cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary instability of ectomycorrhizal symbioses in basidiomycetes

Mycorrhizae, the symbiotic associations of plant roots and fungal hyphae, are classic examples of mutualisms. In these ecologically important associations, the fungi derive photosynthetic sugars from their plant hosts, which in turn benefit from fungus-mediated uptake of mineral nutrients. Early views on the evolution of symbioses suggested that all long-term, intimate associations tend to evolve toward mutualism. Following this principle, it has been suggested that mycorrhizal symbioses are the stable derivatives of ancestral antagonistic interactions involving plant parasitic fungi1. Alternatively, mutualisms have been interpreted as inherently unstable reciprocal parasitisms, which can be disrupted by conflicts of interest among the partners2,3,4,5. To determine the number of origins of mycorrhizae, and to assess their evolutionary stability, it is necessary to understand the phylogenetic relationships of the taxa involved. Here we present a broad phylogenetic analysis of mycorrhizal and free-living homobasidiomycetes (mushroom-forming fungi). Our results indicate that mycorrhizal symbionts with diverse plant hosts have evolved repeatedly from saprotrophic precursors, but also that there have been multiple reversals to a free-living condition. These findings suggest that mycorrhizae are unstable, evolutionarily dynamic associations.
The plasma sheet boundary and Kp

The concepts discussed in this paper were originally inspired by Brice from his early discussions on plasma flow in the magnetosphere (Brice, 1967).
Cyclic di‐GMP inhibits Vibrio cholerae motility by repressing induction of transcription and inducing extracellular polysaccharide production

Summary Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) controls the transition between sessility and motility in many bacterial species. This regulation is achieved by a variety of mechanisms including alteration of transcription initiation and inhibition of flagellar function. How c-di-GMP inhibits the motility of Vibrio cholerae has not been determined. FlrA, a homologue of the c-di-GMP binding Pseudomonas aeruginosa motility regulator FleQ, is the master regulator of the V. cholerae flagellar biosynthesis regulon. Here we show that binding of c-di-GMP to FlrA abrogates binding of FlrA to the promoter of the flrBC operon, deactivating expression of the flagellar biosynthesis regulon. FlrA does not regulate expression of extracellular Vibrio polysaccharide (VPS) synthesis genes. Mutation of the FlrA amino acids R135 and R176 to histidine abrogates binding of c-di-GMP to FlrA, rendering FlrA active in the presence of high levels of c-di-GMP. Surprisingly, c-di-GMP still inhibited the motility of V. cholerae only expressing the c-di-GMP blind FlrA(R176H) mutant. We determined that this flagellar transcription-independent inhibition is due to activation of VPS production by c-di-GMP. Therefore, c-di-GMP prevents motility of V. cholerae by two distinct but functionally redundant mechanisms.
Building a programming language for a small computer: Reinventing the wheel

The language SP-12 for a PDP-12 computer is described. SP-12 is an example of how a special-purpose language can be constructed from a set of machine-language subroutines that are called by a simple interpreter. Symbolic source programs make it easy to learn the language. Preliminary translation of the source program into binary code, using an assembler, greatly increases the speed of the interpreter.
Teaching precalculus classical mechanics instead of calculus-based classical mechanics

Making physics more accessible to the public is of extreme importance. But a rigorous understanding of physics generally presumes a rigorous understanding of calculus. Since most students never master calculus, this automatically limits the accessibility of physics. This raises the question of whether physics can be understood rigorously without using calculus. In answering this question, we note that an alternative to calculus, the finite-difference calculus, exists and is already widely used. We also note that using the standard calculus, which presumes the possibility of infinitesimally small increments of time, is fundamentally inconsistent with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This motivates our interest in a reformulation of classical mechanics using the finite-difference calculus. This paper sketches the outlines of such a reformulation. Rendre la physique plus accessible au public est d'une importance extreme. Mais une comprehension rigoureuse de la physique presume en generale une comprehension rigoureuse du calcul. Puisque la pluplart des etudiants ne maitrisent jamais le calcul, ceci limite automatiquement l'accessibilite a la physique. Ceci souleve la question a savoir si la physique peut etre rigoureusement comprise sans l'emploi du calcul. En repondant a cette question, nous remarquons qu'une alternative au calcul - le calcul de differences finies - existe et est deja largement utilisee. Nous notons aussi qui l'utilisation du calcul standard - lequel presume la possibilite d'accroissements infiniment petits de temps - est fondamentalement incoherente avec le principe de'incertitude de Heisenberg. Ceci motive notre interet pour une reformulation de la mecanique classique a l'aide du calcul de differences finies. Cet expose trace les contours d'une telle reformulation.
Solvent Effect on Functional Groups Attached to Edges of Carbon Nanotubes

Molecular dynamics calculations are carried out to investigate the effect exerted by aqueous solutions on the equilibrium structure and configuration of functional groups attached to carbon nanotubes. In this study, structures of polar and nonpolar functional groups in water are analyzed. Energy changes associated with configurational transformations of functional groups (from folded to extended forms) in water are calculated. Results indicate that polar functional groups are energetically more stable in extended configurations. Nonpolar functional groups, on the other hand, prefer to remain folded.
Comparison and Contrast of Processes of Soil Formation in the San Timoteo Badlands with Chronosequences in California

