cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the uterus of nonpregnant sheep

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize nitric oxide synthase activity in endometrium and myometrium of nonpregnant sheep and to determine whether estrogen administration affects uterine nitric oxide synthase activity. STUDY DESIGN: Nonpregnant sheep were castrated during synchronized estrus and 4 days after surgery were treated with 100 μg/day of 17β-estradiol for 3 days. Nitric oxide synthase activity was measured by the citrulline conversion assay. RESULTS: Citrulline generation found in soluble and particulate fractions had all the characteristics of nitric oxide synthase, namely, it was strictly dependent on reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and enhanced by flavin nucleotides and tetrahydrobiopterin. Estrogen administration significantly increased Ca ++ -dependent nitric oxide synthase activity in myometrium but not in endometrium. The effect was more pronounced in the membrane-associated enzyme activity (approximately fivefold). Estrogen treatment increased myometrial nitric oxide synthase activity from 9.0 ± 2.4 to 20.0 ± 3.7 pmol/mg of protein per 30 minutes in the soluble fraction and from 12.0 ± 5.1 to 62.0 ± 13.1 pmol/mg of protein per 30 minutes in the particulate fraction (mean ± SEM, p t test). The increase in nitric oxide synthase activity was not mediated by an increase in tetrahydrobiopterin availability, as shown to be the case in macrophages. CONCLUSION: These data show that in the nonpregnant sheep uterus > 90% of the nitric oxide synthase activity found in myometrium is Ca ++ dependent and is up-regulated by estrogen in a tissue-specific manner.
Calculated electron-phonon contributions to phonon linewidths and to the electronic mass enhancement in Pd

This paper presents a calculation of the linewidths of phonons in Pd owing to decay into electron-hole pairs. Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker energies and wave functions are used with the rigid-muffin-tin approximation (for the electron-phonon matrix element). The linewidths of the longitudinal $[\ensuremath{\zeta}00]$ phonons show a sharp maximum which is in qualitative agreement with the recent experimental observations of Youngblood et al. Relatively large linewidths are calculated for a transverse mode (${T}_{1}$) along the [110] direction, which are in good agreement with the previous experiment of Miiller. Both the matrix element and the joint density of states at the Fermi energy contribute to the magnitude of the calculated linewidths. The electron-phonon contribution to the electronic mass enhancement is calculated to be 0.41. This result is used to estimate the contribution due to paramagnetic fluctuations.
Changes in Heart Period, Heart‐Period Variability, and a Spectral Analysis Estimate of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia in Response to Pharmacological Manipulations of the Baroreceptor Reflex in Cats

The purpose of the present study was to assess changes in heart period, heart-period variance (HPV), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during manipulations of the baroreceptor reflex in anesthetized cats. Hypertension, induced via phenylephrine infusion, reflexly increases parasym-pathetic activity and decreases sympathetic activity. Hypotension, produced by infusion of nitroprusside, leads to increased sympathetic activity and an inhibition of vagal influences on the heart. Specific autonomic contributions were assessed following administration of practolol, a β-adrenergic blocker, or atropine methyl nitrate. Spectral analysis was used to quantify the component of HPV associated with respiration, i.e., RSA, which is proposed to be sensitive to vagal influences on the heart. The respiratory component of HPV is described by a statistic, V, which is the sum of the spectral densities of the heart period spectrum across the band of frequencies associated with normal respiration. Hypertension produced an increase in V which was blocked by atropine infusion, but unaltered by beta-adrenergic blockade. Hypotension decreased V to near-zero values which persisted after atropine and practolol infusion. These data suggest that V is determined primarily by vagal factors. Correlations between V and a previously used criterion measure of vagal tone further support this hypothesis. In contrast, heart period was sensitive to vagal and sympathetic factors. Heart period increases during hypertension were abolished with atropine and heart period decreases due to hypotension were eliminated by beta-adrenergic blockade. These responses are consistent with the notion that heart period is under the control of both sympathetic and vagal factors. Since in an anesthetized preparation RSA is the major source of heart-period variability, HPV responded similarly to V. The results suggest that the spectral estimate of RSA, V, is particularly sensitive to blood pressure induced reflexive changes in vagal efferent influences on the heart. It also appears that V is less influenced by sympathetic factors than heart period, a commonly used estimate of vagal activity.
Technical aspects of the Rastelli and atrial switch procedure for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis or atresia: Results of therapy

In conventional surgery for the associated lesions of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, the right ventricle remains in the systemic circulation. In this situation, the right ventricle and tricuspid valve fail in an unpredictable manner. The double switch procedure was introduced to restore the morphologic left ventricle to the systemic circulation and considerable success has been seen over the last 10 years with this approach. The Rastelli and atrial switch procedure can be applied to patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and pulmonary stenosis or atresia and a suitably placed ventricular septal defect in the outlet septum of the ventricle beneath the aortic valve. Thus, the left ventricle can be restored to the systemic circulation. The Rastelli-atrial switch is a complex operative procedure, but the operative risk and long-term results are good without evidence in the mid-term of ventricular failure as has been associated with the conventional repair. A disadvantage is that these patients require valved conduit changes over the years.
Transmission of free-running and Q-switched Er:YAG and Er:YSGG laser energy through germanium oxide/silica fibers

