cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Body temperature of the lizard (Anolis carolinensis): Effect of parietalectomy†

Thermal behavior of parietalectomized, sham-parietalectomized or intact lizards (Anolis carolinensis) was recorded in a test chamber containing moving photothermal gradients. Following parietalectomy, animals chose significantly higher temperatures than sham-parietalectomized or intact control animals, which chose lower and statistically identical temperatures. When pre-surgical and post-surgical means are compared within groups, the eccritic temperature was 2.10 degrees C higher following parietalectomy, 0.72 degrees C higher following sham-parietalectomy, and 0.31 degrees C higher in intact controls during the post-operative measurements. The effects of parietalectomy indicate that the parietalpineal complex may be involved in behavioral thermoregulation by precisely regulating exposure to heat sources (e.g. sunlight).
Mortality of eggs of Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from predation by Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Mortality to the egg stage of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), from endemic predators was assessed in unsprayed plots within commercial potato fields in western Massacusetts in 1986 and 1987. Direct measurement of recruitment into the egg stage and of losses to predation gave estimates of total stage-specific mortality for each generation of Colorado potato beetle and daily mortality rates. Abundance of endemic egg predators was measured through direct observation and trapping. Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), a coccinellid, was the most abundant predator and the only one consistently present whenever Colorado potato beetle eggs were in the field. Total mortality to eggs from predation was 39.9% in the second generation of 1986 and 37.8% and 58.1% in the first and second generations of 1987, respectively. Daily mortality rate did not change significantly during large fluctuations in prey density. Results suggest that C. maculata can contribute to the control of both early and late generations of Colorado potato beetle and efforts to conserve this natural enemy will help reduce the need for chemical control.
Tenascin-C expression and distribution in cultured human chondrocytes and chondrosarcoma cells

Tenascin-C (TNC) is an oligomeric glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix with several distinct isoforms variably expressed during embryogenesis, tumorogenesis, angiogenesis and wound healing. In the normal human adult, TNC is found in large concentrations in articular cartilage, suggesting tissue-specific function. The purpose of this study was to determine the specific in vitro TNC splicing patterns of articular chondrocytes and a human chondrosarcoma cell line. Cells were cultured in a three-dimensional bead system and TNC splice variant expression and distribution were examined with the use of Western blotting techniques, semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. At both the transcriptional and post-translational levels, the chondrocytes were found to express significantly higher levels of the smaller 220 kDa isoform (P<0.01), which was predominantly incorporated into the matrix. The splicing pattern of the malignant cells was characterized by a higher proportion of the larger 320 kDa isoform which was extruded into the media. In vivo studies are necessary to verify the expression of the large TNC isoform in chondrosarcoma and the production and integration of the smaller isoform in normal chondroid matrix. In addition, elucidation of the biologic functions of the two major TNC isoforms may lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to chondrosarcoma.
A method of nodose ganglia injection in Sprague-Dawley rat

Afferent signaling via the vagus nerve transmits important general visceral information to the central nervous system from many diverse receptors located in the organs of the abdomen and thorax. The vagus nerve communicates information from stimuli such as heart rate, blood pressure, bronchopulmonary irritation, and gastrointestinal distension to the nucleus of solitary tract of the medulla. The cell bodies of the vagus nerve are located in the nodose and petrosal ganglia, of which the majority are located in the former. The nodose ganglia contain a wealth of receptors for amino acids, monoamines, neuropeptides, and other neurochemicals that can modify afferent vagus nerve activity. Modifying vagal afferents through systemic peripheral drug treatments targeted at the receptors on nodose ganglia has the potential of treating diseases such as sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic cough. The protocol here describes a method of injection neurochemicals directly into the nodose ganglion. Injecting neurochemicals directly into the nodose ganglia allows study of effects solely on cell bodies that modulate afferent nerve activity, and prevents the complication of involving the central nervous system as seen in systemic neurochemical treatment. Using readily available and inexpensive equipment, intranodose ganglia injections are easily done in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats.
The complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of red clover necrotic mosaic virus RNA-1

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) RNA-1 has been determined. RNA-1 is 3889 nucleotides in length with a 5′ terminal m 7 GpppA cap. The RNA contains three large open reading frames (ORFs): the 5′ proximal ORF, encoding a 27-kDa polypeptide; the internal ORF, coding for a 57-kDa polypeptide; and the 3′ terminal ORF, encoding the 37-kDa capsid protein. The sequence results confirm in vitro translation of 27−, 50−, and 37-kDa products but do not account for the observed 90-kDa product. A translational frameshift event from the 27− to the 57-kDa ORFs is proposed to explain the synthesis of the observed 90-kDa in vitro product. The putative translational frameshift region is structurally similar to several retrovirus frameshift regions and the putative barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) frameshift region. Extensive amino acid homology was observed in the 57-kDa downstream ORF with the downstream domains of the carnation mottle virus (CarMV), turnip crinkle virus (TCV), maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) readthrough, and BYDV fusion proteins. The 57-kDa ORF contained the conserved “GDD” motif. A significant alignment between the capsid proteins of RCNMV, CarMV, and TCV was also observed. Given the extensive amino acid sequence similarity of RCNMV, CarMV, and TCV polymerase and capsid proteins, we speculate that they are closely related, evolutionarily.
A Framework for College Counseling Responses to Large Scale Traumatic Incidents

