cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Caenorhabditis elegans Muscle Structure and Function Caused by Mutation of Troponin I

Caenorhabditis elegans strains mutant for the unc-27 gene show abnormal locomotion and muscle structure. Experiments revealed that unc-27 is one of four C. elegans troponin I genes and that three mutant alleles truncate the protein: recessive and presumed null allele e155 terminates after nine codons; semidominant su142sd eliminates the inhibitory and C-terminal regions; and semidominant su195sd abbreviates the extreme C-terminus. Assays of in vivo muscular performance at high and low loads indicated that su142sd is most deleterious, with e155 least and su195sd intermediate. Microscopy revealed in mutant muscle a prevalent disorder of dense body positioning and a less well defined sarcomeric structure, with small islands of thin filaments interspersed within the overlap region of A bands and even within the H zone. The mutants' rigid paralysis and sarcomeric disarray are consistent with unregulated contraction of the sarcomeres, in which small portions of each myofibril shorten irregularly and independently of one another, thereby distorting the disposition of filaments. The exacerbated deficits of su142sd worms are compatible with involvement in vivo of the N-terminal portion of troponin I in enhancing force production, and the severe impairment associated with su195sd highlights importance of the extreme C-terminus in the protein's inhibitory function.
The effects of patriarchal systems on beliefs surrounding the Goddess in pre-history and early christianity

This article discusses effects on the Goddess belief by past civilizations through religious and social systems with a focus on shifting images and concepts of the Goddess from pre-history matriarchal social systems, to patriarchal systems in Early Christianity. Additionally, the article addresses how changing interpretations of Goddess images and concepts reflect fundamental changes in religion and social organizations. In adopting a feminist perspective the article ultimately shows the influence and prominence of the Goddess woshipped in Pre-History and Early Christianity.
Immunology: sensing the enemy within.

Damaged or foreign DNA stimulates immune responses by inducing the production of interferon proteins. New evidence indicates that this response is mediated by a cytosolic DNA sensor known as DAI.
Resolved pseudo-Raman band of PGA

Abstract For the first time, the partially resolved pseudo-Raman band of Poly-L-Glutamic acid is reported.
Application of the Šesták-Berggren Equation to Organic and Inorganic Materials of Practical Interest

Reactions that have an initial acceleratory period are common in both organic and inorganic systems. The Sestak-Berggren equation, dx/dt= -kxn(1-x)m[-ln(x)]p, with p set to zero (also called the extended Prout-Tompkins (PT) equation) is an excellent empirical kinetic law for many of these systems. In this work, it is shown to fit both isothermal and constant heating rate pyrolysis data for a well-preserved algal kerogen in a petroleum source rock and two synthetic polymers (polycarbonate and poly-ether-etherketone), dehydration of calcium oxalate monohydrate, decomposition of ammonium percholorate, and diffusive release of gas implanted in materials. Activation energies derived by non-linear regression to multiple experiments are consistent with those derived by simple isoconversional methods. Errors caused by misapplication of first-order kinetics to single-heating-rate data are discussed briefly.
Drosophila melanogaster genes encoding three troponin-C isoforms and a calmodulin-related protein

Using low-stringency hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA amplification, we have isolated threeDrosophila melanogaster genes that encode troponin-C isoforms and one specifying a protein that is closely related to calmodulin. Two of the troponin-C genes, located within the 47D and 73F subdivisions of chromosomes 2 and 3, respectively, encode very closely related isoforms. That specified by the 47D gene accumulates almost exclusively in larval muscles, while that encoded by the 73F gene is present in both larvae and adults. The third gene, located within the 41C subdivision of chromosome 2, encodes a more distantly related troponin-C isoform that accumulates only within adults. The gene that encodes the calmodulin-related protein is located within the 97A subdivision of chromosome three. The protein encoded by this gene has a different primary sequence from that of conventional calmodulin, which is specified by a gene located within the 49A subdivision of chromosome 2. Our report is the first to describe insect troponin-C isoforms and further avails genetic methods for investigating thein vivo functions of the troponin-C/myosin light-chain/calmodulin protein superfamily.
Cell invasion through basement membranes: an anchor of understanding

To metastasize, cancer cells must acquire the ability to breach several basement membrane barriers. Cell invasions through basement membranes also occur during normal development and immune system function, enabling organ formation and cell dispersal. The mechanisms that cells use to cross basement membranes in vivo remain elusive. In cancer and development, these invasions occur in complex and inaccessible environments, which are difficult to study in vivo. Anchor-cell invasion in Caenorhabditis elegans is a simple, visually and experimentally accessible model of basement membrane invasion that is beginning to reveal a network of cellular and molecular control mechanisms that regulate the fundamental cellular process of invasion through basement membranes.
Quest for Correlates of Protection against Tuberculosis

