cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of specific nucleic acid sequences by two-color single-molecule fluorescence detection

Single-molecule fluorescence techniques are used to detect a specific nucleic acid sequence in a mixture of unrelated sequences. Co-hybridization of a pair oligonucleotide hybridization probes, each labeled with a spectrally-distinct fluorophore and complementary to a specific sub-sequence of the target nucleic acid, forms a fluorescent adduct containing both fluorophores. The presence of the specific sequence is signaled by the simultaneous detection of both fluorophore labels on a single target fragment. We demonstrate quantitative detection of target nucleic acid sequences at fragment concentrations as low as 100 fM with a simple instrument that uses low-power, continuous-wave laser excitation. Furthermore, we show that a cross-correlation analysis of the arrival times of individual single-molecule fluorescence photon bursts detected in spectrally separate channels permits quantitative detection of the dual-color labeled species at concentrations approximately 1000x lower than can be quantitatively detected using the photon cross-correlation between the two detection channels. We also demonstrate that a pair of quencher-labeled oligonucleotides each complementary to the fluorescent hybridization probes can be used to reduce unbound probe fluorescence, substantially improving the sensitivity of the assay. We use this approach to detect β-actin messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts.
Isoenzymes of carbonic anhydrase I from primate red blood cells

Abstract The electrophoretic patterns of the multiple forms of carbonic anhydrase I were examined from the red cells of two species of macaque monkeys and orangutan. In the rhesus macaque, Macaca mulatta, it was possible to generate both anodal and cathodal electrophoretic components when a single component was isolated and electrophoresed again. These findings suggest that the alternate forms of carbonic anhydrase I are conformational isoenzymes rather than the result of such processes as binding, deamination, and proteolytic action.
Regulation of gonadotropin release by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and estrogen in chimpanzees.

Plasma LH and FSH levels were determined by RIA before and after an iv bolus of LHRH in adult female chimpanzees. The pre-LHRH concentration of 17β-estradiol (E2) was determined by RIA. Menstruating and postpartum chimpanzees (mean E2, 29.8 and 45.0 pg/ml, respectively) showed a monophasic LH response characterized by a 2- to 3-fold increase in LH levels within 15 min of LHRH injection, followed by a slow decline. In animals which had elevated estrogen levels, namely midfollicular animals (mean E2, 73.6 pg/ml), menstruating animals pretreated with 5 /μg estradiol benzoate for 2 days (mean E2, 283.2 pg/ml), and postpartum chimpanzees administered 50 μg mestranol/day for 7 days, LH showed a reduced or similar initial rise, followed by a plateau or slight decline during the first 60 min after LHRH but, thereafter, a progressive secondary increase that continued throughout the second 60 min. This secondary augmentation was greatly exaggerated when a long acting LHRH analog (desGly10-[D-Trp6, Pro9, NEt]LHRH) w...
Modeling Influences on Impulse Purchasing Behaviors During Online Marketing Transactions

The online shopping environment still represents a comparatively new, and largely unexplored, marketing channel. Not surprisingly, little is understood regarding the nature of and influences on impulsive consumer purchases during online marketing exchanges. This paper investigates these and related issues. Associated results tentatively suggest that significant relationships may exist between gender, subjective norms, consumer impulsivity, purchase intention, and actual purchase behavior in online marketing environments. Managerial and theoretical implications are developed and discussed.
A simplex optimized inductively coupled plasma spectrometer with minimization of interferences

Several figures of merit are considered as criteria to optimize an ICP atomic emission spectrometer for quantification of multielement systems. A criterion is proposed and evaluated that will establish optimum analysis conditions with minimization of spectral interferences. The optimization scheme makes use of the variable step-size simplex technique.
Towards higher quality character performance in previz

Previsualization tools are used to obtain a preliminary but rough version of a film, television or other production. Used for both liveaction and animated films, they allow a director to set up camera angles, arrange scenes, dialogue, and other scene elements without the expense of paying live actors, constructing physical sets, or other related production costs. By seeing an early approximation of the final production, decisions about scenes, elements, story and the factors affecting it can be made early in the process, potentially reducing costs and improving overall quality. Current previsualization technologies have made inroads into generating these "videomatics", where controls over cameras and static elements, such as buildings, roads and scenery, can be quickly incorporated from a low cost libraries of 3D assets. Even the generation of effects such as explosions, running water, and smoke can be quickly generated in previz scenes from commodity software.
Heterochronic features of the female germline among several sexual diploid Tripsacum L. (Andropogoneae, Poaceae)

