cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular Sites for Activation of δ-Opioid Receptors in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens Shell: Relationship with Met5-Enkephalin

The shell compartment of the nucleus accumbens (AcbSh) is prominently involved in the rewarding aspects of δ-opioid receptor (DOR) agonists, including one of its putative endogenous ligands, Met5-enkephalin (Enk). We examined the ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of an antipeptide DOR antiserum and an antibody against Enk to determine the major cellular sites for DOR activation and the spatial relationship between DOR and Enk in this region. Sixty percent of DOR-immunoreactive profiles were axon terminals and small unmyelinated axons, whereas the remainder were mainly dendrites and dendritic spines. In axons and terminals, DOR labeling was distributed along plasma and vesicular membranes. DOR-containing terminals were mainly large and primarily formed symmetric synapses or occasionally asymmetric synapses. DOR immunoreactivity also was associated with terminals that were small and formed punctate symmetric or nonrecognizable synapses. Dual immunoperoxidase and immunogold labeling showed that 35% of DOR-labeled axons apposed other terminals that contained Enk. In addition, 25% of the DOR-labeled terminals contained Enk. Thirty-five percent of DOR labeling was observed within dendrites and dendritic spines. DOR-labeled spines showed intense immunoreactivity within asymmetric postsynaptic junctions, which were formed by terminals that lacked Enk immunoreactivity. DOR-labeled spines, however, were apposed to Enk-containing terminals in 13% of all associations between dually labeled profiles. These results provide ultrastructural evidence that activation of DOR in the AcbSh is primarily involved in modulating the presynaptic release of mainly inhibitory, but also excitatory, neurotransmitters. These data also suggest that DOR plays a role in determining the postsynaptic response to excitatory afferents.
The use of TeleMedicine in the treatment of paediatric obesity: feasibility and acceptability

To assess the feasibility of conducting empirically supported family-based paediatric obesity group treatment via TeleMedicine. Seventeen families were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (physician visit, TeleMedicine). Measures included feasibility, satisfaction and intervention outcome measures such as BMI percentile, and nutrition and activity behaviours. Measures were completed at baseline, post-treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Analyses indicate that both feasibility and satisfaction data regarding the TeleMedicine intervention were positive. Intervention outcome indicates no change in BMI percentile or nutrition and activity behaviours for either treatment group. A behavioural family-based weight loss intervention delivered via TeleMedicine was well received by both parents and providers. Due to the small sample size, null findings regarding intervention outcome should be interpreted with caution. Future research should focus on methods to increase the impact of this intervention on key outcome variables.
Biological dynamical subsystems of hovering flight

Abstract Elsewhere we have reported our simulations of general hovering aerodynamics as practiced, for example, by hummingbirds and dragonflies. These studies explain rather satisfactorily from the point of view of partial differential equations (Navier-Stokes) how such high lift is generated in such motions. Excellent match with laboratory findings is achieved. In this paper, I will first bring up-to-date these studies. New results include a study of the qualitative features of these motions, treated as a nonlinear dynamical system. Lift phase portraits and power spectra reveal a progression up the bifurcation ladder through periodic and increasingly complicated aperiodic motions toward chaos. A connection to the inertial manifold framework is established. A new structural stability theory is postulated for such dynamical systems. Secondly, I will bring together here for the first time a synthesis of other key dynamical subsystems which enter critically into the success of the total dynamical system description of hummingbird, dragonfly and similar hovering species. These include thermodynamical, structural dynamical, neurodynamical systems. Of necessity my treatment of these will be brief.
Relation of an Evolutionary Mechanism to Differentiation

It is believed that new gene products and differentiations arise during evolution by the creation of new members of families of repeated DN A sequences which undergo diversification and take on new functions, while still retaining some common sequences indicating their common ancestry. Since some of the sequences of such DNA families control differentiations that occur in present-day embryos, it appears that members of such families formed during evolution are active in development. The presence of partially homologous proteins in related types of cells, as well as the labile pattern of determination and differentiation of these cells, supports this idea. The ontogenetic sequence of differentiation follows the phylogenetic one and this may occur because the more conservative members of any family of DNA sequences are more reiterated and transcribe more copies of RNA.
Rheological characteristics of intermediate moisture blends of pregelatinized and raw wheat starch