The degree of soil development associated with geomorphic surfaces in the San Timoteo Badlands area (STB), California allows correlation of the surfaces. Soil development indices, based on field descriptions and laboratory analysis, provide a basis for comparison of these soils to each other and to dated soil chronosequences at Cajon Pass, Merced, and Anza, California. The soils in this study record a complex tectonic and climatic history, include preserved surfaces intermediate in soil development to those at Cajon Pass, and do not preserve a record of the major late Pleistocene to early Holocene aggradational event observed elsewhere in the region. Pedogenesis is similar to that of regional soils in southern California. With time, the profiles develop progressively thicker argillic horizons, and they increase in redness, clay, and secondary iron oxide content, and amount and thickness of clay films. With increasing soil age the ratio of dithionite-extractable Fe to total Fe increases, while the ratios of Fe2+to Fe3+and of oxalate- to dithionite-extractable Fe decrease. These trends are more subdued in the STB than elsewhere in the region, perhaps because the slightly higher temperature and lower precipitation of the STB may slow the rate of transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite. We use weighted means of soil development indices and rubification index values to compare the soils of this study to those at Cajon Pass, Merced, and Anza. Wide-range age estimates using the maximum limits of these values result in 27,500–305,000 yr for surface Q1, 43,000–570,000 yr for surface Q2, and 300,000–700,000 yr for surfaces Q3 and Q4. Weighing most heavily the nearest dated chronosequences, Anza and Cajon Pass, yields best estimates of age. This method constrains the time of formation of the Q1 surface to between 27,500 and 67,000 yr and the Q2 surface to 43,000–67,000 yr, and does not change the age estimates of the older surfaces.
Continuing Motivation, Learner Control, and CAI.

This study investigated the effects of learner control and program control on the achievement and continuing motivation of high school students. The influence of the availability of computer-delivered instruction on student motivation was also examined. Continuing motivation was measured by student choice of learner control or program control as the mode for a second instructional program after subjects completed an initial program under their randomly assigned mode. Results revealed a highly significant difference in continuing motivation favoring learner over program control. The differences in posttest performance and performance during instruction between learner and program control were not significant. The data also revealed significant preferences to study both science and an alternative subject when they are presented by computer over when they are not.
Evidence that the deficit in sexual behavior in adult rats neonatally exposed to citalopram is a consequence of 5-HT1 receptor stimulation during development.

Abstract Neonatal (postnatal days 8–21) exposure of rats to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), citalopram, results in persistent changes in behavior including decreased sexual activity in adult animals. We hypothesized that this effect was a consequence of abnormal stimulation of 5-HT1A and/or 5-HT1B receptors as a result of increased synaptic availability of serotonin during a critical period of development. We examined whether neonatal exposure to a 5-HT1A (8OH-DPAT) or a 5-HT1B (CGS 12066B) receptor agonist can mimic the effect of neonatal exposure to citalopram on adult sexual behavior. Results showed that neonatal treatment with 5-HT1B receptor agonist robustly impaired sexual behavior similar to the effect of citalopram, whereas exposure to 5-HT1A receptor agonist only moderately influenced male sexual activity in adult animals. These data support the hypothesis that stimulation of serotonin autoreceptors during development contributes to the adult sexual deficit in rats neonatally exposed to citalopram.
Effects of fat level, feeding period, and source of fat on lipid fluidity and physical state of rabbit plasma lipoproteins

Abstract Elevating fat content from 5 to 20% of diet by weight or extending the feeding period from 6 months to more than 1 year did not substantially alter the fluidity of rabbit plasma lipoprotein lipid domains. Dietary fatty acid saturation was not adequate as a predictor of lipoprotein fluidity. Rabbits fed corn oil, high in polyunsaturated fatty acid content, did not have more fluid lipoproteins than rabbits fed cocoa butter which contains a high level of saturated long chain fatty acids. Order parameters calculated from fluorescence depolarization measurements with diphenylhexatriene (DPH) showed that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipids were in highly fluid or ‘liquid’ states at or below body temperature. Order parameter data showed transitions from ordered phase to isotropic liquid in low density lipoproteins (LDL) that were heretofore unnoted with DPH fluorescence depolarization measurements. The transition temperature was inversely related to the LDL triglyceride content, indicating probe intercalation between the fatty acyl chains of the core triacylglycerols in VLDL and LDL.
Thermal Resistance of Smooth and Rough Derivatives of Salmonella Senftenberg 775 W

Abstract SALMONELLA SENFTENBERG 775 W is one of several H2S negative isolates of this serotype reported by Winter et al. (1946) to be unusually heat resistant as compared to other Salmonellae. It has since been regarded as the standard Salmonella test organism for thermal resistance investigations. Initial work with a strain, later designated R1 in this report, to determine thermal resistance in animal feeds failed to yield satisfactorily reproducible data. Examination of the culture demonstrated that it was morphologically rough (R). This characteristic was confirmed by its rapid agglutination by acriflavine HCl and its agglutination by all major groups of Salmonellae antisera. With the exception of a report by Thomas et al. (1966), pertinent literature does not indicate the morphologic forms of the strains of Salmonellae used in previous investigations. Most field isolates of Salmonellae are morphologically smooth (S). The protracted period of laboratory cultivation of this strain has offered excellent . . .
CP-93,129, sumatriptan, dihydroergotamine block c-fos expression within rat trigeminal nucleus caudalis caused by chemical stimulation of the meninges.