Abstract Although most psychotherapists have limited experience dealing with large scale catastrophic incidents, college and university counseling centers today need to be prepared for crisis events such as terrorist attacks, war, and local catastrophes. This article presents a conceptual model for designing counseling center responses to large scale traumatic incidents. Familiar college mental health constructs are applied to the relatively unfamiliar territory of responding to traumatic incidents. First, DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria are used to define three levels of student need based on different types of stressful or traumatic events and expected reactions. Next, a corresponding three-part response plan is discussed, including preventive, intermediate, and advanced counseling and psychotherapy interventions. Finally, the college counseling roles of crisis intervention and student development consultation are discussed in relation to the aftermath of large scale traumas. The influence of staff attitu...
Psychoanalysis, a bridge between attachment research and neurobiology.

Attachment theory and neurobiology are at the forefront of scientific research, particularly in the area of child psychiatry. Several authors have encountered a surprising isomorphism between findings in these areas and concepts central in psychoanalysis. The author postulates that attachment theory is an outcome of the history of the transformation of the old concept of libido now applied interpersonally. The author also postulates that the neurobiology of attachment mediates but does not substitute psychoanalysis for the final understanding of the human bond. Findings in both fields, attachment theory and psychobiology, often compellingly lead to psychoanalytic concepts; on the other hand, the neurobiology of the psyche does not make full sense without the wealth of research conducted by psychoanalysts during the 20th century. The concept of seduction in particular, in its broad sense, is akin to mirroring and attachment and a useful tool in this regard. Although some cling to the idea of the purity of psychoanalysis and see these kin areas as a threat to its integrity, the author believes that psychoanalysis, serving as a bridge between them, can only be enriched by their empirical and experimental outcomes.
Revised Equilibrium Diagram for the System Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2

THE most important system in present-day high-temperature technology is Al2O3-SiO2. The accepted equilibrium diagram for this system was determined in a classic investigation by Bowen and Greig1; but during the last few years several workers have questioned its correctness2–6. The data offered in criticism have not, however, been unequivocal themselves. We summarize briefly here the data from some 700 runs in a nearly two-year re-examination of the Al2O3-SiO2-H2O system by standard ‘quenching’ methods of studying silicate phase equilibria.
Evaluation of alfalfa-brome forage stored as wilted silage, low-moisture silage, and hay.

Abstract First-growth alfalfa-brome forage was harvested and stored as field-cured hay, low-moisture silage, and wilted silage in 1961, 1962, and 1963. Silages were stored in concrete-stave tower silos. Each year the experimental forages were evaluated in terms of chemical quality and feeding value. Method of preservation influenced the chemical composition of the forage when fed. Forage preserved as hay was lower in protein, ether extract, and ash than that preserved as low-moisture silage or wilted silage. Wilted silage contained the most carotene, and hay contained the least. Ammoniacal nitrogen constituted a greater proportion of the total nitrogen in wilted silage than in low-moisture silage. Wilted silage had a greater total acid content than did low-moisture silage. Butyric acid was the predominant acid present in wilted silage, and lactic acid predominated in low-moisture silage. Cows fed low-moisture silage consumed more dry matter than cows fed wilted silage. More dry matter was consumed from low-moisture silage than from hay during two of three trials. Cows fed low-moisture silage or hay gained more body weight than cows fed wilted silage. Low-moisture silage ranked first in supporting 4% fat-corrected-milk production, wilted silage ranked second, and hay last. Fat test of cows fed wilted silage was higher than that of cows fed low-moisture silage. Fat test of cows fed low-moisture silage was, in turn, higher than that of cows fed hay. Feeding wilted silage resulted in a higher proportion of rumen butyrate and lower proportions of rumen acetate and propionate. Blood sugar concentrations were lower and blood ketones higher for cows fed wilted silage. Digestion trial results were inconsistent from year to year. However, each year the nitrogen of hay and wilted silage was digested to a greater extent than that of low-moisture silage.
Model order reduction by Miller's theorem and root localisation

