and Challenges of Aging in Rural Kansas

Population aging is gaining a great deal of attention as we move toward the retirement of the Baby Boom generation. However, few studies have examined the processes and consequences of these aging trends in rural Kansas—and by extension, the Great Plains—at the community level. To that end, this project examines the community level impacts of population aging in rural Kansas. Primary methods included statistical community profile comparisons, site visits, and key informant interviews with local area leaders. The research team examined three non-metropolitan Kansas counties, two that were aging in place and one that is the single officially defined retirement migration destination in Kansas. Results indicate that areas that are aging in place also face significant challenges sustaining their population and economic structure. The retirement destination, on the other hand, has managed to slow population loss and economic decline through a certain combination of economic structure, family relations, local culture, and appropriate services.
Gastric adenocarcinoma screening and prevention in the era of new biomarker and endoscopic technologies: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Objective To estimate the cost-effectiveness of noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma (NCGA) screening strategies based on new biomarker and endoscopic technologies. Design Using an intestinal-type NCGA microsimulation model, we evaluated the following one-time screening strategies for US men: (1) serum pepsinogen to detect gastric atrophy (with endoscopic follow-up of positive screen results), (2) endoscopic screening to detect dysplasia and asymptomatic cancer (with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) treatment for detected lesions) and (3) Helicobacter pylori screening and treatment. Screening performance, treatment effectiveness, cancer and cost data were based on published literature and databases. Subgroups included current, former and never smokers. Outcomes included lifetime cancer risk and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), expressed as cost per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained. Results Screening the general population at age 50 years reduced the lifetime intestinal-type NCGA risk (0.24%) by 26.4% with serum pepsinogen screening, 21.2% with endoscopy and EMR and 0.2% with H. pylori screening/treatment. Targeting current smokers reduced the lifetime risk (0.35%) by 30.8%, 25.5%, and 0.1%, respectively. For all subgroups, serum pepsinogen screening was more effective and more cost-effective than all other strategies, although its ICER varied from $76 000/QALY (current smokers) to $105 400/QALY (general population). Results were sensitive to H. pylori prevalence, screen age and serum pepsinogen test sensitivity. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that at a $100 000/QALY willingness-to-pay threshold, the probability that serum pepsinogen screening was preferred was 0.97 for current smokers. Conclusions Although not warranted for the general population, targeting high-risk smokers for serum pepsinogen screening may be a cost-effective strategy to reduce intestinal-type NCGA mortality.
Short- and long-term outcomes of 1000 adult lung transplant recipients at a single center.

Objective Lung transplantation has become accepted therapy for end-stage pulmonary disease. The objective of this study was to review a single-institution experience of adult lung transplants. Methods We reviewed 1000 adult lung transplants that were performed at Washington University between July 1988 and January 2009. Results Transplants were performed for emphysema (52%), cystic fibrosis (18.2%), pulmonary fibrosis (16.1%), and pulmonary vascular disease (7.2%). Overall recipient age was 48 ± 13 years with an increase from 43 ± 12 years (July 1988–November 1993) to 50 ± 14 years (June 2005–January 2009). Overall incidence of primary graft dysfunction was 22.1%. Hospital mortality was higher for patients who had primary graft dysfunction (primary graft dysfunction, 13.6%; no primary graft dysfunction, 4%; P P P = .007). Conclusions Five-year survival has improved over the study period, but long-term outcomes are limited by bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Primary graft dysfunction is associated with higher rates of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and impaired short- and long-term survival. A better understanding of primary graft dysfunction and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is critical to improve outcomes.
Checking the Saliency of the Stimuli on Central versus Peripheral Visual Field

Saliency of the stimuli presumably plays a critical role in vision rehabilitation. This study sought to determine whether a peripheral or near central target influenced the peak velocity of convergence which may have an impact on visual saliency. Blue line stimuli, one without any distracting peripheral background and two with distracting background were given to four subjects within a haploscope setting. Eye movements were recorded with an infrared video camera system. Data were quantified using latency, amplitude, and peak velocity. Although a consistent decrease in peak velocity was observed statistical differences were not (p=0.13). The results suggest distraction does not significantly influence convergence step peak velocity. Future experiments include the study of other visual distracters.
The Global Heart Transplant and Caring across National Boundaries

