cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The UGA codon in vitro: chain termination and suppression.

Abstract UGA suppressor-dependent mutants of bacteriophage f2 were isolated at low frequency after fluouracil mutagenesis. One was mutant in the viral polymerase cistron, and six of the remainder were defective in the maturation protein cistron. No coat protein mutants have been found. RNA extracted from the polymerase mutant (op 9) was used to stimulate the in vitro synthesis of phage-specific products in extracts derived from su− E. coli. The labeled products were compared with those stimulated by wild-type f2 RNA, and with those stimulated by RNA from sus 10, an amber polymerase mutant of f2. RNA from op 9 stimulates the synthesis of 20 to 30% as much viral polymerase as does f2 RNA, whereas sus 10 RNA does not stimulate the formation of any polymerase. Each mutant RNA acts as a template for the synthesis of a peptide which is not found when f2 or the other mutant RNA is used. When su− extracts are supplemented with suI+ soluble RNA, sus 10 stimulates the formation of intact polymerase. The addition of suUGA+ soluble RNA to op 9 RNA-stimulated su− extracts results in an increased formation of intact polymerase and a decreased synthesis of the polymerase fragment. It is concluded that the UGA codon, like the UAG codon, causes premature termination of the polypeptide chain, and that termination can be suppressed by the appropriate sRNA.
Uptake of Zn++ and aflatoxin from perlite and liquid culture by Zea mays seedlings.

The present paper reports our attempts to determine whether the inclusion of 0.0014 mM Zn++ within a hydroponic culture medium affects the ability of 12-day-old Zea mays, cv. ‘SS-522’ to take-up [3H]-aflatoxin B1. Data from the corollary experiment, i.e., whether inclusion of aflatoxin affects the ability of Zea mays, cvs. ‘Truckers White’, ‘X-Sweet’ and ‘Merit’ to take-up 65ZnCl2 are presented also. This report is a preliminary to one regarding an in-progress analysis of whether pollutant levels of Zn++ affect aflatoxin uptake and distribution. In the absence of irrigating seedlings, which were grown in Perlite containing 65ZnCl2, with a solution containing mixed aflatoxins, the stem contained the greatest amount of label with root plus seed the next highest and the leaf the least for each of the cvs. In contrast, when the seedlings were irrigated with a solution containing mixed aflatoxins, the root plus seed contained either an amount nearly identical to (cv. ‘Truckers White’) or in excess of that within the stem (cvs. ‘X-Sweet’ and ‘Merit’). Calculation of the percentages of aflatoxin-induced diminutions in leaf, stem and root label suggested that the aflatoxins interfered with the translocation of 65ZnCl2 from the root to the stem and leaf, at least for cvs ‘X-Sweet’ and ‘Merit’. When 0.0014mM Zn++ as ZnSO4 was added to an incubation medium in which 12-day-old seedlings were suspended and plant growth assessed over 72 hours, a 15% increase (significant at 0.05 level) in seedling height over that of Zn++-deficient plants was observed. No differences in [3H]-aflatoxin B1 uptake were noted between those seedlings which were grown in either Zn++-containing or lacking media. Less than one % of the[3H]-aflatoxin B1 which was taken-up was recovered within chloroform extracts of the seedlings. The distributions of radioactivity from [3H]-aflatoxin B1 for leaf, stem, seed and root were 0, 57, 26 and 19% and 0, 26, 58 and 18% for Zn++-containing and -lacking media, ‘respectively’.
AGEING AND ADOLESCENCE.

SUMMARY Various aspects of ageing are discussed. ‘Puberal age’ is defined by the author; it was measured on the basis of a series of biological factors, which are indicated. The author suggests that skeletal and puberal maturity, rather than chronological age, account for most of the variability between adolescent boys. The possible effect of social mobility on early and late menarche is discussed. Evidence is given to show that haemoglobin levels rise during the adolescence of males and that a high level is maintained between the ages of 25 and 45. The possible relation between high haemoglobin levels and the high incidence of coronary thrombosis in men is discussed. Senescence is examined as the decrease in acceleration of a given variable, e.g., height. The importance of predicting individual variables is raised in relation to preventive geriatrics. RESUME Vieillissement et adolescence L'auteur discute divers aspects du vieillissement. Il decrit ‘l'âge puberal’ mesure sur la base de series de facteurs biologiques qu'il mentionne. L'auteur suggere que la maturite osseuse et puberale est responsable de la plupart des variations entre les garcons adolescents, plutot que l'âge chronologique. L'effet possible de la mobilite sociale sur la precocite de la maturite sexuelle est discutee. Il est prouve que le taux d'hemoglobine s'eleve pendant l'adolescence chez les garcons et se maintient a un niveau eleve entre les âges de 25 et 45 ans. L'auteur discute la possibilite d'une relation entre les taux eleves d'hemoglobine et la frequence de la thrombose coronaire chez l'homme. La senescence est etudiee en tant que diminution de l'acceleration d'une variable donnee, la taille par exemple. D'ou l'importance de la prediction de variables individuelles en relation avec la gerontologie preventive. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Der Prozess des Alterns wird von verschiedenen Gesichtspunkten aus besprochen. Der Autor bietet eine Definierung des ‘Puberal-Alters’. Dieses wurde auf Grund einer Gruppe biologischer Faktoren ermessen, die gennant werden. Der Autor ist der Meinung, dass Knochen-und Puberal-Reife zum grossen Teil fur die Unterschiedlichkeit bei jugendlichen Knaben verantwortlich ist und nicht das chronologische Alter. Die mogliche Wirkung der sozialen Beweglichkeit auf die fruhe und spate Menarche wird besprochen. Es wird bewiesen, dass der Hamoglobinspiegel wahrend des Jugendalters bei Knaben steigt und dass der hohe Wert in der Altersgruppe 25–45 aufrecht erhalten bleibt. Es wird die Moglichkeit eines Zusammenhangs zwischen dem hohen Hamoglobinwert und dem haufigen Auftreten von Koronarthrombose bei Mannern besprochen. Der Prozess des Alterns wird im Lichte des Abklingen einer gegebenen Veranderlichen, z.B. der Korpergrosse, untersucht. Es wird die Bedeutung der Vorbestimmung individueller Veranderlicher in Bezug auf die vorbeugende Geriatrie hervorgehoben.
The hemolytic-uremic syndrome in nonrelated adopted siblings.