Rheological properties of intermediate moisture (35-45% wet basis) doughs from pregelatinized and raw wheat starch blends of various ratios were characterized using off-line capillary rheometry and online slit-die extrusion. In the case of capillary rheometer, viscosity of blends decreased by up to 50% as pregel starch concentration increased from 5 to 45%, whereas tests could not be conducted beyond 45% pregel starch concentration. For slit-die extrusion, viscosity was at a minimum at 60% pregel concentration, and it decreased by as much as 65% as pregel concentration increased from 0 to 60%. As pregel concentration increased (from 5 to 45% for the rheometer and from 0 to 60% for the extruder), the amount of water available in the system for gelatinization of existing raw starch granules decreased due to the stronger water-binding capacity of pregelatinized starch. This led to decreased additional conversion in the rheometer and extruder, which in turn caused a decrease in the volume fraction of starch and a reduction in viscosity.
Air-borne radar

SEVERAL AIR-LINE accidents during the winter of 1945–46 focused attention on the need for some means of electronically “seeing” obstacles and avoiding them. At this time there was no satisfactory air-borne radar. Working in close conjunction with an air-line industry electronics laboratory, air-line flight engineering personnel held conferences to decide what operating requirements were needed of an air-borne electronic device to provide simple and easily interpretable cockpit presentation of collision information. The standard polar-plotted information available in the APS-10 radar was selected. The narrow-beam scanning of the APS-4 was used to confine the energy to essentially a narrow horizontal slit in the plane of flight, spilling a minimum amount of energy downward.
Pollen tube attrition in Erythronium grandiflorum

Seed set after selfing in E. grandiflorum is often reduced relative to seed set after crossing; however, the compatibility patterns seen are not due to genes of major effect (i.e., S alleles). There is quantitative variation in the proportion of pollen tubes reaching the base of the style after both self- and cross-pollinations. Pollen tubes require between 24 and 72 hr to reach the ovary, but pollen tube growth ceases after 72 hr. When styles were removed from the ovaries 5 days after pollination, between 10 and 80% of the pollen tubes in the stigma had not reached the base of the style. The number of pollen tubes at the base of the style is a much better predictor of seed set than is the number of pollen tubes in the stigma. Pollen tube attrition is not affected by the age of the recipient flower or by the number of pollen donors contributing to the stigmatic pollen pool. The number of pollen tubes reaching the base of the style is dependent upon the source of the pollen and appears to be a decelerating function of the number of pollen tubes present in the stigma. SEED PRODUCTION in angiosperms depends upon a sequence of steps, including pollen transfer to the stigma, pollen germination and pollen tube growth, ovule fertilization and seed development, and finally seed maturation and dispersal. Attrition during each step determines the upper limit on the number of participants (i.e., gametes or zygotes) in subsequent processes, and variation in the number of gametes or embryos successfully passing a particular stage contributes to variation in the reproductive success of the sporophytes in
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha is expressed in a hamster insulinoma line and transactivates the rat insulin I gene

Abstract Systematic mutational analysis previously identified two primary regulatory elements within a minienhancer (-247 to -198) of the rat insulin I promoter that are critical for transcriptional activity. The Far box (-241 to -232) and the FLAT element (-222 to -208) synergistically upregulate transcription and, together, are sufficient to confer tissue-specific and glucose-responsive transcriptional activity on a heterologous promoter. Detailed analysis of the FLAT element further revealed that, in addition to the positive regulatory activity it mediates in tandem with the Far box, it is a site for negative regulatory control. A portion of the FLAT element bears considerable sequence similarity to the consensus binding site for hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF1 alpha; LF-B1) a liver-enriched homeodomain-containing transcription factor. Here we show that the HNF1-like site within the FLAT element exhibited positive transcriptional activity in both HepG2 and HIT cells and bound similar, but distinguishable, nuclear protein complexes in the respective nuclear extracts. Screening of a hamster insulinoma cDNA library with a PCR-derived probe encompassing the DNA-binding domain of rat HNF1 alpha resulted in isolation of a hamster HNF1 alpha (hHNF1 alpha) cDNA homolog. Specific antiserum identified the HNF1 alpha protein as one component of a specific FLAT-binding complex in HIT nuclear extracts. Expression of the hHNF1 alpha cDNA in COS cells resulted in transactivation of reporter constructs containing multimerized segments of the rat insulin I minienhancer. Thus, HNF1 alpha, one component of a DNA-binding complex involved in transcriptional regulation of the rat insulin I gene, may play a significant role in nonhepatic as well as hepatic gene transcription.
Self-efficacy, social support, and associations with physical activity and body mass index among women with histories of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Purpose To examine the associations between 2 potential facilitators of healthy behaviors (self-efficacy and social support), and both physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among women with histories of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Two hundred and twenty-eight women with histories of GDM who were enrolled in a managed care plan were surveyed. A cross-sectional analysis was used to assess the association between women's social support from family and friends for physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity with women's physical activity levels. The association between women's social support from family and friends for healthy diet and self-efficacy for not overeating and their dietary habits also were examined. Finally, the association between all of these psychosocial constructs and body mass index (BMI) were assessed before and after adjustment for covariates. Results Participants reported low to moderate social support and self-efficacy scores, suboptimal performance of physical activity, suboptimal dietary scores, and high BMIs. Self-efficacy and social support from family and friends for physical activity were associated with physical activity. Social support from family and friends for a healthy diet was associated with better dietary scores, and the association between self-efficacy for not overeating and healthy diet bordered on significance. No significant associations existed between psychosocial constructs and BMI. Conclusions Psychosocial constructs such as social support and self-efficacy are associated with physical activity and dietary habits. However, associations with BMI are weak. Further exploration of constructs associated with BMI may be needed to design effective weight-loss interventions in this population.
A comparison of instrumental dewatering methods for the separation and concentration of suspended sediment for subsequent trace element analysis

