cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
279 CYTOPLASMIC POLYADENYLATION-REGULATED GENE EXPRESSION DURING BOVINE OOCYTE MATURATION

Using RNA-seq of GV and MII oocytes we have described changes in polyadenylated transcript abundance that occur during in vitro bovine oocyte maturation (Reyes J. M., J. L. Chitwood, and P. J. Ross. 2013. Deciphering regulation of transcript abundance in maturing bovine oocytes. Poster session presented at International Plant & Animal Genome XXI. San Diego, CA). These changes can be attributed to transcript degradation, transcription, or transcript polyadenylation levels. The objectives of the present study were to determine the extent of cytoplasmic polyadenylation (CP) by measuring total and polyadenylated transcript abundance and poly(A) tail length in GV and MII oocytes for 8 (CCNB1, CPEB4, DNMT3B, FBXO43, EZH2, GDF9, PRDX2, and PAIP2) genes selected based on RNA-seq results. Oocytes were obtained by aspiration of abattoir-derived ovaries (GV) and in vitro maturation for 24 h (MII). Four pools of 40 oocytes were collected per stage. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) cRNA was spiked into each sample before RNA extraction using the PicoPure RNA Isolation Kit. Extracted RNA was equally divided for cDNA synthesis using either random hexamers or anchored oligo(dT) primers to detect total and polyadenylated transcripts, respectively. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of target genes, EGFP (exogenous control), and PPIA (endogenous control) was performed in duplicate for each replicate and gene. Relative transcript abundance was calculated using the 2[–ΔΔC(T)] method and statistically analysed using the Student's t-test. Transcript poly(A) tail length was determined for all but 2 genes (DNMT3B and EZH2) at the GV and MII stages using rapid amplification of cDNA ends poly(A) test (RACE-PAT). Two replicates of GV (n = 100) and MII (n = 100) pairs were collected to perform RACE-PAT followed by fragment analysis on a Bioanalyzer DNA 1000 chip. Polyadenylated RNA abundance levels matched those of the RNA-seq study for 7/8 genes using both PPIA and EGFP to normalise qPCR data, demonstrating the validity of RNA-seq results. Furthermore, total transcript levels for 6/8 and 7/8 genes remained unchanged when normalized to an endogenous and exogenous control, respectively. Combined, the results suggest a significant role for CP considering changes in polyadenylated transcript levels occur without changes in total RNA abundance. Also, changes in transcript abundance corresponded to differences in poly(A) tail length at the specific stages as determined by RACE-PAT. In conclusion, CP is the predominant mechanism responsible for changes in transcript abundance during oocyte maturation at least for the majority of the examined genes, though more in-depth studies are required to determine the global extent of CP. This study improved the atlas of CP-regulated genes potentially providing researchers with critical knowledge to improve in silico tools that predict genes regulated by CP based on presence, position, and distribution of motifs within the 3′ untranslated region.
Aquaporin 5 regulates cigarette smoke induced emphysema by modulating barrier and immune properties of the epithelium

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes significant morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoke, the most common risk factor for COPD, induces airway and alveolar epithelial barrier permeability and initiates an innate immune response. Changes in abundance of aquaporin 5 (AQP5), a water channel, can affect epithelial permeability and immune response after cigarette smoke exposure. To determine how AQP5-derived epithelial barrier modulation affects epithelial immune response to cigarette smoke and development of emphysema, WT and AQP5−/− mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). We measured alveolar cell counts and differentials, and assessed histology, mean-linear intercept (MLI), and surface-to-volume ratio (S/V) to determine severity of emphysema. We quantified epithelial-derived signaling proteins for neutrophil trafficking, and manipulated AQP5 levels in an alveolar epithelial cell line to determine specific effects on neutrophil transmigration after CS exposure. We assessed paracellular permeability and epithelial turnover in response to CS. In contrast to WT mice, AQP5−/− mice exposed to 6 months of CS did not demonstrate a significant increase in MLI or a significant decrease in S/V compared with air-exposed mice, conferring protection against emphysema. After sub-acute (4 weeks) and chronic (6 mo) CS exposure, AQP5−/− mice had fewer alveolar neutrophil but similar lung neutrophil numbers as WT mice. The presence of AQP5 in A549 cells, an alveolar epithelial cell line, was associated with increase neutrophil migration after CS exposure. Compared with CS-exposed WT mice, neutrophil ligand (CD11b) and epithelial receptor (ICAM-1) expression were reduced in CS-exposed AQP5−/− mice, as was secreted LPS-induced chemokine (LIX), an epithelial-derived neutrophil chemoattractant. CS-exposed AQP5−/− mice demonstrated decreased type I pneumocytes and increased type II pneumocytes compared with CS-exposed WT mice suggestive of enhanced epithelial repair. Absence of AQP5 protected against CS-induced emphysema with reduced epithelial permeability, neutrophil migration, and altered epithelial cell turnover which may enhance repair.
Cardiovascular applications of magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a completely noninvasive modality that has shown significant promise for the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Our imaging technique employed electrocardiographic (ECG) gating, which resulted in well-resolved images of the cardiac structures. Patients and animals with a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities were also assessed with this technique; the abnormalities included acute and remote myocardial infarctions and their sequelae, atherosclerotic plaques, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pericardial diseases, and aneurysms. The diagnostic utility of MRI includes direct tissue characterization, and such utility may be further extended by the use of paramagnetic contrast media. In addition, metabolic imaging of elements other than hydrogen may further increase the clinical potential of MRI for assessment of the cardiovascular system.
Properties of the major glycoprotein of the beef erythrocyte membrane.