Summary Two adopted, nonrelated siblings who presented with hemolytic-uremic syndrome at about the same time are reported. Rising hemagglutination inhibition titers against Asian influenzae virus type 2 (Taiwan and Japan/170) were demonstrated in one and were suggestive in the other child. A familial or genetic predisposition is not evident since the two ill siblings were adopted and biologically unrelated. Though there was a temporally related response to heparin therapy in the more severely involved patient, spontaneous recovery occurred rapidly in the child with mild disease.
Elevated levels of polyneuronal innervation persist for as long as two years in reinnervated frog neuromuscular junctions.

When the nerve to an adult frog sartorius muscle is crushed, and axons are allowed to regenerate, the level of polyneuronal innervation at reinnervated neuromuscular junctions is higher than normal. With time, much of this polyneuronal innervation is reduced by the process of synapse elimination (Werle and Herrera, 1988). Using intracellular recording, we estimated the level of polyneuronal innervation in adult frog (Rana pipiens) sartorius muscles 2 years (range: 1.7-2.4 years) after crushing the sartorius nerve. We found that 27% (S.E. = 1.4%) of the junctions in muscles 2 years after reinnervation were polyneuronally innervated, whereas only 10% (S.E. = 1.2%) of the junctions in normal frog muscles were polyneuronally innervated. Thus, the synapse elimination that occurs following reinnervation does not restore the normal level of polyneuronal innervation. Histological comparisons of junctional structure between muscles 2 years after reinnervation and normal muscles revealed substantial differences. Reinnervated junctions had a greater length of synaptic gutter apposed by nerve terminal processes, more axonal inputs, more empty synaptic gutter, more instances of single synaptic gutters innervated by more than one axon, and longer lengths of nerve terminal processes that connect synaptic gutters within a junction. On the basis of this physiological and anatomical evidence, we conclude that nerve injury causes persistent changes in the pattern of muscle innervation.
Modification of fluoropolymer surfaces with electronically conductive polymers

Abstract We describe methods for coating fluoropolymer surfaces with thin films of electronically conductive polymers. Modification of the fluoropolymer surface prior to coating with conductive polymer is necessary to achieve good adhesion between the fluoropolymer membrane and the conductive polymer coating. We describe four different procedures for modifying the fluoropolymer surface so as to promote strong adhesion. These procedures are based on a wet chemical treatment of the fluoropolymer or on exposure of the fluoropolymer surface to a hydrogen plasma, an ultraviolet lasr or an electron beam. Finally, we show that it is possible to ‘write’ patterns with the conductive polymer onto the fluoropolymer surface.
IFN-γ-mediated suppression of coronavirus replication in glial-committed progenitor cells

The neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) replicates primarily within glial cells following intracranial inoculation of susceptible mice, with relative sparing of neurons. This study demonstrates that glial cells derived from neural progenitor cells are susceptible to JHMV infection and that treatment of infected cells with IFN-γ inhibits viral replication in a dose-dependent manner. Although type I IFN production is muted in JHMV-infected glial cultures, IFN-β is produced following IFN-γ-treatment of JHMV-infected cells. Also, direct treatment of infected glial cultures with recombinant mouse IFN-α or IFN-β inhibits viral replication. IFN-γ-mediated control of JHMV replication is dampened in glial cultures derived from the neural progenitor cells of type I receptor knock-out mice. These data indicate that JHMV is capable of infecting glial cells generated from neural progenitor cells and that IFN-γ-mediated control of viral replication is dependent, in part, on type I IFN secretion.
Rates of synthesis of major classes of RNA in Drosophila embryos.