ABSTRACT Endoscopic Erbium laser applications have been limited by the lack of a suitable optical fiber. This study describes a hybrid germanium oxide / silica fiber for transmission of Q-switched and free-running Er:YAG and Er:YSGG laser radiation. Hybrid fibers consisted of a 1-meter-long germanium trunk fiber co nnected to a 1-cm-long silica fiber tip using PTFE, PET, or PTFE/FEP heat-shrink tubing. Maximum transmission of Er:YAG energy through fiber trunk/tip diameters of 250/365, 350/365, and 450/550 µ m were recorded. The transmission rates through 450/550 µ m fibers using Q-switched (500 ns) and free-running (300 µ s) Er:YAG and Er:YSGG laser pulses were also measured. Maximum fr ee-running Er:YAG pulse ener gies (fluences) measured up to 103 mJ (98 J/cm 2 ), 112 mJ (107 J/cm 2 ), and 233 mJ (98 J/cm ), respectively, through 250/365, 350/365, and 450/550 hybrid fibers. Free-running Er:YAG and Er:YSGG transmission averaged 56% and 65%, with an attenuation of 1.1 + 0.1 dB/m and 0.6 + 0.1 dB/m, respectively, after correction for Fresnel losses (n = 7). Q-switched Er:YAG and Er:YSGG laser transmission averaged 55% and 62%, with an attenuation of 1.1 + 0.2 dB/m and 0.9 + 0.3 dB/m, respectively. Both Q-switched lasers transmitted a maximum pulse energy of 13 mJ (n = 7). The germanium / silica fiber is promising for use with the Erbium laser in applications requiring contact laser tissue ablation through a flexible endoscope. Keywords: erbium, Q-switched, germanium, hybrid, mid-IR, fiber, oxide glass
The Development and Psychometric Properties of a Rating Scale for Children's Social Skills:

The development of the 21-item Waksman Social Skills Rating Scale (WSSRS) for screening children and adolescents for social skills treatment programs and for the evaluation of those programs is described. The WSSRS demonstrated strong internal consistency and factor structure, satisfactory test-retest reliability, and mixed interrater reliability. The WSSRS correlated significantly with The Portland Problem Behavior, Checklist-Revised and differentiated emotionally disturbed students from normal students. Normative data on a random sample of 331 normal kindergarten through high school students is provided.
Continuous-fiber preform reinforcement of dental resin composite restorations.

Abstract Objectives . Direct-filling resin composites are used in relatively small restorations and are not recommended for large restorations with severe occlusal-stresses. The aim of this study was to reinforce composites with fiber preforms, and to investigate the effects of layer thickness and configurations on composite properties. It was hypothesized that fiber preforms would significantly increase the composite's flexural strength, work-of-fracture (toughness) and elastic modulus. Methods . Glass fibers were silanized, impregnated with a resin, cured, and cut to form inserts for tooth cavity restorations. Also fabricated were three groups of specimens of 2 mm×2 mm×25 mm: a fiber preform rod in the center of a hybrid composite; a thin fiber layer on the tensile side of the specimens; and a thin fiber layer sandwiched in between layers of a hybrid composite. These specimens were tested in three-point flexure to measure strength, work-of-fracture and modulus. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the restorations and the fiber distributions. Results . Microscopic examinations of insert-filled tooth cavities showed that the fibers were relatively uniform in distribution within the preform, and the inserts were well bonded with the surrounding hybrid composite. Specimens consisting of a fiber preform rod in the center of a hybrid composite had a flexural strength (mean (SD); n =6) of 313 (19) MPa, significantly higher than 120 (16) MPa of the hybrid composite without fibers (Tukey's at family confidence of 0.95). The work-of-fracture was increased by nearly seven times, and the modulus was doubled, due to fiber preform reinforcement. Similar improvements were obtained for the other two groups of specimens. Significance . Substantial improvements in flexural strength, toughness and stiffness were achieved for dental resin composites reinforced with fiber preforms. The method of embedding a fiber preform insert imparts superior reinforcement to restorations and should improve the performance of direct-filling resin composites in large restorations with high occlusal-loads.
Ultrastructural changes during fertilization envelope assembly in Lytechinus pictus eggs revealed by quick-freeze, deep-etch electron microscopy

