cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smooth muscle caldesmon controls the strong binding interaction between actin-tropomyosin and myosin.

Abstract We have demonstrated that caldesmon does not alter the affinity of weak binding actomyosin complexes when it inhibits actin-tropomyosin activation at physiological ratios (1 per 14 actins), and we proposed that it acts upon the strong binding complexes in the same way that troponin-tropomyosin does. We therefore compared the effect of caldesmon, caldesmon fragments, and troponin upon the interaction of the strongly bound complexes S-1.ADP, S-1.adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP.PNP), and N-ethylmaleimide-treated myosin subfragment-1 (NEM-S-1) with actin-tropomyosin. In 0.17 M ionic strength buffer [14C]iodoacetamide-labeled S1.ADP bound to actin-smooth muscle tropomyosin with no evidence of cooperativity; Kd = 0.8 +/- 0.3 microM (n = 5). Inhibitory concentrations of sheep aorta caldesmon or rabbit skeletal muscle troponin made the binding highly cooperative. At low levels of saturation the apparent Kd was 10-40 microM with 10 microM caldesmon and 8-20 microM with 6 microM troponin; at > 50% saturation the binding was indistinguishable from actin-tropomyosin alone. A similar result was obtained for the binding of [14C]iodoacetamide-labeled S-1.AMP.PNP to actin-smooth muscle tropomyosin at 0.03 M ionic strength (Kd = 0.47 +/- 0.05 microM). Binding was slightly cooperative and became highly cooperative in the presence of inhibitory concentrations of troponin, caldesmon, and the human caldesmon fragments H7 (amino acids 622-767) and H9 (amino acids 726-793). We conclude that caldesmon and troponin both act as allosteric effectors of the "on"/"off" equilibrium of actin-tropomyosin. 0.1 NEM-S-1/actin potentiated actin-smooth muscle tropomyosin activation of myosin MgATPase 7-fold at 0.03 M ionic strength. Caldesmon inhibited the ATPase in the presence and absence of 0.5 microM NEM-S-1. NEM-S-1 reactivated actin-tropomyosin, which had been inhibited by troponin, caldesmon, H7, or H9. This is compatible with opposing effects of NEM-S-1 and caldesmon or troponin upon the actin-tropomyosin on/off equilibrium.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the in situβ‐Si3N4/α′‐SiAlON Composite

The in situ [beta]-Si[sub 3]N[sub 4]/[alpha][prime]-SiAlON composite was studied along the Si[sub 3]N[sub 4]-Y[sub 2]O[sub 3]:9AlN composition line. This two-phase composite was fully densified at 1,780 C by hot pressing. Densification curves and phase developments of the [beta]-Si[sub 3]N[sub 4]/[alpha][prime]-SiAlON composite were found to vary with composition. Because of the cooperative formation of [alpha][prime]-SiAlON and [beta]-Si[sub 3]N[sub 4] during its phase development, this composite had equiaxed [alpha][prime]-SiAlON ([approximately]0.2 [mu]m) and elongated [beta]-Si[sub 3]N[sub 4] fine grains. The optimum mechanical properties of this two-phase composite were in the sample with 30--40% [alpha][prime], which had a flexural strength of 1100 MPa at 25 C, 800 MPa at 1,400 C in air, and a fracture toughness 6 MPa[center dot]m[sup 1/2]. [alpha][prime]-SiAlON grains were equiaxed under a sintering condition at 1,780 C or lower temperatures. Morphologies of the [alpha][prime]-SiAlON grains were affected by the sintering conditions.
DISPLACED AND TANDEM DUPLICATIONS IN THE LONG ARM OF CHROMOSOME 10 IN MAIZE

ABSTRACT Lc , an anthocyanin pigmenting factor mapping somewhat more than one unit distal to R , is borne on a chromosomal segment which is homologous with part of the R-r :standard duplicated segment. Deficiencies and tandem duplications of the R to Lc region arise from exchanges within these obliquely paired homologous segments. The deficiencies are transmitted with a high, although reduced, frequency by the male gametophyte and are homozygous viable. Yet, the R to Lc region is not duplicated either proximal to R or distal to Lc . Thus the Lc -marked segment and either the P - or the S -marked segment of R-r constitute a displaced duplication. Such an arrangement can initiate a tandem and displaced duplication cycle.——No evidence was obtained for fractionation of the compound phenotype conditioned by Lc .
Coarctation of the aorta in early infancy.