Abstract We have been successful in labeling to high specific activity (3 × 105 dpm/μg) the RNA synthesized by large numbers of Drosophila embryos. Embryos of various developmental stages were rendered permeable with octane and labeled with [3H]uridine for 1 hr. At each stage the total dpm incorporated into RNA and the specific activity of the UTP pool were measured and used to calculate the absolute rate of RNA synthesis per embryo. This rate increases during embryonic development, from 1 pmole UTP/hr at 2 hr after oviposition to 6 pmoles UTP/hr at 15 hr. The rates of synthesis of nuclear and cytoplasmic poly(A)− and poly(A)+ RNAs were determined by analyzing the fractionated RNAs from each stage by sucrose gradient sedimentation. There is a significant activation of nuclear RNA synthesis at the blastoderm stage (approximately 2 hr after oviposition). After blastoderm, the rates of synthesis of nuclear and cytoplasmic poly(A)− and poly(A)+ RNA per embryo increase continuously; the rate of synthesis of each of these classes per nucleus, however, remains fairly constant. After making corrections for turnover during the labeling period, we find that the rates of synthesis of the major classes of RNA per nucleus at the gastrula stage are: cytoplasmic poly(A)+ RNA, 0.06 fg/nucleus-min; hnRNA, 0.86 fg/nucleus-min; and ribosomal RNA, 0.46 fg/nucleus-min. These rates are compared to rates of RNA synthesis in sea urchin embryos.
Combination modality therapy in lung cancer: a survival study showing beneficial results of AMCOF (adriamycin, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, oncovin and 5-fluorouracil)

Thirty-seven patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer were randomized to cytoxan (CTX) alone, COMF (CTX, oncovin, methotrecate and 5-FU) or AMCOF (adriamycin, methotrexate, CTX, oncovin and 5-FU) after receiving radiation therapy to primary and bulky tumor sites. Median survival was 3 months for CTX, 6 months for COMF and 14 months for AMCOF. Analysis of those with cell (small cell) carcinoma showed median survival of 8.5 months. Oat cell cases treated with CTX survived 5 months (8 patients) with COMF 7.5 months (15 patients) and with AMCOF 13 months (14 patients). The median survival of those with adenocarcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma treated with CTX survived 3 months, with COMF 6 months and with AMCOF 15.5 months. Toxicity was moderate though no life-theatening toxicity developed in spite of the protocol design of escalation to achieve some degree of hematologic toxicity in all patients.
On Routing and "Delta Routing": A Taxonomy and Performance Comparison of Techniques for Packet-Switched Networks

An inherent capability of packet-switched networks is the speed at which they can be reconfigured; various dynamic or adaptive routing techniques have been conceived to exploit this capability. In this study, existing techniques are described and an "ultra-dynamic" technique, delta routing, is invented. Several promising techniques are then selected for comparison with one another and with a network's ultimate carrying capacity. The goal is to shed light on the questions if and when one should use which kind of adaptive routing. First, a taxonomy of routing strategies is presented. In addition to delta routing, random, proportional, shortest path, and shortest path fixed-for-session duration are selected for comparison and their mechanisms described. The delay and efficiency performance of the five techniques are then compared with one another and with ideal behavior via simulations. These have been carried out concentrating on four very small networks, each with very different characteristics with the intention of gaining insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the various techniques. A ten-node network has also been simulated. The results favor delta routing which is most effective in highly interconnected network enviroments.
Liposome encapsulation of curcumin and resveratrol in combination reduces prostate cancer incidence in PTEN knockout mice

Increasing interest in the use of phytochemicals to reduce prostate cancer led us to investigate 2 potential agents, curcumin and resveratrol as preventive agents. However, there is concern about the bioavailability of these agents pertinent to the poor absorption and thereby limiting its clinical use. With the view to improve their bioavailability, we used the liposome encapsulated curcumin, and resveratrol individually and in combination in male B6C3F1/J mice. Further, we examined the chemopreventive effect of liposome encapsulated curcumin and resveratrol in combination in prostate-specific PTEN knockout mice. In vitro assays using PTEN-CaP8 cancer cells were performed to investigate the combined effects curcumin with resveratrol on (i) cell growth, apoptosis and cell cycle (ii) impact on activated p-Akt, cyclin D1, m-TOR and androgen receptor (AR) proteins involved in tumor progression. HPLC analysis of serum and prostate tissues showed a significant increase in curcumin level when liposome encapsulated curcumin coadministered with liposomal resveratrol (p < 0.001). Combination of liposomal forms of curcumin and resveratrol significantly decreased prostatic adenocarcinoma in vivo (p < 0.001). In vitro studies revealed that curcumin plus resveratrol effectively inhibit cell growth and induced apoptosis. Molecular targets activated due to the loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) including p-Akt, cyclin D1, mammalian target of rapamycin and AR were downregulated by these agents in combination. Findings from this study for the first time provide evidence on phytochemicals in combination to enhance chemopreventive efficacy in prostate cancer. These findings clearly suggest that phytochemicals in combination may reduce prostate cancer incidence due to the loss of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN.
Serodiagnosis of histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis

Summary To make a serological diagnosis of histoplasmosis, blastomycosis or coccidioidomycosis, (a) obtain blood for serological studies prior to or soon after employing skin test antigens. (b) whenever possible, obtain both an acute and a convalescent serum specimen. (c) make sure that each specimen is tested against antigens prepared from each of the three dimorphic fungi. (d) do not rely exclusively upon the results of serological tests for diagnosis. There is no diagnostic test that can fully replace sound clinical judgment and cultural confirmation of the suspected etiological agent (2).
Clinical course of persistent junctional reciprocating tachycardia

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to review the clinical course of persistent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) in 21 patients spanning a wide age range to examine the electrophysiologic characteristics of the conduction system in these patients with PJRT, particularly in regards to its incessant nature and to evaluate the long-term response to radiofrequency ablation. Background Persistent junctional reciprocating tachycardia is uncommon, occurring in 1% of patients with supraventricular tachycardia. Its presentation, course and treatment are incompletely characterized. Methods The clinical, electrocardiographic, electrophysiologic and echocardiographic data of 21 patients with PJRT were reviewed. Results In 9 of these 21 patients, the mean tachycardia cycle length increased significantly (p Conclusions We conclude that PJRT is characterized by an onset in early childhood and by an age-related prolongation of the tachycardia cycle length mediated primarily through conduction delay in the concealed, retrogradely conducting accessory pathway. Ablation of the accessory pathway provides definitive treatment for PJRT.
A neural timing model of visual threshold

Abstract A theory of visual threshold-versus-intensity curves is presented. The theory is based on a model of spike generation by idealized visual neurons. The spike generation model relates the interarrival time statistics of the neural spikes to the statistics of weighted photon summation within the receptive field of the spiking neuron. The spike generation model is combined with the psychophysical assumption that the observer monitors a neuron which is ideally matched to the target in both scale and location. The resulting model specifies how the interarrival time distribution depends on the incremental flash intensity, area, and duration of the threshold stimulus and on the background luminance. A further psychophysical assumption is then added to the model: that the observer uses a neural timing model in order to discriminate test trials from blanks. On the basis of the complete model, a theory of threshold-versus-intensity functions is derived. The model observer exhibits threshold behavior that mimics many aspects of the threshold judgments of human observers. In particular, the theoretical threshold functions exhibit: (1) at low background levels, absolute thresholds which depend inversely on test area and duration; (2) at moderate background levels, de Vries–Rose behavior if and only if the test flash is sufficiently small and brief; and (3) in the limit of high background levels, asymptotic Weber behavior. The theory also accounts for changes in the shape of the threshold-versus-intensity curve as test flash area (or spatial frequency) and duration are altered. It is argued that empirical failures to find Weber behavior at high backgrounds under some stimulus conditions (high spatial frequency or small targets, brief targets) may be due to the occurrence of photoreceptor saturation at background levels that are below the range in which Weber behavior would be predicted by the (nonsaturating) model presented here.
Reversed subtitling and dual coding theory: New directions for foreign language instruction

The purpose of this study was to examine how subtitled video programs could enhance foreign language learning. Three viewing methods were compared in a pilot study: French audio only, standard subtitling (English subtitles) and reversed subtitling (English dialogue with French titles). In two subsequent experiments, standard subtitling was replaced with bimodal input (French audio with French titles). The beginning and intermediate French college students selected for the study were tested on vocabulary recall after watching a five-minute video excerpt of French in Action. The success of reversed subtitling, which proved to be the most beneficial condition, can be explained by the way translation facilitates foreign language encoding. Retrieval is also enhanced by the multiple memory paths created by the visual and bilingual input (Paivio's bilingual dual coding model, 1986). Dual processing in the bimodal input condition also gave positive results. Based on the results of this study, a model integrating both reversed subtitling and bimodal input into a complete curriculum is advocated.
Valuations and Filtrations

The classical theory of Grobner bases, as developed by Bruno Buchberger, can be expanded to utilize objects more general than term orders. Each term order on the polynomial ring kx] produces a filtration of kx] and a valuation ring of the rational function fieldk (x). The algorithms developed by Buchberger can be performed by using directly the induced valuation or filtration in place of the term order. There are many valuations and filtrations that are suitable for this general computational framework that are not derived from term orders, even after a change of variables. Here we study how to translate between properties of filtrations and properties in valuation theory, and give a characterization of which valuations and filtrations are derived from a term order after a change of variables. This characterization illuminates the properties of valuations and filtrations that are desirable for use in a generalized Grobner basis theory.
Group round robin: improving the fairness and complexity of packet scheduling