One element of gametophytic apomixis is unreduced embryo sac (ES) formation, which often occurs precociously displacing or replacing meiosis and causing apospory or diplospory, respectively. This study evaluated a premise that apomixis may evolve in hybridogenous plants that contain duplicate sets of allelically divergent ovule development heterochrony genes. The duplicate sets of genes would belong to duplicate genomic regions that are recombinationally isolated from each other (no gene flow) by allopolyploidy or paleopolyploidy, and this isolation would genetically stabilize apomixis. For apomixis to evolve, the ancestral donors of the duplicate regions must have differed from each other in timing of megasporogenesis, ES formation and embryony such that epigenetic misexpressions, or competitions in expression, of the duplicate heterochrony genes in hybridogenous derivatives would cause apomixis. Herein, we report substantial heterochrony in onset timing of germline stages among several sexual diploid Tripsacum genotypes, which may have been progenitors of apomictic polyploid Tripsacum. Tripsacum floridanum and Tripsacum zopilotense genotypes entered meiosis early. The former advanced rapidly through ES formation, but the latter entered a lengthy lag phase prior to ES formation. In two Tripsacum dactyloides var. dactyloides genotypes, meiosis occurred late and was followed by a distinct lag phase prior to ES formation. Likewise, the T. dactyloides var. meridonale genotype entered meiosis late, but the lag phase was brief. These differences appear to reflect allelic diversity at loci responsible for onset timing of different germline development stages within and across species and possibly across the recombinationally isolated duplicate chromosome regions in the Tripsacum paleopolyploid haplome (x = 18). Unique combinations of divergent alleles in hybridogenous plants coupled with polyploidy induced gene misexpressions may be required for apomixis to evolve.
CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATION IN THE KIDNEYS OF NEWBORN MICE STUDIED WITH THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

The structure of the kidney of the Swiss albino mouse changes progressively during the first 2 weeks after birth. Cells proliferate to form new nephrons, cells differentiate by acquiring specialized membranous components, and certain cytological features which are present at birth diminish in abundance or disappear. The differentiation of the cells of the cortical tubules has been studied using the light and electron microscopes. The tubules are partially and variably differentiated at birth. During the first 2 weeks after birth the brush border develops in the proximal tubules by the accumulation of numerous microvilli on the apical cell margins. Basal striations develop in proximal and distal tubules as an alignment of mitochondria, the result of what appears to be progressive interlocking of adjacent fluted cells. The mitochondria increase in number and size, accumulate homogeneous matrix, and acquire small, very dense granules. The collecting ducts develop tight pleating of the basal cell membranes, and dark cells containing numerous small cytoplasmic vesicles and microvilli appear. At birth there are dense irregular cytoplasmic inclusions presumed to be lipide in renal cells, the cytoplasmic granules of Palade are abundant, and there are large round bodies in the cells of the proximal tubules. The lipide inclusions disappear a few days after birth, and the cytoplasmic granules of Palade diminish in abundance as the cells differentiate. The large round bodies in the proximal tubules consist of an amorphous material and contain concentrically lamellar structures and mitochondria. They resemble the cytoplasmic droplets produced in the proximal tubules of adult rats and mice by the administration of proteins. The large round bodies disappear from the proximal tubules of infant mice during the first week after birth, but the concentric lamellar structures may be found in adult mice.
Particle-Rod Hybrids: Growth of Arachidic Acid Molecular Rods from Capped Cadmium Selenide Nanoparticles

This communication describes a spin-coating method to nucleate organic molecular rods of uniform size from an inorganic nanoparticle at a solid surface. The particle−rod hybrid structure spontaneously forms when a film is spin coated from a mixed 2-propanol solution of arachidic acid (AA) and nanoparticles of cadmium selenide capped by mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA−CdSe) on graphite. AFM images show that MUA−CdSe nanoparticles nucleate single crystalline rods of AA with a cross section of a single unit cell of the C-form. The solution-based process potentially allows the precise tuning of the wetting profile of the solution on the surface-attached nanoparticle, which provides the reservoir for the growth of the single crystalline rods. The results suggest that nanoparticles can be regarded as nanoseeds for the nucleation of guest crystals. It should be possible to further functionalize the AA rods by electrostatic complexation with metal or organic ions.
"Taking care": Maintaining the self and the home in early adolescence.

This paper explores young adolescents' experience of basic daily tasks: personal maintenance (e.g., grooming and eating) and household maintenance (e.g., chores and errands). Quantity of time, companionship, and subjective states in these activities were examined during one week in the lives of 401 5th–9th graders with the Experience Sampling Method (Csikszentmihalyi and Larson, 1987). Our findings show that these tasks are particularly subject to sex typing. Girls engaged in grooming more often than boys, and this time increased in the higher grades, while boys showed no age effects. Boys did more outside chores while girls did more indoor chores. Girls were also more likely to carry out household tasks with family while boys did more chores alone. An examination of subjective states during household maintenance revealed that older girls reported a greater sense of motivation and choice than younger girls, but boys' experience did not differ. Experience of maintenance as socialization for adult activities is discussed.
Brotherly Love: Homosociality and Black Masculinity in Gangsta Rap Music