Summary 1. A review of the literature on coarctation of the aorta in children hasbeen presented. 2. Twenty-two cases of coarctation of the aorta in infancy have been reviewed. Twenty-one of them were autopsied and are presented in Table I. 3. Fourteen of the twenty-two cases of coarctation were diagnosed correctlyprior to autopsy. 4. Hypertension in the upper extremities was present at birth or verysoon thereafter in fourteen of seventeen cases in which blood pressure readings were determined. Hypotension or absent blood pressure in legs was noted in every case. 5. Definitely palpable femoral pulses were noted in the infantile type ofcoarctation associated with a large patent ductus. 6. One of the most common causes of cardiac failure in infants under 2 months of age is coarctation of the aorta. Cardiac failure occurred in all of our cases. 7. Cardiac failure in these infants presents a characteristic clinical picture. 8. Once cardiac failure occurred, the prognosis was fatal in all cases. 9. The medical management of cardiac failure is discussed in detail. 10. Early surgical repair of coarctation in these infants is discussed and advised under certain conditions. 11. The presence of other severe congenital abnormalities of the heart and great blood vessels was noted in 27 per cent of the cases. 12. Routine blood pressure examination and palpation for femoral pulsesis advised as part of the examination of every newborn and young infant. The early diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta before the onset of cardiacfailure may be lifesaving. Prevention of infection in these infants may help avert cardiac failure.
The Demographics, Epidemiology, and Incidence of Progression to Surgery of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee in Children and Adolescents

Objectives:To assess the demographics and epidemiology of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee in patients age 2-19 and the frequency with which these lesions progress to surgery.Methods:A r...
Insulin-like growth factor I induction of c-myc expression in bovine fibroblasts can be blocked by antecedent insulin receptor activation.

Abstract We previously reported that preexposure of cultured bovine fibroblasts to insulin at low concentrations inhibits subsequent insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)-stimulated DNA synthesis. This insulin-induced desensitization to IGF-I is mediated by specific insulin receptors on bovine fibroblasts and occurs distally to IGF-I receptor engagement and activation. In the present study, we use this model system to determine insulin and IGF-I receptor interplay in the regulation of proto-oncogenes involved in mitogenesis. Insulin (10 nM), IGF-I (10 nM), and 10% fetal bovine serum were each capable of stimulating rapid and transient c-fos and c-myc mRNA expression in bovine fibroblasts. Expression of c-myc was most responsive to mitogenic stimuli; IGF-I and serum had equivalent potency resulting in ∼14-fold increases in c-myc mRNA expression, while insulin produced 3- to 5-fold increases. Max mRNA, which encodes the partner protein for Myc, was constitutively expressed and levels did not change with treatment or with time. When bovine fibroblasts were pretreated with 10 nM insulin for 48 h, washed, and then stimulated with 10 nM IGF-I, alterations in c-fos mRNA expression were moderate. In contrast, insulin pretreatment completely blocked IGF-I induction of c-myc expression. This block was averted if a specific inhibitor of intracellular signaling through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway was present during the incubation period with insulin. These data indicate significant insulin/IGF-I receptor interplay in normal bovine fibroblasts and suggest that insulin receptor-initiated signaling can profoundly alter proto-oncogene expression induced by growth factors sharing components of a common intracellular signaling network.
Some aspects of modeling power plant thermal hydraulic transients

Abstract This paper deals with power plant thermal hydraulic modeling, covering the departure from nucleate boiling (DNB), the momentum equation, and the thermal effect of the pipe wall on the fluid heat transport. Two DNB correlations are compared, and the effect of neglecting the change in heat transfer coefficient due to DNB is estimated. The effect of the pipe wall on the thermal dynamics of the flow is analysed.
FORMATION OF HYDRAZINE FROM THE RADIOLYSIS OF AMMONIA IN THE PRESENCE OF MINERAL SOLIDS

Abstract The formation of hydrazine from the cobalt-60 gamma radiolysis of ammonia in the presence of mineral solids was investigated. Sorbed ammonia on Linde Molecular Sieve 13X powder, binder free (sodium-alumino-silicate structure), indicated a maximum G-value for hydrazine formation of 0.99 based on energy absorbed in ammonia alone. This is 12.4 times the value obtained by radiolysis of anhydrous liquid ammonia. The rate of hydrazine formation with sorbed ammonia in the molecular sieve is found to be 3.3 times that in liquid ammonia. The data appear to indicate a surface effect which prevents the recombination processes.
The use of Operational Research Techniques for Capital Budgeting Decisions. A Sample Survey

An extensive literature exists which suggests that operational research methodology can be applied to capital budgeting decision-making. This paper reports on the use of such techniques by some U.S. firms. The data was obtained by a questionnaire mailed in November 1974 to 1000 randomly selected firms in the U.S. that had an employee who was a member of the Operations Research Society of America.
SKETCH: an interface for sketching 3D scenes

Sketching communicates ideas rapidly through approximate visual images with low overhead (pencil and paper), no need for precision or specialized knowledge, and ease of low-level correction and revision. In contrast, most 3D computer modeling systems are good at generating arbitrary views of precise 3D models and support high-level editing and revision. The SKETCH application described in this paper attempts to combine the advantages of each in order to create an environment for rapidly conceptualizing and editing approximate 3D scenes. To achieve this, SKETCH uses simple non-photorealistic rendering and a purely gestural interface based on simplified line drawings of primitives that allows all operations to be specified within the 3D world.
AF Embeddability of Crossed Products of AF Algebras by the Integers