We present Group Round-Robin (GRR) scheduling, a hybrid fair packet scheduling framework based on a grouping strategy that narrows down the traditional trade-off between fairness and computational complexity. GRR combines its grouping strategy with a specialized round-robin scheduling algorithm that utilizes the properties of GRR groups to schedule flows within groups in a manner that provides O(1) bounds on fairness with only O(1) time complexity. Under the practical assumption that GRR employs a small constant number of groups, we apply GRR to popular fair queuing scheduling algorithms and show how GRR can be used to achieve constant bounds on fairness and time complexity for these algorithms. We also present and prove new results on the fairness bounds for several of these fair queuing algorithms using a consistent fairness measure. We analyze the behavior of GRR and present experimental results that demonstrate how GRR can be combined with existing scheduling algorithms to provide much lower scheduling overhead and more than an order of magnitude better scheduling accuracy in practice than scheduling algorithms without GRR.
Is it necessary to remove the seminal vesicles completely at radical prostatectomy? decision curve analysis of European Society of Urologic Oncology criteria.

Purpose: A publication on behalf of the European Society of Urological Oncology questioned the need for removing the seminal vesicles during radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml except when biopsy Gleason score is greater than 6 or there are greater than 50% positive biopsy cores. We applied the European Society of Urological Oncology algorithm to an independent data set to determine its predictive value.Materials and Methods: Data on 1,406 men who underwent radical prostatectomy and seminal vesicle removal between 1998 and 2004 were analyzed. Patients with and without seminal vesicle invasion were classified as positive or negative according to the European Society of Urological Oncology algorithm.Results: Of 90 cases with seminal vesicle invasion 81 (6.4%) were positive for 90% sensitivity, while 656 of 1,316 without seminal vesicle invasion were negative for 50% specificity. The negative predictive value was 98.6%. In decision analytic terms if the loss in...
Depositional environment, sand provenance, and diagenesis of the Basal Salina Formation (lower Eocene), northwestern Peru

Abstract The Basal Salina Formation is a lower Eocene transgressive sequence consisting of interbedded shales, siltstones, and conglomeratic sandstones. This formation occurs in the Talara basin of northwestern Peru and is one of a series of complexly faulted hydrocarbon-producing formations within this extensional forearc basin. These sediments were probably deposited in a fan-delta complex that developed along the ancestral Amotape Mountains during the early Eocene. Most of the sediment was derived from the low-grade metamorphic and plutonic rocks that comprise the Amotape Mountains, and their sedimentary cover. Detrital modes of these sandstones reflect the complex tectonic history of the area, rather than the overall forearc setting. Unlike most forearc sediments, these are highly quartzose, with only minor percentages of volcanic detritus. This sand is variably indurated and cemented by chlorite, quartz, calcite, and kaolinite. Clay-mineral matrix assemblages show gradational changes with depth, from primarily detrital kaolinite to diagenetic chlorite and mixed-layered illite/smectite. Basal Salina sandstones exhibit a paragenetic sequence that may be tied to early meteoric influx or late-stage influx of thermally driven brines associated with hydrocarbon migration. Much of the porosity is secondary, resulting from a first-stage dissolution of silicic constituents (volcanic lithic fragments, feldspar, and fibrous quartz) and a later dissolution of surrounding carbonate cement. Types of pores include skeletal grains, grain molds, elongate pores, and fracture porosity. Measured porosity values range up to 24% and coarser samples tend to be more porous. Permeability is enhanced by fractures and deterred by clay-mineral cements and alteration residues.
The career ladder and the mental health generalist at the state hospital.

The relevance of several broad social and educational changes to the training of persons for careers in mental health is discussed. This is viewed against the background of traditional beliefs about training and competence which have guided our policies until very recently, but are now being questioned. The state hospital has an opportunity to move away from its traditional custodial role by teaming up with local community colleges and developing community-oriented training programs for careers in mental health.
Attachment and Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning

To explore the meaning and function of attachment organization during adolescence, its relation to multiple domains of psychosocial functioning was examined in a sample of 131 moderately at-risk adolescents. Attachment organization was assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview; multiple measures of functioning were obtained from parents, adolescents, and their peers. Security displayed in adolescents' organization of discourse about attachment experiences was related to competence with peers (as reported by peers), lower levels of internalizing behaviors (as reported by adolescents), and lower levels of deviant behavior (as reported by peers and by mothers). Preoccupation with attachment experiences, seen in angry or diffuse and unfocused discussion of attachment experiences, was linked to higher levels of both internalizing and deviant behaviors. These relations generally remained even when other attachment-related constructs that had been previously related to adolescent functioning were covaried in analyses. Results are interpreted as suggesting an important role for attachment organization in a wide array of aspects of adolescent psychosocial development.
Wave propagation in a gravitational field

Abstract The geometric optics approximation in general relativity is critically examined. The well-known result that rays of radiation follow null geodesics of the gravitational field is shown to be valid only in the limit of vanishing wavelength. New covariant definitions for the frequency and wave vector of external radiation are presented, and it is pointed out that general relativity restricts the product of the magnitude of the wave vector and a suitably defined effective radius of curvature of spacetime to be greater than, or of the order of, unity.
Assessing Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Techniques Used in Business School Disciplines.