A comparison involving both field and laboratory trials was performed to evaluate the utility of two continuous-flow centrifuges and a tangential-flow filtration system for dewatering suspended sediments for subsequent trace element analysis. Although recovery efficiencies for the various devices differ, the analytical results from the separated suspended sediments indicate that any of the tested units can be used effectively and precisely for dewatering. Further, the three devices appear to concentrate and dewater suspended sediments in such a manner as to be equivalent to that which could be obtained by in-line filtration. Only the tangential-flow filtration system appears capable of providing both a dewatered sediment sample and a potentially usable effluent, which can be analysed for dissolved trace elements. The continuous-flow centrifuges can process whole water at an influent feed rate of 41 per minute; however, when suspended sediment concentrations are low (<30mg−1), when small volumes of whole water are to be processed (30 to 401), or when suspended sediment mean grain size is very fine (<10 μm), influent feed rates of 21 per minute may be more efficient. Tangential-flow filtration can be used to process samples at the rate of 11 per minute.
An Early Chinese Translation corresponding to Chapter 6 of the Petakopadesa - An Shigao’s Yin chi ru jing T 603 and its Indian Original: A Preliminary Survey

In recent years, the field of Buddhist studies has witnessed renewed interest in the study of the Parthian An Shigao (active since 148 A.D., during the Later Han Dynasty), the earliest translator of Buddhist scriptures into Chinese.
MICROSPOROCYTE GROWTH AND MEIOSIS IN PHYLLOSPADIX TORREYI, A MARINE MONOCOTYLEDON

In this paper we demonstrate spindle rotation during meiosis in filiform microsporocytes of a dioecious marine monocotyledon. Extensive populations of Phyllospadix torreyi, a seagrass, cover intertidal and shallow subtidal rocks in southern California. Flowering plants are unevenly distributed, being found only in patches within these beds, and apparently are disproportionally few relative to plants that do not produce flowers. Reduction division in male flowers occurs in an already elongate microsporocyte (pollen mother cell), where the chromosomes at metaphase lie in a plane across the narrow axis of the filamentous cell. However, the poles and spindles then rotate through 900 during anaphase of first and second meiotic divisions so that the cells divide longitudinally to produce tetrads which develop into filamentous pollen. Nine bivalents were counted in diakinesis figures. The presence of a heteropycnotic X-chromosome in male flowers is suggested by certain observations of prophase-anaphase figures.
MX2 Processor Module: Twice the Processors in Half the Volume

Computer manufacturer’s are constantly trying to tweek more performance out of their existing products by using the highest performing processors. Typically, manufacturers upgrade the platforms by simply replacing the old processor with the latest speed processor. Like other manufacturers, HP generally follows this practice with the exception ot HP’s innovative mx2 module. This unique module used two Itanium-2 “Madison” processors packaged in the same physical volume as a single Itanium-2 processor. In addition, the module plugs into a standard Itanium-2 motherboard socket and requires no additional power capacity. As a result, the development team was able get 50% more performance [1] from a socket without increasing power by actively managing the power to the two processors. Thus, the performance per watt was substantially improved. This paper will provide an overview of some of the key packaging and power innovations that made the processor module a reality such as: 1) mezzanine power for space savings. The standard Itanium 2 processor has a power converter adjacent to the processor. HP engineers chose to put power on top of the processor which provided more room but made cooling the processors a challenge. 2) high performance mechnical gap filler. One of the biggest issues in the module was to develop a thermal gap filler that absorbed 0.060” of tolerance between the two processors. The thermal resistance of this technology was an order of magnitude better than anything commercially available in the industry. 3) Power Aware Architecture. This newly developed power mangement technology actively controls power to the processors. When system (thermal and power) extremes were exceeded by worst case abnormal code, the performance was throttled down until the worst case scenario had past. The combination of these advancements has delivered an innovative solution for a highly challenging design problem. This module is now shipping as the mx2 processor module in HP’s Integrity Servers and has been viewed as an engineering marvel by HP executives.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Diagnostic yield of CT urography in the evaluation of young adults with hematuria.