Model order reduction is a critical subject in the area of bottom-up behavioural modelling. A new method for model order reduction, which is the combination of classical Miller's theorem and the root localisation (RL) algorithm, is introduced. This method is based on frequency-independent Miller's theorem, RL and signal-path tracing algorithms. The first step of the presented procedure identifies the significant nodes in a circuit, discarding those deemed insignificant. Next, Miller's theorem, RL and a set of predefined simplification rules are applied, creating an order-reduced equivalent circuit. Such an approach maintains the capability of representing both the linear and nonlinear, the static and dynamic behaviours of the original circuit. This method can also be used to identify the topological nodes that have strong nonlinear dynamic behaviours. Finally, the extension of the simplified circuit to represent the nonlinear behaviour of the original circuits is presented.
Properties of RNA Polymerase II Elongation Complexes Before and After the P-TEFb-mediated Transition into Productive Elongation

The positive transcription elongation factor, P-TEFb, controls the fraction of initiated RNA polymerase II molecules that enter into the productive mode of elongation necessary to generate mRNAs. To better understand the mechanism of this transition into productive elongation we optimized a defined in vitro transcription system and compared results obtained with it to those obtained with a crude system. We found that controlling the function of TFIIF is a key aspect of RNA polymerase II elongation control. Before P-TEFb function, early elongation complexes under the control of negative factors are completely unresponsive to the robust elongation stimulatory activity of TFIIF. P-TEFb-mediated phosphorylation events, targeting the elongation complex containing DSIF and NELF, reverse the negative effect of DSIF and NELF and simultaneously facilitate the action of TFIIF. We also found that productive elongation complexes are completely resistant to negative elongation factors. Our data suggest that an additional factor(s) is involved in establishing the unique resistance activities of the elongation complexes before and after P-TEFb function. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the existence of another positive activity required for efficient function of P-TEFb. A model of the mechanism of P-TEFb-mediated elongation control is proposed in which P-TEFb induces the transition into productive elongation by changing the accessibility of elongation factors to elongation complexes. Our results have uncovered important properties of elongation complexes that allow a more complete understanding of how P-TEFb controls the elongation phases of transcription by RNA polymerase II.
Cyclic AMP stimulates somatostatin gene transcription by phosphorylation of CREB at serine 133

In this paper, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of CREB at Ser-133 is induced 6-fold in vivo, following treatment of PC12 cells with forskolin. By contrast, no such induction was observed in the kinase A-deficient PC12 line A126-1B2 (A126). Using F9 teratocarcinoma cells, which are unresponsive to cAMP, we initiated a series of transient expression experiments to establish a causal link between phosphorylation of CREB and trans-activation of cAMP-responsive genes. Inactivating the kinase A phosphorylation site by in vitro mutagenesis of the cloned CREB cDNA at Ser-133 completely abolished CREB transcriptional activity. As CREB mutants containing acidic residues in place of the Ser-133 phosphoacceptor were also transcriptionally inactive, these results suggest that phosphorylation of CREB may stimulate transcription by a mechanism other than by simply providing negative charge.
Human propionyl CoA carboxylase: some properties of the partially purified enzyme in fibroblasts from controls and patients with propionic acidemia.

Summary: We report some properties of propionyl CoA carboxylase (PCC) partially purified from cultured human fibroblasts obtained from controls and several patients with propionic acidemia. A series of steps (Triton X-100 treatment, high speed centrifugation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and density gradient centrifugation) led to 100− to 300− fold purification of control enzyme. Control PCC had a molecular weight of nearly 700,000, contained biotin, demonstrated a pH optimum at 8.0–8.5, was activated by potassium, and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics for each of its substrates. It was distinguished from acetyl CoA carboxylase immunologically as well as by differential purification. Each of seven lines from patients with propionic acidemia had clearly detectable PCC activity which was less than 5% of that in control lines. Although yields were poor and purification less extensive than in control lines, mutant PCC was enriched 2− to 40-fold by the same procedures employed for the control enzyme. Mutant enzyme had a pH optimum, ionic requirements, and substrate Km's similar to those of control PCC, but was distinctly more labile to both cold and heat. These findings suggest that the markedly reduced activity of PCC in these patients results from a mutation in the PCC structural gene locus or loci which leads to the synthesis of altered enzyme protein molecules. Speculation: Our results suggest that human propionyl CoA carboxylase has properties very similar to those of other mammalian propionyl CoA carboxylases. Further chemical studies with control enzyme and that from patients with propionic acidemia may help define the basis for the two major genetic complementation groups reported among propionyl CoA carboxylase deficient patients.
Teaching calculus with Wolfram|Alpha

This article describes the benefits and drawbacks of using Wolfram|Alpha as the platform for teaching calculus concepts in the lab setting. It is a result of our experiences designing and creating an entirely new set of labs using Wolfram|Alpha. We present the reasoning behind our transition from using a standard computer algebra system (CAS) to Wolfram|Alpha in our differential and integral calculus labs, together with the positive results from our experience. We also discuss the current limitations of Wolfram|Alpha, including a discussion on why we still use a CAS for our multivariate calculus labs.
Simulation, shared spaces, and information management to support discovery and learning: An application in emergency management