Abstract In this study, the authors surveyed U.S. business schools to investigate frequency of use and perceived effectiveness of methods used in assessment of student learning. The authors found that case studies were used frequently, which is consistent with high perceptions of their effectiveness. Their finding that group-process observation and item analysis were used infrequently is consistent with low perceptions of these methods' effectiveness. Five other methods were used fairly frequently. The findings show that, though faculty members use methods appropriate for assigning grades, they demonstrate infrequent use of methods that might be more effective for overall assessment of a program.
Structure and subunit dissociation of the mouse glucocorticoid receptor: Rapid analysis using vertical tube rotor sucrose gradients

Abstract The structure and subunit dissociation of the glucocorticoid receptor from the mouse AtT-20 pituitary tumor cell line was analyzed on sucrose gradients using a Beckman VTi 80 vertical tube rotor. This technique afforded a very rapid analysis (65 min) of the variously sedimenting forms compared to swinging-bucket rotor sucrose gradients, which take 16 h to run. Thus, it was possible to detect and study the molybdate-stabilized, oligomeric, untransformed receptor (9.1 S) in the presence of 0.3 M KCl. Under similar conditions using the swinging-bucket rotor, only the monomeric, transformed species (3.8 S) was observed. That is, artifactual subunit dissociation was minimized using the vertical tube rotor, allowing the study of the receptor structure in a more native state. Further studies demonstrated that Sephadex LH-20 chromatography causes receptor transformation. Thus, dextran-charcoal adsorption is preferred for the removal of unbound hormone under certain circumstances. Finally, using vertical tube rotor sucrose gradients, it was determined that the transformation of the mouse AtT-20 glucocorticoid receptor involves a conversion of the oligomeric, 9.1 S, untransformed species to a 5.2 S, transformed moiety. This suggests that the 5.2 S, intermediate transformed species may be the physiologically relevant form of this gene regulatory protein.
Magnesium chloride supported high-mileage catalysts for olefin polymerization. X. Effect of hydrogen and catalytic site deactivation

The effect of H2 on propylene polymerization initiated by a MgCl2/EB/PC/AlEt3/TiCl4–3 AlEt3/MPT catalyst was studied. Hydrogen increases significantly the initial rate during the early stage of the polymerization to give a higher yield of polymer than reactions without H2. But H2 reduces the yield toward the latter stages so that the net effect on the total yield can be quite small. There is no appreciable effect of H2 on either the isotacticity index or polydispersity of the products. It decreases molecular weight proportional to (pH2)1/2. The chain transfer by H2 resulted in a decrease of total metal polymer bond concentration with time of polymerization. The rate constants of hydrogen chain transfer for the two kinds of isospecific and nonspecific sites are = 5.1 × 10−3, = 2.7 × 10−3, = 7.5 × 10−3, = 4.4 × 10−3, in units of torr1/2 sec−1 at 50°. Hydrogen assists in the deactivation of the catalytic sites as does propylene; rates of the former and the latter vary with (pH2)1/2 and [C3H6]1/2, respectively, with k = (12.1 ± 0.9) M−1 torr−1/2 sec−1 and k = (65.3 ± 3.3) M−3/2 sec−1 at 50° and A/T = 167. The mechanism for deactivation of catalytic sites are discussed.
The acute and chronic effects of capsaicin on slow excitatory transmission in rat dorsal horn.

Abstract The acute and chronic effects of capsaicin on rat spinal dorsal horn neurons and the excitatory transmission in the dorsal horn were investigated by means of intracellular recording techniques in the spinal cord slice preparation. Bath application of capsaicin (1–2 × 10−5M) produced in a majority of cells a prolonged depolarization associated with an increase in synaptic activity and intense neuronal discharges. During and immediately following the capsaicin depolarization, repetitive stimulation of a dorsal root failed to elicit the slow depolarization. After neonatal capsaicin treatment the proportion of dorsal horn neurons exhibiting the slow excitatory transmission was markedly reduced, however, the fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials were present in all examined cells. In addition, the proportion and sensitivity of the cells responding with a slow depolarization to substance P increased.
Assessing Industrial Buyer Preferences: Using the Swait-Louviere Test to Test the Key Informant Assumption

When using professional buyers to study an organization’s buying behavior an important consideration is whether their preferences reflect those of the organization. Since this is a key informant problem, the present article focuses on the issue of the degree to which key informants can be used to provide insights into their own organization’s preferences. We conduct a direct test of the key informant assumption using the Swait-Louviere test. In this test preferences from a choice experiment using actual buyers, and from market decisions made by the organization, are estimated separately, then jointly in multinomial logit models. We found that buyers’ experimental preferences were similar to estimates obtained from the market decisions. Buyers’ preferences were closer to the intuitive preferences of the organization’s top executives than the estimates based on past market decisions, although a model based on the combined data outperformed either. We discuss the implications of these results for industrial buying research.
Implantable Telemetry in Biomedical Research