OBJECTIVE. CT urography is increasingly used as the initial imaging test in patients with hematuria. The aim of our study was to determine the yield of CT urography in young adults with hematuria to see whether single phase unenhanced CT would have been sufficient. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We reviewed medical records of consecutive patients undergoing CT urography between March 2000 and July 2009 at our tertiary medical center. Of 5400 CT urograms performed, 375 (6.9%) in 359 patients aged 40 years or younger with hematuria were included in the study. Urographic findings were tabulated according to their clinical significance. CT images were reviewed to see whether contrast-enhanced images were necessary for diagnosis. RESULTS. A clinically significant source was found in 83 of 375 examinations (22.1%), including 42 of 142 (29.6%) for gross hematuria, 29 of 181 (16.0%) for microscopic hematuria, and 12 of 52 (23.1%) for hematuria of unspecified subtype. The most common clinically significant findings were r...
The Academic and Business Marriage

This column discusses the marriage between business and academics. It examines how first-rate universities benefit the local high-tech industry, whether funding from business corrupts independent research at universities, and how alumni donations can change an institution's priorities.
O( N ) Scaling Simulations of Silicon Bulk and Surface Properties Based on a Non-Orthogonal Tight-Binding Hamiltonian

We have implemented a molecular-dynamics algorithm for silicon using a non-orthogonal tight-binding Hamiltonian with the functional form of Menon and Subbaswamy. Parameters for this Hamiltonian were determined by fitting to a database of first-principles total energy calculations of bulk phases and point defect formation energies. These geometries were chosen to reproduce the configurations seen in defective crystalline and amorphous silicon. We have also implemented the non-orthogonal density-matrix method, paying particular attention to data motion locality to facilitate efficient parallelization of the algorithm. The necessary sparse matrix operations (trace, transpose, matrix multiplication) have also been implemented on a single processor workstation with an algorithm which takes O ( N ) time. Tests of the method's accuracy involved calculations of surface energies and structural reconstructions and activation energies for bulk diffusion through concerted exchange. We present results of a simulation of the melting and rapid quenching of a silicon sample using molecular-dynamics, and examine the resulting structures.
Examination of the Agonistic Behaviour of the Crayfish Orconectes Virilis By Character Analysis

The agonistic behavior of the crayfish Orconectes virilis was observed in the laboratory, with attention to the effects of size, past experience, and displays. Character analysis was utilized to quantify the relative importance of these three factors. I) In short fights, larger animals and animals which had won previous fights had a decided advantage. 2) In long fights, size and past experience seemed to have little influence on who would win. 3) Initiating an interaction gave an animal and advantage in short fights or when both were the same size. 4) Model presentations indicated that postures assumed during fights were effective visual stimuli and that the white areas on appendages are important components of displays. 5) The greatest reduction in uncertainty concerning which behavior pattern would occur at any time in a fight came from knowing the just previous act of the other crayfish. 6) The amount of information transmitted from one crayfish to another by displays increased during fights to a peak of 160 bits (53% uncertainty reduction) in the middle of fights. 7) Partitioning the data into long or short fights and into initiator-won or defender-won fights increased the apparent importance of inter-animal communication.
Age-related practice effects across longitudinal neuropsychological assessments in older people with schizophrenia.

Objective: The relationship between aging and practice effects on longitudinal neuropsychological assessments was investigated in middle-aged and older people with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Method: Older people with schizophrenia (n = 107; M age = 56.1) and age-comparable nonpsychiatric controls (n = 107; M age = 57.7) were scheduled to receive annual assessments on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests for an average of 2.5 years (range 11 months to 4 years). Mixed-model analyses were used to separately examine the effects of practice and age on test performance. Results: Number of prior assessments (practice) was associated with significant performance improvement across assessments, whereas older age was associated with significant decline in performance. The groups did not differ significantly in extent of age-related cognitive decline, but a three-way interaction among group, age, and practice was found, such that greater age-related decline in practice effects were found for older people with schizophrenia relative to nonpsychiatric participants. Conclusions: This study did not find any evidence of neurodegenerative age-related decline in neuropsychological abilities in middle-aged and older people with schizophrenia, but older age was associated with diminished ability to benefit from repeated exposure to cognitive tasks in people with schizophrenia. Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia may combine with cognitive decline associated with normal aging to reduce practice effects in older patients. These findings have important implications for the design of studies examining the longitudinal trajectory of cognitive functioning across the life span of people with schizophrenia, as well as clinical trials that attempt to demonstrate cognitive enhancement in these individuals.
Evolution: A Study in Bad Taste?