In this paper, I consider some political and moral issues that arise from the increasingly common phenomenon of migrant careworkers who are part of transnational families, often mothers of children who are left behind, but also daughters who leave behind elderly relatives who may need care. This is a phenomenon that Arlie Hochschild calls the “global care chain.” 2 In the first part of this paper, I will consider that this phenomenon poses a challenge, if not an outright dilemma, first for those of us who want to envision a state that takes on a feminist ethics of care as a public ethic and, second, for feminist aspirations for the full range of work/career opportunities. Each of these hopes and expectations are meant to benefit all women but are, in fact, being realized only by some women and in some nations. The achievements often rest on the labor of other women who serve as paid caregivers for dependents, women whose home of origin is often another poorer nation. In the second half, I want to consider the moral resources that can help us diagnose the nature of the injustice and the moral harm such practices entail and determine what, if any, moral resources are available to help us resolve the dilemma(s) I flag in the first half of the paper.
Chlordiazepoxide and aversive conditioning: Effects of acquisition and performance of the conditioned nictitating membrane response in the rabbit

A 12-mg/kg dosage of chlordiazepoxide was shown to disrupt acquisition and postasymptotic performance of the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response of rabbits induced by pairing a tone with eyeshock. This result makes more plausible the hypothesis that chlordiazepoxide interferes with avoidance learning in rabbits by suppressing the conditioned fear component of avoidance learning.
The economics of intellectual property at universities: an overview of the special issue

In recent years, there has been a substantial rise in the rate of commercialization of university-based technologies—through patenting, licensing, research joint ventures, and the formation of startup companies. We have also witnessed an increase in investment in science parks and other property-based institutions that facilitate the transfer of technology from universities to firms. Although some have questioned cause and effect (e.g., Mowery et al., 2001), most commentators attribute a substantial portion of this activity to the Bayh–Dole Act of 1980, which dramatically changed the incentives of U.S. universities to commercialize their intellectual property. Bayh–Dole instituted a uniform patent policy across federal agencies, removed many restrictions on licensing, and most importantly, allowed universities, rather than the federal government, to own patents arising from federal research grants. There has also been a concomitant rise in university–industry partnerships resulting from efforts undertaken by national governments to overcome innovation market failures (Martin and Scott, 2000). One such policy intervention is public– private partnerships. Public-sector support can assume various forms, such as government subsidies for projects funded by private firms (e.g., the U.S.
Relationships between Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, Alcohol Consumption, and Blood Pressure: Results from the CARDIA Study

Objectives : We examined cross-sectional relationships among depressive symptoms, anxiety, alcohol intake, and blood pressure. Test hypotheses were that : (1) alcohol intake, depressive symptoms, and anxiety would be positively related to blood pressure ; (2) depressive symptoms and anxiety would have a stronger association with alcohol intake in Blacks than in Whites ; and (3) adjustment for differences in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and alcohol intake would reduce Black-White blood pressure differences. Methods : Study hypotheses were tested in a sample of 4,352 Black and White adults, participating in the CARDIA study. Hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression. Results : Alcohol intake was positively related to systolic (p = 0.0001) and diastolic (p = 0.0004) blood pressure in men, but not in women. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were unrelated to blood pressure. The relationship between alcohol intake and depressive symptoms differed by race/ethnicity in men (p = 0.0719) and in women (p = 0.0002). Alcohol intake increased with increasing levels of depressive symptoms, but the increase was greater in Blacks than in Whites. After accounting for alcohol intake, body mass index, and other variables, Black-White blood pressure differences were reduced in men, but not in women ; most of the reduction was caused by body mass index. Conclusions : Blacks may respond differently than Whites to psychological distress.
E. coli RNA polymerase interacts homologously with two different promoters