Morphological features of fertilization envelope assembly in egges from the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus were examind in platinum replicas of samples quick-frozen, deep-etched, and rotary-shadowed at various times after insemination. Unfertilized eggs are surrounded by the vitelline layer, a glycocalyx, which faith-fully follows the contours of the microvillus-studded egg surface. The vitelline layer is secured to the plasma membrane below via a series of short projections called vitelline posts. The vitelline matrix itself is an elaborate meshwork of uniformly sized filaments, which are decorated in places with globular particles. At fertilization, the vitelline layer elevates off the egg surface and by 1 min after insemination appears as a thin, airy network of fibers. In contrast to Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, impressions of the underlying microvilli are not retained in this species. The vitelline template appears to become filled in by the deposition of amorphous secretory material between 1 and 5 min after fertilization. This smooth, amorphous layer is then coated with a thin sheet of paracrystalline material. Paracrystalline coating is incomplete at 5 min, but by 20 min after insemination the coat is complete, consisting of ordered parallel rows of roset-telike particles.
Information in ultimatum games: An experimental study

Abstract This study reports on an experiment using variations of the ultimatum game. The experiment controls the amount and type of information known to the responder in the game. In two treatments, she knows both the absolute (money) and relative (fairness) payoffs from an offer. In the other two, she knows either only the absolute or only the relative payoffs. The predictions of four models for these treatments are tested: subgame-perfection, Bolton's comparative equilibrium, Ochs and Roth's absolute threshold, and Ochs and Roth's percentage threshold hypothesis.
Analyzing oral proficiency test performance in general and specific purpose contexts

Abstract To investigate whether a field-specific oral proficiency test, constructed by manipulating test method facets, would be a better predictor of field-specific performance than a general purpose oral proficiency test, 31 Chinese chemistry graduate students were given three English tests: the field specific test, the general purpose test and a chemistry teaching performance test. Results suggested that when raters of the performance test were asked to recommend specifically whether or not a subject should be allowed to actually teach chemistry in a lab or classroom, the field-specific test was a better predictor than the general purpose test. The paper contains a theoretical discussion of field-specific language testing and guidelines for the construction of oral proficiency tests in specific purpose contexts.
Polyclonal activation of the murine immune system by an antibody to IgD V. Effect on germinal centers

Heterologous anti-mouse delta chain has been shown to induce T-independent polyclonal B cell proliferation by 24 h after injection into mice and a T-dependent polyclonal increase in the number of IgG-secreting cells in spleen and lymph nodes 6 days after injection. The effect of anti-delta on germinal center cells has been difficult to determine, however, since anti-delta-induced blast transformation of mantle zone cells makes it difficult to distinguish these cells from germinal center cells. To clarify the effect of anti-delta on germinal centers, we stained lymph node sections from control and anti-delta-injected mice with peanut agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase which clearly differentiates the germinal center cells from other large and small lymphoid cells. For the first 5 days after i.v. injection of goat anti-mouse delta, the germinal center volumes did not differ significantly from those of mice injected with control antibodies. On days 6 and 7 after injection, the lymph node germinal center volumes of anti-delta-treated mice increased on average over 10-fold as compared to those of mice injected with an equal amount of control antibody. Thus, while anti-delta antibody directly induced blastogenesis of mantle layer B cells, it appears to have little direct effect on germinal center cells. In contrast, rapid germinal center development is seen in anti-delta-injected mice during the T-dependent phase of B cell activation and occurs simultaneously with the appearance of large numbers of IgG-secreting cells.
A note on nondictatorial conditions for choice mechanisms

Abstract It is demonstrated that weakening the strong nondictatorship requirement stated by Gibbard and by Satterthwaite enables the construction of strategy-proof choice mechanisms by shifting the difficulties from the phase of choice mechanism construction to the phase of agenda formation.
Subdigital Setae of Narrow-Toed Geckos, Including a Eublepharid (Aeluroscalabotes felinus)

Subdigital adhesive setae have previously been documented in all legged gecko families except the Eublepharidae. I present evidence that members of Aeluroscalabotes felinus, the only arboreal eublepharids, possess subdigital setae up to 9 μm in length. This discovery suggests that the conditions leading to adhesive setae were probably present in the ancestors of all geckos, rather than arising multiple times within Gekkota. The digits and setae of Aeluroscalabotes resemble those of other climbing, bent-toed geckos. I describe the setal morphology of the following bent-toed species: Cyrtodactylus peguensis, Gonatodes albogularis, and Pristurus rupestris. The presence of subdigital setae is highly correlated with an arboreal lifestyle across geckos and other lizards such as anoles and skinks. Although relatively simple in form, these setae likely confer additional traction that significantly benefits climbing species. Further developmental and biomechanical studies comparing these species with more agile climbers like the Tokay will improve our understanding of the evolutionary processes leading to adhesive setae, and consequently inform engineers attempting to fabricate effective artificial gecko setae. Anat Rec, 291:869-875, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Laser-induced photoacoustic tomography for small animals