Bitter tastes are among the most salient of life's experiences--who can forget one's first encounter with dandelion milk or a stout beer? Studies of the genes underlying these tastes are providing new perspectives on human origins and health.
HLA typing in patients with ocular manifestations of Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an acute, self-limited, inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. With ocular involvement, SJS has been associated with the class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-Bw44. This study examined HLA class II associations in patients with SJS with ocular involvement to help identify possible molecular genetic mechanisms underlying disease susceptibility/ resistance. Methods: Twenty-three white patients with ocular complications secondary to SJS had HLA class II typing performed using polymerase chain reaction-based molecular techniques. Genotype frequency was compared with results obtained from 175 control subjects. Results: HLA-DQB1*0601 was present in four (17%) patients with SJS and in five (3%) control subjects ( P Conclusion: HLA-DQB1*0601 was found in a significantly disproportionate number of white patients with SJS and ocular complications. The presence of this allele may confer an increased risk for the development of SJS with ocular complications and provides further evidence for an underlying immunogenetic susceptibility to the development of this disease.
Endovascular qualifications for practicing surgeons.

Summary In conclusion, this is a critical time for the development of endovascular technology and training. Vascular surgeons must continue to maintain the highest standards of care while evaluating outcomes for new devices and technology that may benefit our patients. Although one's formal specialty training is less important than an individual's clinical judgement and technical skills, vascular surgeons fully trained as endovascular interventionalists can provide the most comprehensive treatment while managing all complications. 3,7 To face the challenges of patient care in this new era, vascular surgeons must be able to provide the full spectrum of diagnosis and treatment. This includes noninvasive, open, endovascular or combined interventions based on what is best for the individual patient. As surgeons strive to work with other specialists who are committed to high levels of training and excellence in the management of peripheral vascular disease, a new standard of excellence in vascular care will be achieved.
Activation of G protein‐coupled inward rectifier K+ channels in brain neurons requires association of G protein βγ subunits with cell membrane

In cultured noradrenergic neurons from the rat locus coeruleus, application of recombinant G protein beta 1 gamma 2 subunits (30 nM) to the cytoplasmic side induced single channel activity similar to the somatostatin-induced single channel activity of G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channels (Kir (G)). In contrast, recombinant GTP gamma S-activated, myristoylated alpha i2 (100 nM) did not activate this brain Kir (G). Application of beta 1 gamma 2 C68S (30 nM or 150 nM), in which the cysteine residue fourth from the carboxyl terminus of gamma 2 was replaced by serine, failed to activate the brain Kir(G). This mutant lacks prenylation which is required for the association of beta gamma subunit with the cell membrane. Thus, our results suggest that the association of beta gamma subunit with the cell membrane is a prerequisite for activating Kir(G) channels.
The Role of Iodine in the Development of Autoimmune Thyroiditis

(1992). The Role of Iodine in the Development of Autoimmune Thyroiditis. International Reviews of Immunology: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 167-182.
Reduced efficacy of rovral and botran to control Sclerotinia minor in lettuce production in the Salinas Valley may be related to accelerated fungicide degradation in soil

Abstract Accelerated soil degradation with repeated application was suggested to be responsible for the lack of efficacy of commercial fungicides to control lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia minor in the Salinas Valley in California. In 2000, a study was initiated in a field artificially infested with S. minor to evaluate the efficacy and degradation potential of four selected fungicides (i.e., Rovral, Botran, Switch, and Endura). Crisphead lettuce was direct-seeded twice a year (spring and fall season) from 2000 to 2002. Fungicides were applied at recommended label rates twice during each season. Disease incidence was evaluated in fungicide treatments and nontreated control plots weekly starting immediately after thinning until harvest, and areas under the disease progress curves (AUDPC) were compared between treatments from 2000 to 2002. Soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected at regular intervals during the spring and fall 2002 lettuce seasons, and analyzed for residual fungicide concentration. Disease progress and final disease incidence were significantly affected by the fungicide treatment, season, year and interactions among these factors (p
Recovery and Rehabilitation in Stroke Introduction

A large proportion of individuals who survive stroke are chronically disabled, making stroke a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Although our society has made great strides in improving stroke awareness and survivability, until recently, the prospects for long-term improvement in sensorimotor disability and function were bleak. It is widely recognized that spontaneous recovery accounts for a significant portion of the functional improvement that occurs in the first several weeks after stroke. However, a number of new approaches, spurred by advances in the neurosciences, especially in the field of neuroplasticity, have provided hope that further improvement in function can be spurred by specific manipulations of the neural and behavioral environment. The long-term consequences of ischemic damage on neuronal structures are beginning to unfold. An increasing number of studies in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans …
Levels of reuse in educational information systems