Hip hop, specifically gangsta rap music, reflects a stereotypical black masculine aesthetic. The notion of a strong black male—irreverent, angry, defiant and many times violent—is pervasive in gangsta rap music. This badman trope, as characterized by Robin Kelley (1996), oftentimes encompasses hypermasculinity, misogyny, and homophobia. It should come as no surprise that this genre of rap music is rife with sexist themes and lyrics. Yet, what has not been fully explored are the progressive ways that male rappers express themselves towards others considered comrades or “homies.” Homosociality (Bird 1996; Sedgwick 1995), non-sexual positive social bonds, exists in gangsta rap music between men. This study explores the notion of homosociality in this genre of music, analyzing the lyrics of male rap artists who have sold one million or more of their compact discs, for a total of 478 songs. I attempt to further unpack the idea of hegemonic black masculinity, presenting an alternative understanding of its deployment and manifestation in this music.
The Mechanism and Spread of Pacemaker Activity Through Myenteric Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Human Small Intestine

Background & Aims: It has been generally assumed that interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the human gastrointestinal tract have similar functions to those in rodents, but no direct experimental evidence exists to date for this assumption. This is an important question because pathologists have noted decreased numbers of ICC in patients with a variety of motility disorders, and some have speculated that loss of ICC could be responsible for motor dysfunction. Our aims were to determine whether myenteric ICC (ICC-MY) in human jejunum are pacemaker cells and whether these cells actively propagate pacemaker activity. Methods: The mucosa and submucosa were removed, and strips of longitudinal muscle were peeled away to reveal the ICC-MY network. ICC networks were loaded with the Ca2+ indicator fluo-4, and pacemaker activity was recorded via high-speed video imaging at 36.5°C ± 0.5°C. Results: Rhythmic, biphasic Ca2+ transients (6.03 ± 0.33 cycles/min) occurred in Kit-positive ICC-MY. These consisted of a rapidly propagating upstroke phase that initiated a sustained plateau phase, which was associated with Ca2+ spikes in neighboring smooth muscle. Pacemaker activity was dependent on inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor–operated stores and mitochondrial function. The upstroke phase of Ca2+ transients in ICC-MY appeared to result from Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-resistant Ca2+ channels, whereas the plateau phase was attributed to Ca2+ release from inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor–operated Ca2+ stores. Conclusions: Each ICC-MY in human jejunum generates spontaneous pacemaker activity that actively propagates through the ICC network. Loss of these cells could severely disrupt the normal function of the human small intestine.
Global budgets for local recommendations

We present the design, implementation and evaluation of a new geotagging service, Gloe, that makes it easy to find, rate and recommend arbitrary on-line content in a mobile setting. The service automates the content search process by taking advantage of geographic and social context, while using crowdsourced expertise to present a personalized feed of targeted information ranked by a novel geo-aware rating and incentive mechanism.Users rate the relevance of recommendations for particular locations using a limited, global voting budget. This budget is, in turn, increased by accurately predicting local content popularity. One of the key goals of our mechanism is to encourage ratings, and in an evaluation of the live system we found that the rating to click ratio was 107 times higher than the ratio for videos on YouTube, 34 times higher than the ratio for applications on the Android Market, and 3 times higher than the ratio for Web pages on Digg.To investigate whether our mechanism also had qualitative effects on the ratings we conducted a number of experiments on Amazon Mechanical Turk, with 500 users, comparing our mechanism to the de-facto 5-star ratings commonly in use on the Web. Our results show that budgets improved the ranking and incentives improved the aggregate rating of a series of location-dependent Web pages.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE FREEZING OF SUPERCOOLED LIQUID IN FORCED TURBULENT FLOW INSIDE CIRCULAR TUBES

A mathematical model is developed to predict the maximum supercooling that can be obtained in a liquid in forced flow inside a circular tube as a function of local tube wall temperature, tube inside diameter, Reynolds number, and a dimensional constant that has been determined from experimental data. An experiment has been carried out to record the maximum supercooling that can be obtained in water. The experimental data have verified the analytical predictions to a good extent. An attempt has also been made to predict the conditions under which flowing supercooled water will freeze.
Four decades of music therapy behavioral research designs: a content analysis of Journal of music therapy articles.

This article updates previous content analyses of the Journal of Music Therapy (JMT) and presents information regarding the behavioral research approach to music therapy as reflected by published studies. JMT articles from 1964 through 1999 were examined to determine if the methodology included a behavioral research design (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline). Case studies not meeting the design criteria were excluded from the sample as were experimental group studies using a behavioral observation method or behavioral technique within a traditional statistical design. Experimental studies, however, in which behavioral research designs were included in treatment conditions and assigned to different groups were included. Articles meeting the behavioral research design criteria were analyzed to determine the type of design, the behavioral observation method and reliability report, the client population, and the music application. Of the 607 articles published in JMT, 96 or 15.8% included a behavioral research design. The lowest percentage occurred in the earliest volumes of JMT during the latter part of the 60s. An increase in behavioral research articles occurred during the 70s and 80s and continued throughout the 90s. Other findings include the following: (a) the most prevalent design was the reversal (ABA) with many variations; (b) the predominant observation methods were frequency counts and interval recording with an increase in observation reliability reports in the 80s and 90s; (c) studies published during the 80s and 90s included a wide variety of client populations compared to the 60s and 70s predominant applications with mental retardation and emotional disturbances; (d) the contingent application of music was highest during the 70s and 80s and virtually nonexistent during the 60s and 90s when other treatment conditions employed music as noncontingent background stimulus, an activity for structuring responses, and a cue for maintaining nonmusic responses. The increase in articles through the decades coupled with the increased diversity of populations suggests that behavioral research designs are flexible and applicable in music therapy practice today as much as they were during the initial phase during the 70s and 80s.
Feminism, Family, and Women's Rights: A Hermeneutic Realist Perspective