1. The effects of intravenously administered 5-HT1B receptor agonists were examined on c-fos like immunoreactivity, an indicator of neuronal activation, within the brain stem. C-fos was induced by injecting an algesic, vasoconstrictor substance (0.3 ml of autologous blood) or a pro-inflammatory molecule, carrageenin (1 mg in 0.1 ml saline) into the cisterna magna of pentobarbitone-anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats and was visualized in serial sections (50 micrometers) by use of a polyclonal antiserum. 2. As previously reported, the injection of blood caused significant labelling within laminae I, IIo of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, a major nociceptive brain stem nucleus, as well as within nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema. A similar pattern of expression with fewer cells per section was detected after carrageenin instillation. The number of expressing cells was reduced by 54% in trigeminal nucleus caudalis but not within the nucleus of the solitary tract or area postrema when blood was injected in adult rats neonatal capsaicin treatment. 3. Pretreatment with 5-HT1 agonists with some selectivity for the 5-HT1B receptor, CP-93,129 (460 nmol kg-1 x 2, i.v.), sumatriptan (720 nmol kg-1 x 2, i.v.) or dihydroergotamine (86 nmol kg-1 x 2, i.v.) reduced positive cells by 39%, 31%, and 33% respectively in trigeminal nucleus caudalis but not in nucleus of the solitary tract or area postrema after blood instillation. Pretreatment with the analgesic morphine (15 mumol kg-1, s.c.) also decreased the number of positive cells by 63% in trigeminal nucleus caudalis. 4. CP-93,129 (460 nmol kg-1 x 2, i.v.) reduced the number of c-fos labelled cells by 47% within lamina I, IIo after carrageenin instillation. 5. Drug-induced blockade appeared to be tissue-dependent. Pretreatment with sumatriptan (720 nmol kg-1 x 2, i.v.) did not block c-fos expression in trigeminal nucleus caudalis following formalin application to the nasal mucosa.6. Drug-induced blockade may be mediated by an action on primary afferent (trigeminovascular) fibres in as much as CP-93,129 (460 nmol kg-' x 2, i.v.) did not reduce the number of expressing cells within the trigeminal nucleus caudalis following blood instillation in rats treated as neonates with capsaicin.7. We infer from these results that the analgesic actions of agonists at 5-HTB receptors (the receptor subtype analogous to 5-HTID in man) need not depend upon the presence of vasodilatation and, that 5-HTID receptor-mediated blockade of neurotransmission contributes significantly to the analgesic effects of these drugs in headache.8. Based on the demonstrated effects of 5-HTB/D agonists against the actions of two chemicallyunrelated meningeal stimulants, we suggest that treatment with 5-HTID agonists may be useful for the alleviation of pain in other headache conditions associated with meningeal irritation. Bacterial, viral(including AIDS meningovascular inflammation) and other forms of chemical meningitis merit further investigation.
Toward a Narrower, More Pragmatic View of Developmental Dyspraxia

Apraxia traditionally refers to impaired ability to carry out skilled movements in the absence of fundamental sensorimotor, language, or general cognitive impairment sufficient to preclude them. The child neurology literature includes a much broader and varied usage of the term developmental dyspraxia. It has been used to describe a wide range of motor symptoms, including clumsiness and general coordination difficulties, in various developmental disorders (including autistic spectrum disorders, developmental language disorders, and perinatal stroke). We argue for the need to restrict use of the term developmental dyspraxia to describe impaired performance of skilled gestures, recognizing that, unlike acquired adult-onset apraxia, coexisting sensory and motor problems can also be present.
The Economics of Dairy Anaerobic Digestion with Coproduct Marketing

Increasing national focus on renewable energy has prompted a reappearance of anaerobic digestion technology installations on dairy farms. The focus of this study is on an operational digester in Washington State. Using the first two years of physical and financial data from the operational digester, a base scenario is constructed. The analysis focuses on the impact of developing various coproduct markets on the digestion system's feasibility. The coproduct markets analyzed include electricity, digested fiber, tipping fees, and carbon credits. The results of the economic analysis show that tipping fees and electricity are key revenue sources for the digester.
Influence of Water on the Interfacial Behavior of Gallium Liquid Metal Alloys

Eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) is a promising liquid metal for a variety of electrical and optical applications that take advantage of its soft and fluid properties. The presence of a rapidly forming oxide skin on the surface of the metal causes it to stick to many surfaces, which limits the ability to easily reconfigure its shape on demand. This paper shows that water can provide an interfacial slip layer between EGaIn and other surfaces, which allows the metal to flow smoothly through capillaries and across surfaces without sticking. Rheological and surface characterization shows that the presence of water also changes the chemical composition of the oxide skin and weakens its mechanical strength, although not enough to allow the metal to flow freely in microchannels without the slip layer. The slip layer provides new opportunities to control and actuate liquid metal plugs in microchannels—including the use of continuous electrowetting—enabling new possibilities for shape reconfigurable electronics, se...
Determining vision graphs for distributed camera networks using feature digests

We propose a decentralized method for obtaining the vision graph for a distributed, ad-hoc camera network, in which each edge of the graph represents two cameras that image a sufficiently large part of the same environment. Each camera encodes a spatially well-distributed set of distinctive, approximately viewpoint-invariant feature points into a fixed-length "feature digest" that is broadcast throughout the network. Each receiver camera robustly matches its own features with the decompressed digest and decides whether sufficient evidence exists to form a vision graph edge. We also show how a camera calibration algorithm that passes messages only along vision graph edges can recover accurate 3D structure and camera positions in a distributed manner. We analyze the performance of different message formation schemes, and show that high detection rates (>0.8) can be achieved while maintaining low false alarm rates (<0.05) using a simulated 60-node outdoor camera network.
Two-Step Estimation of Endogenous and Exogenous Group Effects

In this article, we propose a two-step method to identify and estimate endogenous and exogenous social interactions in the Manski (1993) and Brock and Durlauf's (2001a,b) discrete choice model with unobserved group variables. Taking advantage of social groups with large group sizes, we first estimate a probit model with group fixed-effects, and then use the instrumental variables method to estimate endogenous and exogenous group effects via the group fixed-effect estimates. Our method is computationally simple. The method is applicable not only to the case of single equilibrium but also the multiple equilibria case without the need to specify an (arbitrary) equilibrium selection mechanism. The article provides a Monte Carlo study on the finite sample performance of such estimators.
Hypercholesterolemia in experimental and human hepatic porphyria

Administration of the porphyria-inducing chemicals allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) and 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) to rabbits, results in the development of marked elevation of serum cholesterol, total lipids and phospholipids. The liver total lipids, cholesterol lipid phosphorus and water concentrations remain unchanged, but the organ becomes greatly enlarged, reflecting active synthesis of new protoplasm. It is suggested that these compounds affect the lipoprotein transport of serum cholesterol in a manner inducing sequestration of the synthesized cholesterol in the plasma and preventing the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver cells hence, the activation of the hepatic feed-back control for cholesterol synthesis. The possibility also exists that AIA and DDC enhances the production of one or more enzymes of cholesterol synthesis, in a way analogous to what Granick and Urata have demonstrated to occur for the enzyme δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase of the porphyrin synthetic pathway. The chemicals, in fact, may have their primary effect on the genetic control of the rate of synthesis of different proteins by the liver. A review of the records of 51 patients with hepatic porphyria, in whom serum cholesterol determinations were recorded, reveals that hypercholesterolemia, although inconstant, is of common occurrence in the “acute intermittent” and “mixed” forms of the disease.
Multicultural Immersion Programming: An Adult Learning Context

The Multicultural Immersion Program teaches the concepts of multicultural awareness, understanding, and sensitivity using the urban community as its primary educational resource. This innovative, culturally relevant, community-based multicultural model of adult education was created by a diverse group of concerned community members to address the racial tension this city often experiences. The design, mission, and goal of this program contribute to our understanding of multicultural immersion programming and identify several processes that would be useful in replicating this type of programming in a variety of settings where adults learn. A description of the program's development is provided, along with an explanation of how the Multicultural Immersion Program is linked to Sheared's (1999) culturally relevant, adult learning approach, entitled, polyrhythmic realities. Directions for future research and dialogue are also offered.
A composite algorithm for a concave‐cost network flow problem

We consider the problem of routing multiple commodities between various origin—destination pairs in a network, at minimum total cost. Economies of scale in arc flow costs are modeled using piecewise linear, concave total-cost functions for each arc. This model applies to a variety of medium- and long-term planning contexts including transportation planning, design of communication networks, plant location and capacity expansion planning, production planning, and water resource management. We formulate the general problem as a mixed-integer program and develop a composite algorithm to generate both good lower bounds and heuristic solutions. We also report on computational results for several randomly generated general networks (with up to 40 nodes, 359 arcs, and 60 commodities) and layered neetworks (with up to 60 nodes, 372 arcs, and 60 commodities). These tests demonstrate that even for relatively large problems, the composite algorithm is very effective in generating solutions with small gaps between the upper and lower bounds (1.7% on average for general networks, and 0.4% on average for layered networks); for 19 out of the 25 layered network problems, the method generated and verified the optimal solution.
PROPERTIES AND DISTRIBUTION OF MAMMALIAN L-CYSTEINE SULFINATE CARBOXY-LYASES.