A framework for reuse in educational information systems is elaborated, and evidence is presented that reuse occurs often at various levels of the educational enterprise. Case studies of the development of two online degree programs and one professional training program indicate that existing textbooks and government documents, virtual classroom tools, and administrative models and marketing mechanisms are reused. Effective reuse builds on models and mechanisms at the different levels of the educational enterprise – from individual learning to administration and from content development to delivery.
Pathfinder, Sojourner, and cast of “rock stars”

ARES VALLIS, MARS—Barnacle Bill, Yogi, Scooby Doo … the week following the successful landing of Mars Pathfinder found the air waves and print media babbling about cartoon characters and “popping wheelies” on the Martian surface. The public was riveted. By July 9, the Pathfinder web sites had received over 265 million hits. And the Pathfinder team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) was tickled Martian pink.
Combinatorial materials research applied to the development of new surface coatings XII: Novel, environmentally friendly antimicrobial coatings derived from biocide-functional acrylic polyols and isocyanates

Novel, environmentally friendly antimicrobial coatings containing tethered biocide moieties derived from the ubiquitous biocide, triclosan, were synthesized and characterized using a high-throughput workflow. Triclosan was first modified with an acrylate functionality and, subsequently, copolymerized with hydroxyethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate using conventional free radical polymerization to form an array of acrylic polyol terpolymers. The polyols were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and gel permeation chromatography. Arrays of urethane coatings were produced from the array of acrylic polyol terpolymers and, subsequently, characterized using parallel dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, surface energy measurements, and various biological assays. The results of the biological assays showed that the coatings were effective toward inhibiting Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm retention without leaching triclosan or other toxic components from the coating. The level of antimicrobial activity was found to increase with the content of triclosan moieties incorporated into the coating matrix. These results indicate that triclosan moieties tethered to a polymer matrix can impart antimicrobial properties via a contact-active, nonleaching (i.e., environmentally friendly) mechanism. Since S. epidermidis is one of the primary microorganisms associated with infection and failure of implanted medical devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, urinary catheters, and a variety of orthopedic implants, these coatings may have good potential for commercialization in some of these applications.
Mechanism of heat transfer in bubbly liquid and liquid‐solid systems: Single bubble injection

Local instantaneous changes in heat-transfer coefficients due to the passage of gas bubbles in liquid and liquid-solid systems are measured. A special heat-transfer probe is developed and located within the bed to trace the instantaneous local heat-transfer rate during the passage of single gas bubbles. A microfoil heat flow sensor is attached to a foil heater, and the sensor-heater probe assembly can accurately measure the heat flux and the surface temperature over a small area. Signals from the sensor are amplified and interfaced with the microcomputer data acquisition system. Simultaneous visualization is performed using a high-speed video camera and a borescope to establish the correspondence between the visual and sensor signals, and hence relate the local instantaneous hydrodynamics to the heat-transfer rate. Local heat-transfer coefficient vs. time traces are analyzed in conjunction with visual signals. The heat-transfer coefficient exhibits a sharp peak in the bubble wake. In both liquid and liquid-solid systems, the observed local maximum in heat-transfer coefficient behind a rising bubble is due to the bubble-wake-induced surface renewal. Enhancement in heat transfer due to the bubble increases with the size because of increased surface renewal caused by larger bubble wake and stronger vortices. The local maximum in heat transfer, however, is more pronounced in liquid than in liquid-solid systems.
n-6 and n-3 Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis Ratios or Amounts?

To reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, the American Heart Association and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations have long recommended decreasing dietary saturated intakes and increasing intakes of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA), up to 10% of dietary energy. Concerns still remain regarding high n-6 FA intakes and high n-6/n-3 FA ratios.1 These concerns are related to in vitro and animal experiments showing that the n-6 essential FA, linoleic acid (the precursor of arachidonic acid), is the substrate of proinflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines. Recently, higher intakes of marine n-3 FA, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been described as having “positive” clinical benefits in reducing adverse outcomes relating to coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality.2 However, a recent American Heart Association advisory3 summarized a large body of evidence indicating that n-6 FA reduces inflammatory states, and are “protective” in decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition to lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, n-6 FA also has roles in lowering blood pressure and diminishing adverse factors relating to insulin resistance.3 See accompanying article on page 2487 Potential mechanisms of cardioprotective effects of n-3 FA are being defined because these bioactive molecules lower plasma triglyceride levels, decrease arrhythmias, lower blood pressure, impair platelet aggregation, and inhibit or block proinflammatory and …
Unraveling the Mysteries of Aging Through a Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome Model