Abstract We present and review experiments that identify points of close approach of the RNA polymerase to two promoters, lac UV5 and T7 A3. We identify the contacts to the phosphates along the DNA backbone, to the N7s of guanines in the major groove and the N3s of adenines in the minor groove, and to the methyl groups of thymines. These contacts to the two promoters are strikingly homologous in space, as shown on three-dimensional models, and identify major regions of interactions lying on one side of the DNA molecule (at −35 and −16), as well as further areas extending through the Pribnow box. Both promoters are unwound similarly by the polymerase, across a region of about twelve bases extending from the middle of the Pribnow box to just beyond the RNA start site. We discuss the areas of interaction in the context of promoter homologies and promoter mutations. The disposition of the contacts in space suggests a model for the pathway along which the RNA polymerase binds to promoters.
Hydrologic constraints on the genesis of the Upper Mississippi Valley mineral district from Illinois Basin brines

Mississippi Valley-type deposits of the Upper Mississippi Valley mineral district probably formed during a period of regional ground-water flow across the Illinois basin initiated by uplift of the Pascola arch in post-Early Permian and pre-Late Cretaceous time. Numerical modeling of this inferred paleohydrologic regime shows that district temperatures attained by this process depend on flow rates through the basin, heat flow along flow paths, and presence of structures to cause convergence and upwelling of fluids. Predicted flow rates and timing of mineralization agree with previous estimates. Modeling results also offer explanations of banding in district mineralization and district silicification patterns. Modeling of ground-water flow due to sediment compaction during basin subsidence, however, shows that this process was not responsible for mineralization. Fluids displaced from the deep basin by compaction-driven flow moved too slowly to avoid conductive cooling to the surface before reaching the district. Episodic dewatering events are unlikely to have occurred, because the basin did not develop significant overpressures during subsidence. Results of the compaction-driven flow modeling probably also apply to the Michigan and Forest City basins. Study results suggest that exploration strategies for Mississippi Valley-type deposits should account for tectonic histories of basin margins distant from targets.
How is Philosophy Possible? Blanchot on Secrecy, Ambiguity and the Care for Death

Abstract I examine the contribution that the first part of Maurice Blancot’s recit Death Sentence makes to his understanding of the relationship between philosophy and literature. I use a reading of the Kantian, transcendental account of literature in “How is Literature Possible” as the starting point for an analysis of the way in which Blanchot uses secrets in describing J.’s death in Death Sentence, linking secrecy up with the imaginary, ambiguity and dissimulation. The purpose for this refinement is to challenge the philosophical tradition’s self‐understanding, particularly as exhibited in Hegel. This challenge is seen by reading the account of grief in the first part of Death Sentence as a parody of Hegel’s interpretation of Antigone.
Modeling dense gaseous contaminant pathways over complex terrain using a geographic information system

An impedance surface approach within a geographic information system (GIS) is used to model dispersion pathways for dense, gaseous, hazardous contaminants across complex terrain. The impedance surface methodology is tested using the Nogales Arizona-Sonora region of the US-Mexico border for simulation under varying wind conditions. This approach provides a realistic approximation of potential dispersion patterns in complex terrain where most existing dispersion models are inappropriate.
Dues and Initiation Fees in Labor Unions

Introduction, 219. — Dues in AF of L unions, 220. — Initiation fees in these unions, 222. — Local correlation, 224. — Dues in CIO unions, 224. — Reasons for differences between AF of L and CIO unions, 226. — Per capita taxes and dues, 226. — Initiation fees in CIO unions, 227. — Assessments, 229. — Comparison between AF of L and CIO unions, 230. — Conclusions, 231.
Furuncular cuterebrid myiasis

Abstract Myiasis is the infestation of skin by the larvae of flies. In North America cases are caused by the botfly ( Cuterebra ) and occur most commonly in children. The usual presentation is a subcutaneous abscess, and for this reason these patients may be referred to surgeons. Knowledge of this entity can avoid delays in diagnosis, unnecessary incision and drainage procedures, and unnecessary courses of antibiotics.
Formal semantics of programming languages: VDL

The history of ideas that led to the first formalization of the syntax and semantics of PL/I is sketched. The definition method and notation are known as the Vienna Definition Language (VDL). The paper examines the relationship between VDL and both denotational semantics and the axiomatic approach to programming language definition.
Intrinsic racial differences in the risk of cesarean delivery are not explained by differences in caregivers or hospital site of delivery.