Abstract The major glycoprotein of the beef erythrocyte membrane has been isolated It has a molecular weight of about 180000, of which 38% is protein and 62% is carbohydrate. The carbohydrate portion consists of hexosamine (25% of the dry weight of the glycoprotein), hexose (22%) and sialic acid (16%). The polypeptide portion is characterized by an abundance of serine and threonine residues.
Comparison of methods of parameric correction for evaluating metamerism

In practice, most metameric pairs do not achieve colorimetric equality for a set of reference conditions. These parameric pairs are composed of a residual color difference and a metameric difference. Three techniques have been used to correct this residual color difference: an additive correction in L*a*b*, a multiplicative correction in XYZ (recommended by the CIE), and parameric decomposition where the batch's spectrum is adjusted. Parameric decomposition can be viewed as batch correction using three “colorants” (process primaries) where the color-mixing model is linear in reflectance. Most often, Cohen and Kappauf's Matrix R technique is used where the primaries are color matching functions. Alternative primaries were derived from a Munsell Book of Color and an automotive paint system using principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA). 1,152 parameric pairs about 24 color centers were synthesized using the paint system and Kubelka–Munk turbid-media theory. Each parameric pair was corrected to a metameric pair using these methods. Spectral accuracy was evaluated by comparing the corrected spectra to metameric reference spectra calculated using Kubelka–Munk batch correction. The Matrix R technique had the worst spectral accuracy under the reference conditions while both PCA and ICA had similar and reasonable accuracy. The special index of metamerism, change in illuminant, was calculated for each parameric pair using these various correction techniques to achieve colorimetric equality. The Matrix R and CIE-recommended multiplicative techniques were statistically significantly worse than parameric decomposition using Munsell Book of Color PCA and ICA and automotive ICA process primaries. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 293–303, 2007
Untangling the Recreational Value of Wild and Hatchery Salmon

Abstract Many Pacific salmon populations have declined to levels that have prompted their listing under the Endangered Species Act. In order to protect these populations and provide harvest opportunities for recreational anglers, the fishery is often managed with separate regulations for wild and hatchery salmon. This article examines how the value of recreational fishing is affected by changes in wild and hatchery salmon regulations and catch rates in the Northwest region of the US. Using a discrete choice experiment, we estimate saltwater fishing trip preferences. We integrate the estimated preferences with auxiliary creel data in order to conduct simulations of willingness to pay that vary in bag limits and catch rates, conditioning on current fishery conditions. We find statistically significant differences between the recreational values for wild and hatchery salmon, and our simulations highlight the fact that these differences depend on baseline levels of catch rates and bag limits. JEL Classificati...
An Economic Analysis of Public School Choice Plans

Abstract The paper considers a school choice plan, open enrollment, that allows students and their parents to attend public schools across school districts or communities. The analysis characterizes possible equilibrium outcomes under open enrollment and discusses the effects of open enrollment on the quality of school and on the welfare of families. In addition, the paper addresses the effects of open enrollment on competition between schools and their implications.
Anatomical basis for an apparent paradox concerning conduction velocities of two identified axons in Aplysia.

Larger axons usually have faster conduction velocities, lower thresholds, and larger extracellular action potentials than smaller axons. However, it has been shown that the largest fiber, R2, in the right pleurovisceral connective of the marine mollusc, Aplysia, has a higher threshold and a slower conduction velocity than does the smaller axon of cell RI, even though the amplitude of R2's spike is larger than R1's spike. One explanation of this apparent parodox is that the two axons have different "intrinsic membrane and axoplasmic constants" (Goldman, L. (1961), J. Cell Comp. Physiol. 57: 185-191). However, the deep infolding of R2's axonal membrane suggested that differences in the shape of the two axons might also account for the paradox. Accordingly, we measured the conduction velocities of the two axons and then examined the same axons in the electron microscope in order to measure their volumes and surface areas. Our morphological observations indicate that the extensive infolding of surface membrane causes R2 to have a smaller volume to surface area ratio than R1. Thus, since conduction velocity is proportional to the square root of the volume to surface area ratio (Hodgkin, A.L. (1954), J. Physiol. 125: 221-224), it is predictable that the smaller axon would have a faster conduction velocity. The results suggest that the paradoxical conduction velocities can be explained largely as resulting from differences in the shapes of the two axons. However, certain discrepancies between the measured and the predicted values suggest that other factors are contributing as well.
Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule contains a novel beta-sandwich in contact with a partially ordered domain.