Abstract 1. 1. [1-14C]Cysteine sulfinic acid (CySO2H) and [1-14C]cysteic acid (CySO3H) were synthesized and some characteristics of the decarboxylation of these amino acids studied in partially purified rat-liver and brain preparations. 2. 2. The apparent Km's for CySO2H and CySO3H were found to be about 10 times lower in liver than in brain. In both tissues, the decarboxylation of one of the amino acids was competitely inhibited by the other. Close agreement between the apparent Km and Ki for each amino acid was observed. 3. 3. In liver, glutamic acid did not affect the decarboxylation of CySO2H. In brain, CySO2H and glutamic acid inhibited the decarboxylation of each other non-competitively. 4. 4. The evidence obtained suggests that CySO2H and CySO3H, both in liver and brain, are accepted by a common decarboxylase, l -cysteine sulfinate carboxy-lyase (EC 4.1.1.29). Differences in the characteristics of the enzymic activity in liver and in brain indicate that these tissues contain different isozymes of l -cysteine sulfinate carboxy-lyase. 5. 5. A partial survey of the distribution of this enzyme in other species was undertaken. Marked variations in activity were found in different tissues and different species.
Spatially varying relationships between land use and water quality across an urbanization gradient explored by geographically weighted regression.

Significant relationships between land use and water quality have been found in watersheds around the world. The relationships are commonly examined by conventional statistical methods, such as ordinary least squares regression (OLS) and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, which assume the relationships are constant across space. However, the relationships often might vary over space because watershed characteristics and pollution sources are not the same in different places. This study applies an exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) technique, geographically weighted regression (GWR), to analyze the spatially varying relationships between six land use and fourteen water quality indicators across watersheds with different levels of urbanization in eastern Massachusetts, USA. The study finds that the relationships between water quality and land use and the abilities of land use indicators to explain water quality vary across the urbanization gradient in the studied watersheds. Percentages of commercial and industrial lands have stronger positive relationships with the concentrations of water pollutants in less-urbanized areas than in highly-urbanized areas. Percentages of agricultural land, residential land, and recreation use show significant positive relationships with the concentrations of water pollutants at some sampling sites within less-urbanized areas, whereas they have significant negative relationships at some sampling sites within highly-urbanized areas. Thus, the adverse impact of land use changes on water quality is more substantial in less-urbanized suburban areas than that in highly-urbanized central cities. Pollution control policies should be adjusted in different areas based on the spatially varying pollution sources and good predictors of water quality.
SU-EE-A2-03: Model-Specific Uncertainties in Air-Kerma Strength Measurements of Low-Energy Photon-Emitting Brachytherapy Sources

Purpose: To utilize the results of characterization measurements on low‐energy photon‐emitting brachytherapy sources to determine a source‐model‐specific component of the total uncertainty in well‐ionization chamber measurements of air‐kerma strength. Method and Materials: The air‐kerma strength of low‐energy photon‐emitting brachytherapy sources is directly realized at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) using the Wide‐Angle Free‐Air Chamber (WAFAC). This primary standard is transferred to the AAPM Accredited DosimetryCalibration Laboratories (ADCLs), source manufacturers, and clinics, where well‐ionization chambers are used to perform NIST‐traceable air‐kerma strength measurements. For quality assurance purposes, additional characterization measurements performed at NIST include well‐ionization chamber response, emergent spectrum, and anisotropy. Normal variations in source characteristics have been established for each seed model, allowing identification of anomalous sources and preventing their use in establishing or maintaining secondary standards. Results: The variabilities in well‐chamber response for three models of Pd‐103 sources and eight models of I‐125 sources have been quantified. Ten of the source models studied exhibited a range of values of the well‐chamber response coefficient (well‐chamber current divided by WAFAC‐measured air‐kerma strength) between 2 % and 4 %, while one source model had a range of well‐chamber response coefficient values of 5.5 %. Analysis of emergent spectra demonstrated that the cause of the high variability in well‐chamber response was an unexpectedly large variation in the admixture of silverfluorescence x‐rays. Conclusion: Data from characterization measurements on hundreds of sources has been used to demonstrate that an additional component of uncertainty exists in well‐ionization chamber measurements of air‐kerma strength as a result of variations in source fabrication. The magnitude of this uncertainty component varies with source model, and exists due to the sensitivity of well‐ionization chamber response to spectrum and anisotropy variations among sources.
ALTERATIONS IN SERUM GLOBULINS DURING THE FORMATION AND RESORPTION OF AMYLOID IN RABBITS