A major impediment to tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development is the lack of reliable correlates of immune protection or biomarkers that would predict vaccine efficacy. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) produced by CD4+ T cells and, recently, multifunctional CD4+ T cells secreting IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) have been used in vaccine studies as a measurable immune parameter, reflecting activity of a vaccine and potentially predicting protection. However, accumulating experimental evidence suggests that host resistance against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is independent of IFN-γ and TNF secretion from CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, the booster vaccine MVA85A, despite generating a high level of multifunctional CD4+ T cell response in the host, failed to confer enhanced protection in vaccinated subjects. These findings suggest the need for identifying reliable correlates of protection to determine the efficacy of TB vaccine candidates. This article focuses on alternative pathways that mediate M. tuberculosis control and their potential for serving as markers of protection. The review also discusses the significance of investigating the natural human immune response to M. tuberculosis to identify the correlates of protection in vaccination.
Taking Children's Literature Scholarship to the Public

This manifesto affirms the importance and uniqueness of literary scholarship and calls for children’s literature critics to bring their research to the public through digital humanities initiatives and collaboration with museums, archives, and children’s literature colleagues in Schools of Education and Library Science.
Theoretical and experimental studies of glucose sensitive membranes

A mathematical model has been developed to describe the steady-state behavior of two types of glucose sensitive membranes. Both membranes are synthetic hydrogels containing immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme (GluOx). The formation of gluconic acid from glucose and oxygen, catalyzed by GluOx, is the key to the functioning of either type of membrane since it causes a pH decrease within the membrane. In amine group-containing membranes, the pH decrease enhances the swelling (and permeability) of the gels, allowing control of insulin delivery in response to glucose concentrations. In membranes containing immobilized pH indicator dyes the pH decrease causes a color change, thus providing the basis for a glucose sensor. The model's predictions of the response of amine-containing membranes to glucose show that the pH decrease is often limited by O2 depletion and that the occurrence of O2 depletion is strongly influenced by enzyme loading and membrane thickness. At a given thickness, an optimal enzyme loading exists which results in the maximum response to glucose over a given range of glucose concentrations. The influence of buffer and amine concentrations, amine pK, solute diffusivities, and flowrate past the membrane also have been examined. For polyacrylamide membranes containing phenol red (but no amines), substrate turnover rates, oxygen depletion, and the pH decrease within the membrane have been calculated using the model and found to agree qualitatively with experimentally determined values of these parameters. Quantitative agreement is lacking, however. In particular, the model predicts that as GluOx loading is increased (all other parameters, including glucose concentration, held constant) the pH decrease should asymptotically approach a maximum value. However, it is found experimentally that as GluOx loading is increased, the measured pH decrease increases progressively over the full range of GluOx concentrations that we have studied. Possible reasons for the quantitative disagreements between simulated and observed results will be discussed. Implications of the model with respect to optimizing membrane designs will be presented. One finding of particular interest is that a glucose sensor using immobilized GluOx will achieve a maximum response at sub-physiological concentrations of glucose, and not respond to higher glucose concentrations, unless the enzyme loading is made sufficiently low.
Rheological and dielectric changes during isothermal epoxy-amine cure

Dynamic viscosity and ionic conductivity were measured simultaneously during the cure of a digylcidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy resin with diamino-diphenyl sulfone (DDS) by mounting a microdielectric sensor into the plates of a rheometer. Two different cure temperatures were examined. Periodically, throughout the cure, samples were removed from the plates of the rheometer, quenched, and analyzed for the glass transition temperature and epoxide conversion. The relationship between conductivity and viscosity appeared to be independent of cure temperature. A linear relation with a slope of −1 was observed between the natural logarithms of conductivity and viscosity during the cure up to approximately 85% cure conversion. It was hypothesized that the reaction rate was hindered by diffusion at this stage in the polymerization. A free volume relationship was used to successfully correlate conductivity with viscosity up to the diffusion limited region. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In situ analysis of aluminum enhanced crystallization of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) using X-ray diffraction

Abstract Deposition of polysilicon at low temperatures is important for the low cost production of electronic devices, especially solar cells and active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCD). In this paper in situ X-ray diffraction studies of aluminum enhanced crystallization of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) at low temperatures is reported. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon films were deposited on oxidized silicon substrates. Aluminum was deposited on the a-Si:H using evaporation. X-ray diffraction analysis was done in an evacuated temperature controlled camera at a glancing angle of 5° using thin film optics. Growth in the 〈111〉 silicon peak was monitored while annealing the samples at 200, 225, 250 and 275°C. Results show that the area under the 〈111〉 silicon peak grows linearly with time. The rate of crystallization was found to be higher at higher temperatures. Al-induced crystallization was found to follow an Arrhenius type dependence. The activation energy for the thermally activated phenomenon controlling crystallization was calculated to be 1.1 eV. This is close to the reported activation energy of 1.2 eV for the diffusion of Al in a-Si:H.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SECOND GENERATION ADVANCED DYNAMIC PYROELECTRIC FOCAL PLANE ARRAY