Photoacoustic tomography, also called opto-acoustic tomography when laser excitation is used, is a novel medical imaging modality that combines the merits of both light and ultrasound. Here, we present our study of laser-induced photoacoustic tomography of organs of small animals. Pulses of 6.5 ns in width from an Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm or 1064 nm are employed to generate the distribution of thermoelastic expansion in the sample. A wide-band ultrasonic transducer that is non-focused in the imaging plane scans around the sample to realize a full-view detection of the imaged cross-section. A modified back-projection algorithm is applied to reconstruct the distribution of optical absorption inside the biological sample. Using optical energy depositions that fall below safe levels, tissue structures in ex-vivo rat kidneys and in-situ mouse brains covered by the skin and skull are imaged successfully with the high intrinsic optical contrast and the high spatial resolution of ultrasound.
OTC product: metamucil plus calcium for regularity and calcium supplementation.

Metamucil Plus Calcium (Procter & Gamble) Active ingredients (per capsule): Psyllium husk (providing 400 mg of soluble fiber), calcium carbonate (providing 60 mg of elemental calcium) Indication: Improving regularity and treating occasional constipation; lowering cholesterol and improving heart health; improving bone health Availability: Bottles of 75 or 120 capsules Discussion: Fiber has numerous benefits for the human body.1–3 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published scientific evidence demonstrating that adequate fiber intake reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, some types of cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.4 Unfortunately, the daily fiber content of the average American diet falls far short of the 20–35 grams recommended by the American Heart Association, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Dietetic Association. Fiber is widely available from dietary sources, but many individuals require fiber supplements to meet their daily requirements, and many products exist on the market to choose from. Psyllium is a form of soluble fiber that promotes regularity due to its bulking action. Soluble fiber has an added benefit of being able to lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. Calcium, like fiber, falls short in the average American diet, and it is a crucial mineral for bone health. A new product called Metamucil Plus Calcium alleviates both dietary deficiencies by supplementing both fiber and calcium. Patient Information: ■ The dosage of Metamucil Plus Calcium is 5 capsules up to 4 times daily. Each serving of 5 capsules provides 3 grams of fiber (2 grams soluble fiber) and 300 mg of elemental calcium. ■ All dosages must be taken with at least 8 ounces of water or other liquid to prevent choking; it should be taken in an upright position. ■ This supplement should be taken at least 2 hours apart from prescription medications as both fiber and calcium can affect absorption of certain medications, particularly tetracycline and floroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and digoxin.
Catalysis in supercritical CO2 using dendrimer-encapsulated palladium nanoparticles

Dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles are shown to be versatile catalysts for both the hydrogenation of styrene and Heck heterocoupling of iodobenzene and methacrylate in supercritical CO2 (scCO2).
Analysis of Murine Natural Killer Cell Microsomal Proteins Using Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

This study describes the application of a single tube sample preparation technique coupled with multidimensional fractionation for the analysis of a complex membrane protein sample from murine natural killer (NK) cells. A solution-based method that facilitates the solubilization and tryptic digestion of integral membrane proteins is conjoined with strong cation exchange (SCX) liquid chromatography (LC) fractionation followed by microcapillary reversed-phase (μRP) LC tandem mass spectrometric analysis of each SCXLC fraction in second dimension. Sonication in buffered methanol solution was employed to solubilize, and tryptically digest murine NK cell microsomal proteins, allowing for the large-scale identification of integral membrane proteins, including the mapping of the membrane-spanning peptides. Bioinformatic analysis of the acquired tandem mass spectra versus the murine genome database resulted in 11 967 matching tryptic peptide sequences, corresponding to 5782 unique peptide identifications. These pe...
Unspeciated organic emissions from combustion sources and their influence on the secondary organic aerosol budget in the United States

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed from the atmospheric oxidation of nonmethane organic gases (NMOG) is a major contributor to atmospheric aerosol mass. Emissions and smog chamber experiments were performed to investigate SOA formation from gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, and biomass burning. About 10–20% of NMOG emissions from these major combustion sources are not routinely speciated and therefore are currently misclassified in emission inventories and chemical transport models. The smog chamber data demonstrate that this misclassification biases model predictions of SOA production low because the unspeciated NMOG produce more SOA per unit mass than the speciated NMOG. We present new source-specific SOA yield parameterizations for these unspeciated emissions. These parameterizations and associated source profiles are designed for implementation in chemical transport models. Box model calculations using these new parameterizations predict that NMOG emissions from the top six combustion sources form 0.7 Tg y−1 of first-generation SOA in the United States, almost 90% of which is from biomass burning and gasoline vehicles. About 85% of this SOA comes from unspeciated NMOG, demonstrating that chemical transport models need improved treatment of combustion emissions to accurately predict ambient SOA concentrations.
Intravesical therapy for bladder cancer