IfAis an AF algebra andα∈Aut(A), it is shown that AF embeddability of the crossed product,A×αZ, is equivalent toA×αZ being stably finite. This equivalence follows from a simple K-theoretic characterization of AF embeddability. It is then shown that ifA×αZ is AF embeddable, then the AF embedding can be chosen in such a way as to induce a rationally injective map onK0(A×αZ).
Animal models of neuroimmune interactions in inflammatory diseases

Animal models have been used successfully to study various aspects of neural-immune interactions. Although different approaches carry certain advantages and disadvantages, current high sensitivity screening and manipulation methods coupled with molecular and genetic approaches can be successfully used to tease out the neural pathways that regulate inflammatory disease and the effects of immune molecules, such as interleukins, on neuronal function and pathology. Newer methodologies that measure gene expression of thousands of genes will in the future add to the ability to evaluate complex systems interactions in whole animal models. This review addresses the advantages and disadvantages of some of these approaches in the context of application to neural-immune interactions.
Real-time weather data on terrain

This paper describes the visualization of 3D Doppler radar with global, with high-resolution terrain. This is the first time such data have been displayed together in a real-time environment. Associated data such as buildings and maps are displayed along with the weather data and the terrain. Requirements for effective 3D visualization for weather forecasting are identified. The application presented in this paper meets most of these requirements. In particular the application provides end-to-end real-time capability, integrated browsing and analysis, and integration of relevant data in a combined visualization. The last capability will grow in importance as researchers develop sophisticated models of storm development that yield rules for how storms behave in the presence of hills or mountains and other features.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of resveratrol and β-sitosterol in combination on reactive oxygen species and prostaglandin release by PC-3 cells

The objective of this project was to identify some possible mechanisms by which two common phytochemicals, resveratrol and beta-sitosterol, inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. These mechanisms include the effect of the phytochemicals on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, prostaglandin synthesis and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Prostaglandins have been known to play a role in regulating cell growth and apoptosis. PC-3 cells were supplemented with 50 microM resveratrol or 16 microM beta-sitosterol alone or in combination for up to 5 days. Phytochemical supplementation resulted in inhibition in cell growth. beta-Sitosterol was more potent than resveratrol and the combination of the two resulted in greater inhibition than supplementation with either alone. Long-term supplementation with resveratrol or beta-sitosterol elevated basal prostaglandin release but beta-sitosterol was much more potent than resveratrol in this regard. beta-Sitosterol was more effective than resveratrol in inducing apoptosis and the combination had an intermediate effect after 1 day of supplementation. Cells supplemented with resveratrol were arrested at the G1 phase and at the G2/M phase in the case of beta-sitosterol while the combination resulted in cell arrest at the two phases of the cell cycle. beta-Sitosterol increased ROS production while resveratrol decreased ROS production. The combination of the two phytochemicals resulted in an intermediate level of ROS. The observed changes in prostaglandin levels and ROS production by these two phytochemicals may suggest their mediation in the growth inhibition. The reduction in ROS level and increase by resveratrol supplementation in PC-3 cells reflects the antioxidant properties of resveratrol. It was concluded that these phytochemicals may induce the inhibition of tumor growth by stimulating apoptosis and arresting cells at different locations in the cell cycle and the mechanism may involve alterations in ROS and prostaglandin production.
To disclose or not to disclose, that is the question! antiretroviral therapy, access to resources and stigma in southern Africa

This article discusses the increasing evidence of a dilemma facing people living with HIV and AIDS in southern Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Their enrolment in treatment programmes gives them access to resources provided by national and international organisations, but because these resources are insufficient for their households to make ends meet, they also rely on resources available through traditional means, such as social networks. Accessing resources through enrolling in treatment programmes requires disclosure of their HIV status, while accessing resources through social networks forces them to hide their HIV infection and treatment because of the stigma attached to AIDS treatment. In addition, their neighbours' suspicion and envy of their access to outside resources compromises their access to resources through social networks. Thus, HIV-positive individuals carefully balance hiding their HIV infection in some settings with cautiously disclosing it in others in order to gain acce...
Ada/Mindstorms 2.0 user's guide and reference manual

Ada/Mindstorms 2.0 is an Ada interface to the Lego RCX "brick," included as part of the Lego Mindstorms™ Robotics Invention System. Programs are written with an Ada compiler, translated into Dave Baum's Not Quite C language (NQC), then recompiled and downloaded through the Mindstorms IR transmitter to the RCX.Ada/Mindstorms 2.0 is distributed with the USAFA AdaGIDE Windows Ada compiler. This document assumes that you have obtained and installed AdaGIDE. If you are using another Ada compiler, see Appendix B. We also assume a working knowledge of Ada. If you haven't used Ada before, we recommend learning the basics first before reading further. http://www.adahome.com/Discover/Introduction.html is a good place to start. We also assume a general familiarity with the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System and the RCX.
Lineshapes in sodium-23 NMR spectra of crystalline sodides