Abstract Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule (FAIM) is a soluble cytosolic protein inhibitor of programmed cell death and is found in organisms throughout the animal kingdom. A short isoform of FAIM is expressed in all tissue types, while an alternatively spliced long isoform is specifically expressed in the brain. Here, the short isoform is shown to consist of two independently folding domains in contact with each other. The NMR solution structure of the C-terminal domain of murine FAIM is solved in isolation and revealed to be a novel protein fold, a noninterleaved seven-stranded β-sandwich. The structure and sequence reveal several residues that are likely to be involved in functionally significant interactions with the N-terminal domain or other binding partners. Chemical shift perturbation is used to elucidate contacts made between the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain.
ASSOCIATIVE REACTION TIMES AS A FUNCTION OF ASSOCIATION VALUE OF NONSENSE SYLLABLE STIMULI

In scaling nonsense syllables for "meaningfulness" or "associacion value" the usual procedure involves frequency or probability measures of response to the syllables. It was the purpose of the presenr experiment to determine if a latency measure (associative reaction time) might provide similar results. METHOD Subjects and aFpara.tus.-Eighteen volunteer male students from introductory psychology sections served individually as Ss. Each S sat about 12 in. in front of a vertical 24- X 42-in. board, behind which E was seated. Just below S's eye level in the board there was an opening 3- X 54/2-in. through which S could observe a single 4- X 6-in. card with a single nonsense syllable typed on it in capital letters. The card was exposed by E's pulling aside a sliding panel, which simultaneously started a timer E could stop manually. Procedzme and experimental design.-Each S was given a standard set of written instructions which E clarified as necessary. The gist of these was that S was (1) to be shown a series of %letter nonsense syllables, one at a time, (2) to pronounce each syllable to himself immediately, then to give the first association to it as quickly as possible, (3) to give a real word as the associacion, to avoid clang associations, and to consider any response "correct." It was also pointed out thar the purpose of the study was to assign certain numerical values to the syllables themselves. Afcer S indicated he understood the instructions, he was given a practice series of 10 common three-Letter words (e.g., cat) immediately prior to starting the experiment proper. The nonsense syllables were rhe 320 used by Hull ( 1933) and later revalued by Ttapp and Kausler ( 1959). The total 320 was divided into nine blocks, 8 of 35 syllables each and 1 of 40 syllables. The order within each of the blocks remained constanc, but the blocks were counterbalanced. With 18 Ss, there were, thus, cwo sets of counterbalanced orders for the nine blocks. For each syllable, E (1) placed the appropriate card in a slot behind the aperture, (2) slid back the panel for S to see the card (and thus starred rhe timer), (3) stopped the timer when S responded, (4) recorded the time and response. The entire session took about 75 min., with 5-min. breaks after the 105th and 210th syllables.
Engineered alginate hydrogels for effective microfluidic capture and release of endothelial progenitor cells from whole blood.

Microfluidic adhesion-based cell separation systems are of interest in clinical and biological applications where small sample volumes must be processed efficiently and rapidly. While the ability to capture rare cells from complex suspensions such as blood using microfluidic systems has been demonstrated, few methods exist for rapid and nondestructive release of the bound cells. Such detachment is critical for applications in tissue engineering and cell-based therapeutics in contrast with diagnostics wherein immunohistochemical, proteomic, and genomic analyses can be carried out by simply lysing captured cells. This paper demonstrates how the incorporation of four-arm amine-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules along with antibodies within alginate hydrogels can enhance the ability of the hydrogels to capture endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from whole human blood. The hydrogel coatings are applied conformally onto pillar structures within microfluidic channels and their dissolution with a c...
Infrared imagery of ‘breaking’ internal waves

Abstract Airborne infrared imagery is shown to provide preliminary evidence of surface thermal expressions associated with internal waves that become unstable and break over the continental shelf. These expressions include a narrow wave front that is warmer than the ambient; a wide, spatially intermittent ‘wake’ that is colder than the ambient; and ∼ O (10 m) diameter surface-renewal ‘boils’ that populate the wake. These thermal signatures might be useful in assessing the spatial distribution and structure of breaking internal waves.
The systematics of muon capture in an independent-particle shell model

The total muon capture rate has been calculated in a closure approximation for a large number of heavy nuclei. The nuclear model chosen is that of A independent particles (Z protons and N neutrons) in the ground state of an infinite spherical well potential. This model correctly reproduces the low neutrino momentum behavior deduced by Foldy and Walecka but leads to values of the total capture rate in disagreement with experiment. The values predicted for the weak interaction coupling constants assuming reasonable values for the average momentum of the emitted neutrinos are about two-thirds of the conventional values or, if one accepts the conventional coupling constants, the necessary neutrino momentum is found to be about 10% less than one would expect. The possible causes of this and previous discrepancies are discussed, and it is concluded that difficulties associated with nuclear physics (the closure approximation and the choice of a proper shell-model potential and an appropriate average neutrino momentum) are the most likely sources of error. The effect of the radial variation of the muon wave function on the capture rate is examined closely and found to be less than 10% for all nuclei.
A PROBABILISTIC MODEL OF THE FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS IN A FLOW REACTOR