Objective This study was undertaken to assess whether racial differences in the risk of cesarean delivery result from differing practices of their caregivers or the hospitals at which they deliver. Study design A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Perinatal Database of the Memorial Health Care System. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of primary cesarean delivery among patients eligible for labor. The contribution of hospital and physician level cluster correlation was evaluated using fixed and random effects regression models. Results Compared with white patients, black and Hispanic patients were 75% and 22% more likely to undergo primary cesarean delivery. Further adjustment for hospital and physician level cluster correlation resulted in persistently increased risks of primary cesarean delivery in black (54%) and Hispanic patients (12%). Conclusion Hospital site of delivery and individual physician practices do not fully explain racial differences in the risk of primary cesarean delivery.
Biographical Dictionary of American Sports: Outdoor Sports

Preface Auto Racing Communications Media and Promotions Golf Horse Racing Lacrosse Miscellaneous Sports Skiing Soccer Speed Skating Tennis Track and Field Appendix 1: Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds Appendix 2: Alphapetical Listing of Entries with Sport Appendix 3: Entries by Major Outdoor Sport Appendix 4: Entries by Place of Birth Appendix 5: Women Athletes by Sport Appendix 6: Cross-references for Married Women Athletes Appendix 7: Major U.S. Sports Halls of Fame Appendix 8: Sports Associations, Organizations, and/or Leagues in Outdoor Sports Volume Appendix 9: Major Outdoor Sporting Events Appendix 10: Sites of Olympic Games Appendix 11: Periodicals Covering Outdoor Sports Volume Index
Gene transfer by broken molecules of λ DNA: Activity of the left half-molecule‡

λ DNA can be broken in half by stirring. The two half-molecules are active biologically: the phage progeny issuing from bacteria mixedly infected with whole phage and broken DNA contain genetic markers from the DNA. One of the half-molecules carries the markers s, i and mi ; the other half-molecule carries sus A , sus J and h . Since each of these groups of markers represents a continuous segment of the linkage map, it is argued that the linkage map is congruent with the molecular structure of DNA.
Diagnosing Personality Disorders: A Review of Issues and Research Methods

Many questions face researchers conducting personality disorder research. Which measure should be used? When should patients be evaluated--at initial presentation when they are still symptomatic, or after symptom resolution? Can a patient accurately describe his or her personality, or must an informant be contacted? What do you do when personality traits change during an individual's lifetime? I discuss these and other issues of personality disorder assessment in the DSM-III/DSM-III-R era, and examine the empiric literature bearing on these questions. First, I review studies of diagnostic reliability and stability, because studies of the above questions can only be interpreted in the context of the limitations imposed by modest reliability.
Functional Increases in Cerebral Blood Volume over Somatosensory Cortex