In the academic enterprise, research and education are closely linked, and often highly complementary. Yet guidelines for developing Internet-based systems to support this linkage are few, and many of the promising tools have costs that put them out of reach of students. This paper reports on the development and evaluation of an open-source-based online workspace for supporting integrated research and education activities in the domain of emergency management. Motivating the workspace design is the notion that experience-based education programs create opportunities to generate and acquire knowledge individually and in groups. Accordingly, the workspace is organized to enable close integration between processes of discovery and learning. Of particular interest is the use of computer simulation, shared workspaces, and information management tools to support learning. This work contributes to our understanding of how research and education activities may be integrated and undertaken for mutual benefit within an online environment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 232–238, 2012
Nonlinear evolution of cosmic baryon fluid

Although the gravitational field in the universe is dominated by dark matter, observations show that the statistical properties of cosmic baryonic matter are significantly and systematically decoupled from that of the underlying dark matter. This is because the cosmic baryon fluid in highly nonlinear regime is in a state of fully developed turbulence, of which the velocity field consists of shocks, vortices and complex structures. This scenario provides a coherent explanation of various phenomena referring to the decoupling of the IGM from dark matter, including the log-Poisson non-Gaussianity of Ly-alpha transmitted flux fluctuations; turbulent broadening; abnormal scaling; baryon missing in halos etc.
Wafer-scale integrated micro-supercapacitors on an ultrathin and highly flexible biomedical platform

We present wafer-scale integrated micro-supercapacitors on an ultrathin and highly flexible parylene platform, as progress toward sustainably powering biomedical microsystems suitable for implantable and wearable applications. All-solid-state, low-profile (<30 μm), and high-density (up to ~500 μF/mm2) micro-supercapacitors are formed on an ultrathin (~20 μm) freestanding parylene film by a wafer-scale parylene packaging process in combination with a polyaniline (PANI) nanowire growth technique assisted by surface plasma treatment. These micro-supercapacitors are highly flexible and shown to be resilient toward flexural stress. Further, direct integration of micro-supercapacitors into a radio frequency (RF) rectifying circuit is achieved on a single parylene platform, yielding a complete RF energy harvesting microsystem. The system discharging rate is shown to improve by ~17 times in the presence of the integrated micro-supercapacitors. This result suggests that the integrated micro-supercapacitor technology described herein is a promising strategy for sustainably powering biomedical microsystems dedicated to implantable and wearable applications.
A pharmacoproteomics study of the cancer cell line EKVX using capillary-LC/MS/MS.

The chemotherapeutic agent camptothecin, 10-OH (CPT,10-OH), was shown to act synergistically with the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor (AG1478) against several transformed cell lines. To study the cellular response to these drugs, the non-small-cell lung carcinoma cell line, EKVX, was treated with these compounds either alone or in combination. We performed a proteomic analysis using capillary-HPLC coupled with electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (capillary-LC−ESI/MS) of a tryptic digest to obtain a global protein profile of the EKVX cell line and identify changes in protein expression. The combination of AG1478 and CPT,10-OH showed synergistic cytotoxicity and also changed the expression of multiple proteins, while individual treatments showed a lesser effect on protein expression. Thus, the synergistic action of AG1478 and CPT,10-OH was reflected in altered protein profiles, showing that a proteomic analysis can serve to evaluate chemotherapeutic agents and their combinations. Keyw...
Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology of the Eastern Pacific Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii)