In this article I apply the insights of hermeneutic realism to a practical-theological ethics that addresses the international crisis of families and women's rights. Hermeneutic realism affirms the hermeneutic philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer but enriches it with the dialectic of participation and distanciation developed by Paul Ricoeur. This approach finds a place for sciences such as evolutionary psychology within a hermeneutically informed ethic. It also points to a multidimensional model of practical reason that views it as implicitly or explicitly involving five levels—background metaphysical visions, some principle of obligation, assumptions about pervasive human tendencies and needs, assumptions about constraining social and natural environments, and assumed acceptable rules of conduct. The fruitfulness of this multidimensional view of practical reason is then demonstrated by applying it to practical-theological ethics and the analysis of four theorists of women's rights—Martha Nussbaum, Susan Moller Okin, Lisa Cahill, and Mary Ann Glendon. Finally, I illustrate the importance and limits of the visional dimension of practical reason by discussing the concept of “Africanity” in relation to the family and AIDS crisis of Eastern Africa.
Wave grouping characteristics in nearshore Great Lakes II

The recently advanced approach of wavelet transform is applied to the analysis of wave data measured in the nearshore areas of the Great Lakes. The conventional spectrum analysis of wave time series in the frequency domain can be readily generalized to the frequency and time domain using the wavelet transform. The traditional Fourier transform approach has not been able to directly assess the time localized nature of wave groups. With the application of wavelet transformation, the relatively unexplored wave grouping characteristics come to light as the predominant feature of wave processes.
Thermal residual stresses and mechanical behavior of cast SiC/Al composites

Abstract Thermal residual stresses developed during casting of SiC/aluminum composites were studied as a function of cooling rate and volume fraction of fibers. Thermo-elastoplastic finite element analysis was used in the investigation. The model accounts for the phase change of the matrix and the temperature-dependent material properties as the composite is cooled from the liquidus temperature to room temperature. Further, the effects of thermal residual stresses and fiber cross-sectional geometry on the mechanical behavior of the composites were also studied. Based on the study, it can be concluded that the matrix undergoes significant plastic deformation during cool-down and the residual stress distribution is a function of the cooling rate. In addition, the presence of thermally-induced residual stresses tends to decrease the aggregate modulus of elasticity and increase the yield strength of the composites. The fiber cross-sectional geometry affects the constitutive response of the composites in orientations transverse to the fiber axes.
Reexamination and extension of the liquid drop model: Correlation between liquid drop parameters and curvature term

The relationship between the volume and the surface energy coefficients in the liquid drop ${A}^{\ensuremath{-}1/3}$ expansion of nuclear masses is discussed. The volume and surface coefficients share the same physical origin and their physical connection is used to extend the expansion with a curvature term. A possible generalization of the Wigner term is also suggested. This connection between coefficients is used to fit the experimental nuclear masses. The excellent fit obtained with a smaller number of parameters validates the assumed physical connections and the usefulness of the curvature term.
EFFECTS OF EXPLICIT TIME-LIMITS ON THE INITIAL THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE

This study investigated the hypothesis that the setting of explicit time-limits in individual counseling enhances the formation of the therapeutic alliance. Students at a university-based counseling center were randomly assigned to a 5-session, time-limited therapy condition (n = 16) or a time-unlimited therapy condition (n = 15). Contrary to the hypothesis, statistical analyses showed no differences between audio-taped segments from the second and third therapy sessions rated on the Vanderbilt Therapeutic Alliance Scale.
Aldosterone Response to Long Term Infusion of Angiotensin II and Angiotensin III in Conscious Dogs before and after Dietary Sodium Restriction

The aldosterone and arterial blood pressure response to long term infusion of angiotensin II (AII) and (des-asp1)-angiotensin II (A-III) was studied in conscious dogs before and after dietary sodium restriction. Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma cortisol concentration (PCC), and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined by RIA. During long term infusion of A-II (15 ng/kg min-1) in sodium-replete animals, PAC increased from 7.1 ± 2.9 ng/100 ml to a steady state level of 14.7 ± 4.6 ng/100 ml (mean ± SE; P 0.05), and arterial pressure failed to change from control levels of 103 ± 5 mm Hg. During long term infusion of A-II (15 ng/kg min-1) in sodi...
Deposition from charged aerosol flows through a pipe bend