Summary: We have examined the relationship between cerebral blood volume (CBV) and electrophysiologic over primary somatosensory cortex (S-I) in the rat. We did this by comparing the spatial characteristics and time course of activity-related changes in plasma fluorescence, intrinsic optical reflectance signals, and single unit electro-physiology in S-I to identical stimuli. S-Is of urethane-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed, and fluorescent Texas Red dextran dye (MW 70,000) was administered intravenously. Subsequently, foredigit elec-troshock or vibrissal deflection was associated with fluorescence increases over contralateral forelimb or posteromedial barrel subfield cortex. Fluorescence was delayed and prolonged, indicating that CBV increases at 1-1.5 s and peaks 2-2.5 s after the onset of stimulation in both regions. When stimulus intensity was adjusted to produce barely detectable fluorescence foci (10% above background), significant electrophysiologic spiking was seen. At these parameters, fluorescence change overlay areas of increased cortical layer III cell firing on single unit recordings. However, surface boundaries of the smallest observable fluorescence foci at their peak spatial extents consistently overspilled electrophysiologic center receptive fields. Corresponding intrinsic optical reflectance decreases were seen at 610 and 850 nm, exhibiting similar timing and colocalizing closely with fluorescence increase at both wavelengths after identical stimuli. These signals similarly overspilled electrophysiologic activity. Thus, we observed delayed increases in vascular fluorescence (related to CBV) over activated cortex. The smallest detectable fluorescence changes overspilled the center receptive field boundaries and were associated with appreciable electrophysiologic firing. In addition, the striking spatial and temporal similarity between intrinsic optical reflectance and fluorescence activity suggests that changes in intrinsic cortical reflectance are strongly related to changes in CBV.
Deposition of High Tc Superconductor thin Films by Pulsed Laser Ablation

Thin superconducting films of YBa2Cu3O7 and HoBa2Cu3O7 have been obtained by ablating material from high-Tc bulk superconductor ceramics onto a nearby substrate using focused excimer laser radiation. Subsequent annealing in oxygen at elevated temperatures was necessary to achieve the superconducting phase. A range of deposition and annealing conditions was investigated to yield films of the desired stoi chiometry and phase.
Smads oppose Hox transcriptional activities

BMPs and Hox proteins play crucial roles in developmental processes. Beyond their mutual regulation of gene expression, little is known about the relations between their mechanisms of actions. Previously, we have shown that Hoxc8 acts as a downstream repressor in the BMP signaling pathway. Smad1 and Smad6 interact with Hoxc8 and regulate its repression activities. The Hox family contains 39 genes divided into 13 paralogs. In this report, we systemically examined the potential functions of all the paralogous Hox proteins as BMP downstream transcription factors. Representative Hox proteins from each paralog were tested. In the gel-shift assay, we found that Smad1, Smad4, and Smad6 interacted with most of the Hox proteins in ways similar to their interactions with Hoxc8. The interactions were confirmed in mammalian cells. We also examined the effects of Smads on Hox-induced transactivation. Particularly, we determined that for Hoxd10 as a transcriptional activator, both Smad1 and Smad6 opposed its activity. In addition, Smad6 also inhibited Hoxc8- and Hoxb7-induced osteoprotegerin (OPG) transactivation. Furthermore, Smad1 inhibited Hoxb4-mediated target gene Irx5 expression during early Xenopus development. Our findings suggest that Hox proteins act as general downstream DNA-binding proteins in BMP signaling cascade and their transcriptional activities are regulated by Smads.
Actions of β-blocking agents on membrane excitability of the lobster giant axon

The local anesthetic properties of propanolol, pronethalol, practolol and procaine were studied in the lobster giant axon. The following observations were made: (1) in the lobster axon propanolol was found to be 12-times and pronethalol 8-times more effective than procaine as local anesthetics: (2) practolol was nearly devoid of local anesthetic activity; (3) propranolol and pronethalol were readily antagonized by high [Ca2+]o; however, procaine was much less susceptible to high [Ca2+]o and required 5-times normal [Ca2+]o to partially antagonize its action; (4) low [Ca2+]o potentiated the local anesthetic effects of propranolol and pronethalol and to a lesser extent those of procaine; (5) a possible site of action of these local anesthetics is discussed.
A Partnership across Boundaries: Arts Integration in High Schools.