Animal models of human physiology, pathology, and pharmacology are indispensable tools in biomedical research. Totally implantable radiotelemetry systems provide an invaluable appendage to animal models because these systems are a means for acquisition of otherwise unavailable experimental data. Implantable systems for measurement of velocity, volume flow, dimension, pressure, strain, bioelectric potential, temperature, and pH in selected applications are discussed.
Techniques For Measuring Optical Constants Of Dielectric Films

Several independent techniques have been explored for the measurement of optical constants of a single film on a glass substrate. One technique, inspired by Abeles, is based on comparing the reflectance of coated and uncoated sections of a substrate under "s" and "p" polarized light until a balance is found. This method is effective over a wide range of film thicknesses. Another technique is an envelope method based on an inhomogeneous model. To begin, an assumption is made of reflectance and transmittance on a spectrophotometer. The index is determined from measurements of the apparent refractive index . If the index and the thickness of the film are large enough to allow waveguide transmission, then the most direct means of measuring film index or thickness of the film is by determining the effective index "N." With a prism coupler, "N" can be found by measuring the coupling angle.
Foxp1 is an essential transcriptional regulator for the generation of quiescent naive T cells during thymocyte development.

Proper thymocyte development is required to establish T-cell central tolerance and to generate naive T cells, both of which are essential for T-cell homeostasis and a functional immune system. Here we demonstrate that the loss of transcription factor Foxp1 results in the abnormal development of T cells. Instead of generating naive T cells, Foxp1-deficient single-positive thymocytes acquire an activated phenotype prematurely in the thymus and lead to the generation of peripheral CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells that exhibit an activated phenotype and increased apoptosis and readily produce cytokines upon T-cell receptor engagement. These results identify Foxp1 as an essential transcriptional regulator for thymocyte development and the generation of quiescent naive T cells.
375 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA) IN PREMATURE INFANTS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS)

The increased incidence of PDA in premature infants, especially those with RDS, has been well documented. The occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants with RDS and PDA has been used by some centers as indication for early medical or surgical closure of the PDA. An epidemiologic analysis of 11 variables in 257 infants with RDS treated in 1974-76 was performed to determine specific differences between 47 infants with a PDA and 210 with no PDA. BPD occurred in 11 (22.4%) infants with a PDA and 7 (3.3%) with no PDA (X2=19.59, p=<0.0001). The duration of artificial ventilation and hospitalization was also significantly greater for infants with a PDA. Events that occurred early in the clinical course and before the signs of the PDA developed were chosen for analyses in order to determine if the severity of the RDS was greater in those infant who later developed signs of a PDA. The oxygen requirements at 6 to 36 hours of age showed a significant difference in distribution of Fi02 values toward the higher ranges in the PDA infants. Mechanical ventilation was required in 30/44 (61.2%) of the PDA vs. 60/179 (28.6%) (X2=17.3, p=<0.0001) of the no PDA patients requiring respiratory therapy. The decision for the use of mechanical ventilation in all patients was reached at a mean of 2 days whereas the signs of PDA developed at a mean of 8.4 days. These data indicate the possibility of a common developmental defect that produces marked immaturity of the lune and delay in ductal closure.
Kinematic Evaluation of Snow Shoveling

The objective of this study was to determine how different shovel designs affect trunk motion during snow shoveling. A shovel having a straight shaft and a shovel having a bent shaft were evaluated across three levels of task asymmetry. The primary dependent variables were measures of lumbar position and kinematics in three directions with respect to the spine recorded with a lumbar motion monitor. Ratings of perceived discomfort were also collected. Twelve participants simulated snow shoveling in three different directions with each shovel in a laboratory experiment. Results showed that the bent shovel significantly reduced the lumbar velocity and acceleration in the sagittal plane without affecting motion in the rotational or frontal planes. Most sagittal and rotational motion parameters increased with increasing task asymmetry. The discomfort ratings indicated that the low back, arms and wrist were the body regions most severely affected by the task.
Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to monitor and control experimental laser surgery

We have proposed the use of MRI for monitoring and control of interstitial laser surgery, in order to improve the accuracy and reduce the invasiveness of these procedures. To expand the knowledge base about the MR appearance of laser-induced tissue damage, we applied MR imaging and phosphorus-31 MR spectroscopy to detect the changes induced in various tissues by radiation from an Nd:YAG laser at 1060 nm wavelength delivered interstitially through a fiber optic waveguide. A range of laser energies was applied, and laser pulse parameters were varied. Proton MR images of the laser-produced lesions were compared with the histological appearance in brain and liver tissue of experimental animals. The spatial extent of laser effects differed among tissue types, and this was well reflected on MR images. The distribution of MR signal change resulting from different laser exposures was also demonstrated. Experimental laser surgery was performed in animal brain and bladder. Images taken before, during, and after laser irradiation allowed us to distinguish between reversible thermal and permanent effects. This information was utilized to tailor the destruction of preselected targets while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Qualitative changes were also revealed on phosphorus spectra. Irreversible lesions were characterized by overall line broadening and a decrease in AT?. There was also a large relative increase in the inorganic phosphate region of the spectrum. These demonstrations are a big step toward achieving our ultimate goal, the development of MR-controlled laser surgery.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Local functionals on C∞(G) and probability