ABSTRACT The pyroelectric effect has been characterized for single-pixel elements consisting of strontium bismuth tantalate (SBT) ferroelectric material as the sensing element. The pixels include also a thermal insulating layer and an infrared (IR) absorber layer. These MEMS-less devices are operated in active mode, a technique that eliminates the need for a radiation chopper found in passive pyroelectric IR imagers. Test results of the SBT pixels of dimensions 7.5 μm × 7.5 μm to 200 μm × 200 μm have shown high endurance to polar cycling, high responsivity values, and very low noise-equivalent temperature difference for focal plane array applications. This paper describes and analyses the results of precursor 2 × 2 arrays using discrete sensing elements, the active detection mechanism, and its unique read-out electronics. A second-generation 32 × 32 pixels array being implemented to demonstrate the performance of a 1k-pixel array as precursor to larger size arrays is also described. The active mode detect...
ASSIGNMENT OF THE GEOMETRIC ISOMERS OF BIS(L-ASPARTATO)COBALTATE(III) ION BY PROTON NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract The three possible geometric isomers of bis(L-aspartato)-cobaltate(III) ion each give a twelve-line ABX pmr spectrum at 100 MHz. The parameters from analysis of the spectra have been used to calculate line positions and intensities which compare favorably with those observed. The conformation of the CH[sbnd]CH2 moiety in the flexible six-membered chelate ring is calculated from the vicinal coupling constants. The geometric configurations are assigned using the proton chemical shifts. The results are compared to those for N,N′-ethylenediamine-disuccinatocobaltate(III) ion.
Videoconferencing with the French-Speaking World: A User's Guide.

:This article focuses on a videoconferencing project that was conducted between an American and a French university. It describes the way that the exchange was set up and run, the types of equipment and materials that were used, the students' activities and assignments, the methods used for evaluating students' work, and the relationship of the project to the goals of the course and the department's curriculum. In addition, practical suggestions for those considering the use of videoconferencing are included. The pedagogical benefits of integrating videoconferencing into the communicative foreign language classroom are outlined; videoconferencing provides students with opportunities to practice their speaking and listening skills with native speakers and to gain cultural insights that are possible only in an interactive setting.
The physiological significance of constitutive receptor activity

Come Watson, come! …the game is afoot!Sherlock Holmes, Adventure of the Abbey Grange, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
An Investigation of the Effect of Presentation and Response Media on Listening Test Scores

(1993). An Investigation of the Effect of Presentation and Response Media on Listening Test Scores. International Listening Association. Journal: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 54-73.
Leakage of brine from solar evaporation ponds

Abstract Simplified models based on differential material balances have been proposed for determining the leakage rate from a solar pond operated batchwise. It has been found that discriminating the exact mechanism of leakage is possible only when the rate of evaporation is known or when the rate of crystallization of a salt is measured. Repeated measurements with different initial brine depths seem necessary to find the best approximation suitable for a particular pond.
40Ar-39Ar chronology of isolated phases from Bununu and Malvern howardites

High resolution ^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar age spectra have been measured on plagioclase and glass from two howardites. Both the plagioclase and glass from the gas-rich Bununu howardite show well-defined age plateaux, yielding distinct ages of 4.42 ± 0.04 and 4.24 ± 0.05 AE, respectively. These age patterns are rather well behaved and are interpreted as representing the distinct times of formation of plagioclase from igneous processes and of glass fragments produced by impact on the meteorite body. The release pattern for the glass from the heavily shocked Malvern howardite is undulating at low and intermediate temperatures but does have a high-temperature plateau. Its age spectrum indicates little apparent diffusion loss, but rather an extensive redistribution of either ^(40)Ar during the shock event or of ^(39)Ar during the neutron irradiation or both. The total K-Ar age of Malvern glass is 3.64 ± 0.04 AE and the high-temperature plateau is 3.73 ± 0.05 AE. The age spectrum of the Malvern plagioclase has an intermediate temperature “plateau” at 3.80 AE that represents 20% of the total40Ar content and increases towards a high-temperature plateau at 4.29 ± 0.04 AE containing 26% of the total gas release. It seems likely that the event which formed the Malvern glass also reset part of the plagioclase. The distinct histories observed for the different phases of these howardites are consistent with their formation from a regolith. The present results along with similar young ages for igneous clasts from Kapoeta clearly show that the regoliths were extant on the parent bodies of howardites and that they were subjected to violent impact events at least as recently as 3.7 AE ago.
A New Synthesis of Chlorins

A new synthesis of chlorins has been developed, based upon the acid-catalyzed condensation of dialdehydes AB with dipyrromethanes CD.
Optimising the Benefits of Anthelmintic Treatment in Children