ABSTRACT Innovative high school curricula engage students through the study of visual art in conjunction with critical study of history and social movements.
Mitochondrial Fusion Intermediates Revealed in Vitro

The events that occur during the fusion of double-membraned mitochondria are unknown. As an essential step toward determining the mechanism of mitochondrial fusion, we have captured this event in vitro. Mitochondrial outer and inner membrane fusion events were separable and mechanistically distinct, but both required guanosine 5'-triphosphate hydrolysis. Homotypic trans interactions of the ancient outer transmembrane guanosine triphosphatase, Fzo1, were required to promote the fusion of mitochondrial outer membranes, whereas electrical potential was also required for fusion of inner membranes. Our conclusions provide fundamental insights into the molecular events driving mitochondrial fusion and advance our understanding of the evolution of mitochondrial fusion in eukaryotic cells.
Understanding the Effects of Audio-CASI on Self-Reports of Sensitive Behavior

Dans les enquetes portant sur des questions sensibles (sexualite, toxicomanie etc.) les questionnaires auto-administres se presentent sous la forme de questionnaires papier traditionnels ou bien dans des versions audio assistees par ordinateur. Cet article examine les avantages respectifs de chacune de ces deux solutions, en fonction de la situation d'administration du questionnaire
Single-crystal Y2O3-ZrO2 rectangular waveguides for ultrahigh-temperature sensing applications.

High-quality Y2O3–ZrO2 single-crystal rectangular waveguides have been developed for ultrahigh-temperature sensing applications. Five waveguides, 0.55–1.12 mm wide and 52–65 mm long, were fabricated from a bulky cubic 21.2-mol. % Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 single crystal that had been precisely cut and finely polished. At 900-nm wavelength, the average optical loss of these waveguides is approximately 0.016 dB/cm, which is much lower than that of Y2O3–ZrO2 single-crystal optical fibers grown by the laser-heated pedestal growth method. The tested waveguides survived a temperature higher than 2300 °C, and their mechanical strength and chemical resistance were also acceptable. Experimental results show that these waveguides are promising for ultrahigh-temperature sensing applications.
The Nautch women dancers of the 1880s: Corporeality, US Orientalism, and anti-Asian immigration laws

In this essay I suggest that paying attention to nineteenth century transnational Indian women performers as temporary, cultural laborers in the US reveals the ambiguities of immigration law and citizenship. I take the crucial performances and experiences of the 1881 Indian Nautch Dancers who arrived on New York Stages to perform in Augustin Daly's show “Zanina” to examine discrimination, anti-Asian sentiment, and exclusion laws long before the oft-cited 1923 court case that de-naturalized Indians from US citizenship. I argue that attending to Indian women's performances in the nineteenth century offers gendered insight into exclusion laws and demonstrates their ambiguity in ways that focusing on Asian male laborers (as has been the predominant focus of nineteenth and early twentieth century research on Asian labor) alone occludes.
Replication in context: dynamic regulation of DNA replication patterns in metazoans

Replication in eukaryotes initiates from discrete genomic regions according to a strict, often tissue-specific temporal programme. However, the locations of initiation events within initiation regions vary, show sequence disparity and are affected by interactions with distal elements. Increasing evidence suggests that specification of replication sites and the timing of replication are dynamic processes that are regulated by tissue-specific and developmental cues, and are responsive to epigenetic modifications. Dynamic specification of replication patterns might serve to prevent or resolve possible spatial and/or temporal conflicts between replication, transcription and chromatin assembly, and facilitate subtle or extensive changes of gene expression during differentiation and development.
Can Scalar Neutrinos Or Massive Dirac Neutrinos Be the Missing Mass

Abstract Scalar neutrinos and massive Dirac neutrinos in the mass range 2–20 GeV have been proposed as candidates to provide the dark matter in the halo of our galaxy. If so, the particles are captured inthe Earth with an efficiency of 10−10 − 10−7. For Dirac neutrinos more massive than about 9 GeV and scalar neutrinos more massive than abour 12 GeV, enough are captured to produce an observable neutrino flux at the surface of the Earth (∼ 10−2 cm−2 s−1 for sneutrinos and ∼ 1.4 × 10−3 cm−2 s−1 for Dirac neutrinos), several orders of magnitude above atmospheric background and above what is observed. Hence stable scalar neutrinos of mass 12–20 GeV or Dirac neutrinos of mass 9–20 GeV cannot be the dominant component of the halo.
Synthesis of an iodine-123-labeled celecoxib analogue: a potential spect agent