A marked increase of the serum beta globulins was found in rabbits developing amyloidosis as a result of prolonged treatment with ribonucleate administered by subcutaneous injections. Following cessation of treatment the beta globulin levels gradually returned to normal while the gamma globulin levels rose strikingly, the changes being accompanied by a resorption of amyloid from the spleen, and probably also from the kidneys. Electrophoretic studies provided some evidence that the increase in beta globulins which accompanied the development of amyloidosis resulted from the production of a globulin not normally present in rabbit serum. A protein or protein derivative that moved as a beta globulin when subjected to filter paper electrophoresis was excreted in substantial quantities in the urine of several amyloidotic rabbits, along with much smaller quantities of substances moving as albumin, alpha and gamma globulins. Considered as a whole, the findings indicate a causal relationship between the abnormal production of circulating beta globulins and the deposition of amyloid in rabbits treated with ribonucleate. Hence it appears that a beta globulin may be directly involved in the formation of amyloid under the conditions of the experiments here reported.
Potentiation of Neuronal L Calcium Channels by IGF-1 Requires Phosphorylation of the α1 Subunit on a Specific Tyrosine Residue

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) rapidly potentiates N and L calcium channel currents in cerebellar granule neurons by an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that the L channel alpha1C subunit is tyrosine phosphorylated in response to IGF-1. Moreover, expression of kinase-dead c-Src in neurons or acute block of Src family kinases with a cell-permeable inhibitor specifically blocks L channel potentiation. Purified Src kinase phosphorylates tyrosine residue Y2122 of the C terminus of neuronal alpha1C in vitro, and c- and v-Src directly bind the C terminus. When expressed in neuroblastoma cells, point mutation of Y2122 prevents both tyrosine phosphorylation of alpha1C and IGF-1 potentiation. Our data provide a biochemical mechanism whereby phosphorylation of a single specific tyrosine residue rapidly modifies ion channel physiology.
Anticholinergic drug action on pancreatic exocrine outflow in man and dog.

The endogenous secretin mechanism in dogs and in man is very sensitive to low concentrations of anticholinergic drugs. The release of secretin may be blocked by very small doses of these anticholinergic drugs, but once secretin gets into the bloodstream, its action can only be partially blocked by very large concentrations of the anticholinergic drugs.
Reliability Methods Applied to Reactor Safety: Trends and Progress

The present main roles of reliability engineering methods in reactor safety are to improve the design of protection systems and to enhance quality assurance. This paper reviews the continuing efforts to strengthen the credibility of probabilistic safety evaluations and to expand the analysis role in guiding safety support activities. A trend toward situation-oriented analysis is noted, along with innovations in exploiting the limited information available for analysis input.
Amebic liver abscess: Emergency department diagnosis

Twelve patients with amebic liver abscess were admitted to a university hospital. Ten of these patients were admitted through the emergency department. Patients, especially men from third world countries, with fever, right upper quadrant pain, and leukocytosis are at high risk for this disease and should have the diagnosis confirmed with amebic serology and ultrasonography or computed tomography.
A New Species of Pterandra (Malpighiaceae) from the Guayana Highland

Pterandra sericea, a new species from southeastern Venezuela and western Guyana, is described, illustrated, and compared with its nearest relative,P. flavescens, another species of the Guayana Highland.
Dynamics of the interphase mammalian Golgi complex as revealed through drugs producing reversible Golgi disassembly

We focus on research aimed at understanding normal Golgi complex dynamics through the use of nocodazole and other drugs which cause Golgi disassembly. In vivo nocodazole binds to tubulin, produces microtubule depolymerization, and subsequent fragmentation of the Golgi complex. These processes may be traced in living cells through the application of fluorescent green protein (GFP) conjugates. The cycling of individual Golgi proteins through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may be probed in vivo through the use of an organelle-specific molecular trap. One such molecular trap is protein unfolding. Golgi proteins conjugated with a domain temperature sensitive in protein folding exhibit temperature-sensitive folding properties and if misfolded during protein cycling from the Golgi become trapped in the ER. The properties of individual Golgi complex subcompartments may be characterized through antibodies to multiple subcompartment-specific proteins within the same cell line. Because of the limited availability of antibodies, normally distributed epitope tagged proteins are employed to give multiple subcompartment-specific Golgi complex markers. From experiments employing these tools, new models suggesting continuous cycling of Golgi proteins are emerging. Cycling of Golgi proteins through the ER can lead to assembly of the Golgi stack at or about ER exit sites. A major future challenge will be the characterization of the protein machineries involved in Golgi protein cycling and its regulation.
Activation of plant acid phosphatases by oxidized glutathione and dehydroascorbate

Abstract An acid phosphatase that was partially purified from spinach leaves was activated by oxidized glutathione or dehydroascorbate. Activation was accompanied by a change in the pH optimum so that the enzyme became active in the neutral as well as in the acid region. At neutral pH, the activation induced by oxidized glutathione was reversed by reduced glutathione. Similar results were obtained with a commercial preparation of potato tuber phosphatase. The results suggest that oxidized glutathione and dehydroascorbate serve not only in the previously demonstrated deactivation of thioredoxin-linked enzymes but also in the activation of other enzymes from plants.
Effect of cathode material on the morphology and photoelectrochemical properties of vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays

Abstract We report, for the first time, on the effect of the cathode material in controlling the morphology and properties of TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated by electrochemical anodization of Ti foil in both aqueous and ethylene glycol (EG) electrolytes. Some of the alternative less-expensive cathode materials result in TiO2 nanotube architectures and photoelectrochemical properties similar to or in some cases superior to those obtained using a Pt cathode.
Fabrication of indocyanine green encapsulated biodegradable microbubbles for structural and functional imaging of cancer