Abstract The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is usually carried out in flow reactors, such as fluidized-bed and bubble column slurry reactors. The nature of multiphase flow together with the well-known random nature of chemical reactions renders the performances of such flow reactors stochastic. In this work, stochastic processes, more specifically continuous time Markov chains, are employed for analyzing and modeling both the dispersive mixing and chemical kinetics in a flow reactor for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The model predicts the distributions of products inside as well as outside the reactor at any time Under a steady state operation, the model gives rise to the Flory equation. Other results include expressions for predicting the mole fraction of chains with j carbon atoms inside and outside the reactor. This approach can be applied to both time homogeneous and heterogeneous processes.
Variation in number of small intensely fluorescent cells (SIF cells) in rat superior cervical ganglia.

Abstract The number of small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells in the right and left superior cervical ganglia was determined by a direct counting method after various treatments. The SIF cell numbers in untreated ganglia varied widely from ganglion to ganglion, (26 to 274 cells per ganglion). A small but consistent difference in cell numbers between the left and right ganglia was observed. Pretreatment in vitro with bethanechol alone, or bethanechol plus dopamine did not significantly change the number of SIF cells. However, pretreatment of rats with reserpine at 48, 24, and 12 h prior to killing caused a significant decrease in the number of SIF cells which exhibited a bright fluorescence. These results show that bethanechol did not selectively deplete SIF cells in rat ganglia as has been demonstrated for rabbit ganglia. On the other hand, adequate doses of reserpine severely depleted SIF cells of their catecholamine content.
What Makes Rational Peasants Revolutionary? Dilemma, Paradox, and Irony in Peasant Collective Action

Peasant upheavals are studied from the perspective offered by the selective incentives solution to Olson's collective action problem. This article presents much evidence from three different forms of peasant struggles—everyday forms of peasant resistance, unorganized rural movements, and organized peasant rebellions—that demonstrates the widespread existence of selective incentives. Questions about the causes and consequences of selective incentives are then examined. First, what are the conditions under which peasant struggles emphasize material selective incentives rather than nonmaterial altruistic appeals? The level of selective incentives in any peasant upheaval is a function of demand and supply considerations. Peasants demand selective incentives. The suppliers include one or more dissident peasant organizations, the authorities, and the allies of both. A political struggle ensues as the suppliers compete and attempt to monopolize the market. Second, what are the conditions under which the pursuit of material self-interest hurts rather than helps the peasantry's collective cause? Selective incentives supplemented by ideology can be effective; selective incentives alone are counterproductive.These questions and answers lead to the conclusion that the selective incentives solution reveals much more about peasant upheavals than simply that peasants will often be concerned with their own material self-interest. It is therefore important to study the following three aspects of peasant collective action: the dilemma peasants face, or how peasant resistance is in the interest of all peasants but in the self-interest of none; the paradox peasants face, or that rational peasants do solve their dilemma (for example, with selective incentives) and participate in collective action; and the irony peasants face, or that self-interest is both at the root of their dilemma and at the foundation of a solution to their paradox.
Acute injury immediately post atrial fibrillation ablation defined by MRI

Catheter ablation is effective in symptomatic, drug refractory atrial fibrillation and can result in cure but success rates vary significantly with recurrences ranging from 40-86%. In the months following ablation, LA wall scarring on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is useful for determining the location and extent of injury and has been used to guide follow up ablation to 'close the gaps' after unsuccessful PVAI. More recently, imaging acute ablation injury using double inversion recovery (DIR) sequences has been shown feasible and has generated interest for its potential clinical value in guiding ablations.
Building a distributed full-text index for the Web

We identify crucial design issues in building a distributed inverted index for a large collection of Web pages. We introduce a novel pipelining technique for structuring the core index-building system that substantially reduces the index construction time. We also propose a storage scheme for creating and managing inverted files using an embedded database system. We suggest and compare different strategies for collecting global statistics from distributed inverted indexes. Finally, we present performance results from experiments on a testbed distributed Web indexing system that we have implemented.
Coming to the Nuisance: Revisiting Spur in a Model of Location Choice

Building on recent work of Pitchford and Snyder (PS, 2003), this article models effects of alternative property rights regimes on sequential location decisions of two players. A new resident decides whether to "come to the nuisance" by locating next to an existing business or to locate elsewhere where there are no negative externalities between occupants. Faced with a new resident, the existing business can relocate. Once situated, local residents bargain to address negative externalities. However, location decisions are non-contractible. In this setting--contrary to PS--the first best is achieved by allocating property rights to the first party, entitling the initial resident to full compensation for damages. This rule is consistent with the Spur Industries decision. Allocating property rights to second parties excessively encourages residents to "come to the nuisance," whereas stronger first-party rights (injunctive or exclusion) excessively deter nuisances from moving to areas less prone to external harm. (JEL K11, K32, D62, D23) The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Yale University. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.
A within-subject comparison of the effects of morphine on lateral hypothalamic and central gray self-stimulation☆