Introduction: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is the gold standard initial diagnostic intervention for bladder cancer and provides diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic benefit in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, TURBT alone is inadequate for optimal management of NMIBC, as patients will experience recurrence or progression depending on tumor characteristics. Adjuvant intravesical therapy with either immunotherapy or chemotherapy has been shown to reduce recurrence and/or progression in appropriately selected patients through immunostimulation or direct cell ablation.Areas covered: This review will discuss risk stratification of patients with NMIBC and role of intravesical therapies in reducing recurrence and progression of disease in these patients. A Medline search was performed to identify the best available evidence available from various systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials on various immunotherapy and chemotherapy agents. In addition, the main ...
Comment on Theodore Brameld

Since Dr. Brameld is to respond to reactions to his paper, perhaps the most efficient way to deal with the points that seem to require clarification or elaboration is to put them in the form of questions.
Performance Assessment: The Realities that Will Influence the Rewards

(1993). Performance Assessment: The Realities that Will Influence the Rewards. Childhood Education: Vol. 70, No. 1, pp. 29-32.
Efficient semiparametric estimation for endogenously stratified regression via smoothed likelihood

Abstract This paper presents efficient semiparametric estimators for endogenously stratified regression with two strata, in the case where the error distribution is unknown and the regressors are independent of the error term. The method is based on the use of a kernel-smoothed likelihood function which provides an explicit solution for the maximization problem for the unknown density function without losing information in the asymptotic limit. We consider both standard stratified sampling and variable probability sampling, and allow for the population shares of the strata to be either unknown or known a priori.
Tending the Soul: A Teaching Module for Increasing Student Sensitivity to the Spiritual Needs of Older Adults

Social work educators and practitioners have long recognized the influence of the realm of the soul and spirituality on an individual's health and well-being. This paper presents a four part teaching module used with students who are learning knowledge, values, and skills when working with diverse populations. The teaching module, “Tending the Soul,” is a new approcah of delivering curriculum content on aging and spirituality so that students may fully understand the importance of spirituality when working with this vulnerable population.
Aerodynamic Design and Performance Analysis of HAWT Blades

In this paper, a design method based on blade element momentum (BEM) theory is explained for horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades. The method is used to optimize the chord and twist distributions of the blades. Applying this method a 100kW HAWT rotor is designed. Also a computer program is written to estimate the aerodynamic performance of the existing HAWT blades and used for the performance analysis of the designed 100kW HAWT rotor.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Optical and radiometry analysis for a passive infrared sparse sensor detection system

The optical performance of an infrared sparse sensor detector system is modeled. Such a system, due to its low cost, uses single element, spherical, off-the-shelf optical components that may produce poor quality off-axis images. Since sensors will not populate the entire focal plane, it is necessary to evaluate how the optics will affect sensor placement. This analysis will take into account target location, optical system aberrations, and wavelength, in an effort to determine the proper placement of the sparsely populated sensors.
Use of thiopropyl sepharose for preparation of 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid

Abstract A simple method is described for preparation of 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid (NTB), a compound with versatile applications but is commercially unavailable. In this method, NTB is produced by the reduction of 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) with thiopropyl sepharose, which is then separated from NTB by filtration. Two molecules of NTB can be generated from each molecule of DTNB when a large excess of thiopropyl sepharose is used. Thiopropyl sepharose is commercially available and can be readily regenerated for repeated use in the preparation of NTB. This method is simple and more effective than any other reported methods of NTB preparation.
IRREVERSIBLE HYDROGENATION OF SOLID C60 WITH AND WITHOUT CATALYTIC METALS

The dehydrogenation of C60 · H18.7 was studied using thermogravimetric and powder x-ray diffraction analysis. C60 · H18.7 was found to be stable up to 430 °C in Ar at which point the release of hydrogen initiated the collapse of a fraction of fullerene molecules. X-ray diffraction analysis performed on C60 · H18.7 samples dehydrogenated at 454, 475, and 600 °C displayed an increasing volume fraction of amorphous material. The decomposition product comprises randomly oriented, single-layer graphite sheets. Evolved gas analysis using gas chromatograph (GC) mass spectroscopy confirmed the presence of both H2 and methane upon dehydrogenation. Attempts to improve reversibility or reduce hydrogenation/ dehydrogenation temperatures by addition of Ru and Pt catalysts were unsuccessful.
In crystallo posttranslational modification within a MauG/pre-methylamine dehydrogenase complex.