Abstract High-resolution MAS-NMR of 23 Na nuclei in polycrystalline samples of sodium anion salts (M + L n · Na − ) were studied at three sodium Larmor frequencies corresponding to magnetic field strengths of 4.7, 8.5, and 11.7 T. In all cases, Na − NMR lines were narrowed substantially by proton decoupling and had frequency-independent chemical shifts within a few ppm of that of gaseous Na − . These results confirm the high symmetry of Na − and the effective shielding of the 2 p orbitals by the filled 3 s orbital. Dipolar coupling of the methylene protons of the complexant to Na − quantitatively accounts for the static linewidth. The chemical shift and lineshape of the 23 Na NMR line of the cryptated sodium cation, Na + C222 depend on frequency. Detailed analysis of the proton-decoupind signal yielded a quadrupolar coupling constant, e 2 qQ / h , of 1.2 ± 0.1 MHz, an asymmetry parameter, η, of about 0.1, and an isotropic chemical shift of −6.5 ± 0.5 ppm relative to Na + (aq). The combination of quadrupolar and dipolar (from 1 H and 14 N) contributions satisfactorily accounts for the static linewidth of the complexed Na + .
The algebraic $K$-theory of a diagram of rings

In this paper, we consider "diagrams of rings", or functors from a small category to the category of rings, and the corresponding diagrams of groups $K_i.$ Classically, this was initiated by Milnor. The main result of this paper is the direct comparison of the filtration in classical algebraic $K$-theory discussed in J. Duflot, "Simplicial groups that are models for algebraic $K$-theory," Manuscripta Math. 113 (2004), no. 4, 423–470 and J. Duflot and C.T. Marak, "A filtration in algebraic $K$-theory," J. Pure Applied Algebra 151 (2000), no. 2, 135–162 to a corresponding filtration in the Bousfield-Kan spectral sequence associated to a Tot-tower of simplicial groups attached to the diagram of rings.
MAGELLAN: multiway hardware-software partitioning and scheduling for latency minimization of hierarchical control-dataflow task graphs

The paper presents MAGELLAN, a heuristic technique for mapping hierarchical control-dataflow task graph specifications on heterogeneous architecture templates. The architecture can consist of multiple hardware and software processing elements as specified by the user. The objective of the technique is to minimize the worst case latency of the task graph subject to the area constraints on the architecture. The technique uses an iterative approach consisting of closely linked hardware-software partitioner and scheduler. Both the partitioner and scheduler operate on the task graph in a hierarchical top down manner. The technique optimizes deterministic loop constructs by applying clustering, unrolling and pipelining. The technique considers speculative execution for conditional constructs. The number of actual hardware/software implementations of a function in the task graph are also optimized by the technique. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated by a case study of an image compression algorithm.
Evaluation of gas turbine engine dynamic interaction with electrical and thermal system

In navy's future all-electric ship design, the gas turbine engine is dedicated to electrical power generation. The power is then sent to a common electrical bus for allocation to both propulsion and non-propulsion electrical loads. Thus the gas turbine engine is dynamically coupled with the electrical system, and even with the thermal system, which is usually critical for the electrical system design. It has becoming increasingly important to understand the interactions that exist between the operation of the engine and the behavior of the electrical and thermal systems. This paper presents a co-simulation approach for cross-disciplinary simulations. Such an approach is implemented by integrating a twin-shaft gas turbine model, with a power generation and distribution system, and a thermal system. In this study, the thermal system is mainly used to manage the heat generated by the power converters in the electrical system. This paper discusses potential interactions that could take place during a dynamic disturbance of the fuel flow to the gas turbine engine. Preliminary simulation results for the dynamics of gas turbine power generation, power redistribution between the electrical loads, temperatures of power converters are presented to demonstrate the modeling and simulation capability, as well as illustrating the opportunities for further research.
FMRF-amide immunoreactivity and the midgut of the corn earworm (Heliothis zea)

The midgut of the larval corn earworm, Heliothis zea, was examined using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Many endocrine-like midgut cells exhibit immunoreactivity to the molluscan cardioactive peptide FMRF-amide (FMRFa), and bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP). Cross-reactivity studies demonstrate the immunoreactive material is more FMRFa-like than BPP-like. Immunocytochemical surveys and radioimmunoassay of midguts from fed or starved individuals show that the fed animals contain a significantly greater amount of FMRFa immunoreactivity. Radioimmunoassay of hemolymph reveals a significant increase in the amount of FMRFa immunoreactivity in the starved animals. These observations indicate that the changes in the levels of FMRFa immunoreactivity in the midgut and hemolymph may be a midgut endocrine response to changes in the feeding state.
Phase II study of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin in combination with panitumumab in KRAS wild-type unresectable or metastatic biliary tract and gallbladder cancer

Phase II study of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin in combination with panitumumab in KRAS wild-type unresectable or metastatic biliary tract and gallbladder cancer
Small-intestinal submucosa for bladder augmentation: a review of preclinical studies

The need to find an alternative to the use of bowel for urinary reconstruction has renewed research interests involving bladder regeneration. Historically, alloplastic and biodegradable materials have demonstrated bladder regeneration; however, high complication rates and unreliable regenerative results have prevented any of these materials from being used clinically. Small-intestinal submucosa (SIS) is an acellular, nonimmunogenic, biodegradable, xenogeneic, collagen-based material that is derived from the submucosa layer of porcine small intestine. SIS has demonstrated regenerative capacities in multiple organ systems, including the aorta, vena cava, ligaments, tendons, abdominal wall, and skin. SIS has also demonstrated long-term reliable regenerative results in the rat and canine bladder-augmentation models. This article reviews the preclinical studies involving the use of SIS for bladder augmentation.
Type 2 diabetes: when insulin secretion fails to compensate for insulin resistance.