We developed a novel dual-modal contrast agent for the structural and functional imaging of cancer. The contrast agent was fabricated by encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microbubbles using a modified double-emulsion method. More stabilized absorption and fluorescence emission characteristics were observed for aqueous and plasma suspensions of ICG-encapsulated microbubbles. The technical feasibility of concurrent structural and functional imaging was demonstrated through a series of benchtop tests in which the aqueous suspension of ICG-encapsulated microbubbles was injected into a transparent tube embedded in an Intralipid phantom at different flow rates and concentrations. Concurrent fluorescence imaging and B-mode ultrasound imaging successfully captured the changes of microbubble flow rate and concentration with high linearity and accuracy. One potential application of the proposed ICG-encapsulated PLGA microbubbles is for the identification and characterization of peritumoral neovasculature for enhanced coregistration between tumor structural and functional boundaries in ultrasound-guided near-infrared diffuse optical tomography.
High expression of the hormone binding active extracellular domain (1-294) of rat lutropin receptor in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, the cDNA fragment corresponding to the receptor coding region for residues 1–294 was prepared from rat lutropin receptor (LHR) cDNA and subsequently subcloned into Escherichia coli expression vector pT7-7. This truncated receptor was efficiently expressed in E. coli as indicated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver staining. The recombinant protein present in the inclusion bodies was solubilized in 6 M guanidine-HCl and purified in two successive steps of fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) using Superose-12 and Mono Q columns. Refolding of the purified recombinant protein was achieved in 1.5 M guanidine-HCl in the presence of an equimolar proportion of cysteine and cystine. The refolded soluble truncated LHR(l–294) had apparent molecular weights of 33 kDa and 140 kDa under reducing and nonreducing conditions, respectively. The multimeric nature of the extracellular domain of the receptor is believed to be due to its self-association by intermolecular disulfide bond formation since the 1–294 amino acid segment has nine cysteine residues and thus has one or possibly more free sulfhydryl groups. The purified truncated receptor had high binding affinity for human choriogonadotropin (hCG) as indicated by ligand blotting on SDS-PAGE and radioligand receptor assays. The amount of hCG required for 50% inhibition of binding of 125 I-hCG to the soluble truncated receptor was 2.7 × 10 −10 M (or 12.25 ng). Similarly, the amount of soluble truncated receptor required for 50% inhibition of 125 I-hCG binding to the rat ovarian receptor in the radioligand receptor assay was 58 ng. It is clear from the present work that the 1–294 amino acid residue sequence seems to have all the necessary information for proper folding and, furthermore, the carbohydrate is not required in the proper folding or hormone binding activity of the receptor. The present approach has made it possible to prepare the active hormone binding extracellular domain of the rat LHR in adequate amounts for detailed physicochemical and biological studies, including determination of its three-dimensional structure by X-ray diffraction as well as evaluation of its potential in fertility regulation and assay for hCG and lutropin.
Equilibrium moisture content of hops

Abstract Agricultural crops (and many other materials) change moisture content with a change in the relative humidity of the ambient air when in the drying, dried or hydrating phase. For any fixed relative humidity of the air, the moisture content will approach and eventually reach a static level that is called the equilibrium moisture content for that relative humidity. A series of such static points constitutes an equilibrium moisture curve for the material. The equilibrium relationship is important to the drying process and to storage because, in each case, the moisture content changes in a direction toward the equilibrium value and, consequently, may increase or decrease.
Comparison of Short-Term Testing and Long-Term Monitoring of Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

This paper reports on the results of a comparison between short-term indoor testing and long-term outdoor monitoring of solar domestic hot water systems. Five solar-preheat systems were monitored under side-by-side conditions of irradiance and load, for a period of two years. The systems were then tested according to a standard day test, using a solar simulator, and a load schedule identical to that imposed on each system during the monitoring. The systems were found to deliver 19.7 MJ–25.8 MJ daily in the test, compared to a two-year average of 19.1 MJ–26.0 MJ (1.5 to 2.0 GJ/m2 annually) outdoors. System rank was reasonably well preserved. Comparison of results on the basis of efficiency and solar fraction suggests that good correspondence exists between long-term outdoor results and those of indoor testing, at least for systems with stable controllers. Selected systems were also tested at different load schedules and radiation levels. Methods of predicting the performance of a solar-preheat system from the results of a standard day test are discussed, and the possibility of reducing testing time to a single day is explored.
Bilateral lacrimal gland abscesses

Summary Dacryoadenitis is an unusual orbital infection that rarely involves acute suppuration. We describe what to our knowledge is the first reported case of bilateral lacrimal gland abscesses: a 9-year-old girl who presented with painful periorbital swelling and fever. The child was diagnosed with the abscesses by CT scan of the orbits with contrast, which was obtained when the patient's periorbital swelling progressed despite intravenous antibiotics. Despite early drainage of the abscesses, the patient sustained a complicated hospital course with epidural and cerebral abscesses. The causes of dacryoadenitis as well as the mechanisms of infectious spread into the orbit are reviewed. This case as well as a review of the literature suggest that superolaterally located orbital abscesses are associated with an increased risk of intracranial infection and should be managed aggressively.
Small BLT Switch for Compact Pulsed Power Studies