Abstract An analysis is presented on the deposition from a charged aerosol passing through a pipe bend. Collection efficiencies are found for different bend-to-pipe radius ratios. The results are compared with available experimental data.
Annealing and Recrystallization in the Solid-state Polymerization in Solid Solutions of Methacrylamide and Isobutyramide

Abstract It is shown that lattice parameter changes that reflect the composition of the unpolymerized material occur during the solid-state polymerization of methacrylamide in solid solution with isobutyramide. In addition, phase changes also occur as is required by the phase diagram of the system. These results indicate that annealing and recrystallization must play an important role in this reaction and probably in other solid-state polymerizations. It is also likely that these effects are among the parameters that are important in determining the rate of solid-state polymerization.
Insulin-like growth factor I regulates c-myc and GAP-43 messenger ribonucleic acid expression in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

In the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, insulin-like growth factors I (IGF-I) and II (IGF-II) are established mitogens, and IGF-I appears to promote SH-SY5Y neuronal differentiation. Studies show that c-myc gene product is a transcription factor associated with cell proliferation, and that c-myc messenger RNA levels decrease in differentiating SH-SY5Y neurons. Using Northern analysis we show that 24 h exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to IGF-I (3-10 nM) causes a 3- to 5-fold decrease in c-myc expression. The decrease in c-myc expression due to IGF-I is mediated via the type I IGF receptor and coincides with an IGF-I-mediated induction of the neuronal differentiation markers growth cone associated protein 43 and tissue type plasminogen activator. Under these conditions, IGF-I (10 nM) did not markedly affect the levels of Max messenger RNA expression. Thus, the differentiation promoting activity of IGF-I in SH-SY5Y cells in part due to IGF-I-dependent regulation of the expression of genes involved in neuronal...
In defence of the incremental art

Abstract In this essay Kenneth S. Pedersen, Former Associate Administrator in NASA's Department of External Affairs, currently on sabbatical, reflects on the issues raised by Howard McCurdy's book, The Space Station Decision .
Performance and Evaluation of Satellites Tiros I and Tiros II

The design and ins trumentat ion of the first two Tiros satellites and their associated ground-based data-acquisit ion stat ions, the performance of the systems after launch, and the subsequent performance evaluation are briefly described. Representative TV photographs of Earth and i t s cloud cover taken by Tiros are reproduced. The Tiros I system proved the feasibility of TV observation of meteorological phenomena from a satell ite as a practical aid to weather research and forecasting. The evaluation program produced data providing the basis for ins trumentat ion design improvements in Tiros II and revealed an unexpected torque due to the Earth's magnet ic field,, which caused a slow angular drift of the spin-axis vector. From the latter discovery, a magnet i c at t i tude control arrangement used to neutralize the torque or to control i t as a m e a n s of l imited "steering" of the satellite was conceived for Tiros II. The performance of Tiros II corroborated t h e conclusions drawn from Tiros I and confirmed the operational feasibility of the new devices aboard. Further, both civilian and military weather agencies are making operational use of the Tiros II data.
Judging Personality from Voice

Resume On a fait dix experiences dans le Harvard Psychological Laboratory ou l'on a installe un appareil complet d'emission et de reception radiotelephonique, et dans la salle d'emission du poste WEEI a Boston. Dix-huit parleurs mǎles et plus de six cent estimateurs y ont participe. La methode a consiste principalement a choisir les voix qui correspondaient a des renseignements objectifs obtenus pour douze traits de personnalite (c'est-a-dire, ǎge, photographes, ecriture, dominance, extroversion). La plupart de ces choix ont ete heureux, souvent a un grand degre, mais aucun seul trait n'a ete toujours choisi correctement; et on n'a estime aucun parleur individuel correctement a tous les egards. On a constate aussi que l'uniformite de l'opinion des personnalites des parleurs a ete un peu plus grande que l'exactitude de cette opinion, ce qui montre l'importance des stereotypes. En general on a obtenu de meilleurs resultats en employant des esquisses sommaires que de seuls traits, et les estimations ont ete ...
Topography of remyelinated chronic spinal cord lesions in herpes simplex virus type 2 infections of mice

Six-week-old outbred mice were infected intracerebrally with a low dose of the MS strain of herpes simplex virus type 2. About 1% of neurologically abnormal survivors developed paralysis or severe leg weakness during the first three weeks of infection. Weakness persisted with little subsequent improvement. Five to 8 months later, 4 such mice were killed, and each spinal cord was examined in Epon sections in a series of transverse sections along their lengths. All cords had 2 or more major white matter lesions which were typically greatly elongated in the rostrocaudal dimension, as seen in multiple sequential sections. While a lesion's appearance frequently suggested some degree of tract association, its size, contour and position frequently varied from level to level in a manner which is not characteristic of tract degeneration. Further, axons were preserved in these lesions, and had been remyelinated. This was accomplished by a combination of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. The only evidence of Wallerian degeneration in these spinal cords was a modest reduction in the cross-sectional area of a white matter column associated with the most severe lesions. These pathological findings are consistent with previous ones in this model. Rostrocaudal elongation of spinal cord lesions may be seen in other animal models of virus-induced demyelination; this and other features reported here have been described in multiple sclerosis.
A Previously Unreported Complication of Apicoaortic Conduit for Severe Aortic Stenosis