In most cases, the genetic susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes fails to follow simple Mendelian inheritance, consistent with the dogma that the common forms of Type 2 diabetes are polygenic with superimposed environmental influences. Now Withers et al. demonstrate that a single gene defect can compromise both insulin action and the ability of β cells to compensate with hyperplasia and hypersecretion of insulin, suggesting a possible single molecular cause for the two key components in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes. The anticlimax is that the specific genes causing the vast majority of cases of human diabetes remain unknown. This could be due to the fact that (1) interactions between two or more genes are required and are difficult to uncover with current genetic approaches, (2) additional important molecules in insulin action are yet to be discovered, and/or (3) the focus for identification of candidate genes has been on the wrong site, i.e., the primary defect leading to insulin resistance may not be in classic insulin target tissues. Generation of signals or biochemical molecules that predispose to diabetes may originate in the brain; a likely example is insulin resistance in the db/db (leptin receptor mutant) mouse. Efforts to identify diabetogenes are now taking a broader focus extending to secretory products of adipocytes (leptin, TNF) and neuropeptides. Thorough testing for concurrent mutations in several candidate genes, albeit a major undertaking, could pay off, expecially when paired with specific biochemical or physiologic subphenotypes. Transgenic models in which one or more candidate genes are manipulated either singly or in combination will continue to be a valuable approach to identifying new susceptibility loci, uncovering synergy between two subclinical defects, testing the impact of superimposed metabolic and lifestyle variations (e.g., diet, inactivity, stress), and developing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.
Powdery mildew resistance in winter wheat. I: Gene number and mode of inheritance

Few widely effective sources of resistance to powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E. O. Speer f. sp. tritici Em. Marchal, have been identified in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and the identity of resistance genes in many cultivars is unknown. Ten winter wheat lines selected from the 1982 International Winter Wheat Mildew and Rust Nurseries were studied to characterize gene number and mode of inheritance of resistance to powdery mildew. Each of the lines were crossed to the susceptible cultivar Chancellor. Seedlings of the parental lines, F 1 , F 2 , BC 1 (Chancellor×F 1 ), and F 3 populations were inoculated with isolate 127 of B. graminis in the greenhouse and evaluated for powdery mildew reaction. All parents were resistant, except for ST1-25, which had an intermediate reaction type. Genetic analyses revealed that resistance in C39 and SI5 is conferred by three dominant genes, and resistance in A55-2, R107, GO4779, OK75R3645, and Bulk PV63-6 is governed by single partially dominant genes. Data from F 2 , F 3 , and BC 1 populations, derived from crosses between «Armada» and Chancellor, were inconsistent but indicated that Armada has at least one dominant gene for resistance, which likely is Pm4b as previously postulated. Resistance in VPM1 and ST1-25 is governed by one recessive gene in each line. Three to 11 different resistance genes are represented among the 10 parents
Cognitive and self-reported psychological outcomes of blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury in veterans: a preliminary study

The increased use of explosives in combat has resulted in a large number of returning veterans suffering from blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and self-reported complications. It remains unclear whether this increase in self-reported difficulties is unique to the blast mechanism or stressful preinjury environment and whether cognitive-functioning deficits correspond with these difficulties in the postacute phase. This study examined the relationship between cognitive performance and self-reported psychological and somatic symptoms of blast-related mTBI compared with civilian mTBI, independent of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Twelve veterans with blast-related mTBI were compared to 18 individuals with civilian mTBI on cognitive tests and self-report questionnaires. Univariate analyses failed to reveal differences on any individual cognitive test. Further, veterans reported more psychological and somatic complaints. These self-reported difficulties were not signific...
Reheating of the universe after inflation with f ( ϕ ) R gravity

We show that reheating of the universe occurs spontaneously in a broad class of inflation models with $f(\ensuremath{\phi})R$ gravity ($\ensuremath{\phi}$ is the inflaton). The model does not require explicit couplings between $\ensuremath{\phi}$ and bosonic or fermionic matter fields. The couplings arise spontaneously when $\ensuremath{\phi}$ settles in the vacuum expectation value (vev) and oscillates, with coupling constants given by derivatives of $f(\ensuremath{\phi})$ at the vev and the mass of resulting bosonic or fermionic fields. This mechanism allows inflaton quanta to decay into any fields which are not conformally invariant in $f(\ensuremath{\phi})R$ gravity theories.
Parasites of black bears of the Lake Superior region.