Abstract Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare, deadly laminopathy. Research into its nature has provided valuable insights into understanding molecular mechanisms underlying cell senescence. Phenotypic changes in nuclear structure and heterochromatin, resulting from increased progerin production following overuse of a cryptic splice site in the LMNA gene have profound effects on cell cycle progression and DNA repair mechanisms. A high degree of genomic instability occurs as DNA double-strand breaks are introduced but not repaired, despite appropriate machinery. Damage-response mechanisms become deregulated as a result of failed recruitment of elongation factors and possibly ancillary to disruption of chromatin organization. Key regulatory regions on mRNA transcripts governing splicing activity have been exposed using antisense technology, and identification of novel molecular targets, such as xeroderma pigmentosum group A, have generated optimism for the possibility of finally yielding an...
Anthocyanins of the genus Erythrina (Fabaceae)

Abstract Floral anthocyanins of 21 species of Erythrina consist of glucosides of pelargonidin and cyanidin. No correlation between floral pigments and either taxonomy or class of avian pollinator could be detected.
In-Kind Export Subsidies for Processed and Bulk Goods

This research analyzes the interaction between a bulk commodity and a processed good under in-kind export subsidies. An in-kind export subsidy lowers the export price of the good on which it is paid. The other price changes are ambiguous. A numerical model for U.S. wheat and flour illustrates these conditions. Given the parameters of the model, an in-kind payment using wheat lowers flour prices and the export price of wheat. The U.S. domestic wheat price rises. When flour is used for the payment, U.S. wheat and flour prices rise, while the foreign flour price falls.
Independent dimensions of hand preference: Reliability of the factor structure and the handedness inventory

Abstract Healey, Liederman, and Geschwind (1986) suggested that handedness is not a unidimensional trait. They devised a questionnaire with 55 handedness items and 6 familial hand preference items and administered it to 290 adults. Their analysis identified four independent factors underlying hand preference. In the current study, the reliability of all but one of the items on the original inventory was established by retesting 83 of the original subjects. An additional analysis revealed that approximately 2% of the population could be considered to have “ambiguous” handedness in the sense that they indicated unstable hand preference according to the criteria suggested by Soper and Satz (1984). The reliability of the factor structure was evaluated by factor analyzing data from a new sample of 487 subjects, demographically similar to those in the original sample. All four factors reappeared with minor shifts in item loadings. The original and second samples were then combined, and four factors were again found, even when the sample was reconstructed so that there were equal numbers of males and females. On the basis of these new analyses our initial conclusion was confirmed: hand preference must be characterized along more than one dimension.
Origin of concretionary Mn-Fe-oxides in stream sediments of Maine, U.S.A.

Abstract Studies of stream and sediment-pore waters largely explain the genesis of concretionary Mn-Fe-oxides in Maine. Waters of two small streams near Jackman, Maine, were studied in terms of pH, Eh, dissolved oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved Mn, total dissolved Fe, and ferrous and ferric Fe. Pyrite Creek has profuse concretions and coatings of Mn-Fe-oxides, whereas West Pyrite Creek has only sparse Mn-Fe-oxide stains. Pyrite Creek drains boggy terrain and West Pyrite Creek drains well-drained terrain. In West Pyrite Creek, stream and subjacent pore waters have chemical characteristics that do not differ greatly. However, dissolved Mn, ferrous Fe, dissolved oxygen, and in situ Eh measurements show that a steep Eh gradient exists between stream and subjacent pore waters of Pyrite Creek. The steep Eh gradient is manifested by the common zonation of coatings and stains on rocks in stream sediment. The bottom zone has no deposition of oxides, the middle zone is red and consists mostly of Fe-oxides, and the upper zone is black or dark-brown and consists of Mn-oxides with varying amounts of Fe-oxides. The zonation agrees with theoretical predictions of oxide stability as one moves from a reducing to an oxidizing environment. At locations where concretionary Mn-Fe-oxides form, pore waters are depleted of oxygen because of abundant decaying organic material in the stream sediment. The pore waters are charged with dissolved Mn and Fe because mechanically deposited Mn-Fe-oxides are remobilized due to the low-Eh conditions. Groundwaters also contribute dissolved Mn and Fe. Stream waters, on the other hand, are oxygenated and the high-Eh conditions result in low concentrations of dissolved Mn and Fe in stream waters because of the insolubility of Mn-Fe-oxides in high-Eh environments. Therefore, concretionary Mn-Fe-oxides form at the interface between pore and stream waters because Mn- and Fe-rich pore waters, which are undersaturated with respect to Mn-Fe-oxides, mix with oxygen-rich stream waters, which are saturated with respect to Mn-Fe-oxides.
Amorphous diamond: a unique product of laser ablation