The effects of chronic administration of morphine (20 mg/kg) on self-stimulation (SS) of the central gray and lateral hypothalamus were investigated in a within-subject design. The magnitude and time course of the drug-produced changes in SS at the two placements were similar within subjects but varied substantially across subjects. These results are interpreted in the light of evidence pertaining to the anatomical linkage of the substrates for the rewarding effects of central gray and lateral hypothalamic stimulation. The facilitation of SS may be due to a drug-produced sensitization of reward-related neurons. If so, morphine acts either beyond the point of convergence of the two substrates or at an earlier stage in each substrate. The across-subject variability is attributed to individual differences in sensitivity to the effects of the drug. The importance of controlling for this subject variable is stressed.
Chronic disease among seventh-day adventists, a low-risk group. Rationale, methodology, and description of the population

The Adventist Health Study is a prospective cohort study of 34,198 non-Hispanic white Seventh-day Adventists (13,857 men; 20,341 women, age 25-100 years) followed for 6 years (1977-1982). Within this population, 55.2% were lacto-ovovegetarian (consumed meat, poultry, or fish less than one time per week with no restrictions as to egg or dairy product consumption) in 1976 and most abstained from alcohol, tobacco, and pork products. Baseline data included demographic variables, information on current and past dietary habits, exercise patterns, use of prescription drugs, use of alcohol and tobacco, measures of religiosity, occupation and residential histories, anthropometric data, and menstrual and reproductive histories. Nonfatal case ascertainment was completed through review of self-reported hospitalizations obtained from annual self-administered mailed questionnaires and through computerized record linkage with two California population-based tumor registries. Fatal case ascertainment was completed via record linkage with computerized California state death certificate files, the National Death Index, and individual follow-up. During the 6 years of follow-up, 52.8% of the 34,198 study subjects reported at least one hospitalization. A total of 20,702 medical charts were reviewed for cancer and cardiovascular disease incidence and 1406 incident cancer cases and 2716 deaths from all causes were identified after baseline data collection.
THE KENTUCKY LONGEVITY INFORMATION SYSTEM (K.L.I.S. )

This paper introduces the Kentucky Longevity Information System (or K.L.I.S.). This cybernetic system (i.e., system controlled through communication) was designed to facilitate multidisciplinary integration in an effort to determine the factors that contribute to differential longevity in a human population. In addition to providing an overview of the Kentucky Longevity Project, the authors discuss the theoretical steersman for the design, the development lifecycle of the information system, present an example of how K.L.I.S. is used, and briefly elaborate on what the relevance of such a system might be.
Reliability and Validity of A Breast Self-Examination Proficiency Rating Instrument:

A college laboratory was used as the setting to test the reliability and validity of a newly designed Breast Self-Examination Proficiency Rating Instrument (BSEPRI). The instrument was tested on two groups of nursing students, one instructed prior to testing and one not. BSE proficiency was scored individually for each subject as she demonstrated the procedure on a breast simulation model. Independent sample t tests were used to compare the groups. Mean scores of the instructed group were significantly higher than mean scores of the uninstructed group on the total test and on subscales of palpation and inspection. Criterion-referenced concurrent validity was assessed by correlating palpation scores with lump detection in a silicone model. Interrater reliability using percentage agreement between raters was high on 19 out of 23 criteria. Kuder-Richardson internal reliability coefficients ranged from .67 to .74.
Three Dimensional Reconstruction of the Native Cardiac Thin Filament Decorated with Myosin-Binding Protein C Fragment: Implications for Cardiac Regulation

Mutations in the genes encoding myosin, the molecular motor that powers cardiac muscle contraction, and its accessory protein, cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C (cMyBP-C), are the two most common causes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). While much is known regarding the structure and function of myosin, relatively little is known regarding how cMyBP-C interacts with the myosin or the thin filament (TF) to affect cardiac contraction. cMyBP-C is comprised of 11 Ig- or Fn- like folded domains numbered C0-C10 starting from the N-terminus. The N-terminal portion of cMyBP-C is composed of three actin binding Ig-domains (C0, C1 and C2), the PA linker between domains C0 and C1 and the M linker between domains C1 and C2. We have used cryo electron microscopy and image processing to classify the filaments as to whether they contain tropomyosin and either domains C0, C1 or all three proteins in addition to actin. This approach reveals the position of the C0-C1 tandem Ig-domains on the surface of the native cardiac thin filaments (TF). Both the C0 and C1 domains bind to multiple sites on F-actin, but each domain has its preferred site of binding on the TF when both Ig-domains are present. Despite a low amino acid identity (27%) between C0 and C1 both Ig-domains bind to F-actin in the TF through a conserved region. Our data also demonstrate that only the C1 domain directly interacts with the tropomyosin, and that this interaction influences the mode of binding of the tandem Ig-domain to F-actin. We propose a model of how C0 and C1 domains of cMyBP-C activate the TF and the role of the PA linker in the activation mechanism.
Pyrrolobenzimidazoles in cancer treatment