Parasites collected from free-ranging black bears, Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780, from northeastern Minnesota or northern Michigan include the dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say, 1821), the winter tick, D. albipictus (Packard, 1869), a louse, Trichodectes pinguis euarctidoes Hopkins, 1954, an ascarid worm, Baylisascaris transfuga (Rudolphi, 1819), a filarial worm, Dirofilaria ursi Yamaguti, 1941, taeniid tapeworms, and unidentified fleas. The broad fish tapeworm, Diphyllobothrium latum (Linnaeus, 1785), was reported to be common in man and black bears in northeastern Minnesota earlier in this century, but now it apparently is uncommon or absent in both species. Trichinella spiralis (Owen, 1835) recently was found in black bears in northern Wisconsin. Cannibalism of carcasses is common in the black bear and may play a major role in the transmission of Trichinella.
Thanks, but no thanks: The role of personal responsibility in the experience of gratitude

Current theories of gratitude suggest that individuals feel grateful when they perceive someone else to be responsible for a desired outcome. However, it is unclear whether individuals must also feel a lack of personal responsibility in order to feel gratitude. This paper provides evidence that in achievement contexts, without the belief that they are responsible for their success, individuals do not experience gratitude, even when they acknowledge the help they have received. In two studies, the more helpful participants thought an experimenter had been, the more grateful they felt, but only if they also spontaneously felt responsible for (Study 1) or were induced to feel responsible for (Study 2) their outcomes.
Sindbis virus maturation in cultured mosquito cells is sensitive to actinomycin D

Abstract In contrast to its effects on Sindbis virus production in vertebrate cell cultures, actinomycin D was found to inhibit the production of virus in cultured Aedes albopictus cells and Bombyx mori cells. One to two hours of incubation in the presence of actinomycin D was required for the inhibition to be observed. Synthesis and processing of virus structural polypeptides were found to be normal during the period of arrest of virus production. These data are interpreted as indicating the presence of a labile host function involved in the assembly of Sindbis virus components into mature virus in invertebrate host cells.
Transformation of 1-naphthol by the culture filtrate of Rhizoctonia praticola

Abstract The fungus Rhizoctonia praticola and other species of Rhizoctonia apparently form an extracellular enzyme which can transform 1-naphthol. If the culture nitrate of R. praticola was incubated with 1-naphthol, a product was formed which was not extractable with benzene or diethyl ether. Chromatographic separation with various Sephadex gels indicated the product is a high-molecular weight compound. Boiling the culture filtrate or testing under anaerobic conditions caused loss of activity. If the filtrate was concentrated by lyophilization and subsequently fractionated on Sephadex G-150, active fractions were obtained which converted 1-naphthol to an ether-extractable product indicating the formation of a compound which differs from incubation of 1-naphthol with the untreated culture filtrate.
A novel near real-time laser scanning device for geometrical determination of pleural cavity surface

During HPPH-mediated pleural photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is critical to determine the anatomic geometry of the pleural surface quickly as there may be movement during treatment resulting in changes with the cavity. We have developed a laser scanning device for this purpose, which has the potential to obtain the surface geometry in real-time. A red diode laser with a holographic template to create a pattern and a camera with auto-focusing abilities are used to scan the cavity. In conjunction with a calibration with a known surface, we can use methods of triangulation to reconstruct the surface. Using a chest phantom, we are able to obtain a 360 degree scan of the interior in under 1 minute. The chest phantom scan was compared to an existing CT scan to determine its accuracy. The laser-camera separation can be determined through the calibration with 2mm accuracy. The device is best suited for environments that are on the scale of a chest cavity (between 10cm and 40cm). This technique has the potential to produce cavity geometry in real-time during treatment. This would enable PDT treatment dosage to be determined with greater accuracy. Works are ongoing to build a miniaturized device that moves the light source and camera via a fiber-optics bundle commonly used for endoscopy with increased accuracy.
Outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus infection after soft tissue augmentation.

Background. Illicit soft-tissue augmentation performed in New York City resulted in an outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in 2002. Objective. To report two cases of women who developed tender, subcutaneous nodules of the face and buttocks after illicit soft-tissue augmentation with a hyaluronic acid derivative. Methods. Two case reports are presented, and the literature is reviewed. Results. Empiric treatment with clarithromycin (for M. abscessus infection) and prednisone (for foreign body reaction) resulted in clearance of lesions. Conclusion. Contaminated or impure material used for soft-tissue augmentation can result in a clustered outbreak of infection or foreign body reaction.
Optical Laboratory Comparison Of Computer Generated Holograms For Correlation Matched Spatial Filters

We consider various types of optical computer generated holograms (CGHs) using various encoding techniques. The application chosen is their use as optical matched spatial filters (MSFs) in an optical frequency plane correlator. This differs significantly from the use of CGHs for image reconstruction. Optical laboratory data is presented comparing the major types of CGHs on the same input data, using binary CGHs. The various issues associated with this use of CGHs are noted and quantified with optical laboratory data.
Novel tannin-based Si, P co-doped carbon for supercapacitor applications