Composed of sp3 bonded nodules of carbon, amorphic diamond films are deposited in vacuum onto almost any substrate by condensing carbon ions carrying keV energies. These multiply charged ions are obtained from the laser ablation of graphite at intensities in excess of 1011 W cm-2. The high energy of condensation provides both for the chemical bonding of such films to a wide variety of substrates and for low values of residual compressive stress, 0.6 - 0.8 GPa. On selected films hardness cannot be measured because of deformation of the diamond indenter and only a lower limit of 78 GPa can be reported. Coatings of 2 - 5 micrometer thicknesses have extended lifetimes of materials such as Si, Ti, ZnS, ZnSe, Ge and stainless steel against the erosive wear from high-speed particles by factors of tens to thousands. The mechanical properties of amorphic diamond films are further enhanced by a low coefficient of friction of about 0.1. The combination of these mechanical properties seems to make amorphic diamond an attractive material for use as a protective coating in current industrial applications. Deposited upon silicon, quartz or sapphire, amorphic diamond films have interesting electrical properties including a very high coefficient of emissivity.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A new sciences outline for leadership development

The Newtonian physics that formed the foundation of physical and social science for centuries is unwinding in the face of the new sciences. The principles of the new sciences shed needed light on the technologies of leadership in modern organizations. This paper links specific leadership technologies to four general principles taken from the new sciences. Together, these technologies and principles provide a new metaphor for organizational life and the work of leadership. This metaphor offers an alternative explanation of the leadership phenomenon generally, helps organizational actors ground their leadership activity in terms of the new sciences theory, and points to better ways to prepare ourselves for the demands of leadership in organizations. This, in turn, provides a way for leaders to better understand their organizational environment and links that understanding to an outline of skills, behaviors, and attitudes that can be used in practical leadership development programs.
Bilitrienones from the chemical oxidation of dodecasubstituted porphyrins.

The structure of the ring-opened product from direct oxidation of meso-tetra-arylporphyrins has been controversial for three decades. Herein we show that bilitrienones 2 are obtained from oxidation of metal-free dodecasubstituted porphyrins 1 in the presence of sodium nitrite, trifluoroacetic acid, and air oxygen. The presence of the para-nonyl groups in 1b stabilized the corresponding bilitrienone 2b, which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the absence of the para-nonyl groups bilitrienone 2a undergoes a rapid hydration reaction, giving biladienone 3a as the major isolated product. The molecular structures of 2b and 3a, and the photochemical isomerization of 3a are discussed.
Membrane Association and Protein Conformation of α-Synuclein in Intact Neurons: EFFECT OF PARKINSON′S DISEASE-LINKED MUTATIONS *

Two missense mutations (Ala-30 --> Pro and Ala-53 --> Thr) in the gene encoding alpha-synuclein are associated with rare autosomal dominant forms of familial Parkinson's disease. In addition, alpha-synuclein is an abundant component of Lewy bodies in sporadic Parkinson's disease and diffuse Lewy body disease. However, the normal conformation of alpha-synuclein, its cellular localization in neurons, and the effects of the mutations remain to be determined. In the present study, we examine these questions using sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques. Transient transfection of alpha-synuclein expression constructs into primary cortical neurons and counterstaining with the lipophilic fluorescent marker, DiI, demonstrates a close association between alpha-synuclein and cellular membranes. Both the N- and C-terminal regions of alpha-synuclein are tightly associated with membranes. A weak interaction also occurs between the N and C termini themselves. The Parkinson's disease-associated mutations have no effect on membrane interaction; however, the Ala-30 --> Pro mutation alters the three-dimensional conformation of alpha-synuclein, as measured by significantly increased fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the N and C termini.
Insights into Correlated Motions and Long-Range Interactions in CheY Derived from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

CheY is a response regulator protein involved in bacterial chemotaxis. Much is known about its active and inactive conformations, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying long-range interactions or correlated motions. To investigate these events, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the unphosphorylated, inactive structure from Salmonella typhimurium and the active mimic structure (with removed) from Escherichia coli. Simulations utilized both sequences in each conformation to discriminate sequence- and structure-specific behavior. The previously identified conformational differences between the inactive and active conformations of the strand-4-helix-4 loop, which are present in these simulations, arise from the structural, and not the sequence, differences. The simulations identify previously unreported structure-specific flexibility features in this loop and sequence-specific flexibility features in other regions of the protein. Both structure- and sequence-specific long-range interactions are observed in the active and inactive ensembles. In the inactive ensemble, two distinct mechanisms based on Thr-87 or Ile-95 rotameric forms, are observed for the previously identified g+ and g− rotamer sampling by Tyr-106. These molecular dynamics simulations have thus identified both sequence- and structure-specific differences in flexibility, long-range interactions, and rotameric form of key residues. Potential biological consequences of differential flexibility and long-range correlated motion are discussed.