This review presents a discussion of the design, chemistry, cytotoxicity and antitumour activity of agents based on the pyrrolobenzimidazole or azomitosene ring system. The focus is the 6-aziridinylquinone derivatives (PBIs) and 6-acetamidoquinone derivatives (APBIs) of this ring system (see Figure 1). Comparisons will be made with related benzimidazole and indole-based antitumour agent systems reported in the patent literature. The pyrrolobenzimidazoles will be shown to represent a new and useful class of antitumour agent with advantages over other such agents. The 6-aziridinyl derivatives (PBIs) alkylate and cleave DNA upon two-electron reduction as a result of phosphate alkylation by the protonated aziridine ring. In contrast, the 6-acetamido quinone derivatives (APBIs) do not require reductive activation to exert cytotoxicity. The 6-acetamido quinone derivatives act as DNA intercalating agents and inhibit the first step of topoisomerase II-mediated DNA relaxation. Some PBIs were found to exhibit high ...
Recombination Statistics for Neutron Bombarded Silicon Transistors

This paper presents a recombination statistical model for the neutron-induced base current component reported previously. The derivation was based on the following: 1) the current equation for the induced current component developed previously; 2) the Shockley-Read-Hall statistics for holes and electrons; and 3) the recombination statistics derived by Sah, Noyce and Shockley for sites in the bulk space-charge region. The recombination statistics model depends on the diffusion potential, the junction voltage, the activation energy, temperature, and the ratio of capture cross-sections for holes and electrons. The utility of such a recombination statistical model is illustrated by using measured parameters to predict the neutron-induced base current for p-n junction transistors and by comparing the results with measured base currents. Further, the temperature variation of the reciprocal slope term is calculated from the model and found to agree well with experiment.
Interaction between morphine and norketamine enantiomers in rodent models of nociception.

Abstract Ketamine, one of a few clinically-available N -Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists, is known to improve the analgesic efficacy of opioids in humans and rodents. However, the use of ketamine in combination with opioids is mainly restricted to the perioperative setting, due to severe psychotomimetic, sedative and motor side effects. Recent data from our laboratory demonstrated that a major metabolite of ketamine, norketamine, in particular the S(+) enantiomer, had a better antinociception/side effects profile than ketamine in rats. It is unknown if norketamine affects opioid antinociception. In the present study, morphine (a low dose) was combined with S(+)- and R(−)-norketamine (sub-antinociceptive doses) and characterized utilizing rodent models of pain including: thermal nociception (the tail-flick test), peripheral neuropathy (chronic constriction nerve injury) and tonic inflammatory pain (the formalin test). The data showed that: 1) Norketamine enhanced morphine antinociception and blocked tolerance to this effect; 2) Norketamine potentiated morphine effectiveness in the alleviation of symptoms resulting from injury to nerve (mechanical hyperalgesia, tactile allodynia) and peripheral tissue (formalin-induced nociceptive behavior); 3) S(+)-norketamine was more potent than R(−)-norketamine; 4) Antinociception was not confounded by significant side effects. Morphine-S(+)-norketamine combination drug therapy may prove clinically useful for the alleviation of acute and chronic pain of differing etiology.
Liquid viscosities above the normal boiling point for methane, ethane, propane, and n‐butane

Viscosities, obtained with a falling-cylinder viscometer, are presented for liquid methane, ethane, and propane from their normal boiling points to their critical points and for n-butane from its normal boiling point to 100°C. The data of this study are compared with those of other investigators. The experimental viscosities of this study are correlated within ± 5% over the reduced-temperature range from 0.65 to 0.95 by means of a modified Smith-Brown correlation. The Grunberg-Nissan equation for estimating the critical viscosity was tested with the experimentally determined critical viscosities of this study and was found satisfactory.
Student Leadership: A Phenomenological Exploration of Postsecondary Experiences

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the subjective experience of college students in leadership. Six participants, 4 females and 2 males, from a large, southeastern university were interviewed regarding their experiences; each response was transcribed and thematically analyzed to identify a perceptual background, as well as prominent figural themes through which the participants' experiences could be described. Three interrelated themes, people, action, and organization emerged from the ground of positive experience. Through examination of students' experiences in leadership roles, aspects of motivation, skills-building, and interacting personality variables may be more specifically targeted for future investigation.
The neuropeptide Y Y1 antagonist, 1229U91, a potent agonist for the human pancreatic polypeptide-preferring (NPY Y4) receptor.