Celecoxib (4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1yl]-benzenesulfonamide) is an effective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The synthesis of a no-carrier-added iodine-123-labeled analogue of celecoxib was accomplished in four steps for potential use in single photon tomography. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age-associated synapse elimination in mouse parasympathetic ganglia

Little is known about the effects of aging on synapses in the mammalian nervous system. We examined the innervation of individual mouse submandibular ganglion (SMG) neurons for evidence of age-related changes in synapse efficacy and number. For approximately 85% of adult life expectancy (30 months) the efficacy of synaptic transmission, as determined by excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitudes, remains constant. Similarly, the number of synapses contacting individual SMG neurons is also unchanged. After 30 months of age, however, some neurons (23%) dramatically lose synaptic input exhibiting both smaller EPSP amplitude and fewer synaptic boutons. Attenuation of both the amplitude and frequency of miniature EPSPs was also observed in neurons from aged animals. Electron micrographs revealed that, although there were many vesicle-laden preganglionic axonal processes in the vicinity of the postsynaptic membrane, the number of synaptic contacts was significantly lower in old animals. These results demonstrate primary, age-associated synapse elimination with functional consequences that cannot be explained by pre- or postsynaptic cell death.
Computing Applachian geomorphology

Abstract Craig, R.G., 1989. Computing Appalachian geomorphology. In: T.W. Gardner and W.D. Sevon (Editors), Appalachian Geomorphology, Geomorphology, 2: 197–207. A computer model is used to represent the stochastic effects of geomorphic processes acting on Appalachian structures, and to produce the various stages of Cenozoic Appalachian geomorphic history. That model incorporates the uncertainty in our current representation of elevation, lithology, dependence of slope on lithology, structural dip, percent of surface lithology uneroded, and stratigraphic thickness. Four theories of Appalachian history — defined by initial surface relief and adjustment to underlying lithology — are analyzed. Initial surface relief like that proposed by J.T. Hack yields the best fit to the current surface (mean elevation 410 m) when erosion proceeds from a surface initialized to the modern mean elevation of the ridgetops (760 m).
Complexation of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and anions by alpha-cyclodextrin

Inclusion complexes are formed in aqueous solution between α-cyclodextrin and several straight-chain alkanedioic acids (ethanedioic, propanedioic, butanedioic, pentanedioic, hexanedioic, heptanedioic and octanedioic acids), several corresponding anions, several straight-chain alkenedioic acids (cis-butanedioic,trans-butanedioic andt,t-2,4-hexadienedioic acids) and several corresponding anions. Formation constants for these complexes were determined by measuring the effect of complexation on the pH of cyclohexaamylose/acid/base buffer equilibria. Enthalpies and entropies of complexation were calculated from the temperature dependences of the formation constants. The observed trends in the thermodynamic parameters lead to hypotheses about the structures of the complexes.
Ultrafine particles near a roadway intersection: origin and apportionment of fast changes in concentration.

A wavelet-based algorithm was implemented to separate the high frequency portion of ambient nanoparticle measurements taken during the summer and winter of 2009 in Wilmington, Delaware. These measurements included both number concentration and size distributions recorded once every second by a condensation particle counter (CPC) and a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS). The high frequency portion of the signal, consisting of a series of abrupt spikes in number concentration that varied in length from a few seconds to tens of seconds, accounted for 6−35% of the daily ambient number concentration with hourly contributions sometimes greater than 50%. When the data were weighted by particle volume, this portion of the signal contributed an average of 20% to the daily PM0.1 concentration. Particle concentration spikes were preferentially observed from locations surrounding the measurement site where motor vehicles accelerate after a red traffic light turns green. As the distance or transit time from emission ...
INCUBATION PERIOD OF ASTER-YELLOWS VIRUS