Optimal use of anthelmintics in children is of major public health importance because the parasites involved probably infect over 2 billion persons, and most are especially common and debilitating in children. Well targeted drug delivery, particularly via community chemotherapy, can substantially decrease aggregate morbidity and mortality and also improve growth rates, physical fitness and activity, cognitive and school performance, and social well-being. The drugs discussed here include the benzimidazoles (albendazole, levamisole and mebendazole), pyrantel, praziquantel, oxamniquine, ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and some traditional medicines. The parasitic infections discussed are hookworm, ascariasis, trichuriasis, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis; onchocerciasis and loiasis are also mentioned briefly. Dosage regimens and effectiveness, including combination treatment, are discussed. Mechanisms by which parasites may cause or aggravate malnutrition and retard development are shown, along with examples of nutritional and functional improvement at various ages due to antiparasitic treatment. Improvement in appetite is likely to be the single most important mechanism through which a variety of physiological improvements occur. We recommend community treatment of girls and women of childbearing age in areas with widespread hookworm and anaemia, because effective treatment can reduce the incidence of low birthweight, mortality in infancy and pregnancy, and stunted growth and morbidity in children and adults. Treatment of moderate-to-severe anaemia improves appetite, growth and cognitive and school performance in children, and also improves work and social capacity and productivity in children and adults. Since treatment for helminth infections may also decrease both the probability of contracting HIV infection and the rate of viral replication in those infected with both types of organisms, large-scale treatment and control of helminths and treatment of individual cases when diagnosed are now truly urgent.
Deltasoy: An internet-based soybean database for official variety trials

Official variety trial (OVT) information in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-producing states is critical to soybean growers in decision-making processes. Most soybean-produdng states in the USA have their own soybean research web sites with information relating to the soybean variety trials. A web-based database system has been developed that can help soybean growers and researchers access the most recent OVT information quickly and in response to their specific interests. This new system also summarizes past research results systematically and has the potential to link ongoing research in related areas of soybean production, modeling, and other research efforts. Microsoft Access, along with other computer languages [C++, common gateway interface, Standard Query Language (SQL)], were used in building this database. The database uses Mississippi OVT data, including yield, location, and disease information. This database has the potential to extend its capability by adding more information from variety trials of other states and other crops. Therefore, it should be a helpful tool for soybean producers and researchers in Mississippi as well as other interested parties.
A description of the life cycle of Entomophthora sp. in the two-spotted spider mite☆

Abstract Entomophthora sp. killed its host, Tetranychus urticae , in 3.38 days at 25°C and in 11.02 days at 15°C. Development of hyphal bodies within the mite was studied with a light microscope, and a scanning electron microscope was used to examine spore development and structure. A comparison of this fungus with other mite-infecting fungi revealed that it is more closely related to E. floridana than to E. tetranychi , and should be called Entomophthora sp. near floridana until a more detailed study of E. floridana can be made.
The structure of a cytochrome oxidase-lipid model membrane.

Abstract The structure of “membranous cytochrome oxidase” has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical polarization spectroscopy and EPR spectroscopy. These studies indicate that the cytochrome oxidase molecules are oriented asymmetrically in the membrane profile with a significant portion of their mass occurring within the extravesicular surface of the membrane; the oxidase molecultes span the membrane profile; the distribution of the oxidase molecules over the plane of these membranes is non-crystalline; the oxidase molecules contain bundles of α-helical polypeptide chain segments where the average orientation of the helices is normal to the membrane plane; and the average heme orientation within the oxidase molecules is such that the normal to the heme plane lies in the plane of the membrane.
Evaluation of performance of permanent pavement markings

As an implementation strategy of the federal retroreflectivity standards requirement for pavement markings, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) evaluated its 3-year fixed-schedule restriping strategy, to determine if it is consistent with the actual service life of the pavement markings. The methodology and results of the study are presented. Two types of data were collected: measured retroreflectivity by using LaserLux and subjective ratings from a survey conducted with the participation of the New Jersey driving public along a 32-mi circuit. Multiple regression techniques were used to correlate the average scores reported by the study participants for each specific roadway section with the corresponding measured retroreflectivity. The results suggested that the threshold value of an acceptable versus unacceptable level of retroreflectivity appeared to be between 80 and 130 mcd/m2/lux for New Jersey drivers younger than 55 and between 120 and 165 mcd/m2/lux for drivers older than 55. These ...
A Cause of Endobronchial Disease in a Patient with AIDS

We report a case of a 47-year-old man with AIDS who presented with fever, cough and a lingular infiltrate. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial exophytic mass with extensive purulent exudate which on Gram stain and cytology from bronchial washings revealed Actinomyces infection. There was a clinical response to penicillin therapy, and on repeat bronchoscopic examination, there was a partial resolution of the endobronchial infection. To our knowledge, this is the first known case of endobronchial pulmonary actinomycosis in a patient with AIDS. (Chest 1993; 103:1886-87)
Age differences in augmenting/reducing of occipital visually evoked potentials.