Abstract Increasing environmental pollution and population compounded by a decrease in the availability of non-renewable resources and fossil fuels has propelled the need for sustainable alternate energy storage technologies particularly in the last two decades. An attempt to meet this crisis was carried out by a unique, microwave-assisted method which has enabled the generation of a novel Si, P co-doped carbon (SiPDC) for supercapacitor applications. The microwave-assisted method is useful in developing SiPDC at a rapid and economical fashion that does not employ any inert or reducing gases, but is high yielding. Varying proportions of precursor materials were utilized to generate four SiPDCs (SiPDC-1, SiPDC-2, SiPDC-3 and SiPDC-4) with varying contents of dopants as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) results. Surface area and pore size analysis revealed that SiPDC-2 has a surface area of 641.51 m 2 g −1 , abundant micropores, mesopores and macropores which are critical for electrical double layer capacitance (EDLC). Of all the SiPDCs, SiPDC-2 exhibited highest capacitance of 276 F g −1 in 1 M H 2 SO 4 and 244 F g −1 in 6 M KOH at a scan rate of 5 mV s −1 . Galvanostatic charge–discharge studies performed in 6 M KOH establish the high capacitance of SiPDC-2. SiPDC-2 also exhibited excellent electrochemical stability in 1 M H 2 SO 4 and 6 M KOH.
Late skin damage in rabbits and monkeys after exposure to particulate radiations.

Preliminary results are reported of experiments on the late effects of exposure to particulate radiations on stem cell populations. Skin biopsies were taken from the ears of rabbits irradiated 2-5 years previously with 530 MeV/amu Ar ions (LET 90 keV/micron), or 365 MeV/amu Ne ions (LET 35 keV micron), and from the chests and inner thighs of rhesus monkeys irradiated 16-18 years previously with 32-MeV protons (LET about 1.2 keV/micron). Skin fibroblast cultures obtained from the biopsy samples in rabbits were observed to undergo dose-dependent decreases in in vitro life span, with estimated survival curves showing the effects of Ar-ion irradiation to be more severe than those of Ne-ion irradiation. In addition, the healing of the biopsy wound was observed to become slower as radiation dose increased. In the monkey, radiation reduced the average number of fibroblasts at the time of cessation of growth in culture. Results thus demonstrate the capacity of skin sampling to reveal stem cell destruction, and have important implications for astronauts and other persons at risk of particle exposure with regard to healing responses to trauma or surgery.
Spectrum of Dysphonia: Diagnosis, Demographics, and Quality of Life

Five-hundred and fifty-one patients were evaluated (age range 11-96 years, 61.8% female/38.2% male). The distribution of diagnostic categories is shown in Figure 1. “Inflammatory” includes patients with reflux laryngitis, infectious laryngitis, and laryngitis sicca. “Paralysis” also includes vocal fold paresis and patients with both unilateral and bilateral impairment. In addition to nodules, polyps, and cysts, “phonotraumatic” includes vascular malformations and vocal process granuloma. “Functional” is almost entirely muscle tension dysphonia patients, but also includes 2 patients with conversion disorder. Patients with supraglottic hyperfunction thought secondary to another diagnosis were coded according to primary diagnosis; however, an additional 62 patients (11.2% of the study population) were noted to have secondary supraglottic hyperfunction. “Post-traumatic” includes vocal fold scarring subsequent to prior surgery, intubation, or external trauma, and also includes patients with diminished vibration secondary to accumulative age – presbylaryngis patients were placed into this category. “Other neurologic” contains vocal tremor, spasmodic dysphonia, and Parkinson’s hypophonia.
Sulfonated ordered mesoporous carbon for catalytic preparation of biodiesel

Sulfonated ordered mesoporous carbons (OMC) have been synthesized by covalent attachment of sulfonic acid-containing aryl radicals on the surface of mesoporous carbons. Compared with other solid acid catalysts, the resulting materials show stable and highly efficient catalytic performance in biodiesel production with the highest conversion reaching 73.59%. The reported carbon-based catalysts can be reused for several times without loss of activity. Furthermore, sulfonated OMC with larger pore size makes active sites easily accessible and exhibits higher catalytic ability.
Synthesis, characterization and crystallization behaviour of stereoregular poly-β-hydroxyoctanoate

(S)-β-Pentyl-β-propiolactone ((S)-PPL) was prepared in five steps with an optical purity in excess of 97% starting from the optically pure copolymer produced by Pseudomonas oleovorans when grown with n-octanoic acid. The copolymer contained approximately 85 mol% of β-hydroxyoctanoate units; x=4, in the structure shown below. The remainder of the copolymer was hexanoate, x = 2, and decanoate, x = 6, units. (S)-PPL was polymerized to the opticaly active homopolymer, poly-β-hydroxyoctanoate (PHO) by the ring-opening polymerization of this lactone with aluminoxane and zinc alkyl catalysts. The stereochemical configurations and isomeric purities of the repeating units of the polymers obtained were determined by degrading the polymers to methyl β-hydroxyoctanoate and analysis by 250 MHz 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy of the complexes of these methyl esters with a chiral europium shift reagent. The diad stereochemical sequence distributions of the polymers were determined by 50.3 MHz 13C n.m.r. spectroscopy. The isothermal rates of crystallization were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) for the bacterial copolymer and for two synthetic PHOs: a racemic P[(R,S)-HO], and an optically active P[(R)-HO]. The synthetic P[(R)-HO] had a higher enthalpy of fusion and a faster crystallization rate than the racemic PHO, which had a higher enthalpy of fusion and a faster crystallization rate than the bacterial PHO. These differences were explained in terms of the stereoregularities and compositions of the different polymers.
The Vorticity Budget of Synoptic-Scale Wave Disturbances in the Tropical Western Pacific