Skulls from 214 Eastern Pacific harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) were examined macroscopically according to predefined criteria. The museum specimens were acquired from strandings along the west coast of the USA between 1909 and 2014. Ninety-eight skulls (45.8%) were from male animals, 108 (50.5%) from female animals and eight (3.7%) from animals of unknown sex. Their age varied from neonate to adult, with 101 adult animals (47.2%), 93 juvenile animals (43.5%) and 20 neonatal animals (9.3%). The majority of teeth were available for examination (90.0%); 7.5% of teeth were absent artefactually, 2.3% were deemed absent due to acquired tooth loss and 0.2% were absent congenitally. Males were no more likely than females to have either acquired tooth loss (P = 0.492) or congenitally absent teeth (P = 0.494). Adults had significantly more acquired tooth loss than juveniles (P <0.0001). All teeth were normal in morphology, except for four teeth from one skull that exhibited macrodontia. An unusual number of roots were found in most maxillary molar teeth; three roots were counted on six maxillary molar teeth and almost all other maxillary molar teeth available for examination had a fused root. Only 26 maxillary molar teeth exhibited two roots. Supernumerary teeth were associated with 13 normal teeth in nine specimens. The most common sites associated with supernumerary teeth were the left and right mandibular first premolar teeth (53.9% of all supernumerary teeth). No persistent deciduous teeth were found in any of the juvenile or adult specimens. Of the total number of teeth available for examination, 22.1% were abraded; six adult specimens showed attrition/abrasion on all of their teeth present. Adults were found to have a greater prevalence of abraded teeth than juveniles (P <0.0001). No significant difference was found in the appearance of attrition/abrasion between males and females (P = 0.518). Tooth fractures were uncommon, affecting 11 teeth (0.2%) in seven animals. Periapical lesions were found in four skulls (2.1% of the total number of specimens). None of the specimens showed signs of enamel hypoplasia. More than half (55.6%) of alveoli, either with or without teeth, showed signs of alveolar bony changes consistent with periodontitis. A total of 178 specimens (91.8%) had at least one tooth associated with mild periodontitis. Lesions consistent with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) were found in 67 specimens (34.5%). The most common articular surface to be affected was the left mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, with lesions in 44 cases (32.8% of all lesions). In 13 specimens (6.7%) all articular surfaces were affected. Both periodontal disease and TMJ-OA were significantly more common in adults than in juveniles (P <0.0001). Although the significance of the high incidence of periodontitis and TMJ-OA in the Eastern Pacific harbor seal remains unknown, the occurrence and severity of these diseases as found in this study may play an important role in the morbidity and mortality of this species.
A comprehensive framework for modeling set-based business rules during conceptual database design

Business rules are the basis of any organization. From an information systems perspective, these business rules function as constraints on a database helping ensure that the structure and content of the real world sometimes referred to as miniworld--is accurately incorporated into the database. It is important to elicit these rules during the analysis and design stage, since the captured rules are the basis for subsequent development of a business constraints repository. We present a taxonomy for set-based business rules, and describe an overarching framework for modeling rules that constrain the cardinality of sets. The proposed framework results in various types constraints, i.e.. attribute, class, participation, projection, co-occurrence, appearance and overlappinq, on a semantic model that supports abstractions like classification, generalization/specialization, aggregation and association. We formally define the syntax of our proposed framework in Backus-Naur Form and explicate the semantics using first-order logic. We describe partial ordering in the constraints and define the concept of metaconstraints, which can be used for automatic constraint consistency checking during the design stage itself. We demonstrate the practicality of our approach with a case study and show how our approach to modeling business rules seamlessly integrates into existing database design methodology. Via our proposed framework, we show how explicitly capturing data semantics will help bridge the semantic gap between the real world and its representation in an information system.
Home Care Use of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin for Primary Immunodeficiency in the United States

Purpose Utilization reports on immunoglobulin (Ig) use for immunodeficiency in the United States (U.S.) have focused on prescribing practices in hospitals. There have been no large-scale reports on Ig use for immune deficiency in the home. We investigated the use of Ig in 3,187 subjects diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency.
Fast approximate probabilistically checkable proofs

We investigate the question of when a verifier, with the aid of a proof, can reliably compute a function faster than it can without the proof. The proof system model that we use is based on a variant of the Probabilistically Checkable Proofs (PCP) model, in which a verifier can ascertain the correctness of the proof by looking at very few locations in the proof. However, known results in the PCP model require that the verifier spend time linear in the size of the input in order to determine where to query the proof. In this work, we focus on the case when it is enough for the verifier to know that the answer is close to correct, and develop an approximate PCP model. We construct approximate PCPs for several optimization problems, in which the total running time of the verifier is significantly less than the size of the input. For example, we give polylogarithmic time approximate PCPs for showing the existence of a large cut, or a large matching in a graph, and a small bin packing. In the process, we develop a set of tools for use in constructing these proof systems.
The administration and organization in American universities

The main legislative body of the University of Kentucky from 1917 to 1941 was the Senate. This group consisted of administrative officers and members of the teaching staff of professorial rank. In addition to the Senate, the University had what it called, "The University Council," consisting of the deans of the several colleges and three members of the teaching staff elected by and from the University Senate.
Realistic Brownian Dynamics simulations of biological molecule separation in nanofluidic devices

We present a Brownian Dynamics model of biological molecule separation in periodic nanofilter arrays. The biological molecules are modeled using the Worm-Like-Chain model with Hydrodynamic Interactions. We focus on short dsDNA molecules; this places the separation process either in the Ogston sieving regime or the transition region between Ogston sieving and entropic trapping. Our simulation results are validated using the experimental results of Fu et al. (Phys Rev Lett 97:018103, 2006); particular attention is paid to the model’s ability to quantitatively capture experimental results using realistic values of all physical parameters. Our simulation results showed that molecule mobility is sensitive to the device geometry. Moreover, our model is used for validating the theoretical prediction of Li et al. (Anal Bioanal Chem 394:427–435, 2009) who proposed a separation process featuring an asymmetric device and an electric field of alternating polarity. Good agreement is found between our simulation results and the predictions of the theoretical model of Li et al.
NEURONS THAT MIGRATE FROM THE OLFACTORY EPITHELIUM IN THE CHICK EXPRESS LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE

In several mammalian species, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons have been shown to migrate from nasal regions to the brain during early development. Using immunocytochemistry, we have identified LHRH containing neurons in developing chick embryos. In embryonic day 4 (E4) and E5 animals, a small group of LHRH immunoreactive (IR) neurons were found just ventral to the olfactory pit. LHRH-IR neurons were also found within the nasal epithelium. In E6 and E7 animals, many more LHRH-IR neurons were observed in nasal epithelium, in close association with the olfactory nerve, and within the telencephalon. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that LHRH neurons in chicks originate within nasal structures and migrate into the brain.
Structural basis of substrate specificity and selectivity of murine cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase III.

Abstract Cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase III (cN-III) is responsible for selective degradation of pyrimidine 5′-monoribonucleotides during maturation of reticulocytes to erythrocytes. The lack of this enzymatic activity due to genetic aberrations or lead poisoning results in a mild to moderate nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. In affected individuals, pyrimidine nucleotides as well as their precursor polymers and their off-path metabolites accumulate in erythrocytes, interfering with their proper function in ways that are not yet fully understood. This report describes the first X-ray structure of a catalytically inactivated variant of murine cN-III with a natural substrate, uridine 5′-monophosphate, in the active site at 1.74 A resolution. The structure captures in an atomic detail the closed conformation that cN-III adopts upon substrate binding. Structure and sequence analysis coupled with enzymatic characterization of several mutants confirmed that the aromatic ring of a nitrogenous base of substrate nucleotide is stabilized by parallel π-stacking interactions with conserved aromatic rings of Trp113 and His68. The nitrogenous base is further stabilized by T-shaped stacking with the conserved aromatic ring of Tyr114, as well as by polar contacts with side chains of Thr66 and Ser117. Two water molecules help to stabilize the nucleotide binding by bridging it to protein residues Asp72 and His68 via hydrogen bonds. Finally, fully conserved Glu96 is responsible for recognition of ribose ring via two hydrogen bonds. The presented substrate complex structure elucidates how cN-III achieves specificity for pyrimidine 5′-nucleotides and how it selects against purine 5′-nucleotides.
The influence of water on melting of mantle peridotite

This experimental study examines the effects of variable concentrations of dissolved H2O on the compositions of silicate melts and their coexisting mineral assemblage of olivine + orthopyroxene ± clinopyroxene ± spinel ± garnet. Experiments were performed at pressures of 1.2 to 2.0 GPa and temperatures of 1100 to 1345 °C, with up to ∼12 wt% H2O dissolved in the liquid. The effects of increasing the concentration of dissolved H2O on the major element compositions of melts in equilibrium with a spinel lherzolite mineral assemblage are to decrease the concentrations of SiO2, FeO, MgO, and CaO. The concentration of Al2O3 is unaffected. The lower SiO2 contents of the hydrous melts result from an increase in the activity coefficient for SiO2 with increasing dissolved H2O. The lower concentrations of FeO and MgO result from the lower temperatures at which H2O-bearing melts coexist with mantle minerals as compared to anhydrous melts. These compositional changes produce an elevated SiO2/(MgO + FeO) ratio in hydrous peridotite partial melts, making them relatively SiO2 rich when compared to anhydrous melts on a volatile-free basis. Hydrous peridotite melting reactions are affected primarily by the lowered mantle solidus. Temperature-induced compositional variations in coexisting pyroxenes lower the proportion of clinopyroxene entering the melt relative to orthopyroxene. Isobaric batch melting calculations indicate that fluid-undersaturated peridotite melting is characterized by significantly lower melt productivity than anhydrous peridotite melting, and that the peridotite melting process in subduction zones is strongly influenced by the composition of the H2O-rich component introduced into the mantle wedge from the subducted slab.
Voltammetric and pharmacological characterization of dopamine release from single exocytotic events at rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.