Abstract Visually evoked potentials (VEPs) to 3 intensities of flash were recorded from 220 males aged 4–90 years. Amplitude-intensity slope measures of occipital VEPs revealed that most children were reducers, i.e., the amplitude of a middle latency wave attenuated in response to increased flash intensity. The tendency to ‘reduce’ VEP amplitude was strongest in the youngest children then rapidly decreased in strength with age so that by mean age 14 years they were predominantly augmenters, as were older individuals. Two groups of 15 children were studied further: those with the most negative slopes, reducers, and those with the most positive slopes, augmenters. Reducers had significantly larger VEPs than augmenters for dim flash conditions, thus supporting the theory that reducing is a CNS protective mechanism. However, reducers required significantly brighter flashes than augmenters for visual threshold determinations, suggesting that the tendency to augment or reduce sensory stimulation may be a basic perceptual phenomenon that governs the registration of even very weak stimuli. Analyses of single trial potentials (STPs) from which VEPs were averaged indicated that augmentation and reduction of VEP amplitude were more closely related to increased and decreased variability among STP wave forms than to intensity related changes in STP amplitudes. Individuals cannot be accurately classified as augmenters and reducers unless the area from which VEPs are recorded is specified since for some subjects, especially children, VEPs can augment at central scalp while reducing at occipital scalp.
Evaluating Community Gardens in a Health Disparate Region: A Qualitative Case Study Approach

Though community gardens (CGs) have emerged as a potential strategy to improve access to and consumption of fruit and vegetables, few published studies inform program planning, implementation, or maintenance of CG initiatives. Grounded in the community-based participatory research approach and guided by the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework, this qualitative case study explored perceptions of CG among 6 CG leaders and 21 CG participants in the health disparate Dan River region. Findings highlight key opportunities to promote the successful reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of CGs in similar vulnerable communities.
The role of the subependymal plate in glial tumorigenesis.

We have studied the sequential morphological events of glial tumorigenesis in neonatal dogs, using high titer subgroup C Bratislava-77 Avian Sarcoma Virus, given as 0.01 ml by intraventricular inoculation. The cells of the subependymal plate are those which seem to form the gliomas; cytoplasmic alterations are evident within 24 h after inoculation and microfoci of gliomas, contigous with the subependymal plate of the lateral ventricles, are visible within 7 days. Independent tumors are present by the 10th post-inoculation day. These studies support the hypothesis of Globus and Kuhlenbeck, which implicates the cells of the subependymal plate in glial tumorigenesis.
Oxcarbazepine for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Dependence: A Case Series

Objective: To report 2 cases that examine the use of oxcarbazepine as treatment for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid alcohol dependence. Case Summaries: A 59-year-old male with a past psychiatric history significant for PTSD and alcohol dependence underwent alcohol detoxification and was subsequently prescribed oxcarbazepine 300 mg twice daily, which was titrated to 600 mg twice daily prior to discharge. He experienced significant reduction in PTSD symptoms including anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, racing thoughts, and avoidance behaviors. Over time, he also experienced a reduction in alcohol cravings and decreased daily alcohol intake. A 62-year-old male with a past psychiatric history of PTSD and alcohol dependence was treated in the outpatient clinic. He experienced almost complete resolution of PTSD symptoms and any craving for alcohol within 4 months of starting oxcarbazepine treatment, which was initiated at 150 mg twice daily and increased to 600 mg/day during that time. Discussion: Both patients appeared to receive excellent symptomatic relief from their PTSD symptoms. Recurring symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks, seemed to be particularly responsive to the treatment. Additionally, in both cases, it is possible that oxcarbazepine had a secondary beneficial effect by decreasing alcohol cravings, although this was not formally measured. Conclusions: Our experience with these patients suggests that oxcarbazepine could be an effective treatment for the symptoms of PTSD and may decrease alcohol cravings and consumption in patients with co-occurring alcohol dependence. Controlled studies examining the effectiveness of oxcarbazepine for treatment of patients with PTSD, including those with complicating alcohol dependence, are warranted.
An Investigation of a Residential Solar System Coupled to a Radiant Panel Ceiling

An experimental study of a solar-radiant heating system was performed at Iowa State University's Energy Research House (ERH). The ERH was constructed with copper tubes embedded in the plaster ceilings, thus providing a unique radiant heating system. In addition, 24 water-glycol, flat-plate solar collectors were mounted on the south side of the residence. The present study uses the solar collectors to heat a storage tank via a submerged copper tube oil. Hot water from the storage tank is then circulated through a heat exchanger, which heats the water flowing through the radiant ceiling. This paper contains a description of the solar-radiant system and an interpretation of the data that were measured during a series of transient experiments. In addition, the performance of the flat-plate solar collectors and the water storage tank were evaluated. The characteristics of a solar-to-radiant heat exchanger were also investigated. The thermal behavior of the radiant ceiling and the room enclosures were observed, and the heat transfer from the ceiling by radiation and convection was estimated. The overall heating system was also evaluated using the thermal performances of the individual components. The results of this study verify that it is feasible to use a solar system coupledmore » to a low-temperature radiant-panel heating system for space heating. A sample performance evaluation is also presented.« less
Characterization of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid for human adrenocortical 17α-hydroxylase: A probe for analysis of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency

To provide a basis for investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the hormonal regulation of steroid 17α-hydroxylase (P-45017α) activity in adrenal, ovary, and testis as well as human 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, we have isolated from a human fetal adrenal cDNA library a cDNA sequence complementary to the mRNA that encodes the human P-45017α enzyme. Of 75,000 colonies from the library that were screened by use of a nick-translated 5′-specific bovine P-45017α cDNA probe, 10 positive colonies were isolated and the clone with the longest insert (pcD-17αH) was selected for further characterization. pcD-17αH encodes the complete human P-45017α protein having approximately 78% homology at the nucleotide level and 71% homology at the amino acid level when the sequence of pcD-17αH is compared to the bovine P-45017α cDNA sequence. By transient expression of the human P-45017αcDNA clone in COS 1 cells, we have demonstrated that the17α-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities reside within the same human P-45...
Investigation into the ability of GB virus B to replicate in various immortalized cell lines

GB virus B (GBV-B) is the most closely related virus to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is an attractive surrogate model system for HCV drug development efforts. Unfortunately, GBV-B can only be grown in the primary hepatocytes of certain non-human primates. We grew GBV-B in tamarins and marmosets and then used this virus in the absence and presence of lipofection reagents to try to infect 20 different cell lines including human primary hepatocytes and marmoset primary hepatocytes. GBV-B only replicated in marmoset primary hepatocytes. We isolated primary hepatocytes from GBV-B-positive and negative tamarins and marmosets and tried to immortalize the cells using SV40 large T-antigen or cell fusion. GBV-B stable cell lines were constructed in Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines, but there was no evidence for viral replication or a response to antiviral agents in these lines. Infectious full-length GBV-B RNA could be transfected into Vero, Huh7 and HepG2 at high efficiency, however there was no evidence for GBV-B replication or a response to antiviral agents. None of these approaches were successful and an in vitro model of GBV-B replication using immortalized cell lines was not produced. We hypothesize that these immortalized cell lines lack liver-specific factors that are required for GBV-B replication.
Dobutamine pharmacokinetics during dobutamine stress echocardiography

Many patients fail to achieve target heart rate during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of dobutamine during DSE to determine whether patients with an impaired chronotropic response have higher rates of dobutamine clearance and consequently relatively lower plasma dobutamine levels. Plasma dobutamine levels, heart rate, and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) were measured in 13 male patients referred for DSE at baseline and at the end of stepped 3-minute dobutamine infusions of 5, 10, 20, and 30 microg/kg/min. Dobutamine levels increased with doses: 27 +/- 10, 111 +/- 17, 275 +/- 17, and 403 +/- 28 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM). There was no relation observed between the plasma dobutamine level achieved at the 30-microg infusion dose and the increase in heart rate from baseline (r = 0.066; p = 0.83). Baseline LVEF and a measure of chronotropic beta responsivity were identified as independent predictors of dobutamine clearance, together accounting for 73% of the variance in dobutamine clearance. In conclusion, (1) there is a dose-dependent increase in plasma dobutamine levels during DSE, (2) dobutamine clearance is positively related to baseline LVEF and is partially mediated by a beta-receptor mechanism, and (3) an impaired chronotropic response during DSE is not due to failure to achieve a sufficiently high dobutamine level. We conclude that in patients who lack an adequate heart rate response during the early stages of DSE (e.g., up to 20 microg/kg/min infusion), administration of atropine rather than progressively higher amounts of dobutamine may provide a more effective strategy to achieve target heart rate.
Dose dependence of acetylcholinesterase activity in neuroblastoma cells exposed to modulated radio‐frequency electromagnetic radiation

Radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation (RFR) at 915 and at 147 MHz, when sinusoidally amplitude modulated (AM) at 16 Hz, has been shown to enhance release of calcium ions from neuroblastoma cells in culture. The dose-response relation is unusual, consisting of two power-density “windows” in which enhanced efflux occurs, separated by power-density regions in which no effect is observed. To explore the physiological importance of these findings, we have examined the impact of RFR exposure on a membrane-bound enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is intimately involved with the acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter system. Neuroblastoma cells (NG108), exposed for 30 min to 147-MHz radiation, AM at 16 Hz, demonstrated enhanced AChE activity, as assayed by a procedure using 14C-labeled ACh. Enhanced activity was observed within a time window between 7.0 and 7.5 h after the cells were plated and only when the exposure occurred at power densities identified in a previous report as being effective for altering the release of calcium ions. Thus RFR affects both calcium-ion release and AChE activity in nervous system-derived cells in culture in a common dose-dependent manner. 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Coupling of carbon dioxide with neat propylene oxide catalyzed by aminebisphenolato cobalt(II)/(III) complexes and ionic co-catalysts