Abstract Composite fields of the large-scale variables determined from three months of observations at a triangular array of stations are used to determine the vorticity budget of easterly wave disturbances in the tropical western Pacific. The measurements reveal substantial imbalances which are largest in the disturbed or convectively active region of the waves. In this region there exists an apparent vorticity sink for the large-scale motions in the lower half of the troposphere and an apparent source in a relatively thin layer of the upper troposphere. Cumulus modelling assumptions are employed to estimate vertical cloud mass flux and vertical profiles of cloud vorticity. It is concluded that the low-level sink and upper-level source can be attributed to the removal of vorticity-rich air from the lower layers and its deposition aloft by deep convection.
Self-Assembled Multi-Component Catenanes: Structural Insights into an Adaptable Class of Molecular Receptors and [2]-Catenanes

Under acidic conditions (50 equiv of TFA), combinations of hydrazide A-B monomers self-assemble into octameric [2]-catenanes with high selectivity for [132]2, where 1 is a d-Pro-X (X = Aib, Ac4c, Ac6c, l-4-Cl-PhGly)-derived monomer and 2 is an l-Pro′-l-arylGly (Pro′ = Pro, trans-F-Pro, trans-HO-Pro, aryl = naphthyl, phenyl)-derived monomer. Five different combinations of monomers were studied by X-ray crystallography. In each case, the unique aryl glycine unit is located in the core of the structure where the aryl ring templates a CH−π–CH sandwich. Analysis of metrical parameters indicates that this core region is highly conserved, while the more peripheral zones are flexible. 1H NMR spectroscopy indicate that the solid-state structures are largely retained in solution, though several non-C2-symmetric compounds have a net C2-symmetry that indicates accessible dynamic processes. Catenane dynamic processes were additionally probed through H/D exchange, with the core being inflexible relative to the peripher...
X-ray photoionized plasmas in space and in the laboratory

As a primer for experimentalists interested in the topic, I provide a brief introduction to X-ray photoionized plasmas, with primary emphasis on the astrophysical concepts, including general descriptions of the relevant object classes, a discussion of the X-ray nebular concept, and, in some detail, the ionization parameter.
Hemorrhagic complications following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a fundamental therapeutic tool in pancreaticobiliary diseases. One of the serious complications following ERCP is hemorrhage with an incidence rate of approximately 1%-2%. Post-ERCP bleeding is primarily attributed to endoscopic sphincterotomy, which is an essential step to allow therapeutic maneuvers during ERCP. Less commonly, nonsphincterotomy-related bleeding has been reported. Several risk factors have been identified for post-ERCP bleeding, and preventive and therapeutic measures have been described. A better understanding of these complications is required by endoscopists to more efficiently prevent and manage them. In this article, we review the literature on post-ERCP bleeding and summarize its risk factors, grading and classification, and guidelines for prevention and management.
In vivo electrochemical studies of dopamine diffusion and clearance in the striatum of young and aged Fischer-344 rats

Dopaminergic neurons are vulnerable to the degenerative effects of the aging process. Age-dependent functional changes which occur in nigrostriatal and mesolimbic DA pathways may decrease the ability of these systems to effectively communicate with postsynaptic targets, thereby impairing the normal flow of motor information through the basal ganglia. In order to overcome these effects, the brain relies on homeostatic mechanisms which act to balance neurochemical changes. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that dopamine neurons compensate for age-related decreases in depolarization-induced transmitter overflow by altering the rate of DA clearance from the extracellular space. The diffusion and clearance of DA was directly measured in urethane anesthetized Fischer 344 rats using high-speed (5 Hz) in vivo electrochemical recordings and local drug application techniques. The results show that aged rats (24 and 30 months old) are as effective in removing exogenously applied dopamine from the striatum as young rats (6 months old). However, the uptake sites in the aged animals were less responsive to nomifensine, a competitive inhibitor of DA uptake. This drug did not modulate the amplitude of DA signals in the dorsal striatum of 30-month-old rats nor in the ventral striatum of 24-and 30-month-old rats. We can conclude that there are changes in the high affinity uptake carrier based on the different pharmacological actions of nomifensine in the young and aged striatum. If this is the case, then more studies are necessary to determine if drugs used in the treatment of depression (which have the same mechanism of action as nomifensine) are less effective in elderly patients. This research may also lead to the understanding of mechanisms which compensate for age-related deficits in chemical signalling.