MauG is a diheme enzyme responsible for the posttranslational modification of two tryptophan residues to form the tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ) cofactor of methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH). MauG converts preMADH, containing monohydroxylated βTrp 57 , to fully functional MADH by catalyzing the insertion of a second oxygen atom into the indole ring and covalently linking βTrp 57 to βTrp 108 . We have solved the x-ray crystal structure of MauG complexed with preMADH to 2.1 angstroms. The c-type heme irons and the nascent TTQ site are separated by long distances over which electron transfer must occur to achieve catalysis. In addition, one of the hemes has an atypical His-Tyr axial ligation. The crystalline protein complex is catalytically competent; upon addition of hydrogen peroxide, MauG-dependent TTQ synthesis occurs.
Isolation of U(VI) reduction-deficient mutants of Shewanella putrefaciens

A U(VI) reduction-deficient mutant (Urr) screening technique was developed and combined with chemical mutagenesis procedures to identify a Urr mutant of Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200. The Urr mutant lacked the ability to grow anaerobically on U(VI) and NO2−, yet retained the ability to grow anaerobically on eight other compounds as terminal electron acceptor. All 11 members of previously isolated sets of Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction-deficient mutants of S. putrefaciens 200 displayed Urr-positive phenotypes with the Urr screen and were capable of anaerobic growth on U(VI). This is the first reported isolation of a respiratory mutant that is unable to grow anaerobically on U(VI) as terminal electron acceptor.
Measurement of Atmospheric Neutrinos at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory

Abstract The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory consists of a 1 kiloton heavy water Cherenkov detector able to detect and reconstruct high-energy muons created from cosmic ray showers and atmospheric neutrino interactions. By measuring the flux of through-going muons as a function of zenith angle, the SNO experiment can distinguish between the oscillated and un-oscillated portion of the neutrino flux. This report describes SNO's measurements of the flux of cosmic ray muons and neutrino-induced muon flux at a depth of 5890 meters water equivalent.
Are Charter Schools Using Recruitment Strategies to Increase Student Body Diversity

Depending on state statutory language, charter schools may be able to exercise more control over their student body composition. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools may have the oppo...
Refinement of Peterson and Levy's Neutron Diffraction Data on KHF2

The neutron‐diffraction data obtained by Peterson and Levy from a single crystal of KHF2 have been refined in an attempt to settle the question of the geometry of the bifluoride ion in KHF2. It turns out to be impossible from the neutron diffraction data alone to distinguish a linear symmetric F–H–F ion from a linear one in which the hydrogen occupies two equally probable positions on either side of the center, even when these positions are 0.16 A from the center. However, the agreement between the differences in mean‐square amplitudes of vibration of hydrogen and fluorine along the bond as obtained from an analysis of the diffraction data and as calculated from spectroscopic data lends support to a linear symmetric model of the bifluoride ion in KHF2. The F–H–F distance is 2.277±0.006 A.
Cocrystallization of dichloro­(N,N-dimethyl­formamide)[hydro­tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borato]­vanadium(III) with its partially oxidized analog chloro­(N,N-dimethyl­formamide)[hydro­tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borato]oxovanadium(IV)

The components dichloro­(N,N-dimethyl­formamide)[hydro­tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borato]vanadium(III), [TpVCl2(DMF)], and its partially oxidized analog chloro­(N,N-dimethyl­formamide)[hydro­tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borato]oxovanadium(IV), [TpVOCl(DMF)], cocrystallize in an approximately 1:1 ratio, viz. [V(C9H10BN6)Cl2(C3H6NO)][V(C9H10BN6)ClO(C3H6NO)]. The components both exist in the solid state with disorder of the Cl/O site and with V in a pseudo-octa­hedral coordination geometry. The complexes each have three pyrazole units of the hydro­tris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate ligand bound to one `face' of the vanadium center and one chloro, one oxo/chloro, and one oxo-bound N,N-dimethyl­formamide ligand bound to the other face.
Maximal component-complete subgraphs

It is shown that for any graph G on n points the maximum number of lines that need be deleted from G so that each component of the remaining subgraph is complete is equal to =n(n-1)2-nN+N(N+1)(N+2)6 where N is the greatest integer for which N(N + 1) ≤ 2n. The proof makes extensive use of the Ferrers array and its conjugate of a partition of a positive integer. This problem is one of a new class of extremal problems in graph theory.
Azithromycin for treatment of severe Cryptosporidium diarrhea in two children with cancer

Two children with cancer received azithromycin for Cryptosporidium -associated diarrhea that was unresponsive to supportive care. One child had choleriform diarrhea requiring daily fluid replacement of up to 65% of his total body weight; the other had protracted diarrhea and wasting. In both cases, administration of azithromycin was followed by prompt clinical imporvement.
Expression of adenosine triphosphate P2X3 receptors in rat molar pulp and trigeminal ganglia.