Although rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) neurotransmitter storage vesicles are known to contain a variety of neurotransmitters including catecholamines, there is little evidence that the molecular species detected during amperometric monitoring of exocytosis is a catecholamine. Rather, as these are catecholamine-containing cells, one assumes catecholamines are released. Additionally, although the total amount of transmitter released can be quantified, it has been extremely difficult to evaluate the conentration at the point of release for each exocytosis event. Interpreting voltammograms obtained in the attoliter volume affected between the electrode and the cell and defined by the size of the exocytosis pore during exocytosis is an extreme analytical challenge. Here we use voltammetry of ∼10-19 mol released from individual exocytosis events to identify, along with pharmacological evidence, the released compound at PC12 cells as a catecholamine, most likely dopamine. The area of the electrode at which oxidati...
Computerized determination of gear tooth surface as envelope to two parameter family of surfaces

Abstract The contents of this paper covers: (1) Necessary and sufficient conditions of the envelope to a two-parameter family of surfaces. (2) Applications to the generation of the gear tooth surface by a tool surface. (3) Avoidance of singularities and undercutting of the generated tooth surface. (4) Deviations of the real gear tooth surface from the envelope to the family of two-parameter family of tool surfaces. The developed theory is applied and illustrated for the case of generation of a helical gear by a grinding involute worm that is performing motion with two independent parameters.
Ancylostoma caninum: food reserves and changes in chemical composition with age in third stage larvae.

Abstract Changes in the intrinsic food reserves and dry weight of third stage Ancylostoma caninum larvae aged for 20 days were determined. Proteins accounted for approximately 51% of the initial dry weight of the larvae, carbohydrates 10%, and lipids 39%. Total dry weight of the larvae decreased 32% in 20 days. The loss is accounted for by decrease in lipids (27%) proteins (7%) and carbohydates (3%). The rate of decrease was not linear and the greatest loss occurred during the first week. These results give quantitative support to the hypothesis that lipids are the primary food reserves of the free living nematode larvae.
Assessing the Impact of Ease of Administration and Tolerability on Treatment Choices in Parkinson's Disease

Historically Parkinson's disease (PD) has been treated primarily with oral agents, with patients learning quickly that their clinical response is tied closely to their level of medication compliance. Studies, however, have found that compliance is less than ideal, and erratic medication consumption is commonplace. When prescribing antiparkinsonian therapies, the clinician should consider ease of administration, tolerability, and efficacy, along with other factors that are likely to contribute to optimal compliance by the patient.
Kernel-based object tracking using asymmetric kernels with adaptive scale and orientation selection

Kernel-based object tracking refers to computing the translation of an isotropic object kernel from one video frame to the next. The kernel is commonly chosen as a primitive geometric shape and its translation is computed by maximizing the likelihood between the current and past object observations. In the case when the object does not have an isotropic shape, kernel includes non-object regions which biases the motion estimation and results in loss of the tracked object. In this paper, we propose to use an asymmetric object kernel for improving the tracking performance. An important advantage of an asymmetric kernel over an isotropic kernel is its precise representation of the object shape. This property enhances tracking performance due to discarding the non-object regions. The second contribution of our paper is the introduction of a new adaptive kernel scale and orientation selection method which is currently achieved by greedy algorithms. In our approach, the scale and orientation are introduced as additional dimensions to the spatial image coordinates, in which the mode seeking, hence tracking, is achieved simultaneously in all coordinates. Demonstrated in a set of experiments, the proposed method has better tracking performance with comparable execution time then kernel tracking methods used in practice.
Technical Note-On Hu's Decomposition Algorithm for Shortest Paths in a Network

Hu and Torres have proposed a decomposition algorithm for finding the shortest paths between all pairs of nodes in a sparse network in which subnetworks are linearly overlapped. The purpose of this note is to point out how the efficiency of this algorithm can be improved by making a modification.
Of the world but not in it: barriers to community access and education for persons with environmental sensitivities.

In this article I explore community access—primarily the lack thereof—for persons with disabling environmental sensitivities (ESs). Respondents with chemical and electrical sensitivities described their level of access to common community resources that most persons take for granted, including communities of worship, grocery stores, health food stores, community meetings, public libraries, the homes of extended family members and friends, offices of dentists and medical doctors, public parks, and classes at their local universities. Most had tentative access at best. In addition, participants listed the disability barriers that most restricted them from public participation. Results are described using both quantitative and qualitative data and the problem is analyzed within the context of industrial capitalism's influence upon institutions.
Toughening of Ceramics through Crack Bridging by Ductile Particles

The fracture problem for a brittle matrix reinforced by ductile particles is considered. In the usual manner it is assumed that the crack surface bridging forces provided by the unbroken particles improve the fracture toughness of the matrix. Depending on the relative strength of the interfacial bonding between the matrix and the particles, two particle force models are introduced, namely, a force that is independent of the crack opening displacement (δ) and a force that is a highly non-linear function of δ. The problem is studied for a penny-shaped or plane strain crack in an infinite medium and for a surface crack in a semi-infinite medium under plane strain conditions. The toughness improvement in the matrix is shown to depend on a dimensionless bimaterial constant representing the inherent toughness of the matrix and the yield behavior of the particles. The effective toughness of the composite medium is calculated as a function of the crack size and the bimaterial constant.
Hmga2 Promotes Neural Stem Cell Self-Renewal in Young but Not Old Mice by Reducing p16Ink4a and p19Arf Expression