Abstract Schober, D. A., A. M. Van Abbema, D. L. Smiley, R. F. Bruns and D. R. Gehlert. The neuropeptide Y Y1 antagonist, 1229U91, a potent agonist for the human pancreatic polypeptide-preferring (NPY Y4) receptor. Peptides 19(3) 537–542, 1998.—Recently, a novel high-affinity peptide antagonist, 1229U91, was published as a selective neuropeptide Y Y1 antagonist. The selectivity of 1229U91 was evaluated in the human NPY Y1 receptor containing cell line, SK-N-MC, and cells containing the cloned human NPY Y2, the pancreatic polypeptide-preferring (NPY Y4), and the NPY Y5 receptors. 1229U91 potently displaced [125I]-peptide YY (PYY) binding to human NPY Y1 receptors (IC50 = 0.245 ± 0.004 nM, n = 4), but displayed little affinity for the human NPY Y2 and Y5 receptors (IC50 > 1000 nM). Interestingly, 1229U91 displaced [125I]-PYY with even greater affinity at the human NPY Y4 receptor (IC50 = 0.081 ± 0.009 nM, n = 4). Using a cyclic AMP accumulation assay, 1229U91 blocked NPY inhibition of forskolin-induced adenylate cyclase activity in NPY Y1 receptor containing SK-N-MC cells. In the human NPY Y4 receptor expressing cell line, 1229U91 did not block pancreatic polypeptide (PP) inhibition of forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase. However, in the absence of PP, 1229U91 was able to inhibit forskolin stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation (IC50 = 7.16 ± 2.8 nM, n = 4). We conclude that 1229U91 binds non-selectively with high affinity to both human NPY Y1 and Y4 receptors. Furthermore, 1229U91 displays antagonist activity at the NPY Y1 receptor, while having agonist activity at the NPY Y4 receptor.
Programmed DNA elimination in multicellular organisms

Genetic information typically remains constant in all cells throughout the life cycle of most organisms. However, there are exceptions where DNA elimination is an integral, developmental program for some organisms, associated with generating distinct germline versus somatic genomes. Programmed DNA elimination occurs in unicellular ciliates and diverse metazoa ranging from nematodes to vertebrates. DNA elimination can occur through chromosome breakage and selective loss of chromosome regions or the elimination of individual chromosomes. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that DNA elimination is a novel form of gene silencing, dosage compensation, and sex determination. Further identification of the eliminated sequences, genome changes, and in depth characterization of this phenomenon in diverse metazoans is needed to shed new light on the functions and mechanisms of this regulated process.
Groove binding of a styrylcyanine dye to the DNA double helix : the salt effect

Abstract The cationic styryl dye DSMI binds to the double helical DNA with a high affinity. A red shift of the absorption spectrum and hypochromism accompany the binding of DSMI to calf thymus DNA. The fluorescence yields increase dramatically when DSMI binds to DNA, with no shifts in the emission maximum. These spectral changes are in contrast to the behavior observed with many fluorescent intercalators. Groove binding rather than intercalation of the dye was suggested to be the cause of these spectral changes, based on a variety of experimental results. Consistent with groove binding, the fluorescence enhancements were greater with poly(dA—dT) when compared with poly(dG—dC). The addition of salt or a strong electrolyte to the solution releases the DNA-bound dye cations from the groove and causes a decrease in the fluorescence yield. Therefore, when the dye binds to DNA, the fluorescence quenching with anionic quenchers was enhanced dramatically, in contrast to the expected protection of the probe fluorescence by the DNA helix. Binding of DSMI to DNA inhibits the non-radiative deactivation of the excited state, perhaps owing to the restriction imposed by the narrow minor groove of the DNA. The steric constraints imposed on the dye owing to the binding in the groove result in enhanced fluorescence yields and longer fluorescence lifetimes. Since the lifetimes of the DNA-bound dye were still in the nanosecond range, it is very likely that groove binding of the dye permits twisting in the excited state, which may be important in the excited state dynamics of this class of dyes. The large fluorescence enhancements observed when DSMI binds to the helix and the poor fluorescence yield of the dye in the absence of DNA suggests that DSMI should be quite useful in the staining of DNA gels and for the detection of very low concentrations of DNA.
“I'll Take Ideology for $200, Alex”: Using the Game Show Jeopardy To Facilitate Sociological and Critical Thinking

One of the unique promises of sociology is to illuminate the intersection of the per sonal and public by encouraging largely individually-oriented students to examine interrelationships between themselves and the social world (Mills 1959). This can be an especially challenging task when teach ing introductory sociology courses that are populated largely by first-year students who enrolled to satisfy a general education re quirement and are probably getting their first and last taste of sociology. The assign ment described here (see Attachment A) asks these students to find, describe, and explain underlying themes common to American education and the television game show, Jeopardy! I have found that relying on students' enormous store of concrete experiences related to school and television watching helps this assignment fulfill sociol ogy's distinctive promise in a lively, engag
The informational efficiency of bonds and stocks: The role of institutional sized bond trades