We report results of studies of a small pseudospark and back-lighted thyratron (BLT) switch, operating with currents >4 kA, and hold off >20 kV. The switch was operated in an optically triggered mode (BLT) with helium fill for >106 pulses, with 0.5 mC transfer per pulse, at a repetition rate of 10 Hz without significant decay of switch performance. Additional studies with gases including hydrogen and electrically triggered pseudospark operation are reported, and we discuss integration into lumped-element Blumlein architecture (output to approx. 60 kV) as well. These studies suggest that the small pseudospark/BLT is a potential pathway towards ultra compact superemissive cathode-based switches for compact repetitive pulsed power applications.
Does Positive Response to Direct Suggestion as Such Evoke a Generalized Hypersuggestibility

Resume LA REPONSE POSITIVE A LA SUGGESTION DIRECTE COMME TELLE EVOQUE-T-ELLE UNE HYPERSUGGESTIBILITE GENERALISEE? Une sensibilite accrue a la suggestion peut ětre un resultat particulier aux suggestions speciales donnees pour faire venir l'hypnose, ou elle peut ětre une caracteristique generalisee de toute suggestion directe reussie au mouvement. Si la derniere hypothese est vraie, une sensibilite accrue doit operer reciproquement entre deux types distincts de suggestion en etat de reveil, c'est-a-dire, une reponse a la suggestion que la těte s'incline sur la poitrine suivant une reponse a la suggestion que le bras etendu horizontalement se balance en avant, et vice versa. On a employe treize sujets mǎles que l'on avait prouves sujets a la suggestion. On a donne a chacun deux suggestions au mouvement de la těte enregistrees sur disques phonographiques et deux au mouvement du bras chaque jour pendant quinze jours de suite selon la methode d'alternation ABBA. On a enregistre l'etendue des mouvements au kymo...
Nietzsche, Genealogy and Political Authority

Tamsin Shaw has suggested that Nietzsche's concerns included the ideological capacity of the state. I show that some support for this interpretation can be drawn from Nietzsche's own views about the threat to moral and intellectual independence posed by modern forms of political authority. If taken seriously, his insights allow us to appreciate how independent political judgment, and hence individual autonomy, can be systematically imperiled by the operation of the modern state apparatus. In light of this discovery, I begin to construct a genealogical theory of legitimate authority that citizens can deploy in order to check state power. I argue that genealogical narratives have the power to impugn the normative authority of purportedly binding decisions and orders. Such narratives do so when they reveal a fault in the justificatory reasoning offered by state representatives in defense of their actions. At the heart of this theory there lies an account of the ways in which officers of the state can, and cannot, permissibly offer reasons in the course of justifying their decisions to citizens.
Architectures and algorithms for x-ray diffraction imaging

X-ray imaging is the predominant modality used in luggage inspection systems for explosives detection. Conventional or dual energy X-ray computed tomography imaging reconstructs the X-ray absorption characteristics of luggage contents at the different energies; however, material characterization based on absorption characteristics at these energies is often ambiguous. X-ray diffraction imaging (XDI) measures coherently scattered X-rays to construct diffraction profiles of materials that can provide additional molecular signature information to improve the identification of specific materials. In this paper, we present recent work on developing XDI algorithms for different architectures, which include limited angle tomography and the use of coded aperture masks. We study the potential benefits of fusion of dual energy CT information with X-ray diffraction imaging. We illustrate the performance of different approaches using Monte Carlo propagation simulations through 3-D media.
Activation and inhibition of reconstituted cardiac L-type calcium channels by palmitoyl-L-carnitine.

Abstract We have studied the effect of a palmitoyl-L-carnitine (L-PC) on single cardiac L-type Ca channels incorporated from porcine ventricular sarcolemma into planar lipid bilayers where we could control the concentration, intracellular and/or extracellular location, and duration of L-PC treatment. We found that 1.0 μM L-PC in either the intracellular or extracellular chamber caused an ∼8 fold increase in channel open probability when measured within the first minute after L-PC addition. Higher concentrations of L-PC did not increase open probability to the same extent as 1.0 μM. In addition, we found that L-PC had biphasic effects on the open probability of L-type Ca channels, causing an increase in activity immediately after the addition of L-PC, but leading to a decrease in open probability after a few minutes. Higher concentrations of L-PC (10 μM) also caused a decrease in single-channel conductance from 26 to 21 pS (measured in 100 mM external Ba 2+ ). The effects of L-PC were similar on both sides of the channels, suggesting that alterations in the physical properties of the membrane surrounding the channels may be responsible for the effects of L-PC. These changes in Ca channel activity may participate in the generation of abnormal electrical activity and arrhythmogenesis during ischemia.