Given the aging population, use of an apicoaortic conduit serves as an alternative method to treat severe aortic stenosis, especially in patients with a heavily calcified ascending aorta or prior cardiac surgery. Although an apicoaortic conduit fractionates systemic blood flow, it does so without significant deleterious effects. However, we report a novel complication with thrombosis of the aortic root and subsequent coronary insufficiency that likely resulted from a preponderance of cardiac output though the apicoaortic conduit with stagnation of native antegrade blood flow. Given increasing use of the apicoaortic conduit procedure, surgeons considering this approach should be familiar with this potential complication.
Systematic adiabatic analysis of a nonlinear oscillator with inertia driven by colored noise.

The Duffing oscillator with inertia excited by colored noise is studied and a colored Fokker-Planck equation and reduced stationary probability density function is obtained by systematic adiabatic expansion. The second-order moments are presented for different values of system parameters and numerical simulation is carried out. In the region where perturbation is valid, i.e., where \ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\sim}0.1, and when correlation time \ensuremath{\tau} of noise is of the same order of system time scale 1/\ensuremath{\gamma}, the results of adiabatic expansion agree very well with that of numerical simulation.
Immunoreactivity of standards and reference preparations used in the radioimmunoassay of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones in serum.

The Second International Reference Preparation of human menopausal gonadotropin (2nd IRP-HMG) and the National Pituitary Agency reference preparation LER 907 have been widely used to measure circulating levels of human FSH and LH by RIA in human serum. As the 2nd IRP-HMG has been replaced by the First International Standard for human urinary FSH and LH (1st IS), it was considered advisable to study the immunoreactivity of these preparations under our laboratory conditions. In both the FSH and LH RIA systems employed, the three preparations elicited parallel dose-response curves. In the LH assay, the immunoreractivity of 1 mlU 1st IS equaled that of 1 mlU 2nd IRP-HMG and that of 3.6 ng LER 907. In the FSH assay, the immunoreactivity of 1 mlU 1st IS equaled that of 1 mlU 2nd IRP-HMG and that of 23 ng LER 907. Parallelism does not assure identity between the substances in test serum and the reference preparations used. Indeed, not only are these three preparations not identical to each other, but they are no...
Weight loss herbal intervention therapy (W-LHIT) a non-appetite suppressing natural product controls weight and lowers cholesterol and glucose levels in a murine model

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in industrialized countries. Obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes. Unfortunately, conventional obesity drug treatment is often associated with adverse effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel natural formula, Weight loss herbal intervention therapy (W-LHIT), developed from traditional Chinese medicine, for weight control in a high-fat-diet (HFD) induced obesity murine model. Two sets of experiments were performed. In experiment 1, 14-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice were fed with HFD for 21days and then separated into 3 weight-matched groups. One group continued on the HFD as obese-controls. Two groups were switched from HFD to normal fat level diet (NFD) and sham or W-LHIT treated. In experiment 2, 25-week-old obese mice, following 2weeks acclimatization, received either W-LHIT or sham treatment while maintained on HFD. In both sets of experiments, NFD fed, age matched normal weight mice served as normal controls. Body weight and food intake were recorded. Epididymal fat pad weight, serum glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as PPARγ and FABP4 gene expression in epididymal fat tissue were analyzed at the end of the experiment. In experiment 1, W-LHIT treated obese mice lost body weight 12.2 ± 3.8% whereas sham treated mice lost 5.5 ± 2.8% by day 10 after switching from the HFD to the NFD, without reduction of chow consumption. In experiment 2, W-LHIT treated obese mice maintained on the HFD had significantly lower body weight (8 fold less) than the sham treated mice. W-LHIT treatment also reduced epididymal fat pad weight, blood cholesterol and glucose levels versus sham treated mice without reduced chow consumption. In addition, significantly increased PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ) and FABP4 (fatty acid binding protein 4) gene expression were found in epdidymal fat tissues. Liver and kidney function and hematology testing results of W-LHIT treated mice were within the normal range. W-LHIT significantly and safely reduced body weight, normalized glucose and cholesterol levels in obese mice, without suppression of appetite, and increased adipocyte PPARγ and FABP4 gene expression.
Functionality of a membrane protein in bicelles.