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of adenosine triphosphate P2X3 receptor subunits in rat molar pulp and trigeminal ganglia and their relationship to substance P. Study Design. Rat molar pulp and trigeminal ganglia were fixed and sectioned. Double immunostaining with anti-P2X3 and anti-substance P were used to localize P2X3 and substance P expression simultaneously with different stains. Results. P2X3 immunoreactivity (IR) fibers were present in root and coronal pulp. P2X3-IR fibers formed subodontoblastic plexus and advanced into the predentin and dentin. P2X3-IR neurons were localized in small and medium-sized cells in trigeminal ganglia. Colocalization of P2X3 and substance P was not found in either molar pulp or trigeminal ganglia. Conclusions. The results of this study indicated that adenosine triphosphate in pulp tissues may stimulate a subpopulation of non-substance P trigeminal afferent fibers through activation of P2X3 receptors. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;94:622-6)
Some seismological and geometric features of intraplate earthquakes

To understand the nature and cause of intraplate earthquakes we carried out a systematic search for common features associated with them. Various geological, geophysical and seismic data were analyzed and geometric and seismic parameters were compared for 29 intraplate events (M ⩾ 4.5) occurring worldwide. The results suggest that intraplate earthquakes occur by the reactivation of pre-existing zones of weakness in a compressional stress regime which is generally oriented parallel to the absolute direction of plate motion. Two styles of faulting were observed. For type A earthquakes, observed in the eastern United States, eastern China, western Europe and West Africa, deformation occurs by strike-slip motion on steeply dipping faults. Type B events are usually associated with thrust or normal faulting and were observed in eastern Canada, Fennoscandia, Australia and peninsular India. Focal depths did not explain the differences between type A and type B earthquakes; rather, the differences are due to the perturbation of a regional stress field by a local stress field. The regional stress field for type A events is primarily due to ridge push forces. The method of stress perturbation varied from region to region. The earthquakes in the type B category were further divided into three subcategories: type B1 (occurring in eastern Canada and Fennoscandia), type B2 (occurring in Australia, peninsular India and central Brazil) and type B3 (occurring in the Gulf Coast of the U.S.). The inferred causes of the perturbing stresses are deglaciation, intracontinental resistive forces resulting from the collision of plates and the deposition of a large thickness of sediments, respectively. Type A events were found to be associated with intersecting faults and generally supported the intersection model of Talwani (1988) and had analogs in plate boundary events.
Analytical Models for Atomic Friction

In this methods article, we describe application of Prandtl–Tomlinson models and their extensions to interpret dry atomic-scale friction. The goal is to provide a practical overview of how to use these models to study frictional phenomena. We begin with the fundamental equations and build on them step-by-step—from the simple quasistatic one-spring, one-mass model for predicting transitions between friction regimes to the two-dimensional and multi-atom models for describing the effect of contact area. The intention is to bridge the gap between theoretical analysis, numerical implementation, and predicted physical phenomena. In the process, we provide an introductory manual with example computer programs for newcomers to the field, and an illustration of the significant potential for this approach to yield new fundamental understanding of atomic-scale friction.
The first demonstration of a procaryotic glycosylasparaginase.

Abstract Glycosylasparaginase was purified to near homogeneity from intracellular lysates of Flavobacterium meningosepticum . The enzyme is a heterodimer with an estimated molecular weight of 38 kDa and consists of one α-subunit (18 kDa) and one β-subunit (16 kDa). The β-subunit of the Flavobacterium enzyme has a direct evolutionary relationship to the β-subunit of mammalian glycosylasparaginases as evidenced by: (1) strong cross-reactivity with antibodies made to the denatured rat β-subunit, (2) a high degree of homology with the amino-terminus of the corresponding eukaryotic enzymes, and (3) irreversible inactivation with 5-diazo-4-oxo-L-norvaline, a reagent known to react with the catalytic amino-terminal threonine residue on the β-subunit of a mammalian glycosylasparaginase.
Regulation of Cell Growth during Serum Starvation and Bacterial Survival in Macrophages by the Bifunctional Enzyme SpoT in Helicobacter pylori

In Helicobacter pylori the stringent response is mediated solely by spoT. The spoT gene is known to encode (p)ppGpp synthetase activity and is required for H. pylori survival in the stationary phase. However, neither the hydrolase activity of the H. pylori SpoT protein nor the role of SpoT in the regulation of growth during serum starvation and intracellular survival of H. pylori in macrophages has been determined. In this study, we examined the effects of SpoT on these factors. Our results showed that the H. pylori spoT gene encodes a bifunctional enzyme with both a hydrolase activity and the previously described (p)ppGpp synthetase activity, as determined by introducing the gene into Escherichia coli relA and spoT defective strains. Also, we found that SpoT mediates a serum starvation response, which not only restricts the growth but also maintains the helical morphology of H. pylori. Strikingly, a spoT null mutant was able to grow to a higher density in serum-free medium than the wild-type strain, mimicking the "relaxed" growth phenotype of an E. coli relA mutant during amino acid starvation. Finally, SpoT was found to be important for intracellular survival in macrophages during phagocytosis. The unique role of (p)ppGpp in cell growth during serum starvation, in the stress response, and in the persistence of H. pylori is discussed.
BDNF Promoter–Mediated β-Galactosidase Expression in the Olfactory Epithelium and Bulb