Cobalt complexes of tetradentate amine-phenolate ligands were studied for their potential in coupling carbon dioxide with propylene oxide under neat reaction conditions. Cobalt(II) complexes afforded catalytic systems with higher TONs than analogous cobalt(III) compounds. Tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and PPN+N3- were effective co-catalysts whereas N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) shut down reactivity. Ligands containing a pendant pyridyl donor afforded more active catalysts than those containing dimethylamine groups. Reactions proceeded well at room temperature under moderate pressures of carbon dioxide.
Morphology, design and characterization of IPN-containing structured latex particles for damping applications

Abstract We have prepared a series of novel structured latex particles with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) cores and glassy SAN shells. The IPN cores were composed of two polymers: polybutadiene-based and acrylic-based. The morphologies of these latex particles were determined by TEM. The glass transition temperature and mechanical behavior of the polymers were characterized by DMS. The effect of different components on the final core/shell particle morphologies and mechanical properties was studied. The mechanical behavior of core/shell particles with IPN cores was also compared with that of separate core/shell and multilayered core/shell particles. In addition, normal core/shell synthesis (rubbery part first, then the glassy part) and inverted core/shell synthesis (glassy part first, then the rubbery part) were performed to provide another access for morphology design and control. It was found that the core/shell latex particles with poly(butyl acrylate)-based copolymers are more miscible than poly(ethylhexyl methacrylate)-based copolymers. The high grafting efficiency of poly(butyl acrylate) plays an important role in governing phase miscibility. The latex particles synthesized by the inverted core/shell mode showed higher miscibility than the normal synthesized ones. The damping properties of different core/shell particles were evaluated based on the loss area (LA) from dynamic mechanical spectroscopy measurements. The IPN core/shell polymers were found to be the best dampers due to their more miscible chemistry. The highest level of damping was achieved by inverting core/shell particles with dual-phase continuity compared to normal core/shell particles.
Novel and convenient method for the syntheses of 2,6-dideoxypyranoses, 3,6-dideoxypyranoses, and azido (amino) analogs of 3,6-dideoxypyranoses

Abstract A novel method of regioselective deoxygenation of methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-2,3-di-O-tosyl-α- d -glucopyranoside, and its application for the syntheses of 2,6-dideoxypyranoses, 3,6-dideoxypyranoses, and azido (amino) analogs of 3,6-dideoxypyranoses were reported.
10 Steps to Sustain Infusion of Gerontology Across the Social Work Curriculum

The authors and their colleagues have sustained infusion of gerontological content across their social work curriculum since implementation of their CSWE-Hartford Foundation GeroRich project from 2002–2004. Based on experiences in our department, we recommend 10 steps that include (a) responding to anticipated faculty resistance, (b) identifying diverse community stakeholders, (c) listening to stakeholders from the beginning, (d) keeping stakeholders informed, (e) targeted revisions of syllabi, (f) compilation of gerontological scenarios, (g) collaborating with the college library staff, (h) developing a film library, (i) using speakers and resources from internship sites, and (j) looking for ingenious ways to motivate faculty.
Neural correlates of metacognitive monitoring during episodic and semantic retrieval

Activity in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) has been shown to be a strong correlate of successful recognition performance. We assessed the degree to which the PPC mediates metacognitive judgments by assessing the feeling of knowing (FOK) for recently learned (episodic) and well-learned (semantic) facts (e.g., "The sport that is associated with Wimbledon is . . ."). Activity in ventral regions of the PPC was observed for strong FOKs for both sets of facts, although greater activity was observed for episodic than for semantic facts. Strong semantic FOKs activated anterior temporal regions. Weaker FOK ratings, when contrasted with strong FOKs, activated dorsal parietal regions, a finding that parallels contrasts during explicit tests in which low-confident responses were compared with high-confident responses. These findings demonstrate retrieval-related parietal activity during metacognitive judgments. Furthermore, they show that the ventral PPC is particularly engaged during context-specific, episodic retrieval, as compared to semantic retrieval.
Dual work function metal gate CMOS transistors by Ni-Ti interdiffusion

In this letter, we present dual work function metal gate complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors with thin SiO/sub 2/ gate dielectric fabricated through the interdiffusion of nickel and titanium. The threshold voltage of the n-MOS devices is determined solely by Ti, while the threshold voltage of the p-MOS devices is determined by the Ni-rich alloy of Ti and Ni. The advantage of this new approach is that low threshold voltages for surface-channel n-MOS and p-MOS transistors can be achieved simultaneously. At the same time, the integrity of the gate dielectric is preserved since no metal has to be etched from the surface of the gate dielectric. With gate depletion eliminated, these transistors exhibit high inversion charge and drive current.
Cadmium-induced apoptosis in rat kidney epithelial cells involves decrease in nuclear factor-kappa B activity.