Abstract Bicelles are bilayered discoidal lipid–detergent assemblies which are useful as model membranes. To date, there has been no direct demonstration of functional viability for an integral membrane protein reconstituted into bicelles. In this contribution, the catalytic activity of diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK) was measured following reconstitution into several different bicelle systems and compared to activities measured in traditional mixed micelles and vesicles. For the most optimal bicelle systems tested, DAGK activities approached those observed in mixed micelles or vesicles. For some other bicellar mixtures tested, activities were much lower, with steady-state kinetic data indicating reduced V max rather than perturbations in substrate K m . Catalytically, DAGK showed a strong preference for bicelles containing 3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) as the detergentcomponent relative to short-chained phosphatidylcholine.DAGK also exhibited a preference for dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine or dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bicelles relative to those of dilauroylphosphatidylcholine.
Sonoluminescence: How bubbles glow

Abstract We review recent attempts to elucidate the phenomenon of sonoluminescence in terms of fundamental principles. We focus mainly on the processes which generate the light, but other relevant facts, such as the bubble dynamics, must also be considered for the understanding of the physics involved. Our emphasis is on single bubble sonoluminescence which in recent years has received much attention, but we also look at some of the excellent work on multiple bubble sonoluminescence and its spectral characteristics for clues. The weakly ionized gas models were recently studied most thoroughly and are remarkably successful when combined with a hydrodynamic bubble model, in terms of reproducing observed spectral shapes, intensities, optical pulse widths and the dependencies of these observables on the experimental parameters. Other radiation models, such as proton tunnelling radiation and the confined electron model, were not combined with hydrodynamic models and/or have freely adjustable parameters so that...
Flattening and shrinkage of bacteriophage T7 after preparation for electron microscopy by negative staining

A technique for using stereo electron microscopy to determine the degree of flattening and volume of particles embedded in negative stain is developed. Using this technique, it is shown that bacteriophage T7 particles, which have been prepared for electron microscopy by negative staining with uranyl acetate, are considerably flattened. The edge-to-edge diameter of negatively stained phage is 545 ± 20 . Some fields in negatively stained specimens contain T7 phage whose DNA is positively stained, which are surrounded by little or no negative stain. These positively stained phage particles are shown to be less flattened than the negatively stained phage and consequently have a smaller edge-to-edge diameter (457 ± 17 ). The volumes of negatively and positively stained phage (excluding the phage tail) are equal within experimental error to the anhydrous phage volume (4.99 ± 0.15 × 10−17 ml) and are significantly less than the hydrated phage volume (1.14 ± .02 × 10−16 ml, (Ref. 1). Thus, both negatively and positively stained T7 phage have undergone a decrease in volume during preparation for electron microscopy.
Structural mechanisms underlying nucleotide-dependent self-assembly of tubulin and its relatives.

The αβ-tubulin dimer assembles into microtubules, essential polymers in all eukaryotic cells. Microtubules are highly dynamic, a property that derives from tubulin's GTPase activity. Both the bacterial homolog, FtsZ, and the recently discovered bacterial tubulins from Prosthecobacter self-assemble in a nucleotide-dependent manner into protofilaments similar to those that form the microtubule wall. A number of structural studies of αβ-tubulin, γ-tubulin (the isoform involved in microtubule nucleation), FtsZ and bacterial tubulin, in a variety of nucleotide and polymerization states, have been reported in the past few years. These studies have revealed the similarities and differences between these structures and their possible functional implications. In particular, a two-state mechanism has been proposed for the recycling of αβ-tubulin during the microtubule disassembly-assembly cycle; this mechanism may be unique to eukaryotic dimeric tubulin and the microtubule structure.
A Comparative Study of the Rates of Development of Potential Graupel and Hail Embryos in High Plains Storms.

Abstract The rates of development of graupel and hail in High Plains storms are calculated based on mechanisms for the growth of particles of various types. In the first part of this study, planar crystals, aggregates, graupel particles and frozen drops grow in a region of updraft specified by a one-dimensional parcel model. Their rates of development are calculated from a model which considers their growth through accretion and diffusion, “dry” or “wet” growth, and melting. At most initial embryo diameters and for liquid water content of 1 g m−3, frozen drops grow most rapidly, followed in order by graupel, aggregates and planar crystals. Particle growth rates over the range of liquid water contents from 0.5 to 2.0 g m−3 can be estimated from those given for 1 g m−3 through the use of a simple parameter. In the second part of the study, the processes of hail production are deduced by calculating the times required for each of the above embryo types to develop into hail from the time of nucleation over th...
TESTING THE CONSTANT-RATE NEUTRAL ALLELE MODEL WITH PROTEIN SEQUENCE DATA.

Langley and Fitch (1973, 1974) and Fitch and Langley (1976) statistically analyzed the pattern of nucleotide substitutions in seven proteins and 17 taxa and rejected the null hypothesis of a constantrate Poisson model of protein evolution. Their rejection of the constant-rate model was based on the extremely large observed value of a statistic (henceforth referred to as X2LF), which has a standard Chi-squared distribution under their null hypothesis. Gillespie and Langley (1979) showed that under a constant-rate neutral allele model, X2LF is not Chi-squared distributed. Though they did not obtain the exact distribution Of X2LF, they were able to show that the expectation Of X2LF is an increasing function of 0 = 4Nu, where N is the population size and u is the neutral mutation rate. Thus, the Langley and Fitch analysis does not constitute a test of the constant-rate neutral model. Evidently no test of the neutral model is possible using only the statistic X2LF, since no matter how large the observed value Of X2LF, a sufficiently large value of 0 could account for the observation. If one knew the distribution Of X2LF as a function of 0, one could use the observed value Of X2LF to estimate 0. I report here the results of Monte Carlo simulations that were used to characterize the distribution Of X2LF for several values of 0. The simulations were used to determine 0, the value of 0 for which the mean value Of X2LF over many simulation trials equals the observed value Of X2LF. The simulations were also used to determine Omil, the value of 6 for which approximately 5% of the simulation trials produced values Of X2LF greater than or equal to the observed val-
A high energy density all solid-state tungsten–air battery