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the generation and differentiation of new olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and in the regulation of branching of OSN axons in their target glomeruli. However, previous reports of BDNF mRNA and protein expression in olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb (OB) have been inconsistent, raising questions on the proposed roles for BDNF. Here, we report on b-galactosidase (b-gal) expression in adult gene-targeted mice where the BDNF promoter drives expression of the Escherichia coli lacZ gene (BDNF lacZneo mice). We find that b-gal is expressed in a small subset of OSNs with axons that reach the olfactory nerve layers throughout the OB. In the OB, we find expression of b-gal in c-aminobutyric acidergic but not dopaminergic periglomerular cells and external tufted cells and in interneurons located in the mitral cell layer. Our results are inconsistent with the regulation of generation and differentiation of new OSNs elicited by the release of BDNF from horizontal basal cells. The results are consistent with a role for BDNF in competitive branching of OSN axons within the glomeruli of the OB.
An Integrative Perspective on Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation

In this chapter we present the model of self-regulatory functioning on which our analysis of depression is based. Our model borrows heavily from the original formulations of Duval and Wicklund (1972) and Carver and Scheier (1981), but adds to previous work by filling in some important gaps in prior conceptualizations of self-regulatory functioning. In particular, we address the questions of what determines an individual’s spontaneous focus of attention, why self-reflection has the effects it does, how people disengage from irreducible discrepancies, and what happens in the time between recognition of a discrepancy between current and desired states and the implementation of behavior aimed at reducing that discrepancy.
Identification of DNA Sequences from a Second Pathogenicity Island of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073: Probes Specific for Uropathogenic Populations

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infection and hospital visits in North America. Cystitis and acute pyelonephritis, infection of the bladder and kidney, respectively, are the two most common syndromes encountered in patients with urinary tract infection. We sequenced and annotated 71,684 bases of a previously unidentified pathogenicity-associated island (PAI) from E. coli strain CFT073. This PAI contained 89 open-reading frames encoding a pap operon, iron-regulated genes, mobile genetic elements, and a large proportion of unknown or unidentified open-reading frames. Dot blot analysis with 11 DNA sequences from this PAI demonstrated that 7 sequences were more prevalent among uropathogens: 2 probes were more prevalent among cystitis and pyelonephritis isolates, 2 among pyelonephritis isolates only, and 3 among cystitis isolates only than among fecal isolates. These data suggest that groups of uropathogens have genetic differences that may be responsible for the different clinical outcomes.
Predators indirectly control vector- borne disease: linking predator -prey and host -pathogen models

Pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors are common in human populations, agricultural systems and natural communities. Transmission of these vector-borne pathogens depends on the population dynamics of the vector species as well as its interactions with other species within the community. In particular, predation may be sufficient to control pathogen prevalence indirectly via the vector. To examine the indirect effect of predators on vectored-pathogen dynamics, we developed a theoretical model that integrates predator–prey and host–pathogen theory. We used this model to determine whether predation can prevent pathogen persistence or alter the stability of host–pathogen dynamics. We found that, in the absence of predation, pathogen prevalence in the host increases with vector fecundity, whereas predation on the vector causes pathogen prevalence to decline, or even become extinct, with increasing vector fecundity. We also found that predation on a vector may drastically slow the initial spread of a pathogen. The predator can increase host abundance indirectly by reducing or eliminating infection in the host population. These results highlight the importance of studying interactions that, within the greater community, may alter our predictions when studying disease dynamics. From an applied perspective, these results also suggest situations where an introduced predator or the natural enemies of a vector may slow the rate of spread of an emerging vector-borne pathogen.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition blocks pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy independent of the calcineurin pathway

Aims Cyclic GMP (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition by sildenafil (SIL) activates myocardial cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) and blunts cardiac hypertrophy. To date, the only documented target of PKG in myocardium is the serine–threonine phosphatase calcineurin (Cn), which is central to pathological cardiac hypertrophy. We tested whether Cn suppression is necessary in order to observe anti-hypertrophic effects of SIL. Methods and results Mice lacking the Cn-Aβ subunit ( CnA β−/−) and wild-type (WT) controls were subjected to transverse aorta constriction (TAC) with or without SIL (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 3 weeks. TAC-induced elevation of Cn expression and activity in WT was absent in CnA β−/− hearts, and the latter accordingly developed less cardiac hypertrophy (50 vs. 100% increase in heart weight/tibia length, P < 0.03) and chamber dilation. SIL remained effective in CnA β−/− mice, increasing PKG activity similarly as in WT, suppressing hypertrophy and fetal gene expression, and enhancing heart function without altering afterload. TAC-stimulated calcium–calmodulin kinase II, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β in both groups (the first rising more in CnA β−/− hearts), and SIL also suppressed these similarly. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase observed in WT-TAC but not CnA β−/− hearts was also suppressed by SIL. Conclusion PDE5A inhibition and its accompanying PKG activation blunt hypertrophy and improve heart function even without Cn activation. This occurs by its modulation of several alternative pathways which may result from concomitant distal targeting, or activity against a common proximal node.