THE ASTER-YELLOWS VIRUS alternates in nature between plant and insect vector hosts. The multiplication of the virus in these two hosts has been demonstrated experimentally and it therefore seems justified to use the term incubation period in preference to latent period or delay of infectivity. The term incubation period in the plant is used in this paper to describe the period between inoculation of a susceptible host and the appearance of first disease symptoms. During this interval the small amount of virus introduced into a plant by a feeding insect, moves, multiplies, and becomes systemic. The incubation period in the insect is defined as the time between acquisition of virus by an insect vector and the time the insect becomes infective. The incubation period in insects is comparable to that in the plant. During this interval the small amount of virus initially acquired spreads in the insect body, multiplies, and produces a systemic infection. The influence of several factors on the incubation period of aster-yellows virus was studied in plants and in the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles fascifrons Stal2 (Beirne, 1952), earlier known as Macrosteles divisus Uhler (1937 to 1952) and Cicadula sexnotata (Fall.) (until 1937). Several other incidental problems that arose were investigated: the movement of virus from point of inoculation in the plant; the inability of insects to acquire virus during the first 7 days of incubation period in plants; the influence of temperature on the ability to acquire virus by feeding insects and the transmission by infective insects. LITERATURE.-SO far the aster-yellows virus has not been transmitted mechanically to plants. In 1924, Kunkel discovered that the virus is transmitted by the leafhopper, Macrosteles fascifrons Stal. The relationship of the virus to the insect vec. tor and to various host plants was comprehensively studied by Kunkel (1924, 1926a, 1926b, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1937a, 1937b, 1938, 1941, 1951). In 1940, Black succeeded in the mechanical inoculation of virus-free aster leafhoppers by means of injections of juices from infective insects. This is the only method presently available for studying the virus in vitro. The evidence for multiplication of the virus in M. fascifrons was derived from various experiments and in a variety of ways (Kunkel, 1937a, 1938; Black, 1941; Maramorosch, 1950b, 1952a, 1952b) . In 1937, Kunkel discovered the heat-induced incubation period and the inactivation of the virus at 32?C. (1937a). A study of the influence of lower temperatures and of incubation periods under controlled environmental conditions,
The use of an ultrasonic monitor for recording locomotor activity

An ultrasonic activity monitor has been designed that can be used to detect motion in air or within an aquarium. Stability and linearity of response of the monitor have been measured. The system has been used to examine activity rhythms of the marine invertebrate,Octoput ornatus Gould.
Concept and usefulness of cardiovascular risk profiles.

Despite major advances in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the past century, it remains a serious clinical and public health problem. Multivariable risk factor analysis is now commonly performed to identify high-risk candidates for CVD who need preventive measures and to seek out clues to the pathogenesis of the disease. The set of risk factors used for the former is constrained by practical considerations, and the set of risk factors used for the latter is constrained by the hypothesis being tested. This report reviews the evolution and usefulness of multivariable risk functions crafted for estimating risk of clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis and for gaining insights into their pathogenesis. Decades of evaluation of CVD risk factors by the Framingham Study led to the conclusion that CVD risk evaluation is most fruitfully appraised from the multivariable risk posed by a set of established risk factors. Such assessment is essential because risk factors seldom occur in isolation, and the risk associated with each varies widely depending on the burden of associated risk factors. About half the CVD in the general population arises from the segment with multiple marginal risk factor abnormalities. Although disease-specific profiles are available, a multivariable risk formulation for coronary disease comprised of age, sex, the total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, systolic blood pressure, glucose intolerance, cigarette smoking, and electrocardiography-left ventricular hypertrophy is also predictive of peripheral artery disease, heart failure, and stroke because of shared risk factors. Correcting risk factors for any particular CVD has the potential to protect against ≥1 of the others. Multivariable risk stratification is now recognized as essential in efficiently identifying likely candidates for CVD and quantifying the hazard.