An all solid-state tungsten–air battery is reported here, which is based on a new metal–air chemistry, featuring decoupled design of electrodes and energy storage. Benefited from higher specific density and better redox kinetics of tungsten, the new tungsten–air battery exhibits roughly higher energy density (W h L−1) than the previously reported iron–air battery.
Structural Information from Hydrazine Radical Cation Optical Absorption Spectra.

Transition energies (Eop) of the nitrogen-centered π,π* absorption of tetraalkylhydrazine radical cations are quite sensitive to twist at the NN bond, nitrogen pyramidality, and mixing of the σ orbitals with the π system. Thirty-one examples for which Eop varies from 63 to 107.5 kcal/mol are discussed with the aid of calculated values (Ecalc) for the 0,0 transition energy using simple (no configuration interaction) neutral-in-cation-geometry calculations on AM1−UHF geometry-optimized radical-cation structures. Significant changes in the difference between Eop and Ecalc are observed for bis-N,N‘-bicyclic systems, which are syn pyramidalized at nitrogen (twist angles near 0°; Eop about 23 kcal/mol larger than Ecalc) and for bis-N,N-bicyclic ones, which are anti pyramidalized (twist angles of 180°; difference about 7 kcal/mol when calculations of 180° structures are employed). Within these classes, changes in Eop caused by changes in pyramidality and σ,π interaction are predicted well by the calculations. The tetraisopropylhydrazine radical cation has λmax = 282 nm, but its tetracyclohexyl analogue shows two transitions, at 276 and 386 nm. This surprising difference is attributed to tetracyclohexylhydrazine radical cation having both untwisted and significantly twisted (estimated twist angle ≈ 44°) forms occupied in solution, although the isopropyl compound only has the untwisted form significantly occupied.
The intervals of the lattice of recursively enumerable sets determined by major subsets

Soit X un sous-ensemble de N, soit #7B-E(X) le treillis forme par les ensembles {W∩X: W est r.e.} sous l'inclusion. Soit #7B-E*(X) le treillis #7B-E(X) modulo l'ideal des ensembles finis. Si A∈#7B-E(X), soit A*∈#7B-E*(X) la classe d'equivalence de A et A=*B denote A*=B*. On demontre que: si BC m A et B^C m Â, alors #7B-E*(A-B)≅#7B-E*(Â-B^)
How to Eat Something Bigger than Your Head

Macrophage phagocytosis, the engulfment of large particles, is important for host defense against infection and for the removal of dead cells. These phagocytes can internalize particles larger than themselves, obtaining membrane from internal pools including recycling endosomes. Desjardins and coworkers report in this issue of Cell (Gagnon et al., 2002) that the endoplasmic reticulum is a major reservoir of membrane for phagocytosis, an observation that may shed light on a number of conundrums in immunology.
Explaining Failures at Work: An Accounter's Dilemma

Abstract Everyday explanations for failures at work were studied within the context of impression-management and self-esteem theories. American undergraduates described incidents from their work histories in which they had used accounts to explain a shortcoming on their part. Students explained their behavior truthfully 45? of the time. When the explanations given were false, they were rated as being more commonly given by others and as being more believable than the truthful explanations. Compared to other explanations the students felt could have been offered, those actually offered were also rated as being more commonly offered by others and as more believable. The results are consistent with the notion that explanations for failures in work-related settings are chosen based on how acceptable they will be to the immediate audience.
The Fall in Leptin Concentration Is a Major Determinant of the Metabolic Adaptation Induced by Caloric Restriction Independently of the Changes in Leptin Circadian Rhythms

Context: Leptin is involved in the hormonal regulation of the reproductive, somatotropic, thyroid, and autonomic axes and ultimately in the regulation of energy balance. In parallel to the metabolic adaptation observed in response to caloric restriction (CR), plasma leptin concentrations are substantially decreased, suggesting a role for this hormone in the drop in energy expenditure beyond that predicted by the changes in body composition (metabolic adaptation). Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the changes in 24-h leptin circadian rhythm in response to CR and to investigate the relationship between these changes and metabolic adaptation. Design: In a randomized, controlled trial (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy), 48 subjects were assigned to a control group or one of three CR groups for 6 months. Leptin concentration was assessed every 30 min for 24 h, and leptin circadian variations were fitted by Cosinor analysis. Sedentary energy expenditure and urina...