Abstract We compare the informational efficiency of bond and stock markets. For speculative-grade firms, we find a higher degree of response to earnings surprises from institutional bond trades than from retail bond trades, but we don't see evidence that institutional bond trades react more quickly than retail bond trades. Bond trades are slower than stock trades in reacting to earnings surprises. Over the entire sample period, we find that for speculative-grade firms, the predictability of stock returns by bond returns can be improved when only institutional bond trades are considered. The observation, however, does not hold for investment-grade firms.
The simulation of the neutron diffusion equations over many decades

This paper describes the simulation of a nuclear re actor system using the neutron diffusion equations coupled to the thermodynamic and mechanical equations. In this coupling, representation of the diffusion equation presents considerable difficulty when large power excursions are being simulated. This difficul ty arises from the diverse response times (from 10-8to 10-1second) of the coupled equations of the system. In this paper a transformation of the dif fusion equations is developed which permits coupling them to mechanical and thermodynamic equations of much slower response times, thus eliminating the difficulties previously encountered in simulating these coupled sets of equations.In the transformation, time is the continuous vari able and energy and space are made discrete. The reactor core is divided into concentric cylindrical regions and the energy is divided into bands. The transformtion involves using natural logarithm of the neutron flux in the center region as a refer ence and determining th...
Measurements by airplane of electric charge passing vertically through thunderstorms to ground

The electric current passing vertically through thunderstorms has been measured above the thunderheads with apparatus mounted on a B-29 airplane. The direction of the resulting current, in all cases, was such as to maintain the negative charge found over the fair-weather region of the earth. The average magnitude of the current per storm was one ampere, an amount required of the average storm if the fair-weather charge is to be maintained through thunderstorm activity. Other results obtained are summarized at the end of the article.
Radiation-associated hyperparathyroidism: comparison of adenoma growth rates, inferred from weight and duration of latency, with prevalence of mitosis.

In sporadic parathyroid adenomas, the birth rate of new cells, based on the proportion of S-phase cells at the time of surgical excision, is much too low to account for growth of the tumor from a single cell, as is required by monoclonal origin, even if the mutation occurred in utero, indicating that the rate of cell proliferation has slowed down during the course of the disease. In radiation-associated hyperparathyroidism, the age at irradiation provides a more accurate upper limit to the age of the tumor. The purpose of this study was to relate this age to the prevalence of mitosis as an alternative index of current cell proliferation. In 56 such patients, the geometric mean for the minimum cell birth rate needed for growth from a single cell to the observed size in the time available was 54.4%. In 44 patients, including 31 of the previous 56 and an additional 13, sampling an average of 220,000 cell profiles, 15 mitoses were found, an overall prevalence of 0.15/10(5), which corresponds to a cell birth r...
Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 Sensory Box Protein Involved in Aerobic and Anoxic Growth

Although little is known of potential function for conserved signaling proteins, it is hypothesized that such proteins play important roles to coordinate cellular responses to environmental stimuli. In order to elucidate the function of a putative sensory box protein (PAS domains) in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, the physiological role of SO3389 was characterized. The predicted open reading frame (ORF) encodes a putative sensory box protein that has PAS, GGDEF, and EAL domains, and an in-frame deletion mutant was constructed (ΔSO3389) with approximately 95% of the ORF deleted. Under aerated conditions, wild-type and mutant cultures had similar growth rates, but the mutant culture had a lower growth rate under static, aerobic conditions. Oxygen consumption rates were lower for mutant cultures (1.5-fold), and wild-type cultures also maintained lower dissolved oxygen concentrations under aerated growth conditions. When transferred to anoxic conditions, the mutant did not grow with fumarate, iron(III), or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as electron acceptors. Biochemical assays demonstrated the expression of different c-type cytochromes as well as decreased fumarate reductase activity in the mutant transferred to anoxic growth conditions. Transcriptomic studies showed the inability of the mutant to up-express and down-express genes, including c-type cytochromes (e.g., SO4047/SO4048, SO3285/SO3286), reductases (e.g., SO0768, SO1427), and potential regulators (e.g., SO1329). The complemented strain was able to grow when transferred from aerobic to anoxic growth conditions with the tested electron acceptors. The modeled structure for the SO3389 PAS domains was highly similar to the crystal structures of FAD-binding PAS domains that are known O2/redox sensors. Based on physiological, genomic, and bioinformatic results, we suggest that the sensory box protein, SO3389, is an O2/redox sensor that is involved in optimization of aerobic growth and transitions to anoxia in S. oneidensis MR-1.
Constructing a Supranational Constitution: Dispute Resolution and Governance in the European Community

We present a theory of European legal integration that relies on three causal factors: transnational exchange, triadic dispute resolution, and the production of legal norms. After stating the theory in abstract terms, we explain the construction of the legal system and test the relationship among our three variables over the life of the European Community. We then examine the effect of the EC legal system on policy outcomes at both the national and supranational levels in two policy domains: the free movement of goods and gender equality. Our theory outperforms its leading rival, intergovernmentalism. The evidence shows that European integration has generally been driven by transnational activity and the efforts of EC institutions to reduce transaction costs, behavior which governments react to but do not control.