Renal epithelial cells undergo apoptosis upon exposure to cadmium (Cd). Transcription factors, such as nuclear factorkappa B (NF-kB), mediate the expression of a number of genes involved in apoptosis. The present study was designed to examine the involvement of this transcription factor in Cd-induced apoptosis. Rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells, NRK52E, were incubated with up to 20mM CdCl2 in serum-free medium for 5 h followed by incubation in serum-containing medium (without Cd) for an additional 12 h. The cells accumulated 582 ± 19 ng Cd/mg protein after 5-h exposure to 20mM Cd. As a result of Cd exposure, the DNA-binding activity of the p65 subunit of NF-kB was decreased in a concentration- and timedependent manner. The activity of tumor necrosis factor-a– induced inhibitor of kappa B (IkB) kinase a was also inhibited by Cd. In addition, the phosphorylation of IkB-a and NF-kB p65, as well as the levels of NF-kB target gene products, cIAP-1 and cIAP-2, were reduced. Pretreatment of the cells with the antioxidant U83836E or butylated hydroxytoluene preserved the DNAbinding activity and blocked the Cd-induced decease in IkB-a phosphorylation. Cd exposure caused the activation of caspase-3, -7, and -9 and DNA fragmentation. By flow cytometry, 14.6 and 30.5% apoptosis was detected at 6 and 12 h after stopping the Cd exposure. Overexpression of NF-kB p65 by transient transfection protected the cells from the Cd-induced apoptosis. Conversely, attenuation of NF-kB activity by pretreatment with SN50, an NFkB nuclear translocation inhibitor, potentiated apoptosis. These results suggest that Cd-induced apoptosis involves suppression of
Source and channel coding in wireless sensor networks using LDPC codes

In this paper, we study two problems of providing reliable data transmission and developing aggregation techniques for correlated data in wireless sensor networks. A system with forward error correction (FEC) can provide an objective reliability while using less transmission power than a system without FEC. Because of the additional parity bits and encoding/decoding energy consumptions, we study the effect of FEC on energy efficiency. We propose to use LDPC codes for FEC. We show that wireless sensor networks using LDPC codes are almost 45% more energy efficient than those that use BCH codes, which were shown to be 15% more energy efficient than the best performing convolutional codes. Then we study the problem of providing aggregation for two and three correlated nodes in wireless sensor networks. We propose to use LDPC codes in wireless sensor networks for source and channel coding to obtain a two-fold energy savings. For two correlated nodes, we study both distributed source coding and joint source-channel coding. While distributed source coding using LDPC codes was studied before, joint source-channel coding using LDPC codes is introduced for the first time. The difference between our work in distributed source coding using LDPC codes and the previous work lies in the LDPC code design procedure. The simulation results show that our proposed design criteria improves the performance of the source coding. The convergence of the non-uniform LDPC code of our design technique is almost 60% closer to the Slepian-Wolf limit. For three correlated nodes, we study distributed source coding using LDPC codes. We simplified the problem of design procedure to randomly punctured LDPC codes. This is a new approach for designing LDPC codes and the simulation results for code of length 1000 shows that the convergence of the LDPC code is achieved at compression rate 0.3174 which is only 0.08 away from the Slepian-Wolf limit.
Leptin does not mediate short-term fasting-induced changes in growth hormone pulsatility but increases IGF-I in leptin deficiency states

Context: States of acute and chronic energy deficit are characterized by increased GH secretion and decreased IGF-I levels. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether changes in levels of leptin, a key mediator of the adaptation to starvation, regulate the GH-IGF system during energy deficit. Design, Setting, Patients, and Intervention: We studied 14 healthy normal-weight men and women during three conditions: baseline fed and 72-h fasting (to induce hypoleptinemia) with administration of placebo or recombinant methionyl human leptin (r-metHuLeptin) (to reverse the fasting associated hypoleptinemia). We also studied eight normal-weight women with exercise-induced chronic energy deficit and hypothalamic amenorrhea at baseline and during 2–3 months of r-metHuLeptin treatment. Main Outcome Measures: GH pulsatility, IGF levels, IGF and GH binding protein (GHBP) levels were measured. Results: During short-term energy deficit, measures of GH pulsatility and disorderliness and levels of IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 increased, whereas leptin, insulin, IGF-I (total and free), IGFBP-4, IGFBP-6, and GHBP decreased; r-metHuLeptin administration blunted the starvation-associated decrease of IGF-I. In chronic energy deficit, total and free IGF-I, IGFBP-6, and GHBP levels were lower, compared with euleptinemic controls; r-metHuLeptin administration had no major effect on GH pulsatility after 2 wk but increased total IGF-I levels and tended to increase free IGF-I and IGFBP-3 after 1 month. Conclusions: The GH/IGF system changes associated with energy deficit are largely independent of leptin deficiency. During acute energy deficit, r-metHuLeptin administration in replacement doses blunts the starvation-induced decrease of IGF-I, but during chronic energy deficit, r-metHuLeptin administration increases IGF-I and tends to increase free IGF-I and IGFBP-3.