Stem cells persist throughout life in diverse tissues by undergoing self-renewing divisions. Self-renewal capacity declines with age, partly because of increasing expression of the tumor suppressor p16(Ink4a). We discovered that the Hmga2 transcriptional regulator is highly expressed in fetal neural stem cells but that expression declines with age. This decrease is partly caused by the increasing expression of let-7b microRNA, which is known to target HMGA2. Hmga2-deficient mice show reduced stem cell numbers and self-renewal throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems of fetal and young-adult mice but not old-adult mice. Furthermore, p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf) expression were increased in Hmga2-deficient fetal and young-adult stem cells, and deletion of p16(Ink4a) and/or p19(Arf) partially restored self-renewal capacity. let-7b overexpression reduced Hmga2 and increased p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf) expression. Hmga2 thus promotes fetal and young-adult stem cell self-renewal by decreasing p16(Ink4a)/p19(Arf) expression. Changes in let-7 and Hmga2 expression during aging contribute to the decline in neural stem cell function.
Adaptation of the hypoosmotic swelling test to assess functional integrity of stallion spermatozoal plasma membranes.

Abstract Hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) is used for assessing plasma membrane function and fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa. However, HOS solutions and methodologies have not been evaluated specifically for assessing stallion spermatozoa. The objective of this study was to identify a HOS solution and assay conditions specifically for stallions that would maximize spermatozoal plasma membrane swelling. The HOS solutions and assay conditions, including incubation time (15 to 180 min), temperature (25° vs 37°C), and total number of cells examined (100, 200 or 500) were evaluated. Assay consistency, accuracy, reliability and repeatability also were determined. Maximum spermatozoal plasma membrane swelling was observed in a 100 mosmol sucrose solution (P
Teachers' Knowledge of Accommodations As a Validity Issue in High-Stakes Testing

The purpose of this survey pilot study was to determine how knowledgeable general education and special education teachers are about allowable accommodations on statewide assessment tests and how accommodation choices influence the validity of decisions resulting from this assessment. Overall, only 21% of the respondents reported using the accommodations specified in the statewide testing manual. On the whole, teachers' knowledge of allowable accommodations was low (54.8%) and their knowledge didn't always translate into consistent action: The 4 accommodations teachers listed most often as ones they used for students taking the modified statewide assessment were also the 4 most listed modifications that teachers thought might have allowed an exempted student to participate in the statewide assessment. These initial survey findings support the call for renewed preservice/inservice measurement training to eliminate the differential exclusion and application of accommodations now found in the schools.
Genetic insights on sleep schedules: this time, it's PERsonal

The study of circadian rhythms is emerging as a fruitful opportunity for understanding cellular mechanisms that govern human physiology and behavior, fueled by evidence directly linking sleep disorders to genetic mutations affecting circadian molecular pathways. Familial advanced sleep-phase disorder (FASPD) is the first recognized Mendelian circadian rhythm trait, and affected individuals exhibit exceptionally early sleep-wake onset due to altered post-translational regulation of period homolog 2 (PER2). Behavioral and cellular circadian rhythms are analogously affected because the circadian period length of behavior is reduced in the absence of environmental time cues, and cycle duration of the molecular clock is likewise shortened. In light of these findings, we review the PER2 dynamics in the context of circadian regulation to reveal the mechanism of sleep-schedule modulation. Understanding PER2 regulation and functionality may shed new light on how our genetic composition can influence our sleep-wake behaviors.
A simple distributed access control scheme for supporting QoS in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

Supporting quality of service (QoS) in wireless networks is a challenging problem. The point coordination function (PCK) in IEEE 802.11 LAN standard was developed to support the transmission of real-time data. However, PCF was not able to meet the requirements of real-time data. Therefore, several IEEE 802.11e drafts, whose main task is to support QoS, were released after IEEE 802.11. The polling scheme of PCF is extended in IEEE 802.11e into the more complex hybrid coordination function (HCK). We found that HCK has several performance issues that may affect its anticipated performance. In this paper, we address these issues and propose a QoS enhancement over PCK, called enhanced PCF (EPCF) that enables wireless LAN to send a combination of voice, data and isochronous data packets using the current IEEE 802.11 PCF. We compared the performance of the proposed model (EPCF) with the HCF function of the IEEE 802.11e through simulation and we extend the proposed model (EPCF) to work in a multi-hop wireless ad hoc mode. The simulation results demonstrated an enhanced performance of our scheme over the legacy PCK and a comparable performance to the IEEE 802.11e HCF in terms of average delay and system throughput. However, EPCF is much simpler than HCK, provides service differentiation on flow level, and can be incorporated easily into the current IEEE 802.11 standard.