Abstract A characterization of local functionals on C ∞ ( G ), the space of real continuous functions with compact supports on a locally compact space G , is given. Such functionals were defined by Gel'fand and Vilenkin, as they occur in the analysis of generalized random processes with independent values. The preceding characterization is then used in a representation of the characteristic functionals of the above processes on C ∞ ( G ), and results analogous to those of Gel'fand and Vilenkin on a Schwartz space are obtained. Since C ∞ ( G ) is not nuclear, this study presents new problems and it largely complements the earlier work.
The Use of Questions in Organizational Consulting

How do organizational consultants use questions as they go about their consulting work? Based on interviews with experienced consultants in France, this article reports their use of schemas or organized sets of questions that they pose to themselves as a guide to action in the moment of consulting, a usage interpreted on the principle of “questioning-in-action.” A comprehensive classification scheme is then introduced to accommodate the various questions that consultants ask about the various things involved in consulting. This scheme of categories and questions is used to analyze the actual questions that consultants are observed to ask, and then it is compared with other conceptual schemes and applied to one detailed consulting case in the literature. The findings are suggested as one means to enhance the understanding and practice of consulting.
New Data and New Directions in Interbranch Lobbying: Congressional Mail Summaries of the George H. W. Bush White House

This article analyzes a unique new set of data (compiled originally by the Bush White House) using mail written to President Bush from members of Congress during the 101st and 102nd Congresses to explore interbranch lobbying. We argue that this data illuminates the relationship between the president and Congress in a new and informative way. We use this data to inform our view of the shared power arrangements (identified as “tandem institutions”) by developing a series of expectations to explore the joint roles of this interaction. Conforming to expectations, we find that requests for presidential action (especially on foreign policy) and the conveyance of congressional opinion (especially on domestic policy) are the top two categories that characterize this relationship. We also find committee chairs or party leaders, who serve as conduits for opinion of their representatives to the president, are also more likely to write the president than rank-and-file members. Further, those members who are ideologically furthest away from the president tend to write to convey information and urge specific action more frequently than those closer to the president. We need a new engagement, too, between the Executive and the Congress. The challenges before us will be thrashed out with the House and the Senate. And we must bring the Federal budget into balance. And we must ensure that America stands before the world united, strong, at peace, and fiscally sound. But of course things may be difficult. We need to compromise; we’ve had dissension. We need harmony; we’ve had a chorus of discordant voices. To my friends—and yes, I do mean friends—in the loyal opposition—and yes, I do mean loyal: I put out my hand. I am putting out my hand to you, Mr. Speaker. I am putting out my hand to you, Mr. Majority Leader. For this is the thing: this is the age of the offered hand. And we can’t turn back clocks, and I don’t want to. But when our fathers were young, Mr. Speaker, our differences ended at the water’s edge. And we don’t wish to turn back time, but when our mothers were young, Mr. Majority Leader, the Congress and the Executive were capable of working together to produce a budget on which this nation could live. Let us negotiate
A beta version of life: p110β takes center stage.

Received: December 24, 2010 , Accepted: December 30, 2010 , Published: December 30, 2010 // The PI3K pathway is frequently activated in tumors, most commonly through p110α mutation or PTEN deletion. In contrast to p110α, p110β is oncogenic when over-expressed in the wild-type state, suggesting that its regulation by p85 is different than that of p110α. In this perspective, we summarize recent data concerning the regulation of p110β, which shows that wild-type p110β acts like an oncogenic mutant of p110α. We also discuss the significance of this altered regulation in tumor models of PTEN deletion, as well as the potential implications of the unique p110β regulation on GPCR-driven tumorigenesis.
Poroviscoelastic Two-Dimensional Anisotropic Solution with Application to Articular Cartilage Testing

The transverse anisotropic poromechanics solution for the two-dimensional Mandel-type problem geometry is extended in this paper to account for the orthotropic nature of the porous media, thus mimicking the response of articular cartilage samples when subjected to load perturbation. The anisotropic solution presented takes into account the viscoelastic and anisotropic nature of the fluid-saturated cartilage specimen sandwiched between two impermeable rigid plates and subjected to quasi-static step loading conditions; thus simulating the unconfined compressive test responses of cartilage samples in biomechanics laboratory setups. The solution addresses the stress, fluid pressure, and displacement results due to load application through exact modeling of the intrinsic nature of the orthotropic viscoelastic matrix structure as well as the compressible interstitial fluid flow responses. Poromechanical parameter characterization and modeling of biological tissues, such as cartilage, will find this analytical solution to the two-dimensional anisotropic poroviscoelastic geometry very useful. This problem will not only serve as a benchmark for validating numerical schemes and simulations but also assist in calibrating laboratory results on biological tissues, including cyclic loadings.